New Short Fin Mako Regulations for 2019

NOAA Fisheries has just announced their Final Rule on Amendment 11 to the 2006 Consolidated Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Fishery Management Plan that will become effective on March 3, 2019.After consideration, the new minimum size for MALE short fin mako sharks will be 71″ FL (Fork Length) which is up from the previous 54″ minimum,… Read more »

Fire Destroys Snug Harbor Home

Fire Destroys Snug Harbor Home

WEST OCEAN CITY — An unoccupied second home in Snug Harbor in West Ocean City was completely consumed by a fire late Wednesday night, sending one firefighter to the hospital with minor injuries.Around 10:30 p.m. on Wednesday, a residential house fire was reported in the Snug Harbor community along the waterfront in West Ocean City…. Read more »

Worcester School Calendar Tweaked To Allow For Longer Breaks; No Inclement Weather Days Built Into Next School Year

Worcester School Calendar Tweaked To Allow For Longer Breaks; No Inclement Weather Days Built Into Next School Year

NEWARK –  Changes to the calendar for the coming school year will mean longer vacations for Worcester County’s public school students.In a break from past practice, the Worcester County Board of Education this week approved a calendar that includes no inclement weather days. By eliminating the usual three built-in bad weather closures, officials were able… Read more »

UPDATE: Community Rallying For Local Family Displaced By Fire

UPDATE: Community Rallying For Local Family Displaced By Fire

BISHOPVILLE – A grassroots community effort has been launched to help a local family of three recover after losing their home in a devastating fire Monday.Around 3:30 a.m. on Monday, firefighters from Bishopville, Berlin, Showell, Ocean City and Ocean Pines along with several volunteer companies from neighboring Sussex County responded to a reported residential fire… Read more »

Planning Commission Gives Favorable Nod To North OC Water Taxi; Council To Decide In Near Future

Planning Commission Gives Favorable Nod To North OC Water Taxi; Council To Decide In Near Future

OCEAN CITY — Satisfied the concerns of the neighboring community were allayed, resort planners this week approved a conditional use request for a north-end water taxi service.The Ocean City Planning Commission on Wednesday held a public hearing on a request for a conditional use to allow for a water taxi service based at a canal… Read more »

‘We Want Resolution … As Badly as Students And Staff and Parents Do’

SALISBURY – School system officials are asking for the community’s patience and support following the criminal indictment of a James M. Bennett High School guidance counselor.At the start of last week’s Wicomico County Board of Education meeting, Superintendent of Schools Donna Hanlin addressed the public’s concerns regarding charges against James M. Bennett High School guidance… Read more »

Plans Outlined For Proposed Drug Treatment Center In Wicomico

Plans Outlined For Proposed Drug Treatment Center In Wicomico

QUANTICO – With plans to open a drug treatment center in a vacant correctional facility, officials in Wicomico County presented last week their visions of what could become of the space.Since last July, Wicomico County has spearheaded efforts to convert the shuttered Poplar Hill Pre-Release Unit, a state-owned correctional facility in Quantico, into a residential… Read more »

OC Fire Chief To Retire This Spring

OCEAN CITY — Ocean City Fire Department Chief Chris Larmore announced last week he will be retiring before the start of the upcoming summer season.Larmore was hired as fire chief in 2008 during a turbulent time when the town of Ocean City combined its career paid division and its volunteer division and had led the… Read more »