September 12, 2008 Issue

St. Louis Ave. Overhaul Details Discussed

OCEAN CITY - Resort officials this week reviewed plans for a complete overhaul of the St. Louis Avenue corridor including a round-about at the dysfunctional 1st Street intersection, improved traffic patterns, increased lighting and landscaping and better draining. For years, St. Louis Avenue has been a local shortcut of sorts, used by residents and visitors to avoid traffic back-ups along southbound Philadelphia Avenue and northbound Baltimore Avenue, but increased traffic and more activity...READ MORE

Friday, September 12 - Carders' Spirit Recognized By Chamber

OCEAN CITY - The Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will present the 2008 Spirit of Ocean City Award to Billy and Madlyn Carder of BJ's on the Water at its Annual Installation Banquet on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at the Clarion. The Spirit Award was created in 1997 to honor and recognize those individuals who have owned or operated a successful business in Ocean City, while unselfishly and tirelessly promoting and enhancing Ocean City. The Carders join a distinguished group of past winners including...READ MORE

Friday, September 12 - Council Takes No Action On Hotel’s Proposed Driveway

OCEAN CITY - A proposed drop-off, pick-up circle in the plans for a new downtown hotel caused the Mayor and Council considerable heartburn this week, but after a lengthy debate, the elected officials decided the final say so was not in their purview and took no action. The debate revolved around a planned horseshoe-shaped ingress, egress point for the new Sleep Inn Hotel and Suites on Baltimore Avenue near 1st Street, formerly the Avelon. The u-shaped driveway would allow hotel guests to pull...READ MORE

Friday, September 12 - Residents Pack Town Hall Seeking Electric Answers

BERLIN - The Berlin Mayor and Council meeting was standing room only Monday night, packed with residents seeking answers over escalating electricity bills. The crowd of about 75 people reflected the citizens meeting on electric rates held two weeks ago, during which organizer Lisa Hall urged citizens to ask the town's elected officials directly for an answer. Interim Mayor Gee Williams had some news for concerned citizens at the beginning of the meeting. Two meetings have been scheduled within...READ MORE

Friday, September 12 - Soft Shoreline Eyed For City Roadway

OCEAN CITY - A failing bulkhead along a curvy section of Robin Drive in Ocean City could result in a new soft shoreline in the area complete with native plants, marsh and stone rip-rap, officials learned this week. The existing timber bulkhead along westbound Robin Drive where it takes a sharp turn has failed and either needs to be replaced with an expensive alternative or possibly a state grant-funded, more ecological alternative. The 600-foot section of bulkhead is beyond repair and replacing...READ MORE

Berlin Debates How To Help Those Who Can’t Pay Bills

BERLIN - As more electric customers in Berlin have trouble paying increasingly higher bills, some say that the town needs to work more closely with customers that fall behind. Berlin electric customers will see their electric costs rise another penny per kilowatt-hour before prices fall during the shoulder season. As bills go up, the number of customers who need assistance or special arrangements to meet their bills also goes up. The outcry over last month's bills is expected to continue this...READ MORE

Berlin Election Takes Shape

BERLIN - Two of three elections will be contested this fall in Berlin with one race attracting three political newcomers. Three candidates will contend for the District II Berlin Council seat, which will be vacated by Councilwoman Ellen Lang, who plans to retire later this year. Lang's decision to leave the District II seat guarantees fresh blood on the council after this election cycle. Thom Gulyas, Lisa Hall, and Jason Walter will compete for that slot. Councilman Elroy Brittingham is running...READ MORE

Deficit Could Delay Some Route 113 Dualization Phases

BERLIN - Future phases of Route 113 will be deferred after a $115 million shortfall surfaced in the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund this week. The dualization of Route 113 from Five Mile Branch Rd. to Public Landing Rd. must wait, according to a list of deferred transportation projects from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Money set aside for Route 113 access control will also be diverted to other projects for now. The work currently underway on Route 113 from Hayes Landing...READ MORE

Judge Denies Move To Disqualify State's Attorney

SNOW HILL - A Worcester County Circuit Court judge last week denied a motion filed by defense attorneys for the suspect in a West Ocean City murder in April seeking to disqualify the entire Worcester County State's Attorney's Office. A pre-trial hearing was held last Wednesday to consider several motions in the case against accused murderer Roberto Antonio Murillo, who remains behind bars after being charged with the stabbing death of Cecilia Dea Parker, 56, in her West Ocean City residence on...READ MORE

Judge Holds Off Key Ruling In Berlin Murder Indictment

SNOW HILL - Pre-trial activity in the case of one of two men charged with first-degree murder in the beating death of a Berlin teen in May has heated up with a Worcester County Circuit Court judge ruling positively on several motions filed by the defense this week, but the judge has not ruled on a motion to dismiss the indictment based on perceived shaky if not criminally false witness statements and a not-so-veiled threat of 'an elaborate cover-up.' Fernando Angelo Musiani, 19, of Berlin, is...READ MORE

Fed Up With Trash Ordeal, Berlin Invokes Project Bond

BERLIN - Efforts to find a working solution in the Franklin Knoll trash pick-up situation have been unsuccessful, prompting the Berlin Mayor and Council to invoke the performance bond on developer ADC Builders. 'It's an option of last resort,' said interim Mayor Gee Williams. The town council thought it had reached a solution a few weeks ago by proposing that the Franklin Knoll Homeowners Association offer the town a waiver of liability allowing Berlin trash trucks on unfinished roads in the...READ MORE

Hanna Provides Nice Sets For Surfing Contest

OCEAN CITY - On Saturday, Sept. 6, Tropical Storm Hanna roared through town, bringing heavy rains and winds of 30 to 40 knots. That evening however, as the storm passed, the winds shifted offshore and began to groom some of the best waves seen at a local contest in years, just in time for the 2008 K-Coast/Reef Open. With only four divisions, it made for a smooth running contest and four man heats, a rare treat for such events. As usual, the Open Shortboard was the most hotly contested. Lots of...READ MORE

Howard Defends Questioning Of Resort Fire Chief's Hiring

OCEAN CITY - A minor debate simmered on the ongoing Ocean City Fire Department issue again this week, beginning with one council member defending her position on the hiring of the new chief before a job description was established and ending with the city attorney saying the apparent breach of protocol was correct given the circumstances. Earlier this summer, town officials voted to merge the century-plus-old Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company with the town's paid professional fire department...READ MORE

Resort Council Field Swells To Five

Steve Green Editor OCEAN CITY - Some familiar faces, including two incumbents, have joined the race for the four City Council seats up for grabs in next month's election. Councilman Jim Hall and Doug Cymek filed for office within the last week, joining Councilman Jay Hancock, Councilwoman Mary Knight and resident Sean Rox as the candidates thus far. The filing deadline is Tuesday, Sept. 23. The election will be held Tuesday, Oct. 21. The Dispatch spoke this week with Hall and Cymek as well as...READ MORE

Resort Okay With Spending $1M On Restrooms

OCEAN CITY - Despite its $1 million price tag, town officials this week approved final design plans for the new comfort station and performing arts stage at Caroline Street and the Boardwalk. The new facility will replace the existing restrooms just north of Caroline Street. The old bunker-style restrooms will be replaced with a new comfort station with restroom facilities and a performing arts stage just to the south of the existing facility at the head of Caroline Street and the Boardwalk. The...READ MORE

State Highway Holding 589 Open House On Sept. 18

BERLIN - Area residents concerned about Route 589 will get the opportunity to learn more about the future of the beleaguered corridor next week when the State Highway Administration (SHA) hosts on open house on the ongoing feasibility study at Stephen Decatur Middle School next Thursday. Improving or widening Route 589 has become a top priority for Worcester County, second only to the completion of the ongoing dualization of Route 113. While it may be far down the pipeline in terms of physical...READ MORE

Ocean City Elementary School

In one of his first assignments since being back in school, Ocean City Elementary School fourth-grader Carl Echols enjoys working with his teacher, Kristin Rorke, on an 'All About Me' project.   ...READ MORE

Berlin Intermediate School

With backpacks full and ready for a new school year, Berlin Intermediate School students Brandon McKenzie, Joey Dukes, Clarke McDonough and Sean Corcoran head from the buses to start the day.   ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High School

An "All about Attitude" pep rally was held at Berlin Intermediate School to get everyone in the right attitude about a terrific new school year. Talents were displayed by teachers and staff and the Stephen Decatur High School cheerleaders got everyone in the spirit with some special BIS cheers. Above, sixth-graders Craig Snyder, Matt LeCompte and Corey Gwin are all smiles at the BIS pep rally.   ...READ MORE

Buckingham Elementary School

At Buckingham Elementary School, teacher Jennifer Lewandowski is pictured working with first-grade student Claire Merritt.   ...READ MORE

Ocean City Lions Club

Artist Patrick Henry, left, owner of Henry Fine Arts, recently donated a print of 'Eastern Shore Classics', to Ocean City Lions Club member and Past District Governor Norm Cathell. The print will be auctioned off during the 3rd Annual Lions Golf Tournament to be held at the Ocean City Golf Club on Wednesday, Oct. 1. The tournament raises money for wounded heroes from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. Submitted Photos   ...READ MORE

Worcester County G.O.L.D.

Ocean City/Berlin Rotary has donated filled book bags for local students to Worcester County G.O.L.D. (Giving Other Lives Dignity). Pictured, from left, are Worcester County G.O.L.D. Executive Director Deborah Cole, Ocean City/Berlin Rotary Club members Margo Jones Katzman, secretary; Dr. Lawrence Michnick, past president; and Stan Kahn, president.   ...READ MORE

Worcester County Garden Club

The Worcester County Garden Club met on Monday at the University Of Maryland Eastern Shore Building. The theme of the program was 'Square Foot Gardening' presented by Fred Silva, Master Gardener, Sussex County Extension Office. Silva showed a video followed by a question-and-answer section.   ...READ MORE

Worcester Youth & Family Counseling Services

Worcester Youth & Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) held its 2nd Annual Vera Bradley Bingo on Aug. 27 at Most Blessed Sacrament School in Berlin. Above, Lori Calloway, left, of Berlin, the winner of the Super Bonus Vera Bradley bag valued at over $500, is congratulated by Teresa Fields, Executive Director at WYFCS.   ...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Team Joins Prudential BERLIN - Linda Moran's Team Moran has just joined the West Ocean City office of Prudential Carruthers Realtors. Morgan is licensed in Maryland and Delaware. She has received the National Sales Award in recognition for being in the top 5% of all Real Estate Sales Professionals in America. She holds the CRS, RRS, SRES and GRI designations. Business, Tourism Leaders Recognized OCEAN CITY - The Worcester County Economic Development and Tourism Departments announced both the...READ MORE

My Thoughts

For the last 50 years, Insider has routinely tuned into the national news telecasts every night. CBS News was always his choice, primarily because for years he never had cable and only got a couple channels and channel 16 was it. It was always fuzzy and hard to see but the volume came in just fine. The old guy was used to hearing the news only as a kid anyway because the radio was all he had. Before the world of cable, channel 16 just happened to be CBS News' channel. Therefore, his love affair...READ MORE

Things I Like

The start of football season When my son gets a tight grip on my finger Large dogs with big blockheads A parent walking a kid to the bus stop HBO's 'Hard Knocks' A sunny day after a stormy one Driving to Assateague to spend the day Ignoring long-range weather forecasts The surf after a storm passes A horoscope that actually makes sense A sailboat in the back bays ...READ MORE

Fatherhood Adventures

'Is he sleeping through the night yet?' It's a question I have been asked a lot lately from people I know and others who apparently recognize me from that mug shot above. In my first rambling in this space, I wrote about being sleep deprived. With a newborn, the fact is rest is not something parents get a lot of. Some are better than others, but nights full of uninterrupted sleep are rare in the early months. In that first column, I devoted 1,000 words to the task of maintaining normalcy in my...READ MORE

What's Your Sign?

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Aspects favor new romances for unpaired Ewes and Rams. Already-paired Arian twosomes experience renewed harmony in their relationships. Money matters also take a bright turn. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): Use that strong Bovine determination to help you keep the faith with your convictions while you move through a period of uncertainty. Things begin to ease by the week's end. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Pay attention to your intuition. It could be alerting you to be...READ MORE

Building An Estate Plan To Care For Loved Ones

OCEAN CITY - Estate planning allows couples to protect themselves from the unexpected and ensure their legacy wishes are met. An effective estate planning strategy can help you and your partner work towards the tax-efficient transfer of assets and provide the surviving partner with the liquid assets necessary to cover immediate expenses such as estate taxes. It can also allow you the legal access to handle your partner's financial and healthcare affairs in the event one of you becomes...READ MORE

We Remember Those Who Have Passed

John Kenneth Dersch OCEAN CITY - John Kenneth Dersch, age 40, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2008 as a result of a moped accident. Born in Hackensack, NJ he was the son of John Thomas Dersch and Rosemarie Lazur Dersch. Along with his parents he is survived by his wife, Rosa Bonifacio Mamani Dersch; two sons, Kenneth Dersch and Joseph Dersch; one brother, Matthew Dersch; one sister, Victoria Lesione; and one nephew, Nickolas Lesione. Cremation followed his death. Services and Interment will be private....READ MORE

Big Berlin Drug Bust

BERLIN - Berlin police late last month made a significant cocaine bust when they observed a suspicious vehicle around a business while it was closed and were able to connect the suspect to drug activity in Norfolk, Va. Shortly after midnight on Aug. 24, a Berlin police officer observed a suspicious vehicle near a business in town after it was closed. The officer approached the vehicle and identified the suspect as Angel Chirinos, 30, of Norfolk. A background check revealed Chirinos was driving...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publishers Desk

The local election season is heating up. The county offices are exempt this year, but there are seats up for grabs in Ocean City and Berlin. With Berlin's filing deadline passing this week and five people filing so far for the four open council seats in Ocean City, we are getting a better picture of the upcoming elections. In Berlin, we know it will be a two-headed race with interim Mayor Gee Williams challenged by former Mayor Rex Hailey. We also are certain now three people are seeking...READ MORE

Spending Cuts Will Be Felt All Ove

When addressing the budget shortfall predicted for this fiscal year, legislators decided this winter to raise a bunch of taxes to offset that deficit. Although it has been known for months the quick fix did not work, we found out this week exactly how much of a failure it was. The Board of Revenue Estimates predicts the state will be $432 million in the hole for the current fiscal year because sales and income taxes have plummeted due to the economy. Of course, these were the two taxes increased...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Slots Will Help Local Community Editor: Like good nannies, Ocean City's leaders would have us believe they know what is best for you and me. They have circled the waters and have lobbied up with Annapolis's hired guns to protect us poor uninformed minions from, gasp, slots. Their reasoning is that slots will bring blight and crime to this blessed community by the sea. Tourists and locals, unable to think or fend for themselves, will frog-march with eyes glazed over through the wicked gates of...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