Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot was a pivotal figure in dismantling the previous liquor monopoly in Worcester County. It was his office’s investigators that launched an investigation into alleged malfeasance and illegal purchases. Along with his investigation, Franchot was adamant about removing government from what should be a private sector-only industry.In Worcester, the former Liquor Control… Read more »
There has been one obvious question looming ever since the new street performer ordinance was enacted in Ocean City. Is it constitutional?It looks like that question will be answered soon enough now that an official challenge has been filed before U.S. District Court Judge Ellen Hollander, who has twice before struck down Ocean City’s street… Read more »
What’s happening in West Ocean City these days has been brewing for years and the future of the area fascinates me as the current commercial growth boom along Route 50 will likely continue to accelerate.More corporate hotels along Route 50 are a certainty as are more national chain restaurants. The stretch from Herring Creek to… Read more »
When he was first elected to the Ocean City Mayor and Council in 2002, Joe Mitrecic was known for keeping his proverbial cards close to his chest. He was quiet and rarely spoke at the meetings. Over time, that changed, particularly when he ascended to the leadership position of council president.Now a first-year County Commissioner,… Read more »
Education is a critical issue and in the coming months, as attention turns slightly away from tourism, we plan to put a larger focus on the issues within local schools.This week’s interview with Worcester County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jerry Wilson was one example. One of the more fascinating aspects of this week’s interview to… Read more »
The lone event on the special event calendar that could have survived last weekend’s nasty Nor’easter with solid turnout was probably H2O International.It’s important to note a huge majority of the vehicles in town last weekend were not affiliated with the H2Oi event, which is actually headquartered at Fort Whaley Campground on Route 50. However,… Read more »
H20 International promoter Jay Shoup has had enough of the entitled bunch that has brought negative attention to his weekend event, which he has been organizing for 18 years. As I have mentioned in the past in this space, I think Shoup deserves credit for clearing the air about what his organized event is meant… Read more »
Assateague Island is one of my favorite places, and it was interesting this week to watch a 15-minute You Tube video titled “Saving Assateague” prepared by the Assateague Island National Seashore on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the legislation that protected it from development forever. I recommend watching it on… Read more »
One of the highlights of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Banquet was Al “Hondo” Handy’s acceptance speech. Earlier in the day, thanks to an interview by News Editor Bryan Russo, I learned something I never knew about Hondo, who also addressed the subject on Tuesday night at the banquet.Hondo was among… Read more »
The signs Ocean City wants placed in visible spots in all businesses in Ocean City will not accomplish much in the way of controlling unruly behavior. However, it’s a start and a logical reaction to what all agree is increased disturbing behavior from guests during the major automotive events. The newspaper’s position has always been… Read more »