August 6, 2010

Out and About

 Who Was Out and About ...READ MORE

In Society This Week

 Those making a difference ...READ MORE

Cops and Courts

Alleged Burglar Has Foggy Memory OCEAN CITY - A Pennsylvania man was arrested on first-degree burglary and other charges last week after allegedly stealing two book bags from two different residences in the Judlee Ave. area, although he apparently had no recollection of the thefts. Last Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was flagged down by a cab driver, who told the officer to keep an eye on a suspicious individual walking around the area. The cabbie told police the...READ MORE

High-Speed Chase Ends With Flipped Cars

OCEAN CITY - A Pasadena, Md. man was arrested on drunk driving and multiple other charges last weekend after allegedly stealing a car in north Ocean City and leading resort police on a lights out, high-speed chase that ended with multiple vehicles flipped over and on their roofs. Around 11:40 p.m. last Saturday, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) personnel spotted a Honda Civic traveling southbound in the bus lane of Coastal Highway without its headlights on. OCPD officers attempted to stop the...READ MORE

Lingerie, Not Sex, Focus Of New West OC Store

BERLIN - Contrary to rumor, West Ocean City will not be getting a sex shop. The former co-owner of the controversial sex shop in Ocean City is opening a new store in West Ocean City, but this time the retail space will focus on lingerie. The new shop will take residence in a strip mall on Route 50. Ofir Bouzaglo, former co-owner of Sexstyle, a sex shop in north Ocean City, described his new retail venture, to be called Red Light District, as 'an upscale lingerie shop.' 'He has applied and...READ MORE

Restaurant Marks One Year Since Ocean City Return

T.K. Dickerson Staff Writer OCEAN CITY - Most Boardwalk eateries in Ocean City dish up their own versions of burgers, pizza or French fries. However, inside the Courtyard Marriott on 15th Street, the Captain's Table restaurant serves delicious, high-quality entrees in an atmosphere that is a unique combination of beach casual and fine dining. Though this marks the first year anniversary of the Captain's Table restaurant in the Marriott, the family-operated restaurant is no stranger to the...READ MORE

Sales Tax-Free Shopping Initiative Starts Sunday

WEST OCEAN CITY - Against the back-drop of the Ocean City Factory Outlets in West Ocean City, state and local officials were on hand on Monday to announce a week-long break from the 6-percent sales tax in Maryland starting Sunday. Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, along with state and local elected officials, on Monday announced Shop Maryland, a week-long campaign to promote retail sales by forgiving the 6-percent sales tax on most clothing and shoe purchases. The tax-free week begins this...READ MORE

Elected Officials’ Pay Raise Talk Is Crazy

It was appalling to hear elected official salaries, and the mere suggestion it should be higher, even discussed this week, particularly at a time when governments are slashing spending across the board, leaving vacant positions unfilled, increasing parking fees, cutting services and sending people to the unemployment line. At City Hall this week, however, that's exactly what happened. Ocean City Councilman Jim Hall wants to see an informal ballot question placed before voters during the...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Ocean City officials acknowledge the official name of its convention center can be problematic at times, but they assured me this week there's no plan to drop its namesake, Roland E. Powell, as had been rumored. When asked if it was true the city was considering simply renaming it the Ocean City Convention Center this week, Roland E. Powell Convention Center Director Rick Hamilton said, 'don't get me run out of town just yet.' 'There's no intention or any thought of removing Roland E. Powell's...READ MORE

Letters From Our Readers

An Unaffiliated Voter Editor: I read a recent letter that appeared in The Dispatch about changing voter registration. I, too, have recently changed my registration - twice. When I was young, I was registered Democrat. My father had always told me 'to make your vote count in Maryland you must register Democrat.' Later on in life, I re-registered as a Republican. Either way, I have not missed voting in more than 60 years but I don't think I have ever voted a party line. I heard that in the recent...READ MORE

Random Thoughts From A Dad

Throughout the everyday adventures that permeate life with my boys, I have found myself questioning my maturing level. Thanks to my kids, I am fully aware how incredibly juvenile I can be. I consider this newfound coziness with my immature side to be a perk of having kids. The only problem is I am constantly trying to keep my inner kid in check around my boys. Sure, there are times when I get to just be the big kid I am deep inside, but there's an indiscernible line that needs to be acknowledged...READ MORE

Liquor Licensees Look To Expose LCB's "Big Lie"

OCEAN CITY •€' After weeks of sitting back and watching the Liquor Control Board for Worcester County (LCB) go on the defensive, the county's licensees threw a counter punch on Wednesday by revealing that they aren't the only ones who have been paying too much for their liquor. At a press conference at the Buxy's Salty Dog Saloon in Ocean City, Worcester County License Beverage Association (WCLBA) President Doug Buxbaum tried to poke holes in what he called 'the big lie the LCB has always...READ MORE

City Council Adopts Strict Measure To Contain Lasers

OCEAN CITY - After weeks of often heated debate, Ocean City officials this week officially passed an ordinance that, if enforced, should put an end to the summer-long laser pointer issue. The ubiquitous green laser pointers that have become all the rage this summer could go the route of so many Boardwalk crazes that have come before them over the years with the passage of an emergency ordinance on Monday that immediately placed stringent regulations on who can purchase them and, perhaps more...READ MORE

Council Wants Voter Opinion On Elected Officials' Salaries

OCEAN CITY - One Ocean City councilman's suggestion to add a question to the upcoming election ballot asking the voters' opinion about increasing salaries for the town's elected officials certainly raised some eyebrows this week, and while the issue will likely merit at least some debate, an informal poll of some of his colleagues indicates there isn't much sentiment for a pay hike. At the close of the regular Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, the issue was raised about adding questions to...READ MORE

County Fair Atmosphere Expected At Downs

BERLIN - After months of darkness and eerie silence, historic Ocean Downs will spring back to life tomorrow afternoon with the first of four live racing Saturdays as construction of the state's first slots venue continues nearby. Months after track officials canceled live racing for the first time in 60 years, as many as 14 races will be held at the historic track tomorrow afternoon for the first time this summer and will continue on each Saturday throughout August. This spring, track officials...READ MORE

WCLBA, At Minimum, Seeks LCB Leadership Change

OCEAN CITY •€' It's clear the liquor licensees ultimately want the Liquor Control Board (LCB) to be abolished, but in the meantime, it appears they are hoping to convince Governor Martin O'Malley to change his mind on LCB Chairman Don Hastings' recent re-appointment. On June 21, Governor O'Malley re-appointed Hastings to serve as the head of the county dispensary until May of 2014.  However, based on the fact that Hastings' appointment is considered to be a 'recess appointment',...READ MORE

OC Voters Might Weigh In On Beach Smoking

OCEAN CITY - A future ban on smoking on Ocean City's beaches and Boardwalk will get at least a little lip service after town officials this week agreed to discuss the issue, or more specifically to discuss adding a public opinion poll question on the topic to the upcoming town election ballot. At the close of Monday's Mayor and Council meeting, the issue of exploring the possibility of a smoking ban on the resort's beaches and Boardwalk was brought up as part of a larger discussion about adding...READ MORE

Crimes Of The Week

Alleged Burglar Has Foggy Memory OCEAN CITY - A Pennsylvania man was arrested on first-degree burglary and other charges last week after allegedly stealing two book bags from two different residences in the Judlee Ave. area, although he apparently had no recollection of the thefts. Last Tuesday, an Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) officer was flagged down by a cab driver, who told the officer to keep an eye on a suspicious individual walking around the area. The cabbie told police the...READ MORE

Weekly Fishing Report

As a tackle shop owner, I generally spend a good portion of my day talking about fishing with my customers. Throughout the years, I've found that most vacationers who come here to Ocean City do not have access to a boat, and most understandably, do not know the best spots to go fishing from shore. That being the case, one of the questions that I am faced with almost daily in the shop has to do with spots •€''Where can I go fishing?' Fortunately, we are blessed here in Ocean City with an...READ MORE

Who's Playing Where When

707 Sports Bar & Grille 410-213-9507 , 12702 Old Bridge Road, West OC Friday, Aug. 6: Front Page News Saturday, Aug. 7: Mike Short Jr., Nashville Recording Artist Angler, The 410-289-7424 , Talbot St. On the bay Friday, Aug. 6: Time Police, 9 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, Aug. 7-8: Tommy Gann, 4 p.m. Every Sunday: Local's Social With DJ Rusty Griswald Buxy's Salty Dog 410-289-0973 , 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Aug. 6: Aaron Howell Band Saturday, Aug. 7: Bryan Russo Trio Every Sunday: Local's...READ MORE

Area Poultry Plant Permit Renewals Face Opposition

BERLIN - While county elected officials have pledged that there will be no new wastewater discharges to local waters, pending state discharge permits for two defunct industrial buildings could test that policy, a local environmental activist fears. The discharge permits at the Tyson chicken plant in Berlin and Perdue chicken plant in Showell are now up for renewal, although neither plant is currently in operation. Both buildings have sat empty for years. Coastkeeper Kathy Phillips, also...READ MORE

Berlin Man Threatens To Burn Down Parents' Home

BERLIN - A Berlin man was arrested on threat of arson and other charges this week after allegedly threatening to burn down his parents' home with them in it just weeks after his release from jail for a pair of assault convictions related to a stabbing incident. Around 6 p.m. on Sunday, Maryland State Police troopers from the Salisbury barrack met with a couple in Salisbury who reported their son had threatened to kill them and burn their house down. According to the complainants, their son,...READ MORE

County Political Candidates Report What People Are Saying

BERLIN - The economy and financial matters will most likely dominate Worcester County Commissioner races this election season, according to a cross section of candidates for the highest offices in the county. Not raising taxes, bringing in more jobs and general economic development have risen to the top in the political conversation in Worcester County, candidates are reporting. In the past, residential growth and environmental issues have been at the top of election concerns. 'Taxes are always...READ MORE

County Rabies Advisory Report Calls For Enhanced Measures

SNOW HILL - More rabies vaccination clinics, managed feral cat colonies and vaccination of wild animals were among the steps recommended by the Rabies Advisory Committee formed this spring to work on the ongoing Worcester County rabies epidemic. Worcester County Health Officer Debbie Goeller presented the advisory committee's report to the Worcester County Commissioners this week. The county Health Department and Animal Control have already begun implementing measures to reduce rabies positive...READ MORE

County Redistricting Looming

BERLIN - The upcoming fall 2010 election will likely be the last one under the current election districts, with electoral redistricting to follow the 2010 Census, most likely in 2011. Redistricting, which occurs every 10 years after the U.S. population Census, ensures that voters have equal representation by district based on population numbers. With new population figures in hand from the Census, districts might need to change on the county, state, and national levels. While population numbers...READ MORE

Familiar Name Opens Another Resort Eatery

Kylie Joson Staff Writer OCEAN CITY - Even with an economic downfall, local entrepreneur Terrence Kirby's business is still achieving growth, as Kirby's Red Onion Grill opened its doors to Ocean City on 138th Street on June 17. This marks Kirby's second business venture on Coastal Highway. Although only open for two months now, the Red Onion is becoming a local favorite. With 11 flat screen TVs and a bar that practically encompasses the length of the establishment, it's quickly becoming a great...READ MORE

Local Angler's Open Memories Turn For Better

OCEAN CITY - A local angler with a history of riding out the White Marlin Open for a completely different reason sat cautiously atop the leader board in the event's glamour division as of late. Berlin resident Brian Roberts and the crew of local anglers on the 'Shelly II' lead the 2010 White Marlin Open with a whopping 97.5-pound white marlin weighed at the scale at host Harbour Island on Tuesday. The white is the second largest ever caught in the tournament and only the fourth 90-plus-pounder...READ MORE

OC Seeks To Be Removed From Fishing Boat Lawsuit

OCEAN CITY - Citing the often evoked doctrine of sovereign immunity, the town of Ocean City this week formally filed a motion to dismiss the federal lawsuit brought against it and the U.S. Coast Guard by the owner of a commercial fishing boat. Local fisherman Douglas Kelly, owner of the 'Mighty Duck,' a commercial scallop boat that grounded in a storm off the coast of Ocean City and eventually slammed into the fishing pier in the fall of 2006, last September filed suit in U.S. District Court...READ MORE

Ocean City Beach Rating Questioned

BERLIN - Ocean City beaches are actually tested for bacteria twice a week and deserve five stars instead of just the four awarded in a recent report, said county staff this week. Ocean City's beaches received four stars out of five in the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) annual report on beach water quality across the nation. The report was released last week. Every year, NRDC uses information submitted to the federal Environmental Protection Agency to assess beach water quality and...READ MORE

Officials Remain Reluctant To Move Election

OCEAN CITY - There will likely be a renewed debate about moving Ocean City's municipal election to the traditional General Election day on the first Tuesday in November, but it appears the outcome might be the same. At the close of the regular Ocean City Mayor and Council meeting on Monday, the issue was raised about adding questions to the October municipal election ballot to gauge public opinion on certain pertinent issues. Among the ideas thrown out was adding a question to the ballot asking...READ MORE

WMO Not Affected By Rocket Launch

WALLOPS ISLAND - The latest launch from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility just south of Assateague Island went up without a hitch early Wednesday morning and was visible throughout much of the mid-Atlantic area, but a thin veil of clouds in the over the resort area prevented what could have been a remarkable show for residents and visitors. Just before daybreak at around 5:15 a.m. on Wednesday, NASA launched its latest rocket in what has become a more frequent occurrence from the Wallops Island...READ MORE

Weekly Roundup Of Business Odds And Ends

Mall Lands Retailer WEST OCEAN CITY - Communications Electronics, a premier AT&T retailer, has expanded and relocated its retail store to White Marlin Mall. The updated store has moved from its previous location at Trader Lee's Village in West Ocean City and can now be found at White Marlin Mall next to Park Place Jewelers. Regional Manager John Watson leads the new AT&T store at White Marlin Mall. His staff of five employees is trained to assist customers with purchasing decisions,...READ MORE

Remember Those We Have Lost

Constance D. Pfaff PUNTA GORDA, Fla. - Constance (Connie) D. Pfaff of Punta Gorda, Florida passed away unexpectedly June 18, 2010 at Sarasota Memorial Hospital following a minor surgery. She was 74 years old. Originally a Florida native, she moved to Maryland where she resided with her husband Charlie and four children until she retired with Charlie in Punta Gorda, Fla. She is survived by her children, Claire Pfaff Todd, Craig [Lorraine] Pfaff, and Christopher Pfaff; eight grandchildren, David...READ MORE

Properties To See This Weekend

 OCEAN CITY Atlantis 1507 103rd Street Direct Oceanfront Sat 11-4 2BR/2BA Condo Ocean Views Great Amenities Prudential Carruthers 410-524-7000 NORTH OCEAN CITY 14008 Sea Captain Off 141st Street Sat 1:30-3:30 3BR/2BA Caine Woods Single Family Home Jim white Bud Church Realty Coldwell Banker 443-614-2735 WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Daily 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY The Meridian Open Daily Oceanfront Residences 60th...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Avoid adding to the tension around you. Even a well-meant reaction against something you perceive as unfair could be misunderstood. Let things calm down, and then talk about it. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It's a good time for romance for unattached Bovines, and a good time for reinforcing the bonds between partners. Children's needs are important during the latter part of the week. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): A compliment from a surprising source sends you wafting...READ MORE

Cashing In On Lower Rates

OCEAN CITY - Interest rates are going up •€' probably not within this year, maybe not even in the next. But at some point in the upcoming 24 months, says Larry Washington, Managing Director and Head of Merrill Lynch Home LoansTM, the rates for home mortgages and other loans will likely start to rise from their current historic lows. "It's inevitable," according to Washington. For anyone who owns or is in the market for real estate, this combination of record low...READ MORE

Elected Officials Help With Flower Street Groundbreaking

Local elected officials and Habitat for Humanity board members and volunteers gathered for the groundbreaking of the second of a three-home project on Flower Street in Berlin. Pictured, from left, are Delegate Jim Mathias, County Commissioner President Bud Church, Berlin Mayor Gee Williams, future homeowner Tameka Pinkney with daughter Nakiah and County Commissioner Judy Boggs. Submitted Photos  ...READ MORE

Coastal Hospice Gets $2500 From Park Place Jewelers

Jill and Todd Ferante, owners of Park Place Jewelers, presented Coastal Hospice Development Director Maureen McNeill, center, with a check for $2,500 earlier this month.   ...READ MORE

SHORE UP! gets $50K Grant for Summer Program

SHORE UP! Inc. received a $50,000 grant in June from the Md. Department of Housing and Community Development to run its Summer Youth Employment Project (SYEP).  In addition, Delmarva Power donated 100 Energy Efficiency Kits to SHORE UP! Above, Alicia Robinson, SHORE UP! Inc. Planning Coordinator, accepts an Energy Efficiency Kit from Michael Hoy, Delmarva Power's Manager of Customer and Community Relations.   ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Watching something being demolished Split hot dogs on a grill Tom Petty live How captains maneuver those big boats to a dock Cobblestone streets in a city Feeling of wood after its been sanded A good idealogical argument Visiting big cities How my kids make each day unique A woman in a hard hat Early Ravens optimism ...READ MORE