January 1, 2010

Abduction Sparks Effort To Tighten Sex Offender Laws

BERLIN - The tragedy that claimed the life of 11-year-old Sarah Haley Foxwell, whose body was found near Delmar on Christmas day, has sparked a renewed effort to strengthen Maryland's sexual predator laws, with local lawmakers and would-be lawmakers already doing their homework in advance of the upcoming legislative session. Foxwell's body was found last Friday after a massive search including thousands of volunteers from across the lower shore spread out from her Parsonsburg residence. A known...READ MORE

Child Murder Suspect Arrested In OC For Bizarre Actions

OCEAN CITY - The suspect arrested in the kidnapping and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Salisbury last week is loosely connected with Ocean City and was arrested in the resort in September for allegedly breaking into a female victim's downtown residence and making sexual advances toward her. Thomas James Leggs, Jr., 30, of Salisbury, was arrested last week in connection with the abduction and murder of 11-year-old Sarah Haley Foxwell, whose body was found near Delmar after a massive search...READ MORE

City Manager Recounts Last Major Boardwalk Project

OCEAN CITY •€' It may not be an emergency project like it was in 1985, but for City Manager Dennis Dare, future plans to reconstruct the Ocean City Boardwalk in 2012 take him back to the morning after Hurricane Gloria passed through Ocean City in 1985. City Manager Dennis Dare remembers the last time much of the Boardwalk needed to be replaced, as he was at the helm of the arduous task to replace almost 80 percent of the entire infrastructure that had been ravaged by Hurricane Gloria in...READ MORE

County Lease Offer Could Renew Downtown Park Talks

OCEAN CITY •€' The alleged love loss between the county and the town of Ocean City may not be improving any time soon, as a newly proposed lease agreement reportedly reads much like the ones denied in the past. Two years after tempers flared concerning a proposed lease agreement between the town of Ocean City and Worcester County for the property on 3rd Street where the Oceanbowl skate park, ball fields and basketball courts are located, Worcester County has sent another offer to City...READ MORE

Murder Suspect Arrested In Resort For Burglary

OCEAN CITY - The suspect arrested in the kidnapping and murder of an 11-year-old girl in Salisbury last week is loosely connected with Ocean City and was arrested in the resort in September for allegedly breaking into a female victim's downtown residence and making sexual advances toward her. Thomas James Leggs, Jr., 30, of Salisbury, was arrested last week in connection with the abduction and murder of 11-year-old Sarah Haley Foxwell, whose body was found near Delmar after a massive search...READ MORE

Friday, Jan 1--Berlin Mayor Sets 2010 Goals

BERLIN - The town of Berlin faces a busy year with a long list of ambitious goals to achieve, from the new spray irrigation facility to parks projects to cleaning up Hudson's Branch. Mayor Gee Williams outlined plans for 2010 this week, a set of goals he has roughed out for the next 12 months. He plans to finalize those goals early in the year after meeting with Berlin Mayor and Council members and consulting the town administrator and department heads. With the purchase of spray irrigation land...READ MORE

Friday, Jan 1--Humble Beginnings For Penguin Swim

OCEAN CITY •€' As the area welcomes in 2010, one of the most beloved New Year's Day traditions will celebrate its 16th year, but, surprisingly, only a handful of people know the origins of the AGH Penguin Swim. Though the Penguin Swim has become synonymous with local restaurant Bull on the Beach as an informal headquarters as well as being the most well-known annual fundraiser for Atlantic General Hospital (AGH), few people, even those closest to the event, actually recall how the benefit...READ MORE

Friday, Jan 1--Mathias Eyes Md. Salvia Ban

BERLIN - Roughly four months after Ocean City, and then Worcester County, passed emergency bills to ban the previously legal over-the-counter hallucinogenic drug salvia in the local area, state lawmakers are preparing to resume the battle in Annapolis. In early August, after months of sometimes contentious debate, the Ocean City Mayor and Council passed an ordinance banning the possession and sale of the hallucinogenic herb salvia divinorum in the resort after the proliferation of the...READ MORE

Friday, Jan 1--New National Angler Registry Begins

OCEAN CITY - Starting tomorrow, most anglers fishing in the resort area or practically anywhere else in the state will have to register with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) before wetting a line, thanks to the implementation of a new federal program designed to better manage saltwater fish populations. Federal officials have implemented the new initiative, known as the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), in an effort to produce more accurate information to...READ MORE

State Board To Rule On Center Expansion Funding

OCEAN CITY •€' The time has finally come for the final decision from the state on whether the Roland E. Powell Convention Center is ready for an upgrade. Timing seems to have been the main tripping point for the town-approved convention center renovation, as they have been waiting on the decision from the state's Board of Public Works, who will decide on Jan. 6 whether or not to allow the Maryland Stadium Authority to partner with the town of Ocean City to fund $4.8 million of the $10.4...READ MORE

Berlin Sets Hen Limit At Six

BERLIN - No more than six hens per house can be kept under a proposed new law regulating poultry keeping within Berlin municipal limits. As many as six hens can be kept per single-family home under the ordinance presented for first reading at Monday night's Berlin Mayor and Council meeting. A public hearing on the new chicken guidelines will be held at the Jan. 11 town council meeting. The town council will then vote on the measure. Backyard chickens have been a contentious subject since Berlin...READ MORE

Berlin To Assist Chamber With Visitor Center Concept

BERLIN - A Berlin visitor center will open within the new Berlin Chamber of Commerce offices on Main Street with some financial help from the town. The chamber's new offices will cost twice as much as anticipated, said Berlin Economic Development Director Michael Day at Monday's Berlin Mayor and Council meeting. The new office on Main Street will serve two purposes, similar to the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce building and visitor center in West Ocean City. 'We're hoping to turn it into a...READ MORE

County Department Heads Asked To Cut Budgets By 10%

BERLIN - The major revenue gap expected for Worcester County next fiscal year will not be covered by the departmental cuts already requested by the county, one elected official said this week. 'That is not going to solve the problem,' said Worcester County Commissioner Virgil Shockley. 'It won't come close •€¦ that's just a starting point.' While revenue numbers are still estimates, and the county is waiting for word on potential state cuts, department heads have been asked to cut 10...READ MORE

County Jobless Rate On Rise

BERLIN - At 14.6 percent, Worcester County has the worst unemployment rate in the state of Maryland for November, surpassing the next worst jurisdiction by 2.7 percentage points. County unemployment rates for last month, released this week, show that the local jobless rate has surpassed last year's, with 14.6 percent out of work in November 2009, compared to 11.3 percent in November 2008, according to the Maryland Department of Labor, Licensing, and Regulation. According to the most recent...READ MORE

Failed Suicide Attempt Ruled Cause Of Mobile Home Blaze

OCEAN CITY - The resident of a mobile home in north Ocean City that exploded in early December was behind bars this week after investigators determined she allegedly caused the blast by leaving on a propane-fueled oven in a failed suicide attempt. Shortly before 3 a.m. on Dec. 4, Ocean City Communications received a call for a reported structure fire in the area of 136th Street and Coastal Highway. Ocean City Fire and Police units arrived on the scene a short time later and discovered a mobile...READ MORE

Harrison Ave. Paving Project Begins

 BERLIN - Berlin held its last town council meeting of 2009 Monday night, covering several items including public works topics and new playground equipment. Road Projects Underway Harrison Ave. was scheduled for paving this week with a temporary layer of asphalt, which should last four or five years. Previous attempts to cover the road with gravel or crush and run did not last long, especially with the amount of traffic using the road to cut over to the western edge of town, according to...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

John Robert Frey, Sr. OCEAN CITY - John Robert Frey, Sr., age 57, died on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2009 at his home in Ocean City. Born in York, Pa., he was the son of the late Allen Frey and Gertrude Elizabeth Morhlein Frey.  Frey had worked as a Steward at a Private Club in York, Pa. He was a member of the Moose Lodge #654 in Salisbury. He is survived by his wife, Connie Lehigh Frey; two sons, John R. Frey, II and his wife Sharon and Allen Frey and his wife Amy; two daughters, Michelle Ambrose...READ MORE

A Good Call In Any Market

OCEAN CITY - Most investors own a few stocks that seem to be in a holding pattern. Over the course of months or even years, their share prices may remain steady, trading sideways, or perhaps generating reliable returns, but gradually •€' over the course of months, or even years. To help get more out of such holdings, you might consider an options strategy known as selling covered calls. This approach, which can help to generate additional income while you continue to hold your...READ MORE

Who's Playing When and Where Musically Speaking

Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Thursday, Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Bash with DJ Joe Daddy Friday, Jan. 1: Kevin Poole. 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 2: Randy Lee Ashcraft & The Saltwater Cowboys, 9:30 p.m. Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums 410-524-1000 On the beach, 118th St. Thursday, Dec. 31: NYE Party with DJ Rupe Every Friday: DJ Rupe, 7-9 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.  Ocean Club: Thursday, Dec. 31: NYE Party with First Class &...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Drop Coleman Opener

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's girls' varsity basketball team dropped a tough one this week in the opening round of the annual John Coleman Christmas Tournament, falling to Snow Hill, 44-35, on Tuesday. The annual holiday tournament, named for long-time Worcester County Public Schools Administrator John Coleman, has become one of the highlights of the high school basketball tournament schedule on the Eastern Shore over the years. This year's tournament marked a return to tradition with the three...READ MORE

Decatur Swimmers Sweep Indian River

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity swim teams swept Indian River in the last meet before the holiday break last week with the girls beating the Indians 132-32 and the boys holding up their end with a 94-53 win. With the win over Indian River, the Seahawk girls remained unbeaten on the season heading into the holidays. Taylor Blazer won two events including the 50-meter freestyle and the 100-meter backstroke, while Brianna Carroll also won two events including the 200-meter individual medley and...READ MORE

Seahawk Wrestlers Remain Unbeaten

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur's varsity wrestling team remained unbeaten last week in dual meet action, going on the road to defeat a tough Patuxent team in southern Maryland, 56-11, to go 4-0 in the early part of the season. Coach Kevin Gilligan has scheduled some tough matches out of the area to better gage how his team will perform against some of the better programs in the state and Patuxent provided an early season test. The Seahawks passed with flying colors, winning 12 of 14 individual matches...READ MORE

2009 a Record-Breaking Year in Local Sports

BERLIN- With 2009 becoming 2010 this week, it's a good time to look back and reflect on some of the top sports stories of the year on the local front. As usual, the outstanding accomplishments of the local scholar-athletes dominated the sports pages of The Dispatch week in and week out, both as teams and individuals. It was another record-breaking year on the local fishing scene with six new state records caught in various species including a whooping 1000-pound-plus blue marlin during the White...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

A morning spent in the emergency room will surely make this a Christmas I will never forget. My oldest son, Beckett, is affectionately referred to around the house as 'bruiser' because of his beefcake mentality. He's a tough little boy with a disposition to match. I find him hilarious, particularly during meals of late when he consistently points to the high-chair tray and says 'down, down, down,' meaning he wants the food put down in front of him now or at least at a quicker clip. He continued...READ MORE

Open Houses in Ocean City

OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St Bayfront Tues-Thurs 11-3 Sat-Mon 10-4 Studio & 2BR Condos Mark Fritschle The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 410-524-6400 OCEAN CITY Coconut Malorie 60th Street Bayside Open Daily 1BR with Water Views Jim White ReMax Premier Properties 410-726-9026 OCEAN CITY The Plaza 98th Street Oceanfront Sat 10-2 2BR + Den 3 Pools! Mary McCracken Long and Foster 410-430-7302 OCEAN CITY Seaside Escape 79th Street 2 Models Fri-Sun 10-4 Brand New Oceanside...READ MORE

Open Houses in West Ocean City and Berlin

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Fri-Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 WEST OCEAN CITY New Construction 9800 Mooring View West Harbor Village Daily 11-5 11 Townhouses 3BR/3.5BA/Garage Prudential Carruthers 410-520-2600 ...READ MORE

Open Houses in Surrounding Areas of Ocean City

NEWARK, MD Arcadia Village Affordable New Homes Models Open Sat & Sun 11-2 Prudential Carruthers 410-520-2600 SALISBURY 801A Riverside Dr Sun 12-2 3BR + Office, 3BA Open/Bright/Spacious No lawn maintenance Close to Hospital/SU Holly Campbell Long and Foster 443-859-3090 ...READ MORE

Assaulted Mom On Christmas

BERLIN - A Pittsville, Md. man was arrested in Berlin on Christmas Eve after allegedly holding his mother at knifepoint earlier in the evening. Last Thursday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a residence in Pittsville to investigate a reported assault and malicious destruction of property in progress. Troopers met with a woman who told police her brother, identified as George Burkley Ruark, 26, of Pittsville, had been destroying everything in the house. The investigation revealed...READ MORE

Faces in Places

A spotlight on some of the local holiday parties in and around Ocean City ...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

On this last day of 2009, a year many are happy to see go, I submit some developments I predict will take place locally and elsewhere in 2010: -- Ocean Downs will be the only site where slots are played in Maryland in 2010. -- The state's Board of Public Works will approve funding for the expansion of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, but physical work on the project will not begin until 2011. -- Rather than raise taxes in a critical election year, the County Commissioners will approve...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Country's Course Concerning Editor: No man thinks more highly than I do of the patriotism, as well as ability, of our worthy citizens who attended the third meeting of the Americans for Prosperity last night. Having attended the tea parties in Washington, D.C., I see the need for a concerted effort to be continued for our leaders to hear our voices. Former Senator Dick Armey addressed our group while at the Capitol last Tuesday and that our U.S. Congress hear our cry, 'Kill The Bill.' We feel...READ MORE

Enhanced Sex Offender Scrutiny Logical

The tragic situation involving Sarah Foxwell, the 11-year-old Parsonsburg girl abducted from her home days before Christmas and killed sometime thereafter, has touched many souls in the region. It's the young innocent life unfairly ended by a disturbed individual that bothers all of us, but it's also the fact it could have been prevented that's especially painful. The law enforcement and judicial systems are taking much of the blame here, and they certainly deserve to be scrutinized. A look at...READ MORE

OC Mayor Hopeful Better Times Ahead

OCEAN CITY •€' Mayor Rick Meehan will be the first to tell you that he is looking forward to a new calendar year, and he firmly believes that 2010 can and will be a good one for the resort, despite fiscal projections that forecast a similar rough road as the one traveled upon in 2009. So, as Ocean City collectively bids adieu to what will go down as a tough year for many visitors and residents of the area, Meehan sat down with The Dispatch in his City Hall office on Monday and briefly...READ MORE

Things I Like

A full night's sleep Monkey bread My son on Christmas morning The Miller Lite cheers commercial Sugar cookies this time of year Vince Vaughn movies A cold and sunny day in the winter A Christmas tree with lots of gifts under it Hitting Winterfest of Lights once every year Scanning bookshelves A heated mattress pad ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Season's Top Producer OCEAN CITY •€' Linda Moran, a Realtor with Prudential Carruthers Realtors®, in the Ocean City West office, has earned top producer status for the months of September, October and November. She also earned top sales status for September and October.  Real Estate Courses Offered SALISBURY - Real estate courses designed to help students prepare for broker and salesperson licensure in Maryland are being offered in January by the continuing education division at...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Events could inspire adventurous Lambs looking to make a major career or personal move. But as always, get all the facts before rushing into any sort of deal or commitment. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): What seems to be a great opportunity could cause even usually practical Taureans to ignore their inner caution cues. Best to move carefully to avoid falling into unseen traps. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Need a holiday now that the seasonal festivities are behind you?...READ MORE

Democratic Club of Worcester County Swears in New Officers

The Democratic Club of Worcester County held its annual Christmas party and swearing in of new officers at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on Dec. 13. Delegate Norman Conway, District 38B, administered the Oath of Office. Pictured, from left, are Tom Wilson, president; Dan Stachurski, vice president; Conway; Bill Louis, treasurer; Jean Louis, board member; Woody Gross, secretary; and Tom Sandusky, board member. All of the club members are from Ocean Pines, while Conway resides in Salisbury....READ MORE

Pine'eer Craft Club Installs New Executive Board

The Pine'eer Craft Club installed the 2010 Executive Board at the Holiday and Installation of Officers Luncheon on Dec. 17 at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club. Pictured, from left, are Margaret Lamphier, shop treasurer; Joan King, assistant shop treasurer; Margaret Long, assistant treasurer; Carol Mills, recording secretary; Jackie Kollar, treasurer; Midge Powell, shop manager; Janet Rosensteel, corresponding secretary; June Sassaman, assistant shop manager; Barbara O'Connor, vice president; and Nancy...READ MORE

Diakonia Gets Donation From Farmers Bank of Williards

Celeste Dove of Farmers Bank of Willards, center, dropped by Diakonia to present a check in the amount of $500 to Diakonia Executive Director Claudia Nagle, left, and Volunteer Coordinator Susan Blaney. The employees of Farmers Bank of Willards generously donated money, food and coats to benefit Diakonia. ...READ MORE

SDHS Seniors Recognized For Outstanding Academic Achievements

Stephen Decatur High School seniors Stephanie Henry and Andrew Murrell are pictured with former Ocean City Mayor Jim Mathias and Principal Louis Taylor during American Education Week. Mathias presented the Maryland flag to Taylor in recognition of the school's outstanding educational achievements. ...READ MORE

OC Stars Get Donation From Local AARP Chapter

Bill Shoop of the Local AARP Chapter 1917 visited Ocean City Elementary School on Monday, Dec. 21 to give a donation to Rick Chapman, director of the OC Stars, the school's chorus comprised of third and fourth grade students who give up their recess time to practice. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Students Collect Food and Gifts For Needy Families

Each year at Worcester Prep students engage in a number of community service activities. During the holiday season, they collect foods and gifts for needy families and present concerts in regional retirement homes.  All of the students in Worcester's Lower School (over 200) select, wrap and bring in gifts for children who might not otherwise receive gifts during the holiday season. Above are students, front from left, Abby Bright, Jenna Vining, Anchita Batra and Brianna Koslowski; back,...READ MORE

Students and Mentors Celebrate the Holidays at Buckingham Elementary

Students and mentors at Buckingham Elementary School celebrated the holiday season with a special party. Above, fourth grader Stephanie Jones and second grader Jeremy Taylor show off the books they received from their mentor kindergarten teacher Karen Davis. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary 1st Graders Perform Music Program

Koby Higgins and Serap Aksu are all wrapped up in tinsel as they prepare to perform in their first grade music program at Ocean City Elementary School before the holiday break. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep Ensemble Performs for Retirement Home Residents

During the holiday season, members of the Worcester Preparatory School Ensemble gave performances at retirement homes in the region. With two Gull Creek residents are Ensemble members Bryce Butler, Megan Rosales, Music Director Dan Freed, Jim Engel and Ashley Foreman. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary 2nd Graders Perform 'Where the Wild Things Are'

Showell Elementary second graders recently performed Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak. Pictured, from left, are Will Edmonds, Alexa Upperman, Riley Harrell, Ariel Alvarado and Devon Ross. ...READ MORE

Showell Students Learn Math Concepts With Cereal

Mrs. Raffo's first graders at Showell Elementary learned the math concept of transformations using cereal. Students mastered three transformations: slides, flips and turns by gluing pieces of cereal on a paper and illustrating each transformation with the cereal pieces. Above, Abby Shaffer and Luke Davis show their work. ...READ MORE

Worcester Prep 4th Graders Honor Their Country with Banner

This banner in honor of the students' love for their country was made by Worcester Prep fourth grade students, from left, Austin Taylor, Grace Nichols and Maya Zia-Shakeri. It shows scenes from the discovery of America, the Star Spangled Banner, and the Statue of Liberty. ...READ MORE

People in Society

Snapshots of Those Helping Charitable Causes Throughout the Community ...READ MORE