August 31, 2007

Thursday, September 6 - Council Unanimously Supports Room Tax Increase

OCEAN CITY - The ordinance outlining the plan recently presented by the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA) to increase advertising funds has taken another step forward this week with the Mayor and Council unanimously approving the ordinance on second reading. Last month, the OCHMRA presented a plan it hopes will fuel the advertising fund that has remained stagnant over the past few years and revive tourism during the summer months. The proposal calls for a .5 percent increase...READ MORE

Wednesday, September 5 - Trimper's Taxes Lowered Through Appeal

BERLIN - While an appeal of the Trimper's Amusements property assessments has been somewhat successful, it is unclear whether the savings will be enough to keep Trimper's going. According to a report yesterday at the County Commissioners' meeting, the reduced assessments have resulted in a reduction in Trimper's tax bill over the next three years of $470,000. The family-owned company, which owns 24 properties, appealed their assessment this summer after noting that without a reduction in their...READ MORE

Tuesday, September 4 - Authorities Searching For Armed Wal-Mart Robbers

BERLIN - Area law enforcement agencies are still searching for two of the three suspects who held up a cashier at knife point at Wal-Mart in Berlin late Monday night after nabbing one suspect following a wild high-speed chase across northern Worcester County. Shortly after 11 p.m. on Monday, Maryland State Police from the Berlin barrack responded to a reported armed robbery at Wal-Mart on Route 50 just east of Berlin. Three unidentified men entered the store and robbed a cashier at knifepoint....READ MORE

Council Reviews Upcoming Survey Questions

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City will be garnering the opinions and thoughts of local residents, voters and property owners through the town's participation this year in a National Citizen Survey. Kathy Mathias, assistant to the City Manager, came before the Mayor and Council Tuesday to update them on the progress of the survey that they approved earlier this year. According to Mathias, the surveys were initially to be sent out to 1200 people. 'We ran into some issues because of property owners not...READ MORE

County Encouraged By High School Test Scores

NEWARK - The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) released 2007 High School Assessment (HSA) results this week. MSDE asked school systems across the state to simultaneously release HSA results for the class of 2009, the first cohort of students required to pass the four HSAs in order to earn a Maryland High School Diploma. 'Our school system's HSA scores indicate that our ongoing efforts to help students succeed on these assessments are working,' said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon...READ MORE

County Officials To Seek Berlin Plant Details

BERLIN - Seeking to refine the plan for two wastewater plants in Berlin, Worcester County will likely ask the town to provide a more detailed method of achieving its goals. A draft letter to the town, not yet approved by the Worcester County Planning Commission, identifies 15 items for consideration arising from a meeting between the town and county last week to further discuss the plan to add a new wastewater plant in addition to the existing Berlin plant, following the presentation of the idea...READ MORE

Flower St. Sidewalk Meeting Scheduled

BERLIN - Sidewalks on Flower St. in Berlin will take another step closer to completion next week when the town holds a long promised informational meeting for residents. The meeting will take place on 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 6, at the multi-purpose building on Flower St. 'We want to try to get all the questions answered for the community regarding their personal property, the easements, etc.,' said Berlin Mayor Tom Cardinale. The project engineer will outline the construction approach and...READ MORE

Marshals Nab Fugitive Wanted In Overdose Death

OCEAN CITY - A Newark, Del. man wanted in Ocean City on manslaughter and other charges for allegedly supplying the drugs to another man who died of an overdose over the Memorial Day weekend this year in the resort was caught last week by U.S. Marshals in Wilmington, Del. and awaits extradition to Worcester County to face the charges. The U.S. Marshals First State Fugitive Task Force arrested Aaron Joseph Hrehocik, 23, around 11 a.m. last Friday in Wilmington, Del. Earlier last week, the U.S....READ MORE

OC Fall Programs Provide Options For Residents

OCEAN CITY - Summer is quickly coming to an end and families across the country are starting to hang up their beach towels and put away their bathing suits, as they trade in their beach bag for their school books. With the end of the summer blues hanging over the heads of the children and parents in Worcester County, it is almost possible to forget the fun that is about to begin at Northside Park. While the weather might began to change Ocean City Recreation and Parks promises to increase...READ MORE

Ocean Downs Hands Out Annual Awards

BERLIN - The largest crowd of the summer enjoyed the Ocean Downs closing-night umbrella giveaway and fireworks show Saturday, Aug. 25. There were 3,625 fans on hand, which was the largest gathering at the Ocean Oval since closing night of 2005 when 4,175 filled the stands. In addition to 12 races, Ocean Downs presented a blanket to its 'Horse Of The Meet and honored the summer's leading driver and trainer. Seven year-old pacer Twin B Scamper earned 'Horse of the Meet' honors for owner/driver...READ MORE

Officials Suspect West Nile Virus Finding In County

SNOW HILL - The first West Nile Virus case in Maryland this year may have sprung up in Worcester County last week, say local and state health officials, but the diagnosis has not yet been proven correct. Tests confirming the illness should be back in early September, according to Karen Black of Maryland's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH). 'The test is still pending,' she said. The results could be back as soon as the first week of September, said Becky Shockley, director of...READ MORE

Resort Hotel Seeks Grant To Utilize State Program

OCEAN CITY - The City Council voted unanimously Tuesday approve the Beach Walk Hotel owner's request to apply for the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which will allow for the elevation of the flood prone building.  Beach Walk Hotel owner Danelle Amos, Planner Robert W. Nelson and Grants Coordinator Wayne Pryor came before the Mayor and Council at Tuesday's work session to discuss the Maryland Emergency Management Agency's (MEMA) program that could provide 75 percent of the funding...READ MORE

Ways To Better Avoidable Traffic Issues Discussed

OCEAN CITY - Weekend traffic in the summer months can be a headache in Ocean City, as cars inch slowly forward in an attempt to cross the Route 50 Bridge and see the blue sparkle of the ocean finally peak over the horizon line. The bumper-to-bumper traffic grind can become maddening as accidents shut down lanes, as every stop light turns red as you approach, or as was apparent this summer, the drawbridge breaks, sending you on a re-route to the Route 90 Bridge. Although traffic will be seeing a...READ MORE

False Robbery Report Leads to Arrest

OCEAN CITY - A New York man who last weekend made up a false armed robbery story, which led eight Ocean City police officers on an investigation lasting over three hours and led to the false arrest of another man identified as a suspect, was arrested himself after the incident for making a false statement to an officer. It all started shortly after midnight last Sunday when OCPD officers making a routine traffic stop at Gold Coast Mall were approached by a man, later identified as Richard Ryan...READ MORE

Highs, Lows Of Another Summer Season

OCEAN CITY - The arrival of another Labor Day weekend signals the symbolic end to another summer in the resort and provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on some of the top stories that captured the attention of residents and visitors alike since a new season dawned back on Memorial Day just a few short months ago. As is the case in most years, the summer of 2007 had its share of good news, bad news and simply tragic news in equal doses. The summer of 2007 was certainly blessed for the most...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

The scene under the Wicomico Street Pier in Ocean City has not changed much this summer. During the off-season, with an eye on public safety and health, the town decided to build a dune under the western end of the pier, to dedicate an area for vehicle passage and to place additional trashcans around it. After taking a look at the situation last weekend, it's easy to see all that was done. The new dune looks like it's been there for years, there's a clear path for vehicles to pass through and...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

OC Needs To Keep Costs To Visit Down Editor: I am upset that Ocean City has once again entertained the idea of raising costs to business owners with a proposed room tax hike that will certainly be passed on to our tourists. I wish that someone would listen to why people are not coming to this resort anymore. I have owned and rented several properties in this town for the past 12 years and the reason is easy to see for those who care. Ocean City used to be a town where vacations were affordable...READ MORE

Lots Of Options And Tough Decisions

'Structural deficit' has become a household term these days across Maryland. After all, unless you pay no attention to anything in this state, it's common knowledge Maryland has an estimated $1.5 billion difference between expenses and receipts that must be reconciled to balance the fiscal year 2009 budget. There are many options on the table currently for lawmakers to consider, but insiders have outlined there are seven realistic ways to balance the budget. Here's a look at our view on them. -...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Seaside Retreat Daily 10-4 3BR, 2.5BA Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Somerset at Second Daily 10 - 4 3BR Boardwalk Condos Eric Cropper ReMax Premier Properties 443-373-9409 OCEAN CITY The Quay Saturday 2 & 3BR Condos Mary McCracken Long & Foster 410-430-7302 OCEAN CITY Pelican Perch Weekends 11-3 4BR, 4.5BA, & Loft Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista Daily 12-4 3 & 4 BR Bayfront Condos Della & Joe Wilson ReMax Premier...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - DE - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Daily 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker OCEAN PINES 1A CANVASSBACK CT Sat & Sun 11-3 3BR/3.5BA/3100sqft Boaters Paradise Della Wilson ReMax Premier Properties 443-235-4719 VIRGINIA Captain's Cove Daily 9 - 5 Resort Community With Amenities Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 WEST OCEAN CITY Blue Heron Circle Mystic Harbor Sat 11-2 Bud Church Coldwell Banker 410-524-7888 OCEAN PINES 27 Leigh Drive Sat 11-3 6BR/5.5BA...READ MORE

Live Bands And DJs

Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Friday & Saturday, Aug. 31 &  Sept. 1: Patrick McAllorum; Sunday, Sept. 2 & Wednesday, Sept. 5: Jon Pheasant. All entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. Blue Ox & Babe's Lounge: 410-250-6440, 127th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Aug. 31: Pete & Perm; Saturday, Sept. 1: Rick Kennedy. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Every Friday: DJ Wood; Saturday, Sept. 1: Crowded Outhouse; Sunday, Sept. 2: DJ BK;...READ MORE

Council, Developer Reach Accord On Bayside Project

OCEAN CITY - The contention surrounding the 88-unit Rivendell project reached a reprieve this week with the City Council voting unanimously to lift the stop work order issued earlier this month for the top floor of the building. The Buccin-Pollin Group, owner of the Rivendell, came before the Mayor and Council Tuesday afternoon with attorneys Wendy Stabler as well as Calvin Nip Jenkins, to request that the Mayor and Council lift the stop work order placed on the top floor of their building....READ MORE

First Female To Man Resort Lifeguard Stand Reflects

OCEAN CITY - Thirty years ago the beaches in Ocean City were covered with people enjoying the sun, the sand and of course the water. Among the crowds stood the lifeguard stands, with guards vigilantly watching the beaches and the waters. This scene may seem similar to what can be seen today when one walks out onto the beach, but there is one major difference, 30 years ago there was not a single female lifeguard; that is until Susan Cain paved the way. In an interview with The Dispatch, Susan...READ MORE

Monday, September 3 - Local Realtor Writes Book On Selling Resort Homes

OCEAN CITY - Real estate practices, customs and laws can vary significantly from state to state. Whether you're a buyer or a seller, it's in your best interest to arm yourself with the most comprehensive, market-specific information available. Ocean City Realtor® Sue Haslam, CRS, GRI, RRS, ROTY agrees that 'knowledge is power' for her real estate clients. That is what prompted her and Summit County Realtor® Ken Deshaies to collaborate on an informative new book titled 'Get the Best Deal When...READ MORE

Open Container Enforcement Debate Continues In OC

OCEAN CITY - The discussion on changing the open container violation from a criminal misdemeanor to a municipal infraction continued at an Ocean City Police Commission meeting last week with further opinions being heard but little headway being made. The consideration to change the open container law from a criminal misdemeanor to a municipal infraction has been circulating for some time now. Under the town code, it is unlawful to possess or consume alcoholic beverages 'on any public street,...READ MORE

Allegations Against Teacher Spark Mixed Reactions In Arizona

BERLIN - More details emerged this week in the bizarre case of a former Worcester County resident, who allegedly absconded with hundreds of thousands of dollars in embezzled funds before heading west and assuming a new name and starting a new life, as the news of his apparent past reached friends and colleagues in his new home. Former West Ocean City resident Richard Brueckner, now 65, also known as Richard Thelander, in the late 1990s allegedly forged his now ex-wife's signature several times...READ MORE

Assateague Island Resources Called 'Fair' In Report

BERLIN - Assateague Island's natural resources are only in fair shape, according to a report by the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA). The NPCA cites problems with invasive species, over-sand vehicles, and water quality as significant factors in the rating of the Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS). The park earned a 'fair' rating, scoring 75 out of 100 points. 'In general, we don't have any disagreement with the findings of the report. We think it's a pretty fair assessment...READ MORE

Landlords Often See Foul Side Of Foreign Students

OCEAN CITY - Most agree Ocean City could not survive without the thousands of foreign seasonal workers who descend on the resort each year and gobble up the jobs once filled by American kids, but not everybody is completely enamored with the largest segment of the town's workforce. The foreign workers begin to arrive in the spring and, for the most part, stay long after their American counterparts head back to school or grow tired of their summer jobs. They often work two or three jobs around...READ MORE

New Teachers Hear Inspirational Talk, Get New Computers

BERLIN - While newly-minted teachers beginning their careers in Worcester County just want to make sure their classrooms are ready for the start of school on Tuesday, Maryland's Teacher of the Year 2007 is taking on the U. S. Congress. Michelle Hammond, a language arts teacher at Stephen Decatur Middle School, and her fellow state Teachers of the Year from across the country have chosen to take on the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act by supporting legislation requiring an advisory panel of...READ MORE

Area Traffic Stop Results In Large Cocaine Bust

BERLIN - A Salisbury man well known to local law enforcement agencies was arrested last week in a significant cocaine bust after a routine traffic stop on Route 113 just north of Berlin. A little before 7 p.m. last Wednesday, a Maryland State Police trooper traveling west on Route 90 just west of its intersection with Route 113 observed a white Chevrolet SUV moving toward him at what appeared to be a high rate of speed. The trooper checked the vehicle with radar and noted it was going 65 mph in...READ MORE

Berlin Seeks End To Front Yard Parking

BERLIN - An ordinance intended to prohibit parking of cars in residential front yards proved to be less than straightforward Monday night with the Berlin Mayor and Council questioning just how 'a designated driveway' is defined. The council normally sits in silence when an ordinance is first read aloud by town attorney Dave Gaskill during a council meeting and rarely comment until the second reading. Motor vehicles, under the ordinance, must be 'parked on a designated driveway or parking pad...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Stroke Center Earns Title BERLIN - Atlantic General Hospital's Stroke Center received official designation this week from the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services Systems (MIEMSS) as a Primary Stroke Center. This designation means that Atlantic General has met the requirements put forth by the American Stroke Association (ASA), MIEMSS and the Joint Commission to optimize the quality of care to stroke patients. Stroke is a significant cause of death and long-term disability in the...READ MORE

Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation

Sharing a passion for protecting the environment, the Truitt Family recently made a generous donation of $2,500 to the Maryland Coastal Bays Foundation. The funds will be used to protect and manage the bays and help reinvigorate the Coastal Bays Environmental Education Program. Pictured, from left, are Libby Truitt, Mike Truitt, Dave Blazer, Executive Director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, and Bennett Truitt. ...READ MORE

The Delmarva Discovery Center

The Delmarva Discovery Center in Pocomoke City hosted an open house last week to introduce the community to the renovated facility, which seeks to serve as a source of learning and discovery through the preservation of cultural and natural heritage. Above, Brian Garrett, executive director of the Delmarva Discovery Center, is pictured Delegate Jim Mathias. Submitted Photo ...READ MORE

Local Students Study On Broadway

Local high school students Chelsea Thaler, right, Ocean City, of Worcester Preparatory School, and Alex Stamnas, left, Ocean Pines, of Stephen Decatur High School, recently returned from New York, where they participated in a week-long intensive workshop on Broadway. The program, called Broadway Artists Alliance, is run by top Broadway industry members including actors, directors and agents. The girls were enrolled in master classes in acting, dance and voice. They were fortunate to study with...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Insider read the other day where a young-timer/newspaper columnist named Kevin Cowherd had the same thoughts as the old guy on the ridiculous erective dysfunction ads being aired on television. The columnist talked about a commercial the old guy has never seen. It involves a group of old-timers singing about the joys of having a drug to help them have sex before they all part ways to go presumably do just that. It is unclear if it's together or with other people. School starts next week, and...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

David Harold Adams BERLIN - David Harold Adams, age 48, died Thursday, Aug. 23, 2007 at Atlantic General Hospital. Born in Haddon Heights, N.J., he was the son of the late Jean Ennis. He is survived by cousins James Rogers, Donald Rogers, Billy Rogers and Bobby Wilkerson. Adams attended Milton Hershey School for Boys. He was a musician and songwriter. Cremation followed his death. A memorial service will be announced at a later time. Arrangements are by the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin....READ MORE

49th Labor Day Tourney Underway

OCEAN CITY- While it may lack the glamour and high payouts of the White Marlin Open, the Ocean City Marlin Club's 49th Annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament, which got underway this morning, does not lack the history or prestige. Called the 'granddaddy' of the resort area fishing tournaments, the Marlin Club's annual Labor Day tournament is the oldest among the tournaments held in and around Ocean City each year. Participating boats must choose to fish two of the three scheduled fishing days-...READ MORE

OC Indoor Lax Coaches Needed

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department is looking for volunteer coaches for its upcoming boys' indoor box lacrosse league, which gets underway next week. The league is open to male players of all abilities in grades 1-8 and is broken down into three divisions based on age. Practices and games will be held from September 8 to October 27 on Saturday mornings and afternoons at Northside Park in Ocean City. Parents or adults interested in being a coach for the indoor box lacrosse...READ MORE

'Phat Mann' Takes Mid-Atlantic 500

OCEAN CITY- After nearly a week of dreary weather and less than stellar fishing action, the 2007 Mid-Atlantic $500,000 tournament, hosted jointly by Cape May, N.J. and Ocean City, finished with a flourish with a whopping 92-pound white marlin weighed at Sunset Marina taking the event's top prize on the last day. The tournament began last Monday amid rainy weather and rough seas and most of the nearly 170 boats participating remained at the docks in the sister marinas of the Canyon Club in Cape...READ MORE

New Seasons, New Coaches for Decatur Soccer Programs

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's men's and women's varsity soccer teams have new head coaches at the helm with new seasons ready to open up next week, but the familiar faces have the programs headed in the right direction. Gone are longtime men's and women's varsity soccer coaches Steve Berquist and Amy Fenzel-Mergott, who both resigned their positions at the end of the last season with a combined 30 years and over 300 wins between them. They are replaced this year with a pair of talented, longtime...READ MORE

"No Doubt About It"

This time of year always gets me thinking and inevitably, doubting what is coming next. Once the blitzkrieg of summer starts to relent and the booming bass coming from the departing college student's pre-owned vehicles has faded off into the distance, you find locals popping their heads out into the general population and having those 'hey, how was your summer?' conversations that kids in schools all over this country are having this time of year. It's like seeing your neighbors for the first...READ MORE

Sharing A Wealth Of Values

BERLIN - With unprecedented wealth poised to transfer to the next generation, the creators of that wealth are giving serious thought to how they want to build a strong, lasting legacy. Minimizing estate and gift taxes has always been important, but 'our clients today want to transfer their family values and to have their legacy managed in a way they deem appropriate,' says Chris Heilmann, Chairman and CEO of Merrill Lynch Trust Company. And with people living longer, parents and grandparents are...READ MORE

Things I Like

Kids who like to read books Setting a goal and reaching it The book, 'Bringing Down The House' The clumsiness of a puppy Returning a favor An entire day off with no work Switch hitters in baseball Bryan Russo's music Opening a fresh can of tennis balls The movie 'The Cider House Rules' How John Madden works a football game  ...READ MORE

Things We Like

My husband bringing me tea in the morning Sitting on my back porch sipping tea with my husband A gentle breeze wafting through an open window on a spring day The hum of a fan on a warm summer night Visiting a pumpkin patch on a crisp, clear autumn day Hanging out with my husband, son and dog on our farm in Newark Doing the 'Snow Pants Dance' with my son My kindergarten students' excitement about reading The wonderful support and generosity of my students' parents The Maryland Renaissance...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You might not like the sudden setback in your plans. But keep that headstrong Arian temperament in check and wait for explanations. Things will begin to clear up by week's end. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Enjoy the respite from your recent hectic schedule, but be ready to plunge into a new round of social activities. A new contact holds much potential for the future. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A trusted colleague has news that could change your perception of a...READ MORE