by OC Today/Dispatch on May 3, 2024 at 6:02 pm

Ocean City expected to start cracking down on outdoor display violators Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor Ocean City business owners may need to be more careful about how they showcase their merchandise this summer as officials prepare to crack down on outdoor displays. City Council members advanced an ordinance during a work session Tuesday that will change, and strengthen, the existing rules. The current outdoor display ordinance requires two warnings before the issuance of any citation or fine, allows a one-week suspension on the fourth violation, a two-week suspension for the fifth violation and a four-month suspension after six violations. “There’s a number of steps and they’re fairly cumbersome,” City Manager Terry McGean said during the work session. The number of violations also resets to zero each year and there is nothing in the existing ordinance that penalizes someone who ignores the code altogether, which McGean said ties officials’ hands even more. More: Ocean City business owners may need to be more careful about how they showcase their merchandise this summer as officials prepare to crack down on outdoor displays.

by OC Today/Dispatch on May 3, 2024 at 5:04 pm

Busy weekend ahead in Berlin with Saturday's live music festival followed by the farmers market on Sunday Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor A record 50 vendors will line the streets as the Berlin Farmers Market opens for the season this Sunday. The market, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., returns to downtown Berlin Sunday, May 5. Vendors will be set up on Commerce Street, Pitts Street and Main Street. “It’s not just a farmers market it’s a must visit destination,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. “Every Sunday everyone gathers downtown. Everyone gets to catch up plus we’re supporting our local farmers and watermen.” In its seventh year, the market is expected to feature popular vendors from years past as well as a number of new sellers. Several artists that live in Berlin will be selling their work at the market. Other new vendors include Berlin Bison Ranch, Forgotten 50 Distilling, Berlin Beer Co. and Burley Oak Brewery. Locally known Skilligallee Seafood is also joining the market in 2024. In keeping with prior years, the market will feature live music, which is being funded through a grant from the Worcester County Arts Council. More: A record 50 vendors will line Commerce Street, Pitts Street and Main Street on Sunday, May 4, with the opening of the Berlin Farmers Market for the season.

by OC Today/Dispatch on May 3, 2024 at 4:03 pm

Tomorrow is the day for Berlin's annual Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews Festival Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor Main Street will close Saturday as the 16th Annual Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews Festival takes place in downtown Berlin. The Berlin Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews Festival is set for Saturday, May 4, from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The popular festival will feature a variety of performers as well as opportunities to taste an array of locally made beverages. “We’re excited to host a lineup that reflects and celebrates the diversity of jazz and blues as foundations parts of American music,” said Ryan Nellans, executive director of the Berlin Chamber of Commerce. “And we are also very proud to celebrate some real Maryland craftsmanship from the rapidly expanding world of craft beverages.” The day kicks off with a performance by the Salisbury University Jazz Ensemble from10:30 a.m. to noon, followed by Lower Case Blues from noon to 1:30 p.m. Ronny Smith performs from 1:30 to 3 p.m. while the Tribe Band goes on stage at 3 p.m. The festival will close with a performance by the Rodney Kelly Jazz Experience, which wowed the Berlin audience last year. “They’re incredible,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. More: Main Street in the Town of Berlin will close down for the day on Saturday, May 4, for the 16th installment of the Jazz and Blues, Wine and Brews Festival.

by OC Today/Dispatch on May 3, 2024 at 4:01 pm

Sun sets on Ocean City sign sunset provision By Mallory Panuska Ames Digital Editor Downtown Ocean City signs that have been flagged for not complying with a decades-old ordinance will not be immediately penalized following a council vote this week. “This has probably been a long time coming. It’s probably time to finish this up,” Councilman Peter Buas said during a work session Tuesday before making a motion to remove a sunset provision that would require all non-code compliant signs in the downtown and upper downtown districts to get compliant. The motion, which council members approved 5-0 after some discussion with Councilman John Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor absent, came on the heels of several discussions over the past few years. Six years ago, council members passed an ordinance ordering that all non-compliant signs in the 75 feet of space that legally belongs to the city on Baltimore and Philadelphia avenues be moved or brought up to code by Nov. 18, 2022. Council members voted in October 2022 to extend the deadline, or sunset provision, and give the sign owners until Nov. 18, 2023, to get compliant. The vote also required staff to complete an inventory of all affected signs and provide notification to property owners. More Downtown Ocean City signs that have been flagged for not complying with a decades-old ordinance will not be immediately penalized following a council vote this week.

by OC Today/Dispatch on May 3, 2024 at 11:40 am

School board candidates discuss issues ahead of this month's primary Tara Fischer Staff Writer The three District 5 candidates vying for a spot on the Worcester County Board of Education provided insight into their platforms at a public forum at the Ocean Pines Library on Tuesday, April 30. The Worcester County Republican Central Committee hosted the event. Incumbent Elena McComas faces Dorothy Shelton-Leslie, a 40-plus-year educator, and John Huber, who has 30 years of experience as a teacher and administrator. In her opening remarks, McComas said that besides her seven years on the board, her bio includes a diploma from Wicomico High School, a bachelor’s degree in science education from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master’s in molecular biology from Johns Hopkins. The educator, who worked in Montgomery County, Maryland, and California before coming to Worcester, spent 25 years as a biology teacher across all levels, particularly high school. She hopes to continue her efforts on the board of education to ensure parents are involved in their children’s instruction, “maintain the outstanding school system,” keep small class sizes, raise teacher salaries, and “do what is best for our kids.” Huber has 15 years of classroom experience in Maryland’s k-12 schools and 15 years as an administrator. “It is a lack of discernment regarding school safety, the lack of knowledge of policies, and the lack of direction that prioritizes student achievement and sound strategic planning that propel me to run,” he said. “We need educators on the board. Not politicians.” Shelton-Leslie has two master’s degrees, one in administration and the other in reading. She has taught grades k-6 and is a former adjunct professor at the University of Delaware. The candidate believes her experience in staff development and ability to empathize with teachers and principals will prepare her to serve Worcester County Public Schools effectively. The candidates vying to represent Ocean Pines' District 5 on the Worcester County Board of Education provided insight into their platforms at a recent public forum.

by OC Today/Dispatch on May 3, 2024 at 8:59 am

Today’s page one Digital flip edition link: https://issuu.com/oceancitytoday/docs/05.03.2024_oc_today-dispatch?ff&experiment=previewReaderTestMode,new-bff-dynamic Plus two special inserts this week: CAR Real Estate Guide https://issuu.com/oceancitytoday/docs/may_2024_real_estate_guide Discover Downtown Spotlight https://issuu.com/oceancitytoday/docs/may_2024_ocdc

by OC Today/Dispatch on April 29, 2024 at 3:21 pm

Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann J/R’s the Place for Ribs was one of Ocean City’s most popular restaurants for 35 years. Located at the foot of the Route 90 Bridge, it was the first stop for many visitors arriving at the beach each summer. Opened in 1980 on 62nd Street and Coastal Highway by Jack Hubberman and Joel Colton, J/R’s took its name from the initials of the owner’s wives Jackie Hubberman and Ruth Colton. Many believed the name was actually a clever play on the popular TV show “Dallas” whose main character was a Texas oil tycoon named JR Ewing. A second location was later opened on 131st Street. J/R’s the Place for Ribs featured baby back ribs with a special barbecue sauce while other menu attractions included crab cakes, chicken, and deep-fried onion loaf. The 131st Street site closed in 2014 while the original 62nd Street location shut down at the end of the 2015 season. That building is today the home of a Denny’s restaurant. To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo by Bunk Mann

by OC Today/Dispatch on April 26, 2024 at 3:09 pm

'Ghost mural' project excites Berlin Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor Restoration of a historic advertising mural was underway this week on Pitts Street in Berlin. Passersby this week likely caught sight of local artist Olga Deshields on a scissor lift alongside the red brick building at 11 Pitts St., carefully repainting the “ghost mural” on its side. The long-faded mural is being restored thanks to a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. “Restoring the faded ‘ghost mural’ advertisement is crucial as it revives a piece of our town’s history and preserves the story of our community for generations to come,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director. Two years ago, John Holloway, a member of the Berlin Historic District Commission, brought up the idea of restoring the faded advertising murals after seeing the old mural for the G.M. Dryden General Merchandise store restored in Snow Hill. Wells began exploring potential funding for the project and called for the community to share any old photos of the buildings before the murals faded. More A local artist has officially begun restoration of a historic advertising “ghost mural” on a red brick building on Pitts Street in the Town of Berlin.

by OC Today/Dispatch on April 26, 2024 at 2:23 pm

Local business, political leaders voice support for resort bar changes Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor A bayfront restaurant will be able to make some minor exterior changes and extend its background music by one hour following approval from a local board last week. The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) voted 3-0 last Wednesday to approve a request from Saltwater 75 to reorient an outside bar, add a small deck and play background music until 10 p.m. The approval came after testimony from neighbors, sound professionals, and resort leaders such as Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C). “When a business is successful it adds to the success of the county and the state,” Hartman said. “I think it’s a win-win for the town.” In 2021, longtime Ocean City restaurant BJ’s on the Water closed and was replaced by Saltwater 75. Initial changes to the facility caused concerns among neighbors, and in 2023 the restaurant’s entertainment hours were reduced after noise complaints. More: Saltwater 75 in Ocean City will be able to make some minor exterior changes and extend background music by one hour following approval from a local board last week.

by OC Today/Dispatch on April 26, 2024 at 12:16 pm

Berlin balances budget without increase in property tax rate Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (April 26, 2024) Berlin’s elected officials voted unanimously this week to adopt the current tax rate for the coming year. The Berlin Town Council on Monday approved a tax rate for the coming year of $0.8275 per $100 of assessed land value, the same as it is now. The tax rate was increased last year from $.815 to the current level. Unexpected healthcare cost and other insurance savings and budget adjustments made in recent weeks addressed the initially projected shortfall for fiscal year 2025. The council in recent weeks has discussed the possibility of increasing the property tax rate. In fact, the original advertisement on the constant yield tax rate reported a one-cent property tax rate increase was planned. The council was able to pare down expenses and adjust revenues to address the deficit. During a meeting last week, Councilman Dean Burrell advocated for considering an incremental tax rate increase to keep pace with expenses, referring to Smyrna, Del. recently approving a massive tax rate increase. During this week’s meeting, Burrell revisited the idea of increasing the tax rate by a penny, but there was no support among council members to increase the tax rate two years in a row. Council members Shaneka Nichols, Jack Orris, Jay Knerr and Steve Green said this week and in previous meetings they were opposed to increasing taxes this budget year. More: Elected officials in Berlin have voted unanimously to adopt the current tax rate after adjustments were made due to unexpected insurance and healthcare savings.