August 5, 2011

State Officials Mulling Changes To Toll Increases

BERLIN -- In response to the public backlash on the proposed doubling and even tripling of the toll rates on many bridges and highways including the Bay Bridge, Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) officials this week appear to be backing off some of the more stringent elements of the plan or at least stalling their implementation to allow for further study. The MDTA board met last week to begin wading through a backlog of negative public comments about the proposed toll hikes in Maryland...READ MORE

Public Input Sought On Assateague Island’s Future

ASSATEAGUE -- With anticipated climate change and the associated sea level rise, Assateague Island officials are taking a proactive approach to planning for the future of the barrier island with a wide variety of alternatives on the table. Assateague National Seashore officials are currently working on a new General Management Plan (GMP) for the barrier island for the next few decades and are seeking the public’s help in a series of workshops in the coming weeks. The GMP will ultimately...READ MORE

Council OKs Tower Welcome Message

OCEAN CITY – Councilman Joe Hall is traveling an alternative avenue this week seeking support for ways to retain existing Ocean City customers. Simultaneously, the City Council voted Monday for the 64th Street water tower to have its regularly scheduled maintenance and to combine that effort with the placement of a “Welcome and Thank You” message on it. The council approved the low bidder of D & M Painting to repair, paint, and apply a vinyl decal welcoming and thanking...READ MORE

Parking Changes Eyed For Government Lots

SALISBURY -- Parking problems in the city have officials considering changes to several government lots, some of which might upset disabled employees, according to one Salisbury City Council member. The council discussed changes to nearby lot number 9, which is behind the government building, and lot number 14, which is across the street. Lot 9 especially raised eyebrows among the council. “We receive a lot of complaints about how limited parking is in lot 9,” said Internal Services...READ MORE

USS Radford Sinking Delayed, Now Planned For Next Week

OCEAN CITY -- The planned sinking date for a retired U.S. Navy destroyer, as part of a three-state artificial reef system just 30 miles off the coast of Ocean City, passed quietly this week after another delay. The sinking date for the decommissioned U.S.S. Arthur W. Radford was set for Aug. 2, but another delay kept the retired destroyer at the dock for another week. The new target date is set for this Tuesday, Aug. 9, although the window is fraught with potential conflicts, not the least of...READ MORE

Resort Taxi Medallion Sold For $6,500

OCEAN CITY – The current price for taxi medallions has confirmed for the City Council last year’s changes have resulted in exactly what was desired -- they are a valuable asset. In order to operate a taxi within town limits, a taxi fleet owner or independent driver is required to purchase a taxi medallion. The council initiated the concept in hopes to bring professionals forward in the business. “Their [Mayor and City Council] intention was to bring forward the true business...READ MORE

New OC Airport Manager Named

OCEAN CITY – The resort announced this week a new airport manager, Jaime Giandomenico, will be making his way to Ocean City and begin his duties Aug. 29. Giandomenico currently resides in Annapolis and since 2007 has been the manager of the Queen Anne’s County Bay Bridge Airport in Stevensville. “I have enjoyed visiting the Town of Ocean City with my family for many years, and I am looking forward to becoming a permanent resident and member of the community," he...READ MORE

Catch 54 Plans Spring Reopening After Blaze

FENWICK -- Potential tragedy was averted this week when a fire ripped through the popular Catch 54 restaurant in Fenwick Island during the height of a summer dinner rush, but no one was injured and the establishment plans to reopen next spring. Around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, fire companies in Bethany Beach and Roxana responded to a reported fire at Catch 54. First arriving units reported heavy fire and smoke pouring from the restaurant’s second floor and a second alarm was called in....READ MORE

County Court To Hear DNR Cases

SNOW HILL -- A pilot program aimed at stepping up enforcement and prosecution of illegal fishing, hunting and other natural resources-related cases has been expanded to Worcester, which will serve as the regional court of record for the Lower Eastern Shore. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), the state’s Attorney General’s Office and the District Court of Maryland last week announced an expansion of a pilot program established in Anne Arundel County in January 2010....READ MORE

Salisbury Housing Board Cuts Landlord Position

SALISBURY -- The “landlord” position, a part of the five-person Salisbury Housing Board of Adjustments and Appeals (HBAA) since its foundation 30 years ago, has been cut in favor of adding a public safety official. Debate over the change stretched throughout a city council work session Monday. While the majority eventually decided the switch would be the best move for the HBAA, not all members were satisfied. “When people are excluded from the conversation all together or feel...READ MORE

Dozens Busted In County Drug Sweep

SNOW HILL -- A total of 40 Worcester residents were arrested and eight more are still wanted on a wide variety of drug distribution charges last weekend during a two-day operation carried out by multiple law enforcement agencies through the south end of the county. Last Saturday and Sunday, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team conducted a two-day operation stemming from a six-month drug distribution investigation focusing on Snow Hill and Pocomoke. The purpose of the...READ MORE

Service Road Named After Fallen Soldier

BERLIN -- The next stage of construction on a service road named in honor of Pfc. Samuel Bowen, the first Berlin native killed in Iraq, is set to begin within the next 30 days. Bowen, a member of the 216th Ohio National Guard Engineer Battalion and a 1983 graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, died on July 7, 2004 when his convoy fell under attack from insurgents in a small town north of Bagdad. A former member of the army who had re-enlisted in the guard, Bowen’s death came only a few...READ MORE

Social Commentary: Ocean City’s Identity Crisis

(The following is the first in a two-part historical perspective examining the right to vote and its effect on a seasonal resort.) Ocean City is continually in the midst of an identity crisis. On good days, it is a city being run like a business. While on bad days, it is a business being run like a city. It is not really the city's fault. In fact, if anybody deserves credit for this identity crisis, it is probably the men and women who turned their businesses into a resort back in...READ MORE

Retaining Current Guests Must Be Priority

Editor: During the last Ocean City Municipal election, the voters were asked to support a new direction. A sustainable direction focused on infrastructure, public safety and responsible reasonable wants. That’s the way the vote went. So the night the new council was sworn in, a new beginning started. We tackled committees and employee pay and benefits, which took about six months, resulting in good changes being made to support a sustainable future. Millions of dollars’ worth of...READ MORE

Toll Increase Plan May Not Be A Done Deal

It appears the public’s outrage over the planned toll increase for the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and other spans and tunnels in Maryland was not only heard loud and clear, but state officials may have actually listened as well. After all, there’s s major difference between hearing and listening. The state is planning in October to increase the $2.50 eastbound toll to $5 in October. That much appeared to be a certainty heading into the summer. The plan come 2013 was then to increase it to...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

It seems there are lists compiled and rankings released each week that Ocean City appears on. Cleanest beach, top Boardwalk, best beach, best amusements and the list goes on and on. This week, The Daily Beast, a popular online magazine operated by some well-known media folks, released its compilation of the 20 Most Popular U.S. Beaches. Whenever Ocean City appears on one of these lists, I wonder how it came about, but a little bit of investigation revealed this week’s ranking seems to stem...READ MORE

Open Houses

WEST OCEAN CITY Bay Point Plantation Rt589/Gum Point Rd Daily 10-5 Waterfront Estate Lots in 142 Acre Preserve Kevin Decker The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 443-235-6552 BERLIN 11640 Gum Point Rd Open Daily 10-4 5850sf Waterfront Home on ¾ Acre 50’ Pier & Boat Slips Waterfront Pool Greg Steen Steen Realty, Inc 443-235-2325 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium...READ MORE

Heels and Reels Tournament Underway

OCEAN CITY- Before the big boys hit the seas for the 38th annual White Marlin Open next week, lady anglers throughout the resort area will have their moment in the sun this weekend with the arrival of the Ocean City Marlin Club’s 3rd Annual Heels and Reels Tournament. The ladies-only tournament got underway last night with registration and a captain’s meeting, but the real action got started this morning with the first of two official fishing days. Captains and teams of anglers must...READ MORE

3rd Branch Kreppel Tourney a Success

OCEAN CITY- The 3rd Annual Branch Kreppel Blue Marlin Tournament, named for a beloved local angler and commercial diver who passed away in 2008, was a big success last weekend with over $35,000 in prize money doled out to the winners in several categories. Almost all of the proceeds for the event went to the late Branch Kreppel’s family with the exception of a new wrinkle in the format this year. The new entry level for dolphin, appropriately named Level JJ, was added for the late local...READ MORE

Berlin All-Stars Hanging On in Rhode Island

BERLIN- The Berlin Little League 9-10 All-Stars were clinging to life in the East Regional Invitational late yesterday after a topsy-turvy week during which it went 1-2 in pool play. The Maryland District 8 champions arrived in Cranston, R.I. last weekend unbeaten through district play and the state tournament, but ran into a couple of teams with equally impressive credentials at the next level in a field full of state champions. In its first game of pool play in the Mid-Atlantic division,...READ MORE

Berlin Native Gets New Post at Maryland

BERLIN- Berlin native and Stephen Decatur graduate Troy Wainwright, who was a member of retired University of Maryland head basketball coach Gary Williams’ coaching staff for 15 years, has assumed a new role in his alma mater’s athletic department after being named executive director of the school’s “M Club” earlier this summer. Wainwright, who graduated from Decatur in 1985, served as assistant director of athletics for men’s basketball at Maryland for 15...READ MORE

Miller Finishes Seventh at Worlds

BERLIN- Former Stephen Decatur wrestling standout Danny Miller, now a rising junior at the Naval Academy, represented his country well at the FILA Jr. World Championships in Romania last weekend, finishing seventh overall in his weight class. Miller, who won three straight state championships at Decatur, has compiled a 26-17 record in two years at Navy including a 19-11 record this year. Navy requires its varsity wrestlers to do a certain amount of off-season wrestling and Miller this year chose...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

One of the many joys of being a parent is introducing new experiences to my kids. There’s nothing quite like that look of astonishment on their faces when they learn the thrill of something new to them. With 21-month-old Carson, introductions to new things come fast and furious, as it’s the simple things that give him the most joy. For example, simply walking through my legs, or a “tunnel”, tickles his funny bone, as does walking up stairs and running away from me when I...READ MORE

Restroom Assault Alleged

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City T-shirt shop employee was arrested on sex offense and false imprisonment charges last month after allegedly assaulting a female customer in a locked bathroom in his place of employment early last month. On July 7, Ocean City police received a complaint regarding a possible sexual assault that had occurred in a bathroom at the OC Piercings store on the Boardwalk at 6th Street. The adult female victim contacted police and reported the employee, identified as Faud...READ MORE

Worcester Not Considering Charging Athletes

BERLIN -- Despite a growing trend toward “pay-to-play” policies for sports and other extracurricular activities in the face of shrinking budgets and other cutbacks, Worcester County public schools officials will not be collecting fees from student athletes any time in the near future. Public school systems across Maryland and throughout the country are adopting stringent fee schedules for students to participate in sports and even music, fine arts and drama in many cases. Just last...READ MORE

The Globe To Host Multimedia Maritime Presentation

BERLIN – Renowned musician and photographer John Mock will present his unique multimedia maritime concert presentation “From The Shoreline” at The Globe in Berlin on Monday, Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 and include seat and show. Guests may purchase dinner and drinks and may take their seats any time after 5 p.m. Visit www.globetheater.com for reservations or call 410-641-0784. Mock is an artist and the sea and its coasts are his muse. From New England to Chincoteague to...READ MORE

Salisbury Not Willing To Commit To Linens Project

SALISBURY -- Wary to commit to a project that might snowball in costs, the Salisbury City Council agreed to further explore working with the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) to remove contamination from a local property. A recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant to the tune of $100,000 was offered to the city to help decontaminate the former Linens of the Week property in downtown Salisbury. The grant would be used to pay for the removal of an underground fuel...READ MORE

Substitute Teacher Indicted Over Student Relationship

SNOW HILL -- A Worcester County substitute teacher last week was indicted by a grand jury on sex offense and assault charges after allegedly fostering a relationship with a student on a popular social network. A Worcester County grand jury last Tuesday indicted Russell Keith Barbely, Jr., 21, of Newark, on numerous charges including three counts each of third- and fourth-degree sex offense, four counts of sexual solicitation of a minor, three counts of second-degree assault and one count of the...READ MORE

‘I Have A Feeling We’re Not In Ireland Anymore’

OCEAN CITY -- As my parents drove me the 100 miles from my home in Belfast, Ireland, to Dublin airport on the rainy morning of July 8, the thought that within a few hours I could be in sunny Maryland kept me awake despite the horribly early start. This idea was only partly realized. Having always travelled with friends or family on previous trips, I found being alone on this journey a daunting prospect. With three different flights to catch and four airports involved, any number of things could...READ MORE

Pollitt Proposes Major Government Shakeup

SALISBURY – Wicomico County’s executive is looking to get out from behind the desk and be more proactive in making Wicomico more attractive for businesses to anchor and families to flourish. County Executive Richard Pollitt presented a plan Tuesday to reorganize county departments and add two new positions to the executive office -- a Chief of Staff and a Constituent Services and Communications position. The county executive position has been active only for the past few years, which...READ MORE

Resort Scenery Offers Unique Aerial Experience

OCEAN CITY -- Blending professional instruction with scenic views, Ocean Aviation has been training pilots on the Eastern Shore for the last four years. According to Michael Freed, owner and chief instructor, Ocean Aviation will be doing more of the same, on a larger scale, in the years to come. “We’re definitely looking at expansion here in Ocean City,” confirmed Freed. A pilot for 40 years, Freed has instructed for half of that time. Four years ago, he recognized a unique...READ MORE

Marine Animal Rescue Program Marks 20 Years

OCEAN CITY -- The National Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP), a vast collection of paid professionals and dedicated volunteers, turns 20 this week and is celebrating two decades of rescuing injured or sick marine mammals and sea turtles along the coast of Ocean City and beyond and often rehabilitating them for a release back into the wild. The National Aquarium, which is celebrating its own 30th anniversary this year, established the MARP program back in 1991 with the goal of...READ MORE

Berlin Man Faces 40 Years In Fed Drug Plea

BERLIN -- A Berlin man faces as many as 40 years in prison after pleading guilty last week in federal court to possession with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine following one of the most significant drug busts in recent Worcester County history. Tyrone Darnell Lawson, 38, of Berlin, pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court on July 14 to one count of possession with intent to distribute over 500 grams of cocaine, a charge which carries a maximum of 40 years in prison with a mandatory...READ MORE

County’s First Solar Operation Planned For Rec Center

SNOW HILL -- In a continuing effort to utilize alternative energy, the Worcester County Recreation Center will play host to a Photovoltaic Solar Energy System within the next few months. Funded by a $299,692 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant, which will go through the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), the project will include the construction of solar panels adjacent to the recreation center. Those panels will provide a share of the energy needed to operate the building....READ MORE

Purple Moose Calls This Summer ‘Woodstock Of 2011’

OCEAN CITY – Over the years, the Purple Moose Saloon on the Boardwalk has gained landmark status for its devotion to rock and roll, and that reputation has been taking to another level this summer. Purple Moose Chief Financial Officer/Entertainment Director Charlene Carr has announced this summer at the Purple Moose Saloon, which is downtown on the corner of Talbot and Caroline streets, as the “Woodstock of 2011”. “What we’re trying to do is showcase all of the...READ MORE

Prisoner Escapes, Apprehended At Ocean City Bank

OCEAN CITY -- A Finksburg, Md. man who escaped on Monday from the Somerset County Detention Center, where he was being held awaiting trial on numerous sex offense and assault charges, was captured on Monday morning at a bank in Ocean City. Around 5:30 p.m. last Sunday, Maryland State Police (MSP) were called to the Somerset County Detention Center in Westover after prison officials notified them of an escape. The investigation revealed a prisoner identified as Scott A. Odham, 47, of Finksburg,...READ MORE

Fire Department Gets Carbon Monoxide Grant

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Fire Department this week was awarded a fire prevention grant from the Maryland State Firemen’s Association for the purchase of carbon monoxide alarms. The $500 grant will help fund the purchase of approximately 36 carbon monoxide alarms. The alarms will be distributed to those in need, along with a limited supply of smoke alarms and nine-volt batteries already provided by the fire department. The Ocean City Fire Department is pleased to partner with the...READ MORE

Things To Do

Aug. 6: Outdoor Flea Market 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Bethany United Meth-odist Church, Rte. 611 & Snug Har-bor Rd., near Frontiertown, Berlin. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Great baked goods. For more information or to rent a table, 410-629-0926. Aug. 6: Building Materials Sale 8 a.m.-noon, Habitat for Humanity, Worcester Co., 301 E. Market St., Snow Hill. Every first and third Saturday. Building materials, appliances, doors, windows, cabinets, vanities, fixtures and more. Selec-tion and pricing...READ MORE

Best Beats

Angler, the 410-289-7424 • 2312 Talbot St. On The Bay Friday, Aug. 5: Time Police, 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 6 & Sunday, Aug. 7: TBA, 4-7 p.m. Every Sunday: Locals’ Social With DJ Deogee, 10 p.m. Burger’s Surf’s Up Cafe 410-723-2007 • 5401 Coastal Hwy. Friday, Aug. 5: Mike Bennet, 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Aug. 6: Joe Smooth & John Remy, 8 p.m.-midnight Sunday, Aug. 7: Eff The Man, 8 p.m.-midnight Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 • 28th St. &...READ MORE

Dining Out

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland Assateague crab house & Carryout Rte. 611, Assateague Island • 410-641-4330 On the way to visit the ponies of Assateague, stop by this rustic crab house. Enjoy Maryland crabs by the dozen or try the all-you-can-eat specials including snow crab legs. Their extensive menu features various appetizers, fresh fish, seafood, steaks, chicken and ribs. The kids can enjoy their own menu along with the great game room. Great for casual dining or...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Irene H. Williams      BERLIN --- Irene H. Williams of Berlin, died July 29, 2011 at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center after a long illness at the age of 82. She was the daughter of the late Charles H. Hickman and Eva Floyd Hickman of Whaleyville. Her husband, W. G. (Billy) Williams, Jr., preceded her in death in 1987. She is survived by two sons, William (Gee) Williams III and his wife Betsy of Berlin, and David C. Williams of Whaleyville; one granddaughter, Dawn...READ MORE

Fish 'N OC

Welcome back to “Fish ‘N OC.” In this week’s article, I’d like to dedicate some time to a subject that is near and dear to the hearts of many here in Ocean City’s fishing community, that is the “White Marlin Open.” If you are someone who is very familiar with OC’s fishing scene, there is a good chance that you’ve heard about the White Marlin Open. Who knows, maybe you have even fished in it. Still, for those of you who do not know about...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Company Department Addition WILLARDS -- Atlantic/Smith, Cropper & Deeley recently welcomed Brandon Green to its Commercial Lines Department. Green, a client service agent, has been in the insurance industry for five years with experience as a transportation underwriter. Training Seminar Attended SALISBURY -- R&R Coatings has announced that Mark Colletti and Cody Haddaway recently attended a two-day Everlast epoxy floor training seminar in Atlantic City, N.J. Both are now certified in...READ MORE

What Form Should Your Legacy Take?

BERLIN -- Eventually, most parents of even modestly substantial means end up thinking long and hard about their legacy. If you haven't already done so, you'll probably ask, How much money will we be able to leave to our children? What form should our legacy take? If you own a family business, there are also questions of succession to consider, as well as issues regarding how to treat your children fairly, whether they are involved in the business or not. As crucial as these questions may be,...READ MORE

Pine'eer Craft Club Member Diane St. Clair Honored As August Crafter Of The Month

Pine'eer Craft Club member Diane St. Clair has been honored as the August crafter of the month.  Her items are on display in the Pine'eer Craft and Gift Shop in White Horse Park, Ocean Pines, every Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  ...READ MORE

Jake Miller And Kate Kotoski Win First Place In Taylor Bank Golf Tournament

Jake Miller and Kate Kotoski, Junior Golf Scholarship awardees, won first place in last month’s Taylor Bank Golf Tournament. ...READ MORE

Rotary Club Past Presidents Show Off Hurling Sticks

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club Past Presidents Stan Kahn, left and Daniel Harris show off Hurling sticks presented to them by Rotarian Hugh Byrne, center, who is visiting from Ireland. Irish hurling is described as a true amateur game which is said to be Ireland’s national passion. ...READ MORE

Ocean Downs Casino Excutive Director Guest Speaker at NARFE's Monthy Meeting

Ocean Downs Casino Executive Director Joe Carvilla was the guest speaker at NARFE's monthly meeting held July 28. Carvilla gave an informative talk on the casino and race track operations followed by a question and answer session with NARFE members. Carvilla was presented a NARFE cup as appreciation for his being guest speaker. Pictured, from left, are Crystal Layton, Marketing Director, Ocean Downs Casino; Dan McGrath, NARFE President; Carvilla; and Anna Foultz, Public Relations. ...READ MORE

United Way Presents Salisbury Substance Abuse Center With Check

The United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore recently presented the Salisbury Substance Abuse Community Center (SSACC) with a $31,000 check to fund their addiction support programs. Salisbury Substance Abuse Community Center has received over $434,000 in United Way funding since 1991. Above are SSACC’s Brian Foret and United Way’s Aaron Reid. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Going under a bridge on a boat          Sleeping well Peanut butter on warm toast Being exhausted on a Sunday night after a fun weekend When the streets of Berlin are busy Hanging out on a sand bar in the bay The energy of a marina during a fishing tournament Sunset Grille’s boat stage Watching an expert fish cleaner BBQ chicken cooked on a grill When it rains while the sun is out ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A more harmonious aspect favors all relationships. Family ties with mates and children are strengthened. Libra is Cupid's choice to win the amorous Aries' heart. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): The bold Bull is ready to take on fresh challenges. Expect some opposition as you plow new ground -- but supporters will outnumber detractors. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): An upcoming job change could mean uprooting your family to a far-distant location. Weigh all considerations...READ MORE