July 25, 2008

Thursday, July 31 - OC Fight Leads To Multiple Arrests

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City Police last weekend made 11 arrests during a bar fight that began at a downtown nightclub and later spilled outside the establishment around closing time. Shortly after 2 a.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police officers on routine patrol in the downtown area responded to a reported fight inside the Paddock nightclub on 17th Street. By the time the officers arrived, nightclub security staff members were escorting several of the combatants out of the establishment. After the...READ MORE

Wednesday, July 30 - Restaurant Employee Charged in Boardwalk Fire

OCEAN CITY- A Worcester County grand jury on Tuesday indicted a local man on several counts of arson for allegedly setting the March 30 fire on the south end of the Boardwalk that consumed the Dough Roller restaurant and severely damaged the adjacent Marty's Playland. The grand jury on Tuesday formally indicted Gregory W. Wallace Kern, 48, of Ocean City, with two counts of first-degree arson for allegedly setting the fire that destroyed the apartments over the businesses and two counts of...READ MORE

Tuesday, July 29 - National Acts Eye OC Next Week

OCEAN CITY - Next week will sizzle with great music in Ocean City when two special concerts come to the Roland E. Powell Convention Center Aug. 5 and 6 - the Volunteer Jam 2008 with the Charlie Daniels Band and .38 Special, and KC and the Sunshine Band and The Trammps. Both shows are at 8 p.m. First up will be Volunteer Jam 2008 on Tuesday, Aug. 5. The Volunteer Jam is an annual trek of The Charlie Daniels Band and various friends. When the Volunteer Jam arrives in Ocean City, it will include...READ MORE

Monday, July 28 - OC Offers Discounted Summer Room Rates

OCEAN CITY - With the decreasing percentage of Americans driving or flying to their vacation destinations due to ever-rising gas prices, the 'staycation' has now become summer's new buzzword. But, simply staying put isn't the only remedy for the traveling blues. The folks at the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHRMA) have a better idea, and they're betting on the lure of big discounts to bring visitors back to the beach and away from home. Beginning on Aug. 25 through Sept. 30,...READ MORE

Resort Looks To Boot Legal Drug Out Of Shops

OCEAN CITY - From the mountains of Mexico to the Boardwalk shops of Ocean City, salvia divinorum has taken hold, promising everything from visions and divine intervention to a few minutes of fun. While opinions and the ultimate effects of the legal drug remain debatable, resort officials remained clear on their position last Thursday; ban salvia in Ocean City. Salvia divinorum, which literally means diviner's sage and is also known as ska pastora, diviner's mint, Sally-D and Lady Salvia, has...READ MORE

Restaurant Aims To Please All With Three Buffet Options

OCEAN CITY - With three all-you-can-eat buffet options ranging from breakfast to seafood to pizza and pasta, Hall's Restaurant provides something for the whole family, a tradition the Hall family has been maintaining since they entered the restaurant business over 30 years ago. 'We like to consider ourselves Ocean City's all-you-can-eat experts with three all-you-can-eat options,' said co-owner Joe Hall. While Hall's features three buffets in the expansive 60th Street restaurant, the business...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

707 Sports Bar & Grille: 410-213-9507, 12702 Old Bridge Rd. West Ocean City; Friday, July 25:Tommy Edwards; 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 25: Nate Clendenen; Saturday, July 26: Ryan Jackson; Every Thursday: Bill Morningstar. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, July 25: DJ Wood;...READ MORE

Pot Plants Located

STOCKTON - The Worcester County Sheriff's Office this week recovered and seized as many as 79 marijuana plants in a rural area of the south end of the county near Stockton after discovering the plants through aerial surveillance. On Tuesday, the sheriff's office in cooperation with the Worcester County State's Attorney's Office conducted a marijuana eradication investigation in the Stockton area. The investigation was initiated after a vast number of marijuana plants were discovered growing in...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

By attaching Recreation and Parks Director Tom Shuster's name to the Ocean City Dog Playground, Ocean City has opened itself up to criticism. In this case, I think it's legitimate. The city recently decided against naming city facilities after residents over concerns it would set a precedent that could ultimately lead to some citizens taking umbrage. According to this week's letter from resident Tonja Sas, the city initially intended on naming the gazebo and pavilion at Fiesta Park in Caine...READ MORE

Showing Ocean The Respect It Deserves

With all the tropical activity off our coast this month and the subsequent record number of rescues by the Ocean City Beach Patrol, it's startling there have been no fatalities reported this summer. Certainly, the beach patrol and its staff deserve much of the credit for saving lives and keeping a watchful eye over the water. This is a talented, educated, experienced and dedicated bunch of folks who deserve praise for the job they do protecting the local and visiting population. The...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Is Ethnicity Relevant In Recent Incidents? Editor: I, too, am disgusted by the incidents which Craig Schamburg described in his letter to the editor dated July 18 and entitled •€˜Disgusted by Disrespect.' I hate seeing people litter on the beach, people parking illegally, and would be repulsed by females switching out soiled feminine products in a public space. I am curious, however as to why Mr. Schamburg felt it was necessary to note that all of these separate acts were perpetrated by...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

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

Diving Into The Area's Cultural Activities

An inside look at the regional arts scene through photographs.  ...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

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

4th Annual Kid's Classic Underway

OCEAN CITY- Young anglers will get their moment in the spotlight this weekend when the Ocean City Marlin Club hosts its 4th Annual Kids Classic Tournament. Throughout the summer, the big boys and girls get to show off their fishing skills practically every weekend with one tournament or another, but the focus during this weekend's 4th Annual Kid's Classic will clearly be on the younger anglers. The event is open to all anglers age 19 or younger and will take place in the waters in and around...READ MORE

Sammy Golf Tourney Set for August 1

OCEAN CITY- The Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Golf Tournament, an annual fundraiser held in honor of a young Ocean City boy who tragically died after falling through the ice at Northside Park several years ago, is set for August 1 at the Newport Bay course of the Ocean City Golf Club in South Point. Very many positive things have come out of Sammy's tragic death several years ago including the creation of a foundation in his name which is helping underprivileged children in poverty-stricken areas all...READ MORE

Fell Soccer Camp on Tap Next Week

BERLIN- Former Stephen Decatur soccer standout Steve Fell, who excelled in college and on the professional level, returns to his roots next month when he hosts a soccer camp at the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex (NWAC) for young players in the area. Fell, one of the most decorated scholar-athletes ever at Decatur, hosted his first summer soccer camp for young boys and girls two years at the NWAC in Berlin and returns this August for his third year. Fell, accompanied by other talented...READ MORE

Sunset Retains Cup In Marina Shootout

OCEAN CITY- The team of boats from Sunset Marina last weekend swept each of the individual categories to take the 14th Annual Marina Shootout tournament and retain the cup and bragging rights among area marinas for yet another year. Hosted each summer by the Ocean City Marlin Club, the annual event pits teams of sportfishing boats and anglers from the various marinas around the resort against each other for the right to be called the top marina for another year. For the third straight year,...READ MORE

Citizen Gets Day Named After Him For Saving Neighbor

OCEAN CITY - A reluctant Ocean City hero got a day honored in his name this week by the Mayor and City Council after a rescuing a drowning neighbor in an uptown canal in June. Tuesday, July 22, was officially proclaimed Ed Jankiewicz Day in Ocean City by Mayor Rick Meehan and the City Council at the beginning of their regular meeting on Monday in front of a large crowd of the honoree's friends and neighbors. In mid-June, Jankiewicz came to the aid of his neighbor who was trying to rescue his...READ MORE

Council Signs Off On Golf GPS System

OCEAN CITY - After hearing a detailed account of the potential benefit to the town and its golf-playing visitors, Ocean City officials this week approved the addition of GPS systems on the carts at the municipally-owned Eagle's Landing course in West Ocean City. The Ocean City Mayor and Council on Monday approved a measure that will add the popular GPS course management system to Eagle's Landing and instructed staff to begin ironing out the language in the contract. Golf GPS systems are rapidly...READ MORE

Locals To Split $250K Lottery

BERLIN - Two lucky local men won a second-tier $250,000 Mega Millions prize from Friday night's drawing. The pair, who wish to remain anonymous and happen to be good friends, told Maryland Lottery officials that they've been playing the same numbers for quite a few years now and they were happy that their •€˜ship finally came in.' The elder of the pair, who is a retired-73-year-old-ocean-seaman, said he happened to be up at 1 a.m. and figured he'd check the Lottery's website to see if he...READ MORE

Steady Shore Break Keeps OC Beach Patrol On Edge

OCEAN CITY - While the number of saves along the resort beaches are back in line after a seven-day stretch of 1,500 saves earlier this month, the Ocean City Beach Patrol remains on their toes, experiencing everything from heart attacks to near-death experiences on the resort's 10-mile stretch of beach.  Hurricane Bertha broke records when it became the first hurricane to form so far east in the Atlantic Ocean before Aug. 1 and again when it was noted as one of the longest-lived named...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19) With new facts to work with, you should feel more confident in moving ahead. But continue to do so at an unhurried pace so you can spot details you might otherwise miss. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) Taking on that new workplace project could be one of your smarter career moves. Expect a surprising show of support from someone who had always been a critic. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You might feel you're too busy to undertake a new responsibility. But check it out...READ MORE

Atlantic Sunfish An Unusual Sight In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - Lifeguards and beachgoers faced a rare occurrence last Friday, when the carcass of a rare Atlantic sunfish washed ashore at 26th Street. 'I've never seen one on the beach in Ocean City before,' said Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin this week as he recalled the events of last Friday. The sunfish appeared to have been injured by the propeller of a large boat, most likely causing its death. Arbin and two lifeguards on duty dragged the 400-pound fish up the beach and away from the...READ MORE

Body Found Off Assateague

ASSATEAGUE - A Pennsylvania man was found floating face down in the water near the Virginia end of Assateague Island National Seashore last week, becoming the second fatality in the waters in and around the resort area in as many weeks. Last Thursday, the unidentified man was found floating in the water just north of the life-guarded beach at the Virginia end of the Assateague Island. CPR was administered on the victim, who could not be resuscitated, and he was pronounced dead by the Virginia...READ MORE

City Council Cautious Approach To Wind Farm

OCEAN CITY - One week after hearing a proposal for as many as 200 wind turbines off the coast of the resort in the future, resort officials this week defended their cautious approach to the issue specifically and all of the issues that come before them in general. During a work session last week, the Ocean City Mayor and Council reviewed a presentation from Bluewater Wind proposing a 200-turbine wind farm off the coast of the resort with construction beginning by 2013. Delaware recently approved...READ MORE

Marlin Open Rule Change Aimed At Helping Fuel Costs

OCEAN CITY - With a little over a week before the start of the 2008 White Marlin Open, it remains to be seen if the soaring fuel prices and other economic factors will keep the number of boats participating down this year, but tournament officials are taking a proactive approach to lure those captains and boats still on the fence. The White Marlin Open's website predicts a record number of boats leading to record payouts for the 2008 event, but organizers acknowledge that is just typical...READ MORE

Ocean Takes Chilly Drop

OCEAN CITY - Swimmers have been noticing an unusual chill in the water lately, with the ocean feeling colder than what is typically encountered during the height of summer. With air temperatures soaring into the mid and upper 90's this week, beachgoers look to the ocean to cool off, but many were met with a bit of a shock when they jumped into water that was colder than anticipated. 'We recorded water temps at 72 degrees, then all of the sudden it drops to 64 degrees again,' said Beach Patrol...READ MORE

Berlin Capacity Plan Nearly Ready For Public Release

BERLIN - A work session in August will reveal the long awaited Berlin sewer capacity management plan, interim Mayor Gee Williams announced Monday night at the Berlin Town Council meeting. Working papers outlining the sewer distribution policy were distributed in May, Williams said, but the town decided that staff needed to do more research and modify the proposed plan before releasing the document to the Berlin public or considering the plan for possible adoption. 'They should have the final...READ MORE

Berlin Council Wants To See Website Improvements

BERLIN - The Berlin town website came in for some criticism from Mayor and Council members this week during the Monday night meeting. 'I really think we need to do a better job on dates on the website,' Council member Paula Lynch said during council comments. 'Like the meeting tonight, it's still up there. It's not updated.' The Berlin Mayor and Council meeting originally scheduled for July 14 was postponed until July 21 for lack of a quorum. The change in meeting date was not reflected on the...READ MORE

Berlin Native's Murderer Faces Life In Pa. Prison

BERLIN - The accused killer of a Berlin native and long-time Ocean City hotel and restaurant employee shot to death in his suburban Philadelphia home in February was found guilty of first-degree murder last week and now faces a mandatory sentence of life in jail. Orphus Land, 47, who was born and raised in Berlin and attended Stephen Decatur High School, was shot to death in his suburban Philadelphia home on Feb. 25 by the 33-year-old son of a woman he married on the beach in Ocean City last...READ MORE

Boardwalk Performers Could Face New Regs

OCEAN CITY - Boardwalk performers could be seeing stricter regulations in the near future, with concerns about Boardwalk performers aired at last week's Police Commission meeting. 'I think this year has been difficult with the Boardwalk performers,' said City Clerk Carol Jacobs last week, noting that to date, over 300 permits have been issued. Performers can be seen up and down the resort Boardwalk during the summer season, performing a variety of acts, from magic tricks to musical...READ MORE

City Taxi Drivers Allowed To Add $1 Fuel Surcharge

OCEAN CITY - Local taxi drivers received some relief in the face of rising gas prices last Thursday, when the Police Commission voted unanimously to add a $1 fuel surcharge per trip through November. Only recently are gas prices showing signs of leveling out, but after months of skyrocketing prices and uncertainty regarding the future of the prices at the pump, taxi drivers remained concerned about the rising cost of operating their businesses. In response to the concern, nearly 25 taxi cab...READ MORE

County Alters Law To Comply With Recent ACLU Challenge

SNOW HILL - Free speech concerns took a back seat to worries over untidy yards when the Worcester County Commissioners considered a law lifting the time limit on political signs displayed on private property. The change in county law follows a decision in federal district court against Baltimore County's political sign time limit. The suit was brought by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which contended that legislating sign removal interfered with citizens' constitutional right to free...READ MORE

Hotel Theft Conspirator Sentenced

SNOW HILL - A Stockton man arrested last year as a co-conspirator in a faked armed robbery of a downtown Ocean City hotel last August pleaded guilty this week in Circuit Court to felony theft and was sentenced to two years in jail, bringing closure to the bizarre case that also included a high speed chase and the dragging of a Maryland State Police trooper George M. Taylor, 24, appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court on Tuesday to face several charges related to a faked armed robbery of the...READ MORE

Latest AGH Expansion Project Breaks Ground

BERLIN - An official groundbreaking ceremony was held on the campus of Atlantic General Hospital this week, kicking off construction of the new $1.4 million Atlantic Health Center, the latest expansion of the ever-evolving facility. Several state, county and municipal elected officials joined hospital brass and other dignitaries on Wednesday to officially break ground on the new 9,700 square-foot Atlantic Health Center, the latest addition to the hospital's growing campus slated for site along...READ MORE

Minor Request Sparks Debate Among Commissioners

SNOW HILL - A minor rezoning sparked controversy among the County Commissioners this week whether to wait for the comprehensive rezoning, which could be completed by the end of the year, or go ahead with the normal rezoning process. The property in question is in a peculiar position, being bisected into two different zoning classifications. The two-thirds of the parcel closest to Route 589 is designated commercial and the rear third agricultural. Property owners Oak-Kwang Park and Soon-Ae Park...READ MORE

Plans Move Ahead For Deli In Berlin

BERLIN - A couple attempting to open a deli in Berlin has gotten the final approval for sewer and water service they have pursued for months, leaving the way open for their new venture. On Monday night, the Berlin Mayor and Council approved a one EDU allocation to the building known as the Carriage House, most recently used as Italian restaurant Just Like Mamma's.  The council also approved a waiver allowing future deli proprietors Dave and Kelly Sylvester to use seating space for...READ MORE

State Grants Could Create County's First Dental Clinic

SNOW HILL - Two-thirds of children from low-income families in Worcester County do not receive any dental care, but that may change with state funding for a new dental clinic through the local health department. The Maryland General Assembly voted to offer grant money for dental clinics this spring, in response to the death of a Prince George's County boy on medical assistance from an untreated dental infection. Worcester County is one of five counties in Maryland without a dental clinic and has...READ MORE

Survey Seeks Resident Input On Future

BERLIN - With at least two meetings planned to receive comments on the future draft Berlin Comprehensive Plan, citizens will also have a less public way to get their views across. Every home in the town of Berlin will receive a survey seeking input on the new Berlin Comprehensive Plan, with questions on the future of the town, preservation of architectural integrity and environmental conservation. The Comprehensive Plan survey will also be accessible through the town of Berlin website, when it...READ MORE

Temporary Taxi Permits Eyed In Resort

OCEAN CITY - The Police Commission considered a 30-day temporary permit at last week's meeting, one that would allow potential taxicab drivers on the road during the permit approval process. Currently, obtaining approval for a taxi permit can take up to four to eight weeks, often preventing potential taxi drivers from being on the roads for the majority of the summer. The police commission considered a temporary permit last week, in an effort to allow more drivers on the road. In order to...READ MORE

Town Electric Bills Questioned

BERLIN - Berlin electric customers pay more for power than any other electric customers in the state and one elected official wants to know why. 'Currently we are paying the highest rates in the state of Maryland,' said Council member Ellen Lang said at Monday night's town council meeting. The supply costs are reasonable, Lang said. The Berlin electric utility relies on in-house engineering and has two deliberately unfilled positions on the electric line crew, both of which save money. The...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Puzzles are not the old guy's thing, but he hears the latest and greatest in the puzzle world is something called Sudoku. It's basically a crossword puzzle for number lovers. There seems to be just as many books devoted to sudoku these days as there are the standard crosswords. Most of the books are separated by skill levels ranging from novice to something called expert. While in his favorite book store, the local library, the other day, Insider picked one up marked 'simple' and geared for...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Company Top Performers BERLIN - Hileman Real Estate recently announced its top performers for the month of June. Terri Bradford, GRI, has been named top sales agent for June. She handles residential sales in Maryland, Delaware and Virginia. Bethany Drew has been named top listing agent for June. Bank Promotion BERLIN - Raymond M. Thompson, President and C.E.O. of Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company has announced Stacy Schaffer has been promoted to product specialist. Schaffer graduated from...READ MORE

Giving Your Retirement A Checkup

OCEAN CITY - Your ability to enjoy the lifestyle you want in your later years depends, to a large extent, on getting past the single biggest obstacle to a successful retirement: not having a strategy to get you there. Retirement can seem distant and hard to grasp when you're still in your peak earning years. But Vincent Grogan, Director of Marketing with the Retirement Group at Merrill Lynch, has seen the immediate benefits of developing even a general idea of where you're headed and how you'll...READ MORE

Temple Bat Yam

Temple Bat Yam Founding Rabbi Richard "Dick" Sternberger, in town to celebrate the arrival of the congregation's new rabbi, is picutred with Rabbi Susan Warshaw before Friday night services on July 18. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club President Stan Kahn presents Rotary Club District Governor Cam Yorkston from Wilmington, Del. with a print of an original painting of the Ocean City Boardwalk by Lou Ann Grim during the July 16 meeting at the Carousel Resort Hotel and Condominiums. ...READ MORE

The Ocean City Surfrider Foundation

The Ocean City Surfrider Foundation, represented by Shelly Dawson, presented a photo plaque of the new Route 50 Bridge billboard, 'Please Leave Only Your Footprints,' as a thank you gift for their partnership in bringing the effort to completion. ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Those old blue and yellow surf mats Catching a glimpse of a shooting star Swimming in a pool at night Driving to Assateague A fresh perspective on a complicated matter Playing with my son on the floor A full night's sleep When I am inspired to write an editorial A piece of thick cheesecake with no topping Keeping things simple Getting corn on the cob from a roadside stand ...READ MORE