Archives

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Smoke-Free Beach Streets Pitched For Ocean City

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council have voiced a consensus to move forward in creating smoke-free areas on the beach by next summer. Terry Steimer of the local chapter of the Surfrider Foundation and chair of the Ocean City “Leave Only Your Footprints” campaign received permission this week from the Mayor and City Council to continue a program to place cigarette butt cans along the resort’s beach and Boardwalk. In the last year, the foundation has initiated a pilot...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Ocean City’s Summer Song Contest Draws 55 Entries

OCEAN CITY – Judging is currently taking place n the more than 50 entries for the resort’s Song of the Summer contest. As of midnight on Monday, the entry phase for the Ocean City Song of the Summer contest closed with 55 entries received. “I just think that is an incredible response because it is not your average contest, there has to be some thought and effort put into it,” Tourism Director Donna Abbott said on Tuesday. “So we are just thrilled with the...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: OC’s Merged Election To Feature Two Separate Ballots; Tensions Run High During Discussion

OCEAN CITY – A moment in history was made last night as the City Council decided to authorize the consolidation of its municipal election with general election day. The question to consolidate Ocean City’s individual municipal Election Day in October with National Election Day in November has been brought up throughout the town’s history, as recently as twice in the last year, and on June 18 the council voted 4-3, Council members Joe Hall, Doug Cymek, Mary Knight and Lloyd...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: Movie Aims ‘To Capture Ocean City' In Mid-1980s, But Needs Funding Help

OCEAN CITY – After briefly explaining the details of production and funding issues facing it, Ocean City officials and private investors now must decide whether they want to take the risk of investing money in a movie that hopes to film in Ocean City this fall. Last Thursday, writer/director of “Ping-Pong Summer,” Michael Tully, along with entertainment attorney George Rush and a team of producers involved with the film, including Jeff Allard and Michael Gottwald, met with...READ MORE

Worcester Natural Gas Network Near

BERLIN -- Work is moving faster than expected for the much anticipated installation of a natural gas network in Worcester County. According to County Commissioner Judy Boggs, who has led the charge to bring natural gas to the area, Chesapeake Utilities is nearing the final stages of laying a transmission line, which will feed natural gas into Worcester, and should be finished by early-August, weeks ahead of their original timeline. “They are a month ahead of schedule,” Boggs...READ MORE

OC Liquor License Requests Denied Due To ‘Lack Of Public Need’

SNOW HILL -- The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) cited a “lack of public need” last Friday when denying two Ocean City applications -- one for a new liquor license and another for the expansion of an existing liquor license. Both license applications are located within a block of each other. The first, an attempt for a new license on 44th Street that would have been called “The Retro Music Hall,” wanted to fill a niche that applicant Steve Long...READ MORE

MML Officials Hear From Cardin, O’Malley

OCEAN CITY -- U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley delivered bookend speeches to the Maryland Municipal League (MML) convention in Ocean City this week with remarks often long on rhetoric and short on substance. State and federal leaders were all over the resort area and the Lower Shore this week to attend events in conjunction with the annual MML convention in Ocean City. After somewhat relaxed opening MML events last Sunday, Cardin delivered a speech at the...READ MORE

OC Police Reports Street Performers Not Causing Issues

OCEAN CITY -- After a rather tumultuous 2011 summer season with street performers on the Boardwalk, all has been relatively calm thus far this season with a new set of rules and a new “if you can’t beat them, join them” attitude. Fresh off a victory in a federal lawsuit challenging First Amendment rights filed against the resort last fall, street performers have been back in force on the Boardwalk this summer. However, with perhaps one notable exception, the prevailing attitude...READ MORE

OC Earns Perfect Water Quality Grade

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City and neighboring Dewey Beach in Delaware were among the 12 destinations to earn a perfect five-star rating in an annual report released this week on water quality at popular beaches around the country. According to “Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches,” an independent report released every year by the Natural Resources Defense Council, water quality at beaches in Ocean City earned a perfect five-star rating again. For the 22nd year...READ MORE

OCPD: Tasers Have Been Used When All Else Fails For Officers

OCEAN CITY -- Months after adding Electronic Control Devices, or Tasers, to its crime-fighting arsenal, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has used the device a handful of times this year, including an incident late Tuesday night. Last October, the Ocean City Mayor and Council approved a pilot program for the acquisition and use of Tasers by the police department and a limited number of OCPD officers started carrying them in February. In the months since, OCPD officers have resorted to the...READ MORE

Summer Season Off To Brisk Start For Ocean City Area

OCEAN CITY – Numbers go to show that it is just not left to the imagination that the crowds in town this summer seem larger than previous years. According to Demoflush, May and June of this year have seen an increase in visitors compared to last year during the same period. Demoflush is weekend population estimates based on wastewater volume. In May, the total weekend estimated population was 766,246 with an average of 191,561, and in June the estimation is 1,000,583 with an average of...READ MORE

Legionella Suspected At North OC Condo

OCEAN CITY -- The presence of the Legionella, a bacteria that can cause a type of pneumonia called Legionnaire’s Disease, has been detected at a north-end Ocean City condominium, marking the second time in less than a year the illness has surfaced at a resort lodging facility. Two people, both of whom visited Ocean City and stayed at the Sea Watch Condominiums in north Ocean City, have been diagnosed with symptoms of Legionnaire’s Disease. One individual was diagnosed with the...READ MORE

MSP Helicopter Stationed Downtown This Summer

OCEAN CITY -- After a solid first season in 2011, the Maryland State Police (MSP) will continue the forward deployment of a medevac helicopter in Ocean City this summer to be used in partnership with the Ocean City Beach Patrol (OCBP). This year, however, the helicopter will be stationed even closer to the action for faster responses. “It’s actually at the Coast Guard station,” said OCBP Captain Butch Arbin. “We can be deployed many minutes faster.” During the...READ MORE

Troubled Snow Hill Store Scores Liquor License

SNOW HILL -- A controversial business in Snow Hill is getting a new chance at an alcohol license with new owners. Residents both supporting and protesting the West Market St. “Your Stop” receiving a beverage license packed the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) meeting last week with tempers between the two groups running high. Attorney Joe Moore, who represented Your Stop, told the board that the owners have operated the business with no alcohol sales and no...READ MORE

Former County ‘Kingpin’ Arrested After Police Altercation

BERLIN -- Over two decades after his arrest and conviction on a single conspiracy to distribute cocaine charge after a grand jury identified him as the “kingpin” in a major drug distribution ring in Worcester County, Archie Elliott returned to the area this week and was promptly arrested after a scrap with local law enforcement. Elliott, now 63, whose current address is listed as Myrtle Beach, was one of the key figures, or “kingpins,” identified in a 1988 grand jury...READ MORE

Attendance Growing At New Beach Lights, Fireworks Events

OCEAN CITY – There is a buzz around town over this summer’s new weekly events --- the laser sphere and the fireworks -- as attendance has been increasing each week. Starting on Memorial Day weekend the town has been hosting weekly entertainment as part of the Summer of Thanks 2012 campaign, including the OC Beach Lights show on Sunday nights and a fireworks display on Tuesday nights. The OC Beach Lights entails a five-story tall inflatable sphere featuring a visual laser, lighting,...READ MORE

Tech Manufacturer To Begin Operating In Worcester

POCOMOKE -- The Eastern Shore of Maryland is generally known for tourism and agriculture, but state and local officials met this week at Vorbeck Materials’ new location in Pocomoke to celebrate the expansion of technology, one of the area’s fastest growing industries. “We have tourism, agriculture, small business and, you know what?” asked State Sen. Jim Mathias (D-38B). “We have a tech industry here.” Gov. Martin O’Malley made similar comments this week...READ MORE

OC’s Dew Tour Free To Public This Year

OCEAN CITY – The Dew Tour returns to Ocean City in less than two months and yesterday released big news -- the entire event will be free and open to the public. The Dew Tour’s Ocean City stop is scheduled for Aug, 16-19. The event’s stop in Ocean City this summer aims to capture the unique beach lifestyle in the competitions, music and character with transition focused and ocean inspired events. It will be completely free and open to the public on a first-come, first-serve...READ MORE

Bob Dylan Returning To Salisbury

SALISBURY – Bob Dylan has announced he will return to The Wicomico Youth & Civic Center in Salisbury on Thursday, Aug. 30.  Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show go on sale Friday, June 29.  Dylan, who has not performed on the Eastern Shore since 2000 and previously in 1994, is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Pullitzer Prize winner.  His singing and songwriting is recognized not just for its artistic value, but for capturing the voice of a generation.  Beginning with his...READ MORE

Berlin’s Downtown Offers Free WiFi Service

BERLIN -- There’s something in the air in Berlin this summer. It’s not love; it’s free wireless Internet. “After receiving a number of requests from visitors, the Berlin Council authorized the installation of Wi-Fi and Tim Lawrence, Berlin’s Electric Utility Director, facilitated the addition of the necessary equipment to provide this service,” said Mayor Gee Williams. “We think that our town’s visitors and guests will enjoy and appreciate this...READ MORE

Area Arts Council Awards 12 Grants, Eight Scholarships

BERLIN -- The Worcester County Arts Council has awarded $14,750 in Community Arts Development Grants program to 12 art projects and events to be presented by local nonprofit arts organizations during the six-month granting cycle beginning July 1. Grants were awarded to Art League of Ocean City, various art exhibits; Berlin Heritage Foundation, Berlin Peach Festival; Berlin Intermediate School, Believing in BIS Summer Academy; Germantown School Community Heritage Center, Tinley Gospel Fest; Great...READ MORE

New Offerings Planned For First Friday In Snow Hill

SNOW HILL -- Don’t miss the opportunity to extend your 4th of July celebration on Friday, July 6, with Arts on the River First Friday in Snow Hill. Snow Hill merchants and gallery owners in downtown will stay open until 8 p.m. to welcome visitors. Enjoy the island sounds of steel drums being played by Augie DiGiovanni in addition to special discounts, art openings, and light refreshments. Nick Haglich will open from 5 to 7 p.m. for Brad Stevens,...READ MORE

No Legislative Vote Needed For Resort To Merge Elections

OCEAN CITY – A state of confusion arose this week when a supposed state regulation almost put a stop to Ocean City’s attempts to consolidate its municipal elections with national Election Day. Early this week, a letter from City Solicitor Guy Ayres had circulated among the Mayor and City Council answering a list of questions regarding consolidating Ocean City’s municipal Election Day in October with national Election Day in November. On June 18, the council voted 4-3, Council...READ MORE

PRMC To Host Cancer Art Exhibition Next Month

SALISBURY -- Lilly Oncology On Canvas, an art exhibition honoring the physical and emotional journeys people face when confronted by a cancer diagnosis, will be on display at Peninsula Regional Medical Center’s Richard A. Henson Cancer Institute during the month of July. This free public exhibit, which is touring communities nationwide, will showcase more than 50 select pieces of art from the 2010 Oncology On Canvas competition. Community members who wish to view the artwork are encouraged...READ MORE

Salisbury, County Meet On Enterprise Zones

SALISBURY – City officials last week met with the Wicomico County Council to discuss the renewal of Enterprise Zones in the area. According to Assistant City Administrator Lore Chambers of Salisbury, the Salisbury/Wicomico Enterprise Zone Designation expires on Dec. 14, 2012, and there is only one reapplication oppurtunity left, Oct. 15. The City Council and County Council must approve a resolution to submit the application before that time. The Department of Business and Economic...READ MORE

Museum’s Free Weekly Programs Start Next Week

OCEAN CITY -- Families looking for a free, enjoyable morning activity in Ocean City can head to the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum. Nestled on the Boardwalk by the Inlet, the museum offers free programs six mornings a week, with topics ranging from knot tying to “All About Sharks.”  Programs take place from July 2 through August 25 every day except Sunday at 10 a.m. and last approximately one-half hour.  On Mondays, the Ocean City Beach Patrol demonstrates the newest...READ MORE

Teens Rescued In Inlet By Coast Guard

OCEAN CITY -- Two teenage boys were rescued by the Coast Guard in the Inlet on Monday evening after the personal watercraft they were riding capsized during a sudden storm. Around 6:30 p.m. on Monday, two 17-year-old boys were riding personal watercraft in the bay near the Inlet when the last of several severe storms throughout the day blew through the resort area. The personal watercraft flipped in the suddenly turbulent conditions, sending the teens into the water. A witness at a nearby motel...READ MORE

Gulyas Recovering From Heart Surgery

SALISBURY -- Worcester County Commissioner Louise Gulyas is recovering after having heart surgery this week. According to her son, Thom, Gulyas was in good spirits after the surgery on Tuesday and anxious to begin her rehabilitation once doctors clear her. Although the family did not wish to divulge all the details of the procedure, it was confirmed Gulyas underwent a five-hour bypass surgery at PRMC Tuesday. The surgery was conducted by Dr. James Todd. Gulyas hopes to return to her elected...READ MORE

Mikulski Tours Wallops In Advance Of Major Launch

BERLIN -- Days after the most recent rocket launch from Wallops Island, located south of Assateague, Sen. Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) this week toured the NASA flight facility to see first-hand the preparations for a major launch event later this year. Around 6:40 a.m. last Thursday, a NASA rocket carrying 17 educational experiments arched its way across the early morning sky over the Lower Shore, reaching an altitude of around 73 miles before falling harmlessly into the ocean off the coast of the...READ MORE

Summer Season Ushers In Changes For The Globe

BERLIN -- With 10 new beers on tap, including some local favorites and later kitchen hours, the Globe in Berlin is gearing up in a big way for its seventh summer season. On top of all of that, owner Jennifer Dawicki confirmed that the plan this year is to encourage more special events and to take advantage of the Globe’s 100-year-old building to make the place more than a restaurant. “I’d like to see the Globe evolve into the cultural hotspot it could be,” she said....READ MORE

Local Shop Owners Filling A Void In Village Of Fenwick

OCEAN CITY -- In the last three years, Janilyn Elias and Jeff Fetterman have filled in The Village of Fenwick with a couple of shops that go against the grain of a traditional pet and book store. Elias and Fetterman, opened Petique in the Village of Fenwick in spring of 2010. At the time, it was named Indulgence until they opened their second shop in the village, The Bookend Café, the following year. Indulgence offered merchandise for pets and people alike but it evolved into just a pet...READ MORE

Gov., Officials Tour Salisbury’s Evo Operation

SALISBURY -- A few months after moving to a 30,000-square-foot facility in Salisbury, Evolution Brewing Company got a visit from Gov. Martin O’Malley. During the tour, O’Malley outlined what Maryland is doing to encourage job creation and economic growth, a strategy that he said is reliant upon small businesses like Evolution. “The reason we’re here is because of the entrepreneurial spirit and job creating capacity of the Knorr brothers and people like them,” he...READ MORE

Coastal Bays Program First Beneficiary Of Art Project

BERLIN -- Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) is the first non-profit organization to receive a donation from a new innovative local company called Free Lance Art Party (FLAP). FLAP has a unique product approach beneficial to many. FLAP collects art from talented unknown artists and introduces it to the public through their apparel. An artist whose work is chosen for one of their products receives $200 and a sample of the product. For every item sold, a portion of profits are then donated to a...READ MORE