January 18, 2008

Friday, January 2--Free Bus Rides Just A City Perk

OCEAN CITY - As Ocean City's new Year's Eve crowds sang along to Auld Lang Syne bringing in 2009, the free bus service that the town provided yet again to ensure public safety is something that should be 'ne'er forgot.' In a year when the City is tightening its proverbial belt across the board, making huge cuts everywhere from City Hall to the outskirts of the city limits, the free bus ran yet again on New Year's, as it has every year since the mid-1990's. Brian Connor, assistant superintendent...READ MORE

Thursday, January 24 - Council Okay Slight Height Change For Condo Project

OCEAN CITY - The Gateway Grand condominium project gained approval for a six-foot height change to its parking garage this week, a minor change that will not affect the overall height of the building, but one that warranted an air of caution among the Mayor and Council. In an effort to avoid what several people have referred to as 'another Rivendell', the Mayor and Council took the request for a change to the Gateway Grand project on 49th Street seriously this week, making sure to have all...READ MORE

Tuesday, January 22 - OC Double Murder Case Featured On TV

BERLIN - On Jan. 27, at 10 p.m., the Oxygen network's 'Snapped' series will present a segment on the 2002 Memorial weekend double murder that occurred in Ocean City. The show will air again at midnight and 2 a.m. on Jan. 28. According to Donna Dudek, series producer, 'Snapped' is a true crime series that profiles cases of women accused of murder that all have one thing in common, at some point they all snapped. These are ordinary and sometimes extra ordinary women who had seemingly perfect lives...READ MORE

Monday, January 21- Beach Blanket Blood Drive To Mark 10 Years

OCEAN CITY - The Blood Bank of Delmarva will host the 10th Annual Beach Blanket Blood Drive at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center next week on Jan. 29-30. The drive, sponsored by the Coastal Association of Realtors and the Town of Ocean City, was established in 1997 to promote blood donation in the winter, a time when blood supplies traditionally dip as donors are kept away by cold and flu, bad weather and holiday travel. For a decade, the Coastal Association of Realtors has provided more...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

This is the winter of major changes for Maryland. First, the sales tax increased earlier this month from 5 cents to 6 cents on the dollar (it's 7 cents for any business selling food and beverage in Ocean City to pay off the bond for the 1995 convention center expansion) and the smoking ban kicks into law in a couple weeks. These are passionate issues. Let's face it there are not many matters that cross all segments of society. While increasing the cigarette tax and other service taxes only...READ MORE

County Should Deed Park Land To OC

The proposed expansion and major facelift of the 4th Street park in Ocean City has been placed on hold because the county and city can't come to terms on a long-term lease agreement needed to secure financing for what could be a beautiful project. This situation needs to be worked out because there's a chance to address what has become a bit of an eyesore in recent years. The plan designed by city officials includes expanding the popular skate park, merging the essentially independent east and...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Abuse Of Rights Editor I am writing this letter because I smoke cigarettes. I've never written 'letters to the editor', but now I must voice my opinion. 'Happy New Year'... I think not. It's going to cost everyone a lot more money in 2008 than 2007. Why you ask? It is my opinion that we have a government that is out of control at both the federal and state levels. They spend money faster than I can smoke a cigarette. But somehow, again, they've got themselves in a money jam, and the best idea...READ MORE

Live Bands And DJs

Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Closed. Reopen Feb. 15. Castaway's: 410-524-9090, 64th St. Bayfront; Closed for the season. Re-open Thursday, March 13. Clarion Hotel: 410-524-3535, 10100 Coastal Hwy; Ocean Club: Friday-Sunday, Jan. 18-20: First Class; Thursday, Jan. 24: Power Play. Fager's Island: 410-524-5500, 60th St. in the Bay; Deck: Friday, Jan. 18: TBA, 9 p.m.;...READ MORE

Missing Berlin Woman Identified In Crack Bust

OCEAN CITY – A Berlin woman reported as a missing person in November was one of three individuals arrested this week on crack cocaine charges at a downtown Ocean City residence. Around 12:30 a.m. on Tuesday, two Ocean City Police officers went to a residence on St. Louis Ave. in an attempt to locate a wanted person. As the officers approached the unit, they observed through the window one individual, later identified as Sally Ann Layton, 44, of Berlin, handling crack cocaine paraphernalia...READ MORE

County Urged To Support Fraternal Clubs' Slots

SNOW HILL - Fraternal organizations overwhelmingly want slot machines in their halls, the Worcester County Commissioners heard during a public hearing this week. Worcester County is the only county on the Eastern Shore that does not permit non-profits like fraternal organizations to house a few slot machines. Half the revenue from those machines, limited to five per lodge, must be given to charity. 'There's being considered a bill that would include Worcester County in that existing law,' county...READ MORE

County Mum On Amusement Tax District Proposal

BERLIN - Worcester County's elected officials kept their thoughts to themselves after Jolly Roger's Buddy Jenkins presented the case for an Ocean City amusement tax overlay district, which would give two major amusement enterprises tax relief. The measure would freeze property assessments of the Trimper rides properties, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, and Jolly Roger rides at the Pier at the 2004 level, or the current assessment, whichever is lower. If the use of the property changes, however,...READ MORE

Governor Outlines Plan For Foreclosure Crisis

BERLIN - Just one month after his Homeownership Preservation Task Force released its grave final report on the growing foreclosure crisis across the state, Governor Martin O'Malley this week announced proposed emergency regulations and initiatives to help stem the tide of residents across Maryland including Worcester losing their homes. O'Malley on Monday unveiled a multi-faceted plan to reverse the growing foreclosure trend in Maryland, where 33,000 homeowners are faced with the prospect of...READ MORE

Inlet Surfing Beach To Return

OCEAN CITY - The Inlet surfing beach concept will return to Ocean City for a second year in 2008, giving surfers another year to enjoy the long-awaited designated surfing beach. Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster reported this week that due to the overwhelming success of the first year of the Inlet surfing beach pilot program, the program would continue. Last year marked the first year for the pilot program, which gave surfers a large chunk of beach at the Inlet to be used...READ MORE

Friday, January 18 - Man Sentenced For Stealing From Soldier

OCEAN CITY - In District Court this week, a Gaithersburg, Md. man was sentenced to over four years in jail after being arrested last month for stealing a car and other property from a female soldier in Iraq and driving while under the influence. Thomas Travis Taylor, 43, pleaded guilty to unauthorized removal of property and driving while under the influence, blaming his actions on mental problems and alcohol, and claiming that the stolen car had been leant to him. On Dec. 6, Ocean City Police...READ MORE

Options For Showell School's Future Weighed

NEWARK - A recently completed land-use study of the Showell Elementary School property revealed the site could handle a major expansion, renovation or even replacement estimated between $25 million and $27 million depending on the option chosen, but there are serious issues to resolve including sewer, before any project can be undertaken. Worcester County Board of Education members this week got an overview of a land-use study conducted by the Becker Morgan Group of the Showell Elementary site....READ MORE

Public Schools Initiate Plan For Bridge Closure

OCEAN CITY - Preparations for the closure of the Route 50 bridge began as expected yesterday, creating at least a month's worth of headaches and complications for numerous local residents, including school-age children who live just across the span from their schools but will have to take a tour of Ocean City and northern Worcester County each day to reach them. Early yesterday morning, State Highway Administration (SHA) crews were busy putting out the familiar orange barrels and dragging...READ MORE

Sponsors Eyed For Ocean City's Special Events

OCEAN CITY - At a work session of the Mayor and Council this week, the issue of soliciting more sponsorship for town events arose, with several officials arguing for an increase in sponsorship to alleviate tax burdens. The issue arose during a presentation by Tom Shuster, director of Recreation and Parks, as he presented the 2009 Special Events Schedule. Councilwoman Margaret Pillas suggested alleviating the high costs of fireworks displays by having them sponsored. Shuster pointed out that...READ MORE

Winterfest Riders Down, But Exceed 15-Year Average

OCEAN CITY - Although the 2007-2008 Winterfest of Lights came to an end earlier this month, the event is still glowing with the report of another successful year and increased revenues. Ocean City Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster reported this week that the Winterfest of Lights brought in more than 80,000 people to ride through the displays. The 15th annual event kicked off on Nov. 15 with an opening ceremony and concluded on Jan. 1. The temperate weather aided the event, with only...READ MORE

Adkins Nominated For Cathell's Seat

BERLIN - It appears this week local attorney Joe Moore was not successful in his attempt at gaining a nomination to sit on the bench of Maryland's highest court as the Judicial Nominating Committee last week forwarded just one name to the governor for the appointment, but O'Malley could ask the committee to reconsider adding one or more names, including Moore's, to the list. Moore in December officially filed an application to replace Judge Dale Cathell as the Maryland Court of Appeals judge for...READ MORE

Alleged Murder Victim Part Of '06 Charity Scam

POCOMOKE - The woman's body found along a dirt road outside Pocomoke last Sunday turned out to be the woman arrested in Ocean City two years ago for fraudulently soliciting money for charities and events she did not represent including the annual Penguin Swim. The Worcester County Sheriff's Office and the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) this week is investigating the homicide of Judy Lynn Wojcik, 42, of no fixed address, whose body was found by trappers on a dirt road in Pocomoke...READ MORE

Berlin To Ask County Again For More Capacity To Grow

SNOW HILL - Berlin plans to formally ask the County Commissioners for more sewer capacity, the town informed elected officials this week, less than a month after the county reduced Berlin's sewer expansion. 'The town is going to be coming back to the commissioners to modify their plan to the full one million gallons per day that was requested in the formal application,' consultant Mark Prouty informed the commissioners Tuesday during a hearing on a separate matter, the expansion of the Berlin...READ MORE

Coastal Bays Exceeds Fundraising Goal

BERLIN - The Coastal Bays Program exceeded its goal last week of raising $250,000 in 2007 by some $75,000. Last January, an anonymous donor gave the program $500,000 to create the first designated environmental endowment fund on Maryland's lower shore. On the heels of the news, the same donor offered to match every private dollar raised with an additional $2 by year's end up to $250,000 - giving the program a chance to create a million-dollar endowment. The program recently announced that it...READ MORE

County Okays Campground Lodge Height Request

SNOW HILL - Eagle's Nest Campground owner Jack Burbage may now construct a 41-foot tall lodge at the campground, after the Worcester County Commissioners acceded to his request for an increase in allowed accessory building heights in campgrounds countywide. The commissioners also agreed to pass the bill as emergency legislation, which puts the new law into effect in time for construction of the Eagle's Nest lodge to be completed by Memorial Day. The commissioners' vote for 45 feet, to apply to...READ MORE

Flooding Solutions Elude Berlin Officials

BERLIN - Flooding problems in the town of Berlin need to be taken in hand, but the town's elected officials have not concluded how to tackle the problem. Berlin Mayor Tom Cardinale wants to get a committee together to create a plan of action. 'It's three, almost four years and $75,000 later,' Cardinale said, referring to the Army Corps of Engineers stormwater flooding report, completed in 2007. Cardinale wants to put together a small committee with wastewater, stormwater, construction and other...READ MORE

OC Hears Homeland Security Update

OCEAN CITY - The City Council was briefed on the town's Homeland Security Grant Initiative this week, receiving an update on the current initiative and a briefing of spending goals for 2008. Wayne Pryor, Special Programs and Grants Manager, reported that to date, $2.8 million in grant money has been received. Some of the accomplishments that have resulted from the grant money include bomb squad equipment, which has launched Ocean City's bomb squad to the status as one of the best in the state,...READ MORE

Ocean City To Try Outsourcing Vehicle Washes

OCEAN CITY - The City Council entered into a one-year trial run of a vehicle washing services contract this week, in hopes of cleaning up the municipal fleet and alleviating the stress on the town's current, fledgling bus washer. Oasis Car Wash, located on 72nd Street and Coastal Highway, presented the City Council with a proposal at Tuesday's work session offering year-round car washes for the town's municipal fleet for an annual price of  $60,000. Ocean City Public Works Director Hal...READ MORE

Original Musical Appearing At Worcester Prep

BERLIN - Worcester Preparatory School's Parents' Association is sponsoring the production of 'Coconut Road,' an original musical play by local playwright Harold Schmidt, for two evening performances on January 18-19. Both shows begin at 7 p.m. and will be held in the school's Athletic & Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and children under 18. Tickets can be purchased at the door on the night of the performance or at the Good Earth Market on Rt. 26 in...READ MORE

Pocomoke Man Sentenced In Federal Drug Distribution Case

BERLIN - A Worcester County man, convicted in federal court in October on four counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine and conspiracy to distribute cocaine, was sentenced this week to 11 and a half years in jail by a U.S. District Court Judge. A federal jury in late October returned guilty verdicts on all four counts against Curtis Schoolfield, 39, of Pocomoke, also known as 'Smoosh,' after deliberating for under two hours. On Monday, U.S. District Court Judge J. Frederick Motz...READ MORE

So Far So Good With Dog Park

OCEAN CITY - The new Ocean City Dog Playground may have opened with little fanfare Dec. 3, but the park has met success during its early stages, with 42 passes sold during the first weeks of operation, according to the city. At a Recreation and Parks Commission meeting this week, Tom Shuster, director of Recreation and Parks, reported that the Dog Playground was doing well so far and receiving positive feedback. In the six weeks since the Dog Playground opened and became the town's only...READ MORE

Voter Registration Deadline Approaching

BERLIN - Worcester County voters hoping to participate in the Feb. 12 primary election have until Tuesday to register to vote or miss the opportunity this time around. County residents not registered to vote can do so in a variety of ways before the deadline at 9 p.m. on Tuesday. With leading Democratic and Republic presidential candidates separated by mere percentage points this week, the Feb. 12 primary in Maryland and a handful of other states could go a long way in determining who is on the...READ MORE

West OC EDU Sales Can Continue, County Votes

SNOW HILL - West Ocean City property owners may still buy and sell sewer and water rights, after the Worcester County Commissioners decided this week not to eliminate the practice. The EDU market opened in 1997, when the county decided to allow the sale of water and sewer access in the West Ocean City service area, after that system was restricted to roughly one million gallons of effluent per day. Property owners with no plan to use their EDUs sold capacity access to those who wanted to build,...READ MORE

Fischbeck Named New OP Golf Pro

OCEAN PINES- Seasoned PGA professional Sean Fischbeck was named the new golf pro at the Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club last week, becoming the third to hold the position in a year. Fischbeck, a veteran golfer and course administrator, comes to Pines from the golf courses at the Glen Riddle community, where he served as head pro and general manager. He replaces former Ocean Pines golf pro Steve Reeves, who resigned in December after seven months on the job. Reeves replaced long-time Ocean...READ MORE

Local Student Sweeps Hoop Shoot Contests

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur Middle School student Adriano 'Bubba' Almony recently took first place in both the Elks Lodge and Knights of Columbus Hoop Shoot contests and will move on to district competition. Almony, 13, won his age bracket in both competitions, which are affiliated with the Elks National Hoop Shoot free throw contest. The contest is open to all boys and girls ages eight to 13 in both public and private schools within their various districts. Almony and dozens of other area students...READ MORE

OC Rec Basketball Continues

OC Rec Basketball Continues OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department's boys' winter basketball league continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following is a quick look at some recent league action: - Fenwick Hardware 20- OC Rec Boosters 26: Marcus Pitts scored eight points while Cameron Gaynor and Tevin Andrews added seven each as Fenwick Hardware prevailed. Tony Floyd scored 22 of his team's 26 points in defeat. - OC Lions 31- Maui Golf...READ MORE

Super Bowl Scramble on Tap

BERLIN- With the NFL playoffs set to begin this weekend, it's not too early to make plans to participate in the Super Bowl Scramble at Eagle's Landing in West Ocean City on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3. The creative tournament features a traditional four-player scramble format with a coach (the team's A player), a quarterback, a wide receiver and a running back. The scoring format is unique, however, with six points for a touchdown (eagle), three points for a field goal (birdie), and one point...READ MORE

Tough Week For Seahawks

BERLIN- It was a tough week for Stephen Decatur varsity basketball as both the boys' and girls' teams suffered two losses. Last Friday, the Decatur boys, who have shown marked improvement this year despite their 3-9 record, fell to Mardela, 76-59. There is no shame in losing to Mardela, which has compiled an impressive 10-2 mark thus far this season. In the Mardela game, Decatur's Darry Ames scored 18 points, Tim Donnelly scored 14 and Blair Woodard added 12. Decatur followed the Friday loss to...READ MORE

Ocean City Doctor Has A Passion To Educate

OCEAN CITY - With over 17 years of service to Ocean City and a pledge to provide comprehensive, convenient and consistent health care every day of the year, 75th Street Medical and 126th Street Medical promise to provide full service health care to locals and visitors alike. Dr. Victor Gong, M.D., owner of 75th Street Medical and 126th Street Medical and Doctor's Weight and Wellness Center, came to the area over 18 years ago. 'I came to do some wind-surfing down here and I fell in love with the...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High School

Stephen Decatur High School senior field hockey players recently provided a tea for Gull Creek residents. The girls spent time talking with a special group of Gull Creek ladies while serving tea and cookies. Students from SDHS choir provided singing. Students pictured, from left, are Lindsey Parker, Meg Shockley, Katie Nichols, Cami Runyon and Emily Smith. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Worcester Preparatory School

Fourth grade students from Worcester Preparatory School enjoyed special canoe and field trips to the Pocomoke YMCA and Pocomoke River State Park to learn water and boating safety as well as the environment. With their tour guide from Pocomoke River Parks are Zack Oltman, Alex Choy, Gary Frick and Josh Michnick. ...READ MORE

Cedar Chapel Special School

Cedar Chapel Special School students recently completed their annual DARE training. Deputy Matt Crisafulli from the Worcester County Sheriffs Department talked with the students about strangers, saying no to drugs and alcohol and other important safety issues. Shown here is Brandon Smack with Deputy Matt and Darren the Lion. ...READ MORE

Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School

The students of Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Berlin recently decided to donate money to WBOC's "Bless our Children" fund. The school of 200 students brought in $500 on a NUT (No Uniform Today) pass day. Pictured is MBS Principal Amelia Mike with a group of "students of the week" and the check. ...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School

Julissa Astudillo-Cuevas is pictured making a piñata as part of a unit on December holidays in Chris Lieb's kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary School. ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary School

Susan Hudson and Kala Lewis from Beyond Flowers recently taught a lesson at Buckingham Elementary School. The lesson was about caring for plants and how to make a bouquet of flowers. Above, fourth grader Juwan Allen smiles with the bouquet of flowers the pair created. ...READ MORE

Winterfest Gala Committee

The Winterfest Gala Committee presented the Delmarva Chefs Association with a check for $2,270 recently. Pictured, from left, are Gary Leach, Nancy Dofflemeyer, Phil Cropper, Michelle Myers and Tony Hilligos.                                  ...READ MORE

Worcester County Developmental Center

A donation given by the employees of Worcester County Circuit Court Clerk's Office was presented to the Worcester County Developmental Center (WCDC).  Pictured, from left, are Stephen V. Hales, Circuit Court clerk, Sally Borzager, WCDC program director, Jeffrey Smith, program participant, and Susan R. Braniecki, chief deputy.  ...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

William M. Hearne, Jr. BERLIN - William M. Hearne, Jr., of Berlin, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 8, 2008 at his home. Born in Berlin, he was the son of the late William M. Hearne and Margaret M. Hearne. Hearne was a graduate of the Buckingham School in 1941. Working as a self-taught carpenter for 40 years, he was one of the Eastern Shore's last true craftsman. After retiring from carpentry, he went to work for Napa Auto Parts in Berlin because he loved to be around people. Hearn was an avid...READ MORE

Things I Like

Rainy Sunday nights at home The ending to 'Charlie Wilson's War' The unmistakable smells of a garage Driving on a new set of tires Adults who still read the cartoons Headache medicine that works fast Commercials starring animals Candidates who incessantly use the word •€˜change' When professional athletes cry A hot soup and hot sandwich for lunch A cold bottle of Arizona Green Tea  ...READ MORE

Ocean City

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 CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily 11-3 3BR/2BA New Const. Skip Schlesinger Re/Max Premier...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Berlin - Ocean Pines

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri-Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker OCEAN PINES 50 Capetown Road Sat 11-2 Piney Island Built 3BR/2BA Contemporty Mia Cooper Schreier Coldwell Banker 443-435-0585 BERLIN Purnell Crossing Tues-Sun 11-6 3BR/2.5BA Villas w/ 2-car Garage Ryan Homes 866-776-9818 BISHOPVILLE St. Martins Neck Rd Sun 10-2 3BR/2.5BA Home on 1 Acre Steve Laslo Beach Real Esate 410-629-0224 OCEAN PINES Canvasback Road Sat 11-3 3BR/3.5BA...READ MORE

The Next Generation Of Index Investing

BERLIN - Exchange-traded notes are simple, transparent index trackers, and they give you access to hard-to-reach asset classes. As a strategy, indexing makes sense for many investors. Rather than try to beat the market, they join it, choosing investments that track such benchmarks as the S&P 500 or the Russell 2000. Since the 1970s, however, when the first index mutual fund was created, there has been a quest to develop the right structure to execute the investment strategy. One innovation,...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Guess what, Lamb? You're about to ex-perience a new perspective on a situation you long regarded quite differently. What you learn could open more opportunities later. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The Bold Bovine is tempted to charge into a new venture. But it might be best to take things one step at a time, so that you know just where you are at any given point. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): It's a good time to go on that fun getaway you've been planning. You'll...READ MORE

"Is it an Up and Down World?"

I guess it would be no surprise to anyone that consistently reads this column to learn that I listen to the blues while writing this piece on a weekly basis. I mention this because as I was brainstorming (if you want to call it that) for ideas for this week's column and I was trying to find a way to compare Ocean City to Scott Baio and Brett Michaels in a way that would make sense without people trying to put me on the 'nutso' stretcher normally reserved for 'pop tarts' and those who overdose...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Insider enjoys reading the weekly Classifieds pages, which are always home to some interesting items. For instance, a couple weeks back, the old guy bought an antique cash register from a lady in Berlin. Insider collects antiques and this item has a lot of history to it. Another interesting part of these weekly pages is the rental section and these days there seem to be many. When Insider was younger and not so smart and experienced, he used to own some apartments in the area. Back then housing...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures of nightlife around Ocean City area                                          ...READ MORE