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The original raptors that scared away pesky seagulls from Ocean City’s Boardwalk and beaches are back. Look out, gulls. East Coast Falcons, a Lodi, N.J.-based bird abatement company owned by falconer Erik Swanson, resumed the work July 19, replacing Wildlife Control Specialists LLC of Lebanon, N.J.

What began as a friendship since the sixth grade and when they were Little Leaguers together, evolved into joint ownership of a successful, iconic Boardwalk business venture in Ocean City for Jeff Sherman and Sam Koperwas. And they must be doing something right -- a lot right, actually -- because they have been in operation since 1972 with their Henry's jewelry store. Everything from baubles to engagement rings and clothing are exquisitely displayed in the store, offering customers a friendly and comfortable shopping experience.

The Ocean City Free Public Library continues to be busy with virtual programming and materials. And as the library navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, customers continue to utilize curbside pickup, as well as coming in, albeit with time limits imposed for safety protocols. Following the city’s decision to cancel events during the fall, the library board announced that through December in-house programing and events will be canceled, the Library Board of Trustees members explained during a remote meeting Monday.

For little Michael Herbert, there isn’t anything better than warm breezes, the ocean, the beach and, of course, a toy truck. On Sunday afternoon, the 4-year-old boy from Mullica Hill maneuvered his prized truck around beachgoers who lounged on the 12th Street beach and even propelled it into the water. His brother, Julian, 2, was a bit more reserved about it all. He carefully scooped sand into a bucket while sitting at the water’s edge and wearing some pretty large, but cool shades. Their father, Michael Herbert, shook his head and smiled. “They always have a really great time in Ocean City,” he said.

As more and more people want to escape the big cities amid COVID-19, and many are working remotely, that dream home in Ocean City has become a tangible reality. At least that is what the statistics -- and the sellers and buyers -- are saying. Pete Madden, Goldcoast Sotheby’s International Realty broker-owner of the 34th Street office, put it this way: “At Goldcoast, we have been on fire since the pandemic."

The Ocean City Board of Education voted Wednesday night to approve the school district’s Return to School Plan, which offers a blend of remote learning and in-person instruction, with a choice for all-virtual instruction as well. The first day of school will be Tuesday, Sept. 8. Students’ schedules will be mailed out on Aug. 17. During the remote meeting Schools Superintendent Dr. Kathleen Taylor and School Board President Joseph Clark, emphasized during the virtual meeting that, while they are navigating unchartered territory, they feel confident that students will be offered a quality education “I want to thank you for your support as we embark on an exciting new school year of learning and success,” Dr. Taylor said. “Our goal from the onset has been to protect the health and well-being of our school community as we work to resume in-person learning and continue delivering an exceptional educational experience for our Ocean City students.” Since the mid-March shutdown of schools across the state by Gov. Phil Murphy’s executive order amid COVID-19, Ocean City school officials worked with stakeholders from various areas, students, faculty, and community members, to create the hybrid model for learning. “This plan is the result of efforts to work as a community to put our students and family’s needs first,” Clark said. What emerged from months of collaboration, was the hybrid model of learning. Students will be split into two groups to allow for social distancing. Each group would have two days of in-person instruction and three days of remote instruction. For those who will not attend in school they will have the Virtual Academy, which will offer the same educational tools and learning as in-person instruction, school officials said. “The combination of in-person and virtual learning in the hybrid schedule also ensures that we have plans in place to support both styles of instruction,” Dr. Taylor emphasized. “We have spent the summer planning how to return to in-person learning as safely as possible during a pandemic, and we also have worked to reflect on lessons learned during our spring transition to virtual learning so that we can make improvements.” Last month, Dr. Taylor detailed the reopening plan in a letter to families that can be viewed on oceancityschools.org. In it, she stressed that it was a challenge to strike a balance between the CDC’s Health Guidelines and Considerations for Schools and maximizing in-person instruction. During the meeting Wednesday, several Return to School Plan committee members spoke about their specific roles in creating the plan...

There are two vacancies as alternate members on the Environmental Commission. The commission meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Duties for the commission seats can be found on the city’s web site at www.ocnj.us under Government, Boards & Commissions or at the City Clerk’s office. Complete the online Citizen Leadership form or print a form and send it to the City Clerk's Office...

Tropical Storm Isaias made its way up the coast Tuesday and into Ocean City, leaving property damaged, a lot of downed trees and utility wires, loss of power and debris in its wake. There were no reported injuries in Ocean City, officials said. And something else good about the tropical storm for coastal communities: Unlike in some tropical storms, this one took an inland track. “Because of the inland track, Ocean City was fortunate in many ways. We were spared the heaviest rainfall, and the island experienced virtually no flooding,” explained Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen.

As Tropical Storm Isaias takes shape coming up the coast, Ocean City officials are prepared, ensuring residents are informed, drains are cleared, and a plan is in place for a storm predicted to pack a powerful punch. “As always, we’re hoping for the best, but preparing for whatever Isaias may bring,” Ocean City Public Information Officer Doug Bergen said Monday. While the storm is expected to pass inland of Ocean City on Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service, the powerful storm could still lash the shore communities. It threatens to bring two inches of rain to the shore, with winds of 45 mph to 60 mph and gusts up to 75 mph Tuesday morning through Tuesday afternoon.

Fourth Ward City Councilman Bob Barr discussed the state of the city amid the COVID-19 pandemic, talked about projects and listened to residents’ questions about flooding, trash and other issues during a remote meeting Saturday. Barr, who was appointed by the governing body in July as Council president, addressed the rest of the team assembled, which includes two new Council members, Tom Rotondi and Jody Levchuk. “It is an honor to represent the city in the Fourth Ward. I’m glad to be working with my Vice President Mike DeVlieger, a great public servant, and new Councilmen Jody Levchuk and Tom Rotondi," Barr said. "We have a really good group who wants to be engaged and make Ocean City the greatest town it can be along with the mayor.”