August 29, 2008

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

Ronald Kay Bevard NEWARK - Ronald Kay Bevard, age 72, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2008. Born in Brownsville, Pa., he was the son of the late George Robert Bevard and Elsie Hoover Bevard. Bevard was a graduate of California Community High School in California, Pa. He was a past member of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association, a 25-year volunteer fireman with Newark Fire Company, an amateur radio operator, he served in the United States Navy, he was a member and was inducted as Master of Evergreen...READ MORE

Live Bands and DJs

Assateague Island Oasis: 410-629-1492, Rt. 611; Entertainment Friday & Saturday, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Blue ox/Babe's: 410-250-6440, 127th St., Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Aug. 29: Sean Holloran; Saturday, Aug. 30: Nancy Micciulla; Every Thursday: Bill Morningstar. Buxy's Salty Dog: 410-289-0973, 28th St. & Coastal Hwy.; Friday, Aug. 29: DJ Wood; Saturday, Aug. 30: Crowded Outhouse; Every Sunday: Locals' Party with DJ BK. Caribbean Bar & Grill: 410-289-0837, Just off the boards on 2nd St.;...READ MORE

Two Cops Injured In Crash

OCEAN CITY - Two OCPD officers were injured last weekend when one of their marked police cruisers was struck from behind by an alleged drunk driver, forcing the vehicle into another cop car in front of it. Around 2:40 a.m. last Saturday, two marked OCPD cars were stopped one behind the other in the turn lane on the northbound side of Coastal Highway at 48th Street when an Infiniti G37 driven by Ferris Edmund Hickey IV, 34, of Cary, N.C., failed to stop and ran into the back of the police car in...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

Coverage of last night's meeting in Berlin about the ongoing electric rate situation occurred too late to be included in this edition, but it's great to see residents getting involved in this important matter. Volunteers were spotted all over town last weekend affixing yellow meeting notice signs to telephone poles and in other high-profile spots in advance of last night's gathering. There's no question residents are outraged over the sticker shock they have been receiving the last couple months...READ MORE

Start Over With Slots Language

The wording of the upcoming slots referendum needs to be changed. The best thing would be to toss out the current language and start from scratch. In November, voters will be specifically asked to check whether they are for or against the constitutional amendment that will place slots at sites across the state. As it stands today, under the title of 'Authorizing Video Lottery Terminals (Slot Machines) to Fund Education,' here's how the referendum will officially read: 'Authorizes the State to...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Replacement Needs Knowledge, Dedication Editor: (The following letter was addressed to Berlin Mayor Gee Williams with copies sent to the Berlin Council, Berlin Zoning Administrator, Berlin Planning Commission and this newspaper.) This letter serves as a formal recognition from the Town of Berlin Planning Commission as discussed with Mayor Williams during our Aug. 22 meeting. I am resigning because I feel that I can no longer dedicate the required energy and time which the position deserves and...READ MORE

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club President Stan Kahn recently exchanged flags with Yalcin Karayel, a student from Bursa, Turkey, working at the Carousel Resort Hotel for the summer. Karayel's father Bulent Karayel is a Rotarian in Bursa and sent the flag with his son. In addition, Karayel presented members of the Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club with good luck eye charms from Turkey. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

The Ocean Pines Garden Club

The Ocean Pines Garden Club is pictured taking a short break from sprucing up the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines. Pictured, front from left, are Judy Dunlop, Jean Katzer, and Fran Maier, the crew chief of the Veterans Memorial Garden Club Committee; and, back, Jan Tellman, Penny McGrath, Veterans Memorial Board of Directors Joe Matturro, Sharyn O'Hare and John Henglein and Garden Club members Carolyn Henglein, and Larry Dunlop. ...READ MORE

Worcester County Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament

Lesley Rogan, center, representing Peninsula Rehab and Sports Medicine, announced the company as a major sponsor of the upcoming Worcester County Veterans Memorial Golf Tournament, to be held at Ocean Pines on Wednesday, Sept. 17. Lesley, along with co-owner Ron Wist, will be playing in the tournament. With Rogan are Golf Committee member Bob Rose, chairman of the event, and Sharyn O'Hare, a member of the Veterans Memorial Board of Directors. ...READ MORE

94th Street north-Fenwick

Big Tuna Grill 128th Street & Coastal Highway, 410-250-1001 , www.bigtunaOC.com A locals' and vacationers' favorite alike. Experience culinary delights as well as a visual excursion, dining among authentic nautical artifacts of old ships. Choose an array of entrees from fresh seafood to char-grilled steaks. Enjoy some drinks on our 50 ft. bar while watching our plasma TVs. Billy's Sub Shop 120th Street, Bayside (Food Lion Shopping Center) , 410-250-1776 Between 139th & 140th Streets,...READ MORE

Inlet To 94th Street

Angelo's Italian Cuisine 33rd Street & Coastal Highway , 410-524-2855 The Russo family proudly presents, Angelo's Italian Cuisine, the latest venture in a long line of Italian restauants and pizzarias owned by the family in Baltimore, Salisbury and Ocean City. Our authentic Italian cuisine is prepared by a top New York chef and presented in a classically decorated setting. Smoking allowed in our cocktail lounge with special drink prices 4-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday. Open Tuesday-Saturday at 4...READ MORE

West Ocean City-Berlin-Ocean Pines

Assateague Island Oasis Rte. 611, West Ocean City , 410-629-1492 Enjoy a delicious meal, refreshing drinks, and the peace and quiet that once was. Weekly live entertainment and Happy Hour daily from 3-7 p.m. Just relax! Boomers Restaurant 525 South Main Street, Berlin , 410-629-0001 Conveniently located on Rte. 113 at the southern entrance to Berlin, Boomers Restaurant has re-opened after a complete renovation. Full service dining, self-service eat-in or carry-out. Food cooked to order. Fried...READ MORE

Ocean City

OCEAN CITY The Meridian Daily 10-4 Oceanfront Residences New Construction Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-520-0072 OCEAN CITY Bella Vista Daily 10-4 3BR Bayside Condos Coldwell Banker 410-723-1000 OCEAN CITY Emerson Towers Fri-Sun 10-4 3BR/3BA Bayfront End of Wicomico St Terry Looney Century 21 410-726-7689 OCEAN CITY Bahia Vista 10th St. Bayside Mon-Fri 11-3 3&4BR Condos Dan Clayland Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN CITY Bel Mare Somerset Street Daily 11-3 3BR/2BA New Const. Skip...READ MORE

West Ocean City - Ocean Pines - Berlin - MD - VA

WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat & Sun 10-4 New 3BR, 3.5BA Luxury Townhouses Coldwell Banker VIRGINIA 4627 Coulbourne Mill Rd Sat 10-4 3BR/2BA Cozy Rancher Tamera Myers Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 VIRGINIA Captains Corridor Daily 9-5 Canalfront, Golf Course & Interior Homes George Ann Way Coldwell Banker Eastern Shore 800-258-5843 OCEAN PINES Points Reach #2208 Sat & Sun 11-3 3BR Bayview Condo Patty Cummings Remax Premier...READ MORE

A Look At Who Was Out On The Town This Week

Weekly pictures from the restaurant and bar scene around the Ocean City area.  ...READ MORE

People Joining Together For Community Causes

See who was out helping causes in the Ocean City area. ...READ MORE

Diving Into The Area's Cultural Activities

An inside look at the regional arts scene through photographs.  ...READ MORE

Town Residents Up In Arms Over Soaring Utility Bills

BERLIN - Irate Berliners had a chance to vent their views over high electric rates at a meeting called by a local citizen last night. The meeting, held at Berlin Intermediate School after this paper went to press, promised to attract hundreds of people, organizer Lisa Hall said. 'The town is fed up,' Hall said earlier this week. Yellow flyers advertising the citizens meeting were posted all over town, but many were removed in short order from private property. Others were taken down after being...READ MORE

Friday, August 29 - Berlin Could Have Three-Way Race For Mayor

BERLIN - The Berlin mayoral race could become a three-way contest if Damian Preziosi decides to enter the fray. Preziosi resigned from the Berlin Utilities Commission (BUC) this week, citing the lack of respect for the BUC by the town government. 'Does it make a lot of sense to be racking my brains over issues when the recommendations won't get to the Mayor and Town Council or fall on deaf ears?' Preziosi said. Instead of leaving public service entirely, Preziosi is having thoughts about running...READ MORE

Friday, August 29 - Convicted Killer Taking Another Shot At New Trial

OCEAN CITY - Convicted killer Benjamin Sifrit, who, along with his wife Erika, brutally murdered and dismembered a Virginia couple vacationing in Ocean City on Memorial Day weekend in 2002, is expected to get another chance to plead his case next week with a bid for a new trial in Montgomery County. In August 2005, over three years after the brutal double murder, Sifrit, through his attorney, filed a petition for post conviction relief, essentially asking for a new trial by claiming his legal...READ MORE

Friday, August 29 - OC Council Grants Cabbies Temporary Driving Permits

OCEAN CITY - Taxicabs received a break this week when the Mayor and City Council agreed to allow 30-day temporary permits, giving potential drivers the chance to get out on the roads sooner rather than later. City Solicitor Guy Ayres presented the amended ordinance to the Mayor and City Council this week, outlining recent changes regarding taxi permits. The Ocean City Police Commission had fielded concerns from several local cab drivers earlier this summer, specifically regarding the lengthy...READ MORE

Friday, August 29 - Teachers Hear Inspirational Messages

BERLIN - At the annual Worcester County public schools opening teachers meeting this week, which usually resembles a pep rally, County Commission President Virgil Shockley reminded the school board and teachers of the investments the county government has made in the schools and Stephen Decatur High School graduate Oliver Purnell, now a Division I head basketball coach, spoke of the key role teachers play in young lives. Shockley's matter of fact remarks, were a direct response to a serious...READ MORE

Bay Bridge Lane Closure Likely To Snarl Beach Traffic

OCEAN CITY - It remains to be seen if hundreds of thousands of visitors will pour into Ocean City for the Labor Day weekend, but lane closures on the Bay Bridge that began this week will certainly make it more difficult for them to get to the resort. State officials announced on Tuesday the right lane of the bridge's eastbound span will be closed indefinitely as work began this week to repair and strengthen damaged parapets, or concrete barriers that line the side of the bridge. The announcement...READ MORE

Consultant Hired To Study Electric System's Problems

BERLIN - Berlin electric customers could see ongoing relief with their extremely high electric bills in the next several months, after the Berlin Mayor and Council signed a contract this week for a consultant to analyze all aspects of the town's electric utility with an eye towards reducing costs and maximizing efficiency. 'The engineer said emphatically there is good news for the town,' said interim Mayor Gee Williams. After a preliminary survey of the electric utility, engineers for...READ MORE

County Schools To Open Before Holiday Next Year

OCEAN CITY - Most Worcester County students enjoyed an extra few days of summer break this week as the rest of Maryland's public schools returned to the classroom, but that won't be the case next year, as county public schools will also be returning before Labor Day. The Board of Education gave unanimous support to a recommendation by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes last month to move the school year start date up a week, having students return to school before Labor Day, rather than...READ MORE

Decatur Student Killed Days Before Start Of Senior Year

BERLIN - Tragedy struck early yesterday morning when a local teen was killed in a single-vehicle accident on Route 50 east of Route 589 just days before beginning her senior year at Stephen Decatur High School. Around 1 a.m. on Thursday, Maryland State Police troopers responded to a reported fatal motor vehicle accident on Route 50 east of Route 589. Upon arrival, troopers interviewed a witness, who told them the driver of the 2002 Ford Explorer, later identified as Jessica Lauren Petsche, 17,...READ MORE

Del. Fugitive Still At Large

BISHOPVILLE - A fugitive from Delaware remains at large today after a bizarre sequence of events this week that began with a low-speed chase from Delaware into northern Worcester County, included an hours-long standoff at his Bishopville home, his ultimate surrender and arrest and finally his escape again from police in Selbyville. Around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Selbyville Police officers on targeted patrol in the area of the Polly Branch Mobile Home Park observed what they believed to be an...READ MORE

Berlin To Start Picking Up Community's Trash

BERLIN - Town of Berlin garbage trucks will soon begin serving Franklin Knolls, a development in Berlin that has been relying on private trash pick-up for years while waiting for developer ADC Builders to complete the roads. The Berlin Mayor and Council asked Franklin Knolls resident Jason Walter, who spoke before the council two weeks ago to seek town services, to ask the Franklin Knolls Homeowners Association to write Berlin a release of liability allowing the town to bring its garbage trucks...READ MORE

Cheerleaders Seek Trip Money

BERLIN - It will be the trip of a lifetime for two varsity cheerleaders from Stephen Decatur High School, if they can raise the money to go. Myla Waples, a 15-year-old sophpmore, and Amanda Pfaff, a 17-year-old senior, were selected as All Stars at a recent cheerleading camp at the Ocean City Convention Center. As All-Stars, the only two selected from Worcester County, the two young women are eligible to participate in the Universal Cheerleaders Association 2009 London Varsity Spirit Parade...READ MORE

City Makes Budget Changes

OCEAN CITY - The Mayor and City Council was presented with recent budget changes this week, observing various amendments to cover unexpected cost increases. Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented budget amendment number two to the Mayor and Council Tuesday afternoon, explaining the various changes and transfers within the town's budget. Knapp noted that the major change came with the decrease in Planning and Zoning fees, with a reduction of $585,318 in revenue.  'We did budget for a...READ MORE

County Hands Out 38 Laptops To New Teachers

BERLIN - For the fifth year in a row, the County Commissioners distributed new laptop computers to all newly hired teachers who agreed to remain in the employment of the Board of Education (BOE) for two years or more. The laptops, which were distributed by the commissioners following the BOE's annual opening meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 26, at Stephen Decatur Middle School in Berlin, are an incentive that is used to continue to attract highly qualified individuals to an already outstanding team of...READ MORE

Doctor's Plane Crashes, Then He Faces Sex Offense

OCEAN CITY - It was out of the frying pan and into the fire last weekend for a Frederick, Md. doctor, who crash-landed his private plane on a runway at the Ocean City Airport last Saturday before returning home on Sunday and getting arrested on sex offense, assault and drug possession charges. Tragedy was averted last Saturday when an 83-year-old pilot was successfully able to crash land his small private plane on the runway at the Ocean City Municipal Airport after his landing gear failed to...READ MORE

More Charges Filed Against Boardwalk Performer

OCEAN CITY - A street performer arrested last week on sex offense and assault charges after allegedly fondling a 16-year-old girl during a Boardwalk picture-taking session had more charges filed against him late last week as more and more of his alleged victims began to come forward with formal complaints. On Aug. 17, OCPD officers arrested Boardwalk street performer Andrii Mokrishchev, 21, of Ukraine, who routinely performs as Patrick Star, a character on the popular cartoon 'Sponge Bob Square...READ MORE

Resident Has Beef With HOA

BERLIN - A local homeowners association seems to be assuming powers it does not legally have, according to one resident, who asked the Berlin Mayor and Council to instruct the association that its bylaws do not supercede town or state law. Decatur Farms resident Bruce Stender asked the Berlin Mayor and Council for help Monday night after a dispute arose over where he could park his boat and boat trailer in the community. Stender originally had his boat parked at his home, which is against...READ MORE

Retirement Policy Approved

OCEAN CITY - Employees of the town will be formally recognized upon retirement, after the approval of a policy this week that aims to formally thank employees for their years of hard work and dedication to the town. Human Resources Director Roger Weseman presented the policy to the Mayor and City Council this week, explaining that while individual departments within the town typically recognize retiring employees, there is no unified, formal process. In an effort to create a formalized process,...READ MORE

Rocket Destroyed Minutes After Takeoff

BERLIN - Shortly after take-off early last Friday morning, a suborbital rocket launched from NASA's Wallops Island Flight Facility veered off its projected course and had to be destroyed, showering its remains in the Atlantic Ocean and desolate coastal areas near the facility. The suborbital rocket carrying two NASA hypersonic experiments was launched as planned around 5:10 a.m. last Friday, but something went wrong about 20 seconds into the flight and the rocket had to be destroyed in flight...READ MORE

Shoals Identified As Sources For OC Replenishment Project

OCEAN CITY - Federal Army Corps of Engineers officials this week released the final recommendations for long-term offshore sand sources for the life of the ongoing Ocean City beach replenishment project, identifying three shoals off the coast of the resort as those best suited to provide material for the next three-plus decades. In the nearly two decades since the first Ocean City beach replenishment project was completed, the identified sources of sand offshore have nearly been depleted and an...READ MORE

Three Held In Armed Robbery

OCEAN CITY - Ocean City police earlier this month arrested three Baltimore teens on first-degree assault, attempted armed robbery and other serious charges from an incident in mid-July when they allegedly bound and gagged a man in an Ocean City motel room during a drug deal that went bad. On July 15, Ocean City police responded to a room at the Dunes Motel for a reported armed robbery and serious assault that had taken place. When they arrived on the scene, the officers found an adult male...READ MORE

60th Live Meet Concludes at Ocean Downs

BERLIN- The 60th annual summer-long live racing meet at historic Ocean Downs concluded last Sunday on an up note with champions named in several categories including top driver, top trainer, top trotter and co-top pacers. The 2008 live meet at Ocean Downs, which began back in late June and concluded last Sunday, was highly successful again this year, attracting thousands of visitors and locals alike to the historic track near Ocean Pines not far from Ocean City. The total attendance for the meet...READ MORE

Lightning Strikes Twice for "Reel Joy" with Late Win in MA500

OCEAN CITY- Lightning struck twice in a couple of different ways last week at the conclusion of the Mid-Atlantic $500,000 tournament with a record-tying 92-pound white marlin caught by a boat fishing out of Ocean City swooping in to take the event's top prize for the second straight year and the same boat winning a tournament held in the resort for the second week in a row. When the 'Reel Joy' out of Ocean City hauled a record-tying 92-pound white marlin up the scale on the final day of the...READ MORE

Marlin Club's Labor Day Tourney Turns 50

OCEAN CITY- While it may lack the glamour and high payouts of the White Marlin Open, the Ocean City Marlin Club's 50th Annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament, which got underway this morning, trumps all others in terms of history and prestige. Called the 'granddaddy' of the resort area fishing tournaments, the Marlin Club's annual Labor Day White Marlin Tournament is the oldest among the tournaments held in and around Ocean City each summer. The first was held in 1958 and the annual event has...READ MORE

My Thoughts

Editor's Note: The old guy forgot to do his column this week. When called on Wednesday, 48 hours after his deadline, and asked about this week's column, he said, 'I forgot to do it, sue me.' We hope he remembers next week. In the meantime, here's an oldie but goodie from the past because we had to fill the space. Reprinted from March 12, 1999 Insider has always been famous for his ability to write headlines. One of the first headlines he ever wrote was 'God Made The World,' but that was a long,...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Development Breaks Ground OCEAN VIEW, Del. - Millville By The Sea, the 3,000-home master planned community located four miles from Bethany Beach, in Millville, Del. officially broke ground on lot 99 on Tuesday. Kylie Wilgus, the first homeowner at Millville By The Sea, attended along with members of the development team, Gulfstream Homes and local officials. With almost 800 acres and over 3,000 homes, Millville by the Sea will become Delaware¹s largest new home community. Plans call for a town...READ MORE

A Unique Approach To Eye Care

OCEAN CITY - Unlike what's often seen in today's medical industry,, Ocean Pines Vision Care offers a unique approach to professional eye care, coupling 25 years of private practice experience with comprehensive, one-on-one examinations and personal care. Dr. Jil Klein celebrates her 25th year in private practice this year, and while she has taught and practiced all over the world, from New York to Sydney, she still maintains the same goals she established from day one. Klein knew from age 15...READ MORE

A Unique Approach To Eye Care

OCEAN CITY - Unlike what's often seen in today's medical industry,, Ocean Pines Vision Care offers a unique approach to professional eye care, coupling 25 years of private practice experience with comprehensive, one-on-one examinations and personal care. Dr. Jil Klein celebrates her 25th year in private practice this year, and while she has taught and practiced all over the world, from New York to Sydney, she still maintains the same goals she established from day one. Klein knew from age 15...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

Hitting the beach once meant grabbing a towel and off I went. To say that's not the case any longer, with a 16-week-old baby, is a major understatement. It used to be so simple to just grab and go to the beach. I have found myself reflecting on those days lately because they seem like a lifetime ago. Of course, it goes without saying I would have it no other way, but grabbing and going anywhere is not a part of my life any longer, especially when it comes to spending a day on the beach with a...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A little "wool-gathering" for the usually productive Lamb is all right if it helps you unwind. But be careful; too much daydreaming can put you behind schedule in your work. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): A work problem is close to being resolved. Now you can go ahead and celebrate the week, accepting invitations from friends who enjoy your company. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Getting your new plan accepted won't be a major hassle if you have the facts to...READ MORE

Things I Like

Body surfing a clean wave Getting in a cool car when it's hot outside Rare tuna Peeking in on my son while he sleeps Ice cream with cookie dough A cool summer night Walking through grass with no shoes Smelling breakfast from bed Having fresh flowers in the house Cutting up a seedless watermelon Making tacos at home ...READ MORE

What Every Trustee Must Know

OCEAN CITY - Martinsdale, Mont. (population 1,001) sits miles off Highway 12. Situated in almost the dead center of the state, this small ranching town has also recently been at the center of a headline-making court case that highlights some critical issues about trusts and fiduciary duty. The case involves a family museum in the town, named for early oil and mining entrepreneur. It's located in the former home of his daughter, who during her lifetime amassed a significant collection of Native...READ MORE