July 4, 2008

Thursday, July 10 - Officers Injured In OC Brawl

OCEAN CITY - A major riot involving hundreds at a downtown underage nightclub on the Fourth of July provided fireworks of a different sort as 15 arrests were made and three Ocean City police officers were injured in a fight attributed to gang activity. Around 9:20 p.m. last Friday, as thousands of vacationers and residents scrambled to safety from a severe storm after the fireworks display downtown concluded, OCPD officers responded to the H20 underage nightclub on Worcester Street for a...READ MORE

Tuesday, July 8 - OC Sexual Assault Suspect Sought

OCEAN CITY- Ocean City Police this week are looking for a man who sexually assaulted a young woman on the beach near 109th Street early last Friday morning. The 19-year-old Salisbury woman was collecting shells on the beach near 109th Street around 5:30 a.m. last Friday morning when an unidentified man grabbed her from behind and threw her to the ground. The suspect, who was reportedly much larger than the victim, then sat on her chest, forced her mouth open with his hands and inserted his...READ MORE

Monday, July 7 - Man Held for Explosive Threat on Courthouse

SNOW HILL- A Pocomoke man is in custody in Virginia this week awaiting extradition to Worcester County for threatening to drive a truck full of explosives into the county government building in Snow Hill to avoid a scheduled court date last week. Last Tuesday, July 1, the Worcester County Circuit Court received a letter stating an elite special forces unit from Saudi Arabia was going to drive a truck full of C-4 explosives into a government building. The letter stated the terrorist attacks were...READ MORE

High Hopes For Banner Holiday Weekend In OC

OCEAN CITY - Despite concerns about soaring gas prices and a shaky economy, resort business leaders are locked and loaded for what has the potential to be an outstanding Fourth of July weekend. Optimism abounded this week as the resort prepared for another Fourth of July holiday with many factors aligned for what could be one of the better ones in recent memory. Many long-time residents and business owners prefer a mid-week Fourth of July that often spreads the holiday crowds out over two solid...READ MORE

Berlin Businesses Report Mixed Reviews On Summer

BERLIN - The tourist season so far in Berlin has gotten varied reviews, with some saying more people are visiting, while others contend there are fewer people visiting the town and they are spending less. 'The merchants tell me it seems there's more people but they're not spending as much money,' said Michael Day, coordinator for Berlin's Main Street Program, a downtown economic development initiative. 'Everyone seems to see more foot traffic in general.' There are fewer sales per visitor,...READ MORE

Council Hears Update On Proposed Eco-Park in WOC

OCEAN CITY - Plans for the Ayres Creek water trail and landing park are moving along smoothly, reported organizers this week, as they sought approval from the Mayor and City Council to move forward with a partnership with the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Jim Rapp, director of Delmarva Low-Impact Tourism Experiences (DLITE), presented the Mayor and City Council with an update on the proposed eco-park project this week, citing potential assistance and funding that could be...READ MORE

County Wants To Start Sunday Auto Sales

SNOW HILL - Motorcycle enthusiasts may be able to buy their ride of choice on Sundays in Worcester County if Maryland legislators pursue a request from the Worcester County Commissioners to exempt the county from an obsolete 'blue law' still on the books. 'We're open Sundays. The retail and service side is open,' said Harley-Davidson of Ocean City General Manager Benet McCormick in a telephone interview.  'We have a pretty good amount of customers that come in and want to know about the...READ MORE

Friday, July 4 - From A Locals-Only Bar To Being Known Nationally

OCEAN CITY - Twenty years ago, a little piece of Jamaica came to Ocean City in the form of a small bayside bar, promising a 'seacret' spot for locals only and those that wished they were. Owner Leighton Moore was inspired to open Seacrets, Jamaica U.S.A 20 years ago, when a trip to Jamaica changed his life forever. After dropping out of high school, Moore took the chance to travel, ultimately ending up in Jamaica. 'I fell in love with it instantly,' said Moore. After weighing his options and...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

Ocean City is hoping to launch fireworks tonight to mark the nation's independence. That's been the plan for years, but there have been varying results of late. The resort is currently mired in a streak of bad luck with the town-sponsored fireworks displays in recent years. Three years have gone by since all went as planned with the fireworks, which are always set off the evening of Independence Day, no matter what day of the week it falls. Last year, the downtown and uptown fireworks displays,...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Explanation Of Decision Needed Editor: (The following was addressed to the Board of Worcester County Property Tax Assessment with a copy forwarded to this paper for publication.) Approximately seven months ago, I appealed the increased property assessment on my home in Berlin. I recently received a reply after all that time indicating that my appeal was rejected. There was no explanation for this decision. Since the time we originally purchased our property in 2002, our property market value was...READ MORE

Council, Planners Discuss Development, Growth Issues

OCEAN CITY - At a joint meeting of the Mayor, City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission this week, completed, current and future efforts ranging from comprehensive rezoning to enhanced shadow controls were addressed, in an effort to reach a consensus on current issues in the town. Planning Director Jesse Houston highlighted a few of the completed items on the town's agenda. The items included the development of a height limit for residential properties between Baltimore and St. Louis...READ MORE

Parties Closing In On CO Settlement

OCEAN CITY - The $30 million wrongful death lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court earlier this year by the family of two Pennsylvania tourists who perished from carbon monoxide poisoning in a Boardwalk motel room in June 2006 appears to be close to a settlement this week, according to a memorandum to the many parties involved from a federal judge handling the case. A settlement conference was held on Tuesday, during which the parties apparently got close to reaching an agreement in the case. On...READ MORE

Schools Creating Contingency Fund For Future Overruns

NEWARK - Future school system cost overruns will be taken care of through a $1.2 million contingency fund to be established this summer. Worcester County Board of Education staffers are working on identifying cuts to make in the fiscal year 2009 budget, covering the 2008-2009 school year, to fund the contingency account. The school board will review the cuts and formalize the fund at the July 15 school board meeting. 'The County Commissioners said next year we will not provide any supplemental...READ MORE

Trophy White Marlin Headed For OC Boardwalk

OCEAN CITY -The biggest white marlin in Maryland sport fishing history could be finding a home on Ocean City's Boardwalk in the near future. Charles Kratz, captain of the boat that caught the 135-pound white marlin nearly 30 years ago, came before the Mayor and City Council this week, explaining his desire to donate the fish, along with a trophy case, to be on display in the town. The 135-pound, 102-inch-long white marlin was caught on Aug. 29, 1980 by angler George Pierson, with the help of...READ MORE

Wetlands Permits Pave Way For Shore Broadband Project

BERLIN - The effort to connect every corner of Worcester County and the Eastern Shore to broadband high-speed Internet access moved closer to becoming a reality this week when the state Board of Public Works approved a wetlands license for the private/public sector group leading the way. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley on Wednesday announced the state's Board of Public Works, consisting of Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown, Treasurer Nancy Kopp and Comptroller Peter Franchot, approved a wetlands license for...READ MORE

City Against Adopting Lenient Drug Policy

OCEAN CITY - Town employees will remain under a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance abuse, after the City Council decided against adopting a new, more lenient policy this week. Human Resources Director Roger Weseman presented the Mayor and City Council with the proposed policy change this week; a modification that would give employees who were terminated for substance abuse a second chance. Currently, the Town of Ocean City has a zero-tolerance policy regarding substance abuse and has for...READ MORE

Council Okays Airport's Discounted Fuel Concept

OCEAN CITY - Discounts on fuel sales at the Ocean City Municipal Airport were addressed this week by the Mayor and City Council, resulting in approval of the good will practice, but with a few concerns about the regulation of the discounts. Public Works Director Hal Adkins and Airport Manager George Goodwill presented the concept to the Mayor and Council for their official blessing this week, even though the practice has been going on for over two years now. Currently, there are two options...READ MORE

Early Route 50 Service Road Work Comes In Under Budget

SNOW HILL - The completed initial work on the Route 50 service road is a quarter of a million dollars under budget, Public Works Director John Tustin reported to the County Commissioners Tuesday. Phase 1A, the beginning of the project, was finished earlier this year. The work cleaned up and straightened out the Holly Grove Rd. and Route 50 intersection and constructed turning lanes. 'We took that dangerous curve out and widened it up,' said Tustin. The original cost of $1,357,703 fell to...READ MORE

Former Library Site Not Planned For Public Parking

OCEAN CITY - The fate of the old library site on 14th Street was made official this week, as the City Council reviewed the past, present and future purposes for the now vacant lot. The 14th Street building that served as a home for the library for 40-some years was demolished this spring, after the building was deemed to be unviable for any other use. A new state-of-the-art Ocean City branch of the Worcester County Library is now open on 100th Street. It was noted at the time that the long-term...READ MORE

Governor Films Safety Commercial With Area Students

OCEAN CITY - Worcester County public school children from Snow Hill Elementary and Middle Schools had the opportunity to work alongside Governor Martin O'Malley for a school bus safety advertisement on June 24 in Ocean City. One of O'Malley's initiatives is to improve public safety and public education in Maryland. The purpose of the advertisement is to communicate the rules and regulations that motorists must follow when encountering a school bus that is stopped on a residential road and is...READ MORE

Irie Radio Lands Big Fish For Afternoon Show

OCEAN CITY -A familiar voice will be broadcasting through the airwaves Monday afternoon, as Don Geronimo returns to radio, this time through local 98.1 WOCM-FM. Don Geronimo, famous for his part in the East Coast popular afternoon-drive radio show, 'The Don and Mike Show', will join the Irie Radio crew Monday, July 7, bringing with him over 40 years of radio experience and the quick-witted banter that made him famous as an afternoon radio personality. Geronimo, whose real name is Michael Sorce,...READ MORE

Main Street Work Surprises Berlin

BERLIN - Berlin residents were surprised to wake up Monday morning to a blocked off Main St. Berlin's elected officials and staff were just as stunned as residents to wake up to the repaving work.  Main St. is also known as Maryland Route 818, meaning repair and maintenance responsibility lies with the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA), not in the hands of the town of Berlin. 'They didn't give us any formal notice. I suppose they don't have to because they own the street,' said...READ MORE

Man Flees Wreck, Returns To Drag Passenger Away

OCEAN CITY - A Baltimore man was arrested this week for leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries and other serious charges after crashing his vehicle into a telephone poll, fleeing the scene to a nearby apartment and coming back a short time later for his unconscious female passenger. Shortly after midnight on Monday, OCPD Pfc. Aaron Morgan responded to a reported motor vehicle accident involving injuries on Baltimore Ave. around 5th Street. While en route to the scene, Morgan was...READ MORE

Marina Deck Offers Summer Comedy Tour

OCEAN CITY - The Marina Deck restaurant on the bay at the foot of Dorchester Street last weekend began a summer-long comedy club, featuring some of the top stand-up comedians from all over the country including some easily recognizable performers. The Marina Deck is offering comedy shows nightly in the cocktail lounge area. The shows are held nightly at 9:30 p.m. from Tuesday to Sunday, plus Midnight Madness shows on Friday and Saturday night. Every show has at least three comedians and there is...READ MORE

OC Eyes Increased Oversight On Residential Areas

OCEAN CITY - Single-family homes and residential neighborhoods deserve more attention, agreed the Mayor, City Council and the Planning Commission this week. Planning Commission member Peck Miller addressed the issue at a joint meeting of the Mayor and City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission Monday night, noting the importance of the few, but coveted, residential neighborhoods in the resort. 'Its time for us to pay a little extra attention to those areas,' said Miller, mentioning a...READ MORE

OC Leaders Get Primer On Tax Bills

OCEAN CITY - With the tri-annual reassessment of property values ongoing in Ocean City, resort business leaders this week got a primer on a variety of bills related to tax assessments that either passed, failed or were withdrawn in the General Assembly session this year and also learned a little more about the process used to determine the values. Robert Smith, director of the state's Department of Assessment and Taxation for Worcester County, on Wednesday delivered a presentation to the...READ MORE

OC Museum Begins Free Program Series

OCEAN CITY - Families looking for an enjoyable morning activity in Ocean City can head to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Nestled on the Boardwalk by the Inlet, the museum offers free programs six mornings a week starting on Monday, July 7 and running through August 30, with topics ranging from knot tying to "All About Sharks." At 10:30 a.m. each day except Sundays, chairs are set up in front of the famous shark display at the southern end of the Boardwalk where all are...READ MORE

OC Police Seek Stabbing Suspect

OCEAN CITY - Resort police this week are looking for a man who attempted to stab his roommate with a large kitchen knife last Wednesday during a verbal altercation that nearly turned deadly. Shortly before midnight last Wednesday, OCPD officers responded to a residence on Philadelphia Ave. regarding an attempting stabbing that had just occurred. The victim told police his roommate, later identified as Jacobo Perez Mendez, 25, of Ocean City, came home extremely intoxicated to the room they...READ MORE

Rackliffe House Restoration Project Nears Halfway Point

BERLIN - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Rackliffe House Trust, Inc., announced this week restoration efforts for the historic Rackliffe Plantation House at Assateague State Park have nearly reached midway. 'Few tidewater dwellings from the colonial era remain. The Rackliffe Plantation House stands out by virtue of its sea-front view, public accessibility, and well-documented picture of early merchant-planter life,' said Tom Patton of the Rackliffe House Trust, Inc....READ MORE

Resort To Get $293K From Liquor License Fees

SNOW HILL - The Worcester County Commissioners discussed several items briefly at their first July meeting on Tuesday. (BULLET)Ocean City will receive a substantial amount of money from Worcester County liquor license fee sharing, while Berlin, Snow Hill and Pocomoke City will receive much less. The county returns 75 percent of liquor license fees to the town a licensed business is located in. Ocean City will get a check for $293,625, its share of the 117 liquor licenses in the town. The resort...READ MORE

Suspect Cleared In Berlin Murder Case

SNOW HILL - One of three suspects charged in the beating death of a Berlin teen in May had the charges against him dropped in District Court in Snow Hill last Thursday and it appears unlikely he will be indicted in the case. Eric Ronald Hewitt, 19, of Ocean City, one of three men charged in connection with the beating death of Michael Harry Mitchell and an assault on another man, Daniel Edward Riley, on May 29 in the Decatur Farm community in Berlin, appeared in District Court last Thursday and...READ MORE

Surf Improves In Time For 2nd Annual Surfabout

OCEAN CITY - The 2008 Chauncey's Surfabout ran June 28 at 30th Street in Ocean City with great summertime waves for over 160 competitors from Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. This is the second year Chauncey and Blair Rhodes of Chauncey's Surf Shops at 30th Street and 52nd Street in Ocean City have sponsored a contest for the Delmarva Eastern Surfing Association and their involvement has been a big boon to the local organization. The competition was extremely fierce...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

707 Sports Bar & Grille: 410-213-9507, 12702 Old Bridge Rd. West Ocean City; Friday, July 4:Blue Sky; Every Saturday: Karaoke with Hey Mick. Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Blue ox/Babe's: 410-250-6440, 127th St., Coastal Hwy.; Friday, July 4: Sean Holloran; Saturday, July 5: Nancy Micciulla; Every Thursday: Bill Morningstar. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, July 4: DJ Wood; Saturday, July...READ MORE

Cop Assaulter Tough to Get Down

Stolen Car Connected To Local Beer Theft OCEAN CITY - A New Hampshire man was arrested on auto theft and theft charges this week after the stolen car he was driving was connected to the theft of a 30-pack of beer from a downtown gas station. Shortly before midnight last Wednesday, Ocean City police were told to be on the lookout for a possible stolen car, a PT Cruiser, The call came from a Berlin police officer who told OCPD the vehicle was allegedly involved in a hit-and-run accident in Berlin....READ MORE

OC Tuna Tourney On Tap Next Week

OCEAN CITY- The 21st Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament returns next week when hundreds of boats and thousands of anglers descend on the resort area for a three-day search for the burly behemoths in the canyons off the coast of the resort. Tuna of all shapes, sizes and species have arrived in the waters off Ocean City in the last few weeks, jumpstarting the summer offshore season and setting the tone for what could be a memorable tournament. The event gets underway next week with a captain's...READ MORE

Marlin Club's 26th Canyon Kick-Off Underway

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club's 26th Annual Canyon Kick-Off tournament gets underway next week with late registration and a captain's meeting on Thursday before the first of three official fishing beginning next Friday. With the tuna bite staying hot all through the early summer season and sharks and billfish starting to show up in decent numbers, there should be plenty of action in this year's Canyon Kick-Off. Captains must choose to fish two of the three fishing days of the event, the...READ MORE

Flounder Pounder a Big Success

OCEAN CITY- The 2008 Ake Marine Flounder Pounder tournament last weekend was a huge hit with 230 anglers participating and nice fish caught and weighed in every category. As the name of the event implies, flounder is the targeted species in the annual fun fishing event and there were several large specimens caught and weighed at the scales at Ake Marine on the commercial harbor in West Ocean City. First place in the flounder division went to angler Nick Clemente with an 8.6-pounder worth...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament

The 9th Annual Stephen Decatur Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament held last week at Eagles Landing was a huge success with 144 golfers raising an estimated $17,000 for the cause. Pictured above, the overall champion foursome for the low gross score includes Rick McLaren, Jim McLaren, Sean McLaren and Rob Bailey. Submitted photo This happy foursome finished the 9th Annual Stephen Decatur Athletic Boosters golf tournament with the low net score and will also get their names engraved on the coveted...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures from the restaurant and bar scene around the Ocean City area.  ...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in the Ocean City area. ...READ MORE

Crabcake Proprietor Branches Out To Country Smokehouse

OCEAN CITY - Cowboyz Smokehouse and Saloon is now open and in full swing, taking up residence in the Gold Coast Mall and bringing a country feel to the resort town. Local restaurateur Johnny Brooks, owner of the Crabcake Factory, opened the family restaurant and country-themed bar just a few weeks ago, bringing smokehouse recipes and country fun to the beach. Brooks was in search of a location for a second Crabcake Factory when the idea for a country-themed smokehouse and saloon was born. When...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Evelyn Martha Groff Boynton BERLIN - Evelyn Martha Groff Boynton, 88, of Berlin and formerly of Dundalk, went home to her Lord and Savior on Friday, June 27, 2008, at Coastal Hospice by the Lake. Born May 23, 1920, in Pennsyvania, she was the daughter of the late Vernon and Martha Groff, of Rosedale, Md. She was married to Charles Benham Boynton for 45 years, making their home in Dundalk, Md. and later in Ocean City. Her husband preceded her in death. She was a member of Dundalk Presbyterian...READ MORE

94th Street north-Fenwick

Big Tuna Grill 128th Street & Coastal Highway, 410-250-1001 , www.bigtunaOC.com A locals' and vacationers' favorite alike. Experience culinary delights as well as a visual excursion, dining among authentic nautical artifacts of old ships. Choose an array of entrees from fresh seafood to char-grilled steaks. Enjoy some drinks on our 50 ft. bar while watching our plasma TVs. Billy's Sub Shop 120th Street, Bayside (Food Lion Shopping Center) , 410-250-1776 Between 139th & 140th Streets,...READ MORE

Inlet To 94th Street

Angelo's Italian Cuisine 33rd Street & Coastal Highway , 410-524-2855 The Russo family proudly presents, Angelo's Italian Cuisine, the latest venture in a long line of Italian restauants and pizzarias owned by the family in Baltimore, Salisbury and Ocean City. Our authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by a top New York chef and presented in a classically decorated setting. Smoking allowed in our cocktail lounge with special drink prices 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4...READ MORE

West Ocean City-Berlin-Ocean Pines

Assateague Island Oasis Rte. 611, West Ocean City , 410-629-1492 Enjoy a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, and the peace and quiet that once was. Weekly live entertainment and Happy Hour daily from 3-7 p.m. Just relax! Boomers Restaurant 525 South Main Street, Berlin , 410-629-0001 Conveniently located on Rte. 113 at the southern entrance to Berlin, Boomers Restaurant has re-opened after a complete renovation. Full service dining, self-service eat-in or carry-out. Food cooked to order. Fried...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 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Emerson Towers Fri-Sun 10-4 3BR/3BA Bayfront End of Wicomico St Terry Looney Century 21 410-726-7689 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...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - Berlin - MD - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA 4627 Coulbourne Mill Rd Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 VIRGINIA Captains Corridor Daily 9-5 Canalfront, Golf Course & Interior Homes George Ann Way Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 OCEAN PINES Points Reach #2208 Sat & Sun 11-3 3BR Bayview Condo Patty Cummings Remax Premier...READ MORE

Believe in Tomorrow

Believe in Tomorrow recently accepted donations from the Womens' Council of Realtors. The local chapter presented Believe in Tomorrow with sand buckets filled with summertime trinkets and beach toys to be given to the children and family members who stay at the "beach house" on 66th Street as well as their new unit on 28th Street that will be opening soon. Above, Terri Bradford, chair of the WCR Community Committee and a Hileman agent, is pictured with the Believe in Tomorrow Director...READ MORE

Democratic Women's Club Greets Gov. Martin O'Malley

Arlene Page, president of Democratic Women's Club, greets Gov. Martin O'Malley at a luncheon hosted by the Democratic Women's Club at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on June 23. O'Malley spoke during the luncheon while in the area for the Maryland Municipal League Convention in Ocean City. ...READ MORE

OC Lacrosse Classic Golf Outing Scholarship

The OC Lacrosse Classic Golf Outing annually presents a $1,000 scholarship to a deserving Worcester County High School lacrosse player who will continue his/her lacrosse career in college. This year's winner is Christian Coates of Worcester Prep, who will be continuing his playing at Harvard University. He is pictured receiving the scholarship from Bill O'Donnell, chairman of the golf outing, which will be held this year on Aug. 13. Call O'Donnell at 410-251-6370 for more information on this...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Top Company Agents BERLIN - Bethany Drew has been named top listing agent for May for Hileman Real Estate while Cindy Dorcak was recognized as the top sales agent for the month. OC Bank Branch Sold OCEAN CITY - Edward M. Thomas, president of The Bank of Delmarva, and Edwin F. Hale, Sr., chairman of 1st Mariner Bank, have announced an agreement to sell the Ocean City branch of 1st Mariner Bank to The Bank of Delmarva for an undisclosed amount. The branch is located at 125th Street and Coastal...READ MORE

My Thoughts

The old guy came across a list of someone's top animated movies of all time the other day. Everyone's got a list, but this particular gathering belonged to an outfit called the American Film Institute, which apparently has some type of clout in Hollywood. Insider has long been a fan of the Disney classics and to no one's surprise they topped the list. There's something about the way old Walt did these movies that makes them timeless. They are still as fascinating today as they were back then,...READ MORE

Things I Like

A picnic table under a tree My son's fascination with a ceiling fan A Corona with a lime on a hot day That there are ducks in Berlin A woman driving a pickup truck Heading home after a great dinner Downshifting in a manual vehicle The smell of freshly popped popcorn A quick breakfast before going surfing Watching a squirrel jump tree branches Relaxing on a Sunday afternoon ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your persistence pays off as the information you demanded starts to come through. The pace is slow at first, but it begins to speed up as the week draws to a close. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): An unwelcome bit of news jolts the Bovine, who would prefer that things proceed smoothly. But it's at most a momentary setback. A Leo brings more welcome tidings. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You need to pay close attention to the details before making a commitment. Don't...READ MORE

Two Presidential Candidates With Unique Tax Plans

OCEAN CITY - With the economy ranking No. 1 on voters' list of concerns, the topic of taxes is coming up with increasing regularity in debates and on the campaign trail. It's clear that the 44th president will greatly affect future tax policy and, by extension, your pocketbook and investment portfolio. The parties have very different approaches, as evidenced by their candidates' positions. Republican presidential candidate John McCain, for instance, proposes making President George W. Bush's tax...READ MORE

Taking Aim At An Easy Target

Several County Commissioners gave the business to the Worcester County Board of Education last week, criticizing school officials for not letting them know earlier there would be a substantial expense overrun in the current budget. After some harsh criticism and threats, the end result was the commissioners voting 5-2 to allocate $385,000 to offset the shortfall, but it did not come without some drama as some commissioners took their turns telling school representatives they were out of line for...READ MORE