September 24, 2010

Loaded Gun Found In Vehicle

Loaded Gun Found In Vehicle NEWARK - A Virginia man was arrested on a weapons charge last week after a loaded handgun was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop on Route 113. Around 11 p.m. last Wednesday, a Maryland State Police trooper on routine traffic patrol pulled over a vehicle on Route 113 near Langmaid Rd. in Newark for passing in a no passing zone. A check of the driver, identified as William Harrison Wilson, 21, of Temperanceville, Va., revealed he was wanted on an outstanding...READ MORE

Arts In The Area

Enjoying Art Around Town ...READ MORE

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area  ...READ MORE

Bluefin Tuna Under Endangered Species Review

OCEAN CITY - An effort to list Atlantic bluefin tuna, a staple of the resort area's vast recreational fishery, as an endangered or threatened species, passed a key first hurdle last week when the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) ruled the petition contained 'substantial scientific information' that a listing may be warranted. Prompted in part by the oil spill catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico late last spring and throughout much of the summer, a national environmental group in May filed...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

At the risk of sounding a bit sensational, there are days when I just have to wonder if life gets any better. Sure, like everyone, I have concerns that dominate my thoughts at times (often resulting in migraines), but keeping all matters in their proper perspective keeps me level headed. A day last weekend did just that for me, and I owe it to my family. Last Sunday was just an excellent family day. There were some ups and downs along the way, thanks in part to a few drastic mood changes by my...READ MORE

2011 Air Show Dates Discussed

OCEAN CITY - There is little doubt that this past summer's air show was a success, and officials are already looking ahead to next year's event. At this Monday's Mayor and Council meeting, a review of the air show took place. Susan Childs, internal auditor for Ocean City, reviewed the total spending of the venue. A budget of $50,000 was included in the town's spending plan for the event. What was actually spent was over budget but refunded by Brian Lilley of Ocean City Air Show LLC at the...READ MORE

Broadband Goal Gets Funding Boost

BERLIN - A large award of stimulus money, $115 million, will nearly finish the extension of broadband Internet service throughout Worcester County. The stimulus fund grant to the Maryland Broadband Cooperative (MBC) will cover extending service to small communities under 10,000 in population that are unserved or underserved by broadband. The grant money is also meant for the 'middle mile' or spine of the network. 'It is the backbone. It is the fiber. It's the superhighway, if you will, while the...READ MORE

Cowger Questions County Engineering Policy

SNOW HILL - Questions were raised this week during the County Commissioner meeting over the amount of county work assigned to a particular engineering company when county policy generally calls for bidding work out. One commissioner said he has been getting phone calls from local engineers asking why some work is not put out to bid. 'There's been getting to be some pretty upset engineers out here,' said Commissioner Bobby Cowger. Much of the county's engineering work is being rolled over to EA...READ MORE

Boat Lift Code Change Proposed In Resort

OCEAN CITY - It looks like the Board of Port Wardens is going to have fewer visitors. At this week's Mayor and Council meeting, officials agreed to amend Chapter 106, Entitled Waterways, in a unanimous vote. This will allow repair of previously approved boat and personal watercraft lifts without going back to the Board of Wardens. At last week's meeting, City Engineer Terry McGean explained, 'This will lesson the caseload and burden on the department.' There is apprehension that even though this...READ MORE

Between The Lines

The controversy surrounding at least two ranking county employees openly campaigning for Commissioner Jim Purnell over challenger Eddie Lee on primary election day deserves an investigation, although it will probably never happen.•€¨Three different people confirmed this week Lee's accusations that Jail Warden Buck Shockley and Assistant Warden Garry Mumford were strongly urging residents to vote for Purnell at the polls on primary day. Whether they want to admit it or not publicly, the men...READ MORE

What Others Are Saying

Change Needed To End County Corruption Editor: I want to reiterate challenger, Edward S. Lee's sentiments, and to acknowledge his strong backbone for speaking out. His recent articles in The Daily Times (Sept. 11) and The Dispatch (Sept. 17) are absolutely factual (true). New political blood is long overdue. Lee described a mirror image of a select group of people in Worcester County Government (WCG) who are culturally corrupt. They've guaranteed the unscrupulous practices would continue to...READ MORE

Help Cricket Center

Editor: In August 2009, Worcester County celebrated the grand opening of The C.R.I.C.K.E.T. Center located on the grounds of Atlantic General Hospital on the backside of the Atlantic Health Center. The center has actually been in existence since 2006 but now it has a state-of-the-art facility. The mission of the C.R.I.C.K.E.T. Center is to provide a comprehensive, culturally competent, multidisciplinary team approach to the investigation, prosecution and treatment of child physical and sexual...READ MORE

Open Houses This Week

OCEAN CITY Diamond Head 306 80th St Oceanfront Sat 11-3 Updated 1BR/1BA Steps to Sand Motivated Seller Barbara Reese Long and Foster 410-603-7190 OCEAN CITY Excalibur 703 132nd Street Fri 2-4/Sun 1-3 2BR/2BA Beautiful Furn. Awesome Oceanview Dotty Ruffo Long and Foster 410-430-1200 OCEAN CITY Camelot 704 133rd Street Sun 10:30-12:30 Direct Oceanfront 3BR/2BA Large Balcony Dotty Ruffo Long and Foster 410-430-1200 OCEAN CITY Plaza 98th Street Direct Oceanfront Fri 5-7/Sat 3-6 2BR/2BA,...READ MORE

Where To Eat Around Town

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines 707 Sports bar & grille 12702 Old Bridge Road (Route 707), West Ocean City , 410-213-9507 We may have changed hands, but we are still the same locally known Sports Bar in West Ocean City, and yes we are open everyday 11a.m.-2 a.m. Everything on our menu is made to order from our Homemade Soups, Salads,  new and improved Crab Dip, Mussels, the only place that serves the 'Full Wing' Quesadillas, 1/2 lb. Burgers, Crab cakes, Fresh cut Steaks, Fresh...READ MORE

Whos playing where and when musically speaking

707 Sports Bar & Grille 410-213-9507 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC Friday, Sept. 25: Under The Outhouse, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 26: Mike Short Jr. & The Statewide Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 27: Football Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 25: TBA Saturday, Sept. 26: Tony & The Stickers Sunday, Sept. 27: Post Game Party with DJ JJ Thursday, Sept. 30: DJ Wax Caribbean bar & Grill Just off the boards on 2nd St. Friday, Sept. 24:...READ MORE

Busick Decides Against Write-In Campaign

BERLIN - District 6 Worcester County Commissioner Linda Busick, defeated by a challenger in the recent primary, has nixed a write-in campaign to attempt to retain her seat, after concluding that it would be too difficult to bring the campaign to fruition. After last week's primary, Busick, who lost to Republican challenger Jimmy Bunting, was fired up to continue pursuing her seat and secure a second term on the county commission through a write-in campaign. Busick has rethought that decision in...READ MORE

West OC Campground Granted Growth Allocation

SNOW HILL - A little less than two acres of Worcester County's growth allocation in the Coastal Bays Critical Area has been awarded to Eagle's Nest Campground for boat and RV storage. Since the campground was taken over by developer John H. Burbage, business has increased and more storage is needed. The 1.92-acre site, adjacent to the existing campground wastewater treatment plant, would encompass boat and RV storage, as well as a year-round caretaker's cottage. The county has 406.28 acres of...READ MORE

Locals Involved In Animal Planet Series

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City locals will be featured tonight in an Animal Planet series premiere. 'Hillbilly Hand Fishin'' will feature Ocean City native Josh Hardt taking part in 'noodling', a sport of extreme cat fishing. Mike Stavrinos will join Hardt, a friend he had met while attending Towson University. Kevin Meehan, son of Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, edits the show. He is employed by Half Yard Productions, which produces 'Hillbilly Hand Fishin'' for the Animal Planet. 'The company for which...READ MORE

High Seas Stall Beach Pumping Project

OCEAN CITY - Damaged portions of the beach are about to get new life, as the familiar pipes and equipment associated with beach replenishment have returned. The town of Ocean City, the state of Maryland and Worcester County have a 50-year contract with the Army Corps of Engineers to perform periodic beach nourishment as needed to maintain adequate storm protection. They all share the costs of the project and the Army Corps of Engineers designs and manages the needed nourishment and dredging...READ MORE

Federal Grant Cuts Jeopardize School Programs

NEWARK - Worcester public school officials learned this week the county is receiving more than $1.2 million less in federal grants than anticipated in the current fiscal year, placing several key programs in jeopardy. Board of Education officials learned in late July the local system would be receiving about one third as much in certain federal grants than expected this year. On Tuesday, school officials found out a little more about the programs that could be affected by the cuts. 'We found out...READ MORE

Sprinkler Change To Stay In Code After Much Debate

SNOW HILL - Despite lingering technical and cost questions, a divided County Commission attempted to settle whether sprinklers would be required in new homes, or whether the county would opt out of that rule, determining after two failed votes that the sprinklers would stay in the building code. Commissioner Virgil Shockley repeatedly asked for clarification of both the technical requirements for a sprinkler system and the cost and could get a straight answer on neither. Shockley said he is also...READ MORE

Fed Approves OC Airport Grant

OCEAN CITY - Two days after Ocean City officials approved a contract for the rehabilitation and repair of the north-south runway at the municipal airport, banking on approval in federal funding for the project, Maryland Senators Barbara Mikulski and Ben Cardin formally announced the federal grant had been cleared. During last Tuesday's work session, the Ocean City Mayor and Council approved an engineering services contract with Delta Aviation for the design phase of the rehabilitation of the...READ MORE

State Preserves Waterfront Land

BERLIN - Continuing a recent trend, state officials this week approved the preservation of a 48-acre tract of pristine waterfront land in Worcester County along the Chincoteague Bay in the latest round of state Program Open Space expenditures. The state's three-member Board of Public Works (BPW), which includes Governor Martin O'Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, on Wednesday approved the acquisition of an environmentally important 48-acre tract known simply as The Nest...READ MORE

Environmental Mandate To Have Little Local Impact

BERLIN - State school board officials this week approved regulations requiring environmental education in public schools in Maryland, but the new mandate will likely have little affect in Worcester where 'green' issues are already woven into the curriculum. The Maryland Board of Education on Tuesday approved regulations mandating environmental education in public school across the state. The mandate does not require new courses at each grade level dedicated specifically to environmental...READ MORE

Md. Weighs In On Oglesby’s Campaign Question

Steve Green Editor BERLIN - State's Attorney candidate Beau Oglesby was told this week he needed to refund his active campaign account the $2,000 he paid to a local printer for debt dating back four years ago. According to a letter from Jared DeMarinis, director of the State Board of Elections' Division of Candidacy and Campaign Finance, Oglesby needs to reimburse his candidate campaign committee because the debt stems from the 2006 election and not his current bid for office. Oglesby lost to...READ MORE

Cell Phone Driving Ban Starts Next Friday

BERLIN - A new law prohibiting talking on a hand-held cell phone while driving takes effect across Maryland next week after the General Assembly approved the legislation last spring. Starting next Friday, it will be illegal for a motorist in Worcester County and across Maryland to use a hand-held cell phone while driving in the latest effort to crack down on distracted driving. Last year, state lawmakers approved a similar bill banning text messaging while driving and a ban on hand-held cell...READ MORE

County Officials Give LCB Forum To Refute Claims

SNOW HILL - The long awaited meeting between the County Commissioners and the county's liquor dispensary took place on Tuesday and it was predominantly a one-sided affair, with the Liquor Control Board (LCB) doing the majority of the talking and scolding. After months of allegations about the LCB's business practices and questions surrounding the six-figure revenue losses over the last three fiscal years, the commissioners were relatively mute on Tuesday and seemingly took the LCB's story at...READ MORE

Bike Week Brings Big Sales To Region

OCEAN CITY - This past weekend was a loud and prosperous one for the resort area, due to thousands of motorcycles that flocked to the shore for the annual Bike Week event. 'Bikers are a blessing,' said Gary Beach, general manager of Micky Fins in West Ocean City. Nary an official disagreed with that notion, thanks largely to the burst of revenue the bikers' presence brings to Delmarva. It was estimated there were more than 100,000 motorcycles in town this past weekend. Harley-Davidson of Ocean...READ MORE

Meehan Secures 3rd Term As Resort Mayor

OCEAN CITY - Mayor Rick Meehan was re-elected on Tuesday. For the third term in a row, Meehan will be unopposed when voters head to the polls next month. 'I certainly hope they have confidence in my leadership and that's why I am un-opposed this time,' he said. 'I plan to do everything I can do to live up to their expectations and continue to serve the town. •€¦ 'I was prepared for the election. I'm still going to be committed to the election and serving Ocean City. I guess it relieves a...READ MORE

Decatur Volleyball Remains Unbeaten

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity volleyball team remained unbeaten this week, beating Worcester County rival Pocomoke in three straight to improve to 5-0 overall on the season. The Seahawks cruised Pocomoke in three games, beating the Warriors by scores of 25-6, 25-14, and 25-8. Janet Davidson led the way with 33 service points, including 12 aces, along with 17 assists. Always steady Holly Melson contributed with seven digs and five kills, while Casey Ortiz had two digs and two kills and Julia...READ MORE

Worcester Girls Improve to 3-0

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity soccer team remained unbeaten this week, routing Salisbury School, 10-0, on Tuesday to improve to 3-0 on the young season. The Mallards continued their early assault on the scoreboard against the Dragons on Tuesday, while the defense led by goalkeeper Abbie Tyler kept Salisbury School at bay. Thus far, Worcester has outscored its first three opponents of the season by a combined score of 22-0, including an 8-2 win over Salisbury Christian last week and a...READ MORE

Tough Guy

This week's Atlantic Physical Therapy 'Tough Guy of the Week' award went to Nick Craven for his outstanding play in a 51-24 loss on the road to North Caroline. Pictured above is Craven (center) with Coach Bob Knox (left) and ATP President Bob Hammond (right).  ...READ MORE

Seahawks remained unbeaten on the season.

Decatur's Holly Melson soars for a spike during the Seahawks' three-game sweep of Pocomoke on Tuesday. Melson finished with seven digs and five kills as the Seahawks remained unbeaten on the season.  ...READ MORE

Fall Flag Football Action Underway

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department's Fall Flag Football League got underway last week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following is a quick glance at some of the week one action: (bullet) Kirby's 26- FOP Lodge 10-6: Kirby's jumped out to an early lead and held on to win its season opener over the FOP. Quarterback Bart Talbert threw four touchdown passes including two each to Ryan Murphy and Justin Fiedler, the longest of which was a 40-yarder. Allen Hawk...READ MORE

Seahawk's Golf

Decatur's Jake Miller, who leads the Bayside Conference with a low scoring average of 37.8, shot even par on Tuesday at Nutter's Crossing to lead the Seahawks to their fifth victory of the season.  ...READ MORE

Miller Leads Seahawk Golfers in Win

BERLIN- Led by an even par round by standout Jake Miller, Stephen Decatur's varsity golf team rebounded from its first loss of the season last week with another first-place finish at Nutter's Crossing on Tuesday. Last Thursday, the Seahawks dropped their first match of the year after Parkside shot a 169 and Decatur finished with a 173. On Tuesday, Decatur got back in the win column with a season low 156, while Parkside finished with an impressive 160. Jake Miller led the Seahawks with an even...READ MORE

Seahawks Routed by Bulldogs, 51-24

Ocean City Marlin Club Tops Cape May to Regain Challenge Cup OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club won back the coveted Challenge Cup and regained bragging rights over old rival Cape May Marlin and Tuna Club last weekend in the 32nd edition of the annual event. The Challenge Cup, which pits teams of boats from the Ocean City Marlin Club against teams from the Cape May Marlin and Tuna Club, officially began in 1979 as a formal competition between the friendly rival fishing clubs, which meet in...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team fell

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity football team fell to host North Caroline, 51-24, last Friday to drop to 1-2 on the young season. Going into the contest, the Seahawks knew they had to play a near perfect game against Bayside North powerhouse North Caroline, but too many miscues on both sides of the ball doomed Decatur to the 51-24 loss. The Bulldogs got on a big roll early and despite a valiant effort to stay in the game, the Seahawks came up short. One bright spot for Decatur was the...READ MORE

A Week In Business

New Agent Joins Firm OCEAN CITY - Coldwell Banker Bud Church Realty, Inc. recently welcomed its newest agent, J.F. Cropper. Born and raised in Ocean City, Cropper owned from 1985 to 2001 Cropper's Auto Repair and Expert Towing. He sold his business to pursue real estate investing and since 1990 has been buying and selling investment properties and investing in rental properties. Cropper recently joined the Church team after new home demand decreased for the construction company he opened in...READ MORE

Choosing High-Quality Bonds Key In Difficult Times

BERLIN - High-quality bonds have become particularly attractive in recent months, especially as several factors continue to weigh on the market •€' from the crisis in the financial markets to recessionary pressures. To chart a smart path through these challenging markets, where should investors focus their attention and assets? One answer is higher-quality investments •€' a category that can take in carefully selected equities, but should almost certainly include Treasuries and other...READ MORE

Things I Like

The writing in 'Mad Men' Quiet nights at home When my son sings to me Nikon cameras A new movie that lives up to the hype Smartphones Long running plays in football Nutella on toast Cool mornings on the beach A clean desk Getting a great spot in a busy parking lot ...READ MORE

A Spotlight On The Local And Regional Bar Scene

Faces In Places ...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Leonard Michael Jozulin OCEAN PINES - Leonard Michael Jozulin, 81, of Ocean Pines and formerly of Baltimore, died Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2010 at Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born in Baltimore, he was the son of the late Michael and Vera Jozulin. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Marie Jozulin (nee Beckmann) of Arbutus, in 1991. He retired from the Baltimore Sun where he was the administrative manager in the advertising department. Following cremation, services will be...READ MORE

Local Couple Win 100,000 Grand Prize

On Labor Day, the winning ticket for the $100,000 grand prize was announced in the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department's (OPVFD) annual cash lotto prize. Lucky winner Fran Murray and her husband Ron were at the OPVFD South Station where they received their proceeds.  Above, OPVFD Vice President and Chairman for the Cash Lotto Steve Rosen presenting the check to Fran Murray and husband Ron as OPVFD President Ron Thorwart observes. Submitted Photos  ...READ MORE

Woman Recognized For Volunteerism

The Republican Women of Worcester County recognized three local women who have dedicated their energy in volunteering for many years to serving their community. These are women of distinction who were honored at the Clarion Resort Hotel. Pictured, from left, are honorees Rose Brous, Helen Dileonardi and Anna Foultz.  ...READ MORE

New Parents Coffee Hour At WPS

Head of Worcester Prep's Lower School Celeste Bunting, left, talks with Debbie and Gene Daffern at the New Parents' Coffee Hour. With them are their grandchildren Scarlett, left, and Layla. Jarrett Daffern, their son, is in the fifth grade.  ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Although practical situations continue to dominate this week, there's time for the Lamb to indulge in the fun things in life -- like maybe taking a special someone out for a great evening. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): This week favors relationships. Take time to renew old ones, and make time to go where new friends can be found. On a more practical note, expect news about a business deal. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You should be seeing some progress on that new...READ MORE