June 26, 2009

Thursday, July 2-OC Says Fourth Celebration Changes No Big Deal

OCEAN CITY - Town officials are confident that visitors will not notice a few minor changes to the annual Fourth of July celebration in Ocean City, but they also don't want people to forget that they saved thousands in the process. As part of the city's budget cuts in the off-season, City Manager Dennis Dare trimmed back the events leading up to the 18-minute Zambelli Internationale Fireworks displays on Saturday night. 'The fireworks are exactly the same as always.  However, on the beach...READ MORE

Wednesday, July 1-Family Files Suit Against OC Paramedics

OCEAN CITY - Three months after the family of two Pennsylvania tourists who died of carbon monoxide poisoning in a Boardwalk motel room in June 2006 successfully settled a $30 million lawsuit against the facility's owner and various other defendants, the same plaintiffs last week filed a second suit in the case, targeting the Ocean City paramedics who allegedly failed to respond to their pleas for help in the confusion of the tragic morning. Yvonne and Morgan Boughter, family members of the pair...READ MORE

Monday, June 29-Police Probe Fatal Bridge Crash

OCEAN CITY - A local man has been charged with negligent homicide by motor vehicle while under the influence, along with numerous other offenses, after he struck and killed a bicyclist on the Route 50 Bridge last week and fled the scene. According to the Maryland State Police Berlin barrack, on Friday, June 26 at 2:26 a.m., troopers were dispatched to the Route 50 Bridge for a hit-and-run accident. The initial investigation revealed that a 2006 Chevrolet Silverado, being operated by Daniel...READ MORE

Faces in Places

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

Fatherhood Adventures

He wants no part of us. We do not take it personally, or at least we try our best not to, but Beckett has developed a general distaste for being held. The days of us holding him while he has a cup of milk or has an afternoon treat seem to be gone, at least temporarily. He's got places to see, items to stick in his mouth, toys to throw and strange things to grab and investigate. It seems he knows us well enough by now that there's nothing left to figure out and that makes us not so interesting in...READ MORE

Phony Doctor Busted

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City police this week arrested a local man who was allegedly posing as a doctor and calling in fake prescriptions for painkillers to local pharmacies. On June 11, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) narcotics unit conducted a pharmaceutical drug investigation involving a suspect, later identified as Shannon Sanders Alexander, 38, of Ocean City, who had been representing himself as a doctor from Laurel, Md. and calling in fraudulent Hydrocodone prescriptions to local...READ MORE

Pa. College Grad Remembered

OCEAN CITY - Tragedy struck on Tuesday afternoon when a Pennsylvania woman and recent college graduate attempting to cross Coastal Highway on a bicycle was struck and killed by a delivery truck. Around 1:18 p.m. on Tuesday, Kristen Stormer, 23, of Hollidaysburg, Pa., attempted to cross Coastal Highway from east to west on a bicycle at the busy 33rd Street intersection and made it safely across the northbound lanes before being struck by a Canada Dry delivery truck in the southbound middle lane....READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Curiosity, Anyone? Editor: (The following was addressed to the Berlin Mayor and Council and Planning and Zoning Director Chuck Ward.) I was a bit surprised, and somewhat disappointed, at the lack of intellectual curiosity exhibited by the Mayor and Council and town staff at Monday's council meeting when Paula Lynch asked what shoddy manufacturing was. Nobody seemed to know; moreover, no one seemed to care. I found it difficult to believe that the town code would encourage any...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Coastal Highway was the scene of another horrific accident this week. This time involving a recent college graduate, who was crossing on her bike from east to west against the light when a southbound box truck struck her. Whenever these types of tragedies occur, there's a desire among many to address the situation on the road and explore major infrastructure improvements. The fact here is Coastal Highway is a dangerous place a few months a year. That's why some call it 'eight lanes of hell.'...READ MORE

Motivation To Work Together Benefits All

Earlier this month, it appeared downtown Ocean City had some serious problems to address on Saturday nights. After a couple quiet weekends, it seems matters are under control. The recent calm could be a result of the underage club owners on Worcester St. implementing a stricter dress code policy and prohibiting 19- and 20-year-olds from the club on Saturdays. It could also be due to the calendar, as school celebrations slow with the advent of the season and the transition to more families. It's...READ MORE

Friday, June 26--Ex-Councilman Pens Book On Parents' Love Story

OCEAN CITY - Every writer hopes to someday complete 'the Great American novel', and although no one is comparing former Ocean City Councilman Vince Gisriel, Jr.'s first book to the work of Jack Kerouac or Kurt Vonnegut just yet, he has truly succeeded in telling the timeless love story of an American hero and his bride, who waited patiently in the wings from a world away during World War II. Gisriel released his first book (which he self-published), entitled 'Hearts Away, Bombs Away' last month...READ MORE

Friday, June 26--Federal Funds OK'd For Route 113 Land Buys

BERLIN - The ongoing Route 113 dualization project got a small boost this week from federal funds assigned to right-of-way acquisition for the third phase. The $222,300 appropriation comes from the Federal Highway Administration through the Fiscal Year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations bill. Bob Hulburd, president of 113 dualization proponent CRASH (County Residents Action for Safer Highways), praised the appropriation. 'I'm always glad to see additional money for completing any part of 113,' Hulburd...READ MORE

Friday, June 26--Juggling Act Saves Berlin $70K In Insurance Costs

BERLIN - Changing some job categories under standard workmen's compensation insurance codes has saved the town of Berlin a total of $70,000 in insurance premiums. A reclassification of some positions under national insurance codes resulted in a $35,000 to $37,000 refund in workmen's compensation insurance premiums for fiscal year 2009 premiums from the current provider, with roughly the same refund expected from fiscal year 2008. Some employees in the electric line crew were designated under the...READ MORE

Friday, June 26--Ocean City Seeks Dismissal In Escalator Fall Lawsuit

OCEAN CITY - Legal posturing continued last week in the $500,000 civil suit filed in May against the town of Ocean City, its Convention and Visitors Bureau and a private company by a former Vermont high school student injured when an escalator in the Roland E. Powell Convention Center suddenly stopped and started heading in the opposite direction in May 2006 with the town formally denying any culpability in the accident and seeking a dismissal of the case. In May 2006, several members of a high...READ MORE

Ravens Roost of Ocean City Awards Annual Scholarships

At its monthly meeting in June, Ravens Roost #44 of Ocean City awarded its annual scholarship awards to six students from the three local high schools. Each student received $1500 toward his or her college expenses. The winners were, from left, Parker McIntosh, Worcester Preparatory School; Samantha Taraila, Worcester Preparatory School; Lindsay Chetelat, Stephen Decatur High School; Erin McGuire, Stephen Decatur High School; Michael Izzo, Indian River High, represented by his brother Sam; and...READ MORE

Most Blessed Sacrament Club Earns Special Reward

The members of Most Blessed Sacrament School's 2008/2009 Dolphin Club received a special reward for being demerit free for the entire school year. Club members were treated to an afternoon at Thunder Lagoon Water Park. Here they are cooling off in front of a waterfall. ...READ MORE

Showell Students Study Hawaii, Celebrate Luau

Mrs. Hawkins' second grade class at Showell Elementary studied Hawaii and then celebrated the end of school with a Luau. Here are some of the students with their teachers. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Middle School Talent Show

Some of the students doing individual performances in Worcester Prep's Middle School Talent Show were, front from left, Razaak Eniola, Salibury; Elise Harmon, Rehoboth Beach; Katherine Pavlos, Salisbury; Ariella Anthony Seaford; Raphael DeJesus, Seaford; and, back, Alyssa Mocci, Lewes; Emma Richardson, Rehoboth Beach; Elena LaPlante, Salisbury; Madison O'Malley, Salisbury; Miranda Buas, Ocean City; and Alexa Travis, Lewes. ...READ MORE

Kindergartners Pose for Last Day of School at Worcester Prep

On the last day of school at Worcester Prep, kindergartners Alexandra Gallagher, Bethany Beach, Logan Derrickson, Rehoboth Beach, Baylie Holmes, Bishopville, and Abby Reynolds, Fenwick Island, have a great time positioning themselves in the cubbies, where they've kept their books, coats and lunch boxes throughout the school year. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Seventh Grader Wins Essay Competition

Rising Worcester Prep seventh-grade student Molly Soule´, Ocean City, was a winner in the 2009 Veterans of Foreign Wars patriotic essay competition. At an awards ceremony at the Ocean City VFW, she was honored with a savings bond, plaques and certificates and a pin. She is pictured with her parents Catherine and Paul Soule´. ...READ MORE

Student Announcements

Texas A&M University has named its honor students for the spring 2009 semester, including Chelsea Ward Baldwin of Berlin. Allan Anthony Taylor, a resident of Ocean City, has earned a(n) Bachelor of Science, Information Technology from Excelsior College. Among the 466 students achieving the honor of Dean's List for the spring semester at Mount St. Mary's University were local residents Christopher Powell, freshman, Ocean City; Kristen Waters, junior, Ocean City; Kelsey Greene, freshman, Ocean...READ MORE

Child Falls From Condo Balcony

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City fire officials this week confirmed an 8-year-old boy was critically injured when he fell from a fourth-floor balcony of a condominium on Monday evening. According to fire officials, the unidentified youth fell from the balcony of a unit at the Jamaica condominiums on the bayside at 33rd Street around 5 p.m. on Monday and struck the pavement below. The victim was flown to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury where he was initially listed in critical condition. No...READ MORE

June A Wet, Cloudy Month For Resort

OCEAN CITY - Despite some stellar weekend events, the month of June is creeping to an end with some local businesses hoping for proverbial and literal sunnier skies. According to the National Weather Service, the town of Ocean City has only seen two back-to-back sunny days (June 1 and 2) and although June is historically a slow month compared to July and August, local businesses are starting to think that the economy is playing a larger role that what they might have previously let on. 'June is...READ MORE

Lawsuit Abuse Ads Hit Resort Buses

OCEAN CITY - Advertisements on city buses usually promote lunch specials at local establishments rather than talk about litigation issues, but if you look closely, that's what one bus ad campaign is all about. An ad campaign created by the Maryland Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse showing a picture of a sunbather and the tag line 'don't get burned by lawsuit abuse' can be seen on a handful of Ocean City buses after organizers chose the resort as the perfect place to 'make a splash about our issue'...READ MORE

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...READ MORE

Underage Club Changes Ease Concerns

OCEAN CITY - Although it was found that a petition calling for the closure of the underage nightclub in downtown Ocean City never actually existed, the concerns about recent events on the Boardwalk are, in fact, very real. Rumors have been spreading around the tight knit community of Boardwalk merchants in past weeks about the existence of a petition calling for the closure of H2O, the popular underage nightclub located on Worcester St. Some merchants blame the club for drawing the large crowds...READ MORE

'Hooked On OC' Show Lives On

OCEAN CITY - A miscommunication between the Tourism Commission and the popular 'Hooked On OC' cable television show producers could have jeopardized the show, but fortunately it's safe and will proceed as scheduled. When the commission voted to grant Dave Messick and Scott Lennox, the show's creators and producers, $25,000 of the town's advertising budget to sponsor and run ads on the nationally televised fishing program, members misinterpreted what exactly the show was requesting. 'We asked for...READ MORE

Authorities Launch Campaign Against Drunk Boaters

OCEAN CITY - Recreational boaters heading out on the waters in and around the resort this weekend might want to think twice about reaching for a cold beer or their favorite alcoholic beverage as local and state law enforcement agencies are launching Operation Dry Water, an aggressive enforcement initiative aimed at the dangerous practice of boating while intoxicated. Operation Dry Water got underway today across the nation in the ocean and coastal bays around the resort. Locally, Maryland...READ MORE

Berlin Using Same Contractor On Next Sidewalk Repair Phase

BERLIN - Another 800 feet of downtown sidewalk will be replaced this summer, continuing Berlin's initiative to improve walkways in town. Washington St., which has already had some areas replaced, will see the most sidewalk work with the reconstruction of 225 linear feet.  On West St., 214 linear feet of sidewalk will be reconstructed along with 30 feet of curb. Jefferson St. will see 110 feet of sidewalk replaced. According to Mayor Gee Williams, who has been pushing for sidewalk repair...READ MORE

City Issues CO Detector Reminder

OCEAN CITY - The Fire Marshal's Office of the Ocean City Fire Department takes this opportunity to inform residents and guests of carbon monoxide detector legislation, the danger of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and simple safeguards to protect you and your family. According to the National Safety Council, there are between 200 and 300 accidental CO deaths per year. Known as the 'silent killer,' CO is an invisible, odorless, and colorless gas created as a product of incomplete combustion. CO...READ MORE

Decatur Farms Requesting Berlin Trash Pickup Service

BERLIN - The Decatur Farm Townhouse Homeowners Association has asked to take advantage of a new policy in Berlin permitting town trash service on private streets. A dispute between the townhouse developer, Centex, and the town government has nothing to do with the request and has not delayed service to the area, said town administrator Tony Carson. The town is currently engaged in discussions with Centex over incomplete project items, but Carson called the discussion a normal part of the...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

OCEAN CITY - In the brief this week, bad weather could not drown the enthusiasm for two new special events and Rodney the Lifeguard got rave reviews after his first public appearances. Rodney Shines In Big Cities As part of a three-day media tour, Mayor Rick Meehan, Rodney the Lifeguard (portrayed by actor Blake Adams), Ward Kovacs of the Ocean City Beach Patrol and staffers from MGH advertising, traveled to Baltimore, Washington DC and Philadelphia this week to spread the word about the resort...READ MORE

Pizza Franchise, City Employees In Court Battle

SNOW HILL - A Worcester County judge late last month ruled favorably on some defendants' motions to dismiss, but ruled against a similar motion filed by a local business in the suddenly high-profile civil suit filed by two high-ranking Baltimore City employees against a resort pizza parlor for allegedly refusing to serve them and ultimately imprisoning them against their will last summer. Baltimore Mayor Sheila Dixon's Chief of Staff Demaune Millard, along with Deputy City Solicitor Donald R....READ MORE

Seized Guns Added To Offshore Reef

OCEAN CITY - The latest addition to the growing artificial reef system off the coast of Ocean City went down in the deep as planned yesterday, and while it lacked the size and substance of the recent sinking of retired New York City subway cars, it was no less interesting on a smaller scale. Yesterday morning, a new artificial reef unit fashioned in part out of confiscated guns donated to the Ocean City Reef Foundation by the Millsboro Police Department was sunk over Kelly's Reef about two miles...READ MORE

Skeletal Remains Recovered In WOC ID'd

WEST OCEAN CITY - County detectives have used DNA analysis to positively identify human skeletal remains discovered in a densely wooded area off Route 611 in West Ocean City in early January. After a months-long investigation, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) announced yesterday the human remains discovered in January in a wooded area off Sinepuxent Rd. near Route 611 as Richard T. Wright, of Berlin, who would have turned 40 next month. WCBI detectives, with assistance from...READ MORE

Big Week for Berlin Little Leaguers

BERLIN- Berlin's Little League teams enjoyed a great week last week with a team of Rookie League All-Stars winning a tournament in Fruitland and the Cardinals taking the local Rookie League title. The Berlin All-Stars went undefeated in the Fruitland Little League All-Star Tournament, going a perfect 4-0 to win the championship. The Berlin All-Stars swept four games in the tournament culminating with a dramatic 7-6 win over host Fruitland in the title game after jumping out to a 7-6 lead. Back...READ MORE

Decatur Boosters Tourney a Success

BERLIN- The 10th Annual Stephen Decatur High School Athletic Boosters Golf Tournament played at Eagle's Landing on Tuesday was once again a rousing success with over $17,000 raised for the Seahawks sports program. For the record, first place, low gross went to the foursome including Chuck Davis, Darryl Greer, Butch James and Kenton Moyer with a 59. First-place, low net went to the team of David Wells, Jason Cole, Curtis Lester and Will Degroft with a final score of 52.8. Second-place net went to...READ MORE

Locals Enjoy Success in Beachfest Events

OCEAN CITY- Several local athletes made their presence felt last weekend in some of the events of the first-ever Ocean City Beachfest, a three-day festival of competition held at various venues on land and in the water around the resort area including the Boardwalk 5-mile Run and the Assateague Triathlon. The Boardwalk 5-Mile Run and the Assateague Triathlon were just a couple of the dozens of events included as part of the first-ever Ocean City Beachfest. The event also included surfing and...READ MORE

Record Mako Highlights 29th Shark Tournament

OCEAN CITY- The 29th Ocean City Shark Tournament last weekend was memorable for a lot of reasons, not the least of which was a new state record 876-pound mako weighed on Saturday that electrified the big crowd at the host Ocean City Fishing Center and continued a remarkable hot streak for a local captain and crew who have had a hand in practically every significant event of the early offshore season. As the boat's name suggests, there has been nothing typical about the wave of offshore fishing...READ MORE

People in Society

Have a Look at Neighbors Lending a Helping Hand Throughout the Community ...READ MORE

Fish 'N OC

I'm sitting here at the computer this evening, looking out the window and all I can think about is fishing. It is beautiful outside. A soft blanket of clouds is blocking out the sun and a slight breeze is blowing in from the South, not too much, but just enough. Tonight is a new moon, and I can almost smell the fish. With the strong pull of the moon, tides will be extreme tonight - something predatory fish like. If I were fishing the bridge, tonight (or the next few nights) could be some of the...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Joseph George Sturgeon BERLIN - Joseph George Sturgeon, 87, of Berlin, died Saturday at Atlantic General Hospital. Born and raised in Baltimore, he was the first son of the late Joseph and Myrtle Grumbine Sturgeon. He was a proud survivor of the attack on Pearl Harbor and World War II. He spent his career in the telecommunications industry. He loved the Eastern Shore, boating and fishing. He was a charter member of VFW Post #8296 and American Legion Post #123. He is survived by his beloved wife...READ MORE

A Smarter Retirement Plan

OCEAN CITY - Fed chairman Ben Bernanke predicted in May that the recession could end by the close of 2009, citing encouraging signs that distressed markets may finally have reached their bottom. Although stabilization will come at some point, it's equally clear that recovery from the most severe economic crisis since the 1930s will take time and carry its share of challenges. One of the most important assessments for investors •€' especially those nearing retirement •€' will be...READ MORE

Parke at Ocean Pines Holds Annual Gala

The Parke at Ocean Pines celebrated its annual Gala at Harrison's Harbor Watch in Ocean City on June 7. One of the highlights of the evening was the 50/50 drawing won by the Parke Fitness Director MaryBeth Beck, who received half of the cash and the other half of $280.50 was donated to Diakonia, the charity of her choice.  Beck received the happy news the next day during an aquatics class. Above, Ocean Pines Association General Manager Tom Olson, gala co-chairs Mary Henderson and Kathy...READ MORE

Charity Donates Proceeds To Alzheimer's Association

Star Charities President Anna Foultz, left, donated the proceeds from the 12th Annual Alzheimer's Gala held on May 17 at the Clarion Resort in Ocean City. The check was for $5,000 and was presented to Damian Magarelli, middle, of the Alzheimer's Association as Susan Curtis of Star Charities looks on. Star Charities organized the Las Vegas Escape event with an all-volunteer committee. ...READ MORE

Scenes From Worcester Prep Field Day

Before school let out for summer, some dads were cooking hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken for Field Day festivities at Worcester Prep. Pictured, from left, are John Burbage, Bethany Beach; Eric Van Orden, Ocean City; Shawn Hall, Millsboro; Roger Townsend, Rehoboth Beach; John Fager, Bishopville; and Scot Wells, Bishopville. ...READ MORE

OC Marlin Club Ladies Auxiliary Presents Annual Scholarship

The Ocean City Marlin Club Ladies Auxiliary recently presented an annual scholarship award to local students chosen based primarily on their academic achievements. Receiving the $4,000 scholarships were Anthony Whaley, who is attending Salisbury University for a degree in teaching, and Lindsay Chetelat, who will be pursuing a career in the field of nutrition at the University of Delaware. Presenting the award from the auxillary are Dee Rigsby, left, auxiliary president, and...READ MORE

OC/Berlin Rotary Club Holds Annual Charity Flea Market

Working the Annual Ocean City/ Berlin Rotary Club Flea Market are, from left, Tom Bickerstaff, Stan Kahn, Jamie Welch, Margo Katzman, Dave Taylor and Ed Welch. Proceeds from this event go toward the Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club Atlantic General Hospital Nursing Program scholarships. ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Taylor Bank Promotes Five BERLIN - Raymond M. Thompson, President and CEO of Taylor Bank, recently announced the promotions of Jennifer G. Hawkins to vice president and Michael Adamchak and Sandra Holloway Duncan to assistant vice-president. Additionally, Nancy E. Bunting was promoted to deposit services officer and Alysson E. Smith-DuPont to human resource manager. Hawkins, who lives in Salisbury, was hired in February of 2001 as an auditor and operations officer. Located at the main office,...READ MORE

Things I Like

Cold spaghetti leftovers The first pictures of a newborn A nap on a hammock Cookouts on Fathers Day The actor Ed Harris Starting the day with an iced latte Watching kids jump off a diving board Shad Landing's tall trees Hearing my son's voice before I walk into the house Showtime's •€˜Nurse Jackie' An old Polaroid photo with writing on the white part ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Get your facts together and become familiar with them before you have to face up to that interview. The better prepared you are, the easier it will be to make that important impression. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): New information might warrant changing your mind about a recently made decision. Never mind the temporary confusion it might cause. Acting on the truth is always preferable. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Creating a loving atmosphere for those you care for...READ MORE