September 16, 2011

NEW: OC Petition Seeks Recall Option

OCEAN CITY -- Resort residents visiting Sunfest this weekend will likely be asked to sign a petition to change the city charter to allow for a mechanism to remove Mayor and Council members from office. The Ocean City lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) has decided to spearhead the ground effort in collecting signatures for the petition to referendum, hoping to get the charter amendment resolution on next October’s ballot. Although this weekend will kick off the effort in earnest,...READ MORE

NEW: Council Majority Defends Decision To Remove Dare

OCEAN CITY -- At this week’s Mayor and Council meeting before a room full of citizens still reeling over this month’s removal of former City Manager Dennis Dare, the four council members who sought his termination explained their reasons. See The Dispatch on Friday for full story, including reactions from citizens and elected officials, but here’s a look at some of their comments. “I lost my confidence in Dennis. There was not a straw that broke the...READ MORE

ONLINE ONLY: Police Seek Jewelry Store Thief; Help Requested

OCEAN CITY -- Resort police today are looking for the suspect who robbed a Gold Coast Mall jewelry store late Thursday, snatching roughly $50,000 worth of jewelry from the clerk who was showing it to the suspect. Around 3:40 p.m. on Thursday, Ocean City Police responded to the Liljenquist and Beckstead jewelry store in the Gold Coast Mall for a reported theft that had just occurred. About 10 minutes earlier, an unidentified black male had entered the store and a sales associate was showing the...READ MORE

ONLINE ONLY: Boardwalk Store Sold Illegal K-2 To Undercover Cops

OCEAN CITY -- Just two days after an employee of the Maytalk store on the Boardwalk sold the now-illegal synthetic narcotic K-2 to undercover police detectives and taught them how to use it, OCPD officers on Thursday afternoon raided the establishment and found more than they bargained for. Earlier in the week, OCPD Mounted Patrol officers received a tip from a citizen regarding the sale of K-2 at Maytalk, a Boardwalk store at 2nd Street. Just two weeks ago, the Ocean City Mayor and Council...READ MORE

2012 Season Pitched As Summer Of Thanks

OCEAN CITY – Finding a way of saying thanks to Ocean City visitors has been in the works all summer long, from free gas to other giveaways, but this week a concept was presented that all tourism members seemed to support. Tourism Director Deb Turk started the presentation off by explaining the concept is a way of taking Ocean City’s desire to say thanks message to the next level. The town’s tourism department, Tourism Advisory Board, and advertising firm, MGH, have all worked...READ MORE

Salisbury Mayor Vetoes Moratorium

SALISBURY – On Monday, the City Council passed an ordinance ceasing enforcement against non-conforming multi-family residential units, but Mayor James Ireton vetoed the moratorium on Wednesday.  “This action will prevent Neighborhood Services and Buildings, Permits and Inspections from advancing potential illegal non-conforming uses for investigation,” the mayor said on Wednesday. “Salisbury’s older neighborhoods expected, with the results of the last few...READ MORE

Stolen iPad Signal Nabs Burglar

OCEAN CITY -- A Pittsville man was connected to several Ocean City burglaries last week throughout the month of August after resort police were able to track his whereabouts using a signal transmitted from an iPad stolen from his most recent alleged break-in. During the month of August, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) investigated several reported burglaries, which had occurred on the ocean side of the mid-town area. In the course of the investigation, resort police were able to recover...READ MORE

Timeline Of Events Leading To City Manager’s Removal

OCEAN CITY -- A whirlwind of events took place at City Hall last Thursday and Friday, culminating ultimately in City Manager Dennis Dare tendering his resignation pending an accord on conditions and terms. Here’s a timeline of events: Thursday, Sept. 8 4 p.m.: Without City Solicitor Guy Ayres or City Manager Dennis Dare in attendance, Mayor and Council meet in council chambers and vote to convene in closed session “to discuss the appointment, employment, assignment, removal or...READ MORE

County Studies Solid Waste Revenue Loss

SNOW HILL -- Hoping to avoid the need to bond future landfills, which could trap the county in a cycle of debt, the Worcester County Commissioners are considering options for cutting down on the loss of revenue generated by its Solid Waste Department Tuesday. While nothing was decided on, a tax fee for recycling, increases to tipping fees, and a pay-as-you-throw program are all still on the table, among others. “We’re trying to stay ahead of the curve financially,” said...READ MORE

Hammond Memorial Ideas Flowing

BERLIN -- With some pushing for a park and others for a garden, among other things, all town officials agree that Berlin should do something permanent to honor Ed Hammond. “We definitely have to do something,” said Councilwoman Lisa Hall. According to Hall, Hammond, who died earlier this month in a car accident, was one of the people most responsible for “revitalizing Berlin.” Over the last few decades, Hammond has been involved in the restoration and improvement of a...READ MORE

OC Wins, Loses In Busker Suit Rulings

OCEAN CITY -- A federal judge last week ruled in favor of a Boardwalk street performer on several key aspects of his civil suit filed against Ocean City in June, while siding with the town on an important public safety aspect of the case. U.S. District Judge Ellen Hollander last Friday issued preliminary injunctions against certain aspects of an emergency ordinance passed by the Mayor and Council in June regarding street performers on the Boardwalk. The judge essentially reversed the provision...READ MORE

No Jail For Woman Who Shot Husband

SNOW HILL -- A Bishopville woman, arrested on attempted murder charges in May after shooting her newlywed husband in the abdomen with a small caliber pistol during a domestic argument will not face jail time after being found guilty this week on a first-degree assault charge. Alice Carmita Johnson, 72, of Bishopville, on Tuesday appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court to face attempted murder and other serious charges after allegedly shooting her husband of just six months during a domestic...READ MORE

Homicide Ruled In Teacher’s Death

SALISBURY -- The community’s worst fears were realized this week when the remains of a popular Parkside High teacher were found in a rural area of Somerset County last Sunday, the victim of a homicide caused by blunt force trauma to the head. Just before 5 p.m. last Sunday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a rural, wooded area of Loretto Rd. in Princess Anne in response to a body that had been found. The wooded area where the body was found is located behind a church and members...READ MORE

Resort Citizens Group Demands Answers From Council

OCEAN CITY -- In the wake of City Manager Dennis Dare’s forced resignation, a local citizens group is mobilizing to fight the council majority that orchestrated it. At Monday night’s Mayor and Council meeting, Joe Groves, president of the Delmarva Condo Managers Association (DCMA) who is currently serving as general manager of The Plaza building, will be speaking and representing the Citizens for the Preservation of OC, a group formed on Facebook that has more than 1,000...READ MORE

Air Show Working On 2012 Bookings

OCEAN CITY – It’s not too early to look forward to the OC Air Show of 2012 as discussion has begun on headliners and dates. Ocean City Air Show LLC President Bryan Lilley presented the Mayor and City Council with a summary and report of this past summer’s event, but questions couldn’t help but be asked about next year’s edition. “We are starting communication once again with the United States Air Force Thunderbirds for the discussion and the opportunity to...READ MORE

Teacher, Berlin Chef Honored Nationally For Program

BERLIN -- A Worcester County teacher and a well-known local chef will be honored next month by a national organization for their collective work on an innovative public-private program that helps developmentally challenged students transition from the lessons of the classroom to the rigors of the real world, but the biggest winners are surely the students themselves and the communities in which they live and work. About two years ago, the Worcester Technical High School began its Community Work...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Dare Should Be Proud Editor: I do not support the action taken by four members of the council to dismiss City Manager Dennis Dare. This was a vindictive move made without proper justification. To say we need a fresh face and new direction is an insult to the citizens of Ocean City. To end the career of a man that has served this city well without justification or compassion is a desperate act by followers, not leaders. Mr. Dare has served Ocean City as city manager for 21 years. Over that period...READ MORE

City Council Majority Reckless, Irresponsible

After a bizarre 24 hours, featuring at least two private meetings, the building located on 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue can now officially be referred to as “Silly Hall” once again. On Thursday and Friday of last week, City Manager Dennis Dare was forced out of the seat he has held for the last 21 years. Dare was told he needed to resign by the end of the day Friday or be terminated. He eventually resigned with conditions that more than likely will be met. Having observed the...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

Ocean City Mayor and Council members’ cell phone records will likely be returning to the news later this month, as Citizens for the Preservation of OC spokesman Joe Groves said this week he has requested all the council members’ phone bills for the current month. Groves said he wants to see how much the council members communicate with each other and whether it’s still as much today as it was over the winter when it was revealed the council majority spent hundreds of minutes...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Sept. 16 & 17: Worcester Co. Garden Club Flower Show Friday: 1-6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-noon; Ocean Pines Library. No charge, public is welcome to attend. Entries are welcome. For more information, 410-641-8234.   Sept. 16: KC Bingo Doors open 5 p.m.; games begin, 6:30 p.m.; 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Refreshments will be on sale. For more information, 410-524-7994. Sept. 16-18: Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show Friday: Noon-7 p.m.; Saturday: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Ocean...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

Burger’s Surf’s Up Cafe 410-723-2007 5401 Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 16: Tim Landers Trio, 5-8 p.m.; Kaleb Brown Reggae Band, 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17: Honu Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Sept. 16: Aaron Howell Band Saturday, Sept. 17: DJ Bigler Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Friday, Sept. 16: Kings Ransom, 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17: John LaMere, 8 p.m. Clarion...READ MORE

Best Eats On The Beach

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

Open Houses Of The Week

OCEAN CITY 93rd St. Oceanfront Sat&Sun 9-2 Rare Investment Single Family Home 50ft of Oceanfront Zoned R3 Della Wilson Prudential Carruthers 443-235-4719 OCEAN PINES 941 Yacht Club Dr. Marina Village Sat 11-2 3BR/2.5BA Waterfront TH Edie Brennan ReMax Premier Properties 410-726-3027 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 WEST OCEAN CITY Golf Course...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

I don’t know how people without a sense of humor get through this parenting adventure. While we admit that we are far from perfect parents (sometimes my kids’ behavior actually makes me wonder if I am any good at this at all), Pam and I have found laughing at some of the absolutely ridiculous things that take place in our lives with our kids helps us get through it. Most of the time we are laughing at something the kids have done, but there are other moments when we are laughing at...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Off to Fast Start

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls varsity soccer team got off their 2011 season off to a fast start with a pair of shutout wins including a 3-0 win over Easton on Monday. The Seahawks are now 2-0 after the early shutout wins. On Monday against Easton, Decatur got balanced scoring with goals by Tori Whigham, Liz Rougcher and Joanne Petito, who also dished out two assists. Ashley DePaul was outstanding in the net, recording 10 saves, to keep the team’s shutout streak...READ MORE

Decatur Golfers Enjoy Strong Week

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity golf team enjoyed another successful week with two second-place finishes in two matches along with medal-winning performance by Nikki Rafer. On Tuesday at Deer Run, which was hosting its first official high school match, Decatur shot a team score of 167 to finish second to Parkside. Decatur’s Nikki Rafer shot a one-under 34 to take individual honors and the medal in the match, while Joe Iacona shot 37, Delaney Iacona and Audrey Affelder each shot 48...READ MORE

OC Looks to Retain Challenge Cup

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Marlin Club is hoping to pull even with its friendly rivals from Cape May this when the two clubs vie this weekend for the Challenge Cup for the 33rd time. The Challenge Cup, which pits teams of boats from the Ocean City Marlin Club against teams from the Cape May Marlin and Tuna Club, officially began in 1979 as a formal competition between the two clubs, which meet in the canyons off the coast every September to battle for the coveted trophy. Last year, the Ocean...READ MORE

Seahawks Edge Easton, Remain Unbeaten

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity volleyball team overcame a couple of big runs by visiting Easton on Monday to edge the Warriors in five sets and remain unbeaten on the young season. Decatur dropped the first match against Easton on Monday, 25-23, before rebounding with a decisive 25-13 win in the second set behind long service point runs by Hallee Carr and Casey Ortiz. In the third set, Decatur cruised to the 25-11 win, led by Abigail Hastings and Amy Chase, to go up 2-1. However, Easton...READ MORE

Eastern Shore United Blitz Girls Soccer Team

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Tough Guy Of The Week

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Good Waves Show Up for Maryland State Surfing Championships

OCEAN CITY- The Maryland State Surfing Championships were held last Saturday in Ocean City with good conditions and over 50 competitors competing for titles in several categories. The contest was held at 48th Street in fairly clean conditions with waves in the three to five foot-range for the most part. In the Men’s Open Division, Brad Flora edged out a competitive field to win the Maryland State Championship. Finishing second in the open division was Tyler Clazey, followed by Sam Deeley,...READ MORE

Seahawks Down Lions, Improve to 3-0

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team remained unbeaten this week, downing visiting Queen Anne’s, 3-1, on Tuesday after playing nearly the entire second half down a man. The Seahawks jumped out to an early lead with two goals within a 24-second span in the first half when Erik Geiser and Zak Hoshino connected. The Lions applied constant pressure on the Decatur goal, but the Seahawk defense constantly repelled the Queen Anne’s attack. The Lions broke through...READ MORE

Teen Arrested On Sex offense

Berlin Teen Arrested On Sex Offense BERLIN -- A Berlin man was arrested on a sex offense charge last week after allegedly having sex with a 14-year-old girl at a residence on Maple Ave.Berlin police last week arrested Michael Tyrone Jackson, 18, on a fourth-degree sex offense after an investigation revealed the suspect allegedly had sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old girl at a residence on Maple Ave. Jackson was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered held on a $5,000...READ MORE

Dare Submits Resignation After Council Vote

OCEAN CITY -- Before a crowd of agitated citizens at City Hall last Friday, “a change in our management direction” was the reason cited by Council President Jim Hall for the removal of City Manager Dennis Dare. During a closed session last Thursday afternoon that Dare and City Solicitor Guy Ayres were not asked to attend, the council voted 4-3 -- Council members Brent Ashley, Joe Hall, Margaret Pillas and Jim Hall in favor and Doug Cymek, Mary Knight and Lloyd Martin opposed -- to...READ MORE

Worcester, Wicomico Score Fed Funding

BERLIN -- The U.S. Senate last week approved Maryland Sen. Barbara Mikulski’s request for $53 million in the fiscal year 2012 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill for waterway projects in the state, including $1 million for Assateague Island and $1.5 million for the Wicomico River. Mikulski secured the $53 million appropriation for U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects throughout the state. The largest projects include $18.6 million for maintenance dredging for the C&D...READ MORE

Judge Hands Down Life Sentence In Worcester Murder

SNOW HILL -- A Texas man, convicted in June of first-degree murder in the November 2007 death of a Delaware woman, was sentenced last Friday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. In June, a Worcester County jury found Justin Hadel, now 20, guilty of first-degree murder for the beating death of Christine Sheddy, a 26-year-old Delaware woman reported missing in November 2007 from a farm near Pocomoke where she had been staying with friends. Sheddy had moved to the Byrd Rd. residence...READ MORE

Planners Support State’s Route 589 Vision

SNOW HILL -- A state corridor vision plan for Route 589 and a county-drafted set of design guidelines both received unanimous approval from the Worcester County Planning Commission last Thursday. The commission got a chance to discuss the state’s Route 589 vision plan during the meeting. The vision is only in its earliest stages, but was sound enough to receive a favorable recommendation from all members of the commission. “I find it consistent with the [Worcester County]...READ MORE

Ocean City Visitor Survey Results Released

OCEAN CITY – All in all, a visitor survey released this week ranks Ocean City near the top of competing beach destinations, with only a few improvements to work on as the town moves into the future. Tourism Director Deb Turk said a visitor survey research project is something that has been planned for some time now, and this past summer visitors were asked a series of online questions. “You will find them [results] very revealing and interesting,” Turk said. “You will...READ MORE

OC Police Probe Nets 19 Alleged Dealers

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City Police have arrested 19 suspected drug dealers operating in the resort area after a months-long investigation resulted in indictments handed down by a Worcester County grand jury. Last December, Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) narcotics detectives began an extensive investigation into the illegal distribution of drugs, focusing primarily on the south end of the resort. Narcotics detectives worked in conjunction with OCPD patrol officers, who had been aggressively...READ MORE

Newark Site Approved For Explosives Testing

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) granted Hardwire LLC permission to test military grade explosives at the police firing range in Newark. However, according to Hardwire CEO George Tunis, negative opinion from area residents has him reconsidering whether his company will use the range. “We’re really just trying to find the right spot,” said Tunis. Hardwire specializes in developing armor for the military. An important part of that process is testing...READ MORE

Assateague Comment Period Deadline Extended

ASSATEAGUE- - Assateague officials this week announced the deadline for public comment on the proposed General Management Plan (GMP), which will shape the future of the barrier island for the next 15-20 years, has been extended to Oct. 1. Superintendent Trish Kicklighter on Tuesday announced the deadline extension on Tuesday. The new GMP will establish a vision for the National Seashore and provide greater guidance for its management for the next decade or two. The National Park Service is...READ MORE

SU Earns Another Top Ranking

SALISBURY -- Salisbury University earned another feather in its cap this week after being named one of U.S. News and World Report’s Best Colleges for 2012, marking the 15th year the institution has been recognized by the magazine. “We are very proud that SU has been ranked the number one regional public university in Maryland and one of the best in the north,” said Dr. Diane Allen, SU provost and senior vice president of academic affairs. “This achievement is a testament...READ MORE

60 Anglers Face Suspensions

OCEAN CITY -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has proposed to suspend the fishing privileges of 60 recreational anglers for violating Maryland’s fisheries laws. The suspensions were proposed due to violations that include taking fish during closed seasons, taking fish during spawning seasons, taking fish in closed areas, exceeding daily catch limits and possession of female crabs. “These are acts that violate the public’s trust,” said DNR Secretary John...READ MORE

Berlin Boot Camp Aiming To Change Local Lives

BERLIN -- Pamela Green, a certified personal trainer, has used her ingenuity, in both form and location, to create a “Boot Camp” to fight the war on fat. “The term ‘Boot Camp’ is associated in the minds of many people as an outdoor military camp, with lots of sweating and strict discipline. We provide sweating and discipline, but in a fun, encouraging environment.  Campers may have the goal of losing weight or just the goal of keeping in shape,” Green...READ MORE

Headlines Salon Focused On Hair Care, Quality Service

OCEAN PINES – Headlines Salon in Ocean Pines strives to set itself apart from the rest by providing the best hair care and quality service in the area. The Dispatch sat down last Friday with Paula Myers, the manager of Headlines Salon, as she shared how the salon has become a unique asset to Ocean Pines and the surrounding community. Headlines Salon has been in business for 26 years, 15 of those years it was more of a visitor-based business in Ocean City. For the past 11 years, Headlines...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Doris Jean Beringer BERLIN -- Doris Jean Beringer, age 70, died Friday, Aug. 19, 2011 at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin. Born in West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Austin and Wilma Mayle Austin. She retired to the Eastern Shore after a 30-year career at Texas Instruments. She is survived by a daughter, Cheryl Ann Moore; adopted daughter, Mandy Moore; three brothers, Clarence William Austin, Jr., David Austin and his wife Lisa, and Richard Austin and his wife Karen;...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Apple Marks Anniversary BERLIN -- In recognition of 40 years of service, Apple Discount Drugs will be holding a Customer Appreciation Day on Saturday, Sept. 17 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m., featuring free hot dogs and Pepsi, a chance to win a 24-inch flatscreen television, giveaways, Lollipop and Tootsie the Clown, a fire and juggling show and booksigning by Jason Rodes. The events will be taking place at its locations in Berlin, Fruitland and Salisbury, but the juggling act and Rhodes will only be at...READ MORE

OC Elks Donate $2,000 To Special Olympics

The Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 recently donated $2,000 to Special Olympics for Ocean City’s Polar Plunge Drive. Above, from left, are Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 Exalted Ruler Paul Yates, Ocean City Chief of Police Bernadette DiPino and Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 Treasurer Jim Flaig. ...READ MORE

NARFE Cruise Miles River

National Association of Retired Federal Employees (NARFE) members got together at St. Michaels for an outing of lunch and cruise on the Miles River Sept. 8 as a fun event. All active and retired federal workers are invited to NARFE's monthly meetings held at The Woodlands in Ocean Pines at 11 a.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. ...READ MORE

Republican Women Of Worcester County Fashion Show & Luncheon

In commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11, the Republican Women of Worcester County presented a fashion show and luncheon. Above, from left, are Joan Gentile, president of RWWC, and co-chairs Gail Schuler and Barbara Benz. ...READ MORE

OC/Berlin Rotary President Welcomes Mauricio Herman

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club President Arlan Kinney, left, welcomes guest speaker, Rotarian Mauricio Herman from Bradenton, Fla. Herman’s lecture, “The Handwriting on the Wall…in 3D” focusing on the economy, captivated fellow Rotarians during the weekly Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club meeting held Wednesdays at 5:45 p.m. in the Captain’s Table Restaurant in the Courtyard by Marriott, 15th St. and the Boardwalk. ...READ MORE

Drs. Stephen Adams & Donald Spickler SU Award Honorees

An expert in the development of California’s renowned Silicon Valley and one of the campus’ leading student research mentors are the 2011 Salisbury University Distinguished Faculty Award honorees. They are Drs. Stephen Adams of the Management and Marketing Department and Donald Spickler of the Mathematics and Computer Science Department. Above, from left, are Spicker, President Janet Dudley-Eshbach and Adams. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things I Like

When numbers make me happy HBO’s “Game of Thrones” High-fives from my boys Chili during a football game The beach at low tide A steak and a baked potato The last stretch of a long run Saving money at the grocery store A quiet lawnmower That bingo is still played around here Live plants in the house ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): After much traveling this year, you're due for some settled time with family and friends. Use this period to check out situations that soon will require a lot of serious decision-making. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Keep that keen Bovine mind focused on your financial situation as it begins to undergo some changes. Consider your money moves carefully. Avoid impulsive investments. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You'll need to adjust some of your financial plans now that...READ MORE