Articles

NEW FOR THURSDAY: Larger ‘Flagship’ Liquor Store Eyed For Route 50

BERLIN -- The liquor industry in Worcester County could change dramatically in the coming months if officials approve a plan for a new and larger Department of Liquor Control (DLC) retail facility on Route 50. A DLC advisory committee will present to the County Commissioners on Tuesday a proposed lease agreement for a new alcohol distribution retail operation at a shopping center development on the eastbound side of Route 50 between Berlin and West Ocean City. If the commissioners approve the...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: Public Outcry, Crash Data Leads State To Reverse Earlier Traffic Light Decision

SNOW HILL -- One troubled intersection in the south end of Worcester County will receive a traffic light by mid-summer, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). While MDOT and the State Highway Administration (SHA) had previously opposed a light in favor of installing J-turns, public outcry persuaded MDOT to re-evaluate the need for a traffic signal at the intersection of Routes 113 and 12 near Snow Hill. The decision was widely lauded by representatives on the Eastern...READ MORE

NEW FOR WEDNESDAY: New Arts Center Now Open In Ocean City; Grand Opening Set For March 1

OCEAN CITY – The new Ocean City Center for the Arts is anxiously awaiting its grand opening in a couple weeks but in the meantime classes and activities are already taking place. Ocean City Center for the Arts Executive Director Rina Thaler came before the Mayor and City Council on Tuesday afternoon to report on the new center, which is the new home for the Art League of Ocean City. With her was Board President Marian Bickerstaff, Vice President Emily Schwab and Past President Betty...READ MORE

NEW FOR MONDAY: 30th Annual Boat Show Growing To Meet Demand

OCEAN CITY -- The Seaside Boat Show, sponsored by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, turns 30 this year and a variety of factors have teamed to likely make this year’s event the biggest and best ever. For the last 29 years, the annual boat show has helped mark a turning point in the winter season for many visitors to the resort and its hearty year-round residents and this year should be no different. Coupled with the three-day President’s Day weekend with Valentine’s Day in...READ MORE

NEW FOR FRIDAY: Three Men Charged With Theft From Wal-Mart

BERLIN -- Three Salisbury residents were arrested on theft and theft scheme charges this week after local law enforcement officials were able to connect them to a series of thefts of flat-screen televisions, computers and other electronics from the Wal-Mart in Berlin totaling thousands of dollars. On Jan. 26, the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office began an investigation into the theft of numerous laptop computers, desktop computers, televisions, home surveillance equipment and Blu-Ray DVDs...READ MORE

Wicomico County Looks To Phase Out Inventory Tax

SALIBSURY – The Wicomico County Council is weighing whether to eliminate its inventory tax with a public hearing planned for next month on the effort. On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council voted unanimously to introduce a legislative bill that will amend a chapter within the County Code regarding taxation and the “percentage of assessed value changed” to reduce the percentage of the assessed value of commercial inventory subject to county property tax from 35 percent to zero...READ MORE

State Now Mulling New 113 Traffic Light

SNOW HILL -- Collective protests from the Snow Hill community and unique traffic conditions have the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) re-considering placing a stoplight at the intersection of Routes 12 and 113. Though nothing has been guaranteed, MDOT’s admission that they might put a traffic light at the accident prone intersection is a major change in position from its most recent stance. County Commissioner Virgil Shockley, who has made Routes 12 and 113 a pet project for...READ MORE

State Gun Debate Heats Up As Governor Testifies For Changes

ANNAPOLIS -- The first salvo in what has become a heated debate over the governor’s proposed gun control legislation was fired this week when hundreds of Marylander’s from all over the state rallied in opposition to what they perceive as an assault on their Second Amendment rights. In the wake of the Newtown, Conn. tragedy in December, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley has proposed stringent changes to the state’s gun laws which, if approved, would make them among the...READ MORE

Showell Students Score Wins At International Fest

BERLIN -- Though they couldn’t make the trip to Kentucky to participate in the International Student Media Festival (ISMF) in November, Jeannette Mears’ former kindergarten class got an opportunity to celebrate their victories in two categories when Showell Elementary School (SES) held a screening of their multi-media story project on Wednesday. “We thought we’d bring the festival here and do our own production for you and share what your students did and all of their...READ MORE

Septic Repeal Bill Still Alive

BERLIN -- A local delegate’s effort to repeal the state’s Sustainable Growth and Agricultural Act of 2012, or “septic bill,” appears to have newfound support after its first committee hearing in the House this week. Earlier this session, Delegate Mike McDermott introduced legislation aimed at repealing the controversial septic bill approved by state lawmakers last year. After considerable debate during the 2012 session, state lawmakers passed legislation, which would...READ MORE

Salisbury Alters Police Position

SALISBURY -- To get more sworn members of the police force out of the office and into the field, Salisbury Police Chief Barbara Duncan successfully petitioned the City Council Monday for permission to change the agency’s quartermaster position into a civilian role. “Essentially, we are looking to completely civilianize our quartermaster position and get another sworn officer out into the street,” Duncan said. According to Duncan, the quartermaster is responsible for ordering...READ MORE

Resort’s Strategic Planning Model Shaping Up

OCEAN CITY – The Strategic Planning Model for Ocean City is nearing completion as city staff, citizens and the Mayor and City Council reviewed the draft last week. The Strategic Planning Model, an initiative being led by City Manager David Recor, begins with a vision that is described by value-based principles of the preferred future of Ocean City over the next 15 years. Following a minor tweak by the Mayor and City Council last Friday after receiving input from citizens the night before,...READ MORE

Pre-Engineering Academy Marks Five Years

SNOW HILL -- With a new batch of Worcester Technical High School’s (WTHS) seniors set to graduate this year, Engineering Instructor Bob Dawson pointed to the capstone projects of this year’s class as further proof that the five-year-old pre-engineering program is producing results. “The pre-engineering academy, we’re in our fifth year, so these kids that are seniors, they’re our second set of graduates. They come to us in the eighth grade and we keep them for four...READ MORE

PNC Grant To Bolster Center For Arts Offerings

OCEAN CITY -- The Art League of Ocean City has been awarded a $25,0000 grant from the PNC Foundation to name the upstairs community/classroom in the new Ocean City Center for the Arts building. The new art center is scheduled to have its ribbon cutting and grand opening reception on Friday, March 1 at 4:30 p.m. An opening art reception from 5-7 p.m. featuring acclaimed artist Patrick Henry as well as artwork by local artists will follow the ribbon cutting. A result of a public private...READ MORE

New Accord Over Senior Housing Facility Requested

SALISBURY – With renovations and new amenities eyed for the future, the operator of Pine Bluff Village is looking to become separated from the State of Maryland and is looking for the county’s support. During this week’s work session, the Wicomico County Council was approached by Isaac Sassoon and Mark Gold of Tryko Partners and their legal representation Bob Taylor to discuss the PILOT (Payment In Lieu Of Taxes) agreement the county holds on the property of Pine Bluff...READ MORE

Months Later, Post-Fire Rebuilding Efforts Now In Full Swing

OCEAN CITY -- Months after a pair of devastating fires in and around Ocean City just 10 days apart, all or parts of the damaged buildings are being torn down with the hope of a quick turnaround for both. On Sept. 26, 2012, a massive fire consumed the entire top floor of a three-story condominium building at the Bradley on the Bay complex at 37th Street, bellowing thick black smoke across much of the midtown area. The Ocean City Fire Department responded en masse to the blaze and soaked the...READ MORE

Legislation’s Roots Linked To Local Murder Case

BERLIN -- A bill introduced in the General Assembly that would greatly enhance the penalties for an accessory after the fact conviction in a murder case has its roots in a homicide and subsequent conviction in Worcester County last year. Delegate Mike McDermott (R-38B), who represents Worcester County and the lower shore, is among the eight co-sponsors of House Bill 709, which if approved would increase the maximum sentence for those convicted of being an accessory after the fact in a...READ MORE

Inlet Repairs Aim To Address Repeat Problem

OCEAN CITY -- Months after Hurricane Sandy passed over Ocean City and the mid-Atlantic region, there is little evidence of the storm’s damage in the resort area, but one high-profile area continued to get attention this week. As is the case with most major storms, the Inlet parking lot and surrounding areas typically see significant damage and erosion and Hurricane Sandy was no different. This week, Ocean City crews were seen excavating the edge of the asphalt parking lot closest to the...READ MORE

Council Majority Seeks To End Fire Chief Stalemate

SALISBURY -- The majority of the Salisbury City Council put Mayor Jim Ireton on the clock this week when it only agreed to extend the status of Acting Fire Chief Rick Hoppes until Feb. 28 and told administration to advance a candidate to serve as permanent chief. Hoppes has served as the Salisbury Fire Department (SFD) acting chief since last winter when then-Chief Jeff Simpson resigned. As deputy chief, Hoppes was moved to fill the spot until a permanent replacement could be found. Ireton...READ MORE

Former Adolfo’s Building Downtown Razed

OCEAN CITY -- A historic Ocean City landmark near the Inlet was unceremoniously torn down this week after an investigation revealed it was not as old as first believed. The old house, most recently home to Adolfo’s Restaurant, on a site adjacent to the Oceanic Motel near the Inlet, was torn down this week after outliving its useful purpose. The old house turned Italian restaurant was first believed to be one of the oldest buildings in Ocean City and the site of the town’s first...READ MORE

OC Boys Basketball Action Continues

OCEAN CITY- The Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s boys’ winter basketball lead continued this week with a full slate of games at Northside Park. The following is a look at some of this week’s action: (bullet) O.C. Rec Boosters 25- O.C.-Berlin Optimists 18: Avery McCormick led the Boosters with 11 points while Kodie Johnson scored 12 for the Optimists in the loss. (bullet) OC-Berlin Optimists 67- FOP 58: Zach Cordrey went off for 37 points to lead the Optimists over...READ MORE

Songwriters In Focus At Fager’s Island Feb. 15

OCEAN CITY -- Fager’s Island will be hosting a unique event this month aimed at providing a break from the winter doldrums. On Friday, Feb, 15, Fager’s Island and GoodCleanFunLife.com will host six of the Mid-Atlantic’s finest songwriters and performers from multiple genres on the main stage. Tapped to appear are Nate Clendenen and Blake Haley of Ocean City; Cliff Hillis of Philadelphia; Robert Mabe of Winchester, Va.; Nancy Micciulla of Rehoboth Beach, Del.; and Skribe of...READ MORE

School Workshop Aims To Help Prepare Substitute Teachers

SNOW HILL -- Looking to create a more prepared substitute teacher, Worcester County Public Schools offered a day of workshops last week, including a program designed to teach classroom management techniques. The workshop event was one of two held throughout the year that substitutes are expected to attend to qualify for a higher pay rate and to pick up essential teaching skills that are designed to make them more effective educators. Theresa Torpey, extended school program administrator at...READ MORE

Proposed Aquaculture Lease Touches Off Rights Debate

BERLIN -- A proposed water column lease in the Chincoteague Bay off South Point for the purpose of aquaculture has become the touchstone of a much larger debate about the public’s right to recreate in state waters and has now resulted in a bill introduced in the General Assembly aimed at preserving those fundamental and historic rights. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering an application for a water column lease in a vast area off South Point pre-approved for...READ MORE

OC Council Irons Out Public Comment Debate

OCEAN CITY – The city’s strategic planning process is coming to an end but not before the Mayor and City Council discussed challenges that have surfaced during public meetings and ways to bring governance back to a high level of decorum. Last Friday the Mayor and City Council met to discuss final matters within the strategic planning process. About five hours into the meeting, officials reached the final section that included governance topics, such as house rules when it comes to...READ MORE

OC Arrests Jumped 14% Last Year; Assaults Decrease

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Acting Chief Kevin Kirstein gave an overview last week of the department’s 2012 Annual Report. In 2012, there were 1,497 reportable offenses, representing incidents that have to be reported to the FBI like homicide, rape, robbery, assault, breaking and entering, larceny and motor vehicle thefts. Since 2006, there has been an average of 1,488 reportable offenses in Ocean City. Within those offenses, assaults decreased 10.6 percent from...READ MORE

Liquor Law Changes Get County Support

SNOW HILL -- A series of changes to Article 2B, which governs the sale of alcohol in Maryland, could quadruple the maximum fine for serving alcohol after hours, require a supervisor with alcohol training on site at all times and permit the off-sale of beer, wine and liquor from seven-day license holders. However, putting the alterations on the books requires approval from the state legislature. The changes are “minor amendments,” according to a letter from Board of License...READ MORE

Eagle Scout Proposes Bat Boxes For Berlin Park

BERLIN -- At last week’s Berlin Town Council meeting, roosting areas for bats were approved for Stephen Decatur Park, a new town event aimed at supporting the fight against breast cancer gained the nod and it was learned a popular theatre group that first visited Berlin this fall will be returning in September. Bats in Berlin will be able to thank Eagle Scout Peter Marx for the addition of a dozen roosting boxes to Stephen Decatur Park next month. Marx told the council that the boxes will...READ MORE

Diakonia Seeks State Funding To Help Expand Services

WEST OCEAN CITY -- An organization dedicated to providing transitional housing and other support to those needing a leg up might soon be able to provide a more permanent solution if a bill introduced in the Maryland General Assembly is approved. Senator James Mathias (D-38) last week introduced a bill in the General Assembly that, if approved, could provide a much-needed fiscal shot in the arm for a Diakonia, a West Ocean City-based organization that has provided transitional housing and other...READ MORE

Death By Chocolate Announced For Feb. 17

OCEAN CITY – Take a trip to the zoo, only this time indulge in chocolate along the way as this year’s “Death by Chocolate” event will uncover the mystery of where zoo animals have taken cover at local participating merchants. The 6th Annual “Death by Chocolate” will be held on Sunday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. CraZy LadyZ owners Jan Patterson-Hohman and Louise Reardon created the event to promote local businesses...READ MORE

Council Okays Committee Structure

OCEAN CITY – At the conclusion of the Mayor and City Council’s strategic planning workshop last Friday, the decision to re-establish town committees was brought forward to dig deeper into details. Councilman Joe Mitrecic brought up the idea last month to re-enact the committee structure the town had in place prior to the organizational meeting following 2010’s municipal election when the previous council voted to dissolve the groups. The reasoning was to have all city business...READ MORE

Commissioners Support New GIS Policies

SNOW HILL -- Due to rising demand for Geographic Information System (GIS) data and maps by private sources, Worcester County officially adopted a set of GIS policies and procedures this week. The majority of the County Commissioners agreed to adopt the original policies suggested by the Department of Development Review and Permitting. However, two commissioners unsuccessfully argued about lowering costs to private individuals seeking GIS information, with one commissioner saying that the current...READ MORE

Citizens Add Input To OC Strategic Planning Effort

OCEAN CITY – As part of the ongoing strategic planning process, the Mayor and City Council invited approximately 70 citizens to participate in a summit to receive input on goals and initiatives moving Ocean City into the future. For the past couple of months, the Mayor and City Council and city staff have gone through several rounds of interviews and workshops to narrow down a Strategic Planning Model that outlines a vision describing the preferred future of Ocean City over the next 15...READ MORE

8th DUI Results In Jail Term

SALISBURY -- A Berlin man arrested on drunk driving charges for the eighth time last June was found guilty again this week in Wicomico County Circuit Court and was sentenced to an additional three years, bring his net total to eight years for prior convictions. On Monday, James David Nibblett, Jr., 48, of Berlin, appeared in Wicomico County Circuit Court to face one count of driving under the influence of alcohol as a subsequent offender and was sentenced to an additional three years, with all...READ MORE

‘Get Fit’ Day Used As Incentive For Berlin Students

BERLIN -- Students who have shown responsible behavior and positive attitudes at Buckingham Elementary School (BES) got a chance to spend a few hours learning about, and trying out, several different kinds of fitness programs last Thursday during a special “Get Fit” event. Hundreds of students filled the school’s gymnasium and were able to rotate around several fitness stations scattered throughout the area. The activities offered ranged from obstacle courses to zumba to more...READ MORE

Fiance Attacked With Beer Can, Then Bean Can

OCEAN CITY -- An Ocean City woman was arrested on assault charges twice within a span of a few hours on Tuesday and early Wednesday morning after allegedly attacking her fiancé first with a can of beer and later a can of beans. On Tuesday, Kathleen Theresa Machen, 47, of Ocean City, was arrested on second-degree assault charges after allegedly attacking her fiancé by hitting him in the head with a can of beer. Ocean City Police responded to the residence on Philadelphia Ave. near 12th...READ MORE

Chef Tapped For OC Trade Expo

OCEAN CITY -- Plans are underway for the 39th Annual Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association Trade Expo which will be held on March 3 & 4, 2013 at the Ocean City Convention Center. The newly expanded Ballroom, featuring floor to ceiling windows overlooking Assawoman Bay, will provide a stunning backdrop for DC Chef Mike Isabella, who will appear on stage in the Culinary Corner on Sunday, March 3 at noon and following his cooking demo will be available to sign his new...READ MORE