Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – A taxi owner’s request to increase the 10th of a mile rate was denied this week but the industry was given the right to add a $1 surcharge once gas prices hit $4 a gallon.
Kevin Lyons, owner of Community Cab, requested an increase in taxi cab base fare rates and a change in the taxi indicator roof light to an advertising carrier.
“There is a consensus among a lot of the owners and drivers that fuel is becoming a real major concern for us, and we were respectfully...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- While the jury is still out on the long-term future of horseback riding on the beach in Ocean City, the first attempt on Wednesday morning was clearly a success.
After considerable debate, the Ocean City Mayor and Council last week approved in a 4-3 vote horseback riding on the beach on a limited basis as a means of attracting more visitors to the resort in the off-season. On Wednesday, the first small group of riders took advantage of the new opportunity on a picture-perfect...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – City Council chambers at City Hall was packed last night as a group, General Employees for Organization, surfaced to express their grievances with the City Council and their intent to be granted collective bargaining.
Ocean City Public Works employee James Moxley, who works in the maintenance division, spoke on behalf of the General Employees for Organization on Tuesday evening.
Moxley said the general employees are requesting City Council amend the town charter to recognize...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- With many of the town’s special events and promotions naturally centered in the downtown area with its Boardwalk and Inlet, a new private sector alliance is hoping to ensure the often-overlooked north end is getting its fair share in terms of marketing and promotion.
With a wealth of resources, including the centerpiece Northside Park, abundant parking, accessible beaches and generally easier traffic access, the north end of Ocean City has much to offer in terms of special...
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Published February 17, 2012
SALISBURY -- Hoping to alleviate funeral costs and spread awareness about an often misunderstood medical condition, a charity event will be held this Sunday in honor of Nevaeh Danaé Bishop.
Diagnosed with Benign Rolandic epilepsy last year, Bishop passed away in January, leaving friends and family stunned and devastated.
“They said it wasn’t anything to worry about,” said Natassia Marie Feather, Bishop’s mother, of the Rolandic epilepsy.
Amber Bedell, a friend of the...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- An effort this morning to recover and salvage a Coast Guard beacon tower swept off the end of the Inlet’s north jetty during Hurricane Irene last September proved fruitless after divers could not locate the 20-foot tall, 11-ton structure in the surf.
It was unknown what became of the old Inlet jetty beacon after it was washed away during Hurricane Irene late last summer and its fate is less certain this week after an attempt to locate it and drag it from the ocean early...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- A Berlin man was killed in a two-vehicle accident on Route 50 in Easton last Friday morning but his wife and 8-year-old son, who were passengers in the vehicle, were released from hospitals this week.
Around 10:40 a.m. last Friday, a 2006 Ford F-150 pickup truck heading east on Route 50 in Easton crossed the highway’s grassy median and collided with a Toyota Camry driven by Kevin James Hall, 42.
Hall was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, Ginger Massey Hall, 37, was...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- Motorists who frequently utilize the Harry Kelley Bridge can expect intermittent temporary closures over the next few months as State Highway Administration (SHA) crews perform inspections and maintenance.
With a project that got underway yesterday, SHA officials are predicting multiple 10-minute openings each day over the next three weeks while crews perform the biennial inspection and maintenance. The inspection will consist of a thorough review of the bridge’s mechanical,...
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Published February 17, 2012
SALISBURY – The city’s towing ordinance was not put to rest this week without a fight as tempers flared when a last-minute change was suggested.
After two years of refining a towing ordinance concerning police tows, or calls for a tow service by the police department, the City Council voted unanimously to pass the law defining a schedule of fees and charges applicable to vehicles towed as dispatched by the police department.
The maximum towing and storage fees are $160 for an...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City added another feather to its cap last week when the resort topped a list of America’s most affordable and fun cities by Better Homes and Gardens Lifestyle.
Using criteria based on nightlife, dining, recreational opportunities and other amenities, coupled with the median home price, Better Homes and Gardens ranked the most fun and most affordable cities in the country and Ocean City came in on top of the list. The resort was recognized as a popular destination for...
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Published February 17, 2012
SALISBURY -- Allegiant yesterday inaugurated nonstop flights between Salisbury and Orlando, Fla. via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB).
The company will offer fares as low as $69.99 one way between the two cities, as well as offer travelers a fourth night free when they book their Orlando stay at Serlago Hotel and Suites or Best Western Orlando Gateway.
“We are pleased to extend the Allegiant brand of low-cost travel services to Salisbury and Delmarva Peninsula residents,”...
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Published February 17, 2012
SNOW HILL -- A Stockton man, arrested last Halloween after an hours-long armed standoff with police that paralyzed a vast section of the downtown area, was found guilty this week in Circuit Court of possession of a shotgun in the commission of a felony and drug charges and was sentenced to five years in jail.
On Oct. 31, 2011, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) received information from the Maryland State Police that a wanted individual who was possibly armed may be heading to Ocean City or...
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Published February 17, 2012
SALISBURY -- The annual Pork in the Park Barbeque Festival, sponsored each year by Wicomico County Recreation, Parks and Tourism, has been selected to launch a major national barbeque competition, officials announced this week.
The Pork in the Park Festival was chosen by Smithfield Foods to host a new national barbeque competition, the Smithfield Rib Shootout. To launch its new barbeque competition, Smithfield approached the Kansas City Barbeque Society and requested the top festivals in their...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- State officials this week announced another landmark in Maryland’s ongoing efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay’s native oyster population after the latest survey showed the highest survival rate in nearly three decades.
Governor Martin O’Malley this week released the results of Maryland’s 2011 Fall Oyster Survey show the highest survival rate for oysters since 1985. The 92 percent survival rate, or the percentage of oysters found alive in a sample,...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) had a number of items scheduled during this week’s Mayor and City Council meeting including the release of the department’s year-end report.
“We saw a decrease of 8.9 percent in serious crime, which is a very good number,” OCPD Chief Bernadette DiPino reported. “The men and woman of the OCPD worked hard in 2011 to keep the residents and visitors safe, and I commend them and our community partners for this...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council approved this week a list of requests to upgrade or replace Information Technology (IT) equipment, as well as Eagles Landing’s irrigation pump station.
Golf Course Upgrade Planned
Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster explained that the Eagle’s Landing irrigation pump station and narrow band radio system are in need of immediate replacement.
The project has direct costs of $195,000 and a potential debt issuing cost of $5,000. The...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- The Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) this week announced the finalists for its annual awards gala later this spring and once again the resort area is well represented with nominees in several categories.
Ocean City’s restaurant community has brought home more than its share of the annual RAM awards in recent years and will have ample opportunity to add to the growing list this year. RAM’s annual industry awards recognize establishments across Maryland for...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- Many resort business owners can breathe a collective sigh of relief this week as the unsettled foreign student labor situation has now stabilized.
Earlier this month, federal sanctions against the Council for Educational Travel USA (CETUSA), borne out of a controversy in Pennsylvania last summer, caused quite a stir in the resort business community reliant on the 1,000-plus foreign students the organization brings to Ocean City each summer.
CETUSA has maintained an office in Ocean...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- Junior Achievement (JA) held its first ever Adopt A School Dinner last October at the Marlin Club in West Ocean City. The committee that put on the event, had envisioned an event to raise the necessary funding and bring community awareness for JA Programs. Not only was that vision met, it far exceeded the committee’s goal, raising almost $30,000 for programs.
Classes were held at Stephen Decatur High School where students participated in JA’s “Careers with a...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – The topic of “free gas” has returned as discussions turn toward ways to encourage visitors to come to Ocean City with gas prices predicted to rise once again.
During discussions with tourism partners this week, Councilman Brent Ashley re-visited a concept to offer a gas promotion this summer to encourage visitors to Ocean City despite raising gas prices.
Last year Ashley introduced the concept, which was eventually rejected due to reasoning that it would create a...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – The process to create a list of capital improvement projects to be included in an ordinance for a bond sale in April began this week.
The list of previously approved projects and their total issuance cost are the reconstruction of the Boardwalk at $6,120,000; the new Art League of Ocean City building at $612,000; the Caroline Street Comfort Station at $1,020,000; the Caine Woods Pump Station, Old Landing Pump Station, and 28th Street Pump Station, all at $918,000 each; the...
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Published February 17, 2012
SNOW HILL -- After a string of hearings for alcohol sales to undercover police cadets resulted in only reprimands, an Ocean City 7-Eleven owner was agitated this week when he got hit with a heavy fine and suspension.
Three Article 2B (alcohol sale to minor) violations came before the Board of License Commissioners (BLC) Wednesday, including two from separate 7-Eleven convenience stores located in Ocean City.
Of those, Brian Edgar, owner of the 7-Eleven on 26th Street, received the only fine -- a...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- In the midst of a major fundraising effort for a new facility in Berlin, the Coastal Hospice at the Ocean residence project is hoping for a fiscal shot in the arm from the state.
Coastal Hospice, which provides care, peace and dignity for the seriously or terminally ill, is embarking on a major capital project to build a new Coastal Hospice at the Ocean residence on Broad Street in Berlin. The estimated $5 million project will provide services for about 50-75 patients each day, many of...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- With a positive report from electric consultant Dwight Davis in hand, the Berlin Mayor and Council decided to continue pursuit of lowering non-residential energy rates in town. If accepted, commercial rates should fall closer in line to residential rates, which experienced a roughly 12-percent drop this fall.
To lower non-residential rates, the council will need to take its case in front of the Public Service Commission (PSC). The commission has the final authorization on whether...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- With equivalent dwelling units (EDUs) secured this week, a new combination retail and residential building got a little bit closer to hitting Berlin.
The Renaissance Plaza, which will be located on North Main Street, requested three EDUs from the town this week to handle its water and sewer needs.
The EDUs will be allocated for the top floor of the building, which is set to contain six, one-bedroom apartments.
A fourth EDU which already exists for the site will be for the bottom floor,...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- After a successful nine months, the Berlin Mayor and Council agreed Monday to extend their partnership with Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) for about another year and a half.
“I definitely think they’ve become an important asset to our community,” said Mayor Gee Williams.
The partnership between the town and WYFCS officially began last spring when Berlin contracted the group to provide a free summer camp for area youth. The contract also...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- There could be a series of changes to the rules of building in Berlin in the near future, including altered height limitation and new architectural guidelines.
The Berlin Planning Commission participated in a discussion last Wednesday with Bob Purcell, a contractor and representative of Beachwood Homes. Purcell made the suggestion that the 30-foot height limit on houses built in R-1 and R-2 residential districts should be expanded to at least 35 feet or possibly 40 feet.
According to...
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Published February 17, 2012
SALISBURY -- A Salisbury man was arrested on numerous charges this week after allegedly attempting three armed robberies at local businesses within the span of about 11 minutes on Monday night.
At 8:02 p.m. on Monday, Salisbury Police responded to the Shell Gas Station on Snow Hill Rd. in Salisbury for an attempted armed robbery. Officers learned the suspect had entered the store and demanded an employee give him money from the cash register.
When the employee told the suspect, later identified...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Police Department’s narcotics unit, in collaboration with allied agencies, late last month concluded a two-year drug distribution investigation utilizing an undercover officer posing as a taxi cab driver and owner with the grand jury indictments of 34 local residents on 91 charges.
Last week, the OCPD announced cursory information about Operation Sand Dollar, a two-year undercover operation targeting drug trafficking in the resort area during which an...
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Published February 17, 2012
BERLIN -- Things may be looking blue in Berlin from streetlight conversion, as town officials are currently replacing the former yellow bulbs with a more modern style.
Beginning several weeks ago, replacement bulbs for streetlights started slowly spreading across town, with many sections of Berlin partially or entirely retrofitted already.
“They’re maintenance free for 10 years,” said Line Operations Superintendent Augie Weinhold of the new lights. “We shouldn’t...
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Published February 17, 2012
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND -- Recent solar installations at Assateague Island are a part of a nationwide campaign to reduce carbon footprints from parks, according to Park Ranger Chuck Zimmerman.
Two solar arrays, generating a combined 29 kilowatts (kw) of energy, have been built at the Assateague Island National Seashore North Beach Parking lot.
The larger array, which measures 175 feet long and 10 feet tall, is capable of producing 22 kw and will be used to provide power to the new ranger station and...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- With the foreclosure crisis not showing any real signs of abating, many renters in the resort area and across Maryland have found themselves literally left out in the cold, but a bill introduced in the General Assembly could afford protections for tenants caught up in the predicament.
Sen. Jim Mathias (D-38), who represents Worcester County and the Lower Shore, introduced legislation this month that, if approved, would create some protections for renters caught up in the...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- The 29th Annual Seaside Boat Show, hosted by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimists, returns this weekend, once again providing a harbinger for spring and a jump-start to the season.
For the last 28 years, the annual boat show has helped mark a turning point in the winter season for visitors to the resort and its hearty year-round residents and this year should be no different. Coupled with the three-day President’s Day weekend, the boat show is a jumping off point for many...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – Ocean City puts on the green at the 31sth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival, which marches in Ocean City on Saturday, March 17.
Sponsored by the Delmarva Irish-American Club, this Ocean City tradition has grown to become Maryland’s second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade and the weekend has become a seasonal kick-off for many local businesses.
Ocean City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade includes pipe and drum bands, including the Chesapeake...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – A weekly laser light and fireworks show will hit the sky downtown this summer as a new series of free events was approved this week.
The Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) presented an update to the Mayor and City Council on its recent meetings where ideas were worked out to bring new events as well as expand existing events with the funds allocated by the town.
TAB Chair Melanie Pursel requested that a summer family entertainment series be approved and funded partially with the...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – As “Death by Chocolate” approaches this weekend, players of the game are warned to eat chocolate responsibly.
The 5th Annual “Death by Chocolate” event takes place this Sunday, Feb. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The owners of CraZy LadyZ in West Ocean City, Jan Patterson-Hohman and Louise Reardon, created the event to promote local businesses during the off season.
“Death by Chocolate” is free and open to the public. Contestants pick up a game...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City landmark will be resurrecting an old tradition this summer when ownership adds a second restaurant to the property.
The Embers Restaurant on 24th Street and Coastal Highway will be expanding its offerings this summer when it adds the Blu Crab House and Raw Bar to its location.
“We’ve always wanted to do blue crabs,” said The Embers Vice President Cole Taustin during an interview this week.
Taustin’s family has owned The Embers since it first...
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Published February 17, 2012
SALISBURY -- Baltimore Ravens royalty came to Prince Street Elementary last week when Michael Oher visited the area.
Last month Jason Miller, assistant principal at Prince Street Elementary School (PSES), announced that Oher would stop by in February for a student and staff book signing, as well as a public meet and greet. Students at PSES read Oher’s book, “I Beat the Odds: From Homelessness to the Blind Side and Beyond,” earlier this year and last Friday he spoke about the...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) last week acquired the latest piece in its proposed “model block” puzzle when the City Council approved the purchase of a property on Dorchester Street.
The council on Monday approved the purchase of the two-story apartment building at 105 Dorchester Street for $410,000. Funding for the purchase was provided from revenue derived from the Inlet parking lot and continues the resort’s effort to purchase property in...
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Published February 17, 2012
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BERLIN -- Members, parents and leaders from the Worcester County’s 4-H Clubs and honored guests gathered recently at the Show Hill Lions Community Center in Snow Hill for the Annual Achievement Program. The occasion is an opportunity to recognize 4-H members, clubs and leaders for their accomplishments during the 2011 4-H year.
The 4-H Clubs represented in 2011 included Arrowheads, Barn Buddies, Clovers on the Shore, Explorers the Shore, Friend Finders, Go Greener’s, Little Eagles,...
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Published February 17, 2012
SNOW HILL -- The 5th Annual Snow Hill Blues Jam is set for Friday, April 20.
The sell-out event offers the best in regional entertainment with Slim De Nunn & the Highrollers headlining this year. The opening act will be the Snow Hill All-Stars featuring Burley Strand. Once again Tom Mason will sell barbecue and the Snow Hill Chamber will sell beer, wine and sodas. Doors open at 6:30 and the show closes with a jam session at 11.
Funds raised from the event’s silent auction will be used...
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Published February 17, 2012
OCEAN CITY – Atlantic General Hospital (AGH) was recognized this month for its patient-centered medical home programs that currently benefit patients in many ways as well as attempt to lower medical costs in the future.
During a meeting with The Dispatch on Monday, AGH announced that two of its primary care physician practices, Townsend Medical Center and Berlin Primary Care, have received Level 1+ Recognition from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) for their...
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