July 29, 2011

Salisbury Council Puts Off Housing Board Decisions

SALISBURY – The City Council decided it was not time yet to make any final decisions on the Housing Board of Adjustment and Appeals (HBAA) role in the city’s government as proposed amendments were sent back to discussion this week. The Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals (HBAA) was created to hear the appeals of property owners’ who have been cited and deemed in violation by the Department of Neighborhood Services and Code Compliance (NSCC). City Attorney Paul Wilber...READ MORE

Salisbury Doctor Found Guilty Of Health Care Fraud

SALISBURY -- A Salisbury cardiologist faces as many as 35 years in prison after a federal jury this week found him guilty of six counts of health care fraud. A federal jury in Baltimore on Tuesday convicted John R. McLean, 59, of Salisbury, on six healthcare fraud offenses in connection with a scheme during which he submitted insurance claims for inserting unnecessary cardiac stents, ordered unnecessary tests and made false entries in patient medical records in order to defraud Medicare,...READ MORE

Ocean City Seeks Proper Ways To Say Thank You

OCEAN CITY – The resort’s recent revival of a “thank you” campaign could become a “customer retention program” as the town continues to explore ways to keep visitors returning year to year. Lately the town has been considering reviving a thank you campaign that took place in the 1980s. In the last discussion, Councilman Joe Hall motioned to have city staff explore the idea of maintaining retention in Ocean City through the thank you campaign by distributing...READ MORE

Old Pipes Could Exempt Some From Sprinkler Mandate

SALISBURY – Certain areas of the city may be exempt from a recently passed sprinkler system requirement in newly constructed homes due to existing infrastructure. According to City Administrator John Pick, on Aug. 9, 2010, the city approved a requirement that all one-and two-family residential dwellings built after that date be required to install sprinkler systems for fire protection. However, in certain developments throughout the city infrastructure has already been installed under old...READ MORE

OC Scooter Accidents Up 46%, Chief Reports

OCEAN CITY – During this week’s Mayor and City Council meeting, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Chief Bernadette DiPino updated the council on recent activity around town. Here’s a synopsis of her report: Scooter Accidents Are Up DiPino said the number of scooter accidents have increased this summer. Last year, there were 57 scooter collisions and so far this year there has been 83, which is a 46-percent increase. She said there have been no deaths this summer and the chief...READ MORE

Police Mount Unit Eyed In Salisbury

OCEAN CITY – The Salisbury Police Department (SPD) has partnered up with the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore to provide donation lines on behalf of scholarships for Wicomico County students, as well as resources to re-establish and sustain the department’s K-9 and Mount units. SPD Chief Barbara Duncan approached the City Council last Monday to discuss the two possible donation systems and the council wasted no time as it voted unanimously to approve the resolutions creating...READ MORE

Storms Wreak Havoc On Berlin’s Power System

BERLIN -- Severe weather and a number of direct lightning strikes over the last few weeks have caused hours of power outages around Berlin and thousands of dollars’ worth of damage to the town’s electrical network. Nonetheless, town officials have nothing but praise for how the power department has handled the situation. “I think they’ve done a remarkable job,” said Mayor Gee Williams. “They’ve shown extraordinary dedication and confidence.” The...READ MORE

Dew Tour Winners Announced

OCEAN CITY – Extreme heat paired up with extreme sports last weekend as top athletes battled it out in the Pantech Open of the Dew Tour in Ocean City. Saturday’s winner of the skate bowl was Pedro Barros, and of the BMX Park competition, Kyle Baldock. Barros, 16, proved his young talent over bowl veterans Bucky Lasek and Andy MacDonald. “I feel really good about winning. It always gets you a little more excited and a little happier,” said Barros. “Just being in the...READ MORE

Berlin Main Street Gets Accreditation

BERLIN -- For the third consecutive year, the town of Berlin has received National Trust Main Street Center (NTMSC) accreditation. “We’ve done it again,” Economic and Community Development Director Michael Day told the Mayor and Council Monday. “It keeps us in good standing with the state. It gives us a little bit more credibility with them.” Each year, even previously certified municipalities must pass a 10-point checklist that evaluates towns on everything from...READ MORE

Coast Guard Rescues PWC Operator Stranded In Bay

BERLIN -- The Coast Guard this week rescued a man adrift for several hours in the Chincoteague Bay late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning after the victim’s personal watercraft (PWC) had run out of gas. Around 8 p.m. on Tuesday, watch standers at Coast Guard Station Chincoteague received notification from the victim’s friend that Thomas Baty was overdue and possibly out of gas. Baty had gone out on his PWC in Chincoteague Bay on Tuesday when he had run out of fuel and was...READ MORE

Berlin Waives Nearly $7K In Property Tax Payments

BERLIN -- Hoping to encourage economic growth and to support the non-profit service sector, the town of Berlin granted $6,951.39 worth of tax abatements Monday. The Berlin Community Housing (BCH) and Berlin Community Improvement Association (BCIA) received a combined $2,951.39 in tax abatements from the town. According to Town Administrator Tony Carson, granting the organizations an abatement, which is when the town waives a portion or all of the property tax it should collect, has been a...READ MORE

State Board Okays $8M Conv. Center Contract

ANNAPOLIS -- The planned expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City got put back on the fast track this week when state officials approved the $8.15 million contract for the project. In what turned out to be a love fest of sorts for the resort, the state’s three-member Board of Public Works, which includes Gov. Martin O’Malley, Comptroller Peter Franchot and Treasurer Nancy Kopp, on Wednesday approved the $8.15 million contract for Whiting-Turner, a...READ MORE

Race To The Top Prep Work Underway Even In Summer

BERLIN -- Worcester County teachers at all education levels took the opportunity this July to begin preparing for new statewide Race to the Top (RTTT) standards. “We introduced them to a lot of new resources,” said Trevor Hill, an eighth grade math teacher at Stephen Decatur Middle School who also served as a “Master Teacher” for Educator Effectiveness Academies where teachers got a chance to preview the changes RTTT would bring the next school year. Ten academies were...READ MORE

Dew Tour’s Economic Impact On Resort Weighed

OCEAN CITY – The Dew Tour set record breaking attendance numbers this week, but before dismantling was complete this week some town officials openly pondered whether the event provided a true economic benefit to Ocean City. According to Demoflush, there was an estimated 321,323 people in Ocean City last weekend, representing a 7-percent increase from last year. Demoflush is an estimate only, based on the wastewater flow from Ocean City, but it’s widely acknowledged as a valuable tool...READ MORE

Community Rallies For Little League Stars

BERLIN -- After cinching the town’s first-ever state title, the Berlin Little League (BLL) All-Stars team needed to raise more than $10,000 in less than a week to finance their trip to represent Maryland at the East Regional Championship in Rhode Island next week. Thanks to overwhelming community support, team officials say the goal has been surpassed. “We’re going to make $12,000,” said Berlin Little League’s Bill Wheatley. “That is amazing in six...READ MORE

Former Crew Recall Days On Retired Ship About To Become Reef

OCEAN CITY -- After weeks of speculation on the moving target date, it now appears the sinking of a retired U.S. Navy destroyer as part of a three-state artificial reef system just 30 miles off the coast of Ocean City is set for next week, perhaps as early as Tuesday. The sinking date for the decommissioned U.S.S. Arthur W. Radford is tentatively set for Tuesday, Aug. 2 although there were still some final federal approvals to secure at week’s end. The 536-foot Radford will ultimately...READ MORE

New Dental Center Celebrated In Berlin

BERLIN -- Town, county and state representatives were all on hand last Tuesday for the ribbon cutting of the new Worcester County Dental Center (WCDC) in Berlin. The center, which is a provider for the Maryland Healthy Smiles Dental Program and Maryland’s Medicaid Dental Benefit Plan, has been supported by the Maryland Office of Oral Health. According to county officials, the goal of the center is to offer dental services for patients 20 years old and younger who otherwise might not be...READ MORE

OCPD Testing Planned

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) is conducting applicant testing for full-time and seasonal positions next week at the Ocean City Convention Center. The OCPD will conduct applicant testing next Saturday, Aug. 6, and Sunday, Aug. 7, at the Ocean City Convention Center. The tests will be for full-time and seasonal positions for 2012. Testing on Saturday will consist of a written exam, followed by a physical ability test. Applicants should wear workout clothes and must have an...READ MORE

Keith Brothers, Chef On A Roll In Fenwick

OCEAN CITY – Mio Fratello Italian Steakhouse’s homemade Italian dishes and family-friendly atmosphere is just the thing that got them up and running in hard times. Bryan and Richard Keith and Bert Parks are the owners of Mio Fratello Italian Steakhouse located on Route 54. The family-owned and -operated business has not missed a beat since its opening two years ago. Sometime before then, Parks approached the Keith brothers about opening the restaurant at the beach. It seemed to be...READ MORE

Rare 1655 Coin Discovered On Fenwick Beach

FENWICK -- A local girl with a penchant for collecting sea glass made a rare discovery last week when she uncovered a centuries-old coin dating back to 1655 in the dune on the beach in Fenwick Island. Last weekend, 9-year-old Ella Peters was combing the beach in Fenwick when she came across a rather rare find, an old coin dating back to 1655 that likely washed ashore sometime in the last 350 years or so. From a young age, Bishopville resident Ella Peters has had a fascination with beach combing...READ MORE

3rd Annual Branch Kreppel Tourney Underway

OCEAN CITY- The 3rd Annual Branch Kreppel Blue Marlin Tournament, named for a beloved local angler and diver who passed away in 2008, got underway today with the first of three fishing days that end on Sunday. As the name of the event implies, blue marlin are the target species for the tournament, which has become a precursor of sorts for the prestigious White Marlin Open two weeks later. All of the proceeds for the event will go to the late Branch Kreppel’s family with the exception of a...READ MORE

Decatur Names New Wrestling Coach

BERLIN- It should be business as usual with a couple of new twists when new Stephen Decatur High School varsity wrestling coach Todd Martinek takes over the wildly successful program this year. Martinek, an accomplished wrestler, coach and referee this week was named the new varsity coach at Decatur, taking over for popular coach Kevin Gilligan, who earlier this month announced he was resigning as the head of the growing Seahawk wrestling dynasty to take a teaching job at a public high school in...READ MORE

7th Kids’ Classic a Big Success

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club’s 7th Annual Kids’ Classic fishing tournament last weekend was a big success with hundreds of young anglers catching a wide variety of sizes and species of fish both inshore and offshore all for the benefit of the Wish-A-Fish Foundation. The annual event was open to all young anglers age 19 or younger and took place last weekend in the waters in and around the resort from the back bays to the ocean. With several categories, there were plenty of...READ MORE

Former Seahawk Competing in Worlds

BERLIN- Former Stephen Decatur wrestling standout Danny Miller, now a rising junior at the Naval Academy, will represent the U.S. at the FILA Jr. World Championships in Romania this weekend.
Miller, who won three straight state championships at Decatur, has compiled a 26-17 record in two years at Navy including a 19-11 record this year. Navy requires its varsity wrestlers to do a certain amount of off-season wrestling and Miller this year chose to compete in the 2011 FILA World Team Trials...READ MORE

Berlin All Stars Capture First-Ever State Title

BERLIN- The Berlin Little League 9-10 All Stars last week completed a remarkable run to a first-ever state championship for the program, beating South Caroline, 10-4, on Thursday to win the title and advance to the regional tournament this weekend in Rhode Island. After capturing the District 8 championship two weeks ago, the Berlin All-Stars cruised through the early rounds of the Maryland State Little League Championship Tournament in western Maryland last week, sweeping three games in...READ MORE

Favoritism Alleged

Editor: I have been quite angry and disappointed recently at a decision coming out of City Hall. Against the recommendations of the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission, the powers that be on 3rd Street designated the vacant field on 25th Street and Philadelphia Avenue as a shuttle bus stop for the Dew Tour. For two years, this property has been allowed to operate as a parking lot on all the busy holiday and special event weekends. The owners have not been required to make any of the...READ MORE

Dew Tour’s Impact Mostly About Exposure

Now that the Dew Tour has come and gone, the debate has begun on whether the action sports event actually played a significant role in local commerce or if it was simply a draw for the daytrippers who traditionally tend not to be as beneficial to the economy. This is a similar debate that revolves annually around the OC Air Show, an event held each June that is largely credited with bringing large crowds to a portion of town during the day but is not a “heads in beds” event. Surely,...READ MORE

Between The Lines

What made the Dew Tour incredibly popular last week was the accessibility of the star athletes and their apparent excitement to be in Ocean City. That’s a lasting memory for me and a major difference between professional athletes in other sports. Throughout the weekend, these athletes, particularly Maryland native Bucky Lasek and well-known two-sport star Shaun White, were spotted around the area, signing autographs and posing for pictures. This was not just at Dew Tour organized events....READ MORE

Things To Do

July 29: Holy Savior/KC Bingo Doors open 5 p.m.; games begin, 6:30 p.m.; 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Refreshments will be on sale. For more information, 410-524-7994. July 29: Democratic Night At The Ball Park Game begins at 7:05 p.m., reserved seats in the picnic pavillion. Spon-sored by the Democratic Club of Worcester County. Cost: $22,50 a person includes all-you-can-eat ball park food and soft drinks in the pavillion and game ticket. For more information or to make reservations by July 9, call...READ MORE

Best Beats

Angler, the 410-289-7424 • 2312 Talbot St. On The Bay Friday, July 29: Time Police, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, July 30 & Sunday, July 31: Lenny Burridge, 4-7 p.m. Every Sunday: Locals’ Social With DJ Deogee, 10 p.m. Burger’s Surf’s Up Cafe 410-723-2007 • 5401 Coastal Hwy. Friday, July 29: Landers & Heinz Trio, 4-7 p.m.; Lime Green Band, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday, July 30: Glenn “Honu” Mihalik, 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4: Colossal Fossil Sauce, 8...READ MORE

Adventures In Fatherhood

You can tell a lot about a kid’s personality from his shins. That’s right. Next time you are around a bunch of young kids take a peek at their legs, and chances are you are going to find a bunch of little bruises all over them. Indeed, the shins do not lie. This much I learned in short order with my boys, who are, for the most part, rough and clumsy kids who seem to have a penchant for falling down, knocking into things, falling over each other and kicking items by mistake. All of...READ MORE

Dining Out

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland Assateague crab house & Carryout Rte. 611, Assateague Island • 410-641-4330 On the way to visit the ponies of Assateague, stop by this rustic crab house. Enjoy Maryland crabs by the dozen or try the all-you-can-eat specials including snow crab legs. Their extensive menu features various appetizers, fresh fish, seafood, steaks, chicken and ribs. The kids can enjoy their own menu along with the great game room. Great for casual dining or...READ MORE

First Degree Assault Alleged

WEST OCEAN CITY -- A West Ocean City man faces first-degree assault and other charges this week after allegedly punching his girlfriend and choking her daughter with a flashlight during a dispute over loud music early last Saturday morning. Around 6:30 a.m. on July 23, Maryland State Police troopers were dispatched to residence on Keyser Point Rd. for a reported domestic disturbance. The victim told police a verbal confrontation with her boyfriend, Jeffrey M. Hedrick, 41, of West Ocean City,...READ MORE

Open Houses

WEST OCEAN CITY Bay Point Plantation Rt589/Gum Point Rd Daily 10-5 Waterfront Estate Lots in 142 Acre Preserve Kevin Decker The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 443-235-6552 BERLIN 11640 Gum Point Rd Open Daily 10-4 5850sf Waterfront Home on ¾ Acre 50’ Pier & Boat Slips Waterfront Pool Greg Steen Steen Realty, Inc 443-235-2325 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium...READ MORE

Obituaries

William R. Smith OCEAN CITY -- William R. Smith, 62, died Tuesday, July 19, 2001 at his home in Ocean City. Born in Shenandoah, Pa., he was the son of the late Isabel and Donald Smith. He is survived by his brothers, Gene and Don; sister, Joyce; two cockatiels; and his favorite dog, Shadow. Bill was a high school graduate at Shenandoah Public High School and served in the Air Force from 1969 to 1973 as an Administrative Specialist Radio Operator in Vietnam. His recent employment until his...READ MORE

Fish 'N OC

Welcome back to “Fish ‘N OC.” If you read last week’s installment, you’ll know that we talked a little bit about fishing line and the importance of choosing the right lines for the places we fish and the types of fishing that we do. Last week, we focused primarily on braided line, which may (or may not) have been familiar to most of you. This week we will talk about a subject that I am sure most all of you anglers have some hands-on experience with — that is...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A misunderstanding tests the temperament of the sometimes headstrong Aries. Instead of blowing your top, take time for a pleasant diversion while things cool down. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A workplace problem could make the divine Bovine see red. But talk it out before you consider walking out. Some surprising facts emerge that change your earlier focus. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You face a choice between ignoring your uneasy feelings about your relationship...READ MORE

Things I Like

The Borgias on Showtime Holding both my kids at the same time When the O’s were contenders The Mann in Philly Quiet Sunday nights That football is near Smell of a laundry room Bob Dylan’s Quinn the Eskimo Steak and salad for dinner Old appliances that still work A thunderstorm to end a hot...READ MORE

Ladies Ancient Order Of Hibernians Present Scholarships

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians recently presented two $1,000 scholarships to Susanne Marie Kelley and Taylor Michelle Tobak, 2011 graduates of Stephen Decatur High School. In the fall, Kelley will attend Wor-Wic Community College and Tobak will be attending York College. Pictured, from left, are Club President Mary Wheeler, Kelley, Tobak and Scholarship Committee members Joanne Kirby and Betty Jane Ertel. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Bank Of Ocean City Opens Students Safe Deposit Box

In 2001, the Bank of Ocean City asked local second graders, “What will the world look like in 2011?”  The students were asked to write essays on the subject, and they were locked in a safe deposit box for 10 years.  The bank placed $1,000 in an account which collected interest of $399.61. Another $1,000 would be matched once the time capsule was opened. The rules of the contest required the winner, at time of opening, to be a resident of Worcester, Wicomico or Sussex...READ MORE

OC/Berlin Rotary Club President Welcomes USAF Major David Bickerstaff

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club President Arlan Kinney, left, and Immediate Past President Tom Bickerstaff welcome Bickerstaff’s son USAF Major David Bickerstaff, center, to the weekly club meeting at the Captain’s Table Restaurant in the Courtyard by Marriott. ...READ MORE

Star Charities President Presents $1,200 Check

Star Charities President Anna Foultz presents a check for $1,200 to Diakonia Executive Director Claudia Nagel, The money was raised through a "Western Night" charity fundraiser held at Ocean Downs. Also pictured are Lou Ann Trummel, Susan Blaney, Irmgard Heinecke, Delores Koch and Teddi Razzano.  ...READ MORE

Kiwanis Club Of OC-OP Purchase $100 Raffle Ticket

The Kiwanis Club of Ocean City-Ocean Pines recently purchased a $100 tickets in the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s House Raffle. If Kiwanis would happen to win, the value of the house could translate into a lot of funds for the Kiwanis Foundation Scholarship Fund.  Pictured is OPVFD President Steve Rosen accepts the entry from Kiwanis President Roy Foreman.  ...READ MORE

New Director Named

BERLIN -- Tara Frankel Becker, a 1991 graduate of Worcester Preparatory School, has been appointed Director of Admissions for her alma mater. Besides her work with admissions, she will work with Worcester alumni. Becker spent her early career in state government as a Policy Analyst for State Treasurer Jack Markell, now governor. In that position, she was instrumental in developing the Delaware Money School and Delaware Financial Literacy Institute, which promotes financial education. Recently...READ MORE