June 19, 2009

June 25-OC Drug Crackdown Nets Arrests

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City police this week reported the ongoing undercover drug reverse 'buy/bust' operations are achieving the desired results with roughly six incidents resulting in eight arrests over the last two weekends including one that might have prevented a serious robbery and assault. The OCPD has been targeting sales of illegal narcotics in the resort, particularly in the Boardwalk area, with an aggressive undercover operation during which officers make contact with suspected dealers...READ MORE

June 24-Bicyclist Killed On Coastal Highway

OCEAN CITY - Tragedy struck yesterday afternoon when an unidentified teenage female crossing Coastal Highway at 33rd Street on a bicycle was struck and killed by a soft drink delivery truck in the southbound lanes. As of this morning, the female had yet to be identified by police, as she possessed no identification when the accident occurred. Shortly before 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, police say the victim attempted to cross Coastal Highway from east to west at the busy 33rd Street intersection and...READ MORE

June 23-Local Fourth Festivities

A variety of events are being planned to celebrate the Fourth of July next weekend, as Ocean City and Ocean Pines offer family-friendly events for locals and visitors alike. In Ocean City The resort is offering two great places to celebrate the holiday, both presenting free concerts and fireworks. Festivities begin at 8 p.m. with a free concert at Northside Park located at 127th Street and the bay. Dr. K's Motown Review will entertain the crowd. The spectacular fireworks display will be shot...READ MORE

June 22-Resort Announces Free Event Schedule

OCEAN CITY - The Town of Ocean City announced last week its schedule of free events and activities. Here's a look at the variety of events on tap at locations throughout the resort. Family Movie Nights The return of Family Movie Nights will take place on June 29 on the beach at 27th Street and continue every Monday and Friday through Aug. 14. From 7:30 to 10:30 p.m., families can gather for fun activities and a movie right on the beach, all for free. Activities organized by the Ocean City...READ MORE

What Others Are Saying

Address Downtown Issues Editor: There are two issues I find to be of extreme importance that I would like to bring to the attention of others like me, who love and care about Ocean City. A great deal of money has been spent in recent years to improve the downtown area. An improved downtown should mean more people on the Boardwalk, more renters staying in condominiums and more dollars filling up the tills in area establishments. The possibility exists for a very beneficial scenario, where by...READ MORE

Two Men Jump Another

OCEAN CITY - Two Pennsylvania men were charged with assault this week after police observed them beat up another man. According to police reports, on Wednesday, June 10, Ocean City police officers were on plain clothed patrol in the area of 18th Street and the Boardwalk when they witnessed an assault in progress. As plain clothes OCPD officers approached the scene to break the fight up, they witnessed the suspects, later identified as David Allen Burrows, 18, of Greensburg, Pa., and Iszac...READ MORE

Family Tragedy Averted; No CO Detectors Found

OCEAN CITY - A carbon monoxide leak that reportedly originated in the heating system of a pool could land a downtown condominium building in some hot water. The investigation of a carbon monoxide leak at the El Capitan, located on the Boardwalk at 4th Street, that sent a family of six to the hospital last Thursday evening determined that the building did not have the required carbon monoxide detectors in the building, thus potentially putting El Capitan in violation of town ordinance....READ MORE

Friday, June 19--County Says Army Corps Should Honor Bay Restrictions

SNOW HILL - The Army Corps of Engineers will be asked to abide by the same coastal bays dredging restrictions as private parties, the Worcester County Commissioners agreed Tuesday. Roman Jesien, staff scientist for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, asked the commissioners to write a letter to the Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, asking the Corps to honor the seasonal dredging restrictions everyone else abides by in order to protect wildlife in the northern coastal bays. The seasonal...READ MORE

Friday, June 19--Murderer Heads Back To Jail After Theft Conviction

SNOW HILL - The perpetrator of one of the most heinous crimes in Ocean City history, Jermaine Wright, released a little over a year ago after serving just seven years of an amended 15-year sentence, is going back to jail for a long time after a violation of probation hearing last week resulted in a new 25-year sentence. Wright was arrested last May on theft and theft conspiracy charges after getting caught stealing scrap metal from Reynolds Excavating in Eden. The arrest came just four months...READ MORE

Friday, June 19--OC Trash Move Leads To Cut In Landfill Hours

SNOW HILL - Worcester County residents who would like to discard their trash and large household items at the county landfill will have 12 less hours to do so starting this weekend. The town of Ocean City's decision to contract with an out-of-state trash hauler instead of transporting trash to the Worcester County Landfill prompted the county to reduce hours of operation at the Newark vicinity waste facility. The resort's new trash contract, which will cost the town less per ton of trash, began...READ MORE

Friday, June 19--Wrongful Termination Case Tests Cops' Bargaining Accord

OCEAN CITY - Legal wrangling continues in the lawsuit filed in federal court in March by a long-time Ocean City police officer asserting his health condition led to his wrongful termination in July 2007 in violation of his Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) rights, with 'substantive' legal issues barring a clear path to a resolution in the case. In March, former OCPD officer David Catrino filed suit in U.S. District Court seeking injunctive relief and an undisclosed award of compensatory and...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Angler Restaurant 410-289-7424 , Talbot St. & The Bay Saturday, June 20 & Sunday, June 21: Blue Sky Every Sunday: Dock Party with DJ Mike C Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Every Friday: DJ Wood Saturday, June 20: Under The Outhouse Every Sunday: Locals' Party with DJ BK Thursday, June 25: Electric Company CaribBean bar & grill 410-289-0837 , Just off the Boards on 2nd St. Friday, June 19: Dave Sherman, 1-5 p.m.; Pompous Pie Duo, 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday,...READ MORE

People in Society

Your Neighbors Lend a Helping Hand Around the Area ...READ MORE

Citizen's Quest To Help Transit Users Turns To County

OCEAN CITY - Bob Melvin has the Mayor and City Council in his corner.  Now all he has to do is convince the Worcester County Commissioners. Melvin, a 90-year-old resident of Ocean City, has been on a mission of sorts for the better part of two years, to improve the seemingly flawed service provided by Shore Transit to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) transit users within the city limits of Ocean City. Melvin's claims, in their simplest terms, highlight the fact that Ocean City...READ MORE

Civil Suit Brewing After Conflict Over Scooter Rental

OCEAN CITY - Peter Gakurias' scooter rental company is getting off to quite a bumpy start. A week after his 'scoot coupes' were deemed to be illegal on Maryland roads, the owner of Fun Cycles in Ocean City is now being accused of scamming a 19-year-old Pennsylvania man out of his deposit. Aston, Pa. Resident Tom Nicholson and his friend, who are spending the week in the resort, rented two scooters on Monday afternoon from Gakurias' staff at Fun Cycles for a one-hour rental, only to be told upon...READ MORE

Council Committed To Keeping Street Performers Unplugged

OCEAN CITY - Despite some seemingly reasonable pleas for exceptions to the rule, the City Council was not ready to allow any of the Boardwalk buskers to be anything but 'unplugged.' Though there was no agenda item addressing the ongoing street performer situation, the subject came up once again on Monday, as several street performers spoke to the council in hopes of receiving an exception from the no amplification rule. According to some, the rule outlawing any sort of amplification of...READ MORE

Council Delays Take-Home Vehicle Cuts

OCEAN CITY - After heated debate and public pressure led the City Council to cut more than a dozen take-home vehicles from the town's employee fleet, the City Council decided to delay the implementation of the decision until October. City Manager Dennis Dare recommended to the Mayor and Council at Monday night's meeting at City Hall to delay the decision to strip a handful of employees, who live outside of the newly created 15-mile radius rule, of their take-home vehicles until after the...READ MORE

Solid Reviews For OC Air Show

OCEAN CITY - 'I thought it was wonderful.' Those five words, expressed by Army veteran John J. Sauer Sr., essentially sum up the majority opinion of last weekend's 2nd Annual Ocean City Air Show. Approximately 260,000 people were in town last weekend, according to demoflush estimates, a significant 30,000-plus-head increase over last year's crowds during the same weekend. 'It was the largest sustained crowd I have ever seen on the Boardwalk. By sustained, I mean three or four hours at a time,'...READ MORE

Berlin Poised To Annex Sliver Of Tyson Property

SNOW HILL - Six years and many plans later, the defunct Tyson chicken plant may soon see new life as a commercial property. The original vision for a mixed-use development built on the site has given way to simply seeking a commercial tenant for the 60,000-square-foot existing building, explained developer and Berlin Councilman Troy Purnell, owner of Berlin Properties North (BPN). 'The balance of it could be just about anything,' said Purnell. Last week, the annexation of the old chicken plant...READ MORE

Berlin Sewer Plant Project Could Start In July

BERLIN - With the approval of a construction bid for $11,031,000, the town of Berlin is just waiting on confirmation of state and federal financing to get the long awaited improvements to, and expansion of, the Berlin Wastewater Treatment plant under way. The Berlin Mayor and Council approved a construction bid last Monday night. The town is not yet committed to the contract with the low bidder, Bearing Construction Company of Millsboro, Del., however. 'The bid will only be awarded if financing...READ MORE

County Working On Retirement Trust Details

SNOW HILL - A new investment policy meant to fund the Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) retirement trust should be able to achieve the 7.5 percent return necessary over the long-term, Worcester County staff reported this week. The county is setting up the trust to continue adding to the OPEB funds, as required by law, without tapping into the annual county revenue. Massive annual OPEB payments in the millions triggered criticism during the recently concluded fiscal year 2010 budget process,...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

OCEAN CITY •€' In the brief this week, the job description for a vital position in the resort became clear; the winning bid uptown project came in at quite a bargain; and the town moved toward making sure Tasers don't make their way onto the island. Town Seeks Building Manager When Mike Noah resigned a few months back as the town's tourism director and head of operations at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, the question became whether the person who will fills the post should be more...READ MORE

Small Boat Tourney Celebrates 30th Year

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Marlin Club's 30th Annual Small Boat Tournament, the first in a long series of events scheduled by the club throughout the summer, returns this weekend with dozens of boats and teams of anglers competing in both offshore and inshore divisions. The annual tournament is open to all anglers and boats 34-feet long and under. The tournament officially gets underway tonight with registration and a captain's meeting at the Marlin Club in West Ocean City. The real action...READ MORE

Student Announcements

BERLIN - The following is a look at a variety of student announcements sent to this newspaper for publication in the last month. -- The National Society of High School Scholars (HSHSS) has announced that Stephen Decatur High School student Cordonte Ayres of Berlin has been selected for membership. The society recognizes top scholars and invites only those students who have achieved superior academic excellence. Membership entitles students to enjoy a wide variety of benefits, including...READ MORE

Tasty Crackers Helping Spread Word About Namesake's Favorite Charity

OCEAN CITY - Raggatha Calentine is a small woman with a big name, a bigger heart and one of the creators of what's being called 'quite possibly, the world's most addicting cracker.' Locally produced and in just the fourth month of business, Little Ragghi's Crackers, an artisan flat bread cracker made of simply olive oil, parmesan cheese and a small amount of seasoning, has begun to gain widespread acclaim and is making a substantial mark in the industry in the very early stages of its...READ MORE

Water, Sewer Rates Increased For Some Residents

SNOW HILL - Many of Worcester County's public water and wastewater customers will see increases in their bills in fiscal year 2010 to handle rising costs and to provide service to more customers. The Worcester County Commissioners unanimously this week approved the sanitary service area budgets and assessments, many of which include higher rates. The cost of operating most service areas has increased, with higher costs for personnel, health insurance and operating expenses. Growth in population...READ MORE

Worcester Notes

SNOW HILL - The Worcester County Commissioners discussed several items briefly at their second June meeting, held Tuesday. Here's a recap: --- Work on the final design of the new Mystic Harbor Wastewater Treatment Plant was authorized by the County Commissioners Tuesday, paving the way for the replacement sewer treatment facility. The design is already 30 percent complete. 'We're now ready to move into the final design of this project,' said John Ross, deputy director of public works. The...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A Spotlight on the Local and Regional Bar and Restaurant Scene ...READ MORE

Thoughts From the Publisher's Desk

The scene on the Boardwalk for the Ocean City Air Show was unlike anything I have seen in our town. Mayor Rick Meehan said this week it was the largest 'sustained' crowd he had ever seen on the Boardwalk. The view from atop the Harrison Group's Quality Inn on 17th Street and the Boardwalk said it all. It was an inspiring and patriotic sight to behold. There were people everywhere, and it was not pockets of folks here and there. Droves of people were everywhere on Saturday and Sunday. Boardwalk...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Council Wrong On Limits Editor: I am writing in response to last week's article addressing the City Council limiting the volleyball tour's selling of alcohol and merchandise in front of Boardwalk storefronts. A few members seem more concerned with their own pocketbooks for a weekend rather than the greater good of the city as well as believing that alcohol offered to the community will destroy our beach image. Maybe they should take a walk at a mid-town beach where drinking is allowed or check...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Robert W. Parsons SALISBURY - Robert W. Parsons, age 83, of Salisbury and formerly of West Ocean City, died Tuesday, June 9, 2009, at Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. Born in New York, he was the son of the late Lee Parsons and Eda Cropper Parsons. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Cora Parsons, in 2003. Parsons spent his early childhood years in Southampton Long Island, where his father was stationed with the US Coast Guard. After graduation from high school, he...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Habitat To Build Berlin Homes BERLIN - Habitat for Humanity of Worcester County, Inc. has announced the groundbreaking ceremony for the first of three homes to be built on Flower Street in Berlin on Saturday, June 20 at 10:30 a.m. The first family to be selected by Habitat for Humanity is a family of four, The Carpenters. The construction of a Habitat for Humanity home is usually a six-month long process, so the Carpenters are hoping to move in around the holidays. The Carpenters' new home will...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

I often wonder what my kid thinks about when he looks at me. There are some moments that I am just dying to know what's happening inside the cute little head of his. Some of these situations include the following: when he yanks the spoon out of my hand, holds it with all his might so I can't get it and then throws it on the floor; when he falls down face-first while walking and looks up with a smile; when he is in the back of the car facing forward staring intently at the road without...READ MORE

My Thoughts

A kid biked by Insider's house the other day in the early afternoon. The know-it-all was punching his fingers furiously into his cell phone with his head down when he ran smack into a sidewalk, flipped over the handlebars and onto the old guy's lush lawn. The boy immediately jumped up, got his cell phone out of harm's way in the street and laid back down on the lawn to apparently gather himself. A few minutes went by and Insider noticed the kid had gotten back up and was now walking his bike...READ MORE

Anglers Vying For OC Shark Tourney's Top Prize

OCEAN CITY - The 29th Annual Ocean City Shark Tournament got underway yesterday with the first of four official fishing days, and organizers are hoping there will be no shortage of action at the docks. Hundreds of offshore anglers chugged out to the canyons off the coast this morning in search of sharks of all species and sizes. The start to the offshore season has been a little tepid thus far, but the fishing should be solid for the annual Ocean City Shark Tournament, which is always one of...READ MORE

Davis Wins Scholarship Award

BERLIN - Hannah Davis, a student at Berlin Intermediate School, was selected to receive the 2nd Annual Franklin Burroughs Golf Scholarship to attend the Eagles Landing Golf Camp. The scholarship is named after Burroughs, who owned One-Time Plumbing, Inc. for more than 25 years. 'My husband loved God, children, golf and all athletics,' said Freda Burroughs, the scholarship namesake's wife. 'His children and all the neighborhood children who came to his home he called •€˜The Burley Bunch'...READ MORE

Record Set At Downs Opener

BERLIN - Opening night at Ocean Downs was an exciting one, as a track record was set and a driving triple was recorded. Weather reports foresaw rain and gloomy weather for the night, but the evening only saw hints of rain as the night proved to be a perfect one to set things in motion. Peter Symanski, manager of Ocean Downs, envisions a great meet to come. 'Our drivers here have respect for one another and that always leads to a safer and more pleasurable time,' he said. The feature of the...READ MORE

SDHS Rising Star Awards Held

The Rising Star Awards were recently presented at Stephen Decatur Middle School's Honors Ceremony. The awards recognize middle school students who have participated in voluntary service activities for their school and for local community organizations. Pictured, back from left, are Luke Sichau, Antonia Green, Tyahanna Lawson and Sarah Kirstein; middle, Joshua Massey, Adrienne Cope, Katelyn Knowles, Madelyn Beebe and Libby Withers; and, front, Chelsea Smith, Christina Pletcher, Ami Oliver...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Seniors Selected To All-America Lax Team

Worcester Prep rising seniors Molly Dickerson, left, and Sara Noyes, were recently selected for the Under Armour All-American Lacrosse Team. They will play for the Washington, D.C. Girls' All-Stars in a national tournament on June 27-28 at Johnny Unitas Stadium at Towson University. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep 3rd Grade Spelling Bee Winners

Winners of Worcester Prep's 2009 Grade 3 Spelling Bee were, from left, Jordan Welch, Ocean Pines, third place; Connor Cebula, Selbyville, second place; and Rachael Weidman, Dagsboro, first place. All students in Worcester's third grade classes participated in the Spelling Bee, which began with words students learned throughout the school year. It then progressed into much more difficult words. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep 3rd Grade Spelling Bee Winners

Winners of Worcester Prep's 2009 Grade 3 Spelling Bee were, from left, Jordan Welch, Ocean Pines, third place; Connor Cebula, Selbyville, second place; and Rachael Weidman, Dagsboro, first place. All students in Worcester's third grade classes participated in the Spelling Bee, which began with words students learned throughout the school year. It then progressed into much more difficult words. ...READ MORE

Graduation at Most Blessed Sacrament

Eighth grade graduates from Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic School are pictured showing off their diplomas. Pictured, front from left, are Principal Amelia Mike, Mignon Winterling, Delaney McMullen and Olivia Quattrini; middle, Ragen Doyle, Logan Ferry, Andrew D'Orazio, Elizabeth Sayan, Colleen Bassett and teacher Cris Kaczmarczyk; and, back, Shaun Kotoski, Tamara Pinkney, Joe Flounlacker, Jay Crimmins, Kelly Adelhardt and John-Paolo Celozzi. Photo by Donna Kotoski ...READ MORE

BIS 4th Graders "Design a Dream Room"

Mrs. Lovell's fourth grade class at Berlin Intermediate recently competed in a "Design a Dream Room." Students researched items online that would be placed in their room in order to determine their cost. Students were given a budget and had to stay within that budget to furnish their "dream" room. Next, they designed detailed floor plans and wrote speeches to tell why their room should win. The class chose the winners. Pictured, from left, are winners...READ MORE

Fish 'N OC

Welcome to another week of Fish'N O.C. Its been another great week of fishing here in the waters of Ocean City, We have some great reports coming in from local fishermen, tackle shops and charter boats. I finally started my fishing charters this past week, with a great start to my 2009 season with two of the best back-to-back striper charters I've seen on the South Jetty in years. There also was a better then usual night striper and blues bite on the Route 50 Bridge with anglers catching keeper...READ MORE

Things I Like

Events that attract people here Turkey burgers A day that starts cloudy and ends sunny My son's love of sleep Anna Paquin in •€˜True Blood' Being poolside Plain old chocolate ice cream Running into locals on the Boardwalk this time of year The smell of a hardware store (Adkins) Simple checks Mondays that go by fast ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A change of season reinvigorates the Lamb, helping to overcome the effects of a recent slower-paced period. This is a good time to restate your feelings for that certain someone. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You might not like using your authority to correct a workplace situation, but that's what being placed in charge is all about. Besides, you have people ready to lend support if need be. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your creativity continues to run high and helps...READ MORE

Ways To Plan Your Income For Retirement

OCEAN CITY - The majority of retirees today aren't just living longer •€' they're also living younger. Still vital and energetic once they hit 65 (long considered a benchmark of old age), retirees can now expect to live another 20 to 30 years, thus opening up a tremendous range of options and opportunities for this next life stage. While these extra years offer "a longevity bonus," they also present longevity risk •€' the risk that you could outlive your...READ MORE

SDHS Receives Donation from Local Church

Stephen Decatur High School received a donation of $3,000 from Sonrise Church's Senior Pastor Daryl McCready and Associate Pastor Kyle McDaniel. The $3,000 donation was earned through a fundraiser Taco Night, held at the high school on May 29. Close to 600 guests devoured 1,600 tacos to help raise funds for school supplies and needs. Above, Sonrise Senior Pastor Daryl McCready, center, and Associate Pastor Kyle McDaniel, left, present Stephen Decatur High School Principal Louis Taylor with...READ MORE

Local Women Inducted Into Prestigious Tiffany Circle

Four local women were recently inducted into the prestigious Tiffany Circle during a Women's Summit in Washington, D.C. Lower Shore Red Cross Board members Madalaine How, Patti Miller and Alison Sappington, along with past board member Sheila Zimmer, traveled to D.C. with 350 other Tiffany Circle members from around the country.  Women who demonstrate extraordinary support for the mission of the American Red Cross are chosen based on their progressive, innovative programs and financial...READ MORE

Temple Bat Yam Receives Awards

Temple Bat Yam Sisterhood President Marion Klein, left, is pictured holding the Rabbi Richard Sternberger Social Action Award presented to the Sisterhood for the Annual Temple Bat Yam Toni Jaffee Health Fair. She is pictured with Temple Bat Yam Rabbi Emeritus and Founding Rabbi Richard Sternberger and co-chairmen of the fair Candy Gusst and Deborah Resnick. ...READ MORE

Diakonia Receives Donation from OC Police Department

Diakonia Executive Director Claudia Nagle accepts a donation from PFC Vance Row of the Ocean City Police Department. The money was generated by an Ocean City Fraternal Order of Police Poker Run. ...READ MORE

The Parke Community Introduces New Board of Directors

The Parke at Ocean Pines Community Association, Inc. has introduced its new Board of Directors for 2009-2010. Pictured, from left, are Tom Weber, secretary; Mike Stevenson, president; Vicki McCormick, member at large; Dominic Tangredi, vice president; and Steve Habeger, member at large). ...READ MORE

Arts in the Area

A spotlight on the area art scene ...READ MORE