August 7, 2009

Thursday, Aug. 13-New Wal-Mart Super Center Plans Move Ahead

SNOW HILL - The Wal-Mart Super Center slated for construction behind the existing Berlin Wal-Mart received site plan approval last week. The Worcester County Planning Commission required several changes in the site plan before approving the project. The new, 193,000-square-foot Super Wal-Mart, including a grocery store and drive-up pharmacy, will replace the roughly 100,000-square-foot existing store. The redevelopment will also add three out lots or pad sites. The current store will remain...READ MORE

Wednesday, Aug. 12-CO Scare Evacuates Resort Hotel

OCEAN CITY - The resort had another carbon monoxide scare yesterday, as an oceanfront hotel was closed as a result of high levels of the gas known as the silent killer. According to police reports, at approximately 9:20 yesterday morning, Ocean City Communications received a call for a sick persons in a hotel room at the Americana Hotel, located at 913 Atlantic Avenue. Upon arrival, Ocean City fire department personnel detected high levels of carbon monoxide and immediately requested additional...READ MORE

Tuesday, Aug. 11-OC Police Seek Nervous Robber

OCEAN CITY - Authorities are looking for a man who tried to rob a resort bank but appeared to have caught a case of the cold feet before getting one cent. On Monday, Aug. 10, at approximately 9:33 a.m., an attempted robbery took place at the Susquehanna Bank, located on 94th Street and Coastal Highway, according to the Ocean City Police Department. Witnesses stated that the suspect, who is described as a white male in his mid-early 40's, entered the bank and slipped a note to the bank teller in...READ MORE

Monday, Aug. 10-Noted Pediatrician Succumbs To Injuries

BERLIN - Dr. Jose F Alvarado, a prominent Salisbury pediatrician who touched thousands of lives during his life, passed away at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center on Aug. 8, of injuries sustained in an automobile accident three days earlier. According to a press release issued by Peninsula Regional Medical Center (PRMC), where Alvarado was chief of pediatrics, the community can pay its respects on Tuesday, Aug. 11 from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. at St. Francis de Sales Roman Catholic...READ MORE

Police Not Enforcing OC New Salvia Law

OCEAN CITY - The City Council learned this week it can't always get what it wants after enforcement of the town's new emergency salvia ban lacked the sharp teeth that they so outspokenly promised it would. On Tuesday morning Salvia was deemed an illegal substance to sell or possess in Ocean City by way of the town's emergency ordinance that banned not only the product but the related paraphernalia. In efforts to protect Ocean City's family friendly image, town officials were told by State's...READ MORE

Friday, August 7--OC Arts Advisory Board To Form

OCEAN CITY - Before the performing arts center has even received the final approval on its so-called birth, local residents are coming together to help ensure it a bright future. A who's who of savvy business-folk, entrepreneurs and local big wigs have stepped forward and formed the new Ocean City Cultural Arts Advisory Board, which City Council approved in a 6-1 vote, Councilman Joe Hall in opposition, and they hope that with their involvement and their collective experience, concern about the...READ MORE

Friday, August 7--Parent's Letter Details Severity Of Salvia Use

OCEAN CITY - As expected, Mayor Rick Meehan signed on the dotted line while Councilman Joe Hall stood his ground in opposition on Monday night, and by Tuesday morning, salvia was illegal in Ocean City. After City Council voted for an emergency ordinance to be drawn up by City Solicitor Guy Ayres that would ban the possession or sale of salvia and its related paraphernalia last week, the council passed that emergency ordinance on Monday night by way of a 6-1 vote, with Councilman Joe Hall in...READ MORE

Friday, August 7--Resort To Get Crime Analyst

OCEAN CITY - When it came down to it, the City Council couldn't justify passing up immediate grant money, even with a more potential long-term solution unfolding literally just down the road. A crime analyst has been sought after by the Ocean City Police Department for several years, and when the Office of Crime Control and Prevention offered a $63,894 JAG grant to the town of Ocean City to obtain such an analyst, the council, despite having some other ideas for the position, voted 6-1, with...READ MORE

Friday, August 7--Swimmer Thankful For Guard's Quick Response

OCEAN CITY - A Western Maryland man had high praise this week for an Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP) surf rescue technician who pulled him from the ocean last Friday and literally 'saved his life' after he was pounded by back-to-back large waves in the heavy surf. Mike Simms, 46, is back home in New Market, Md. in Frederick County this week, a little banged up and still sore, but thankful to be alive after the rescue efforts of OCBP Surf Rescue Technician (SRT) Kelly McGrath and her colleagues...READ MORE

Big Whites, Record Blue Set one For White Marlin Open

OCEAN CITY - This week's 36th Annual White Marlin Open has lived up to all the hype and then some with a whopping 93.5-pound white caught on Tuesday still sitting atop the leader board as of late yesterday with a local challenger, who has been white-hot all summer, sitting in second, not to mention a whopping 1,062-pound blue marlin caught on Wednesday that set a new state and tournament record. The tournament got underway in earnest on Monday with a little more than half of the 298 registered...READ MORE

County Not Likely To Follow Ocean City With Salvia Ban

SNOW HILL - A ban on salvia will not be on the agenda for the County Commissioners, several commissioners said this week, reflecting an unofficial consensus among county elected officials that the state of Maryland needs to step in to regulate or ban the hallucinogenic substance. 'The consensus is it should be done at the state level,' said Commissioner Bud Church. Legislation to enact a ban on salvia sales to individuals under 21 in Maryland was not approved by the Maryland General Assembly...READ MORE

Hotel Plans Move Ahead As City Condemns Property

OCEAN CITY - As the City Council voted to go one way, businessman Rick Laws publicly announced he was going the other, and it appears those paths will eventually lead both parties to court. Ocean City officials say they they desperately need Laws' property. However, as Laws continues to move forward with his own plans to turn the site of the old Slide N' Ride on 64th Street into a nationally franchised five-story hotel, all signs point to an impending court battle, which could decide if...READ MORE

Massive Blue Breaks Md. Record

OCEAN CITY - •€˜Wow' is about the only way to describe the massive 1,062-pound blue marlin that stunned the big crowd at the 36th Annual White Marlin Open on Wednesday, toppling a state and tournament record that had stood for 20 years. When angler Robert Ferris and the crew aboard the 'No Problem' pulled into the marina at Harbour Island with the tail of a monster blue marlin hanging out of the bow of the boat, the big crowd sensed it was about to see something special. When the fish was...READ MORE

Senator Will Not Seek Re-Election

BERLIN - After representing Worcester County and the lower shore for 19 years, State Senator J. Lowell Stoltzfus (R-38B) yesterday announced he would not seek re-election to his District 38B seat in the upcoming election in 2010. Stoltzfus was set to make the formal announcement last night at a press conference and dinner at The Fountains in Salisbury. Prior to that formal announcement, however, he shared his future intentions with The Dispatch in an interview yesterday. 'This will be my last...READ MORE

10 Years Later, Inlet Killer Makes Bid For Hearing

SNOW HILL - Over 10 years after beating a man to death with a tent spike near the set-up for Sunfest at the Inlet parking lot in 1999, it appears convicted killer Robert Sutton, Jr., sentenced to life in prison for the crime, might be attempting another shot at redemption. Nearly six years have passed since the last significant activity in the case, but it now appears Sutton might be making a renewed bid for post-conviction relief. In a letter addressed to the Clerk of the Circuit Court last...READ MORE

Assateague To Start Phragmites Battle

ASSATEAGUE - Portions of the Assateague Island National Seashore will see temporary closures later this month as federal officials renew their aggressive aerial attack on isolated areas of invasive phragmites on the barrier island. Assateague Island National Seashore officials this week announced the latest phase in the effort to eradicate, or at least contain the spread of phragmites, which are prolific, non-native and highly invasive plants or weeds that take over salt marshes and other...READ MORE

Authorities Nab Fugitive In Woods

BERLIN - A Berlin man being sought by local law enforcement agencies and U.S. Marshals for over a week was apprehended late last week when police found him holed up in a makeshift campsite in the woods near the Worcester-Wicomico line. Last Friday morning, a multi-agency search team, including the Worcester County Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Police, Maryland Natural Resources Police and the U.S. Marshal's Office, located Robert Lee Miller, 38, and took him into custody. Miller had set...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

State Senator Lowell Stoltzfus is calling it quits next year. Months ago, this was believed to be a fact among local Republicans, but it seemed of late people were speculating as to what he would actually do when it came down to a formal announcement. Stoltzfus confirmed last night he was done after his current term, allowing plenty of time for potential replacements to line up their next moves. It's important to reflect on Stoltzfus' long tenure in Annapolis at this time, but it's perhaps more...READ MORE

Police Undermining City Council's Intent

The emergency ordinance, which bans salvia, approved by the Ocean City Mayor and Council is not being enforced as clearly written, and that's something the town has to figure out immediately because it looks silly today. Members of the Ocean City Police Department walked around the downtown area on Tuesday checking for compliance with the new ordinance. Three specific shops were found to be in violation because they were still stocking salvia, although numerous sources say that others are still...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Clean Up Our Town Editor: It's amazing to me that our politicians don't do something to protect the honest merchants we have. The competition is selling bootleg merchandise (legal?) falsely advertising services they don't provide (legal?) and doing other things that are just not right. If this continues Dan Troiano will probably eventually give up and another shady business will take over. How is this making Ocean City a family-oriented place? Then there's the profane rap crap blasting out on...READ MORE

Traffic Stop Then Pot Bust

BERLIN - Maryland State Police made a significant marijuana bust last weekend after a routine traffic stop in Berlin. Around 6:45 p.m. last Saturday, a Maryland State Police trooper stopped a Ford Econoline Van on Route 113 at Main Street in Berlin for a routine traffic violation. As the trooper approached the van and made contact with the driver, later identified as Clifton J. Briddell, 26, of Salisbury, a strong odor of marijuana was detected coming from the vehicle. A probable cause search...READ MORE

Berlin Celebrates Historic Peach Link

BERLIN - The town once home to one of the largest peach nurseries in the world will celebrate its historic roots this weekend. Mayor Gee Williams will kick off activities at the Berlin Heritage Foundation's Peach Festival on Sunday, Aug. 9 at 12:15 p.m. with a proclamation declaring August as "Peach Month." Berlin's businesses are getting in the act by promoting the peach-related theme in their individual operations, as the town's downtown is celebrating a "Peach Week"...READ MORE

Gulyas Argues Against Granting Floodplain Variance

SNOW HILL - Elected officials in Worcester County granted a rare, after the fact, floodplain building variance this week, despite the concerns of one County Commissioner who is worried that the variance will endanger the county's federal flood insurance rating. 'They do consider that in flood insurance ratings for the whole county,' staffer Ed Tudor told the County Commissioners Tuesday morning. The planning and permitting office submits a bi-annual report to the Federal Emergency Management...READ MORE

Local Man Killed In Scooter Accident

BERLIN - A local man died from injuries sustained in an accident late last Thursday night when his scooter left the roadway on Route 589. Shortly before midnight last Thursday, Maryland State Police responded to a single-vehicle accident involving a motor scooter on Route 589 north of Adkins Spur. The investigation revealed a 2007 VIP Future Champion scooter operated by Frank Albert Snyder, 53, of Ocean Pines, was traveling northbound on Route 589 when it left the east side of the roadway and...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

OCEAN CITY - In the brief this week, the City Council seems to have gotten compliance with one of its wishes, while Bob Melvin still quietly awaits for someone to do something about one of his. Helmet Law Set In Stone Councilman Doug Cymek said he's been seeing a lot of helmets on Coastal Highway this week, and he couldn't be more pleased. The council unanimously passed the second reading of a new ordinance that would require all riders of scooters and passengers to wear helmets on town owned...READ MORE

Local Pediatrician In Critical Condition After Route 50 Crash

PITTSVILLE •€' Maryland State Police reported Wednesday the chief of pediatrics at Peninsula Regional Medical Center was critically injured in a car accident on Route 50. State police say Dr. Jose Alvarado's sports car slammed into the rear of a disabled tractor-trailer on Route 50 near Pittsville. Alvarado has a popular practice in Salisbury and lives in Ocean City. Alvarado has been a doctor in Salisbury since 1988 and has served as a pediatrician for thousands of lower shore families....READ MORE

Plans Moving Forward For County's New Bayfront Park

SNOW HILL - Grey's Creek Nature Park has sat idle and unimproved since Worcester County took ownership of the former Weidman Farm in 2006, but the newest county park could be open to canoes and kayaks as early as spring 2010. A master plan for the park is nearly complete with staffers approaching the County Commissioners for approval of a grant application to the state to fund the first improvement work at the new park. The first project called for under that plan, the replacement and...READ MORE

Seven More Years For WOC Killer In Assault Case

SNOW HILL - Convicted killer Roberto Murillo, sentenced to life in prison in January for the stabbing death of a West Ocean City woman in her home in April 2008, was back in court this week to face a battery of charges alleging sexual assault and abuse on his 16-year-old niece prior to the murder. In January, just hours after being sentenced to life in prison for the stabbing death of popular local woman Cecilia Dea Parker, Murillo, now 29, of Honduras, was served with a long list of new charges...READ MORE

Small Victories Reported In Berlin Drug War

BERLIN - Like residents in similar communities all over the country, Berlin residents turned out in droves on Tuesday in Henry Park to celebrate 'National Night Out,' but the annual event took on more meaning this week with an all out war declared on open-air drug dealing on the east side of town earlier this spring. Residents in Berlin and other communities in Worcester County including Ocean City and Snow Hill, for example, locked their doors, turned on their outside lights and got back out in...READ MORE

Worcester County News In Brief

SNOW HILL - The County Commissioners discussed several items briefly at their meeting on Tuesday. Here's a recap of some of the smaller meeting items. -- Afer a disagreement between neighbors earlier this summer over a naming request for a private lane, Worcester County will now require all property owners on private roads with three or more houses to fill out separate request forms when asking to name their road. 'It seems that more and more people are requesting that lanes be named,' said...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Angler Restaurant 410-289-7424 , Talbot St. & The Bay Saturday, Aug. 8 & Sunday, Aug. 9: Drew Stevyns Every Sunday: Dock Party with DJ Mike C Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Friday: DJ Wood Saturday, Aug. 8: Under The Outhouse Every Sunday: Locals' Party with DJ BK CaribBean bar & grill 410-289-0837 , Just off the Boards on 2nd St. Friday, Aug. 7: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.; Pompous Pie Duo, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8: The Moodswingers, 1-5 p.m.;...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Angler Restaurant 410-289-7424 , Talbot St. & The Bay Saturday, Aug. 8 & Sunday, Aug. 9: Drew Stevyns Every Sunday: Dock Party with DJ Mike C Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Friday: DJ Wood Saturday, Aug. 8: Under The Outhouse Every Sunday: Locals' Party with DJ BK CaribBean bar & grill 410-289-0837 , Just off the Boards on 2nd St. Friday, Aug. 7: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.; Pompous Pie Duo, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8: The Moodswingers, 1-5 p.m.;...READ MORE

Fish 'N OC

Most days 5 a.m. comes pretty early, but today was different. My alarm went off, and I was up with a snap. This morning was the opening of Ocean City's most prestigious fishing tournament •€' the 'White Marlin Open.' Every year a huge crowd of onlookers gathers along the Inlet sea wall in the predawn darkness. Fishing fans of all ages are present, with people watching, cheering and sending best wishes to their favorite boats and crews as they pass through the Inlet and head out to their...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Charles Winston Shock, Sr. OCEAN PINES - Charles Winston (Winnie) Shock, Sr., 57, passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord on Friday, July 24, 2009 after a lengthy battle with cancer. He was the husband of Kathy Anne (Halterman) Shock. He is also survived by his children, Shawn R. Stauch of Bastrop, Texas and his family, Kathy L. Jackson of Glen Rock, Pa. and her family, and Christopher Conner of Ocean Pines. He is also survived by two sisters, Sharon Hollingshead of Bluefied, Va. and Angela...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

Approaching the 15-month-old mark in a few days, Beckett seems to have found the joy in being alone. That's how it seems at least with a new hobby he has developed. One of his favorite new objects to explore is a door, and he is fascinated by how it can open and close, most specifically how he can make it happen on his own. At this point, a door captures his attention as much as, if not more, than any other single toy in the house. 'Doh, doh' around our house stands for a lot. Therefore, it's...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A Spotlight on the Local and Regional Bar and Restaurant Scene ...READ MORE

C Span Bus Stops in Ocean Pines

The C-SPAN bus stopped by the Ocean Pines County Club parking lot last week. Members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City were able to tour the mobile unit, which is available to middle school and high school social studies teachers as a free resource to learn more about media, letter writing and involvement with government.  Pictured, from left, are Kiwanian Al Kastner, a retired school principal who serves as the club's liaison to local elementary, middle and high schools...READ MORE

Local Realtor Installed as "King Lion"

Realtor Larry Schissler was installed recently as 'king lion' of the Ocean City Lions Club. Shissler has been a lion for more than 10 years and has been employed by Long & Foster for more than 18 years. Above, Schissler, left, is pictured with ongoing king lion Ron Edelmann. ...READ MORE

Congressman Kratovil Visits Coastal Stewards

Members of the Coastal Stewards are pictured with Congressman Frank Kratovil last Saturday at the 11th Annual Blessing of the Combines in Snow Hill. Coastal Stewards is a summer youth employment program partnership funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and the National Park Service, and managed by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program and Delmarva Low-Impact Tourism Experiences. ...READ MORE

Track Your Portfolio Progress With Help Of Concise Reports

OCEAN CITY - In volatile markets, it is more important than ever to keep track of your investment performance. This is precisely the time when it's most critical to see to it that your financial life remains on track. To do so, and to make critical decisions about your portfolio with confidence, you need accurate, clearly presented information. Bringing you the data you need in the form that's most useful to you has become much easier for your financial advisor, thanks to recent improvements to...READ MORE

A Week In Business

5-Star Rating Awarded SALISBURY - U.S. News and World Report recently awarded the Transitional Care Unit (TCU) at Peninsula Regional Medical Center a 5-Star overall rating for the quality of care provided to its residents in a July 'Best Nursing Homes' report. Peninsula Regional's TCU was one of just 32 skilled nursing facilities in Maryland to earn the 5-Star designation, indicating it is performing 'far above average' when compared to the other 15,500 nursing homes in the United...READ MORE

People in Society

Have a look at what your neighbors are doing throughout the community ...READ MORE

Things I Like

A sturdy beach chair Lobster mac 'n cheese at Nantuckets My son walking in the sand A register just opening at a grocery store Body surfing on a big day A cold beer from the bottom of the cooler Worcester County GOLD A fountain drink with crushed ice Falling asleep early on a Sunday night A kid with floaties on in the ocean The halibut at the Captain's Table ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A chaotic atmosphere taxes the patience of the Aries Lamb, who prefers to deal with a more orderly environment. Best advice: Stay out of the situation until things settle. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Tension runs high in both personal and workplace relationships. This can make it difficult to get your message across. Best to wait until you have a more receptive audience. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): This is a good time to take a break from your busy schedule to plan...READ MORE

Open Houses in West Ocean City and Berlin

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Daily 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 WEST OCEAN CITY New Construction 9800 Morring View West Harbor Village Daily 11-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/2.5BA/Garage Bryant Hungerford Prudential Carruthers 410-430-0370 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Mon 12-6 Tues-Fri 10-6 Sat & Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas New Construction Ryan Homes 410-641-2730 BISHOPVILLE 12742 Heathland Dr Lighthouse Sound Open Sunday 4BR/3.5BA Premier Bayside...READ MORE

Open Houses in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Open Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos 45th Street Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Belmont Towers Boardwalk & Talbot Street Mon-Thurs 11-4 Fri-Sun 10-5 Kevin Decker Remax Premier Properties 443-235-6552 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Daily 10-4 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Seaside Escape 79th Street 2...READ MORE

Open Houses in Surrounding Areas of Ocean City

DEWEY BEACH, DE Marina View 117 Highway One Sat 12-2 1&2BR Bayside Condos Nice Amenities Max Spann 888-299-1438 BISHOPVILLE 12742 Heathland Dr Lighthouse Sound Open Sunday 4BR/3.5BA Premier Bayside Golf Comm Jim White ReMax Premier Properties 410-726-9026 SALISBURY Summersgate 846 Johnson Rd Daily 12-5 2-5BR Custom Homes Adult 55+ Lynn Brocato Senior Realty 410-543-8750 FENWICK ISLAND Townes of Nantucket 13032 Wilson Ave Sat 11-3 3BR/2.5BA TH On Canal Just off RT54 Monica McNamara coldwell...READ MORE