Articles

NEW FOR THURSDAY: OC Councilman Proposes Random Act of Kindness Day

OCEAN CITY – April 6 may become “Random Act of Kindness Day in Ocean City” to help motivate residents and visitors to pay it forward through acts of compassion. At Monday’s meeting, Councilman Brent Ashley started out by asking for an update on the initiative to have an official Ocean City song that was originally suggested by Councilman Joe Hall a few weeks ago. Mayor Rick Meehan said the concept has been sent to the town’s advertising firm, MGH, for its...READ MORE

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Commission President Wants End To Organized Budget Campaign

SNOW HILL -- After hearing the Worcester County Board of Education’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2013 Tuesday, Commission President Bud Church requested that parents, teachers and students stop flooding the commissioners with petitions. “Stop all of the letters, stop all of the emails,” Church asked. “We know what the problems are.” Church went on to tell the audience, the majority of whom were school faculty or parents, that bombarding the commission with...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Resort's City Manager Search Enters Final Stretch

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City has narrowed the field of candidates to fill Ocean City’s vacant city manager post and expects to have the seat filled no later than May. In separate phone interviews today, Mayor and Interim City Manager Rick Meehan and Human Resources Director Wayne Evans confirmed the process to hire a new city manager is on track and reaching its final stages. During a closed meeting at City Hall on Monday, the Mayor and City Council met with John Anzivino, Senior Vice...READ MORE

NEW FOR TUESDAY: Plan To Expand Sales Tax Worries Trade Groups

BERLIN -- Proposed legislation expanding the state’s sales tax to more than two dozen new services has garnered the attention of the resort and state business community. House Bill 1051 calls for applying the state’s sales tax to services such as tax prep, property management, vehicles, commercial cleaning, cell phones, cable television, security systems, a parking facility, barber or beauty expense, sign painting, interior decorating and extermination, among others. The bill will...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: State’s Attorney Answers Baby Ava Case Critics

BERLIN -- In response to dozens of Facebook posts on the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s page in recent weeks, Beau Oglesby issued a statement on Friday addressing the situation involving Andre Kaczynski. Back in December, Kaczynski, while allegedly high on PCP, crashed into a vehicle on Coastal Highway in north Ocean City, causing major injuries to Ava DelRicco, who was 18 months old at the time, and her mother. On the scene of the accident, which occurred in the morning hours,...READ MORE

Berlin Growing More Comfortable With Alcohol At Events

BERLIN -- Months after beginning the experiment, the Berlin Mayor and Council seem to have finally grown more comfortable with the idea of the Chamber of Commerce selling alcohol at town events., as they swiftly and unanimously approved a beer garden for the 2nd Annual May Day Play Day this week. “I’m very proud of the work the chamber and Main Street Berlin have done,” said Mayor Gee Williams. Last October, Berlin made its first foray into chamber-run beer gardens at the 1st...READ MORE

Natural Gas Pipeline Could Reach Worcester This Summer

BERLIN -- The long-awaited effort to bring cheaper, cleaner natural gas to Worcester now appears to be closer than ever as a major distributor continues to chug its pipeline closer to the county line. Chesapeake Utilities officials last week announced it was continuing to extend its natural gas pipeline along Route 113 through Delaware and should be prepared to cross over into Worcester County later this summer. Chesapeake Utilities Senior Vice President Stephen Thompson said this week the...READ MORE

Bill Would Extend Slots Subsidy For Harness Racing

BERLIN -- A bill extending a sunset provision for an allocation of up to $1.2 million for Ocean Downs from the horseracing purse fund generated by slots to help subsidize operating costs at the Berlin racetrack had its first hearing in the Senate this week, but not everyone is happy with the proposal. Maryland’s approved slots legislation allowed for a one-time subsidy for operating costs at the state’s two harness racing tracks, including Ocean Downs, in an amount not to exceed $1.2...READ MORE

Berlin, County Eye Water Deal

BERLIN -- Worried that the town might be jumping the gun and cutting out some current or future property owners from water coverage, the Berlin Mayor and Council voted Monday to delay approval of a Water Use Agreement with the Worcester County Commissioners. “We just want to make sure that we know what the boundaries of that agreement are,” said Mayor Gee Williams. Several years ago, Berlin and Worcester entered into an arrangement involving a water well located between Stephen...READ MORE

Survey Probes Psychological Impact Of Storm Evacuations

OCEAN CITY -- A University of Pennsylvania study is attempting to delve into the psychological aspects of evacuating prior to predicted hurricanes, with a particular focus on Hurricane Irene, which forced a mandatory evacuation of Ocean City last August. The study, led by Dr. Melissa Hunt, is essentially a continuation of a similar effort conducted following Hurricane Katrina and is attempting to apply the lessons learned from that study to the evacuations from Irene. The study is focusing on...READ MORE

Bills Call For Extending Local Food, Beverage Tax

OCEAN CITY -- A pair of bills introduced in the General Assembly last week would, if approved, extend the special food and beverage tax levied in Ocean City for the life of the current Roland E. Powell Convention Center expansion project. Senate Bill 990, introduced by Sen. Jim Mathias last week and cross-filed in the House by Delegates Norm Conway and Mike McDermott, would, among other things, extend the portion of the food and beverage tax dedicated to cover the cost of the Convention Center...READ MORE

Harbor Pointe Sidewalk Financing Outlined

SALISBURY – After almost a decade of planning, the residents of Harbor Pointe have moved one step closer to receiving a sidewalk. The Salisbury City Council held a public hearing this week and first reading of an ordinance establishing the Harbor Pointe Planned Residential District as a special assessment district for the purpose of financing the cost of a sidewalk by assessing each lot owner. The sidewalk will be installed on Harbor Pointe Drive from Pemberton Drive to Anchors Way. As the...READ MORE

Students Raise $5K In First-Ever Project Soup Bowl

BERLIN -- Part art lesson and part charity fundraiser, Berlin Intermediate School (BIS) students participated in the 1st Annual Project Soup Bowl this week and managed to raise in excess of $5,000. “It’s a wonderful example of students using art to benefit the community,” said Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes. Andes was on hand at BIS on Tuesday evening for the unveiling of the project. The event was the culmination of several months of work by students and faculty, who...READ MORE

Mortgage Interest Deduction Proposal Assailed

BERLIN -- Hundreds gathered in Annapolis on Wednesday, including a large contingent from the Ocean City area and the Eastern Shore, to protest a proposed reduction in Maryland’s mortgage interest deduction many believe could further derail the state’s struggling housing industry. Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed budget introduced in January includes a cap on many itemized deductions for Maryland taxpayers in mid- to upper brackets. The proposed plan includes cutting...READ MORE

City Clerk Praised As She Enters Retirement

SALISBURY – The City Clerk of 17 years, Brenda Colegrove, worked her last legislative meeting Monday as she retired on March 1. “Ms. Colegrove you have been an incredible example of true public service in so many ways to the people of Salisbury, to the council, to the administration, and we are so deeply appreciative of all you have done,” Council President Terry Cohen said. “It gives me a lot of pleasure to be up here with you … we know you will be very happy in...READ MORE

Ocean City Among State’s Newest Main Street Programs

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City has been designated as one of the three new Main Street Maryland programs. “The Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) is very pleased with Ocean City’s new designation as a Main Street Maryland community,” OCDC Executive Director Glenn Irwin said. “There are a number of benefits for Ocean City being designated a Main Street community.” Irwin added that benefits include training and networking opportunities from the state and other...READ MORE

City Manager Can Grant Beach Horse Waiver

OCEAN CITY – Less than a week after the town received its first horseback riders on the beach, the ordinance that was passed to allow the activity was looked over and revised. Last Wednesday Ocean City received its first horseback riders on the beach from Holly Ridge Farm in Powellville and this week the Mayor and City Council had a brief discussion of an ordinance to amend a chapter, Entitled Animals, to allow more than 12 horses on the beach at any time with the approval of the city...READ MORE

City Approves Airport Tree Planting Request

OCEAN CITY – The town’s municipal airport will receive new landscaping as a result of reconstruction to a runway and new fencing, helping to prevent pollution from running into surrounding waterways. A request came before the Mayor and Council to use Critical Area mitigation funds for tree planting at the Ocean City Municipal Airport at this week’s meeting. According to Ocean City Environmental Engineer Gail Blazer, the town collects Critical Area mitigation money during the...READ MORE

Berlin Remembers Sonny Derrickson

BERLIN -- Town officials reflected this week after the passing of Mansfield “Sonny” Derrickson last Saturday. “He was very active … He was instrumental in a lot of things,” said Councilman Elroy Brittingham, a friend and neighbor of Derrickson’s. As owner of Sonny’s Barbershop on Flower Street since 1958, Derrickson developed a reputation as a leader in the community and fostered pet projects like affordable housing in Berlin and pedestrian safety on...READ MORE

Roof Deck Okayed For OC Restaurant

OCEAN CITY -- BJ’s on the Water plans to build a roof deck to add dining area to the restaurant’s bay front. At last week’s Planning and Zoning Commission meeting, Zoning Administrator Blaine Smith explained that the footprint of the alteration will not expand the existing footprint of the building. The second floor will include a flat roof over a dining area and glass railing to take advantage of the bay view. There will be a stair tower connecting the first and second floor...READ MORE

OC Fire Maintains 4-Minute Average Response Time

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) gave an update this week and, for some items, further presentations will be scheduled in the near future to return to the Mayor and City Council for an approved course of action. Fire Chief Chris Larmore started off his presentation reporting the department’s new fire boat is coming along well. The fire department anticipates having between six to eight operators fully trained by the time the vessel is ready for service, which should...READ MORE

Federal Judge Rules For OC In Discrimination Case

OCEAN CITY -- Roughly three months after a federal jury entered a split decision of sorts in a discrimination lawsuit filed by an Ocean City Police Department sergeant, who alleged he was twice passed over for promotion to lieutenant when he was pressed into active military service with the Coast Guard, a federal judge last week officially closed the case with a judgment in favor of the town. In November 2008, OCPD Sgt. William Bunting filed a civil suit against the town of Ocean City and its...READ MORE

Busy Spring Planned For Delmarva Discovery Center

POCOMOKE -- It’s springtime at the Delmarva Discovery Center (DDC). If you have never been inside of the Delmarva Discovery Center, there are plenty of opportunities in March for an introduction. On Saturdays, March 3, April 7 and May 5, visitors may choose their own admission price. Visitors will be given an envelope to return at the end of your tour with your chosen donation enclosed. Donations remain anonymous unless you wish otherwise. If you have never been inside the Delmarva...READ MORE

State Awards OCDC Pair Of $50K Grants

OCEAN CITY – The Ocean City Developmental Corporation (OCDC) scored funding from the state this year to bolster two of its programs. Last week Executive Director Glenn Irwin learned the OCDC will receive grants for $50,000 for the façade program and $50,000 for the green building initiative program. “The OCDC is very pleased with our funding awards this year,” Irwin said.  “The OCDC Façade Improvement Program has been our most successful program and the...READ MORE

Sewer Project Not Expected To Impact Parade

OCEAN CITY -- The major sewer installation project that has disrupted traffic patterns throughout the winter and late fall should be concluding on schedule and is not expected to impact the resort’s upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Throughout the winter, the major sewer force main installation project has slogged steadily north on Philadelphia Ave. and Coastal Highway in three-block sections from 15th Street to ultimately 49th Street. According to Public Works Director Hal Adkins,...READ MORE

Study Outlines Assateague Island’s Economic Impact

ASSATEAGUE -- Not only has Assateague Island National Seashore weathered the last few years of national economic turbulence, according to officials, business has been steadily improving. “We’ve seen a very slight increase [in visitors] over the last 3-4 years,” said Carl Zimmerman, management assistant for Assateague Island National Seashore. According to a recently released National Parks Service (NPS) report, Assateague was “ranked among the top twenty parks nationwide...READ MORE

New Route 50 Traffic Signal Soon

BERLIN -- Plans to manage traffic around the Wal-Mart and Home Depot on Route 50 moved forward this week with the installation of a new signal at Holly Grove Rd. and the entrance to Glen Riddle. Prior to Tuesday’s new light, another, not yet operational, light was installed west of the shopping center. “They can move a lot of traffic,” said Maryland State Highway Association (SHA) District Engineer Donnie Drewer of the new signals. Drewer explained that the goal of the signal...READ MORE

Non-Profit Group Brings Construction Expertise To Md.

BERLIN -- After almost 15 years of success in Delaware, Contractors for a Cause (CFAC), a non-profit construction organization, has decided to set up shop in Worcester County. “They’ve done amazing things in Delaware,” said Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services (WYFCS) Director of Development and Donor Relations Stefanie Gordy. WYFCS, along with Diakonia, a transitional living shelter in West Ocean City, was responsible for attracting CFAC to Maryland, according to...READ MORE

Minke Whale Found In Watershed Creek

BERLIN -- A juvenile minke whale had to be euthanized last week after being discovered on a mud flat in Turville Creek near Ocean Pines. National Aquarium in Baltimore Stranding Coordinator Jennifer Dittmar and an associate were stationed on the scene last Friday morning at the county boat ramp off Gum Point Road. The whale was secured in knee-deep water by a pier at the county boat ramp awaiting transport. Dittmar had been at the boat ramp since Thursday evening guarding the calf, which had to...READ MORE

Wicomico Deputy Sheriff Shot In Cambridge

CAMBRIDGE -- A Wicomico County deputy sheriff is recovering from a gunshot wound and a suspect wanted on multiple arrest warrants is in custody and facing more charges as Maryland State Police continue the investigation into the attempted murder of a police officer Wednesday morning in Dorchester County. The suspect is identified as Tavone A. Dobson, 22, of no fixed address in Cambridge, Md. Dobson is currently being held in the Dorchester County Detention Center. In addition to the warrants...READ MORE

Council Holds Off Decision On Portable Tourism Booth

OCEAN CITY – A revamped presentation of OC Experience, a marketing tool geared toward travel shows, was prematurely proposed this week as the City Council felt lost in what to approve due to details, such as exact costs, missing from the proposal. Last year, Spark Productions LLC presented the OC Experience as a tractor trailer sporting Ocean City’s brand traveling to different shows selling the town as a destination. Spark Productions has a 20-year history of event production and...READ MORE

Amusement Park Adding Coast’s Only Looping Waterslide

OCEAN CITY – Jolly Roger Amusement Park’s Splash Mountain Waterpark is adding a new attraction this year, the Aqua Loop, the only looping waterslide on the east coast. “It is a different level of excitement,” General Manager Stephen Pastusak said. “We haven’t had an extreme water slide since the Stealth.” The Aqua Loop will be the tallest waterslide of Jolly Roger’s current offerings. The rider starts off by being enclosed into a capsule where the...READ MORE