December 7, 2007

Thursday, December 13 - Cop Gets DWI After FOP Holiday Party

OCEAN CITY - An off-duty Ocean City Police Department officer was charged with driving under the influence in Delaware early Wednesday morning when his car left the roadway along Route 113 after leaving a Fraternal Order of Police Christmas party. OCPD Officer Wilbur Thomas Jesson was driving on Route 113 near Georgetown, Del. shortly before 1 a.m. on Wednesday when his vehicle left the roadway and struck road signs before becoming disabled. Delaware State Police responded to the accident scene...READ MORE

Wednesday, December 12 - Changes Planned For Busy OC Street

OCEAN CITY - The eastern part of North Division Street will be experiencing some minor parking changes in hopes of alleviating traffic build up along the popular street. City Engineer Terry McGean came before the Mayor and Council this week to request the removal of two parking spaces from North Division Street so that cars could maneuver easier along the street end. North Division Street, home to the Boardwalk Arch, is a popular street for vehicle traffic in the downtown area. Many cars...READ MORE

Monday, December 10 - Car Stolen From Soldier Recovered In OC

OCEAN CITY - A Gaithersburg, Md. man is in custody this week after his arrest in Ocean City late last week for stealing a car and other property from a female soldier serving in Iraq. Last Thursday, Ocean City Police were contacted by several motel clerks throughout the resort complaining a suspicious man was entering the properties and asking for a free room. The last call the OCPD received came from the Hilton on 32nd Street, and when police responded, they observed a man sitting in a 2003...READ MORE

Guilty Plea in Knife Assault

OCEAN CITY - An Ocean City man arrested earlier this month after holding his girlfriend against her will at knifepoint and threatening to kill her during a domestic argument pleaded guilty last week to second-degree assault and now awaits his fate pending the completion of a pre-sentence investigation. Chaka Ato Shabazz Brown, 30, of Ocean City, appeared in District Court last Thursday to face charges of first- and second-degree assault, false imprisonment and carrying a deadly weapon with...READ MORE

OC Keeps Downtown Park Hopes Alive

OCEAN CITY - The Downtown Recreation Complex took a few steps forward this week with the City Council's approval of a contract for design services for the proposed 3rd Street park. The Downtown Recreation Complex, which is slated to include an expansion of the current Ocean Bowl skate park and a facelift to the current park space, is located between 3rd and 4th streets, from Philadelphia Ave. to the bay. The design services, which call for design work on the entire park, are included in the...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

The plan all along was for the County Commissioners to decide who will be president and vice president for the coming year at Tuesday's meeting. That all changed reportedly after last week's editorial suggested the current president be replaced by another veteran commissioner. It was widely reported by knowledgeable sources this week the current commission president had been planning for weeks on stepping down from the post for 2008. However, word is last week's editorial, which one caller...READ MORE

Another Look Needed In Berlin

There could be an appropriate ending at next week's Berlin Mayor and Council to what has been an ugly sequence of events. At last week's meeting, Berlin Mayor Tom Cardinale appointed local businessman John Barrett as a permanent replacement on the Berlin Planning Commission for Dave Rovansek, who has been undergoing chemotherapy treatments for brain cancer in Baltimore for the last several months. Rovansek had been informed by Cardinale in a letter a temporary appointment would be made while he...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Put Spotlight On OC Offenders Editor: It seems that at the end of every year, we read a newspaper account of how poorly the foreign students are being treated by our local business people. Then we read about concerns that these students will not be returning to Ocean City because of problems associated with high rents, failure to pay wages and the timely payment of wages as well as assistance not being provided by those personnel associated with the student programs and the failure of Ocean City...READ MORE

Live Bands And DJs

Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. 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, Dec. 7: DJ BK; Saturday, Dec. 8: Pompous Pie; Thursday, Dec. 13: Trailer Park Romeo. Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th St. Bayfront; Call for entertainment. Clarion Hotel: 410-524-3535, 10100 Coastal Hwy; Ocean Club: Friday-Sunday, Dec....READ MORE

High Fuel, Energy Costs Stress School Budgets

SNOW HILL - High fuel and energy costs are affecting Worcester County schools, the Board of Education reported to the Worcester County Commissioners Tuesday, possibly pushing some school operations over their allocated budgets. School bus transportation, energy and utility costs have all risen in response to the high cost of fuel. The school also reported that plan maintenance and special education costs might go over budget this year. 'This is a routine letter,' Worcester County Administrator...READ MORE

Mayor Reverts Course On Commission Appointment

BERLIN - Dave Rovansek will likely get his wish for an alternate to take his place on the Berlin Planning Commission next week, but the town's elected officials' decision last month to replace him still rankles. 'The move in which my permanent replacement was done at the last meeting was caused either by a lack of knowledge of the laws and adopted rules or choosing not to follow the laws and adopted rules,' Rovansek said this week. 'At some point, the mayor and town council need to be held...READ MORE

Friday, December 7 -Non-Profits Fulfilling Local Dreams This Holiday Season

BERLIN - At least 2,000 Worcester County citizens will experience some holiday cheer this Christmas season that would not have been possible without local volunteers and non-profits. 'There are thousands who need assistance,' said Darlene Onley of Worcester County GOLD (Giving Other Lives Dignity). Last year, Worcester County GOLD matched 312 families, totaling 931 people, with sponsors who donated holiday meals and gifts for the entire family. 'This year, we're already up to 900 people. This...READ MORE

Plantiffs In Wrongful Death Suit Affirm Trial Request

BERLIN - Just two weeks after the defendants in a multi-million wrongful death lawsuit involving the alleged spraying of a toxic pesticide over a residential area in Berlin, which allegedly caused the death of one local resident, filed a motion asking a U.S. District Court judge to throw out the case, the victim's family filed a response to the motion last week outlining several reasons the case should proceed to trial. The suit, filed in Worcester County in June 2006 on behalf of the widow and...READ MORE

Buxy's Tops Kirby's to Win its Fourth Straight Flag Title

OCEAN CITY- Buxy's Salty Dog captured its fourth straight Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department Fall Flag Football League title this week, edging old rival Kirby's Pub, 13-7, on Monday on a cold, windswept field at the 4th Street Park. Buxy's survived a knock down, drag out double overtime battle against Gemcraft Homes in the semifinals to reach the championship game. Kirby's, meanwhile, which lost to Buxy's, 27-0, in the second round, had to battle back from the loser's bracket to reach...READ MORE

Decatur Swim Team Ready To Hit Pool

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's new swim team is ready to hit the pool with an eight-meet schedule that gets underway next week with scrimmages against Kent Island and Queen Anne's on the road next Thursday. This is the inaugural season for the new swim team at Stephen Decatur High School, which will compete as a club team for at least the first season after which an assessment will be made to consider making it a fully sanctioned sport at the Berlin school. The team has been practicing at the Sports...READ MORE

Mallards Outlast Pesky Flames for 35-32 Win

BERLIN- Worcester Prep's girls' varsity basketball team outlasted a pesky Greenwood Mennonite team on Tuesday in a see-saw contest that ended with a 35-32 win for the Mallards. Greenwood Mennonite jumped out to an early 6-2 lead in the first quarter before Worcester Prep center Melanie Leiner got warmed up and started getting her shots to fall. Led by three straight baskets by Leiner, the Mallards went on an 8-0 run to close out the first quarter, which ended with Worcester ahead, 10-6. After a...READ MORE

Son Of Zilla Takes V-ball Title

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department's Adult Co-Rec Volleyball League season came to a close last week with the Son of Zilla team taking the championship with a 20-4 record. After months of grueling matches that began back on September 18, the Son of Zilla team emerged with the league's best record and was awarded the championship trophy. Son of Zilla edged out Old Pro Golf, which finished in second place with an 18-6 record. Ward's Warriors came in third with an 11-13...READ MORE

Tough Guy of Year

Stephen Decatur football standout Pat Casey was honored last week with the Atlantic Physical Therapy and Fitness Center's 'Tough Guy of the Year' award for the   2007 season. In addition to the handsome trophy, Casey received a $1,000 scholarship from ATP to use at the college of his choice. Pictured is Casey (center) with Coach Bob Knox (left) and ATP representative Bobby Hammond (right). ...READ MORE

War on Shore Underway at Decatur

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur High School's 6th Annual War on the Shore wrestling tournament got underway this morning with some of the best high school wrestling programs in the mid-Atlantic area converging at the Berlin school for the two-day event. The annual event, which features 24 of the best high school wrestling teams from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia, will be held at Decatur for the sixth and final time this weekend. Next year, the tournament moves to the Ocean City Convention Center....READ MORE

Bridge Closure Start Date Finalized

OCEAN CITY - The start date for the major Route 50 bridge repair and rehabilitation project, which will close the span to all traffic for an estimated 35 days, was revealed this week, and while the project has not been moved up as hoped, state officials are confident it will be completed before one of the biggest weekends of the winter season. State Highway Administration (SHA) District Engineer Donnie Drewer said yesterday the Route 50 bridge closure will begin on or around Jan. 17 as...READ MORE

County Holds Off Berlin Sewer Vote

SNOW HILL - The Berlin sewage system expansion is once again in limbo after the County Commissioners postponed a decision on the necessary county water and sewer plan amendment. The commissioners voted Tuesday to delay a decision on the amendment, allowing Berlin to expand and upgrade its sewage system to increase nutrient removal and handle new growth, after two hours of presentations. The commissioners cited the need to address concerns expressed by the Maryland Department of Planning (MDP),...READ MORE

Figures Confirm Foreclosure Woes Extend To County

BERLIN - The final report of Gov. Martin O'Malley's Homeownership Preservation Task Force released last week revealed Maryland is right in the middle of a growing national foreclosure crisis and Worcester County has not been immune to the trend. O'Malley commissioned the task force, made up of a conglomerate of private sector housing advocates, banks, mortgage lenders and elected officials from all over the state, last summer and charged it with finding both long-term solutions to help...READ MORE

Report Finds OC Property Owners Overpay $13.8M

OCEAN CITY -Tax differential made further head way this week with a presentation on the issue to the Mayor and Council Monday night followed by a presentation to the County Commissioners Tuesday afternoon. The Mayor and Council were presented with a final report on tax differential Monday night, giving them a clearer picture of what a tax differential could mean for Ocean City and what steps need to be taken to achieve it. In October, the Mayor and Council approved a contract with Municipal and...READ MORE

Council Approves Appeals Process For Taxi Drivers

OCEAN CITY - An ordinance outlining the amendments to the appeals process for permit licensing for taxi cab drivers passed as an emergency ordinance Monday night with the unanimous support of the City Council and the concurrence of the Mayor. The ordinance calls for a change in the appeals hearings, calling for them to occur within five business days rather than within 48 hours. The ordinance states that in addition to the municipal infraction citation that is issued to taxi cab permit...READ MORE

County Talks Septic Tanks

SNOW HILL - The County Commissioners informally discussed new rules requiring nutrient removal technology on new or replacement septic tanks this week. Staff is working on a set of rules to require nutrient removal technology on septic tanks, Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell said, but where the rule would apply is up to the commissioners. 'They have to decide where they want the lines to go,' he said, which could be the entire county or just the critical area. Nutrient removal...READ MORE

Juvenile Charged In West OC Shooting

WEST OCEAN CITY - A Salisbury juvenile was arrested on Wednesday in connection with a shooting outside a West Ocean City restaurant in November and has been charged with attempted first-degree murder and several other charges. James LaBronk Brumskin, 17, of Salisbury, was arrested at his residence on Wednesday after Worcester County Bureau of Investigations (WCBI) detectives were able to connect him to the shooting of Eric Jamar Purnell, 19, of Berlin, at the parking lot of Salvatore's...READ MORE

Marathon Plans Scaled Back For 2008

OCEAN CITY - With uncertainty swirling around the future of the annual Ocean City Marathon, event organizers this week announced there would not be a full marathon next year for a variety of reasons, but there will be an event nonetheless which will likely include a half-marathon and a 5K race although no further details are available at this time. As the clock continues to click down on 2007, questions arose about the future of the Ocean City Marathon held each April in and around the resort...READ MORE

Neighbor's Concerns Aired Over Edgewater Project

OCEAN CITY - Discussion over the 1111 Edgewater property continued this week, however the contention centered not around the request for a building permit extension, but rather on the complaints of neighboring property owners. George Mengason, president of the Condo Owners Association for Summer Wind Condominiums, came before the Mayor and Council Monday night in what he claimed to be a last effort in resolving an ongoing conflict. According to Mengason, damages have occurred to the Summer Wind...READ MORE

OC Delays Call On Screening For High-Rise Project

OCEAN CITY - Approval of changes to the Gateway Grand Condominium project was postponed this week, with the Mayor and Council requesting further information on the desired amendments. Joseph Moore, attorney for the project, came before the Mayor and Council at Monday night's regular session to make a request on behalf of Carlyle/High Street Ocean City, LP. Moore explained that the company was seeking approval for a screening structure to cover the cooling towers on the north side of the parking...READ MORE

OC Survey Results Released

OCEAN CITY - The results of the National Citizen Survey, sent out to a random sampling of Ocean City residents, were released this week, giving town officials insight into some of the thoughts and opinions of residents. Dr. Thomas Miller of the National Research Center presented the Mayor and Council with the results of the surveys at Monday night's council meeting. Random samples of 3,000 households were sent surveys. Although some of the surveys were sent back after failing to reach...READ MORE

One Conviction, One Mistrial In OC Rape Case

SNOW HILL - A pair of Ocean City men arrested on rape charges in April after an alleged sexual assault on a 17-year-old girl in a resort apartment had their day in Worcester County Circuit Court this week with varying results including a mistrial for one defendant and a two-year jail sentence for the other. Semeredin Bederu, 25, and Senay Haile, 26, both of Ocean City, although each has other known addresses listed in court documents, appeared in Circuit Court this week on consecutive days for...READ MORE

Report Outlines Specifics Of Tax Differential

OCEAN CITY - Over the past few months, tax differential has become an issue on the forefront for the Mayor and Council, resulting in numerous discussions over the issue and a contract with a financial services group in an effort to assess the real numbers involved with tax differential. The following is a look at what a tax differential is, how it is applied throughout the State of Maryland, and the impact that a tax differential could have on Ocean City and Worcester County. The following...READ MORE

Snow Hill Gateway Rezoning Tabled

SNOW HILL - Rezoning a parcel of industrial land outside the Snow Hill town limits would go against the town's strategic plan and the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan, the County Commissioners heard this week. Sunwoo and Kyunghi Nam want to rezone a parcel of land just outside the Snow Hill town limits from industrial to general business, but townsfolk and a neighboring property owner do not want to see that land commercially developed. The land, which is currently occupied by a county liquor...READ MORE

Snow Hill Middle

During American Education Week (AEW), Snow Hill Middle students participated in an essay contest focusing on AEW's theme of "Great American Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." Pictured, from left, are essay winners Sara Welch (seventh grade), second place, and Rachel Allman (eighth grade), first place. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School

Ocean City Elementary School honored the November Students of the Month at a luncheon sponsored by the Berlin-Ocean City Opti-Ms. Pictured, first row from left, are first graders Marley Auker, Alea Baily, Michelle Cuevas-Hernandez, Kaitlyn Peters and Chase Porter; second row, second graders Braeden Dang, Deja Kellam, Stephanie Marx, Yarden Rafaeli and Zina Sbih; third row, third graders Sydney Westcott, Jason Hearne, Nicholas Ager, Alexis Cantrell, Logan Figgs, Emma Hancock, Jillian Mitrecic and...READ MORE

Worcester Prep

Sammy, the carrot-munching rabbit, visited Worcester Prep Lower School students to encourage good habits in saving. The program was sponsored by Maryland Cooperative Extension and included a high-energy presentation on financial literacy. Pictured with Sammy are Isabella Osias, Bethany Beach; Cameron Langeler, Salisbury; Casey Clayland, Ocean City; Keegan Pando, Lewes; Alex Canakis, Ocean City; (back) Riley Dickerson, Ocean City; Davis Mears, Berlin; Brittany Wangel, Berlin; Sammy; Christina...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary

Kindergarten students from Sheri Brueckner's class at Ocean City Elementary School, Cory Braica and Betul Yucel, point to a picture to answer a safety question put forth by Deputy Crisafolli from the Worcester County Sheriff's Department as part of the DARE program. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary

Quinn Ebaugh, a second grader at Ocean City Elementary School, recently placed first in the Individual Experimental Category at the county Science Fair. The experiment, 'Soda Under Pressure,' involved measuring the effects of pressure and how high soda will shoot out of a bottle depending on the exit hole size. ...READ MORE

Mona Smith's second-grade class

Mona Smith's second-grade class stands in front of a Gingerbread House built by the students in her class. Students volunteered their recess time to work on the house. This project was part of a lesson that was taught by Stephen Decatur High School Students for Habitat for Humanity. The lesson was about poverty and housing issues. This house will now be judged by Decatur students. If selected, the students in will participate in the Berlin Christmas Parade with Stephen Decatur High School. ...READ MORE

Snow Hill Middle School

During American Education Week (AEW), Snow Hill Middle students participated in a poster contest which focused on AEW's theme of "Great American Public Schools: A Basic Right and Our Responsibility." Pictured, from left, are poster winners Carly Muir (fifth grade), second place; Sydney Hall (fifth grade), first place; and Monica Vogel (fifth grade), third place. ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary

Tanya Call's kindergarten class at Buckingham Elementary School recently won a free lunch contest sponsored by Foggy 99  ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep

During American Book Week Worcester Prep Lower School students dressed up as characters from their favorite books. Having fun as book characters are second graders James Mathias, Ocean City; Reid Odachowski, Ocean City; Kasey Clayland, Ocean City; Cameron Langeler, Salisbury; and Rachael Weidman, Dagsboro. ...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Trout Lane 14th Street Fri-Sun 11-3 Bayside Townhouses Rick Meehan Coldwell Banker 410-723-8778 OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 9-5 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bay 1 Fri-Sun 10-4 3/4BR, 3+ BA Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Mon-Fri 11-3 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Berlin - Ocean Pines - Fenwick Island

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri-Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker BERLIN 113 Branch Street Sat 1-4 3BR/2BA 1910 Farmhouse Monika Lilley Sheppard Realty 443-373-3115 OCEAN PINES 98 Lookout Pt Sat-Sun 12-3 2300sqft Waterfront Greg Erdie Coldwell Banker 410-641-5700 FENWICK ISLAND Bayside Rt. 54 Models Open Daily Classic Beach Resort Town Carl M. Freeman 877-436-9998 ...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Christopher Chadwick Stuard LEXINGTON, Ky. - Christopher Chadwick Stuart, age 17, died suddenly on Sunday Dec. 2, 2007. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of Julie Ann Stuart and the late Christopher J. Stuart and step-father Edward Smith. He is survived by his grandparents, Gary and Doris Kuebler of Ocean Pines, Tessa Dole of Lexington, Ky., Charles Stuart and his wife Faith of Winchester, Va.; two sisters, Tessa Elizabeth Stuart and Cassie Ann Stuart; two step brothers, Christopher M. Smith and...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Start preparing now to make sure you get the credit you're due for all that effort you put in to get that project off the ground. A new challenge emerges after the 15th. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You're still charging full steam ahead on the job - and that's fine. But take time to share the joy of preparing for the upcoming holidays with folks you love. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A former detractor resists joining your ranks just yet. Give him or her time to...READ MORE

At Fresco's, Proprietor Found Most Often In The Kitchen

OCEAN CITY - Since 2001, Fresco's has been providing delicious food, top-notch ambiance and a breathtaking view of the bay. With 2008 just around the corner, Fresco's is looking forward to another year of good food, friends and success. Fresco's owner and operator Pino Tomasello has been living in Ocean City for nearly 30 years and contributing to the restaurant environment of Ocean City for almost as long. Tomasello opened his first restaurant, Pino's Pizza, in 1983. His life in the restaurant...READ MORE

My Thoughts

The mice have been real bad around Insider's house this year. On more than one occasion, the old guy has spotted the critters darting across the kitchen floor into the pantry, which has to be like an all-you-can-eat buffet for these mice. The freeloaders have been living in the Insider's house for the last few weeks and leaving behind droppings of poop wherever they go. The dog seems to like cleaning up after them. Insider even found some poop in his sock drawer. That's what sent the old guy to...READ MORE

Some Considerations When Trying To Avoid AMT

BERLIN - When Congress created the alternative minimum tax, or AMT, in 1969, it was designed to ensure that the wealthiest paid at least some tax by closing tax loopholes and limiting shelters. In fact, it's called the AMT because of the alternative set of rules for determining the minimum tax wealthy investors must pay. In the first year, only 20,000 people lost write-offs. However, because the deductions, exemptions and tax brackets used by the AMT are not indexed to inflation (as they are in...READ MORE

Cat & Canine Comforts

Cat & Canine Comforts, located in the Decatur Business Center in West Ocean City, added to the Pink Ribbon Classic total with its donation of $100 from the sale of Pink Loofah Dogs during the month of October. Owners Nancy and Steve Schwendeman presented the check to Pink Ribbon Committee member Nancy Dofflemeyer last week. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

American Legion Sinepuxent Post 166

American Legion Sinepuxent Post 166, Ocean City, recently presented a $1,000 donation to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. Shown accepting the donation from Post Commander Sarge Garlitz are Memorial Co-chairmen Roseann Bridgman and Sharyn O'Hare. ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Wound Care Center Opens BERLIN - Atlantic General Hospital announced recently the opening of its new Wound Care Center. Located at 10231 Old Ocean City Boulevard in the new James G. Barrett Medical Office Building, the program specializes in the treatment of problem wounds, a growing concern spurred by an aging US population and the increase in diabetes. Approximately 18.5 million American have diabetes and, of that population, about 1.8 million will suffer from a problem wound. While these...READ MORE

"Revolution Revelations at the Bully Pulpit"

You don't need a picket sign to want some sort of change in this world. And that doesn't necessarily mean that the best way to get that change is to go tour the television morning show circuit either, even though more people will pay attention to you if Matt Lauer is asking you questions. Unfortunately, a lot of people just stop at making a 'hell no we won't go' sign with some red magic marker, hope for the best and expect to be listened to. I doubt that what was meant by 'the pen is mightier...READ MORE

Things I Like

Patrick Henry's work Passionate teachers The smell of the house after a good clean The Chili Cookoff at the Greene Turtle West Leaving the doctor's office Living a short walk from the Berlin Christmas parade Driving along Route 376 (Assateague Road) Sleeping with down pillows When the heat can be turned off this time of year A hot shower on a cold day The last stretch of a long run  ...READ MORE

Things We Like

The end of dylight saving A school delay The sound of the ocean Children getting off the school bus Sunday brunch at the Marlin Moon Early-morning Mass A phone call from a friend The smell of hot chocolate A kiss from my granddaughter An early-morning snow The beginning of daylight saving By Pat Trageser  ...READ MORE