September 7, 2007

Thursday, September 13 -OC Considered As Finish Line For National Bike Race

OCEAN CITY - The internationally known Race Across America bicycle competition could be re-routing its finishing line to the beaches of Ocean City next year for their annual race from coast to coast. Although other locations are being looked at, Ocean City is one of the destinations being considered for the finishing city in the over 3,000-mile bicycle tour across the country. Ocean City Public Relations Director Donna Abbott presented the idea to the Tourism Commission at last Thursday's...READ MORE

Wednesday, September 12 - Officials Frown On OC Beach Movies Proposal

OCEAN CITY - The Movies on the Beach proposal found few supporters this week as several town officials gathered at the monthly Recreation and Parks meeting to weigh in on the proposal. The police department, the beach patrol, public works, the City Council, and the Recreation and Parks Department were all represented at Tuesday's meeting. The council had requested that all the key players gather to discuss the logistics of the Movies on the Beach proposal. Last month, Rob Herting of Sunset...READ MORE

Tuesday, September 11 - Civil Suit Filed After OC Pedestrian Death

SNOW HILL - The family of an Easton man struck and killed by a vehicle while crossing Coastal Highway in June have filed a wrongful death civil suit against the vehicle's driver, a 19-year-old Pennsylvania man, seeking $1.75 million in damages and are still seeking justice in the form of some sort of criminal charges against the driver. Shortly before 2 a.m. on June 17, Tyler Adams, 21, of Easton, and a friend, Dale Blankenship, 21, also of Easton, ran across Coastal Highway between 32nd and...READ MORE

Monday, September 10 - Uncertainties Surround West OC Drowning

OCEAN CITY - An as-yet-unidentified victim drowned Saturday evening while fishing at a popular beach and park at the foot of Old Bridge Rd. in West Ocean City. The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation is currently looking into the drowning death of an unidentified victim in the Sinepuxent Bay at Stinky Beach at the end of Old Bridge Rd. in West Ocean City sometime Saturday evening. The victim was fishing at the time of the drowning. WCBI is withholding the name of the victim pending the...READ MORE

"Turning the bus around"

The big yellow school bus could be the only thing that's the same from when I went to school. At the very least, it certainly seems like that. This week marked the actual 'back to school' part that the retail stores have been getting you prepared for over a month. Thanks to them and their discount prices, your children are now equipped with enough No. 2 pencils, assorted colored folders and big erasers to go into their oversized backpacks for a whole year of learning. Back to school is a big...READ MORE

Live Bands And DJs

Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Friday & Saturday, Sept. 7 &  Sept. 8: Patrick McAllorum; Sunday, Sept. 9 & Wednesday, Sept. 12: Jon Pheasant. All entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. Blue Ox & Babe's Lounge: 410-250-6440, 127th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Sept. 7: Don Bellew; Saturday, Sept. 8: Rick Kennedy. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Sept. 7: DJ BK; Saturday, Sept. 8: Crowded Outhouse; Wednesday, Sept. 12: Surf...READ MORE

Sex Offense In The Surf

OCEAN CITY - A Honduran national was arrested and charged with a fourth-degree sex offense on Monday after allegedly fondling a female swimmer's private parts as she played in the ocean just south of the Wicomico Street pier. Around 1:30 p.m. on Monday, OCPD Detective Mike Levy responded to the beach just south of the pier for an unknown disturbance after being alerted by the Ocean City Beach Patrol. The detective interviewed a female victim, who told him she had been body surfing in the ocean...READ MORE

Decriminalize Open Containers In OC

The debate over Ocean City's approach to open containers has been going on for years, but what makes the most recent discussion so unique is government officials are weighing in and appear to be looking to make a change. If you are walking on public property in Ocean City with an open beer or mixed drink, you are in violation of the town's open container law and will most likely be charged with a criminal misdemeanor. You could also get a warning if the cop buys your story or even be arrested....READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Let me be clear - I have a tremendous amount of respect for teachers, and that's why I am happy that being employed as one in Worcester County is not a bad gig. While surely many will contend they are still underpaid considering the tremendous role they play in the lives of children, there is no disputing the compensation package here in Worcester has come a long way. Compared to other jurisdictions in Maryland struggling with teacher shortages, the county has done excellent on that front in...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Lifeguard Parking Spots A Good Idea Editor: Last week I read with interest a letter by Mike Glynn concerning Surf Rescue Technician (SRT) parking. I completely agree with the thoughts in his letter.  There are just a few additional thoughts I would like to add to this debate. These young men and women are to be applauded for their outstanding work. They are our first responders when there is an emergency in the water or on the beach. They do indeed put themselves at risk every time they go...READ MORE

Some Trimper Properties See Assessed Value Reduced

OCEAN CITY - The saga of the Trimper's tax bill continued this week with the news of a reduction in the assessed value of several of the family's 24 properties, but those that did not see any change include perhaps the most visible symbol of Ocean City - the land where the amusement rides sit at the south end of the Boardwalk. Over the next three years, the family will save $470,000 in taxes after the reduction. The savings on the 2007/2008 bill alone are $78,000. The original assessment would...READ MORE

Council Hears Dare's Concerns, Unanimously Supports The Ordinance

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

County Holds Off Commitment To Parking Garage

SNOW HILL - A hoped for $7.6 million county grant for the planned downtown Ocean City parking garage will be delayed with county elected officials choosing to wait until the local financial picture clears. The County Commissioners said this week that no decisions on the massive grant requested by the resort in lieu of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) can be made until the State of Maryland budget cuts are handed down and the county develops its own budget next spring. Ocean City submitted the grant...READ MORE

Legislators Pitch Ways To Address State Budget Proble

OCEAN CITY - While local legislators all agree the upcoming General Assembly session will be defined by the state's ability to reconcile its burgeoning $1.5 billion structural deficit, not all agree on how best to close the gap. The resort area's representatives in Annapolis came before Ocean City's Economic Development Committee (EDC) on Wednesday to brief business and community leaders on the issues most likely to affect them in the coming year. Depending on whose figures one believes, the gap...READ MORE

Local Restaurateur Named OC Spirit Award Winner

OCEAN CITY - Steve Pappas will be joining the ranks of some of the town's leading citizens this week as he becomes this year's recipient of the 10th Spirit of Ocean City Award. The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce defines the honor as, 'Ocean City's most prestigious business award. The Spirit Award, honors the Ocean City businessperson who has simultaneously operated a reputable and successful business and actively promoted Ocean City, endeavoring to make the community a better one for...READ MORE

Resort Library On Target For Early 2008 Opening

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City branch of the Worcester County Library has called 14th Street home for many years, but it won't be long before the library will be making the move to its new and improved building on 100th Street. According to assistant branch manager Joe Colantuoni, the new uptown library is moving along as planned, and if all continues to go smoothly, will be operating by the third week of January. 'They're doing such a great job of being on schedule,' Colantuoni said. For...READ MORE

Some Legislators Feel Slots Are Not The Answer

OCEAN CITY - While the area's representatives in Annapolis all agree resolving the state's projected $1.5 billion deficit will be the top issue in the upcoming General Assembly session, they clearly disagree with slots as part of the debt-busting equation. Local legislators, in Ocean City this week to brief resort business leaders on issues of local import in next year's General Assembly session, all agreed the biggest obstacle to overcome was the state's estimated $1.5 billion structural...READ MORE

Strong Labor Day Weekend Caps Off Summer Season

OCEAN CITY - The beautiful weather last weekend brought the largest crowds since 2003 to Ocean City and booming sales for most businesses. The demoflush numbers calculated for this past three-day weekend reflected what most saw in the town this past weekend, large crowds. The demoflush numbers come from a system that calculates the number of people in town based on wastewater flow from the resort and are used as estimates. The demoflush numbers from this past weekend estimated 277,581 people in...READ MORE

White Marlin Open Seeks Court Ruling On Payout Dispute

SNOW HILL - Amid confusion over alleged failed or untimely polygraph tests, the White Marlin Open organizers this week filed a complaint in Worcester County Circuit Court asking a judge to sort out who should be awarded the hundreds of thousands of dollars at stake in the 2007 tournament's blue marlin division. White Marlin Open Inc. this week filed a complaint of interpleader in Worcester County Circuit Court, which essentially asks a judge to intercede on its behalf and assess who among the...READ MORE

All Three Wal-Mart Robbers Eventually Arrested

BERLIN - Three Mardela Springs men are in custody this week after conspiring to rob a cashier at knifepoint at the Wal-Mart in Berlin late Monday night. Shortly after 11 p.m. on Monday, Maryland State Police from the Berlin barrack responded to a reported armed robbery at the Wal-Mart on Route 50. One of the suspects, Stacey Zalary Omar Brown, 20, of Mardela Springs was apprehended Monday night after a wild high-speed chase across northern Worcester County, while the other two suspects, Lorenzo...READ MORE

Bail Lowered For Wanted Man Extradited From Arizona

SNOW HILL - The former Worcester County resident accused of embezzling well over $100,000 from his now ex-wife before changing his name and starting a new life across the country was extradited this week and appeared yesterday in District Court in Snow Hill for a bond hearing, during which his initial $500,000 bond was reduced to $100,000. Former Ocean Pines resident Richard Brueckner, also known as Richard Thelander, in the late 1990s allegedly forged his now ex-wife's signature several times...READ MORE

Bike Week Merchandise Seized

OCEAN CITY - While investigating trademark and copyright violations associated with the upcoming bike week event, Ocean City detectives this week confiscated approximately $35,000 worth of items. The Ocean City Police Department was contacted by representatives from Delmarva Bike Week because of concerns about trademark violations at local businesses. The phrases 'Delmarva Bike Week' and 'Ocean City Bike Week' are copyrighted by B Line, Inc. and cannot be displayed on apparel, jewelry, or...READ MORE

EEE Discovered In County Swamp

BERLIN - A dangerous but scarce, mosquito-borne virus has turned up in a mosquito pool from northwest Worcester County, only a week after the first probable case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in 2007 was identified in Worcester County. A state lab found eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) in a mosquito pool from a swamp on the Worcester County side of the Pocomoke River, just west of Whaleyville. Luckily, these sinisterly named 'dark swamp mosquitoes' rarely leave the swamp and feed mostly on...READ MORE

Fire Destroys Developmental Center Building

NEWARK - As soon as the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC) building was lost to a devastating fire on Tuesday, WCDC staff began working on alternative facilities to serve 92 developmentally disabled clients Wednesday.  'The business community has been wonderful. We've been offered some space and we're working on that now in Snow Hill which is the best possible location,' said County Commissioner Judy Boggs, who serves on the WCDC Board. 'Our first priority is providing the...READ MORE

New Bayside Development Rules Passed In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - After several months of review before both the Mayor and Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission, the ordinance outlining the Special Bayside Development Regulations has been passed on second reading. At Tuesday night's Mayor and Council meeting, City Solicitor Guy Ayres presented the ordinance, noting the few minor changes that were made before being presented for second reading. The minor changes focused on setbacks, an issue that arose in July during the first reading of...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Top CBRB Producers OCEAN CITY - Gregg Holland, branch vice president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage's Ocean City 120th Street office, has announced the top producers for July. Candi Noyes was the top listor and top producer by volume, Joann Campbell was the top listor by units, Maxine Shank was the top salesperson by volume and Brenda Archer-Nichols was the top salesperson and top producer by unit.  Realtor Chairs Tourney OCEAN PINES - Sharyn O'Hare, a sales associate with...READ MORE

My Thoughts

The early signs of Autumn are upon us. The trees are starting to lose their strength. The green in the leaves is starting to dull. The moisture in the air at night is palpable as is the evening chill. Morning fogs are becoming commonplace. If you like nature, then fall is your time of year. It's a buffet for the senses. Insider looks forward to summer all fall. It's the season of not-too-cool nights and not-too-warm days. It's a season of balance. Everything in nature gets balanced out this time...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Thelma F. Smith FROSTBURG, Md. - Thelma F. Smith, 85, formerly of Ocean Pines, passed away, Thursday, Aug. 30, 2007 at the WMHS-Frostburg Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Frostburg. Born Aug. 26, 1922, in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late James W. and Adelaide R. (Miller) Crismer.  She was also preceded in death by her husband, Conrad A. Smith, in 1990 and her sister, Adelaide C. Harner. Smith was retired from the Baltimore County Bureau of Land Acquisition.  She was a...READ MORE

Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company

Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company has announced a $15,000 pledge toward the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company's Capital Campaign.  Presenting the first of three installments to Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Department's Choppy Layton, Rick Choquette and Jimmy Hammond are Taylor Bank's Baxter Brasure and Barry Laws. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Choptank Electric Cooperative

Kenneth Collins, left, regional account representative for the Berlin District Office of Choptank Electric Cooperative, has been recognized for 15 years of service with the cooperative. With him is Regional Manager Joe Sise. Collins is a resident of Whaleyville. ...READ MORE

David H. Schiff, D.D.S. Family Dentistry

Staff members at David H. Schiff, D.D.S. Family Dentistry in Berlin recently filled books bags with back to school supplies. Book bags were donated to children through the Worcester County GOLD back to school program. Pictured are Schiff, Lisa Schiff, Louie Bren, Tina Littleton and Patricia Laustsen. Not pictured was Terri Spedale. ...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 - Bishopville - VA - DE

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Daily 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA Captain's Cove Daily 9 - 5 Resort Community With Amenities Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 FENWICK ISLAND DELAWARE Bayside Parade of Homes Sat 1-3 Carl M. Freeman 877-436-9998 BISHOPVILLE 12002 Sunflower Court Sat & Sun 12-3 3BR/2.5BA Home Cam Bunting Bunting Realty 410-641-3313 ...READ MORE

Decatur Field Hockey Wins Opener 5-2

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's girl's varsity field hockey team got their season off to a good start on Tuesday, beating visiting James M. Bennett, 5-2, in the opener for both teams and the first official action of the fall sports season at the Berlin campus. After weeks of rigorous training and preparation, the girls' field hockey team opened its season, and the fall sports season at Decatur, in fine fashion on Tuesday, jumping out to an early 2-0 lead and cruising in the second half to a 5-2 win...READ MORE

Seahawks Open 2007 Campaign Against Washington

BERLIN- While Stephen Decatur's varsity football team narrowly missed the state Class 2A playoffs last year, the Seahawks face a more difficult task to reach the post season and play for a potential state championship this year with the move to Class 3A. The Seahawks open their 2007 campaign tonight at home against Washington, a small school from Somerset County that Decatur typically handles with ease. Unfortunately, largely because of simple geography, Decatur will continue to play smaller...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Boys Reload For 2007

BERLIN- With a handful of key returning players on nearly every unit on the field, and a bunch of newcomers ready to step up and make their mark, the outlook for the men's varsity soccer team at Worcester Prep this fall looks good. Expectations are always high at Worcester Prep when it comes to the men's varsity soccer team, which won its seventh straight Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) title last year. The Mallards went 11-1 on the season and came within a 2-1 upset loss...READ MORE

Lady Mallards Deep and Talented

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity soccer team appears poised for another great season with veteran leadership and good depth at nearly every position. Absent a junior varsity team this year, Worcester Prep will carry as many as 30 players on its varsity roster this season, providing longtime coach Carol Hartnet with an ample arsenal of talented players as the Mallards attempt to return to the ESIAC championship. Hartnet will draw on veteran returning players and a flock of baby Mallards...READ MORE

Wahoo Rodeo and Flounder Round-Up

OCEAN CITY- The newest addition to the summer fishing tournament schedule in the resort area- the 1st Annual Wahoo Rodeo and Flounder Round-up- got underway this morning with the first of three official fishing days. Billed as 'truly a tournament for everyone,' the first-ever Wahoo Rodeo and Flounder Round-up debuts this weekend with an opportunity for offshore anglers and bay fishermen to compete in a fun event with cash and prizes in several categories including, as the name implies, the top...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A change that you'd hoped for is down the line. But you still need to be patient until more explanations are forthcoming. Continue to keep your enthusiasm in check. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Your social life expands as new friends come into your life. But while you're having fun, your practical side also sees some positive business potential within your new circle. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your workplace situation continues to improve. Look for advantages you...READ MORE

Things I Like

The funny excuses people give cops A happy ending to an unfortunate story People who aren't in it for the 'thunder' Bikers on the Boardwalk in the summer An outside shower after a day at the beach The unusual techniques of some crab eaters Eating out both weekend nights The wonderful spirit of an old dog Concerts on the beach in Ocean City The new Health Mart in Berlin Cocktails on a boat  ...READ MORE

Things We Like

Friends who enjoy a new dish they've never had and ask me for the recipe Getting a letter from an old friend Finding flowers in my garden that complement a new table Planting seeds, watching the shoots appear and finally flowers Watching flowers and plants respond to the rain Sitting on the porch after dark and watching the humming birds around our moon flower Planning a surprise birthday dinner party for a dear friend Anticipating painting a new picture Walking around my garden in the early...READ MORE

Keep Lines Of Communication Open On Retirement

BERLIN - Almost everyone nearing retirement fantasizes about what pleasures to pursue after the end of a career. Maybe you see yourself spending months on your boat or watching the kids prosper in the family business. Or perhaps you're looking forward to sitting on the board of a favorite charity or training for a marathon. Whatever your plans, it's crucial to share them with your spouse, your family and your business partners. 'Don't underestimate the number of people who will be affected by...READ MORE

New Berlin Health Mart Seeks To Meet Many Community Needs

OCEAN CITY - Pharmacies have evolved over the years, changing from the friendly neighborhood operation that offered personal service and a refreshing soda pop from the soda fountain to a mass of chain pharmacies that can be seen all over town. Pharmacists and long time friends Steve Marcalus and Duncan Runyon are bringing back the old-time feel of the friendly neighborhood pharmacy, but adding a modern twist, replacing the old soda fountains and candy jars with coffee makers and muffins. Coastal...READ MORE