August 1, 2008

Thursday, August 7 - Aerial Assault Planned For Assateague

ASSATEAGUE - Portions of the Assateague Island National Seashore will see temporary closures starting next week as federal officials begin an aggressive aerial attack on hundreds of acres of invasive phragmites on the barrier island. Assateague Island National Seashore superintendent Scott J. Bentley announced this week an aggressive plan of attack on the proliferation of noxious phragmites from one end of the barrier island to the other. Phragmites are prolific, non-native and highly invasive...READ MORE

Wednesday, August 6 - Council Honors OC Landmark

OCEAN CITY - A visit to Ocean City over the past 75 years most likely included a stop at the Alaska Stand. With three locations over the years and 75 years of tradition, the Alaska Stand received high honors this week, when Aug. 4, 2008 was proclaimed 'Alaska Stand Day' within the resort. It's been 75 years since the Givarz family opened their small, family-run business, and while times have changed, differing locations have evolved and the menu has grown, one thing remains clear, locals and...READ MORE

Tuesday, August 5 - Local Resident Sitting Pretty With White Marlin

OCEAN CITY - Last night was one for the books at the 35th Annual White Marlin Open, which kicked off Monday and concludes in Ocean City on Friday. Tournament officials reported their busiest day ever at the weigh scale with more than 40 fish weighed in. Exactly 300 boats are competing in this year's event for a purse of $2.2 million. After the busy first day, Tommy Hinkle of Berlin and the crew of the Fish Whistle stand to make $1.3 million for the 81-pound white marlin it hung. Past history...READ MORE

Monday, August 4 - White Marlin Open Kicks Off

OCEAN CITY - The 35th Annual White Marlin Open officially got underway early this morning with most of the seven-year-low 300 boats parading out of the Ocean City Inlet in the middle of the night in front of hundreds of spectators. After weeks of speculation about the possible effects of soaring diesel prices and a shaky economy on the annual showcase event in the resort, the questions were answered when the final tally came in at 300 boats after registration closed on Sunday. The figure...READ MORE

'Nazi' Threatens To Kill Cops

OCEAN CITY - A Cambridge man who abandoned his vehicle in the middle of Coastal Highway early last Saturday morning before running into the marsh near the Route 90 Bridge later told police he was a Nazi and a member of a motorcycle gang and threatened to kill them if he was released. The bizarre story unfolded shortly after 3 a.m. last Saturday when an Ocean City police officer on traffic patrol spotted a shirtless man running from a vehicle left abandoned in the middle of the turn lane on...READ MORE

My Thoughts

So the big boys (and girls) will get their shot at millions of dollars in prize money next week when the White Marlin Open returns to Ocean City, but the old guy will probably just let it pass without getting too wound up about it. Sure, there is no shortage of excitement surrounding the event from the tour of boats leaving the Inlet at the crack of dawn on the first day and chugging out to canyons all over the charts searching for the big score to the first big white or blue marlin hauled up...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Carl A. "Rudy" Rudbeck, Jr. OCEAN CITY - On July 23, 2008, Carl A. "Rudy" Rudbeck, Jr. died peacefully surrounded by his family at his home in Ocean City. He was 89 years old. He retired from the Metropolitan Police Department, Washington, DC in 1958 as a Homicide Sergeant, Badge Number 829. He enjoyed woodworking and traveling. He is survived by his daughter, Beverly Flynn, and son-in-law, Carey Flynn, of Ocean City; grandson, David Lloyd, and granddaughter-in-law, Kara...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Emerson Towers Fri-Sun 10-4 3BR/3BA Bayfront End of Wicomico St Terry Looney Century 21 410-726-7689 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Mon-Fri 11-3 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily 11-3 3BR/2BA New Const. Skip...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - Berlin - MD - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA 4627 Coulbourne Mill Rd Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 VIRGINIA Captains Corridor Daily 9-5 Canalfront, Golf Course & Interior Homes George Ann Way Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 OCEAN PINES Points Reach #2208 Sat & Sun 11-3 3BR Bayview Condo Patty Cummings Remax Premier...READ MORE

94th Street north-Fenwick

Big Tuna Grill 128th Street & Coastal Highway, 410-250-1001 , www.bigtunaOC.com A locals' and vacationers' favorite alike. Experience culinary delights as well as a visual excursion, dining among authentic nautical artifacts of old ships. Choose an array of entrees from fresh seafood to char-grilled steaks. Enjoy some drinks on our 50 ft. bar while watching our plasma TVs. Billy's Sub Shop 120th Street, Bayside (Food Lion Shopping Center) , 410-250-1776 Between 139th & 140th Streets,...READ MORE

Inlet To 94th Street

Angelo's Italian Cuisine 33rd Street & Coastal Highway , 410-524-2855 The Russo family proudly presents, Angelo's Italian Cuisine, the latest venture in a long line of Italian restauants and pizzarias owned by the family in Baltimore, Salisbury and Ocean City. Our authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by a top New York chef and presented in a classically decorated setting. Smoking allowed in our cocktail lounge with special drink prices 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4...READ MORE

West Ocean City-Berlin-Ocean Pines

Assateague Island Oasis Rte. 611, West Ocean City , 410-629-1492 Enjoy a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, and the peace and quiet that once was. Weekly live entertainment and Happy Hour daily from 3-7 p.m. Just relax! Boomers Restaurant 525 South Main Street, Berlin , 410-629-0001 Conveniently located on Rte. 113 at the southern entrance to Berlin, Boomers Restaurant has re-opened after a complete renovation. Full service dining, self-service eat-in or carry-out. Food cooked to order. Fried...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in the Ocean City area. ...READ MORE

Diving Into The Area's Cultural Activities

An inside look at the regional arts scene through photographs.  ...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures from the restaurant and bar scene around the Ocean City area.  ...READ MORE

Resort's Beach Earns Top Rating

OCEAN CITY - Clean ocean water and pristine, white sandy beaches have long been the draw for Ocean City and the resort's efforts to maintain its calling card was rewarded this week with a rare five-star rating in an annual report on water quality at beaches around the country. According to 'Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,' an independent report released this week by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), water quality at Ocean City beaches rated a...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

707 Sports Bar & Grille: 410-213-9507, 12702 Old Bridge Rd. West Ocean City; Friday, Aug. 1:TBA; Every Saturday: Karaoke with Hey Mick. Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Blue Ox/Babe's: 410-250-6440, 127th St., Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Aug. 1: Sean Hollaran; Saturday, Aug. 2: Rick Kennedy; Every Thursday: Bill Morningstar. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Aug. 1: DJ Wood; Saturday, Aug. 2...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

As a follow up to last week's column, Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan called to assure the public the Ocean City Dog Playground has not officially been named after Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster. During the ribbon cutting ceremony last week, the new facility was referred to as Shuster Dog Park with a small sign of such displayed. It was a tongue-in-cheek comment at the time. That was known at the time. However, what was unclear until Meehan called was the sign was a total...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Respect Expressed For Good Samaritans Editor: The Maryland Coast Dispatch carried an excellent article on the July 6 boat accident and subsequent rescue. I want to take this opportunity to express my admiration for a public servant who continues to protect his community. On July 6, at risk of his own personal safety, Ocean City Police Captain and 3rd Assistant Fire Chief, Kevin Kirstein, left his home at 1 a.m. in dense fog to look for survivors of a boat accident. Despite the danger of the...READ MORE

Council Still Unhappy With Cops' 2nd Job General Order

OCEAN CITY - Approval of the general order outlining secondary employment for the Police Department was reviewed and sent back to the Police Commission for a second time, after the Mayor and Council voiced concerns this week regarding language in the general order. Secondary employment restrictions have been in affect for several years now, prohibiting police officers from taking a second job in any establishment that may pose a conflict of interest, such as a business that predominantly sells...READ MORE

Groups Want A Green Town

BERLIN - Three local environmental organizations have banded together to promote land and water conservation in the town of Berlin and its environs, and together are seeking funding for a three-year collaboration on green projects in and around the town. The green coalition plans to apply for funding from the Town Creek Foundation in early August and sought support from the town of Berlin to enhance the funding application. 'We are requesting a letter of support from the town,' Kate Patton,...READ MORE

Minor Fire Evacuates Boardwalk Hotel

OCEAN CITY - Firefighters encountered a fire in the storage area of the Phillips Beach Plaza Hotel on 13th Street yesterday morning, resulting in the evacuation of the hotel and a minor injury to one firefighter. Steve Price of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company reported yesterday that the call came in during the early morning hours, around 1:15 a.m. While the call was originally for an alarm activation in the building, it was quickly upgraded to a fire call. 'We had fire showing in the...READ MORE

OC Approves Purchase Cards

OCEAN CITY - The Mayor and City Council was presented with the town's procurement card policy this week, which outlines the town's newest system for purchasing cards, or credit cards, which will be used by a select number of town employees in lieu of purchase orders in an effort to save time and money. The Mayor and Council were briefed on the program earlier this summer, with City Manager Dennis Dare presenting the benefits of the M&T Bank procurement card program. After hearing the...READ MORE

A Business Geared Toward 'Something For Everyone'

OCEAN CITY - Sales, service and peace of mind are just a few of the key features offered at Action Marine, a full service dealership with two locations and 24 years of service on the Eastern Shore. Linda Esham sat down with The Dispatch this week, discussing the ins and outs of the boating business, and highlighting all that Action Marine has to offer. Action Marine debuted at its Selbyville location in 1984. In 2000, new owners David and Susan Miller took the helm, bringing with them the...READ MORE

Marlin Club's 4th Kids' Classic One for the Record Books

OCEAN CITY- The 4th Annual Kids' Classic fishing tournament sponsored last weekend by the Ocean City Marlin Club was a huge success with over 300 young anglers raising $4,000 for the Wish-A-Fish program. Throughout the summer, the big boys and girls get to show off their fishing skills with a different tournament practically every weekend, but the focus on last weekend's 4th Annual Kids' Classic was clearly on the young anglers. If the turnout for the event was any indication, interest in...READ MORE

Shockers to Hold Tryouts

BERLIN- The Mid-Atlantic Shockers Baseball Club will hold a second round of tryouts in the area this weekend at Berlin and at Georgetown in Delaware. The Mid-Atlantic Shockers youth baseball program fields teams of local players from under age nine to under age 15 that compete in area and regional tournaments. The program is led by a handful of local coaches who teach the fundamentals of the game and prepare young players to compete at the next level of their development. The Shockers held some...READ MORE

Shriner's Golf Tourney Date Set

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Shrine Club will host its 11th Annual Co-Ed Golf Classic next Friday, August 8, at the Newport Bay course at the Ocean City Golf Club with all proceeds dedicated to the Shriner's Children's Hospitals. The tournament will be played in two divisions including a low gross and low net division along with a scramble. The cost is $85 per golfer and includes greens fees, cart and lunch. The event will feature the chance to win a car along with many other door prizes and...READ MORE

Fell Soccer Camp on Tap Next Week

BERLIN- Former Stephen Decatur soccer standout Steve Fell, who excelled in college and on the professional level, returns to his roots next week when he hosts a soccer camp at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex (NWAC) for young players in the area. Fell, one of the most decorated scholar-athletes ever at Decatur, hosted his first summer soccer camp for young boys and girls two years at the NWAC in Berlin and returns this August for his third year. Fell, accompanied by other talented coaches...READ MORE

11 Arrested After Resort Bar Brawl Spills Outside

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City police last weekend made 11 arrests during a bar fight that began at a downtown nightclub and later spilled outside the establishment around closing time. Shortly after 2 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police officers on routine patrol in the downtown area responded to a reported fight inside the Paddock nightclub on 17th Street. By the time the officers arrived, nightclub security staff members were escorting several of the combatants out of the establishment. After the...READ MORE

Demolition Begins With Property's Future In Doubt

BERLIN - Six years after the Tyson chicken processing plant on the outskirts of Berlin closed its doors forever, its future remains in limbo, but demolition activity at the site this week signals something may be afoot at the historic property. Demolition began on the site first thing Monday morning with the giant claw ripping away at the vast network of outbuildings and mechanical systems that have remained part of the local landscape ever since Tyson closed its operation on the property....READ MORE

Ex-Employee Indicted For First-Degree Arson

OCEAN CITY - Almost four months to the day since the March 30 fire on the south end of the Boardwalk that destroyed the Dough Roller restaurant and severely damaged the adjacent Marty's Playland, a Worcester County grand jury on Tuesday indicted a local man on several counts of arson and other charges for allegedly setting the blaze. The grand jury on Tuesday formally indicted Gregory W. Wallace Kern, 48, of Ocean City, on two counts of first-degree arson for allegedly setting the fire that...READ MORE

Police Make Another Internet Prostitution Arrest

OCEAN CITY - An Easton woman was arrested on prostitution charges last week after arranging a meeting with an undercover OCPD detective, who discovered the services she was offering on the Internet. Last Wednesday, Ocean City police arrested Jennifer Watson Ambrose, 35, of Easton, on charges of soliciting for prostitution after detectives discovered advertisements for her services on an Internet website. On the site, Ambrose agreed to meet interested parties who would pay for her services in...READ MORE

Police Seek Child Abuse Suspect

BERLIN - Area police this week are looking for a 39-year-old local man wanted on child abuse, numerous sex offenses and assault after a joint investigation pointed to him as a suspect in a sexual assault on a 7-year-old female victim. After an investigation conducted by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) with assistance from the Department of Social Services and Ocean City Police, Richard T. Wright, Jr., 39, whose last known address is in Berlin, has been charged with sexually...READ MORE

Berlin Affordable Housing Project Denied Critical Grant

BERLIN - The Cannery Village workforce housing endeavor was denied Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, supporters learned last week, a potentially serious blow to the construction schedule. Supporters learned of the denial last Friday. 'The Cannery Village application was denied,' reported Berlin Administrative Director Linda Bambary to the Berlin Town Council Monday night. CDBG applications must be made through official government entities like towns or counties. The implications...READ MORE

Berlin Wastewater Plant Upgrade Process On Target

BERLIN - The expansion of and improvements to the Berlin wastewater treatment plant are on schedule so far, with an approval from Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) for the requested expansion to one million gallons per day (mgd) arriving in early July and possible spray irrigation land under study. 'I'm not at liberty to disclose what land, but we are testing land now,' said Berlin's Administrative Director Linda Bambary. Berlin was tasked with moving solely to spray disposal for...READ MORE

Changes Aimed At Simplifying Zoning Fees

OCEAN CITY - The City Council unanimously approved changes in zoning fees this week, in an effort to simplify the process for calculating preliminary and final fees for permit applications. 'After the zoning fees were changed for FY09, while attempting to input them into our permitting program we discovered several instances in which formulas no longer made sense or were much more complicated than necessary,' explained Director of Planning and Zoning Jesse Houston. Currently, zoning fees are...READ MORE

Citizen Excuses Connection Fee For Planning Chair

BERLIN - Redeveloped lots in Berlin must maintain their water and sewer connections or face substantial fees to re-connect to the system, one homeowner learned this week. The legal code of Berlin does not include a process for reinstating a previously existing water connection that has been removed through redevelopment. Under the current code, the town could assess the full special connection fee, $11,600 for water and sewer, as well as ready-to-serve fees every month until the new tap is in...READ MORE

City Hopes For Public Interest In Zoning Changes

OCEAN CITY - The City Council postponed its review of the Planning Commission's recent recommendations on zoning changes this week, in hopes of garnering more public input through a second public hearing. A public hearing was held on May 13 regarding development in commercial districts, but few were present and no public comment was made. Despite the lack of public comment, the Planning Commission moved forward with the task of examining commercial development and zoning regulations within the...READ MORE

Council Makes Cab Fuel Charge Official

OCEAN CITY - The Mayor and City Council made the taxi fuel surcharge official this week, when they voted unanimously to approve the $1, per trip, fuel surcharge aimed at providing local taxi drivers with some relief. The topic was initially broached at a recent Police Commission meeting, with over 25 taxicab drivers attending. After discussing several options, the Police Commission agreed the best option would be a $1 fuel surcharge, to be added per trip, until November when the current fare...READ MORE

Increased Electric Bills Not Sparking More Complaints

BERLIN - The town of Berlin electric company may charge the highest rates in the state of Maryland, but most customers are enduring the burden rather than complaining, according to town staff, and appear content to wait for the professional electric rate survey proposed in late July. Staffers met with prospective consultants on the electric rate survey this week and could have a cost estimate for the study before the Berlin Mayor and Council in early August. The consultant will also look into...READ MORE

Main St. Improvements Eyed In Berlin

BERLIN - Berlin's Maryland Main Street initiative plans to focus associated grant funding and town matching money on signs, pedestrian improvements, advertising and promotion, architectural standards, and the 'Clean, Safe and Green' program. A meeting will be held at Town Hall on Aug. 14 to hammer out more specific goals and projects based on merchant and citizen input, said Main Street coordinator Michael Day. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. The projects submitted with the application could...READ MORE

National Night Out Returns To Area

BERLIN - Like residents in similar communities all over the country, Berlin residents next week will have the opportunity to put aside fear and suspicion for at least one day and get out in their community to enjoy the annual 'National Night Out' against crime in their neighborhoods. Residents in Berlin are encouraged next Tuesday to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and get out in their neighborhoods to participate in the 25th annual National Night Out. Similar events are planned in...READ MORE

Ocean City Fire Department Officially Formed

OCEAN CITY - The town's fire and emergency services took on the official name of the Ocean City Fire Department this week, after the City Council voted unanimously to accept the recommendation at a work session. The town's fire services, which include the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, Fire Marshal's Office and Emergency Services, were merged in a memorandum of understanding 60 days ago, following several months of turmoil. All three divisions were merged under the direction of town Fire...READ MORE

Resort Revises Emergency Operations Plan

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City's Emergency Operations Plan has been revised, reported the Emergency Services Director this week, highlighting the recent revisions to the plan, as well as emphasizing the importance of staying current with emergency service preparedness. At a work session of the Mayor and City Council this week, Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald presented the Mayor and Council with an overview of the town's current Emergency Operations Plan, as well as the necessary revisions...READ MORE

Va. Deputy Acquitted Of Rape

SNOW HILL - A Fairfax County (Va.) Deputy Sheriff accused in February of raping a 22-year-old woman in an Ocean City hotel room was acquitted last week in Worcester County Circuit Court after a two-day trial during which the victim's credibility was called into question. Fairfax County Deputy Sheriff Zachary Dennis Taylor, 32, of Ruther Glen, Va. appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court last week to face second-degree rape, second-degree assault and fourth-degree sex offense charges stemming...READ MORE

The Ocean City Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation

The Ocean City Chapter of the Surfrider Foundation presents a check of $1,000 to the Stephen Decatur High School Communication Arts Department for its efforts in producing the 2008 "footprints " public service announcement. The "clean beach" message can been seen all summer on the Resort Video Guide and national networks such as TNN, Nick, MTV, VH1 and others through support by Comcast. Pictured are Elizabeth Sebastian, Terry Steimer, Maureen Brittingham Joe Lacque, Timmy Mai...READ MORE

31st Annual Arts and Crafts Festival

The 31st Annual Arts and Crafts Festival, sponsored by the Pine'eer Craft Club, will be held Saturday Aug. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at White Horse Park in Ocean Pines. Approximately 150 artisans from various states will participate, many of which have been coming for years. Preparing for the event recently were Bertha Huettner, Carol Quinto and Chris Griffith. ...READ MORE

The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program

Thanks to a partnership with the Wicomico County Core Services Agency, three members of the Board of Directors of The Yellow Ribbon Suicide Prevention Program (YRSPP) recently attended a seminar in Tennessee to be trained as facilitators of Survivors Of Suicide support groups, which are for those who have been left behind to deal with the unique issues of grief from suicide. Pictured, from left, are Dr. Edmond Yomtoob, Dr. John Jordan, Christy McGurgan with Worcester Youth and Family Counseling...READ MORE

Are Convertibles A Right Fit For You?

OCEAN CITY - Recent rough markets have allowed convertible securities to prove their worth: While Standard & Poor's 500-stock index dropped 4.8% during the 12 months that ended in April 2008, the performance of the average convertible fund tracked by Morningstar was flat. 'Convertibles can help to diversify a portfolio and provide downside protection,' says Brian Zinser, a fixed income strategist for Merrill Lynch. Convertibles are hybrid securities, fixed income instruments that can be...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Retirement Announced OCEAN CITY - Cleaning Management Service President Jerry Selig announced this week the retirement of salesman Charles Smith. Smith has been with Cleaning Management for more than 13 years as a salesman and estimator. He and his wife, Jo, reside in Ocean Pines and are planning a cross-country trip in the near future. He plans to continue to play golf and keep active with the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club. Trade-In Days Offered BERLIN - Debbie Frene, owner of Victorian...READ MORE

Things I Like

Wanting something for a long time Running with my son in the jogging stroller Sound of a boat motor starting in the distance Kid watching in a busy Boardwalk arcade How differently people eat steamed crabs People who hear rumors but don't spread them Leftovers the day after grilling out Planning ahead Buying something with a $1 coin Early morning when the beach is all mine Getting that something you wanted for a long time ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A longtime situation starts to move into a new phase. The question for the uncertain Lamb right now is whether to move with it. Facts emerge by midmonth to help you decide. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A talent for organizing your priorities allows the Divine Bovine to enjoy a busy social life and not miss a beat in meeting all workplace and/or family commitments. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): What began as a dubious undertaking has now become one of your favorite...READ MORE