January 13, 2012

Air-Land Operation Installs New Inlet Jetty Beacon

OCEAN CITY -- The familiar beacon at the end of the north jetty at the Ocean City Inlet is back in place this week after a new tower was flown by helicopter from the Ocean City Municipal Airport last Friday and carefully lowered to a crew on the rocks below. The 20-foot tall tower, which for years alerted boat traffic to the presence of the rock jetty and the entrance to the Inlet, along with its somber alarm signal that could be heard from miles around on the clearest of nights, was swept away...READ MORE

Worcester Economic Director Feels ‘Urgency’

OCEAN CITY -- Business leaders this week got a formal introduction to Worcester Economic Development Director Bill Badger, Jr. and it appears the new department head already has an understanding of the dynamics in the county and the resort. Badger was hired by Worcester County in November to replace former Economic Development Director Gerald Redding. On Monday, he was formally introduced to the Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC). “I’m excited to be here,” he said....READ MORE

Council Supports Beach Horseback Rides

OCEAN CITY – The proposal to allow horseback riding on the beach is moving forward, as the Mayor and City Council voted to allow it beginning in November. The concept of allowing horseback riding on the beach was originally brought up by Councilman Brent Ashley back in October as a revenue booster in the off season. Since then, the idea has been brought back to the council on several occasions but this week officials sat down to make a decision. Examples of ordinances were taking from...READ MORE

North OC Business Alliance To Form

OCEAN CITY -- While many of the town’s special events and promotions are naturally centered in the downtown area including the Inlet and the Boardwalk, a new private sector alliance is hoping to ensure the north end gets a fair shake in terms of marketing and promotion. Ocean City Economic Development Committee (EDC) President Michael James, managing partner of the Carousel Resort, told EDC members this week progress is being made on a new North Ocean City Business Alliance, a...READ MORE

Activities Depot Proposed Off Berlin’s Route 346

BERLIN -- Unwilling to give an unconditional blessing to a design presented Wednesday, the Berlin Planning Commission did grant preliminary approval to a new building that would contain a gym, laser tag and indoor glow-in-the-dark miniature golf. Labeled the “Berlin Activities Depot,” the 30,000-square-foot building would be located off Route 346, or Old Ocean City Boulevard, at a site formerly used for parking at the Tyson chicken plant. Carmella Solito, who owns Twisters Gymnastics...READ MORE

Resort’s Taxi Industry Oversight Could Shift

OCEAN CITY – A few suggestions on cleaning up the city’s code regarding rental and business licenses this week resulted in further investigations of re-organizing the oversight of the taxi cab industry and the code regarding scooters. License Inspector Michael Sherman explained to the Mayor and City Council that while reviewing rental housing inspections and the issuance of the rental license after inspections a few issues came up within the code. “This is to make it more...READ MORE

Area Burglaries Lead To Stiff Prison Sentence

SNOW HILL -- A Pittsville man, connected to several Ocean City burglaries last fall after resort police were able to track his whereabouts using a signal transmitted from an I-Pad stolen from his most recent break-in, was found guilty this week on several charges and was sentenced to a combined 25 years in prison. During the month of August, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) investigated several reported burglaries that had occurred on the ocean side of the mid-town area. In the course of...READ MORE

Community Prays For Ava

OCEAN CITY – Ava Delricco is showing positive signs on her road to recovery as the community stands strong to ensure support and justice in the DelRicco’s time of need. Last Saturday night a candlelight vigil was held for the 18-month-old girl who was seriously injured in a car accident on Dec. 16 and recovering at John Hopkins in Baltimore. As of yesterday, Ava was progressing and impressing her family with her improvements. She was to have surgery yesterday afternoon to replace the...READ MORE

Voices From The Readers

Suggestion For Berlin Editor: I really enjoyed ringing in the new year in Berlin, but I have an idea to make the ball drop better. In my opinion (and others around town), the actual ball is a little, well, not so great. I think it would be a great contest for local schools in the area to design and create a new ball. I am sure that there are many students that could come up with a great design to really wow the crowd. Laura Mazza Ocean Pines 
Overwhelmed By Support Editor: The outpouring...READ MORE

Same Problems, Different Entity In Worcester

The 2014 Maryland Gubernatorial Election is still two-plus years away, but Comptroller Peter Franchot’s frank talk and blunt approach have put him out in the forefront in the early going. Franchot, the two-term tax collector, will be running for governor in a couple years, although he has not announced it officially yet. It will more than likely be Franchot and current Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown squaring off for the Democratic nomination and it’s possible current Attorney General Doug...READ MORE

Thoughts From The Publisher's Desk

The General Assembly is back in session and tax increases will be the major story. Legislators are almost surely going to raise the gasoline tax by as much as 15 cents and might triple the flush tax before they adjourn this spring, but Gov. Martin O’Malley opined this week he would support a different increase. If it were up to him to address the operating budget deficit of approximately $600 million and infrastructure funding woes, he would increase the sales tax for the second time in...READ MORE

DWI Chase Ends in Crash

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City man was arrested on drunk-driving and other charges last weekend after leading resort police on a chase through downtown, during which he allegedly knocked over a few signs before crashing into a utility pole. Around 6 p.m. last Friday, Ocean City police received a complaint from a private citizen about a vehicle stopped on the center median at 17th Street with a suspected drunk driver outside the vehicle. The witness told police the driver, later identified as Shawn...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 Makai Condominiums 42nd St. Bayside Daily 10-4 New Construction 2BR & Studio Condos Ben Dawson The Fritschle Group/ Condominium Realty 410-603-2205 WEST OCEAN CITY Sailor's Watch Golf Course Road Sat&Sun 10-4 3BR/3.5BA New Construction Luxury Townhouses Only 3 Left Coldwell Banker 410-524-6111 OCEAN...READ MORE

Ravens’ Oher Planning Salisbury Visit Feb. 10

SALISBURY -- Students and staff at Prince Street Elementary School (PSES) were blindsided Monday by the announcement that Baltimore Ravens’ offensive tackle Michael Oher will be visiting their school on Feb. 10. “It’s a secret we’ve had quite a few months,” said Assistant Principal Jason Miller. PSES staff and Wicomico Board of Education (BoE) members dropped several hints during the morning assembly. When it became clear that Oher would be the special guest, the...READ MORE

Report Shows Ocean City’s Rec Programs Booming

OCEAN CITY – The number of participants in Recreation and Parks programs and tournaments are up this year, but one city officials was quick to remind the department of the current lean times. The Recreation and Parks Department gave an update to the Mayor and Council on 2011’s activities and a glimpse of what lies ahead. “We are really happy to report that our numbers are bigger than they have been in a number of years at Northside Park,” Recreation Superintendent Kate...READ MORE

Woman Admits To Stealing Money From Golf Course

SNOW HILL -- In an apparent case of the apple not falling far from the tree, a Salisbury woman, who previously worked for a Berlin property manager convicted last year of theft and theft scheme, was charged this week with the same crimes for allegedly bilking a local golf course out of thousands of dollars. In October, a Maryland State Police trooper investigated an initial theft report filed by Ed Colbert, owner and president of the Deer Run Golf Club in Berlin. The investigation focused on the...READ MORE

Indian River Bridge To Open

INDIAN RIVER -- After years of construction, Delaware Department of Transportation (DelDot) officials announced this week the Indian River Bridge will finally open to traffic next week. DelDot officials announced this week southbound Route 1 traffic will be routed onto the new Indian River Inlet Bridge next Friday, Jan. 20. This will be the first stage of moving traffic from the existing Indian River Inlet Bridge to the newly constructed bridge.
Shortly thereafter, Route 1 northbound...READ MORE

Local Airport Breaks Flyer Record

SALISBURY -- The Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport set a new record for the number of passengers flowing through the facility in 2011, topping the airport’s 13-year-old record. Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt on Wednesday announced the Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport established two new records in 2011, the most significant of which is the new record for the number of airline passengers during the year. Wicomico-based Piedmont Airlines, a subsidiary of...READ MORE

Some Wicomico Citizens Back Tax Hike For School

SALISBURY -- A new James M. Bennett Middle School (BMS) and lack of community involvement in schools were the major talking points during last week’s budget public input session. “Tonight, we’re here to listen,” said Board of Education President Ron Willey. He made it clear from the beginning that schools would be in a tough spot in 2012. “We’re looking at additional cuts in our budget this year,” he told the audience. Superintendent of Schools Dr. John...READ MORE

OC BikeFest Seeks Harley Participation

OCEAN CITY – Event details and financial particulars were ironed for the 2nd Annual OC BikeFest during this week’s Mayor and City Council meeting. OC BikeFest organizer Cliff Sutherland came before the Mayor and City Council with a couple of requests. Before he could get the first request out, there was already a motion on the floor by Councilman Joe Hall to allow the event to be sponsored by the Casino at Ocean Downs. “Whether we like it or not, the casino is now part of our...READ MORE

Art League Relocates

OCEAN CITY -- It will be business as usual as the Art League of Ocean City moves into its new temporary digs at the former Susquehanna Bank building on 94th Street. The Art League of Ocean City is moving from its long time location on 94th Street to a temporary location just up the street in the old Susquehanna bank building. It’s the building with the blue roof near the entrance to the Super Fresh parking lot. The league will be there until construction is complete on the new arts center....READ MORE

OC Dentist Joins Smile Program

OCEAN CITY -- More than five million individuals are affected by domestic violence each year in the United States, and local dentist Dr. William Allen is helping heal the effects by participating in the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry Charitable Foundation’s (AACDCF) Give Back A Smile (GBAS) program. Allen is one of a few volunteer dentists in the country involved with GBAS, which is available to restore the damaged smiles of eligible adult survivors of intimate partner...READ MORE

Downtown Detour In OC Slated

OCEAN CITY -- The sewer main replacement project that has affected much of the downtown area over the last few months will include a road closure along Philadelphia Ave. starting next week. Motorists traveling southbound on Philadelphia Ave. will be detoured around St. Louis Ave. starting next Monday, Jan. 16, to facilitate the extension of a new sewer force main across the roadway. Southbound traffic will be directed to St. Louis Ave. via 17th Street and then re-directed back to Philadelphia...READ MORE

Wicomico To Host Softball World Series

SALISBURY -- World Series Softball is coming to Wicomico County in 2012 and, according to officials, it will be the largest sporting event it has ever hosted. “This event dwarfs everything we’ve done,” said Wicomico County Executive Rick Pollitt. Pollitt revealed on Tuesday the United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) will bring its 16U A and B and 18U Open and C Eastern World Series to Wicomico in July. Though Wicomico has hosted softball tournaments before,...READ MORE

OC Looks To Market Bus System’s ‘Best Deal’

OCEAN CITY – The Park & Ride’s fare will be increased to match the Coastal Highway bus system’s fare increase that went into effect almost a year ago. Last February, the ride-all-day pass for municipal buses in Ocean City increased from $2 to $3, along with an option for one-time boarding cost of $1. On Tuesday, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said as the department wraps up upcoming budget submissions for the forthcoming fiscal year, fiscal year 2013, officials took a...READ MORE

Mayor Eyes Hoppes For Salisbury Fire Chief

SALISBURY -- For the second time in about a year, Salisbury will be getting a new fire chief, and Mayor Jim Ireton already has a candidate in mind -- current Deputy Chief Rick Hoppes. “Someone has left,” said Ireton. “Someone who is qualified can take over.” Former Fire Chief Jeff Simpson resigned earlier this week to pursue what Ireton referred to as “personal and professional” interests. Simpson served in his position for just over a year and dealt with some...READ MORE

Safety Starts With Smoke Alarms

OCEAN CITY -- Just recently in Stamford, Conn. a raging fire took the lives of three children and two grandparents. As a Town of Ocean City Firefighter/Medic, I am part of a department that focuses on community safety and when we hear of such news we immediately began to review our local community outreach efforts and what we can do to prevent such a tragedy on a local level. It seems that when folks hear “Fire Safety Messages”, they feel as if they know it already and don’t...READ MORE

Adventures Of Fatherhood

The mind of a 3-year-old is a wonderful thing. That’s what I was thinking as I overheard a conversation on Saturday afternoon between Pam and Beckett, who was trying to work his charm on his mom after losing a perk due to some bouts of misbehavior.Earlier in the day, Beckett had been asking about ice cream, and, as we are often prone to do, we told him it depended on whether he wore his listening ears on that particular day.Eventually, after about a dozen too many bouts of defiance,...READ MORE

Decatur Wrestlers Sweep Two Matches

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team started the second half of its season on a roll last week, beating Kent Island, 46-21, last Wednesday before thrashing always-tough Reservoir, 56-15, on Saturday. The Seahawks traveled to Kent Island last Wednesday to face the Buccaneers and prevailed, 46-21, with wins coming from all over the roster. Picking up wins for Decatur in the Kent Island match were Nate Rosenblatt (106), Ethan Mariner (113), Jonah Crisanti (119), Alford Hardy...READ MORE

Decatur Girls Win in OT, 59-53

BERLIN- If nothing else, Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team has shown a flair for the dramatic this season with a narrow 51-50 loss to Washington last week, followed by a 59-53 overtime win over county rival Snow Hill on Tuesday. Last week, the Seahawks battled with Washington tooth and nail before falling, 51-50. Abby Schorr led the Seahawks with 20 points, while Katie Purnell pitched in 15. On Tuesday, the Decatur girls traveled to Snow Hill for another...READ MORE

OC Boys Basketball Action Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s Winter Boys Basketball League continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following is a quick look at some of the action: (bullet) Dr. William Allen 24- OC Parrothead Club 13: Mark Smith scored 12 points, while Mitchell McGee and Ian Shaner scored four each. Max Mariner led the Parrotheads with eight points.
(bullet) Belair Supply 36- Fresco’s 22: Chase Hamstead led Belair with 10 points...READ MORE

Seahawk Track Teams Finish Strong

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity indoor track teams turned in strong performances in a conference meet last week with the girls finishing first and the boys tying for second. The Decatur girls finished first in the Bayside meet at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill last Wednesday with 88.5 team points, while Milford was second and Cape Henlopen was third. The Decatur girls’ collected several firsts in individual events including Jessica Galuardi in the 55-meter...READ MORE

Tate Returns Home for Big Playoff Game

BERLIN- Local football fans will likely be a little conflicted this week during the Baltimore Ravens’ home playoff game against Houston with former area high school standout Ben Tate returning to his home state with the Texans. Tate’s high school career began at Stephen Decatur before transferring to Snow Hill for his senior year. During his remarkable high school career in Worcester County, Tate set several Maryland state records including most yards rushing in a single season...READ MORE

Seahawks Pull Away from Eagles, 57-43

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity basketball team beat county rival Snow Hill, 57-43, pulling away from the Eagles after a tight first half. The first half ended with Decatur clinging to an 18-17 lead, but the Seahawks steadily pulled away through the final two quarters. Snow Hill scored on a quick lay-up to start the third quarter to briefly take the lead at 19-18. Decatur’s Jesse Engle then launched a long three-pointer from the corner to put the Seahawks back on top at...READ MORE

Young Wrestlers Solid in State Meet

WEST OCEAN CITY- Young wrestlers from the Eastern Shore Intensive Wrestling Club, based in West Ocean City, made a strong showing in tournaments last weekend, collecting several first-place finishes in the events and placing in numerous others. The Eastern Shore Intensive Wrestling Club, under the direction of Coach Keith Tobin and his staff, provides young grapplers in the area with training and mentoring all year around in an effort to provide them with a foundation for future success....READ MORE

We Remember Those We Have Lost

Jean A. Dimick OCEAN CITY -- Jean Antoinette Dimick, 70 of Ocean City, and formerly of Sykesville, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012 at Lorien Nursing Center in Columbia. Born Nov. 14, 1941 in Baltimore, she was the daughter of the late George and Anna Wogtas McCracken. 
She devoted her life to her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed volunteering in the church and community. 
Surviving are daughters and sons-in-law, Lisa Jean and Keith Feehley of Eldersburg and Wendy Jean and Bradley...READ MORE

A Week In Business

Bank Promotions BERLIN -- Raymond M. Thompson, President/CEO, of Calvin B. Taylor Banking Company has announced three promotions. Stacy Schaffer is now the company’s marketing officer. Wes McCabe has been promoted to vice president, loan and business development officer. Casey Robinson will now serves as the branch manager of the 91st Street location. Retirement Announced OCEAN CITY – Janice Cropper has retired after almost 18 years with the Town of Ocean City. Cropper joined the...READ MORE

Things To Do Around Town

Jan. 13: Crop For A Cure Scrapbooking Event Clarion Hotel, 101st St., O.C. To benefit the American Cancer So-ciety. Vendors including Close to My Heart, Creative Memories, Claire’s Scrapbooking, Scentsy, Tastefully Simple, Thirty-One Bags, Mary Kay and more. Cost: $40, to crop for the day. For more info or to reserve your spot, 443-235-2926. Jan. 13: KC Bingo 5 p.m., doors open; 6:30 p.m., games begin; rear of St. Luke’s Church, 9901 Coastal Hwy., O.C. Refreshments on sale. For more...READ MORE

Who's Playing When And Where

Buxy’s Salty Dog 410-289-0973 28th St. & Coastal Hwy. Call For Entertainment Charlie’s Bayside Restaurant 302-539-3526 Rte. 1 & Maryland Ave., Fenwick Island   Saturday, Jan. 14: Aaron Howell Trio, 8 p.m. Clarion Hotel 410-524-3535 10100 Coastal Hwy.   Ocean Club: Friday, Jan. 13 & Saturday, Jan. 14: New Censation Dead freddies 410-524-3733 64th St. & the Bay Friday, Jan. 13: DJ Rupe, 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14: DJ Wax Fager’s Island 410-524-5500 60th...READ MORE

Best Eats On The Beach

West Ocean City- Berlin Ocean Pines-Fruitland Breakfast Cafe Of Ocean City 12736 Ocean Gateway, West Ocean City • 410-213-1804 Open 7 days a week between Sunsations & Starbucks, across from Outback, come join us at the “Breakfast Cafe” (formerly Rambler Coffee Shop) we are a family-friendly restaurant that’s been family own-ed for 30 years passed from mother to son in 2001. We believe that fair pricing, putting out quality food as fresh as we can make it and a nice...READ MORE

A Case For Being Selective With Corporate Bonds

OCEAN CITY -- Traditionally, investors seeking calm waters have looked to sovereign debt in developed economies. This would explain, for example, the heightened demand for U.S. Treasuries in recent years. Today, however, many large multinational companies — though certainly not all — increasingly look like a better refuge for capital than many countries do. The shift stems partly from a new era of corporate conservatism that, in the wake of the economic crisis of 2008, prompted...READ MORE

Students And Parents At Showell Elementary Create Winter Crafts

Students and parents at Showell Elementary School enjoy creating winter crafts before holiday break. Above, Ms. Mazzei assists students in making a Rudolph ornament. ...READ MORE

Showell Elementary Kindergartners Construct Gingerbread Cottages

At Showell Elementary School, kindergartners cooperated with a partner to construct delicious gingerbread cottages. Aidan Scott, Miss Bobik and Caleb Derickson are pictured. ...READ MORE

Upper School Student Gov. Of Salisbury Recently Led Toy Drive

The Upper School Student Government Association at Salisbury School recently led a toy drive to provide holiday gifts to local children. The toys were presented to the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore for distribution to local families in need. Above, Jessica Bunting, Salisbury School’s Upper School SGA President, is shown with the donations. ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Welcomes Local Humane Society

Ocean City Elementary School recently welcomed volunteers from the local Humane Society. Volunteers enjoyed spending time with faculty during the holiday luncheon before being presented a check for over $1,600 from this season's fundraising effort at OCES as well as supplies.Above are Director Kenille Davies, Principal Irene Kordick, 3rd grade teacher Megan Cooke and students Ben and Rowan Wilkins and other volunteers. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur Student Finishes First Earning $15,000 In Virtual Money

Stephen Decatur High School junior Larry Jock finished first on the lower Eastern Shore in the Fall Season Stock Market Game. He was given $100,000 in virtual money and made an additional $15,000 in 10 weeks. Jock is a student of Consumer and Personal Finance teacher Kurt Marx.  ...READ MORE

OC Elementary Third Graders Make Stockings To Donate To The Salvation Army

The third grade students at Ocean City Elementary School made stockings to donate to the Salvation Army. Above, Luke Crisanti, Chelsea VanVonno, Kylie Boston and Madison Delamater are holding stockings they created for the Salvation Army. ...READ MORE

Pre-K OC Elementary Students Read And Retell Folk Tales

Pre-kindergarten students at Ocean City Elementary School have been busy reading and retelling different folk tales about the Gingerbread Man, The Gingerbread Boy, The Gingerbread Girl, Gingerbread Babies, and Gingerbread Friends. Pictured is Adelina Olerta from Jennifer Fohner's morning class. She found her cookie taking a rest in the Early Childhood Pod. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Worcester County Republican Central Committee Celebrates 1st Annual Christmas Party

The Worcester County Republican Central Committee celebrated its 1st Annual Christmas Party last month. Pictured, seated from left, are Judy Boggs, County Commissioner, and Dr. Sharon Nelson, committee chair; and standing, Jim Bunting, County Commissioner, Dan Bongino, candidate for the US Senate, Beau Oglesby, State’s Attorney, Mike McDermott, Delegate, District 38B, and Reggie Mason, Sheriff. ...READ MORE

Ravens Roost To Hold Post Football Season Dance Feb 18 To Benefit Local Charities

The Ravens Roost #44, Ocean City, is holding a Post Football Season Dance on Feb. 18, 7-11 p.m., to benefit the Roost #44 local charities. The event, featuring the Tranzfusion band, will be held in the Ocean City Elks Lodge Hall on 137th Street. Tickets may be purchased for $25 from Mary Kendall 302-236-9617 or Ron Apperson 302-436-4790. Above, Apperson and Mary Kendall are pictured selling tickets for the event. ...READ MORE

Baha Amusements Makes $5,000 Donation To SD High School Alumni Association's Capital Campaign

Baha Amusements has made a $5,000 donation to the Stephen Decatur High School Alumni Association's capital campaign. On hand for the presentation were SDHS Alumni Association Co-Chairman Jay Bergey, Principal Lou Taylor and Baja representatives Patti Moore and Steve Hoffman. ...READ MORE

Stephen Decatur High School Faculty And Students Raise $3,500 For Diakonia

Stephen Decatur High School faculty and students worked throughout the fall raising money for Diakonia, which resulted in a grand total of $3,500. Above, Diakonia Executive Director Claudia Nagle receives the donation from Stephen Decatur High School National Honor Society representatives Michelle Ott and Kelly Sullivan, Principal Lou Taylor and Special Education teacher Amanda Wroten.  ...READ MORE

Ladies Ancient Order Of Hibernians Make Donation To Noel Christmas Dinner

The Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians recently donated $500 to the Noel Christmas dinner. Pictured, from left, are President Betty Jane Ertel, coordinator Ken MacMullin and member Joanne Kirby. Submitted Photos ...READ MORE

Things I Like

Leaving the dentist When New Year’s Day was a big college football game day Showtime’s “Homeland” When my 3-year-old naps People who are on time Leap years A full moon over water The colors of a winter sunset A wine aerator Competition Leftover soup the next day ...READ MORE

What's Your Sign

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): A hectic period begins to wind down. Take time to draw some deep breaths and relax before getting into your next project. A long-absent family member makes contact. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): You're eager to move forward with a new challenge that suddenly dropped in your lap. But you'd be wise to take this one step at a time to allow new developments to come through. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): You're almost ready to make a commitment. A lingering doubt or two,...READ MORE