July 10, 2009

Thursday, July 16-Pa. Boy Saved After Sand Collapse

OCEAN CITY - A normal day on the beach in Ocean City quickly became what Captain Butch Arbin called a 'pretty miraculous event' as two of his lifeguards successfully resuscitated an 11-year-old Pennsylvania boy who was deemed clinically dead for almost three minutes. Deputy Chief Chuck Barton of the Ocean City Fire Department praised the beach patrol's efforts in saving the boy, who was trapped under a mound of sand, exposing only his legs, which had collapsed on him while he dug a hole in hopes...READ MORE

Wednesday, July 15-Berlin To Honor The Peach

BERLIN - The Berlin Heritage Foundation has announced its sponsoring a peach festival on Sunday, Aug. 9, beginning at noon on the grounds of the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. Celebrating the rich agricultural heritage of Berlin and loosely based on the 'Great Horticultural Meetings' hosted by Harrisons' Nurseries in the early days of the 20th Century, the festival promises to be both educational and fun. Free family activities will feature a talk by nationally renowned organic gardener and...READ MORE

Tuesday, July 14-Boardwalk Featured In New Museum Exhibit

OCEAN CITY - The long awaited exhibit featuring Ocean City's world-famous Boardwalk has opened at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum after more than three years in the making. Displays in the new exhibit include photos of nostalgic Boardwalk scenes, souvenirs, game prizes and much more, including the iconic photo booth where visitors could get four photos taken for 25 cents. Other displays include 'Windsor Resort: The Trimper Family,' a video display featuring an interview with the late...READ MORE

Monday, July 13-ACLU Joins OC Busker Debate

OCEAN CITY - The debate between the town of Ocean City and the local busking community seemingly got a new player in the conversation this week: The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland.   In a letter written to Ocean City Council President Joe Mitrecic and Mayor Rick Meehan, ACLU Legal Director Deborah A. Jeon stated that the organization takes umbrage with the town's 'no amplification' rule for Boardwalk Street Performers. 'We are concerned with the constitutionality of the...READ MORE

Faces in Places

Scenes From the Kameron Chandler Memorial benefit at Dr. Unks ...READ MORE

Thoughts From the Publisher's Desk

It's remarkable to me what goes on behind the scenes in Ocean City every night in preparation for the next summer day. Years ago, while dropping off recycling at the town's Public Works facility, behind the police department on 65th Street, I was shocked to see an enormous pile of used beach chairs. It was startling to me then and continues to be now. Apparently, the town's public works maintenance crews pick up hundreds of beach chairs every night from the beach during their nightly cleaning....READ MORE

A Serious Concern That Needs Attention

Ocean City wants to take care of a problem that the state legislature could not earlier this year, but it looks like officials' hands are tied. For at least the last two summers, salvia, a hallucinogenic plant sold in a variety of forms, has been present on Ocean City's Boardwalk. The liquid form seems to be the most readily available for sale by merchants. It's popular among young people, many of whom are unaware of what it can do when ingested. According to salvia.net, 'The effects produced by...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

State Ad Support Critical For Future Editor: (The following letter was addressed to state Comptroller Peter Franchot and a copy forwarded to this paper for publication.) As an Ocean City businessman, I would like to thank you for your recent visit to our town. To see your genuine concern for what conditions are like within the Ocean City tourism economy is encouraging as we wade through these tough times. But during this period of such harsh economic conditions, sustained funding for tourism...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

Bath time with my son is not as much fun for me as it used to be. Around my house, I have always been in charge of giving the little guy his nightly bath, especially since my wife's back surgery. When my boy was not so active and eager to move around, bath time was a treat. He loved the warm water, the bubbles, the toys and all that went along with it. It used to be he was content to sit back and be in awe of the entire process. Everything was new to him and he just relaxed and seemed to have a...READ MORE

Drugs, Loaded Handgun Arrest

OCEAN CITY - A Denton, Md. man was arrested for carrying a loaded handgun in downtown Ocean City last week after an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer observed him and another man smoking marijuana while walking down the street. Around 3 p.m. last Thursday, an OCPD officer on bicycle patrol observed two men walking down the street in the area of 11th Street and Baltimore Ave. with one of the men smoking what appeared to be marijuana. The officer approached the suspect, later identified...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Bruce William Hudson OCEAN CITY - Bruce William Hudson, age 54, died Monday, July 6, 2009 at Peninsula Regional Medical Center. Born in Salisbury, he was the son of the late Willis "Cottontop' Hudson and Norma Cropper Hudson. He is survived by a nephew, Jeremy Hudson and his girlfriend, Lindsey George, of Ocean City; a sister-in-law and caregiver, Sue Ann Hudson of Berlin; a cousin and caregiver, Karen Hazzard; an aunt, Christine Walston of Salisbury; numerous cousins; and best friend...READ MORE

Ocean City Unable To Block Salvia Sales

OCEAN CITY - There are few in Ocean City that are not concerned with the recent proliferation of and availability of salvia in Boardwalk shops, but there is little the town can do about it, as of today. Although some in the state view the salvia debate as an 'Ocean City problem,' town officials say that they currently sit at a stalemate with the issue until the state either grants municipalities the power to instill stricter guidelines or ban the sale of the substance altogether. 'Our hands are...READ MORE

Friday, July 10--Author Uncovers New Details In Sifrit Book

OCEAN CITY - A little more than seven years after convicted killers Benjamin and Erika Sifrit brutally murdered and dismembered a Virginia couple vacationing in the resort on Memorial Day weekend in 2002, a new book detailing perhaps the most heinous crime in Ocean City history was released this week. On Saturday of Memorial Day weekend in 2002, the Sifrits lured their eventual victims, Joshua Ford and Martha Crutchley, back to their resort condominium after spending the evening with them in a...READ MORE

Friday, July 10--Former Resort Doctor Convicted On Drug Charges

SNOW HILL - An Ocean City doctor arrested last September on various charges after a concerned citizen reported his erratic driving pleaded guilty last week in Worcester County Circuit Court to driving on a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia, adding a new chapter in his long pattern of illegal drug use and other sordid activities. Around 4:30 p.m. last Sept. 19, a Maryland State Police (MSP) trooper stopped Jock Simon, a local doctor with a practice in Ocean City, on Route 50...READ MORE

Friday, July 10--Route 50 Bridge Jumper Okay

OCEAN CITY - A local woman who jumped off the Route 50 bridge on Wednesday night was recovered a short time later after a massive multi-agency search and rescue mission found her in the water nearby. Shortly after 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Maryland State Police troopers from the Berlin barrack responded to the eastbound side of the Route 50 bridge in reference to an alleged suicidal individual who had jumped from the span into the Assawoman Bay. A witness told police an unidentified white female had...READ MORE

Friday, July 10--Settlement Terms Sealed In Civil Suit

SNOW HILL - The multi-party wrongful death civil suit filed by the family of an Easton man struck and killed while crossing Coastal Highway in June 2007 was finally settled last week after nearly two years of legal wrangling, but the terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. Shortly before 2 a.m. on June 17, 2007, Tyler Adams, 21, of Easton, and a friend, Dale Blankenship, 21, also of Easton, attempted to cross Coastal Highway between 32nd and 33rd streets when they were struck by a...READ MORE

Jazz Festival Eyes Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - As word has started to spread that Ocean City will be getting a 1,200-seat performing arts center in the few years as part of the expanded Roland E. Powell Convention Center, it's starting to attract the interest of some serious players. At last Thursday's Tourism Commission meeting, Leon Gallitzin of the non-profit Delaware Celebration of Jazz, Inc. spoke of his interest in expanding the festival to Ocean City, and perhaps, moving the festival here entirely. The Rehoboth Jazz...READ MORE

Lodging Industry Seeks To Offer Value In Current Market

OCEAN CITY - Those upset with summer time room rates in Ocean City might point blame to the economy, or even perhaps their own personal economies, but some say that they should really be pointing to a basic lesson learned in Economics 101. Hoteliers contest that higher prices in Ocean City, especially on the weekends, is a simple case of supply vs. demand. However, some in the industry concede that the reasoning in determining what the rate raises will be for the consumer goes beyond that. 'I...READ MORE

OC Plans To Investigate Boardwalk Noise Levels

OCEAN CITY - Noise has always been a concern on the Boardwalk, but with reports that some of the loudest racket is obscene, the City Council and the Ocean City Police Department are teaming up to put a stop to it and perhaps preserve the town's family first image. At Monday's City Council meeting and Wednesday's Police Commission meeting, the subject of noise on the Boardwalk came up, most notably, the obscenities blaring from the speakers of several Boardwalk shops, played at increasingly high...READ MORE

Restaurateurs Go Green

OCEAN CITY - David and Janet Twining were not trying to be environmental trendsetters, they simply realize that in business, sometimes you have to spend money to make money and in this case spend money to save a ton of it. The Twinings, however, might just be viewed as one of the local pioneers of alternative energy if the green movement ever takes off in the area, as they are the first restaurateurs to take the first serious leap to greener pastures. Technically, Nantuckets Restaurant, owned...READ MORE

Scoot Coupe Limits Proposed For OC

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City might just see a few scoot coupes on Ocean City roads after all; just not on Coastal Highway. Peter and Kozmos Gakurias, managing partners of Fun Cycles on 26th Street, got a bit of good news at the Police Commission meeting on Wednesday, as their scoot coupes were granted allowance on town-owned roads. When scoot coupes first started popping up on Ocean City roadways, there was extreme interest in the three-wheel mini-cars of sorts, but local officials weren't quite sure...READ MORE

County Planners Working Out Rezoning Details

SNOW HILL - Work continues on the assessment of public comments made by citizens on the draft comprehensive rezoning, with the Worcester County Planning Commission holding a second work session to consider public opinions last week. The planning commission is working with staff to decide on what changes in the comprehensive rezoning should be recommended to the Worcester County Commissioners, based on public opinion expressed in a packed hearing on June 2. Written comments are also under...READ MORE

County Planning To Get Strict On Nuisance Properties

SNOW HILL - Nuisance properties cleaned up by Worcester County workers will now be liable for more charges over the work and will be subject to tax sale if the bill goes unpaid, the Worcester County Commissioners decided this week. The county has been forced to clean up more nuisance properties than usual in the last several months after owners refused or were unable to remove excess personal property and vehicles from their land. Nuisance properties, which tend to host large collections of...READ MORE

County Seeking Fed Funds For Sewer Plant Project

SNOW HILL - State concerns over the potential for sewer service to agriculture or green infrastructure areas that pushed back continued efforts on the Mystic Harbor wastewater treatment plant have now been satisfied, and Worcester County is proceeding to pursue federal funding for the necessary project. The County Commissioners approved a new water and sewer plan amendment this week including the changes in the agriculture and green infrastructure areas. The original water and sewer amendment...READ MORE

Flag Burner Arrested In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY - A local woman was arrested for disturbing the peace and burning an American flag early last Sunday morning, long after the embers of the last Fourth of July fireworks had smoldered and died. Shortly after 6 a.m. last Sunday, two Ocean City Police officers who had finished their Fourth of July shifts and were heading home observed a woman, later identified as Rebecca Ellen McKimmie, 18, of Ocean City, igniting an American flag with a cigarette lighter. As the officers approached,...READ MORE

High Court Upholds Dismissal In Berlin, Finance Head Case

BERLIN - The Maryland Court of Special Appeals this week formally upheld the decision of the Worcester County Circuit Court to dismiss the civil suit filed against the town of Berlin and the late Mayor Tom Cardinale by former Finance Director Ron Bireley, who was abruptly fired in January 2005 amid controversy and veiled hints of missing funds. The state's Court of Special Appeals on Wednesday issued an opinion upholding the decision of the lower court to dismiss the case, agreeing the...READ MORE

Motorist Killed In 113 Crash

SNOW HILL - A local man was killed and another man was injured in a two-vehicle accident on Route 113 on Tuesday morning just north of Snow Hill. Around 10 a.m. on Tuesday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to an area of Route 113 near Public Landing Rd. just north of Snow Hill for a reported motor vehicle collision involving injuries. The investigation revealed a 1998 Ford Econoline van driven by Wilbur Peter Glogovics, 52, of Pocomoke, had collided with a 1998 Freightliner...READ MORE

New Recycling Station To Open In Bishopville

SNOW HILL - A Bishopville site meant to become a trash transfer and recycling station will be reduced to recycling only. The new recycling facility will be ready for use next week, beginning on Tuesday, July 14. The site will accept paper, cardboard, glass, plastic and aluminum cans. The Worcester County solid waste operation anticipates large revenue losses from Ocean City's recent decision to contract with an out-of-state trash hauler to dispose of its 32,000 tons of trash per year. The...READ MORE

Ocean City News In Brief

Wheelchair-Bound Busker Gets Council Exception Robert Peaslee, a handicapped street performer who recently asked to have an exception from the town ordinance, which bans any amplification by buskers, was unanimously granted that exception Monday night by City Council. 'I went to the Boardwalk and listened to Mr. Peaslee recently,' said Councilman Doug Cymek, 'and he was really having a tough time projecting his voice so anyone could hear him. It was visibly taking a lot out of him so I would...READ MORE

Public Comments Sought On Assateague Future

SNOW HILL - A new general management plan for Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS) codifying an overall direction for the future of the park is in the beginning stages. Trish Kicklighter, the new Superintendent of AINS, explained to the County Commissioners Tuesday that the management plan would consider how best to protect the park's natural resources, appropriate uses, needed facilities and visitor access to the park. Public involvement is a major key to creating the plan. 'It is really...READ MORE

Sammy Golf Tournament Upcoming

OCEAN CITY- The 5th Annual 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 July 31 at the Newport Bay course of the Ocean City Golf Club in South Point. The Sammy Wilkinson Memorial Foundation was created as part of the National Alliance for Youth Sports (NAYS) worldwide initiative to lend a hand to countries around the world that are unable to...READ MORE

22nd Tuna Tournament Underway

OCEAN CITY- The 22nd Annual Ocean City Tuna Tournament got underway this morning with hundreds of anglers chugging out to the canyons off the coast of the resort for the first of three official fishing days. 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 got underway yesterday with a captain's meeting and late registration before...READ MORE

Berlin Dolphins Sign-Ups Slated

BERLIN- The Berlin Dolphins youth football teams are gearing up for the 2009 season with late registration and player position evaluations next Wednesday, July 15 at Buckingham Elementary starting at 6 p.m. The Berlin Dolphins compete in the Salvation Army 'Red Shield' League against similar teams from communities all over the Eastern Shore. The Salvation Army League features two divisions with teams based on age and weight. For example, the younger divisional team is called the Berlin Dolphin...READ MORE

Under 13 Girls Beach Lax Team Wraps Up Season

The Beach Lacrosse Club's under-13 girls' team recently wrapped up a highly successful spring season under the direction of coaches Tiffany Wyatt, Deb Sass and Greg Langler. The team, pictured above, was all smiles after a recent tournament. Pictured standing, left to right: Coach Wyatt, Maura Smith, Shelby Laws, Blaire Langler, Molly Soule, Shannon Southcomb, Coach Langler, Ali Wyatt, Emily Knopp, Hannah Adkins, Cecily Sass and Coach Sass. Bottom row, left to right: Emmi Shockley, Emily...READ MORE

Canyon Kick-Off a Big Success

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club's 27th Annual Canyon Kick-Off Tournament last weekend was a big success with 70 competing and nearly $48,000 in prize money doled out to the winners in several categories. The annual tournament, held each year on or around the Fourth of July weekend, is the first significant event for the Ocean City Marlin Club and serves as a prelude of sorts to the more high-profile tournaments of the season including the Ocean City Tuna Tournament, going on this weekend,...READ MORE

500 lb. Blue Marlin Caught and Released

Angler Charlie Rice of Eldersburg, Pa. caught and released this nice blue marlin estimated at around 500 pounds last Friday while fishing on the 'That's Right' with Captain John Oughton. The blue marlin took a trolled ballyhoo at about 200 fathoms in the Poor Man's Canyon. Rice was fishing with his daughter who treated him to an offshore charter for a Father's Day present. Photo submitted by Over Under Charters ...READ MORE

5th Annual Kids Classic on Tap Next Week

OCEAN CITY- Young anglers will get their moment in the spotlight next weekend when the Ocean City Marlin Club hosts its 5th 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 5th 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

Fish 'N OC

This past week I was fortunate enough to spend a little time going through some old photographs that I hadn't looked at in years. I was rummaging through my office, when I came upon on an old picture album that had some hunting and fishing photos from my youth. Once I got past the initial shock and awe of how much better looking I was back then, the wave of nostalgia finally hit me, and I began to reminisce about some of my past experiences in the outdoors. One photo in particular caught my eye....READ MORE

Things I Like

A chunk of watermelon grilled The movie, 'Frost Nixon' Watching my son on the kiddie rides Live music at MR Ducks Burgers and dogs hot off the grill A pile of mail without a bill Boating under the Route 90 bridge The way they fill up the Thrasher's fries buckets A new pair of shoes that feel old People watching on a Boardwalk bench Going to bed early on a Sunday night ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Your Aries leadership qualities can help bring order out of all that confusion, whether it's on the job or in the home. But be careful to guide, not goad, others into following you. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Applying a more personal view to a job-linked issue could help provide better insight into those persistent problems. Use your keen Taurean logic to cut through the double-talk. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Taking some time off could be the best way to get...READ MORE

Managing Your Mortgage Debt

OCEAN CITY - Historically, most Americans have paid for their homes by the time they reach retirement age and leave the full-time workforce. But many of today's baby boomers have a strikingly different attitude when it comes to a mortgage loan. "Homeowners are carrying more housing debt than ever, and are preparing to take much of that debt with them into their retirement," says Rob Mickler, a Vice President and Consumer Finance Specialist with Merrill Lynch. In fact, the Federal...READ MORE

Youth Mission Team To Speak of Appalachia Trip

On Sunday, July 12 at all three church services, the members of the Youth Mission Team from Community Church will share their stories and experiences of their trip to Appalachia in June. A group of 21 youth and 11 adult advisors spent a week in West Virginia under the auspices of the Appalachia Service Project. They made repairs to homes and shared their faith with homeowners in that area. Above, youth mission team members Natalie Cieri, left, and Atlea Compher work under a trailer...READ MORE

Recent Worcester Prep Grad Named Engineering Scholar

Ross Roessler, a 2009 graduate of Worcester Preparatory School, has been named a Northrop Grumman Engineering Scholar. At the awards ceremony in Baltimore, Roessler was honored with a $10,000 award to support his continued education. Pictured, above from left, are Don Roessler, Ross' father; Roessler; and George Reynolds, Director of Industry and University Initiatives for the Northrop Grumman Electronics Systems Sector. ...READ MORE

OC-Berlin Rotary Club Hold First Meeting After New Officer Installation

Ocean City-Berlin Rotary Club Immediate Past President Stan Kahn, Treasurer Dave Blair, President Margo Jones and Secretary Tom Bickerstaff during the first regular meeting after the 2009-10 Installation of Officers Dinner at the Carousel Resort Hotel on Wednesday, June 24. The installation was conducted by District Governor Elect Don Hackett. ...READ MORE

Pine'eer Craft Club Regonizes Local Artist in July

Linda Brindley displays her detailed counted cross-stitch hand crafted items, which earned her recognition in the Pine'eer Craft Club for the month of July. Her guest towels and decorative pillows are available for purchase every Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Pine'eer Craft and Gift Shop at White Horse Park in Ocean Pines. ...READ MORE

OC Beach Patrol Lieutenant Visits Children's Book Garden

Ocean City Beach Patrol Lt. Ward Kovacs recently visited The Children's Book Garden for storytime. Kovacs taught the children about water and beach safety, and the children also had fun checking out Kovacs' rescue jet ski that he had brought along. ...READ MORE

A Week in Business

Bank Announcements BERLIN - The Farmers Bank of Willards has announced Mary Dryden has completed the Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer Program and that Shannon Malin has been promoted to head teller at its newest branch. Dryden, compliance officer for the Farmers Bank of Willards, has successfully completed the Certified Community Bank Compliance Officer Program, sponsored by the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA). To earn this certification she successfully completed four...READ MORE

People in Society

See Your Neighbors Lend a Helping Hand Throughout the Community ...READ MORE