MediaWize

Mayor Jay Gillian is pledging to do whatever he can for the city to help Playland's Castaway Cove recover following the Jan. 30 fire at the Boardwalk amusement park. In his weekly mayor's message Friday, Gillian extended his best wishes to Playland owner Scott Simpson and his team for the smooth rebuilding process in the fire's aftermath. "All owners on the boardwalk and all of our guests benefit from the success of this attraction," Gillian said of Playland. His entire message follows.

Personnel from multiple agencies will be in Ocean City this week as the investigation into the Jan. 30 fire at Playland’s Castaway Cove continues, according to a city press release. Agencies involved in the investigation include the Ocean City Fire Department Investigation Unit, Cape May County Fire Marshal’s Office, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and New Jersey State Fire Marshal’s Office. Because of the size of the estimated loss, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) National Response Team has also been activated. At this time, the investigation is still in the preliminary stages as investigators work to determine the origin and cause of the fire.

Due to current flooding conditions and additional flooding expected through Tuesday, all Ocean City schools will operate a virtual instruction day for students on Tuesday,  according to a school news release. Students will not report to school on Tuesday. Students and their families should check PowerSchool class pages and monitor email for further updates on the virtual day schedule.

Due to Monday's regional storm forecast and the existing coastal flood warning, all Ocean City schools will operate a virtual instruction day for students, according to a school news release. Students will not report to school on Monday. Students and their families should check PowerSchool class pages and monitor email for further updates on the virtual day schedule.

A multi-alarm fire Saturday morning on the Ocean City Boardwalk struck the Playland’s Castaway Cove amusement park, but firefighters were able to contain the blaze to just one building. Firefighters initiated a full response as the fire quickly advanced through a building that includes the Playland’s Castaway Cove arcade and offices, Hamburger Construction Company and Dairy Queen, authorities said.

Mayor Jay Gillian is assuring Ocean City residents that they will have "many opportunities" to express their support or opposition to a proposed wind energy farm 15 miles off the coast. "I will continue to provide information and updates to the public. If it cannot be stopped, I will do everything I can to make sure Ocean City benefits from this project," he said Friday in his weekly message to the public. His entire message follows.

Sturdy Savings Bank announced it has named Dennis Roberts to the Board of Directors. As a board member, Roberts will work in concert with other board members to administer the affairs of the bank. This includes setting strategic direction, oversight of business strategies and policies, and ensuring the safety and soundness of the bank for its depositors.

The Ocean City School District plans to reopen schools for in-person instruction five days a week for grades kindergarten through fifth starting Feb. 1. According to a letter from Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Taylor, the most recent survey showed “near-unanimous” support among Ocean City Primary School and Ocean City Intermediate School families as well as staff. “We plan to open the building as if it were the first day of school in September, treating this day and the next few days with appropriate expectations and getting to know student activities,” Primary School Principal Dr. Cathleen Smith said in a press release Tuesday.

The Simonson Law Firm of Ocean City recently donated 500 N95 masks for use by first responders and public employees in the city. Ed Simonson, the new firm’s principal, said he has worked as both a seasonal police officer and a public works employee in Ocean City and that he understands the risks these workers face every day.

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach Realtors welcomes Sarah Dewair as a sales associate at the 34th Street office in Ocean City. Dewair resides in Ocean City and can be contacted at 609-582-3323 or by emailing sarah.dewair@foxroach.com.