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Perhaps it was the crushed velvet cranberry color suit jacket, or the song and dance routine to an '80s dance mix complete with an entourage. Whatever the reasons, Richie Flemming, 17, of Upper Township, had it all. He wowed the judges and the crowd to become the 2019 Mr. OCHS on Friday night.

City Council last night introduced the proposed municipal budget for 2019, and Finance Director Frank Donato made a presentation on projected revenues and expenses. The draft budget includes a zero increase to the municipal tax rate. Although debt service on our capital improvement program continues to increase gradually as we take on more and more projects, that cost was offset by savings in other areas. A renegotiation of retirement health care benefits will save the city more than $2 million this year. Our tax base continues to grow – with $133 million in new ratables helping to bring in new revenue...

The Ocean City Tabernacle confirmed Wednesday that it sold the Moorlyn Family Theatre at Moorlyn Terrace and the Boardwalk for $800,000. Tabernacle officials had hoped to use the landmark building to recapture the days when the ministry had a presence on the Boardwalk. After those attempts failed, they felt it was time to sell the theater and waited for the right buyer.

Two organizations are joining forces to host an exciting night that involves action, intrigue, mystery and, not to mention, great food and drink. The Ocean City Education Foundation (OCEF) and the Ocean City Theatre Company (OCTC) will host a Mystery Dinner Theater centered around a pretend Irish wedding. The fundraiser will be held Friday, April 12 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Josie Kelly’s Public House, 908 Shore Road in Somers Point.

The city hosted a public hearing Monday to hear what ideas the public had for utilizing Community Development Block Grant funds to improve the quality of life for low to moderate income residents. However, no one from the public showed up. Officials overseeing the hearing explained to two reporters and a city official, who were the only ones in the audience, some of their past projects using grant funds and gave examples of some ways funding for the upcoming year could be spent.

The Ocean City Regional Chamber of Commerce released its 2018 Annual Review detailing the ways it is showcasing the resort’s beaches, Boardwalk, family-friendly entertainment, shops and eateries through a strong and focused marketing plan. Chamber Executive Director Michele Gillian said her team has had positive results by utilizing traditional and newer forms of advertising to expand the message to visitors that Ocean City should be their vacation destination.

Tom Heist IV sat down for an interview to discuss what keeps his family’s agency, Thomas H. Heist Insurance Agency in Ocean City, thriving, how in a competitive market the business remains a longstanding staple to customers and their families and how they continue their tradition of providing sound advice and insurance to fit specific needs. But there is a lot that goes into being a good agent. Heist explained there are many responsibilities that go along with doing a job that his father and his entire family would approve of. You do what is best for the customer -- nothing less. “You want people to feel they can go to bed at night and have the right protection,” Heist said.

Women of all faiths from Ocean City are invited to a one-day women’s conference that organizers say will forge bonds and new friendships between people of all religions. The conference titled: “Living on Purpose For Him” is centered around connecting women through Christ and God. The featured speaker, Veirdre Jackson was selected after members of a congregation saw her speak and thought she would have a lot to bring to Ocean City, organizers explained. The program will be held Saturday, March 30, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Ocean City Tabernacle, 550 Wesley Ave. Registration starts at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $20 per person. Lunch is included and will be provided by Yianni’s Cafe.

With eight minutes remaining between winning or going home, Ocean City was not about to go down without a fight. Ocean City left nothing behind, battling for every loose ball, rebound and bucket. Scrappy play was evident by every member of the team who gave it their all until the final buzzer rang. With a sizable lead and under three minutes to play, Mainland moved the ball quickly around the court, stalling to eat time off the clock. Although the Red Raiders were attempting to foul get the ball back, it ultimately wasn’t enough. Battling until the end, Ocean City showed it’s grit and perseverance that was a hallmark trait all season long...

Free tree seedlings will be available to Ocean City residents on April 1 as part of the New Jersey Tree Recovery Campaign. This program helps communities replace trees damaged or destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, April 1, residents will be able to pick up tree seedlings at City Hall (861 Asbury Avenue) or the Ocean City Community Center (1735 Simpson Avenue)...