April 6, 2007

West OC Cabbie Robber Convicted

SNOW HILL - A local man arrested in November for holding up a resort cab driver at knife point in the parking lot of a West Ocean City bar pleaded guilty this week to armed robbery and now faces up to 20 years in jail pending the outcome of the pre-sentence investigation. Franklin Paul Adams, 48, of no fixed address, was arrested in November in a West Ocean City motel after Maryland State Troopers identified him as the suspect in the robbery of a Classic Taxi cab driver. Adams...READ MORE

Resort Moves Ahead With CO Mandate As State Bill Dies

OCEAN CITY - Although a bill looking to mandate the use of carbon monoxide detectors in certain single-family and multi-family homes across the state died last week after it moved to the Senate and received an unfavorable report by the Education Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, a similar piece of legislation for the town of Ocean City continues to move forward with it being approved on its first formal reading at the Mayor and City Council's regular meeting this week. It was...READ MORE

OCPD Probe Leads To Drug Bust

OCEAN CITY - Surveillance conducted by members of the Ocean City Police Department's Narcotics Unit led to the arrest of a suspected drug dealer Friday night as well as the confiscation of a large amount of crack and powder cocaine that has an estimated street value of $3,500. According to police records, members of the OCPD Narcotics unit began conducting their surveillance at the Crystal Beach Hotel, located on Baltimore Avenue, last Friday at approximately 8:30 p.m. The purpose of...READ MORE

OC Beach Patrol Anything But A "Just Add Water" Operation

BERLIN - If you last visited the beach sometime before Sunfest weekend last year and plan on returning for Memorial Day this year, it would be no surprise to see the same lifeguard stands on the beach, each manned by a surf rescue technician (lifeguard) wearing the familiar red uniform of the Ocean City Beach Patrol. But, you would probably be surprised to see one of those stands passing through Pennsylvania or Western Maryland in the back of a beach patrol vehicle full of rescue...READ MORE

Commissioners Get First Look At School Budget

SNOW HILL - The Board of Education has asked for a $7 million increase in the Worcester County schools budget for fiscal year 2008. The $87,306,346 requested budget is 9.6 percent higher than the approved FY 2007 budget. The increase comes mainly from salary and operational costs, said Worcester County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes. School Board President Gary Mumford, presenting the budget to the County Commissioners, said the school system must constantly rise to meet new...READ MORE

Slots Not An Issue This Year

ANNAPOLIS - With much of the focus of the General Assembly this year focused on major issues such as the smoking ban, improved health care, stronger sex offender laws and others, the effort to approve slots in Maryland barely got out of the box this year after dominating the legislature for the last four years, but local representatives said this week the 's' word is still smoldering under the surface. No less than a dozen bills were introduced in the General Assembly this year...READ MORE

Planners Back Showell Plant Conversion

SNOW HILL - The conversion of the Perdue wastewater plant in Showell for residential use got a positive recommendation from the Worcester County Planning Commission last week, with modifications which could be the basis for a new model of wastewater management. ADC Builders plans to use 1,000 EDUs of 4,000 projected units of sewer, to be created out of converting the industrial Perdue wastewater plant, for 1,000 homes. The planning commission decided to require the plant to use spray...READ MORE

OCDC Preparing For Move To Renovated House

OCEAN CITY - As completion of the newly renovated Tarry-A-While house on Dorchester Street finishes up this month, plans for the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) to move in to its new home are already underway. At the Mayor and City Council meeting Monday night, council members voted unanimously to approve the leasing of the building to OCDC for a total of five years with an automatic option to renew. According to OCDC officials, the group plans to use the first floor of the...READ MORE

Alleged Rape Involves Resident Facing Prison On Similar Charge

OCEAN CITY - Two Ocean City men, one of whom has a sentencing hearing scheduled on Monday in Worcester County Circuit Court for a conviction on an assault charge in the resort last summer, were arrested this week after allegedly raping a 17-year-old girl at a resort party early Tuesday morning. Ocean City Police this week arrested Senay Haile, 25, and Semeredin Bederu, 24, both of whom have Ocean City addresses, on second-degree rape and second-degree assault charges for an alleged attack...READ MORE

Live Music and DJs

Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Every Friday & Saturday: Patrick McAllorum. Bahama Mamas: 410-289-0291, Call for entertainment. Big Tuna Grill: 410-250-1001, 128th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Call for entertainment. Blue Ox & Babe's Lounge: 410-250-6440, 127th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Call for entertainment. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, April 6: DJ BK; Saturday, April 7: Opposite Directions. Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th...READ MORE

A Week In Business

It's ERA Holida Real Estate Today BERLIN - Local real estate firm Holiday Real Estate, Inc has announced its recent affiliation with global residential real estate leader ERA Franchise Systems, Inc. Effective April 1, the company will begin conducting business as ERA Holiday Real Estate and will continue to serve consumers in the Ocean City, West Ocean City and Berlin areas. "We are extremely excited to become a member of the growing ERA Real Estate worldwide network," said...READ MORE

Alleged OC Arsonist Arrested

OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City man was arrested on first- and second-degree arson as well as reckless endangerment charges on Tuesday for allegedly starting a vehicle fire near a downtown Ocean City shopping center last week. Gerald William Shields, 26, of Ocean City, was arrested on Tuesday on a warrant after the Ocean City Fire Marshal's Office connected him to a vehicle fire at the Midway Shopping Center on Philadelphia Ave. near 7th Street on March 29. The Fire Marshal's Office...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Pasted

Joseph F. Velenovsky BERLIN - Joseph Francis Velenovsky, Jr., 81 of Ocean City, died Tuesday, April 3, 2007. He was the beloved husband of Isabelle Velenovsky (nee Bromwell), devoted father of Joseph III, Robert and his wife, Stacy, and Deborah and her husband, Stephen Bova; brother of the late Francis Velenovsky; and loving pop of eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A Mass of Christian burial will be Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 11 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Catholic...READ MORE

Between The Lines

The sale of the Berlin electric system appears to be in serious jeopardy today, and that's a good thing. Berlin insiders have indicated the town has been privately mulling whether to draft an official letter withdrawing its intent to sell the system. Most officials were mum on the subject this week, for obvious reasons, but Councilman Gee Williams said this week all the options facing the town would be put on the table at next week's Berlin Mayor and Council meeting. Although a majority...READ MORE

What's An "Undue Financial Hardship"?

The fate of the smoking ban in Maryland was still up in the air this week, although all indicators are the differences between the House version and Senate counterpart will be hashed out prior to the session's expiration next week. One of the sticking points revolves around an 'undue financial hardship' clause and who should determine the merits of the individual cases. There's another issue as to whether service organizations, such as the American Legion and VFW, should be exempted...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Senator Ignore Local Constituents Editor: Senator Lowell Stoltzfus, by his actions in lobbying other state senators to temporarily kill a bill banning hydraulic clam dredging in Maryland's coastal bays, has demonstrated that he is willing to ignore his Worcester county constituents. Ocean City, Worcester County, the Assateague Coastal Trust, the Md. Saltwater Sports Fisherman's Association, the Ocean Pines Anglers and other groups have all condemned this dredging activity...READ MORE

'America Must Stop Voting'

This column is not start of some fascist movement, nor am I a 'pinko' or a communist on any level. Let's get that out of the way so that the lynch mobs don't have any time to form. Before you ask for my head, I beseech ye to read on. Though the title of this column could have your practicing your best expression of outrage in the mirror like you did when you heard that Miss America had been spending many of her nights on top a New York City bar or in one of its bathroom stalls, I think...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Sometimes it just doesn't pay to worry. Insider would never put himself in the category of people that stresses about the little things, but when it comes to eating it's a different story. The old guy has gotten to the point in his life by eating whatever he wants when he wants. If he wants to crack into a gallon of Breyers and finish it one seating, he does and he's not one to worry about what it does to his waistline, let alone his blood sugar, cholesterol or calories. Now the hip...READ MORE

Berlin To Weigh Options On Pending Utility Transaction

BERLIN - The sale of the Berlin electric utility seems to be on the rocks with the Mayor and Council reportedly exploring ways to get out of the deal. Berlin Council Vice President Gee Williams has been one of the strongest proponents of the sale, but he said he might propose other options at Monday's council meeting. The agenda for the meeting has 'Electric Sale Negotiations' listed as the sixth item to be discussed. 'I think we have the options of just not going forward with any...READ MORE

Convicted Armed Robber Gets 45 Years

SNOW HILL - Convicted armed robber Kevin Fuller, who held up an Ocean City bank in March 2006 by threatening employees with a claw hammer, was sentenced yesterday to 45 years in jail, of which he is guaranteed to serve over 37 years. Fuller, 36, of no fixed address, was convicted in January on two counts of armed robbery, two counts of second-degree assault and one count of felony theft after a Worcester County jury deliberated for under an hour after a two-day trial in Snow Hill, and...READ MORE

Change Of Venue Requested In West OC Murder Case

SNOW HILL - Attorneys for accused West Ocean City murderer Gregory William Stokes last week entered a motion for a change of venue, which could move the high-profile trial to another part of the state. Stokes is charged with the shooting death of Pamela Balk in her parents' West Ocean City home on January 11. His attorney, Neil Brafman last week entered a motion suggesting a change of venue, which could move the case from Worcester County to another jurisdiction in the state. It is not...READ MORE

Wednesday, April 4 - Hydraulic Dredging Ban Resurrected After Compromise

ANNAPOLIS - The on-again, off-again bill that would prohibit hydraulic dredging for clams and oysters in the Atlantic coastal bays this week finally emerged from one the most contentious debates in recent memory and now appears to be close to being enacted into law after an last minute amendment pushed back the effective date one year. Over the last few weeks, the bill, sponsored by local Delegates James Mathias and Norm Conway, soared through the House and passed on a first vote by the...READ MORE

Thursday, April 5 - Motorist Causes Fire, Leaves Scene, Found Having Drink

OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City man was arrested late Wednesday night after the truck he was driving struck a house which caught fire after the collision. Jay Benedict, 36, was driving his truck eastbound on the Route 50 Bridge at a high rate of speed. At the base of the bridge, he lost control, traveling over the median, across Philadelphia Avenue and over the sidewalk striking a house at 111 Caroline Street. The truck struck a gas meter attached to the house, which ignited a fire. The house...READ MORE

15-Year Sentence For Sex Abuse On Stepdaughter

SNOW HILL - A Whaleyville man arrested last August after an investigation revealed a years-long pattern of sexual abuse of his now teen-aged stepdaughter dating back to when she was nine years old was sentenced this week in Circuit Court to 25 years in jail, 10 of which was suspended, putting him behind bars for 15 years. Ernest Jefferson, 41, of Whaleyville, was arrested last August and charged with 13 different counts sex abuse of a minor, sex abuse-continuing course of conduct, child...READ MORE

City Council Finalizes Somerset Plaza Changes

OCEAN CITY - A little over a month has passed since the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) proposed a change in the ordinances dealing with Somerset Plaza downtown and this was the week the OCDC got to see their proposals finalized and set in stone. In an attempt to shape their downtown vision and breathe some life into the plaza this season, OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin and President Jay Knerr came before the council back in February with proposals to change ordinances on...READ MORE

Council Gives Blessing To Sunset Park Concert Series

OCEAN CITY - After tossing around some ideas for how to spruce up events at Sunset Park and ultimately agreeing on an idea at the Recreation and Parks Committee meeting last week, Special Events Director John Sullivan and Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster came before the Mayor and City Council Monday night to pitch their plans. Completed in August of last year and located on South Division Street between Philadelphia Avenue and the bay, Sunset Park is planned to play host to at...READ MORE

Non-Conformity May Be Tackled By Zones In OC

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission held a public hearing on Tuesday to discuss two code amendments that could adversely affect parking in the entire resort. The hearing was held to consider amendments limiting the number of off-street parking spaces that may be approved with reduced design standards and another that would consider restricting the continuance of nonconforming parking when a redevelopment involves a change of land use. As for the first amendment...READ MORE

OC Eyes 14-Percent Increase For Fire Protection Funding

SNOW HILL - Ocean City asked for the least county funds of any of the municipalities when town representatives went before the County Commissioners this week with their budget requests. Ocean City made specific requests totaling $989,000. 'If you look at our requests, they pretty much parallel last year's,' Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan told the commissioners. The town would like an increase in public safety and emergency services funding, including an increase in ambulance...READ MORE

OCPD Lieutenant Nominated For Nationwide Contest

OCEAN CITY - One of Ocean City's finest recently found out he had become a nominee in a contest organized by one of the United States' most well-known television programs. It was a couple weeks ago when 14-year Ocean City Police Department Lieutenant Mark Pacini, a supervisor in the Criminal Investigation Division and 1998 Officer of the Year winner, was approached by a fellow officer and told he had been nominated for a competition sponsored by America's Most Wanted and Sprint Nextel...READ MORE

Planners Back Showell Plant Conversion

SNOW HILL - The conversion of the Perdue wastewater plant in Showell for residential use got a positive recommendation from the Worcester County Planning Commission last week, with modifications which could be the basis for a new model of wastewater management. ADC Builders plans to use 1,000 EDUs of 4,000 projected units of sewer, to be created out of converting the industrial Perdue wastewater plant, for 1,000 homes. The planning commission decided to require the plant to use spray...READ MORE

Sex Shop Moratorium Okayed In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - After weeks of trials and tribulations, the Mayor and City Council was finally able to put something concrete into the books that would prevent any type of adult oriented retail stores from obtaining a business license for a period of six months or until the Planning and Zoning Commission is able to develop zoning laws pertaining these types of businesses. Resolution 2007-5 was unveiled Monday night at a Mayor and City Council meeting by City Solicitor Guy Ayres. The...READ MORE

Team Attitude Drives Assateague Island Oasis Owner

BERLIN - Just out of reach of Ocean City and all that takes place in the resort is the relatively new establishment serving up big meals from its little kitchen alongside a vast selection of brews capable of making any lager lover weak in the knees. Since its doors opened in June of last year, Assateague Island Oasis, located on Stephen Decatur Highway and just four miles from the Assateague Island National Seashore, has been plugging away to make a name for itself. Mike Sand, who owns...READ MORE

Commissioners Get First Look At School Budget

SNOW HILL - The Board of Education has asked for a $7 million increase in the Worcester County schools budget for fiscal year 2008. The $87,306,346 requested budget is 9.6 percent higher than the approved FY 2007 budget. The increase comes mainly from salary and operational costs, said Worcester County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes. School Board President Gary Mumford, presenting the budget to the County Commissioners, said the school system must constantly rise to meet new...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Seaside Retreat Fri 11-3 Weekends 10-4 3BR, 2.5BA Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 Call for Directions   OCEAN CITY Ocean Break Unit 210 Sat 11 - 1:30 3BR/2BA Condo Debbie Salins Long & Foster 410-250-3858 Call for Directions   OCEAN CITY Emerson Towers Fri,Sat, & Sun 11-4 3BR, 3BA Luxury Condo w/ Boat Slips Eric Emerson ReMax Premier Properties 410-524-6700 Call for Directions   OCEAN CITY Our Place at the Beach Units 202G &...READ MORE

West O.C - Ocean Pines

OCEAN PINES 8 Yeoman Ct. Sat. 11-2 3BR/2BA Rancher Clark Kline Prudential Carruthers 304-268-4471 Call for Directions   OCEAN PINES The Parke Sat. 10 - 1 3BR, 2BA Active Adult Comm. Debbie Bennington ReMax Premier Properties 410-641-5222 Call for Directions   WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri 11-3 Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 Call for Directions   WEST...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

BORN THIS WEEK: You are always the first to try new ventures and confront new challenges. You inspire others with your courage to follow your bold example. ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Avoid having someone else take credit for the project you started by finishing it yourself. Then it will be you lovely Lambs who will be wearing those well-deserved laurels. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The facts about a new opportunity are still emerging. Wait until they're all out in the open, and...READ MORE

Things I Like

Biking with the wind at my back Walking underneath the downtown pier Local restaurants' half-price nights Leftover pasta for lunch When people write angry letters to the Insider Dogs walking their owners on the Boardwalk The smell of rain in the spring A day without Anna Nicole news A teenager who admires his or her parents "Planet Earth" on the Discovery Channel The first daffodils of spring ...READ MORE