October 19, 2012

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Testimony Concludes In Hudson Farm Case; Judge May Rule In December

BERLIN -- After three years of legal posturing and 10 days after the trial began, testimony wrapped up on Wednesday in the landmark civil suit filed against a Berlin farm family and Perdue over alleged pollution violations dating back to 2009. Testimony ended Wednesday in the civil trial pitting a New York-based environmental watchdog group against Berlin’s Hudson Farm and Perdue, but it could be several weeks before U.S. District Court Judge William Nickerson hands down a ruling in the...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Local Woman Relishing ‘Second Chance At Life’

OCEAN CITY – Using an alternative approach of meditation in healing herself after two heart surgeries to avoid cardiac death, Chrissy Ehrhart-Knight finds herself back to her everyday life only weeks later. In the summer of 2011 Ehrhart-Knight, 37, of Berlin was diagnosed with Lyme’s Disease and in the months following she began to experience a number of symptoms, such as being excessively tired. Doctors couldn’t figure out was wrong. Her young age and symptoms of fatigue did...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Berlin Farmers Market Relocation Delayed; Mayor Admits He, Council Made Decision, Not Chamber

BERLIN -- Extraordinary opposition from vendors at Berlin’s Farmers Market last night sidelined a potential re-location of the event, at least for the next few months. However, when agreeing to allow the market to remain in downtown Berlin, town officials made it clear that they are expecting more cooperation and communication between the Chamber of Commerce and the market in the future. Earlier this month, the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, at the request of the Mayor and Council, submitted...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Market Change Worries Editor: As a local orchard grower, I feel compelled to alert the citizens of the town of Berlin that their successful downtown farmers' market with over 20 years of operation will cease to exist after Nov. 16. For reasons not made evident to the many farmers affected by such a decision, both the Berlin Chamber of Commerce and the Berlin Town Council have apparently decided that this popular destination for locals and visitors alike (as depicted on the chamber and town...READ MORE

Thougths From The Publisher's Desk

Perhaps it comes with 27 years of experience, including a 14-year stint as council president and a 10-month term as city manager, but there’s no question Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan’s knowledge of town government is impressive.Unlike what often happens during candidate interviews, Meehan spoke in specifics this week when he drove home his main points. He intentionally avoided rhetoric when addressing his major differences with the council majority.Although the conversation touched...READ MORE

Ocean City Fire Cause Undetermined

OCEAN CITY -- Three weeks after a huge fire ravaged a midtown condominium building, the results of the investigation released this week leaves open more questions than answers. Shortly before 6 p.m. on September 26, the Ocean City Fire Department responded to a reported residential fire at the Bradley on the Bay condo complex at 37th Street. First arriving units encountered heavy fire extending from one of the 15-unit buildings in the center of the complex. Because of the enormity of the blaze,...READ MORE

Local Businesses Should See Unemployment Tax Rates Drop

OCEAN CITY -- Thanks in large part to a now healthy fund balance, business owners in the area and across the state could see a drop in their 2013 unemployment insurance tax rates by as much as 55 percent, which could be welcome news in a resort area subject to seasonal employment fluctuations. Gov. Martin O’Malley on Monday announced most Maryland businesses will see their unemployment insurance taxes drop next year after several years of heading in the opposite direction. Some Maryland...READ MORE

License Board OKs Plaza’s License Shift

SNOW HILL -- A popular West Ocean City restaurant will be packing up and moving to nearby Ocean Pines this winter, while two new convenience stores at opposite ends of Worcester County received beer and wine licenses from the Board of License Commissioners (BLC) this week. With six locations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, two of those in Worcester County, Mexican restaurant Plaza Tapitia is a familiar sight to many. On Wednesday, owner Armando Saldana appeared before the BLC to request a...READ MORE

Council Mulls End To Salisbury Parking Woes

SALISBURY -- Parking in downtown Salisbury could see some significant changes in the form of discounted parking passes or the elimination of meters if recent discussion by the City Council bears fruit. “We have had businesses express concern over the cost of parking in the downtown area,” City Administrator John Pick told the council Monday. According to Pick, the main worry from merchants is that the price and availability of parking spots is having a detrimental effect against...READ MORE

City Employees, Pillas Mix It Up Over Union Effort

OCEAN CITY – Members of the Ocean City Employee Coalition came before the Mayor and City Council this week to set the record straight on why general employees want to form a union. Coalition member Gregory DeMarco approached the council to respond to Councilman Brent Ashley’s recent series of newspaper ads, commenting on current events. A couple weeks ago, an ad headline asked, “Do The General Employees Need A Union?” It went on to outline the general employees’...READ MORE

Planned Berlin Farmers Market Relocation Upsets Vendors

BERLIN -- For the first time since its founding two decades ago, the Berlin Farmers Market might be leaving downtown.According to the Chamber of Commerce, the move will be a win-win for farmers and Berlin, serving to free-up much needed parking space downtown while giving farmers two new, larger locations to operate from.However, several of those same farmers are passionately opposed to the re-location, saying it was decided without their consent and could doom the market.The announcement to...READ MORE

OC Council Hopefuls Agree Keeping Tax Rate Down A Priority

OCEAN CITY – With at least 100 attendees at the AARP forum at the Elks Lodge in North Ocean City on Tuesday night, it was a common belief the attendance foreshadows what will be a large turnout on election day. Council candidates in attendance were incumbent Doug Cymek, former City Manager Dennis Dare, Sean Rox, Bob Baker, John Adkins, incumbents Jim Hall, Mary Knight and Joe Hall and former two-term Councilman Joe Mitrecic, and for mayor were incumbent Rick Meehan and Nick Campagnoli....READ MORE

Salisbury Motel Demolition Nears

SALISBURY -- The troubled Thrift Travel Inn in Salisbury appears headed for demolition this week after the regional bank that owns the property reached an agreement with the city, but it could be weeks before proper permits are secured to allow its demise. Salisbury Mayor Jim Ireton this week announced the town has a firm confirmation from the United Central Bank, which owns the Thrift Travel Inn on N. Salisbury Blvd., to demolish the structure long a thorn in the side of city officials. The...READ MORE

OC Keeps Beach Stand Policy; Auction Ahead For North Parcels

OCEAN CITY – As some parcels of the beach equipment franchise approach time for auction this year, operators are asking for the town’s code regarding the percentage one operator can own be returned to its former language. This week City Clerk Kelly Allmond needed the Mayor and City Council’s approval to proceed with the 2012 Beach Equipment Auction for north-end blocks. According to City Manager David Recor, the town franchises 70 beach equipment parcels spanning the entire...READ MORE

Judge Gives 18-Month Sentence To Boardwalk Fighter

SNOW HILL -- One of two Delaware brothers arrested on first-degree assault charges after seriously beating another man on the Boardwalk in July pleaded guilty last week in Worcester County Circuit Court to second-degree assault and was sentenced to 18 months in jail. Jamar Tazewell, 19, of Dover, pleaded guilty last Friday in Worcester County Circuit Court to second-degree assault for his role in a severe beating of another man on the Boardwalk in the early morning hours on July 1. Tazewell was...READ MORE

National Search Likely To Fill OC Chief Vacancy

OCEAN CITY -- Ocean City Police Chief Bernadette DiPino was appointed to the same position in Sarasota, Fla. this week after 10 years at the helm in the resort, leaving local officials with another department head position to fill. DiPino was appointed chief of police in Sarasota on Tuesday from a field of five candidates announced late this summer. She becomes the coastal Florida community’s first female police chief, just as she was Ocean City’s first female chief when she was...READ MORE

Proposed Project For Cropper Concrete Site Gets Extension

OCEAN CITY -- The future of the historic George B. Cropper Concrete Company property along the bay at North 1st Street immediately north of the Route 50 bridge looks a little brighter this week after resort planners approved an extension for a 94-unit mixed use residential project. In 2007, the previous property owner gained site plan approval for an attractive mixed use townhome and condominium project on the historic property at the entrance to Ocean City, but the property has changed hands a...READ MORE

Dew Tour Dates Reserved For 2013

OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council swiftly ran through a list of items this week making a number of unanimous votes to move forward. HSA Contribution Increased The Mayor and City Council voted unanimously to pass an ordinance on second reading to amend the Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution amount for employees participating in the high deductible health plan. Following a presentation given by Human Resources Director Wayne Evans and consultant for Bolton Partners Kay Moran a...READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Linde David Bakke BERLIN -- Linde David Bakke, age 58, of Berlin, passed away at the Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury on Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012. Linde was born in Lewes, Del., son of the late Earl Finn Bakke (1987) and Marjorie Helen Howarth Bakke (1999). He was also preceded in death by his brother Earl Bakke, Jr. in 1998. Linde, a Lewes native, attended Cape Henlopen High School. He was well known in his early years throughout Delaware as a DJ and bartender at many establishments;...READ MORE

Beach Purse Thief Nabbed

OCEAN CITY -- A Berlin woman was arrested on felony theft scheme and other charges last week after resort police were able to connect her to a series of purse thefts on the beach throughout the late summer and early fall. During late September and early October, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) received several reports of theft of property from public beach areas south of 28th Street. During the investigation, OCPD officers noticed similarities in the various reports including a...READ MORE

Salisbury Weighs Employee Bonus Over Pay Raise

SALISBURY -- Unanimous in their belief that general employees deserve some kind of financial reward in light of a recent pay scale adjustment granted to the Salisbury Police Department (SPD), the City Council is split down the middle on whether a one-time bonus could be adequate, at least until the practicality of a raise can be further researched. “I think that the commitment is uniform amongst us to provide our employees with a livable wage,” said Councilman Tim Spies. Council...READ MORE

Vintage License Plate Rally Set For Saturday

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Downtown Association and the Town of Ocean City are inviting vintage license plate holders to participate in the 2nd Annual Ocean City Vintage License Plate Rally on the Boardwalk. The rally, which will take place on Oct. 20, begins with a drive down the boardwalk and a celebration held afterward in the Inlet Parking Lot. According to members of the Downtown Association, this all-things Ocean City rally is an exciting way to round out the summer. “We were...READ MORE

This Year’s Winterfest Gala To Benefit Cricket Center

OCEAN CITY -- Everyone is invited to attend the Winterfest Gala held on Friday, Nov. 16 with proceeds this year going to the Cricket Center. The Winterfest of Lights Gala is a black-tie optional event you don't want to miss. Join us at 8 p.m. at the Coconut Malorie on 59th Street in Ocean City. While at the Coconut Malorie, you can enjoy the sounds of the UMES Jazz Symphony and Apple & Britt. Dine on delicious cuisine prepared by the talented Delmarva Chefs and Cooks Association.   At...READ MORE

Annual Flu Shots Important For COPD Patients

SALISBURY – Flu season is upon us, which means it’s time to get your flu shot. For many people, getting a flu shot is a yearly ritual in hopes of saving themselves from getting sick during the cold weather season. For people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a flu shot is even more critical because it helps patients fight off potential exacerbations (flare-up’s) of symptoms. “One of the most common risk factors for the deterioration of a COPD patient is...READ MORE

Support Group Aims To Help Youth Transition

BERLIN -- Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) will be unveiling a new program later this month entitled “Rollercoasters,” a support group designed to help children going through family changes make the transition smoothly. “Rollercoasters addresses kids who are going through a separation or divorce or any kind of family change,” said Dr. Jen Leggore. While the most common and usually most dramatic family change that Leggore used as an example was...READ MORE

Local Pastor To Celebrate Milestone With Beach Weddings

OCEAN CITY – Records are expected to be broken on “12-12-12” in Ocean City as couples will gather to be married or renew their vowels at a summer get away in the middle of winter. To celebrate her 12th year of performing weddings on the beach, Pastor Mary Mazzulo is hosting a 12-12-12 Wedding and Vow Renewal Event in Ocean City with all couples saying “I do” at exactly 12:12 p.m. 
Mazzulo and her husband, Roger, were married in Las Vegas and while on a trip to...READ MORE

Man Sentenced To A Year For Causing WOC Bar Owner’s Death

SNOW HILL -- An Ocean City man, convicted of manslaughter and assault in July for the death of a West Ocean City bar owner just over a year ago, was sentenced on Friday to three years in jail, with all but one year suspended and was given credit for the roughly 90 days he has spent in jail since the trial. Cyle Morgan Walker, who just turned 27 on the one-year anniversary of the tragic incident last week, was found guilty in July of manslaughter, second-degree assault and disorderly conduct in...READ MORE

Delegates Hopeful Route 113 Will Stay On State’s Radar

SNOW HILL -- The check might not be in the mail just yet for continued improvements on Route 113, but Annapolis is aware of the importance of the project, according to state delegates. During an update of continuing and upcoming projects from the State Highway Administration (SHA), State Senator Jim Mathias (D-38B) told the Worcester County Commission that he and Delegate Norm Conway (D-38B) recently met with Gov. Martin O’Malley to discuss the status of Route 113 and found the governor...READ MORE

Judge Rules For Berlin In Wrongful Termination Suit

BERLIN -- The latest salvo in the larger dispute between Berlin and its fire company landed in the town’s favor this week when a visiting Worcester County Circuit Court judge on Monday temporarily dismissed a wrongful termination filed in July by a long-time fire department supervisor, but the representatives for the plaintiff on Tuesday vowed the battle will continue. In May, the town terminated EMS supervisor Norris Phillip Donohue, Jr. after 23 years on the job after at least two EMS...READ MORE

Judge Finds Defendant Photos Not Enough For New Trial

SNOW HILL -- Before an Ocean City man was sentenced last week on manslaughter and assault charges for the death of a West Ocean City bar owner, it was revealed pictures of the injured defendant were taken in the hours after the tragic incident and only came to light after his trial in July. In July, Cyle Walker, 27, of Ocean City, was found guilty by Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Richard Bloxom of manslaughter and second-degree assault in the death of 707 Sports Bar and Grill owner Carey...READ MORE

‘Silver Sizzle Revue’ Eyes Resort

OCEAN CITY -- If you are looking for an evening full of fun and entertainment, then next month’s “Silver Sizzle Revue” is for you. With live performances at the Ocean City Convention Center on Nov. 8-11, “Silver Sizzles” is 90 minutes of glitzy and glamorous Vegas style revue. Featuring former Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, the eight-person cast provides a splendid mix of dynamic songs, thrilling dance performances and hilarious comedy. With lots of costumes and...READ MORE

Ocean City Announces Offseason Construction Projects

OCEAN CITY -- It’s going to be a busy offseason of construction activity in Ocean City. The Town of Ocean City’s Public Works Department will be starting several projects beginning this month that involve traffic lane closures or detours. The projects, which are scheduled to be completed between December 2012 and May 2013, range from water main installation to road improvements. The most high-profile currently underway is the major restoration of the Boardwalk, but some other work...READ MORE

Ocean City Announces New Halloween Activities

OCEAN CITY -- Summer might be over but the free family fun continues with three new exciting events coming to Ocean City this October.  The first event is the giant “Halloween Beach Maze” on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Experience a “pleasant” scream as you meander the sands of the giant beach maze. Wicked witches, pirates of the sand, scary scarecrows, ghouls in the graveyard, zombies and more await your arrival. The beach...READ MORE

Offseason Security Precautions Urged In Ocean City

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) this week is reminding residents and business owners to make additional security precautions and take advantage of some of the programs the OCPD offers heading into the off-season in the resort. With the advent of fall, many businesses close and some property owners leave the resort for extended periods of time, urging the OCPD to continue to remain vigilant for suspicious persons, activity and circumstances. Citizens can protect themselves...READ MORE

Mayor Meehan: Election ‘About Character’

OCEAN CITY -- While acknowledging his last term has been the most difficult of his 27-year political career, Mayor Rick Meehan pointed to his commitment to Ocean City as why he wants to continue to serve. Meehan has been mayor since 2006, but the Nov. 6 election will be the first time he has been challenged for his mayoral seat, thanks to Nicholas Campagnoli’s filing. He said Tuesday the fact he is contested will have no bearing on how he campaigns for re-election. In an extensive...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

“Wow” was all I could say after two hours at Chuck E Cheese’s last Sunday in Salisbury. It’s not so much that I was in awe by what takes place there. It’s just no matter how prepared you are it’s still a shock to the senses to spend a considerable amount of time at that place with dozens of kids. Over the last month, we have spent two afternoons inside Chuck E Cheese for birthday parties. For my nephew’s birthday, all four of us went. For last...READ MORE

Seahawk Harriers Excel in Home Meet

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity cross-country teams acquitted themselves well at the meet they hosted last week with several runners in both the boys’ and girls’ fields finishing near the top of the standings. On the girls’ side, Lauren Buckman finished seventh overall out of the field of 68 runners from all over the Eastern Shore. Alex Saunders was 12th overall, while Alex Tushup was 16th, Jordan Klebe was 20th and Calais Rodriguez was 28th. On the boys’ side,...READ MORE

Seahawk Boys Run Win Streak to Seven

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team continued its recent domination this week, beating a tough Parkside team on Monday after a 19-0 thrashing of county rival Snow Hill last Wednesday. The Seahawks’ record now stands at 9-2 after extending its winning streak to seven games. Decatur hasn’t just been squeaking by during the streak, they’ve been punishing opponents with a high-powered offense for the most part. During the current seven-game run, the...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Stay on a Big Roll

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity soccer team stayed on a big roll this week, sweeping three games including a 3-1 win over Parkside on Tuesday to improve to 9-1-1 on the season. The Seahawks have now won four straight after suffering their first loss of the season to Parkside back on October 2. On Tuesday, Decatur avenged that loss with a 3-1 win over the Rams. Tori Whigham got Decatur on the board just 10 minutes into the contest for an early 1-0 lead, but most of the first...READ MORE

Decatur Golfers Win District Title

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity golf team completed another significant goal last week, winning the District VIII championship by edging Kent Island by just two strokes to remain unbeaten and send five players to the state championship match next week. The hits just keep coming for Decatur, which remained unbeaten on the season with a win in the District VIII championship last week at the River Marsh course at the Hyatt in Cambridge. Decatur finished with a team-low score of 320, just...READ MORE

Junior Seahawk Program Seeks Wreslers

BERLIN- The standout Stephen Decatur varsity wrestling team is looking for the next generation with its Junior Seahawk Wrestling Program with sign-ups for the winter season scheduled for next month. The Decatur wrestling program has become a powerhouse on the Eastern Shore and across the state in recent years and its success has largely been attributable to a strong feeder program for young athletes. The Junior Seahawk program provides young wrestlers with the instruction and training needed to...READ MORE

Mallard Golfers Top ESIAC Foes

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s varsity golf team cruised to an easy victory last week in a tri-team match with a pair of Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) rivals. The Mallards shot a team score of 155 to take the tri-team match. Salisbury Christian was second with a 209, while Salisbury School was third with a 214. Worcester’s Patrick Dowling and Billy Brittingham each shot a match-low 38 for nine holes and were co-medalists. Scott Gee shot a 39 for Worcester, while...READ MORE

Mallards Pluck Herons, 5-1

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity soccer team picked up its winning ways again last week, beating Salisbury Christian and Gunston after dropping a contest to St. Andrew’s two weeks ago. The Mallards beat Salisbury Christian, 6-0, last Monday and followed that up with a 4-1 win over Gunston last Friday at home. Against Gunston, Worcester Prep got goals from Meredith Smith, Lilly DiNardo, Frankie Willing and Amanda Gabriel. The Mallards wrap up their regular season at home...READ MORE

Seahawks Cruise Past Rams, 38-14

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team cruised past host Parkside, 38-14, last weekend in a rare Saturday morning game. Friday night lights turned into a Saturday morning romp last weekend for the Seahawks, who played their one and only day game of the season against the Rams at the Wicomico County Stadium. The win was the second straight for the Seahawks, who edged Easton last week, as Decatur improved to 4-3 on the season to keep their state playoff hopes alive. Decatur played...READ MORE

Atlantic Physical Therapy Tough Guy Of The Week

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Bank Of Ocean City MVP Of The Week

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Things To Do Around Town

Every Saturday: Pancake Breakfast 8 a.m.-noon, Ocean City Airport. To benefit the Ocean City Aviation Asso-ciation’s Huey Memorial Display restora-tion and continuous maintenance fund. For more information, 410-641-6888 or 410-213-2471. Every Sunday: Morning Worship 8 a.m. & 11 a.m., Traditional Worship; 9:30 a.m., Contemporary Worship; St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, E.L.C.A, 10301 Coastal Hwy., O.C. For more information, 410-524-7474. Open Monday-Saturday: Atlantic United...READ MORE

Open Houses Of The Week

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 OCEAN CITY Sunset Island 67th St & The Bay Sat & Sun Condos, Townhomes, Single Family Homes Luxury Resort Living Terry Riley Vantage Resort Realty 443-880-0512 OCEAN CITY Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

19th hole bar & Grille, The 410-213-9204 Corner of Rte. 611 & Sunset Ave., West Ocean City Friday, Oct. 19: Kevin Poole, 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20: Blake Haley, 6-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21: Louis Wright, 9 a.m.-noon 28th Street Pit and Pub 410-289-2020 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Oct. 20: TBA Thursday, Oct. 25: DJ Jeremy 45th Street TapHouse Bar & Grille 443-664-2201 45th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Oct. 19: 2 Guys And A Mama, 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20: Lauren Glick...READ MORE

Best Bites On The Beach

Fruitland-Salisbury Restaurant 213 213 N. Fruitland Blvd., Fruitland 410-677-4880 • www.restaurant213.com Just 20 minutes from Ocean Pines and Berlin, Restaurant 213 is worth the drive! Chef Jim Hughes has been serving celebrities worldwide for 25 years and was named a 2009 inductee to the coveted Distinguished Restaurants of North America awards, one of only 220 in North America and the only one in this region. Serving dinner Tuesday-Sunday starting at 5 p.m. Also offering a 5 course...READ MORE

Things I Like

Slow cooking food on a grill Avocado on anything Brick walls inside a restaurant A bottle of wine and a movie The feeling I still get picking up this newspaper every week Giggling with my kids A king-size bed Looking at Assateague from the Inlet jetty Coaching little kids A new computer When something happens that you know you will never forget ...READ MORE

SD Middle School Students View Plankton Under A Microscope

Autumn Pracko and Zina Sbih view plankton under a microscope during their seventh grade science class at Stephen Decatur Middle School, which works closely with the National Park Service. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Students Learn About Astronauts

After reading about astronauts and the adventures they take, Julie Biscoe's fourth grade class at Ocean City Elementary School ended the week with a selection called "Sky-High Dining" that informed the students about the technology used to make food for astronauts and how that technology has been used to help consumers on Earth.  Above, Brooke Warthen, Brayan Anaya-Ramirez, Nathaniel Quick, and Gavin Conner enjoy taking a bite of their astronaut granola bars. ...READ MORE

Summer Reading Competition Held By Worcester Prep's Guerrieri Library

Each year Worcester Prep’s Guerrieri Library hosts a summer reading competition for students in the Lower School. Top readers in the number of pages read category were Myra Cropper, 18,046 pages; Quinn McColgan, 15,213 pages; and Riley Schoch, 10,198 pages; Winners in books read category were Brooke Emeigh, 228 books; Colin Savage, 211 books; and Carson Rayne, 163 books. Other top readers in each grade level, were first row from left,  Chipper Becker, Aiden Levy, Parker Tingle, Brooke...READ MORE

NASA And National Park Service In Assateague Work With SD Seventh Grade Class

Brian Campbell from NASA at Wallops Island and Jay Johnstone from the National Park Service in Assateague have been working closely with Mr. Romano’s seventh grade science class at Stephen Decatur Middle School. Above, Spencer Carbaugh receives instructions on water sampling from Johnstone. ...READ MORE

Seaside Christian Academy First Graders Get Visit From Firefighter

Seaside Christian Academy first grader Jenesis Perez feels just how heavy and big fighfighter Seth Goggin's coat is during a recent visit. ...READ MORE

OC Firefighter Visits OC Elementary During Fire Prevention Week

Pre-kindergarten student Kai Steedman thanks his dad, Trevor, an Ocean City firefighter, after a classroom presentation at Ocean City Elementary during Fire Prevention Week. ...READ MORE

OC Third Grade Class Write Thank You Letters To OC Firefighters

As part of Fire Prevention Week at Ocean City Elementary School, Kelly Gee's third grade class wrote thank you letters to Ocean City's firefighters. Pictured, back, from left, are Jessica Shoemaker, Rudy Engh, Monica Thornton, Gee, Malik Hemmeian, Dimitri Anthony, Tommy Gjoni and Trystan Duffy; middle, Leela Bacon, Trinity Colbert, Makayla Brown, Matthew Janson, Joseph Buxbaum and Lorelei Auker; and, front, Molly Randolph, Marina Bryan, Gavin Vent, Gus Emm, Logan Patrick and Kobe...READ MORE

SH Volunteer Fire Department Visits SH Elementary

The Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department visited Snow Hill Elementary School to talk about fire safety with students. Above, cadet Robert Bowen and firefighter Eddie Carmean show first grade students Tyler McGowan and Piper LaChance what a firefighter looks and sounds like when responding to a fire. ...READ MORE

Class Of 2013 Advanced Placement Scholars From Worcester Prep Named

Class of 2013 Advanced Placement Scholars from Worcester Preparatory School are, first row from left, Casey Knerr, Talha Ehtasham, Katherine Pavlos, Justin Canakis, Brad Mullen and Parker Kellam; second row, Patrick Dowling, Meredith Soule´, Kathryn Lawrence and Elizabeth Sayan; and third row, Seth Wilgus, Roland Gerachis, Conor Nally, Scott Gee and Steven Lobo. ...READ MORE

SD High Participates In Livestrong Day

Approximately 400 Stephen Decatur High School students and faculty members donned yellow on Oct. 5, Livestrong Day, to raise awareness for cancer. During the month of October, Stephen Decatur High School teams and clubs will be participating in several other cancer awareness campaigns. Pictured are sophomores Brianna Lueders, Hannah Wilson and Hannah Duckworth, and seniors Kelly Cosgriff, Eileen Hayman and Madelyn Beebe. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Preparing For The Unexpected

OCEAN CITY -- When we think about an unexpected change in our cash flow, we usually assume it's due to a problem: repairing a flooded house, making ends meet after a layoff, an elderly parent's injury that requires around-the-clock nursing care. Sometimes, though, what puts you on the spot is an opportunity. If your dream vacation home goes on the market for a song, for example, do you grab the great deal even if it means compromising your long-term investment strategy? Whatever the nature of...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You're eager to Ram headfirst into that new project. But before you do, find out why some of your colleagues might not appear to be as gung-ho about it as you are. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): All that dedicated hard work you've been putting in pays off better than you expected. So go ahead, reward yourself with something befitting a beauty-loving Bovine. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): It's a good time to take on that new challenge. And if your self-confidence is...READ MORE

Target Recongnized For Annual United Way Campaign Contributions

Target was recognized for its annual United Way campaign contributions totaling $2,870. Pictured, front from left, are Target associates Monty Montasser, Angie Calio, Olivia Palameter, Holly Vogan, Tierra Collick and Cheryl Paul; and, second row, United Way Board member Jim Hartstein with Target associates, Chris Fereday, Mike Brittingham, Shirl Mohl and Noah Mackritis ...READ MORE

OC Lions Club Swear In Newest Member

Kevin Gregory, Esq. recently became the newest member of the Ocean City Lions Club. He was sworn in recently at the Lions Den in West Ocean City. He is an associate attorney at the law firm of Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy and Almand. With Gregory, right, are Past District Governor Norm Cathell and OC Lions President Cindy Malament. ...READ MORE

3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Craft Fair To Be Held Nov. 3

The 3rd Annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Craft Fair will be held Saturday, Nov. 3 in the Ocean Pines Community Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Ocean Pines Pine'eer Craft Club, and all profits are donated back to the Ocean Pines community.  Above are co-chairs Darlene Musitano and Carol Quinto. ...READ MORE

Worcester County Public Schools' Adult Ed Program Holds Graduation

Worcester County Public Schools’ Adult Education Program held a graduation ceremony at the Board of Education for students who earned their Maryland High School Diploma through the school system’s General Education Development (GED) program. A total of 44 students earned their degree, of which 37 percent planned to continue their education at college. Pictured, front from left, are Superintendent Dr. Jerry Wilson, Adult Education facilitator Mark Ferraro, Jalissa McBride, Samantha...READ MORE

SD High's Kiwanis Key Club Members Help At Annual Fall Pancake Breakfast

Members of Stephen Decatur High School’s Kiwanis Key Club helped at the annual Fall Pancake Breakfast benefitting the Kiwanis Club's Scholarship Foundation. Pictured, back from left, are Key Club Secretary Victoria Murcia, Treasurer Rachel Mullholland, Claire Esham, Editor Lauren Bodolus, Serena Craven, and Brooke Davis; and, front from left, Alexia Murcia, Shanna Seibert and Paige McWilliam. The club’s next event is the Annual Germanfest on Sunday, Nov. 4 at the Ocean...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Top Producers BERLIN -- Re/Max Premier Properties Broker Dr. Carl E. Ortman is pleased to announce the top producers for the month of September. Top sales volume for the month goes to Pam Price of the Salisbury office with over $1 million followed by Bill Hunt from the Ocean City office, Holly Campbell from Salisbury and Marlene Ott from the Ocean Pines office. Top Listing Producers were Pam Price for Salisbury and Edie Brennan and Joanne Ortman for Ocean Pines. Dividend Declared BERLIN --...READ MORE