August 21, 2009

Tuesday, Aug. 25-Attempted Murder Charges Filed In OC

OCEAN CITY - A Middletown, Del. man was arrested on attempted murder and other serious charges after stabbing his estranged wife and injuring two children and the victim's new boyfriend during an altercation at an Ocean City condominium on Monday evening. Around 5:10 p.m. on Monday, Ocean City police responded to the Siesta Villas condominiums in the area of 51st Street for a reported domestic assault in progress. Upon arrival, OCPD officers observed a woman, later identified as the victim, and...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Changing your mind doesn't come easily for Lambs, who place a high value on commitment. But new facts could emerge that might persuade you to rethink your situation. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): This is a good time to put that fine Bovine's eye for beauty to work in redecorating your home or workplace. And don't forget to indulge yourself in some personal time as well. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your sense of loyalty to someone who asks for your help is...READ MORE

DNA Nabs Pharmacy Burglar

BERLIN - A Berlin man was arrested on burglary and theft charges last week after a DNA sample obtained from blood left at the scene of a break-in at a local pharmacy identified him as the suspect. On Aug. 3, Berlin police responded to the Apple Drugs pharmacy for an activated burglary alarm. The investigation revealed a suspect or suspects forcibly entered the business and stole an amount of prescription medication. During the processing of the crime scene, detectives were able to locate several...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Catherine Cascio CATONSVILLE - Catherine (Kate) Cascio, 80, died Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009 at Assateague Island State Park. She had been a longtime resident of Catonsville. Born Agnes Catherine Schaeffer on Aug. 30, 1928 and raised in Baltimore, she was a graduate of Towson High School. As a young woman, she worked hard to raise her two sons. Later she worked for the Baltimore County School System and most recently for Trinity School. She enjoyed painting and crafts and had a passion for raveling...READ MORE

Fine, Extended Closure For OC Hotel

OCEAN CITY - The Americana Hotel was slapped with a $10,000 fine and will reportedly stay closed for the remainder of the summer season after more than 100 people had to be evacuated from the 10th Street Boardwalk establishment last week due to a carbon monoxide (CO) leak. The Ocean City Fire Marshal's Office levied the fine this week after determining that the oceanfront hotel, which was found to have no working carbon monoxide detectors despite the town law requiring them, should have actually...READ MORE

Friday, August 21--Broadband Group Hopes To Get On Track

SNOW HILL - Faced with an October cut-off date on funding from Worcester, the Lower Shore Broadband Cooperative is working to keep the service going. Diana Nolte, one of the few remaining board members from Lower Shore Broadband Cooperative (LSBC), said this week that no major decisions could be made before electing new board members and holding a meeting for the cooperative's membership. 'Part of our problem is we're supposed to have nine members of the Board of Directors,' Nolte said. 'We need...READ MORE

Friday, August 21--Building Needs Renovations Before Hosting Gospel Festiva

BERLIN - Cosmetic renovations to a deteriorating multi-purpose building in Berlin are necessary before hosting the 1st Annual Dr. Charles A. Tindley Gospel Festival in September, supporters of the building told the Berlin Mayor and Council last Monday night. The new festival will celebrate the life and work of Dr. Charles A. Tindley, a Berlin native and minister who wrote gospel songs. The gospel festival will be the second new festival in Berlin added this year, joining the just concluded and...READ MORE

Friday, August 21-Judge Orders Home Detention For Fatal Hit-And-Run Suspect

SNOW HILL - A Berlin man facing serious charges including negligent homicide by motor vehicle after a hit-and-run accident on the Route 50 Bridge that claimed the life of another local man had an initial hearing last week in District Court and was placed on home detention pending trial, which has now been set for Oct. 20. Around 2:26 a.m. on June 26, Maryland State Police troopers were dispatched to the Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge for an alleged hit-and-run accident involving a motor vehicle...READ MORE

Friday, August 21--New Ad Campaign Stresses Value In Final August Weeks

OCEAN CITY - Mayor Rick Meehan has a secret. At least that's what he's telling radio listeners in a new advertisement for the town of Ocean City. In efforts to boost numbers in the historically lagging final two weeks in August prior to Labor Day, the Tourism Commission instructed MGH Advertising, the firm contracted by the town to run its marketing program, to use some of the remaining advertising budget to run a new spin on the town's current 'value'' message. Tourism Director Deb Travers said...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Angler Restaurant 410-289-7424 , Talbot St. & The Bay Saturday, Aug. 21 & Sunday, Aug. 22: Jon Fritz 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. 22: Steeler Tailgate Party Every Sunday: Locals' Party with DJ BK Tuesday, Aug. 25: Aaron Howell Band Thursday, Aug. 27: DJ Wax CaribBean bar & grill 410-289-0837 , Just off the Boards on 2nd St. Friday, Aug. 21: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.;...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Rumors are blowing around on the political front these days, thanks largely to lower shore Senator Lowell Stoltzfus announcing he would not seek another term. One piece of gossip circulating this week was that Delegate Jim Mathias had privately decided he would seek the senate seat, but would not be confirming publicly until a week or so before the start of the General Assembly session early next year. That seemed to be extremely detailed for a rumor so I asked the former Ocean City mayor about...READ MORE

Enforcing Ordinances Not Always Simple

It's easy to say Ocean City should not pass any ordinance it cannot enforce. In a perfect world, that would be the case. However, in reality, where practicality reigns, it does not always happen that way. For example, it was known for years on the Boardwalk the town did not have enough staff to enforce regulations on signs. Therefore, businesses would set up sandwich-style signs and other illegal advertisements along the Boardwalk every day. It was allowed to continue because the town did not...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Response To Health Care Partisan Rant Editor: Haven't I had this conversation before? The last time I responded to a letter to The Dispatch from the political partisan from Berlin, I believe that she used the same old 'swift boat type politicking' label to attack those who disagree with her views. (Remember the good old days when patriotic Americans were accused of 'McCarthyism type politicking'). But this is a serious issue, and the partisans and ideologues are furious at you for being smart...READ MORE

County Votes 5-2 To Stay Out Of OC Transport Issue

SNOW HILL - A request from the Ocean City Mayor and Council to the Worcester County Commissioners to take a stance on medical transportation services between the resort and the county has resulted in no real action after the commissioners discussed the matter at their meeting Tuesday. Ocean City resident Robert Melvin has been campaigning for a more efficient way to transport the resort's senior citizens to medical care.  About 20 to 30 people use the medical transport service yearly, some...READ MORE

County's Salvia Ban Mirrors Resort Law

SNOW HILL - Salvia could be banned in Worcester County on Sept. 1, despite talk of waiting for the Maryland General Assembly to pass a statewide ban on the hallucinogen. The County Commissioners introduced a bill to ban the hallucinogen in all of Worcester County at their regular meeting on Tuesday. The commissioners will hold a public hearing and consider passing the emergency legislation at their meeting in two weeks. The salvia ban legislation, requested by Commissioner Linda Busick, is...READ MORE

Hurricane Bill Forecasted To Be High Surf Event

OCEAN CITY - Area surfers are incredibly stoked for this weekend as forecasters are calling for the biggest waves of the summer thanks to Hurricane Bill roaring hundreds of miles off the coast.  Likewise, the Ocean City Beach Patrol is gearing up too, but it is admittedly much more concerned than elated, as lifeguards may have their work cut out for them with the inevitable rip currents that will accompany the huge waves. According to swellinfo.com, an up-to-the-minute surf forecasting...READ MORE

Ocean City Developer's Hotel Plans Okayed

OCEAN CITY - With little to no mention of the proverbial gorilla in the room, the Planning and Zoning Commission approved Rick Laws' plans for a 64th Street hotel, despite knowledge that the town has already taken steps to condemn and seize the land. Regardless, Laws, whose family owns the neighboring 64th Street Shopping Plaza including the Rick's Market business, got the nod of approval he was looking for by way of a unanimous vote from the Planning and Zoning Commission as members stuck to...READ MORE

Resort Aims To Tackle CO Enforcement Dilemma

OCEAN CITY - Town officials may have sent the message that they won't tolerate non-compliance with Ocean City's rather proactive carbon monoxide (CO) law, but the sheer size of the enforcing that message could be the tripping point. Fire Marshal Sam Villani conceded in June, after the first of two carbon monoxide leaks in Ocean City this summer, that his office doesn't have the man power to inspect every hotel or condominium that should be in compliance with the town of Ocean City's 2007...READ MORE

County Graduate Profile Shows Most Heading To College

NEWARK - Over three-quarters of Worcester County high schools' 2009 graduates will attend college and specialty training schools, a report submitted to the Worcester County Board of Education revealed this week. 'The numbers are impressive,' said Donna Main, coordinator of Instruction. 'Many of these graduates are home right now packing for college.' There were 496 members in the Class of 2009. School officials report 408 members will go on to two- or four-year colleges and specialty schools....READ MORE

Fed Judge Hands OC Pipe Bomber 30 Months In Jail

OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City man arrested on several felony charges related to the construction and use of explosives at and near his resort residence last fall, followed by a threat of retaliation against a witness who assisted in the investigation, was convicted in U.S. District Court on Tuesday and was sentenced to 30 months in jail followed by three years of supervised probation. On Tuesday, U.S. District Court Judge Richard D. Bennett sentenced Norman Arnold, 21, of Ocean City, to 30 months...READ MORE

Flush Tax Funding Changes Stress Septic System Upgrades

SNOW HILL - Changes to the way flush tax funding is used in Maryland and who can avail themselves of that money will put the focus on upgrading septic systems in the critical area. Interior properties need not apply for flush tax funding under the new regulations. A bill passed by the Maryland General Assembly this spring by a narrow margin enshrines the new approach, making a transition from voluntary septic upgrades to regulations imposed on property owners in the critical area. The Atlantic...READ MORE

High Court Beach Replenishment Case Could Have OC Implications

OCEAN CITY - The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case involving beach replenishment in Florida and its alleged 'taking' of private property rights in a landmark suit that could have implications in coastal communities all over the country including Ocean City. At issue is whether the state of Florida's beach replenishment program constitutes an illegal 'judicial taking' of private waterfront property. Coastal property owners in Florida, under the umbrella of a group named Stop Beach...READ MORE

Improving Downtown's Look One Building At A Time

OCEAN CITY - Slowly but surely, the downtown area of Ocean City is becoming much more aesthetically pleasing and the improvement is much more than just a façade. Ten years ago, the downtown area of Ocean City looked more out of date and borderline run down in certain areas than it did an 'historical' district, but with the help of programs offered by the state of Maryland and the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC), visitors are spending more time downtown and have a bit more to visit,...READ MORE

Legal Moves Delay Snow Hill Explosion Civil Trial

SNOW HILL - The saga of the $10.6 million civil suit filed by the Injured Workers Insurance Fund (IWIF) and a group of injured firefighters when a gas leak caused a house to explode dragged on this week as the 10-day trial was postponed again. Thirteen Snow Hill volunteer firefighters injured in the Labor Day 2002 home explosion, along with IWIF, filed the civil suit against Eastern Shore Gas in 2005, alleging the company's negligence caused the explosion that put them in harm's way. Also named...READ MORE

Paperwork Glitch Could Derail Other Families' CO Lawsuit

BERLIN - Citing the passage of a deadline to serve several of the defendants with summonses within the prescribed 120 days of the filing of the action, a federal judge last week ordered the plaintiffs in the second lawsuit filed in the fatal carbon monoxide poisoning incident at a Boardwalk motel in June 2006 to show cause why the papers have not been served or risk a dismissal of the case. In March, the original case filed in U.S. District Court by the family of two victims who died of carbon...READ MORE

PWC Accidents Keeping Local Crews Busy

OCEAN CITY - Local law enforcement agencies remained busy with personal watercraft (PWC) accidents on the waters in and around the resort area this week with another incident on Tuesday involving a collision that resulted in several victims being ejected into the water. Around 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City Fire Department units were dispatched to the area of 32nd Street for a reported PWC accident. Arriving units found two of the PWCs had collided in the bay off 32nd Street with one confirmed...READ MORE

School Board Happy With How Students Scored On Tech Test

NEWARK - Worcester County's seventh grade students made a strong showing last year under a new measure of technological literacy, staff reported this week to the Worcester County Board of Education. A new mandate of the No Child Left Behind Act, the technological literacy requirement was first administered this past school year to students, teachers and administrators. Worcester County students scored, overall, 60 percent technologically literate on the state assessment. 'I'm very proud of the...READ MORE

Poor Girls Tournament a Huge Success

OCEAN CITY- The 16th Annual Captain Steve Harman Poor Girls Open fishing tournament was a huge success once again with plenty of boats and lady anglers participating, dozens of fish released or weighed at the scale at host Bahia Marina, and perhaps most importantly, thousands of dollars raised for breast cancer research and awareness. With the high-dollar, high profile White Marlin Open dispensed with the week before, the lady anglers got their turn in the spotlight last weekend with the return...READ MORE

Autumn Grove to Host Horse Show

BERLIN- Autumn Grove Stables in Berlin will host the latest in a summer-long series of Chesapeake Bay Horse Shoe Association (CBHSA) events tomorrow, Saturday, August 22, at its facilities just off Sinepuxent Rd. The CBHSA-rated horse and pony show, which will be held tomorrow rain or shine, is the latest in series of events hosted by Autumn Grove. The events start at Autumn Grove's outdoor ring beginning at 8:30 a.m., with action at the indoor ring beginning at 9 a.m. Autumn Grove has several...READ MORE

Plenty of Whites in MA500 Thus Far

OCEAN CITY- The Mid-Atlantic $500,000, with home bases in both Cape May and Ocean City, got underway this week with plenty of action as a strong white marlin bite continues in the canyons shared by both ports. Ocean City's collective hangover from the White Marlin Open two weeks ago had just about worn off when the next big event on the summer sportfishing calendar opened on Monday. Now in its 17th year, the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 continues to be one of the top sportfishing events in the region...READ MORE

Toys for Tots Tourney Sets Record

BERLIN- The 8th Annual Toys for Tots Open golf tournament at River Run Golf Club in Berlin last Friday was a huge success with a record amount of funds raised for the worthy charity. The 8th Annual Toys for Tots tournament last Friday at River Run raised a record $9,573, or the highest amount raised by the event since its inception eight years ago. Led by a solid sponsorship team including Rommel's Ace Hardware, the tournament blew away the old record, resulting in a nice chunk of change for the...READ MORE

Smartlink Continues Dominance in OC Lax Classic

OCEAN CITY- The 16th Annual Ocean City Lacrosse Classic, held at several venues in the resort area over four days last weekend, was one for the record books with 100 teams competing in four divisions highlighted by the men's Elite Division, which saw Smartlink add to its dynasty with its seventh title in eight years. The event has grown by leaps and bounds since its inception in 1993 when a handful of teams competed on a scrubby field at Ocean City Elementary. From those modest beginnings, the...READ MORE

State Surfing Championships Still On

OCEAN CITY- As of mid-week, the Eastern Surfing Association's Maryland State Championships scheduled for tomorrow in Ocean City were still on despite of pending threat of Hurricane Bill, which was still churning in the Atlantic yesterday with an uncertain track. The ESA's Maryland States are scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, August 22, at either the Inlet or 48th Street in Ocean City. Depending on the storm, conditions could either be greatly enhanced or deteriorated to the point the contest...READ MORE

U-9 Shockers Baseball Team Compete at Elite Tourney

The Mid-Atlantic Shockers under-9 baseball team, made up of players from the Ocean City and Berlin areas as well as all over the Lower Shore, last week traveled to Walt Disney World's Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida to compete in the USSSA Elite Baseball World Series Tournament. The tournament was comprised of 32 teams from all over the country. The Shockers qualified for the tournament by winning a USSSA Super NIT Tournament in Salisbury in May. Pictured above, left to right, are ...READ MORE

Fish 'N OC

One of the many responsibilities that comes along with being a charter captain is taking the large amount of time that is required to maintain your boat. In my case, there are many times, even when I am not fishing, that you will find me at my boat slip •€' checking on the boat, prepping gear, organizing, etc. so that when it comes time to fish everything goes smoothly. Even though I usually associate my slip with work, most of the time I do enjoy being there. In fact, sometimes it can seem...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

A strange realization occurred to me last Saturday afternoon. It came when I was watching my brother-in-law walk his youngest daughter down the aisle at Asbury United Methodist Church in Salisbury. My thoughts immediately turned to what was going through his mind as he led his beautiful daughter to the altar and handed over his little girl to her husband-to-be. It goes without saying there's a pure happiness for the bride and groom and sincere hopes life will turn out for them the way they...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A spotlight on the local and the regional bar and restaurant scene ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Smores by a fire Watching my neighbor head off to college for the first time Cold crab claws A fun wedding reception A change in temperature after a storm Taking my son in the pool Playing tourist in Ocean City Driving across a tall bridge A horse backing up traffic on Assateague The •€˜Kids of Summer' pictures Ice cream after crabs ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Be careful not to allow the backers of a new financial "deal" to pull the wool over the Lamb's eyes. It could hold fewer plusses and more negatives than you were first led to believe. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's a good idea to finish all incomplete tasks so that you can devote your attention to next week's projects. The weekend could hold surprises for romantic Fernandas and Ferdinands. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A workplace suggestion you made a...READ MORE

Leaving An IRA For Loved Ones

OCEAN CITY - An IRA can be one of the key building blocks to a secure retirement •€' millions of Americans save a portion of their assets in individual retirement accounts. But when it comes to estate planning issues, for some people traditional IRAs don't provide enough of a foundation. There are limits in traditional IRAs as to what owners can control regarding how their beneficiaries can take distributions after their death. For instance, they're unable to ensure that their...READ MORE

Students Win Scholarships from Library Foundation

Emma Newell of Berlin and Brittaney Johnson of Snow Hill have won $500.00 scholarships from the Worcester County Library Foundation for the 2009/2010 school year. The winners are pictured above with Library Director Mark Thomas. Newell graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 2009 and will attend Salisbury University in the fall. Johnson graduated from Snow Hill High School in 2009 and will attend Stevenson University. ...READ MORE

Health and Government Operations Committee Visits AGH

Maryland State Delegate Jim Mathias recently coordinated a tour of Atlantic General Hospital with members of the Health and Government Operations Committee, including Delegate Peter Hammen, District 46, Baltimore City, who serves as chairperson. Above, Michael Franklin, left, CEO of Atlantic General Hospital, discusses hospital initiatives with Delegate Hammen. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Plant a Row Section Dedicated at OP Community Garden

The Community Garden of Ocean Pines, governed by a board of directors and board of advisors, has a section dedicated to the Plant A Row for the hungry program. Ed Kriege, a member of the board of advisors for the garden, initiated the idea three years ago of donating the produce of Plant A Row to Diakonia. Pictured above, back from left, are Kriege, President Bob Shayer, Treasurer Bill Mundie and First Vice-President Sam Schwartz Master Gardener; front, advisors Betty McDermott, Sharon Connelly...READ MORE

WQMR Golf Tourney Proceeds Go to Alzheimer's Association

The proceeds of the first WQMR Golf Tournament held at River Run in June were recently presented to the Alzheimer's Association. Pictured, from left, are Talk Radio WQMR 101.1FM GM Ed Fennessy, Alzheimer's Association Development Coordinator Damian Magarelli, WQMR President/Owner Jack Gillen and WQMR GSM Dave Kettinger.  ...READ MORE

Coastal Stewards Meet Maryland's First Lady

Coastal Stewards are pictured with Maryland's First Lady Katie O'Malley, center, at Assateague Island National Park. On the far left is the Chief Park Interpreter Rachelle Daigneault and Carrie Samis of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP). On the right is Park Superintendent Trish Kicklighter, Jim Rapp of Delmarva Low-Impact Tourism Experiences (DLITE) and John Griffin, Secretary of the MD Department of Natural Resources. Coastal Stewards is a summer youth employment program partnership...READ MORE

OC/Berlin Rotary Club Welcomes Visiting Rotarians

As part of the Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club dinner meetings at the Carousel Resort Hotel, President Margo Jones welcomes visiting Rotarians. She is pictured above with Suzanne 'Kamaluhia' Woolley, left, from Hawaii Nation Park, Hawaii. The Woolleys are guests of Philip and Donna Hinkle of Ocean City. ...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 West Ocean City

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 Mooring View West Harbor Village Daily 11-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/3.5BA/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 BERLIN Townes of Berlin 400 Williams St Sun 1:30-4:30 3BR/2Full/2HalfBA Townhome -Unit...READ MORE

Open Houses in Surrounding Areas of Ocean City

NEWARK, MD Arcadia Village Affordable New Homes Models Open Sat & Sun 11-2 Prudential Carruthers 410-430-5333 MILLVILLE, DE Millville by the Sea Mon-Sat 9-5 Sun 11-5 New Beach Community Single Family & Townhomes Off Rt 26 877-285-2888 SALISBURY 846 Johnson Rd Summersgate Daily 12-5 2-5BR Custom Homes For Active Adults Lynn Brocato Senior Realty 410-543-8750 MILLSBORO, DE Whartons Bluff Mon 12-6 Tues-Fri 10-6 Sat & Sun 11-6 3BR Single Family Homes New Construction Ryan...READ MORE

A Week In Business

New Board Officers Elected SALISBURY - Andrew W. Booth of Salisbury was recently named chairperson and Velda E. Henry of Berlin was named vice chair of the board of trustees at Wor-Wic Community College.  Booth was appointed to the board in 2006 and served as vice chair from July of 2008 to June of 2009.  He is a principal engineer at Andrew W. Booth & Associates, an architectural and engineering firm in Salisbury that he founded in 1979. Originally appointed in 1995, Henry served...READ MORE

People in Society

Neighbors Lending A Hand Throughout the Community ...READ MORE

Arts in the Area

A spotlight on the Local Art Scene ...READ MORE