Articles

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Six Families Displaced By Fire; Fundraising Effort Launched

OCEAN CITY -- With no casualties and only one minor injury to a firefighter, Wednesday evening’s massive blaze that consumed the top floor of a midtown Ocean City condominium building could have been much worse but it has left many picking up the pieces. Shortly before 6 p.m. on Wednesday, the Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) received a call about a residential fire at the Bradley on the Bay complex at 37th Street. First arriving units encountered heavy fire and thick black smoke...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Council Reverses Course, Extends Ad Agency Contract

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council had a change in heart in its decision to shop around for an advertising agency this week, deciding instead to extend the incumbent’s contract while the city embarks on a strategic planning initiative. Tourism Advisory Board (TAB) Chair Greg Shockley gave the Mayor and City Council an update on upcoming events during the fall season this week and upon conclusion made a request for the council to reconsider the town’s contract with MGH,...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Wal-Mart Evacuation Due To Bomb Threat

BERLIN -- The Wal-Mart on Route 50 near Berlin was evacuated last night when local law enforcement agencies responded to a reported bomb threat at the store. Around 7 p.m. on Monday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to the Wal-Mart on Route 50 for a reported bomb threat. Officers immediately evacuated the store with assistance from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the Ocean City Police Department and the Berlin Police Department. Explosive-sniffing K-9 dogs from the Worcester...READ MORE

Local Title I Schools Honored

SNOW HILL -- Three Worcester County elementary schools received special recognition this week as “Reward Schools” from the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). Buckingham, Pocomoke, and Snow Hill Elementary schools (BES, PES, SHES) joined 27 other schools across Maryland in being honored this week as Title I reward schools. To qualify as Title I, a school must be both “high poverty and high performance”, according to Worcester County Assistant Superintendent for...READ MORE

Resort Councilmen Question Citizen Group’s Goals, Intentions

OCEAN CITY – A spokesperson for a local citizens group came under fire this week amid charges the non-profit organization is showing favoritism toward certain candidates in this year’s elections. At the conclusion of this week’s Mayor and City Council, Councilman Joe Hall called Joe Groves, spokesperson for Citizens For Ocean City, to the front of the room to “answer some questions.” Citizens For Ocean City was formed after several actions by the new council...READ MORE

Pilot Parking Program Considered For Salisbury

SALISBURY -- During a broader discussion on parking issues on Monday, Salisbury officials proposed a potential pilot program that would eliminate some parking meters in the interest of jumpstarting a stagnant retail sector in the downtown area. The Salisbury Council on Monday had an informal discussion on parking issues in the city that included safety issues for employees forced to park far from their workplaces. Out of that discussion was borne an idea to relax the amount of paid parking...READ MORE

Students Help ‘Wounded Warrior’ Program

SNOW HILL -- For the first time ever, Pocomoke High School (PHS) participated in a “Wounded Warrior” fundraising event, bringing in $1,375. Officials at the school said they were happy with the results and expect the project to continue in the years to come. “We were very pleased with the amount that we raised,” said Principal Annette Wallace. With just over 300 students, PHS is much smaller than some other county high schools, which meant that raising the nearly $1,400...READ MORE

Wicomico Tackles Quick Fixes With Dog Laws, Vows More Ahead

SALISBURY – The Wicomico County Council made its way through a list of issues regarding the county’s dog ordinance this week, including a few quick fixes and vowing there is more to come in the near future. During a work session Tuesday, Assistant County Attorney Maureen Lanigan presented the County Council with a list of issues involved with the county’s dog ordinance and looked to clarify the law. “Most of the issues have been with things that come up in front of the...READ MORE

Local Robotics Team Impresses In Competition

SNOW HILL -- Only in its second year, an impressive performance at a tournament across the bridge helped cement the Worcester County Robotics Team’s reputation as a breakout program this month. “They’re really trying their hardest,” said Michelle Kosin, coach of the team and a science teacher at Snow Hill High School (SHHS). The Worcester “Beach Bots” and their alliance of two other teams reached the finals in the Sept. 15 Battle O’ Baltimore robotics...READ MORE

Fatal Balcony Fall In OC Investigated

OCEAN CITY -- Police are investigating an apparent balcony fall on North Canal Street on the bayside in the area of 36th Street that resulted in the death of an unidentified adult female. Around 3 a.m. on Tuesday, Ocean City Police responded to a 911 call for help at a condominium building on North Canal Street in reference to an individual who had apparently fallen from a third-floor balcony. Officers arrived and located the deceased body of an adult female lying on the ground on the west, or...READ MORE

Annual Bike Week Events Bring Crowds To Shore

OCEAN CITY – The weather pulled through for bikers last weekend with BikeFest recording its best attendance yet and Delmarva Bike Week having its best turnout in years. Last year was BikeFest’s first time in Ocean City. The event took place on the heels of a tornado and worked its way through a weekend of rain. In first introducing the event to Ocean City, event organizer Cliff Sutherland set a goal of 20,000 attendees but fell short with just 14,000, due to weather. Despite getting...READ MORE

Salisbury Police Pay Hikes Advance; Others To Be Discussed

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury City Council moved ahead this week with an across-the-board salary increase for all members of its police force and laid the groundwork for a possible pay hike for employees in other departments. In an effort to keep Salisbury competitive with law enforcement agencies in other jurisdictions in the area in terms of recruiting and retaining officers, Police Chief Barbara Duncan earlier this month asked the council to consider a budget amendment that would provide a...READ MORE

OC Rally Features Voter Drive, Demand For Change

OCEAN CITY – A voter rally was held this week and, judging by the mood in the room, there is support for a new majority on the City Council with a strong message shared on the importance of registering to vote. On Tuesday evening, the Citizens For Ocean City held a rally at Seacrets for election candidates and citizens to come together to network and share the message in the importance to “get out and vote.” About 100 people turned out for the event and were welcomed with the...READ MORE

Rox Hoping Third Time’s A Charm For Council Run

OCEAN CITY – City Council candidate Sean Rox is looking to enhance Ocean City with a cleaner economy and enhanced sustainable energy. Rox, 39, has made smoke-free beaches his top priority in this year’s municipal election. He walks the Ocean City beach daily during the peak season and noticed that cigarette litter is trending in the wrong direction and believes a smoking ban would reduce second-hand smoke, protect the environment and increase family tourism....READ MORE

Agency Offers Back-To-School Transition Help

BERLIN -- For most kids, going back to school after summer vacation can be tough. For those with learning disabilities, anxiety or a host of other common adolescent problems, the experience can be downright intimidating, which is why Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) has staff members like Dr. Jen Leggore on hand to help ease that transition for families. “This is typically a really busy time of the year … I got a lot of phone calls prior to school...READ MORE

Apple Drugs Begins Program Offering Students Free Vitamins

FRUITLAND – Apple Discount Drugs, a locally owned and operated pharmacy, has announced the kick-off of a free vitamins program for students in Wicomico and Worcester counties. The program was developed to help keep kids healthy and in school. Wicomico and Worcester County School District officials have partnered with the pharmacy to make parents with students in prekindergarten through the sixth grade aware of the free vitamins program. “The free vitamins program is a win-win for our...READ MORE

Official Finds Inaccuracies In Employee’s Allegations

OCEAN CITY -- A resort elected official addressed this week what he believes are employees’ misconceptions about current and past government affairs. Last week, The Dispatch published an interview with Parks employee Greg DeMarco, who alleged it was the council majority’s actions over the last two years that caused the city’s general employees to seek the protection of a union in this fall’s election. After DeMarco and other employees made their organization efforts...READ MORE

OC Police Chief In Running For Fla. Post

OCEAN CITY -- The resort’s police chief was named Friday one of the five finalists for the top cop job in Sarasota, Fla. On the short list, released by Sarasota City Manager Tom Barwin, were Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino, Oak Forest, Ill. Chief Gregory J. Anderson, former Tampa, Fla. Major/Division Commander Salvatore Ruggiero and Richmond, Va. Deputy Chief of Police Tonya D. Vincent. DiPino, who has been chief since 2003, said Friday afternoon she alerted the Mayor and Council...READ MORE

Report Summarizes Offshore Wind Movement In Md.

ANNAPOLIS -- With the clock ticking on the expiration of several key federal tax incentives for the development of offshore wind energy off the Atlantic Coast including a proposal in Maryland, a coalition of stakeholders, environmental groups and lawmakers rallied in Annapolis last week to release a new report outlining how far the effort has come thus far and how far it still has to go. Called “The Turning Point for Atlantic Offshore Wind Energy,” the report released last Thursday...READ MORE

SU Student Interning With OC’s Ping-Pong Summer

SALISBURY -- Salisbury University junior communication arts major Kristen Wolfe is about to have a really exciting summer … in the fall. The Raleigh, NC, resident, formerly of New Windsor, NY, is an intern for the production office of the new independent film Ping Pong Summer, scheduled to begin filming this month in Ocean City. Starring Susan Sarandon and Amy Sedaris, the movie follows a ping pong-obsessed teenager during a life-changing family vacation at the popular beach resort town in...READ MORE

Adopt-A-School Benefit Tix On Sale

BERLIN -- Junior Achievement (JA) of Worcester County will be hosting its annual Adopt-A-School Dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 9 at the Ocean City Marlin Club in West Ocean City. The event includes a casual cocktail hour, sit-down dinner, recognition of honored guests and both live and silent auction items donated by various business owners all over Worcester County. “A little over $200,000 would ensure every child, K-12, in Worcester County an opportunity to JA’s hands on programs....READ MORE

Strategic Plan For County Schools In Early Stages

SNOW HILL -- As part of an ongoing plan to understand the status of public schools in Worcester County and use that knowledge to better develop a strategic plan, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry Wilson shared information he has gathered over the summer from the community with the Board of Education this week. The “entry results” were collected by Wilson through a series of more than 50 interviews with parents, teachers, staff and other community leaders. Wilson, who replaced...READ MORE

Sunfest Kite Fest Eyes 35th Year

OCEAN CITY -- Residents and visitors alike are invited to head to the beach and see the skyline of Ocean City explode with color at this weekend’s Sunfest Kite Festival. Held through Sunday on the famous downtown boardwalk, the Sunfest Kite Festival is celebrating its 35th year. This world-class event is recognized as one of the top 100 most popular venues on the planet. All are welcome to witness and participate in general kite flying, kite flying games, Bol races, candy drops, sport kite...READ MORE

Skateboarding On Boardwalk Soon Will Be Allowed

OCEAN CITY – In just a couple of weeks, the Mayor and City Council will vote to pass an emergency ordinance to allow skateboarding on the Boardwalk. At the conclusion of Monday’s Mayor and City Council meeting, Councilman Doug Cymek brought up the topic of legalizing skateboarding on the Boardwalk in Ocean City that hadn’t been publically spoken of by city officials in a couple of months. The idea to legalize skateboarding came up in July when a brief ban took place on the use...READ MORE

County To Post Speed Limit Signs After Hearing Concerns

SNOW HILL -- A letter from a concerned resident prompted the Worcester County Commissioners this week to post speed limit signs at two previously non-posted roads. Dated Aug. 6, the letter is from county resident Patricia Bennett and details a series of traffic issues that she and her family have experienced along St. Martin’s Road as well as concerns she has with nearby Carey Road. “We are requesting a speed limit sign of 25 mph be put at the end of St. Martin’s Road coming...READ MORE

Correction To Last Week’s DLC Story

In last week’s story about a federal lawsuit filed on behalf of three Worcester County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) over alleged wage discrimination in violation of the Equal Pay Act, it was incorrectly reported the alleged violations occurred both prior to and after the county took over the old Liquor Control Board (LCB), which was officially disbanded on July 1, 2011 and replaced with the new county-run system. The alleged violations occurred during a period from April 2010 to July...READ MORE

Council Green Lights Off-Season Carriage Rides

OCEAN CITY – Horse and carriage rides are in the clear to be provided downtown during the off-season.Public Works Director Hal Adkins updated the Mayor and City Council on the proposed horse and carriage rides on the Boardwalk that was brought up back in May by Randy Davis of R and B Ranch located in Salisbury.At that time, the council voiced several concerns and Adkins and Davis returned this week with responses.Davis has proposed to provide horse and carriage rides downtown during the...READ MORE

Salisbury Sweetens Safety Shoe Policies

SALISBURY -- Salisbury officials this week relaxed the rules on safety shoes for employees by doubling the annual reimbursement amount under certain conditions and offering them more choices for replacements. Salisbury Public Works Director Teresa Gardner came before the City Council on Monday to request a change in the town’s policy regarding safety shoes for certain employees whose jobs require specific safety footwear. Gardner told the council many employees in the various divisions...READ MORE

Deputy Aids Woman Being Held Against Will

WEST OCEAN CITY -- A California man was arrested on assault and false imprisonment charges last weekend after allegedly beating his girlfriend and holding her against her will for hours at the Park-and-Ride in West Ocean City. Around 12:30 a.m. last Saturday, a Worcester County Sheriff’s deputy was patrolling in the Park-and-Ride facility in West Ocean City and observed a black Ford Explorer parked alone in the center of the facility. Upon closer inspection, the deputy observed the knee of...READ MORE

20th Annual Fiddlers Convention Kicks Off Tonight

BERLIN -- Bluegrass musicians from across the country will vie for thousands in cash prizes in Adult and Youth Fiddle, Banjo, Guitar, Mandolin and Bluegrass Band competitions at the 20th Annual Berlin Fiddlers Convention, Sept. 21-23. Hosted by the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, this event draws has brought thousands to the area for free, live bluegrass music, and with this year marking the 20th anniversary of this popular event, the crowds promise to be even bigger. 
The fun starts Friday...READ MORE

Salisbury Seeking State Help With Arts Community

SALISBURY – An application has been submitted by Salisbury to the state to receive financing help for an affordable arts community to be built in the downtown area. Last week the Salisbury City Council was presented with a resolution to support the development of River’s Edge Apartments and Studio for the Arts on Fitzwater Street to be financed directly by the State of Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. The resolution came before the council following a work...READ MORE

Ocean City To Being Using Automated Information Service

OCEAN CITY -- In an effort to keep citizens better informed, the Town of Ocean City is providing a new service, known as GovDelivery, to disseminate timely, accurate and essential information. Used by over 450 government agencies, GovDelivery is an automated system that uses email, text messaging, RSS and social media to notify citizens about specific topics of interest. “GovDelivery will dramatically increase the number of people that the Town of Ocean City can reach directly,” said...READ MORE

PRMC To Hold Drive-Thru Flu Clinic Next Month

SALISBURY -- Influenza sends more than 200,000 people to the hospital every year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But simple, preventative steps can help lower the risk of catching the virus, which can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications in many people. The first step is getting vaccinated annually. It’s especially important for people at high risk of complications. That includes people with medical conditions such as...READ MORE

J-Turns Offered As 113 Intersection Solutions

SNOW HILL -- Though not the full-measure some Worcester County Commissioners desired, the State Highway Administration’s (SHA) decision to install J-turns at two troubled US 113 intersections is expected to reduce accidents. “It’s probably something that should have been built into 113 originally,” said SHA District 1 Engineer Donnie Drewer. The intersections of Routes 113 and 365 and Routes 113 and 12 are expected to have the turns installed in 2013 with bidding and...READ MORE

Restaurateurs’ Focus On Best Of Farm, Ocean

OCEAN CITY – As summer turns to fall, and corn turns to gourds, Just Hooked turns its menu to take on the new seasons fresh ingredients. Owners Steve Hagen and Kevin Frey started Indian River Seafood Company in 2010 and opened their first restaurant, Off The Hook, on June 20 of that year in Bethany Beach. One year later, the company opened its second restaurant, Just Hooked, in Fenwick Island. Both locations take pride in their menu bringing the farm and ocean directly to the table. Hagen...READ MORE

Resort Retailers Partner For First Fashion Night Out

OCEAN CITY – Hundreds of locals came out for the first Fashion Night Out in Ocean City hosted by South Moon Under earlier this month. Fashion Night Out (FNO) is an unprecedented global initiative originally created in 2009 in New York City to celebrate fashion, restore consumer confidence and boost the industry’s economy during the recession. In response to overwhelming demand, FNO returned to New York City and cities across the country to highlight fashion and support retail with...READ MORE

New Business Tour Starts In OC

OCEAN CITY -- The Pitch Across Maryland tour, a statewide event to provide guidance and access to resources to potential entrepreneurs looking to start new businesses, kicked off last week with a first stop in Ocean City. Startup Maryland last week launched its Pitch Across Maryland tour with the first stop on a two-week plus trip across the state. At each stop, Startup Maryland is holding rallies, sharing information about the vast resources available to young entrepreneurs in the state and...READ MORE

Ex-City Manager Looking For Progress In Election Bid

OCEAN CITY – Former City Manager Dennis Dare filed to run for City Council on Monday morning, taking the opportunity to look back on the improvements he has helped make in Ocean City over the last 30 years and what he intends to accomplish into the future as a councilman. As Dare walked out of the front entrance of City Hall after filling out the council paperwork, Dare was overwhelmed by the amount of supporters who greeted him, including council members Doug Cymek and Mary Knight, who...READ MORE