01/30/2026 OC Today-Dispatch

Fire chief to be named Tues.

Ocean City Fire Department Acting Chief Josh Bunting retired from the city’s employ but then applied for the chief’s job. If he’s gets the post — and he’s one of 50-plus applicants — he’ll be able to draw his pension and his paycheck. City officials say they’ll announce their pick Tuesday — PAGE 12

Mailloux out early on good behavior

Tyler Mailloux, who was serving 18 months for leaving the scene of an accident that claimed the life of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp in 2022, has been released from jail after getting credit for how he served his time. — PAGE 3

Contractor completes maintenance work on bridge’s leaves ahead of storm and way ahead of schedule.— PAGE 4

Fire destroys family’s home

The Drew family planned to bring their newborn home from the hospital soon. But then their home was destroyed by fire.— PAGE 24

Mailloux’s jail sentence cut short, out on good behavior

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) Tyler Mailloux, the Berlin man sentenced for a traffic offense in the hit-and-run accident that killed 14-year-old Gavin Knupp, has been released from jail, his attorney confirmed this week.

Mailloux, 25, had been incarcerated since Feb. 25 of last year, when he entered a guilty plea to a felony count in Knupp’s death. His attorney, George Psoras, said Mailloux completed his sentence on Jan. 23 –months earlier than his initial release date – and will now begin his three years of supervised probation.

“He simply completed his lawful sentence,” Psoras told the OC TodayDispatch this week. “He will now have to undertake his probation obligations the court ordered.”

Worcester County Public Information Officer Kim Moses said Mailloux was released last Friday “in accordance with Maryland law and has no more obligations with the Jail or County.” Psoras made it clear this week his client was not paroled but had earned enough diminution credits for an earlier release.

because he will receive probation before judgment, so long as he complies with the requirements of a supervised probation. This is just a tragedy. That’s the saddest part. Tyler did nothing wrong, period.”

When reached for comment this week, Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser said Mailloux’s legal counsel filed a motion to modify his client’s sentence to probation before judgment, but that the motion is being held “sub curia,” which she said is often done when a judge wants to see if a defendant is successful on probation.

“Whether Mailloux successfully completes his probation remains to be seen, and whether the court chooses, at some point in future, to modify the probation in the manner requested by the defense also remains to be seen and that decision is entirely up to the judge,” she said.

‘He’s happy to be released, he paid his debt, and a good thing is in less than three years he will have no record…’

George Psoras, attorney

Mailloux’s early release follows an administrative appeal he filed last year challenging his housing status at the county jail. While initially held in a more confined unit, he requested – and was ultimately granted – a move back to the general population, which allowed him to earn diminution credits for an early release.

Generally, diminution credits are days either granted or earned on a monthly basis at state correctional facilities and local detention centers, according to the Maryland Department of Legislative Services. Conversely, parole is a discretionary release granted by a parole board.

“The short story is he completed his sentence and he did receive diminution credits,” Psoras explained. “You get diminution credits for good behavior and work performed while you are incarcerated … It’s statutory.”

Last February, Mailloux reached a deal with the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office in which he would plead guilty to leaving the scene of an accident where a driver “knew/reasonably knew accident must result in death and death occurred,” according to the Maryland Transportation Code. In return, the state’s attorney’s office agreed it would not prosecute the remaining 16 traffic charges against him.

The following month, a Worcester County Circuit Court judge sentenced Mailloux to 10 years, with all but 18 months suspended, and three years of supervised probation upon his release.

“He’s happy to be released, he paid his debt, and a good thing is in less than three years he will have no record

“Candidly, he would’ve been released earlier if they had allowed him the same opportunity others had,” Psoras said.

Mailloux and several other named co-defendants are also facing a civil suit filed by the Knupp family. The suit seeks damages on 16 counts, including negligence, wrongful death, negligent entrustment and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

“This lawsuit is the next step in holding accountable all those responsible for Gavin's death,” Neil Dubovsky, the Knupp family’s attorney, said in a statement last summer.

“Beyond that we will have no comment while litigation is ongoing."

On July 11, 2022, at around 10:45 p.m., a driver in a black Mercedes traveling east on Grays Corner Road struck and killed Knupp, who was reportedly returning to a vehicle driven by his older sister.

Knupp’s sister Summer performed CPR until first responders arrived and transported him to Atlantic General Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The motorist, who was never identified by investigators, fled the scene and did not return. It took a week for Maryland State Police to locate the Mercedes and another nine-and-ahalf months before 17 traffic charges, including four felony counts, were filed against Mailloux.

Route 50 bridge reopens to traffic ahead of schedule

Rehabilitation work ongoing through March, officials say

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) The Route 50 bridge into Ocean City has reopened to vehicular traffic 10 days ahead of schedule.

On Jan. 24, the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) announced the reopening of the Harry W. Kelley Memorial Bridge in Ocean City. While a full closure was scheduled for Jan. 20-Feb. 3, the administration reported that crews were able to complete the necessary maintenance work ahead of last week’s winter storm.

“Thanks to great work from the contractor and precise planning, we were able to open the US 50 Harry Kelley Memorial Bridge well in advance of what was expected,” a statement from SHA reads. “A big thank

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you to all who worked on this important bridge maintenance project. This major repair will enable reliable operation of the bridge for years to come.”

On Jan. 20, SHA temporarily closed the bridge to make repairs to the interlocking mechanism that opens and closes the two spans. And over the course of four days, cars, pedestrians and bicyclists were rerouted while the state’s contractor continued its work.

Last Saturday, however, SHA announced on social media that it was reopening the bridge, applauding crewmembers who were able to complete the work ahead of schedule. The administration says single-lane daytime closures will continue until the project is fully completed in March, weather permitting.

“Crews are continuing to replace old rivets with bolts,” SHA reported in a statement this week. “That work will continue through March, with the one lane closures on the bridge.”

Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan applauded the bridge’s reopening this week. While he initially believed the bridge would only remain open for the winter storm, he said he was surprised to learn that work had been completed.

“When I was first notified, I thought it might just be for the weekend, for safety purposes and for emergency vehicles …,” he said in an interview Monday. “But no, they finished the work they needed to do and reopened the bridge.”

Meehan acknowledged that lane closures would continue in the coming weeks, but recognized SHA for coordinating a “well-planned project” and completing work when traffic is minimal.

“We all knew it had to be done,” he said of the bridge project, “and the important thing is to do it now and not have a failure in June, July or August.”

While repair work on the Route 50 bridge was initiated in 2019, the rehabilitation project was put on hold in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to SHA. Work reconvened in 2023 and will continue in several phases.

The next phase will include painting the steel in the moveable portion of the bridge, which is projected to be done in January 2027. The final phase will be addressing issues with the existing pile protection system.

The Route 50 bridge, constructed in 1942, is currently rated in fair condition, according to SHA.

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OC eyes parking changes for new townhouse developments

City Council agreed to hold public hearing on proposed zoning code amendments

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) Ocean City officials say they will consider changing the zoning code to require a minimum five-foot driveway apron on new multifamily developments.

On Tuesday, the City Council voted to hold a first reading on a proposed zoning code amendment that would require builders to install a minimum five-foot-wide driveway apron between a garage door and interior drive aisle.

While the new design standard was initially proposed for all townhouse lots, city planners late last year agreed the requirement should only apply to lots larger than 50 feet.

“We had discussed garage sizes in various capacities, and drive aisles,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told

council members this week. “Back on Jan. 8, 2025, we did adopt Ordinance 24-2025, which widened garage openings and widened driveway widths. The planning commission felt their work in the garage discussion was not completed, and they feel this is the last component of it.”

Pointing to new uptown developments as an example of what they don’t want future projects to look like, members of the Ocean City Planning Commission in September voted to hold a public hearing on a code amendment that would require developers to install at least a five-foot apron between a garage door and interior drive aisle.

At the time, they pointed to examples of drive aisles that were too narrow and created problems for motorists attempting to turn or park.

Planners say the added space would give residents more room to access their residential units, among other things.

However, at November’s public hearing, developers and attorneys

Officials say new requirements to improve access

came before the commission to share their opposition to the change.

Many argued the new design standard would be challenging to accommodate on smaller lots, which already require setbacks, landscaping and stormwater management when developed.

To that end, commission members last month voted to change its proposed ordinance once more. In a 5-1 vote, with Chair Joe Wilson opposed and Commissioner Tony Butta absent, the commission agreed to apply the new design standard to lots greater than 50 feet.

Members noted the required apron could be installed by using architectural features and recessing the front of the garage into the building envelope.

The commission’s recommendation was brought to the City Council this week.

For his part, Bendler said the intent of the driveway apron is not to allow for more permanent parking, but to give more space for maneuvering vehicles and loading or unloading, among other things.

“It does provide some extra room,” he said.

A motion to move the zoning code amendment forward to a first reading passed in a 6-0 vote, with Council President Matt James absent from Tuesday’s meeting.

“I don’t know how I feel about it but I’m fine with a first reading,” Councilman John Gehrig said ahead of the vote.

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OC poised to name new fire chief

Former acting chief among 54 applicants for the job; new hire to be named Mon.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) City Manager Terry McGean said the Ocean City Council is expected to announce its new fire chief in a meeting next week. He said the city received 54 applications for the open position.

“I expect the council to make an announcement at the Feb. 2 council meeting,” he told OC Today-Dispatch last Friday.

The hunt to find Ocean City’s next fire chief began in mid-December, after Acting Fire Chief Josh Bunting announced he would be retiring, effective the following day.

Bunting, who led the city fire marshal’s office, was appointed to the chief’s post last April, when the department’s previous leader, Richie Bowers, announced his own immediate retirement.

Three months later, Bunting announced he was resigning as fire marshal, a move he said would give him more time to focus on his duties as interim chief.

In a Dec. 11 letter to fire department staff, Bunting announced he would be retiring from the city’s employ the following day. He also shared his intentions to reapply for the position.

“After some time away to settle some professional and personal obligations, I intend to formally re-apply for this fulltime position, to hopefully have the opportunity to continue what we’ve started,” he wrote. “I am proud of all the

work and preparation we’ve been able to start since I was given the chance to step in as Acting Chief in April, and can’t wait to see what 2026 brings as the OCFD stabilizes and we begin to transform into a Department prepared for the challenges that the remainder of the decade (and beyond) brings.”

The following Monday, the Town of Ocean City posted its job opening for the fire chief position.

If rehired, Bunting would not only receive the full-time salary – listed to be between $115,690 to $149,937 – but pension payments, which he can collect early without tax penalties — so long as his retirement is viewed as genuine by the IRS.

Otherwise, certain tax penalties would apply if the IRS were to determine that a retirement and a rehiring in the same job were prearranged.

OC Film Festival marks milestone 10th year in 2026

Economic impact growing for cinematic celebration

(Jan. 30, 2026) The Ocean City Film Festival, a production of the Art League of Ocean City, announces support for the annual event as it kicks off its 10th season March 5-8. The Town of Ocean City will again be a Blockbuster-level sponsor for the Film Festival.

“We are honored to have the support of the Town of Ocean City for the 10th year,” Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, said. “Their continued sponsorship has been critical for the success of the Film Festival. Now, here we are, ten years later, and the festival is bigger and better than ever and still growing. Studies show the festival has a major economic impact for the resort in the shoulder season, and also adds a fun and cultural event to the Town’s calendar. We are also very grateful for the support of our local business community, many of them long-time sponsors.”

Film Festival sponsors who are supporting the event, to date, are The Harrison Group, IG Burton, Atlantic Planning & Development, Blue Fish, John Sisson, Fager’s Island, Bank of Ocean City, Dough Roller, OCMD Hospitality Assn., and Happy Jacks. Sponsors who are donated their in-kind services are Princess Royale, Cambria, Flagship Cinemas, Rise Up Coffee, Good Clean Fun Life Productions, Gold Coast Theaters, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Donaway Furniture, T.E.A.M. Productions, Spain Wine Bar, CoastTV/Coast Life, and OceanCity.com.

The OC Film Festival returns to the resort in March, bringing four days of independent films, both local and from around the world, to the Ocean City region.

“We are a decade in, and in this time have seen a community expand, hosted hundreds of filmmakers, and introduced a new market for creativity to the region,” B.L. Strang-Moya, Film Festival creative director, said. “This festival will only continue to grow, and that means more movies, bigger movies, and new opportunities for artists to engage the local community. This festival has always been just as much about bringing big screens to Ocean City as it is about getting Ocean City on the big screens.”

Passes to the Film Festival are currently available at OCMDFilmFestival.com. More information is also available by calling 410-524-9433.

Harris pushes back on redistricting

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Maryland’s governor and Democratic state lawmakers are pushing to redraw the boundaries of the First Congressional District in a move Republicans say is aimed at

unseating incumbent GOP Congressman Andy Harris.

Rep. Harris told OC Today-Dispatch this week that, should the measure pass the state Senate, he and his political allies will be ready with a lawsuit that would challenge the new maps – moves that could delay the Feb. 24 filing deadline or even the June 23 primary.

“The governor's going forward with his plan to do a partisan gerrymander in Maryland and break up the Eastern Shore of Maryland,” Harris told OC Today-Dispatch on Tuesday, “and it's not fair to the citizens of the Eastern Shore. It's not fair to the people who would be looped into that new district.”

“But the governor is set on getting it done to advance his presidential ambitions,” he added, “and he's going to make every effort to do it.”

For lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, the goal is to tip the balance of power and win more seats for their party in the U.S. House of Representatives. Starting with Republicans in Texas, a total of 16 states have taken up the issue in 2025-26, with six already having approved new maps for this year’s election, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

Maryland’s redistricting commission voted 3-2 on Jan. 23 to recommend a new Congressional district map – one that changes the boundaries of the Eastern Shore-encompassing First District by adding voters from Anne Arundel County and Howard County and removing precincts in Harford, Cecil, and Baltimore counties.

For now, the initiative has been filed in the House of Delegates as HB 488 as an emergency bill – one that would take effect immediately with the governor’s signature. The bill was scheduled for a public hearing midday Tuesday in Annapolis.

Should the Democrats’ new map take effect, Harris said he believes he’d still be a competitive candidate

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in a reconfigured First District. An eight-term incumbent who first took office in 2011, Harris has already filed for reelection in the district.

However, Harris also said he wouldn’t rule out running as an upper shore candidate in the newly redrawn Third Congressional District, which would span five counties and a chunk of Baltimore City.

“Many parts of that district I’ve represented before in the state Senate and in the U.S. Congress, so that’s another possibility, running in that district as well,” he said.

If Harris follows through on his lawsuit warning, it wouldn’t be the first time a state redistricting led to a legal challenge.

Maryland’s 2020 Census results led to new state and Congressional district maps approved in late 2021. But Republicans sued, saying the map was a partisan gerrymander in Democrats’ favor that violated the state Constitution. A trial court struck down the map as unconstitutional, and the General Assembly had to revise the map.

In Annapolis, Democrats aren’t shy about trying to redraw the First District as unwinnable for Republicans, resulting in an 8-0 sweep of U.S. House districts. The state’s two U.S. Senators also are Democrats.

Gov. Wes Moore says he’s pushing for a mid-cycle redistricting because other states already have begun the process.

Maryland’s redistricting commission is typically convened every 10 years, after a census. The commission has met seven times since Moore reconvened the panel mid-cycle in November to field public comments and

review proposed changes to the map.

“I’ve been clear from Day One: If other states are determining whether or not they have fair maps, so will Maryland,” the governor is quoted as saying on the state’s official website for redistricting information.

Commission members include U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, former Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh, state Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-46, Baltimore City), former House Speaker Del. Adrianne Jones (D-10, Baltimore County), Del. C.T. Wilson (D-28, Charles), and Raymond Morris, a Republican mayor of Cumberland.

The legislature can’t redistrict,

however, if Senate President Ferguson declines to bring the issue to a floor vote in the Senate.

Ferguson has publicly opposed mid-cycle redistricting. He posted to social media Nov. 4 that the process could “unintentionally give Donald Trump another one or two of Maryland's congressional seats should this effort backfire in our courts.”

Since Maryland established its eight Congressional districts in 1967, voters in the First District have sent five Republicans to Washington and two Democrats. Republican Wayne Gilchrest served the longest, winning nine elections and logging 18 years in office. Harris, elected in 2010, is now

the second-longest to hold the seat.

Maryland’s elected Republican lawmakers do not have enough votes to alter the Democrats’ plan. Lower Shore state Sen. Mary Beth Carozza criticized the commission for voting to proceed in a closed session that wasn’t open to the public.

“It’s not fair nor transparent, and it’s a major distraction,” Carozza said in a Jan. 23 statement. “Our constituents want us to focus on solutions to Maryland’s budget crisis and energy crisis, not on a new national Democratic congressional map for Maryland. This map has nothing to do with what Maryland needs, and everything to do with D.C. politics.”

Gov. Moore reportedly has been coordinating with Democratic leaders in Congress, where Republicans hold a razor-thin five-seat majority in the House. He was asked last week about how the state redistricting effort plays into the national strategy for Democrats ahead of the November midterm elections.

“My urge for the Maryland General Assembly is debate the maps, make adjustments if you see fit – but take a vote, because people are really anxious to hear where you are on it,” Moore said in a Jan. 21 press conference. “People are really anxious to see that democracy can not just be preserved on a national level, but let's make sure democracy is preserved in

Worcester projects identified in MDOT plan

Funding added for county’s major corridors, bridges in latest capital planning doc

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Worcester County is slated to receive funding for work on major corridors and bridges from Maryland’s latest six-year transportation spending plan.

The Maryland Department of Transportation’s $22.1 billion capital plan for fiscal years 2026 through 2031, released Jan. 21, dictates what gets studied, designed, built, or repaired for statewide road, bridge, and pedestrian projects.

The 557-page planning document includes projects from the many agencies that oversee the state’s high-

ways, public transit, aviation, bridges and tunnels, and ports. Most local projects for Worcester are in the planning stages with no funds allocated for construction.

The MDOT plan identifies advance planning for improvements to the Route 90 bridge – a major artery that connects Route 50 outside Berlin to Coastal Highway in midtown Ocean City – as a “major area of investment” for the agency.

While any construction would be years away, the plan calls for an evaluation of possible additional travel lanes, as well as interchanges, atgrade intersections, and potential pedestrian and bicycle needs along the corridor also known as the Ocean City Expressway.

MDOT will budget $2 million for Route 90 engineering in fiscal year

2027. Of that amount, $1.8 million is federal aid pass-through.

Overall, the Route 90 project page says the total estimated cost for planning and engineering is $12.7M, with $11.3 coming from the feds.

Another primary Worcester County project for MDOT is an ongoing study on the future of the Route 50 bridge, and whether the state should upgrade or eliminate its draw span.

MDOT reports that the 84-yearold bridge already experiences mechanical problems during peak high-volume seasonal traffic, and that any upcoming work would be to improve safety and operations. Its project page says $2.9 million had already been budgeted in 2025 for planning.

The State Highway Administration

just completed repairs on the bridge’s interlocking system earlier this month, in a project that closed vehicular and pedestrian bridge access for about a week.

One secondary MDOT project listed is a study of potential improvements to the existing Route 589 (Racetrack Road) corridor in Ocean Pines.

The busy 4.7-mile stretch of road could be widened to four lands, incorporating sidewalks, bike lanes, and shared use paths. The project page shows $1.42 million budgeted for planning. No construction dollars are attached.

Under minor projects, approximately $3.1 million has been budgeted toward the planning of pedestrian safety improvements on Coastal Highway in Ocean City between 15th Street and 67th Street.

The capital plan also mentions that Ocean City is going to get four new 60-foot articulating buses using more than $5 million in held-over grant money.

According to Transportation Manager Rob Shearman, two of those buses were funded in fiscal 2025, but that order was suspended due to tariff concerns. Then, grant funding for the current fiscal year was delayed in part due to the federal government’s 43-day shutdown last fall, he added.

Also for Ocean City, MDOT is facilitating a $9 million grant to its municipal airport for runway rebuild, but that’s not all state money. Almost $8 million of the grant comes from federal pass-through dollars while the state share is $600,000 and the local share is $377,000. The airport is located along the Route 611 corridor in West Ocean City.

Ocean City Council to consider alley closure

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) The Ocean City Council will hold a public hearing to close a portion of alleyway to allow the Harrison Group hospitality business to redevelop the Flagship Oceanfront Hotel.

During Tuesday’s work session, council members voted 6-0, with Council President Matt James absent, to hold a hearing on the closure of a section of alleyway between 26th and 27th streets. Officials say the 16-foot-wide by 50-footlong strip of land will be used by the Harrison Group to redevelop the Flagship.

“On that corridor of the alley, there will be a parking lot that will service the new hotel,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told council members this week. “So they will be using that alley for their use.”

As part of a plan to demolish and redevelop the Flagship property – historically known as the Diplomat Motor Hotel – the Harrison Group is asking the city to close an estimated 800 square feet of alleyway. In exchange, the Harrisons have agreed to improve the remaining portion of the alley to the city’s standards – an effort that would include milling

and repaving.

“Based on the current cost that we are facing on road projects, you are looking at about a $38,000 rebuild,” Public Works Director Hal Adkins told city leaders Tuesday, adding that the alley was in a “state of decay.”

For his part, Adkins said the alley in question served no public need, as it “dead ends” at the Flagship. He also noted that the alley was surrounded on three sides by Harrison properties.

“When I look at the definition of public need and circulation and traffic movements and things of that sort, it does not

currently serve any public need,” he explained. “It dead ends at private property … If one was to try to traverse the area further they would be driving through someone else's personal private property illegally.”

Ultimately, staff recommended that the city proceed with closing the portion of the alleyway between 26th and 27th streets.

“If the council is willing to proceed, I need to know what the next steps will be,” Adkins said.

With a request made, the City Council voted to move forward with a public hearing.

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Fires, emergency officials stretched by recent calls

Local agencies responded to variety of incidents over past week in northern area

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) First responders remained busy throughout last weekend and into the early part of this week, responding to nine major incidents throughout Worcester County.

According to the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, the agency worked alongside local fire companies, law enforcement, EMS units and emergency management partners while responding to numerous calls related to fire, hazardous materials and injuries.

Several of those incidents, the agency reports, occurred “during challenging weather conditions and required significant coordination and extended operations.”

The first notable incident occurred Jan. 22, when the fire marshal’s office was contacted by the National Park Service regarding a suspected unexploded military ordnance located on the north beach area of Assateague Island National Seashore.

In conjunction with the bomb technicians from the Ocean City Fire Department Bomb Squad, the responding agencies were able to secure the area and X-ray the device on scene, with results forwarded to U.S. Air Force Explosive Ordnance Disposal personnel at Dover Air Force Base.

The incident represents the latest in a string of ordnance recoveries on Assateague Island, an area historically used for military training. The fire marshal’s office says the frequency of those responses “continues to place significant demand on local, state, and federal resources and underscores the ongoing public safety concern presented by these discoveries.”

“The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds visitors that any suspected military or unfamiliar object should not be touched or disturbed,” a news release from the fire marshal’s office reads. “Individuals are urged to maintain a safe distance and immediately notify park personnel or call 911.”

The following day, the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office was called to the scene of a structure fire in Berlin. According to the agency, the Berlin Fire Company, assisted by fire units from Powellville, Showell and Newark volunteer fire companies, responded to the 7500 block of Purnell Crossing Road for reports of a 12-by12 foot shed well on fire, which extended into the surrounding brush and trees.

After the fire was extinguished, deputies with the fire marshal’s office conducted an origin and cause inves-

tigation, which revealed the fire originated from an outdoor controlled burn that extended to the nearby shed. The fire has been ruled accidental.

“The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office reminds residents that all controlled burns must be constantly attended, with careful consideration given to wind conditions and changing weather,” a news release reads. “Individuals conducting outdoor burns should ensure they have adequate means readily available to extinguish the fire if conditions change or the fire begins to spread.”

The fire was just one of three the fire marshal’s office responded to last Friday. The agency also conducted an investigation for an outside fire in the 5700 block of Castle Hill Road in Snow Hill. Deputies found brush and woods were ignited by improperly discarded hot ashes from a wood-burning stove.

That same day, the fire marshal’s office also responded to the 600 block of Franklin Avenue in Berlin after a reported fire alarm activation at a commercial property. There, responding units were able to locate and extinguish the fire before deputies conducted an investigation, which revealed the fire originated in a firstfloor mechanical area.

“Fire units remained on the scene for approximately three hours assisting with suppression and overhaul operations,” a news release reads.

Local departments remained busy throughout the weekend, responding to Griffin Road in Berlin last Saturday for a house fire that displaced a local family (see the separate story in this week’s issue), and numerous fire-related incidents on Sunday.

On Jan. 25, Berlin’s emergency medical services were alerted to a report of burn-related injuries in the 10200 block of Old Ocean City Boulevard. The patient, an adult male, was ultimately transported by Berlin EMS to TidalHealth Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury with nonlife-threatening injuries.

An investigation conducted by the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office determined the injuries occurred when the individual was smoking while using home oxygen, resulting in a fire and subsequent burn injuries.

“Oxygen-enriched environments can cause materials to ignite more easily and burn more intensely,” a news release reads. “Individuals using home oxygen should strictly follow safety guidelines and keep all ignition sources well away from oxygen equipment.”

That same day, the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, with the assistance from Ocean City, Berlin, Showell and Bishopville fire companies, responded to the 10 block of

Rescue teams have busy week

Continued from Page 22

Mates Court in Ocean Pines for a reported residential structure fire. The fire marshal’s office determined the blaze originated in a loft area and classified the incident as an accidental electrical fire.

Around that same time period, in West Ocean City, the Ocean City Fire Department responded to a reported kitchen fire at Pizza Tugo’s on Stephen Decatur Highway. Deputies from the fire marshal’s office were also called to

the scene for an investigation, which revealed the fire originated from cooking equipment and had caused minor damage.

The busy week capped off on Monday, when agencies across the area responded to an overturned tractor-trailer on Route 50 westbound in Berlin. While an investigation is ongoing (see the separate story in this week’s issue), the highway was closed for roughly 12 hours as crews cleaned up the wreckage and natural gas spill.

Berlin family loses home in fire, community raises funds

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Less than two weeks after welcoming a newborn daughter who remains in neonatal intensive care, a Berlin family lost their home in an early-morning house fire. Nobody was hurt.

“This family has been facing an unimaginable series of hardships during what should have been one of the happiest times of their lives,” wrote Matthew Imming, the homeowner’s brother, on a crowdfunding page he launched for the family.

First responders were alerted around 6:40 a.m. Saturday to reports of a possible attic fire at the Griffin Road residence of Genna and Dylan Drew. Crews arrived to find flames venting from the roof and rear of the home. It took about an hour to bring the flames under control, according to Chief Andy Grunden with the Berlin Fire Company.

Imming said his sister Genna, 31, was in Philadelphia after giving birth Jan. 13 to her third child. Because the baby girl had to stay in the hospital’s NICU with respiratory issues, husband Dylan, 34, stayed back in Berlin with their two young children, ages 2 and 4.

But that morning, Dylan, an early riser, was out running errands when the fire started. Genna’s mother was

home with her two grandchildren. According to Imming, a neighbor was the first to spot the smoke rising and came to the Drews’ home to bang on the front door.

Genna’s mother thought the racket was Dylan coming home. When she exited the first-floor bedroom, she and her grandchildren were met with a hallway full of smoke.

“If that lady didn’t knock on the door when she did, that fire could have progressed a lot sooner, and the conditions for my mom and the kids could have been a lot worse for them to try to evacuate,” Imming said.

According to Chief Grunden, another neighbor who’s also a Berlin fireman got the occupants out of the home and into his personal vehicle to keep warm. Two dogs inside the home also were removed and kept safe.

Sub-zero temperatures turned the area surrounding the house into a sheet of ice, Grunden also said, resulting in frozen hose lines, fire apparatus sliding on ice, and water-soaked firefighter gear freezing in moments.

Not only were the bitterly cold conditions taxing for the first responders on the scene, Grunden added, but the blaze was the third structure fire the Berlin Fire Company had battled in a span of 24 hours. His firefighters were exhausted.

Imming said the children’s bed-

Accident, natural gas spill closes Route 50 for hours

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) A portion of Route 50 westbound was closed for roughly 12 hours Monday after a tractortrailer carrying natural gas overturned on the highway.

On Jan. 26, just after 11 a.m., the Berlin Fire Department responded to a reported single-vehicle crash on westbound Route 50, east of Route 113. Initial reports indicated a tractor-trailer carrying potentially hazardous materials had overturned.

Fire and rescue units from Showell Volunteer Fire Company were dispatched to assist, and the Worcester County Hazardous Materials Team was requested because of the nature of the incident, according to a news release from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office.

First-arriving fire units found a tractor-trailer on its side in a ditch with diesel fuel leaking from the vehicle’s saddle tanks. The driver had self-extricated and was being evaluated and treated by Berlin EMS.

“Further investigation determined the trailer was transporting approxi-

rooms took the brunt of the fire damage: the blaze destroyed all the baby items, clothing, and furniture that had been prepared to welcome home the newborn. He started a GoFundMe page to help their recovery, with the hope of raising $10,000.

In the first hour of the online fundraiser, $6,000 poured in. In the second hour, another $12,000 was donated. The total now stands at more than $75,000 as of Thursday morning, with donations from more than 620 people. One anonymous donor gave $5,000.

Imming called the flurry of donations a “huge relief” to his sister. Funds raised will go toward the family’s NICU expenses and other immediate needs.

He added that Genna isn’t getting a paycheck while on maternity leave from her job as a first-grade teacher.

“It’s like a weight was lifted off hers and Dylan’s shoulders,” he said.

“With all the negativity in the world, it just goes to show there are people out there who can put differences aside and come together for a common cause. It’s just a ray of light for the community.”

A Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigation determined that the fire originated from the ventilation of a wood burning stove, according to Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Rob Korb. Fire crews from Showell, Ocean Pines, Ocean City, Bishopville, Willards, Newark, and Powellville assisted on scene, he added.

mately 9,700 gallons of refrigerated liquid natural gas (LNG),” the fire marshal’s office reported. “Hazardous Materials personnel began continuous monitoring for leaks and conducted a pump-off operation of leaking diesel fuel from the tractor’s saddle tanks.”

Because of the cargo involved in the accident, the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) Emergency Response Division was notified and responded to the scene, the fire marshal’s office reports.

Other assisting agencies included the Maryland State Police, Worcester County Department of Emergency Services, Ocean City Emergency Management and Maryland State Highway Administration, along with Berlin Volunteer Fire and EMS and the Worcester County Hazardous Materials Team, comprised of volunteer members from all 10 Worcester County volunteer fire departments including career staffing from Worcester County and Ocean City fire marshal’s offices and emergency services.

The entire operation lasted more than 12 hours, during which all west-

First responders assist at the scene of an overturned tractor-trailer Monday. Route 50 westbound in Berlin remained closed for about 12 hours as crews cleaned up the wreckage.

bound lanes remained closed as crews cleaned up both the wreckage and the fuel spill. Consulting with MDE, the trucking company, the natural gas carrier and others on the scene, the fire marshal’s office said officials decided the safest course of action was to right the tractor-trailer and remove it from the ditch.

Maryland State Police report that a preliminary investigation indicates the tractor-trailer was traveling west on Route 50 when, for unknown reasons, it traveled off the roadway and to the right, overturning the vehicle. Police say they do not believe weather to be a factor in the crash.

“The cause of the crash is under investigation,” Maryland State Police said.

“The tractor-trailer was returned to an upright position and towed to a secure storage facility where its contents will be offloaded at a later time,” the news release says. “No serious injuries were reported.”

PUTTING FOR A CAUSE

On Saturday, Jan. 24, the American Legion Auxiliary Synepuxent Unit 166 in Ocean City held the 4th Annual Putting for a Cause Event to raise money for Stop Soldier Suicide. Nine downtown establishments participated for teams of four to visit to putt at holes the businesses designed. Many teams dressed in themes. The entire American Legion family members volunteered to make this event a success as well as the players and businesses that participated. First, second, and third place score winners were awarded packs of prizes as well as a prize awarded for best costume. Pictured are some of the participants.

Berlin’s skate park initiative included in Moore’s budget

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 29, 2026) The Berlin skate park project could see an additional $300,000 in funding if Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) proposed $70.8 billion state budget passes as presented.

The fiscal package includes about a dozen allocations for Worcester County initiatives, including $2 million to Ocean City’s beach replenishment and hurricane protection plan, $1.28 million for a roof replacement at Worcester Technical High School, $700,000 for new Diakonia supportive housing, and, for Berlin’s recreational community, $300,000 towards a skate plaza at Heron Park.

Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) said the funding comes by way of the

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Maryland Department of Natural Resources’ Community Parks and Playgrounds Program.

A skate park has been a dream of many Berlin residents for some time. Tony Weeg, founder of the nonprofit We Heart Berlin, who has spearheaded the project, said in October of last year that about $975,000 is needed to construct a skateable facility.

To make the space even more desirable with shade structures and lighting, a final total of about $1.3 million is a more accurate estimate.

The skate park is to be situated at Heron Park, alongside a new complex by developer Palmer Gillis, who has purchased a 9.35-acre site, known as parcel 57, from the Town of Berlin.

Gillis said at a recent planning commission meeting that he intends to revamp the space with healthcare offices, a daycare facility, and a retail operation. Gillis’ plans have yet to receive preliminary or final approval but are making their way through the design phase. A new public works building will also be located at Heron Park.

Skate park project leaders have pushed for the creation of the recreational structure for some time.

Spohn Ranch, a skate park design and building company based in Los Angeles, California, was hired in 2022 to develop concept plans. Spohn Ranch will also complete the actual construction of the amenity when the time comes.

The initiative is expected to see a 14,000- to 16,000-square-foot skate park adjacent to the space planned for Berlin’s new public works facility. The site would include a bowl, quarter pipes, and a pump track, which helps skaters learn to transition without losing momentum.

Spohn Ranch’s concept also incorporates amphitheater steps, a hipped bank, a grind ledge, an A-frame bank, a slappy curb, and a landscape area.

In April, representatives from We Heart Berlin and Berlin Public Works Director Jimmy Charles conducted a walkthrough of the future park’s site and noted the structure’s dimensions. Currently, project leaders have about $46,600 of the nearly $1 million required in the bank. However, some significant funds are possible.

The skate park is hoping to receive $487,500 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant. Last year, initiative organizers said their application for the LWCF was submitted to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where it received a favorable evaluation and was elevated to the federal level for final review.

Weeg said this week that he is still waiting to see if their submission was successful. If the project obtains $487,500 from the LWCF and $300,000 from the governor’s budget, the skate park would have

nearly all the funding needed.

Weeg said if this is the case, Spohn Ranch would get the Berlin skate park on the books. The founder of We Heart Berlin added that he hopes local funds can make up the difference.

“With LWCF at $487,000, and with [the $300,000], that’s $787,000, and I’m pretty sure we could find local funds to get us over the hump,” he said. “But either way, I’ve pretty much heard from Spohn Ranch that if we got to that level of funding, they would go ahead and start putting us on the calendar, getting us on the schedule, and start working, even knowing that it’ll take about a year anyway to happen, and trusting we could raise that sort of funding in a matter of a year.”

More information about the skate park’s grant status is forthcoming. Town of Berlin Special Projects Administrator Kate Daub said the town has not received or been awarded any funding and that applications are still under review.

“Additional work remains to ensure all available funding options are explored to keep the skate park project moving forward,” she said.

Still, Weeg said that with the $300,000 included in Moore's budget, he can “smell the concrete.”

“We’re all looking forward to the skate park and…to give Berlin kids something they can latch onto and say, ‘this is ours; this is something we’re proud of and we want to show our friends and have our friends come and enjoy it with us,’” he added.

“This is a big step, and the fact that the governor has put this in the budget is just…you know, when you become a line item, and you can see your name on the thing, you become real.”

Carozza said she’s on the committee that oversees the DNR and plays a role in supporting “strong, well-researched projects” from her district that have demonstrated community support. However, she maintained that the Town of Berlin and the project’s leaders were the ones who made the case for the skate park's importance and worked together to secure inclusion in Moore’s budget.

“You’re only going to be successful in securing state funding if you can show strong community investment and support, and that’s what you have in this project,” she said. “When you have a strong application, you’re in the best position to receive state funding in a tight budget year.”

Carozza added that she understands the value a skate park can bring to the Town of Berlin.

“I grew up in Ocean City, and the Skate Bowl was a key community spot for all of us growing up,” she said. “Now, to see that the community in Berlin has worked so hard for this skate park is very encouraging, and it will promote community and neighbors coming together to enjoy.”

FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION

The Art League of Ocean City's First Friday opening reception was held on Jan. 2 at the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Above left, far left, Jennifer Roros won first place in the all-media group show. Above left, right, Maurice Sevigny displayed his jewelry creations in the Felber Artisan Showcase to guests. Above, top, the winners of the Art League of Ocean City's "My Happy Place" group show are shown on First Friday Jan. 2 with Art League President Crystal Collins and show judge David Hollander. The top three winners received cash prizes. Above left, 3D artist Maria Sallese displayed her sculptures in the Art League of Ocean City's Studio E. Above right, Karen Lembo won honorable mention in the all-media group show.

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S

SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY 28th Street & Coastal Highway

Saturday, January 31: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

COINS PUB

410-289-3100 28th Street Plaza On Coastal Highway Saturday, January 31: TBA

Sunday, February 1: Teenage Rust & The Fabulous Rustettes

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500 60th Street In The Bay

Friday, January 30: DJ Stinson

Saturday, January 31:

Other Brother Darryl & DJ Vybe

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC

Sunday, February 1: Anniversary Party w/ DJ Wood Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

Fager’s Island: Saturday, January 31

Pub: Sunday, February 1 OTHER BROTHER DARRYL

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Who’s Where When

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Road, West End OC

Friday, January 30: DJ Billy T Saturday, January 31:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Harborside: Sunday, February 1 MERCURY AGENDA Pickles Pub: Saturday, January 31

WHIPPED Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 7 TEENAGE RUST & THE FABULOUS RUSTETTES

Seacrets: Saturday, January 31 Thursday, February 5 (Duo)

FALL

Harborside: Saturday, January 31

FOSSIL SAUCE

Pub: Saturday, February 7

Sunday, February 1:

Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th Street & Philadelphia Avenue Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Saturday, January 31: Mercury Agenda Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Thursdays: Beats By Connair

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th Street & Coastal Highway Friday, January 30: Carley Twigg, Trivia w/ Jordan & DJ Davie Saturday, January 31: Full Circle & DJ E-State Thursday, February 5: Full Circle Duo

South Fire Station construction starts soon

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 3o, 2026) Work on the Ocean Pines South Fire Station will begin next month, with construction to be handled by Delaware-based The Whayland Company, per board of directors’ approval last week.

At the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Jan. 24, the governing group approved the construction contract with The Whayland Company. The vote was unanimous, with board member Stuart Lakernick absent.

Whayland will break ground on the project in February. Officials said that the effort will take around 60 weeks to complete.

OPA Board of Directors President John Latham credited the work of Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola and association staff in facilitating the agreement. He also gave a special shoutout to Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department members, including President Joe Enste and Fire Chief Joey Widgeon.

“This has been a lot of work for the team and we’re very happy to get to put ink on this contract,” Latham said.

A press release issued by OPA indicated that a formal groundbreaking ceremony will be held in February, with an exact date still to be determined.

The South Fire Station has been a project in the works for some time. In July of 2024, the Ocean Pines board and the fire department signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) outlining provisions for the construction of a new firehouse on the South Station property at 911 Ocean Parkway to replace the outdated structure.

Since then, OPA staff and the OPVFD team have been working on the project. Details have continued to be ironed out, and now, those pieces have paved the way for the initiative to finally get underway.

Per the MOU, project costs will be split between OPA and the OPVFD. Last summer, a referendum asking Ocean Pines homeowners to support the community’s contribution of up to $3.4 million toward the brand-new

South Station passed. Altogether, 1,559 ‘yes’ votes were cast, overriding the 389 ‘no’ ballots.

A public hearing was held by the OPVFD in June, during which the fire company spoke about the status of the structure. The firehouse was built in 1981. In 1985, a 4,200-square-foot addition was built to accommodate the new EMS side of the department, and in 1987, a 500-square-foot addition was constructed for administrative offices.

Since those adjustments, only minor improvements have been made to the building, such as painting and replacing the kitchen cabinets.

Department officials have said that the current conditions of the South Station have posed challenges for the fire team’s staff and volunteers. If left unaddressed, these issues would hinder the community’s fire protection

services.

For instance, the engine bay’s existing setup includes a ladder truck, a rescue truck, a fire engine, three medic units, and all of the department’s PPE (personal protective equipment) for both volunteer and career members.

Enste explained the consequences of such a system at last summer’s public hearing.

“That is challenging for a number of reasons,” he said at the time.

“Number one, when we have an emergency, we have volunteers and career staff coming from different directions to get into that engine bay. At the same time, people are trying to drive these vehicles in and out in an emergency response mode. It provides challenges you need to be aware of, like, is anyone going to run across because they forgot their keys, and things like that.”

Furthermore, the engine bay’s doors are 12 feet wide and no longer efficiently accommodate modern, larger fire trucks.

The existing building also struggles with drainage issues, leaks, mold concerns, and the lack of a proper decontamination area. Additionally, the bunk rooms do not offer gender separation and are too small for the four overnight employees needed on-site today.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

RISE UP FOUNDATION DONATION

The Ocean City Surf Club recently donated $2,000 to the Rise Up Foundation of Worcester County to support their mission in helping our youth experience a positive environment. Pictured, from left, at Rise Up’s Berlin location at The Dispatch Center are Patrick and Velda Henry, Co-Executive Directors of the Rise Up Foundation; Tommy Vach, President, Ocean City Surf Club; and Rusty Ruszin, Vice President, Ocean City Surf Club.

SOUTH POINT OFFICERS

At the annual membership meeting of the South Point Association, the following officers were elected for 2026. Pictured, front row from left, are Rick Martello, Director; Diane Stelzner, Secretary; and Bob Rubenstein, Vice President; standing, from left, Alec French, Director; Michael LeCompte, President; Brian Julian, Treasurer; and Eric Fiori, Commissioner. SUBMITTED

KIDS HEART CHALLENGE

LIONS WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

Calendar

Submit calendar items to: editor@octodaydispatch.com. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.

Fri., Jan. 30

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults are welcome. 410-5241818, worcesterlibrary.org

MINDFULNESS FOR THE NEW YEAR

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 1 p.m. Begin 2026 with increased awareness, reduced stress, improved focus and better emotion regulation. Registration necessary: 410-957-0878. worcesterlibrary.org

POT ROAST DINNER FUNDRAISER

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Pot roast, potatoes, green beans, beverage, rolls and dessert. Cost is $20. Dine-in or carry-out. Call ahead to reserve a meal at bethany21811@gmail.com or 410-6412186. Meals are limited.

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410524-7994

Sat., Jan. 31

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BREAKFAST BUFFET

Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, Whaleyville, 7-10 a.m. Pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.

PAWS & READING

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10 a.m. Young independent readers can practice their literacy skills by reading aloud to a friendly trained dog at the library. Stop by to sign up. For ages 6-11 years. 410524-1818. worcesterlibrary.org

TOTS-TO-TEENS: BEARS

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Make your own snow globe. Available at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Cost is $5/child for members and $10/child, non-members.

Register: https://www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org/delmarvadiscoveryacademy/totstoteens.

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS

MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-6417052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market

Sun., Feb. 1

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org

Mon., Feb. 2

STORY TIME: BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP

John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Free and open to caregivers who share the challenges and rewards of caring for adults with serious illnesses. Nicole Fry, 410-641-2626, nicole.fry@tidalhealth.org

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-804-3971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Elissa, 410-641-8050; on social media; or delmarvachorus.org.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100

Tues., Feb. 3

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, worcesterlibrary.org

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: VALENTINE TEA PARTY

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs, crafts and treats. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11 a.m. Master Gardener Ginny Rosenkranz talks about all things plants. Bring any questions and feel free to show your plants as well. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

THE BLACK HISTORY OF CHESAPEAKE BAY AQUACULTURE

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 p.m. Imani Black shares her journey from growing up on Maryland’s Eastern Shore to becoming a nationally recognized leader in aquaculture. Explore Black watermen and aquaculture pioneers. 410-524-1818

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for

eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-2894725

OC KNITTING CLUB

Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Feb. 4

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with

Crossword answers from page 58

CALENDAR

new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to exchange but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be complete in their original box. 410-641-0650

‘SCORCHY’S CORNER: WANDERING OUR DELMARVALOUS LAND’ VIDEO SERIES

Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore Ave., 2-3 p.m. Held Wednesdays, Feb. 4March 4. Offering audiences a nostalgic journey across Delmarva with host Scorchy Tawes. Preregister: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978305 907223?aff=oddtdtcreator.

COLONIAL ART IN AMERICA

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Art historian Dr. Jennifer Kruglinski talks to us about art during the colonial era. 410208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

KIDS PAINT NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-6:30 p.m. All materials and instruction provided. Cost is $22 per painter. For ages 8 years and older. Pre-registration required: 410641-7052.

SIP & PRESS FUNDRAISER … A FLORAL

EVENING

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7:05 p.m. Tickets $35. Join us for a night of floral pressing fun for a good cause! 410-524-9433

CASH BINGO

Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Door open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Food available before bingo and at intermission. Open to the public. 443-605-5028

Thurs., Feb. 5

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

OC CHESS CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess at the library. 410-524-1818, worcesterli-

brary.org

POCOMOKE BRANCH BOOK CLUB: ‘DEACON KING KONG’ BY JAMES MCBRIDE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Join in for a lively discussion each month. Stop by the Pocomoke Branch to pick up a copy in advance. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

MOON LIGHTS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m. Celebrate the Apollo 14 Mission to the Moon by making a glowing moon (or earth) luminary. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. Registration required: 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org.

DRY PANTRY

Thursdays - St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For those in need of resources such as paper products, laundry products, baby items, and personal care items. Limits apply. 410-641-0270

ONGOING EVENTS

BUS TRIP TO WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. CAROLINA HURRICANES REMATCH GAME

Held Jan. 31 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Cost is $130 and includes transportation, game ticket and food package. Bus departs Ocean Pines

Community Center at 1 p.m. Game time is 5 p.m. Tickets: OP Recreation & Parks, 410-641-7052.

THE WINTER QUILL POETRY CONTEST

This year’s theme is frozen moments, encouraging young writers to capture a single memory, feeling or image in an original poem. Entries are due by Feb. 2 and the contest is open to ages 6-11 and 12-18 years. Winners will be announced on Feb. 9. All participants are invited to celebrate at a Family Poetry Read-alound on Feb. 21. 443-235-5597

FREE TAX PREP

AARP is offering free tax preparations to the public. AARP Foundation Tax Aides will be available at the following libraries: Mondays in Ocean Pines; Wednesdays, Berlin; Fridays, Pocomoke City; and Saturdays, Ocean City. By appointment only: 443-584-5661, aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.

MARYLAND FIREFIGHTER 50/50 FUNDRAISER

Drawings are held every Thursday at 8 p.m. Ticket sales open Thursdays at 8:05 p.m. and close the following Thursday at 7:59 p.m. One winner takes home 50% of the total jackpot and the remainder supports the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. Tickets: https://md.5050raffle.org/give/ mdfire/50-50-raffles/md5050/ charities/ocean-pines/checkout

38 OC Today-Dispatch

FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN: FULL TIME/PART TIME Locally Owned Co. looking for an experienced TECHNICIAN. Must have good driving record and some background in Fire Alarm systems. Competitive pay with benefits. 410-641-4411

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

TECHNICIAN: FULL OR PART TIME. No wknds. No nights. Will train. Must have Basic Mechanical Skills Perfect for retirees.

Small local co. 30 yrs serving Delmarva. 410-641-4411

RENTALS

YR OCEAN PINES

Available Immediately! 3BR, 2BA Central HVAC All Appliances Incl. No Pets.

$2,300 per month + $2,300 sec. dep. 410-404-8851

Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581

o Experience preferred.

o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus.

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available. Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

YR OCEAN PINES

Available Immediately! South Gate Cul de Sac Recently renovated Unfurnished 4BR, 2BA

Screened in porch, Central HVAC No smoking/pets

$2,500 per mo. + util’s & sec. dep. 410-404-8851

Seeking Year-Round Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

Commercial Space for Lease ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT! 2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined.

Approx. 1000 sq. ft. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.

2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200

COMMERCIAL SPACE

Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center.

Large unit with 5 individual office spaces within. $2,400 per mo. 410-430-7675 SERVICES

LARRY’S HANDYMAN

SERVICE No job too small, entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate

2 Bedroom / 1 Bath Laundry on premises. 877-289-1616 www.bbapartmentsoc.com

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE

Commercial Space 816 sq. ft. Village of Fenwick, Fenwick Island, DE. Call Melissa, 410-641-1101 or Email Melissa@bergeycpa.com

MISC. FOR SALE Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-407-6870 REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

Us! 855-977-5719

Hunter C. Piel, Esquire Piel Law Firm, LLC

502 Washington Avenue, Suite 730 Towson, Maryland 21204

HUNTER C. PIEL, et al., Substitute Trustees, v.

R- LUXURY RENTALS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,

A/K/A R-LUXURY RENTALS, LLC Defendant.

Subject Property:

400 Second Street Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851 (Tax ID No.: 01-017969)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000213

NOTICE

OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE is hereby given this 9th day of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in the above-captioned proceeding, described as 400 2nd Street, a/r/t/a 400 Second Street, Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851 (the "Property"), and reported by Hunter C. Piel, Substitute Trustee, shall be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 9th day of February, 2026, provided that a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three (3) successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in Worcester County, Maryland, before the 2nd day of February 2026.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the sale of the Property to be $70,000.00.

Susan Braniecki CLERK, CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-1/15/3t

Mayor & City Council

Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

B08-26 – Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular

business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2026 AT 9:00AM, AT THE WINTER HARBOR DRIVE BULKHEAD, 165 WINTER HARBOR DRIVE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2026.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City Procurement Department, Attention: Procurement Manager; 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

SOLICITATION

B09-26 – Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. BID Documents for the Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s

(https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM, AT THE OLD LANDING ROAD BULKHEAD, 164 OLD LANDING ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2026.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City Procurement Department, Attention: Procurement Manager; 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B10-26 – 17th Street Bulkhead Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the 17th Street Bulkhead Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the 17th Street Bulkhead Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their

BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2026 AT 11:00AM, AT THE OLD LANDING ROAD BULKHEAD, 301 17TH Street, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2026.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City Procurement Department, Attention: Procurement Manager; 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (17th Street Bulkhead Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-1/1/5t

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS FOR COUNTY-WIDE HOUSING REHABILITATION

PROGRAM QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR LIST

The Worcester County Commissioners are requesting qualifications from licensed contractors to establish a list that will be used for bidding on Requests for Proposals associated with the rehabilitation or renovation of dwellings funded under the Community Development Block Grant and managed by the Worcester County Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program provides grant and loan funding to owner-occupied properties for general rehabilitation, septic and well installation, HVAC, and lead abatement services.

The following Maryland licensed contractors are requested: General rehabilitation – MHIC Lead Abatement – MDE HVAC Installers Septic Installers Well Installers

Bidders may quote to fulfill any of the listed functions with the appropriate license. Worcester County's review process, selection criteria, and award and proposal format guidelines are also described in this Request for Qualifications (RFQ). Proposal submission deadline is Monday, February 2, 2026. The County's Housing Program Coordinator and the Worcester County Commissioners will review Propos-

Two (2) copies of the Proposal must be received in the Worcester County Commissioners Office at the address shown below no later than 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026. Envelopes shall be marked "County-Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program Qualified Contractor List" in the lower left-hand corner. Handwritten, email and facsimile transmissions, as well as proposals received after the deadline, will not be considered.

Address all submissions to:

Worcester County Commissioners Office

Worcester County Government Center

One W. Market Street, Room 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863

OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20964

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Superior Court of Pima County, Arizona appointed Karen E. Stauss, 7333 New Hampshire Ave., Apt. 804, Takoma Park, MD 20912-6975 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Thomas W. Stauss who died on July 13, 2025 domiciled in Arizona, USA.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

Karen E. Stauss Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: January 15, 2026

OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20968

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PAUL ARTHUR VREELAND

Notice is given that Craig Bernier, 201 Edgewater Pl., Highland Lakes, NJ 07422-1801, was on January 07, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Arthur

Vreeland who died on December 25, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Craig Bernier Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 15, 2026

OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DEBORA MARIE HENKELMAN Estate No. 20965 Notice is given that STEPHANIE MARIE HENKELMAN whose address is 11810 BACK CREEK RD., BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813-1726 was on JANUARY 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBORA MARIE HENKELMAN who died on DECEMBER 13, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate

of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

. Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CARLTON C. WHALEY Estate No. 20966 Notice is given that HOWARD JAMES WHALEY SR whose address is 21105 COVERDALE RD., BRIDGE–VILLE, DE 19933-4363 was on JANUARY 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CARLTON C. WHALEY who died on DECEMBER 04, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is

unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/15/3t

Buas 3G Properties, LLC 3509 Coastal Hwy Ocean City, MD 21863 v. Ella D Topping 406 Oxford St Pocomoke MD 21851

Beneficial Maryland Inc. c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated 35 J West Camden Street Baltimore, MD 21201-7912

City of Pocomoke City 101 Clarke Avenue/P.O. Box 29 Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

Worcester County, Maryland l W. Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 45, Account No. 01-021648, Property description 68 X 32 N SIDE 605 LAUREL ST POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 5393/472, Assessed to Ella D Topping, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 45, Account No.01-021648, Property description 68 X 32 N SIDE 605 LAUREL ST POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 5393/4 72, Assessed to Ella D Topping

In the Circuit Court For Worcester County State of Maryland Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000345

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in and to the following property, lying and being situate in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and State of Maryland, to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No.: 01-021648

Assessed Owners: Ella D Topping Brief Legal Address: 68 X 32 N SIDE 605 LAUREL ST POCOMOKE

Deed Reference: 5393/472

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for the redemption if the property have not been paid. It is thereupon this 9th of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive

weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th day of March, 2026, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/15/3t

BRIAN PETER COSBY NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP

12417 OCEAN GATEWAY #B-13

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF

APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20973 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MILTON J. SCHUL

Notice is given that Alexander L. Schul, 435 Spring House Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011-1453, was on January 12, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Milton J. Schul who died on November 26, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Alexander L. Schul

Personal Representative

True Test Copy

Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

PUBLIC NOTICE

The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles.

The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law.

These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 01/16/2026

AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 15, 2026

OCD-1/15/3t

WORCESTER COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing and receive public comment on the following request for the establishment of a Residential Planned Community (RPC) floating zone on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:35 AM in the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, 1 West Market St, Snow Hill, MD: Racetrack Village RPC, filed by MD Medical Owners III, LLC for a proposed 137-unit multi-family residential development with a commercial component, located on the east side of Racetrack Road (MD Route 589) at Taylorville Lane, Tax Map 21, Parcel 66, Lots 1 and B, in the 3rd Tax District of Worcester County, MD.

A map of the area, staff file and Planning Commission’s recommendation to be entered into record at the hearing are available to view online at www.co.worcester.md.us or during normal business hours at the Dept of Development Review and Permitting, 1 West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-1/22/2t

WORCESTER COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and will receive public comment on

the following map amendment on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM in the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland:

Rezoning Case No. 452, filed by Hugh Cropper on behalf of KASA Holdings, LLC, property owner, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately 1.66 acres of land located on the westerly side of Stephen Decatur Highway (MD Route 611) and the easterly side of Sinepuxent Road, West Ocean City, Tax Map 26, Parcel 340, in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from A-2 Agricultural District to C-2 General Commercial District.

A copy of the file on Rezoning Case No. 452 and the Planning Commission’s recommendation, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are available to view online at www.co.worcester.md.us or during normal business hours at the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-1/22/2t

B. RANDALL COATES ESQ.

COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20978 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EDITH BEATRICE LANKFORD

AKA: EDITH ADKINS MORRIS

Notice is given that Coretta Kenya Lankford, 3100 Glenwood Ridge Dr., Richmond, VA 232232181, was on January 15, 2026 ap-

pointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edith Beatrice Lankford who died on May 24, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Coretta Kenya Lankford Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by

personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 22, 2026

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SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC Plaintiff vs. MITCHELL HALEM, MARJORIE SILVERMAN HALEM, DANIEL HALEM, ILANA HALEM

BETH DUFFY, PAUL DUFFY, ROBERT HALEM, JENNIFER LYNN HALEM, and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY

(All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:)

9800 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 1510 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY:

9800 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 1510

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000340

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

List No. 15, Parcel No. I 0285291, Property Description: U 15 IO BEACH HWY PLAZA CM, Assessed to MITCHELL HALEM, MARJORIE SILVERMAN HALEM, DANIEL HALEM, ILANA HALEM, BETH DUFFY, PAUL DUFFY, ROBERT HALEM, and JENNIFER LYNN HALEM, also known as 9800 COASTAL HWY, UNlT 1510, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 13th of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 16th day of March, 2026, warning all per-

sons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 16th day of March, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki

Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/22/3t

SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC

Plaintiff vs. ESTATE OF RONALD P PRIHODA, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY and

(All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:)

19 FOSSE GRANGE

OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811

UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY:

19 FOSSE GRANGE

OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811

The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000342

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

List No. 32, Parcel No. 03109178, Property Description: LOT B-101253 I 0663 SQ FT FOSSE GRANGE PL OCEAN PINES SEC 10, Assessed to RONALD P PRIHODA and CAROL ANN SHORB, also known as 19 FOSSE GRANGE, OCEAN PINES, Maryland 21811, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 15th of January, 2026 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a

general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 16th day of March , 2026, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 16th day of March, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/22/3t

SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC

Plaintiff

vs.

ESTATE OF JULlA E. BECKER, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY

(All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:)

715 142ND ST, UNIT 42704

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY:

715 142ND ST, UNIT 42704

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000338

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

List No. 4, Parcel No. 10232988, Property Description: U 427 P 4 142ND ST LIGHTHOUSE VILLAGE CM, Assessed to JULIA E. BECKER, also known as 715 142ND ST, UNIT 42704, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 13th of January, 2026 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County:

ORDERED , That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3)

successive weeks on or before the 17th day of March, 2026, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 17th day of March, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/22/3t

GINA D. SHAFFER, ESQ. SHAFFER LAW OFFICE, LLC 11033 CATHELL RD. BERLIN, MD 21811-9328

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20565 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BRIAN LYNN KERRIGAN

Notice is given that Jeanne Pelayo, 18 Robin Hood Trl., Berlin, MD 21811-1686, was on January 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Brian Lynn Kerrigan who died on December 19, 2024, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Jeanne Pelayo Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 22, 2026

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET

P O BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM JAMES DAVIS Estate No. 20979 Notice is given that ELSIE VIRGINIA AHMAD whose address is 303 BELT ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1305 was on JANUARY 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM JAMES DAVIS who died on DECEMBER 13, 2025 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JULY, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/22/3t

ESTHER A. STREETE ESQ.

MCNAMEE HOSEA

888 BESTGATE RD., STE. 402 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-2957

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20983

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN EDWARD WALLOP

Notice is given that Johnnette Wallop, 816 N. Colorado St., Salt Lake City, UT 84116-3806, was on January 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Edward Wallop who died on September 13, 2025, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Johnnette Wallop Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 22, 2026

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall lo-

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mayor and City Council, a public community transit service provider in Ocean City, Maryland, is offering the opportunity for a public hearing to provide citizens a forum to present views on the following proposals: FY 2027 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP).

The ATP contains requests for operating funds from the following programs: Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, which provides funds for general public transit service in rural areas; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, which provides funds for federally required para transit services for persons with disabilities.

In addition, capital funds will be requested for the following items:

$875,000

TOTAL $4,625,000

A Public Hearing will be held upon request. Requests for a Public Hearing must be in writing and will be received until 4 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked “Public Hearing Comments”:

Ocean City Transportation 224 65th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Written comments can also be emailed to: Rob Shearman Jr. at rshearman@oceancitymd.gov

If requested, a Public Hearing will be held: Monday, March 2, 2026

6:00 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

301 North Baltimore Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

If special assistance is required at the Public Hearing contact Ocean City Transportation, Administrative Coordinator, at 410-723-2174 prior to 4 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.

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cated at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026 At 3:00 PM

BAAV 26-013 - A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) Minimum Elevation Requirements, to reduce the minimum 3’ freeboard elevation requirement above the AE-5 flood zone by approximately 2.9 feet for substantial improvement of an existing residence, including a lateral and vertical additions. Locally known as 165 Old Wharf Road – Parcel 1534ALot 33 Caine Keys II located in the Town of Ocean City, MD

Owner: Daniel Ross

Builder: David Bradley OCD-1/22/2t

RACHEL B HARRIS ESQ PO BOX 62

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218510062

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO

CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of PAUL W JONES Estate No. 20984 Notice is given that ROBERT WAYNE JONES whose address is 833 N LEXINGTON ST ARLINGTON, VA 22205-1318 was on JANUARY 16, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAUL W JONES who died on DECEMBER 09, 2025 with a will. Further information can be ob-

tained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JULY, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL

NOTICE OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION ORDINANCE 2026-01

NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Ordinance 2026-01 was introduced for first reading at a regular meeting on January 13, 2026. A fair summary of the ordinance is as follows: An Ordinance to Amend Chapter 170, Entitled Taxation By Adding A New Article IV, Entitled Homestead Tax Credit of the Code of the Town of Snow Hill, Maryland. The Mayor and Council of Snow Hill desires to set the homestead tax credit for the Town of Snow Hill. The second reading will take place on February 9, 2026 at the regular Town Hall meeting. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES

204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20974 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JENNY DUKES HALL

Notice is given that B. Randall Coates, 204 W. Green St., Snow Hill, MD 21863-1057, was on January 16, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jenny Dukes Hall who died on December 24, 2025, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this

published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

B. Randall Coates Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 22, 2026

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20976 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JEROME EDWARD CALLAHAN

AKA: JEROME CALLAHAN

Notice is given that Robert Joseph Callahan, 12464 Barnard Way, West Friendship, MD 21794-9526, was on January 14, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerome Edward Callahan who died on January 03, 2026, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Robert Joseph Callahan Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott

Register of Wills for Worcester County

One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 22, 2026

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of EMMANUEL LOPEZ JR Estate No. 20980 Notice is given that JOSEPH LOPEZ whose address is 217 RIVERVIEW CT., SYKESVILLE, MD 21784-7154 was on JANUARY 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EMMANUEL LOPEZ JR who died on DECEMBER 29, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JULY, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/29/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES CHARLES PERCY Estate No. 20982 Notice is given that JOAN LLOYD whose address is 318 DERBY WAY, MILLSBORO, DE 19966-4285 was on JANUARY

15, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JAMES CHARLES PERCY who died on NOVEMBER 23, 2025 without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/29/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of RENA LYNN BATAILLE Estate No. 20911 Notice is given that DEVIN MICHAEL BATAILLE whose address is 20 HALL HWY., CRISFIELD, MD 21817-1206 was on JANUARY 16, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of RENA LYNN BATAILLE who died on OCTOBER 20, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the

undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/29/1t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.

The public is invited to view this meeting live online athttps://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live

6:30 p.m. Case No. 26-8, on the lands of Amy and Scott Lawrence, requesting a variance to the front yard setback for a flag lot from 228 feet to 150 feet (to encroach 78 feet) for a proposed pole building in the A1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1201(b)(5), ZS 1-201(d)(2), and ZS 1305, located on the northwest side of Worcester Highway approximately 600 feet northeast of Johnson Neck Road, Tax Map 78, Parcel 81, Tax District 8, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 26-10, on the lands of Bryan Stefanic, on the application of Spencer Ayres Cropper, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 16.1 feet (to encroach 13.9 feet) for an existing open deck with a pool in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 1100 Ocean Parkway, Tax Map 21, Parcel 224, Section 10, Lot 388, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 26-12, on the lands of Adam Lockhart Showell, Sr., as Custodian, on the application of Mark Spencer Cropper, requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Buffer Management Area from 50 feet to 3 feet (an encroachment of 47 feet) and a variance to the Ordinance prescribed front yard setback from 30 feet to 20 feet (an encroachment of 10 feet) as-

sociated with the proposed construction of a single-family dwelling in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-116(m)(1), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305 and Natural Resources Code Sections NR 3-104 (c)(4) and NR 3-111 located on the south side of Pond Road, approximately 130 feet west of Golf Course Road, Tax Map 22, Parcel 412, Lot A, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 26-9, on the lands of Frederick Henry Eisenbrandt, on the application of Hugh Cropper IV, requesting two (2) special exceptions to allow (1) a sawmill and the manufacturing and processing of wood products in an agricultural structure, and (2) the accessory use of that principal agricultural structure for the commercial hosting of non-agricultural functions and events in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-201(c)(8), ZS 1201(c)(32) and ZS 1-325, located at 11930 Ocean Gateway, Tax Map 26, Parcel 260, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland. OCD-1/29/2t

ERICA T. DAVIS

1401 ROCKVILLE PIKE STE 650 ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-1451

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20932 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MISTY NOEL HORNEY

Notice is given that Erica T. Davis, Esq., 1401 Rockville Pike, Ste. 650, Rockville, MD 20852-1451, was on January 22, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Misty Noel Horney who died on October 21, 2025, without a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of July, 2026.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date,

or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

Erica T. Davis, Esq.

Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative:

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: January 29, 2026

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Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (301) 907-8000

Diane S. Rosenberg

Mark D. Meyer

Sara Tussey

Andrew Higgins

Patrick Clowney, Jr. 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814

Substitute Trustees

Plaintiff(s) v.

Estate of William J. McGraw

35 Tail Of The Fox Drive Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

Case No. C-23-CV-25-000129

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 23rd day of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of 35 Tail Of The Fox Drive, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 23rd day of February, 2026, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in Ocean City Digest a weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 16th day of February, 2026. The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $203,000.00.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/29/3t

INVITATION TO BID

Renovation/Upgrade of Snow Hill Library

Worcester County is seeking Proposals from qualified contractors for Renovation/Upgrade of Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch in conformity with the requirements contained herein the Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained

from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov or by calling 410-632-1194 during regular business hours, or via the County’s Proposals page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their Proposals. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party Proposal service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

Documents will be ready be completed and available no later than Friday, January 23, 2026.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on: Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 10 am at the Snow Hill Library meeting room located at 307 North Washington Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863

Last date for questions will be determined at the pre-bid meeting.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than February 20, 2026, at 2 pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked, “Invitation to Bid – Renovation/Upgrade of Snow Hill Library” in the lower left-hand corner.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of solicitation.

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SEAN J COLGAN ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES 6200 COASTAL HWY STE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL LOU BLOUM Estate No. 20991 Notice is given that STEPHEN L BLOUM whose address is 13875 OLD EL CAMINO REAL SAN DIEGO, CA 92130-3028 was on JANUARY 21, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL LOU BLOUM who died on OCTOBER 03, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 21st day of JULY, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned per-

sonal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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JOHN F. ROBBERT ESQ

CHESAPEAKE LEGAL COUNSEL LLC

2661 RIVA RD STE 410A

ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7335

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GERTRUDE A GOLA Estate No. 20944 Notice is given that SHERRY NYKIEL whose address is 835 PARKRIDGE DR MEDIA, PA 19063-1715 was on JANUARY 23, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GERTRUDE A GOLA who died on OCTOBER 27, 2018 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of JULY, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present

the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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TOWN OF BERLIN

PUBLIC NOTICE CASE NO. 9508 (t)

BEFORE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION OF MARYLAND

THE CONTINUING INVESTIGATION OF THE ELECTRIC FUEL RATE AND PURCHASED POWER COST ADJUSTMENT CHARGES OF THE MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC SYSTEM OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF BERLIN.

PUBLIC UTILITY LAW JUDGE’S NOTICE OF REVISED DATE FOR HEARING

An evidentiary hearing in the above-captioned matter will be held on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Public Service Commission of Maryland’s 19th-floor hearing room, William Donald Schaefer Tower, 6 St. Paul Street, Baltimore, Maryland. The hearing is a continuation of the one held in this

matter on December 18, 2025, and supplemental evidence will be presented. The evidentiary hearing previously scheduled in the above-captioned matter for Monday, January 26, 2026, has been cancelled.

The February 18, 2026 hearing will be livestreamed on the Public Utility Law Judge’s YouTube Channel, using the following link: https://bit.ly/2X6wLiP. OCD-1/29/1t

SEAN J COLGAN ESQ.

COATES, COATES & COATES 6200 COASTAL HWY STE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL LYNNE STEPHENSON Estate No. 21000 Notice is given that MARY JANE WIMBROW whose address is 59 CASTLE DR BERLIN, MD 21811-2035 was on JANUARY 23, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL LYNNE STEPHENSON who died on OCTOBER 06, 2025 with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of JULY, 2026

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the cred-

itor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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NOTICE OF SEALED BID

Beach Equipment Franchise $ 500 Minimum Bid Requirement

You are hereby notified that the Town of Ocean City Mayor and Council is now accepting sealed bids for one (1) beach equipment franchise parcel. The successful bidder will contract with the Town to rent certain beach equipment in accordance with the terms and conditions set forth in the Town Code, Chapter 39. Sealed bids are due to the Office of the City Clerk, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842, by Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

Parcel 6th Street

PLEASE INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING WITH YOUR SEALED BID SUBMITTAL:

(1) Provide satisfactory proof of identity and legal age (i.e. Driver’s License or Government-issued Photo ID)

(2) A non-refundable deposit of One Thousand Dollars ($1,000.00) either via a cashier’s check or certified check payable to the Mayor and City Council. PERSONAL CHECKS NOT ACCEPTED.

IF AWARDED:

(1) Submit a personal Credit Report on or before Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

(2) Sign a statement authorizing the Mayor and Council to make inquiry of personal background, financial and credit worthiness on or before Tuesday, February 17, 2026

(3) Pay 20% of the annual fee for each parcel less the $1,000.00 deposit to the Billing Office in City Hall on or before Tuesday, February 17, 2026

(4) Provide a brief plan of management on or before Tuesday, February 17, 2026 clarifying if you will directly oversee the operation or, if not, how day-to-day operations will be handled; providing details of your experience with the beach equipment rental industry; and advising if you have obtained necessary equipment and boxes or of your arrangements to acquire necessary equipment.

(5) Obtain, at the operator's own expense, comprehensive general lia-

bility insurance coverage and products liability insurance coverage in at least the amount of $1,000,000.00 combined single limit, which insurance coverage shall name the Mayor and City Council as an additional insured, and a certificate of insurance evidencing such coverage shall be furnished to the Mayor and City Council by the operator and be approved by the City Clerk before contract endorsement.

(6) The second-highest bidder will have first right of refusal should the initial successful bidder neglect to meet credit, experience or management requirements. A sealed bid will be conducted if the second-highest bidder declines the award. The Mayor and Council may reject any and all bids for any reason it deems appropriate and may rebid upon such terms, conditions and manner it deems appropriate.

(7) Sign a three-year contract (2026-2028) for the 6th Street parcel.

Email dchavis@oceancitymd.gov or call 410-289-8842 if you have any questions.

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

Thursday, February 12, 2026 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-94(3)(a) has been filed to request a special yard exception for a proposed attached garage to be 2.7 feet from the side lot line, rather than 5 feet as required by Code. The Property is described as Lot 10, Block, 21, of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat. It is further described as being located on the west side of Baltimore Avenue and is locally known as 707 Baltimore Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: LOGAN BUAS & PETER S. BUAS (BZA 2733, FILE 26-09400001)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-1/29/2t

Duplex project to advance with OK from OC planners

Commission approves site plans, subdivision requests

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) Members of the Ocean City Planning Commission approved site plans for a duplex development at 83rd Street during their Jan. 21 meeting.

After receiving permission to subdivide two lots into four, representatives for 83rd Street Development of Ocean City LLC came before the Ocean City Planning Commission last week with a request to approve the site plans for two duplex developments on those properties.

City staff said the applicant proposes to build four units – each with five bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms and four tandem (stacked) parking spaces underneath.

“We’re trying to stay away from garages,” said Rick Schoellkopf, the applicant’s architect. “All four of those parking spaces are usable parking spaces.”

Last week, the planning commission voted 5-0, with Commissioner Palmer Gillis absent and Chair Joe Wilson abstaining, to grant the applicant’s request to subdivide two neighboring oceanfront lots near 83rd Street into four separate parcels. Zoning Administrator Sabrina Hecht then brought forward the applicant’s site plans for four duplex units – two on the one subdivided lot and two on the other.

Planning staff presented the applicant’s exhibits, which showed ground parking at each unit and three levels of living space above. For his part,

Shoellkopf noted that space is limited, as the developer is prohibited from building in the dune area east of the oceanfront building limit line.

Because of that, Shoellkopf said common elements, like outdoor storage units on the ground floor, are not found in the site plans.

“This is an unusual site …,” he said. “To build a viable, sellable unit, with enough bedrooms for the demand, there’s not much room on the ground for storage.”

However, he said recent changes

at the city level made developing the oceanfront properties easier. He noted that the city’s efforts to define habitable attics more clearly allowed for additional use of the top floor.

“This was a building that was a problem for us a year or two ago,” he said of the project.

Following discussions on parking and property access, the commission voted to approve the two site plans as presented. Wilson abstained from voting, citing his brokerage firm’s involvement in the property sale.

County eyes code change for rental parking

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Worcester County officials are weighing a rewrite of a shortterm rental parking law after a staff error led to the revocation of rental licenses for some homeowners in West Ocean City.

The legislative proposal comes after a homeowner in The Landings community in West Ocean City off Route 611 was told she’d qualify for a short-term rental license even though the townhome didn’t come with the requisite three parking spaces, according to emails between the buyer and the county’s former rental license coordinator.

“I would not have built this home in [The Landings at] Bayside if I would have known that short-term rental was not an option,” wrote buyer Christy Agnese in a Dec. 12 letter to county officials.

“Unfortunately, my story is in no way unique in our community,” she added. “I have spoken to other homeowners, and their stories are variations on a theme. Many built their homes fully intending on vacationing in the community themselves and using short-term rental to

make the financials feasible.”

In 2019, the commissioners passed legislation on short-term rentals that codified a parking requirement: to offer short-term rentals, homeowners had to provide three parking spaces.

But homeowners whose homes were issued building permits before the end of 2019 were grandfathered in, meaning they only needed to offer two parking spots. Building permits issued from Jan. 1, 2020, had the three-space edict. The policy allowed for access to a shared parking lot to count toward a third spot.

It also created inequity for homeowners, Agnese alleged, with two classes of rental properties: ones with two parking spaces, and ones with three.

However, despite the three-space rule, the county’s Department of Development Review and Permitting from 2020 through mid-2025 issued shortterm rental permits to properties with only two spaces.

“There’s multiple emails back and forth between the county – and Ryan Homes is one of them – and the purchasers that were under the assumption they were allowed to do these Airbnbs and that’s why they purchased these homes,” Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, West Ocean City) said at the Jan. 20 meeting.

Fri-Mon 11am-4pm H

Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm

Saturrdday 10:30am-12:30pm 204

Then, last summer, based on input from other members of The Landings community, the county began to reinterpret the parking rule: shared parking was not good enough. An exclusive, dedicated off-street parking spot would now be required and enforced.

That course correction resulted in approximately 20 short-term licenses being revoked in The Landings community, a move that upset many homeowners.

The person who gave homeowners wrong information about their rental licenses is no longer working for Worcester County, department director Jennifer Keener told the county commissioners at their Jan. 20 meeting.

Fiori warned his fellow commissioners that homeowners could decide to file a lawsuit against the county for committing to a $750,000 purchase based on

Jan. 29 - Feb. 5

bad information. He also emphasized that HOAs retain the power to restrict rentals regardless of county action.

County Attorney Roscoe Leslie told the commissioners that erroneous staff advice doesn’t necessarily create liability, and residents are presumed to know the law.

Agnese urged the commissioners to amend the short-term rental code by shifting the effective date for parking spaces from Jan. 1, 2020, to Jan. 1, 2026. If it passes, homeowners will be able to reapply for a new short-term rental permit, Keener said.

The commissioners now plan to consider such a legislative amendment, with four commissioners – Caryn Abbott, Joe Mitrecic, Eric Fiori, and Diana Purnell –agreeing to sponsor the bill. Notably, the county’s planning commission had already considered and rejected the proposal unanimously.

Legislation would affect only homes in unincorporated Worcester County and not in any municipalities.

on Harbour erro r, , 120th St., Bayside 1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+ Co 12430 Old Bridge Rd., W Weest OC 2BR/2BA S S. Herroon Drive #202G, Ocean City 2BR/2BA 48 Pimlico Lane, Glen Riddle, Berlin3BR/2.5BA 54 Cannon Drive, Ocean Pines3BR/2BA 04125thStrreeet#106OceanCity 3BR/25BA

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Saturrdday 11am-1pm 120 forthebusyPresident’s, BoatSho w out the Februar y Coastal Association of Realtors R 3BR/2BA Points Reach, The Point, Ocean Pines 1BR/1BA venue #4H, Ocean City 3BR/2 5BA eet #106, Ocean City e 03 Atlantic A 04 125th Str

Don’t forget to check out the February Coastal Association of Realtors Real Estate Guide in OC Today-Dispatch’s February 13th for the busy President’s, Boat Show, Valentines’ Weekend! View information on for sale & rent listings, appraisals, reserve studies, title & mortgage company opportunities & relevant articles about the real estate industry. DAAYY/TIME

Reither/Coldwell

State plan includes shore projects

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Worcester County is poised to benefit from about $10 million in state funding under the latest budget proposal from Gov. Wes Moore.

Moore’s $70.8 billion budget for fiscal year 2027, released Jan. 21, includes a mix of capital spending for school construction, infrastructure projects, and housing grants.

The largest share of funding, totaling about $5.2 million, is slated for infrastructure and environmental projects. These include $2 million for the state’s share of Ocean City beach replenishment funding, $325,000 to dredge a marina at Public Landing, and $300,000 toward a skate park in Berlin.

Funding for beach replenishment doesn’t flow from the state to the county directly but is deposited into an account overseen by the state’s Department of Natural Resources.

The county had applied for a $1.35 million state grant for a sewer project in West Ocean City. However, the state approved that request as a loan, not a grant.

As a result, the county declined to take the loan to avoid incurring interest and instead will rely on internal reserves to pay for the project, according to Worcester County spokeswoman Kim Moses.

Snow Hill alone stands to receive nearly $2 million, with $1.5 million

toward wastewater plant upgrades, and $150,000 for its Bank Street promenade project.

Town Manager Rick Pollitt said the wastewater funds represent a fully funded grant request that will bring their treatment plant up to performance levels that meet and exceed the state’s environmental standards.

He also said the aid will fund half the $300,000 Bank Street project and hopes to find the remaining funds with help from the state’s housing department.

“We’re happy. We’re grateful to get any money,” Pollitt said. “We’ve worked hard on both of them and we’re very happy to see they made the cut” in the governor’s budget.

Worcester County Public Schools are budgeted for $3.7 million in state aid. That includes $2 million toward the Berlin Intermediate School renovation project, about $395,000 toward replacing Buckingham Elementary, and $1.28 million for a roof replacement at Worcester Technical High School.

Moses said the state is funding 98% of requested funds for Berlin Intermediate and 100% of funds requested for Buckingham Elementary. The state contribution for the tech school roof represents 40% of the project’s $3.1 request from the Worcester County Board of Education.

The governor’s budget also allocates

$1.8 million for housing and social services in Worcester County, including $1 million for a Lower Eastern Shore behavioral health center, $700,000 for supportive housing at Diakonia, and $130,000 for an intensive care unit renovation to Atlantic General Hospital.

Additional funding has been set aside for local façade improvement programs, including $150,000 for the Ocean City Development Corporation and $50,000 for Pocomoke City.

Statewide, the budget accounts for $27.4 billion in general fund revenues. That includes $15.8 billion from income taxes, $6.9 billion in sales and use taxes, $1.7 billion in corporate income taxes –down 2% from last year – and about $3 billion from other sources.

Expected statewide operating expenditures total $70.8 billion. About $24.2 billion – roughly a third of total spending – is targeted for health care and Medicaid. Another $12.7 billion is targeted for K-12 education, and $9.6 billion for higher education.

The capital budget totals about $3 billion, with $480.5 million allocated for toward school construction statewide.

Last year, in fiscal 2026, Moore (D) and state lawmakers faced a roughly $3 billion budget gap, which they closed by relying on one-time funding sources, targeted fees increases, and

Typical home buyers now older, trends show

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

Since 1981, the National Association of REALTORS® has been producing the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers annual survey of recent home buyers and sellers. The annual report gives insight into detailed buying and selling behavior. And, according to the 2025 report, today’s housing market is being shaped by older, more experienced buyers than ever before. The median age of repeat buyers has

climbed to a record high of 62, a notable shift from the 1980s, when the typical repeat home buyer was in their midthirties. In fact, nearly half (49%) of all buyers in 2025 were over the age of 60. Furthermore, first-time home buyers in the last year shrank to a historic low of just 21 percent of all buyers. Prior to 2008, the share of first-time buyers had a historical norm of 40 percent. At the same time, the share of first-time buyers is at its lowest level, and the age of first-time buyers has risen to the highest recorded. The median age of first-time buyers is now 40. In the 1980s, the typical first-time

home buyer was in their late 20s. Among the first-time buyers who are able to enter the market, high rent and student loans are cited as two foremost costs that hold them back from saving. However, the report showed this year that first-time buyers are most likely to use personal savings (59 percent) or financial assets (26 percent) for their down payment. This was an interesting change, because in past years' reports, a gift or loan from a friend or relative was ranked higher among first-time buyers than financial assets.

A few other interesting tidbits

from the report include:

• Home sellers have owned their home for an all-time high of 11 years before selling and making a housing trade.

• Among all home buyers, 61 percent are married couples, 21 percent are single women, and nine percent are single men.

• Among first-time buyers, 25 percent of buyers are single women and 10 percent are single men, as the share of married couples remained flat at 50 percent.

Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City

County poised to receive millions from state

Continued from Page 51

avoiding broad-based tax hikes

Moore’s election-year budget for fiscal 2027 addresses a projected $1.56 billion revenue shortfall without raising broad-based taxes or fees. Core services like education and health care are preserved, and the state’s rainyday fund is protected, according to the governor’s budget proposal.

This budget also opts to handle some big expenses using loans instead of available funds. That means going to the bond market to borrow $322 million.

The approach allows the state to avoid paying some expenses in cash this year – but future budgets will have to repay the debt with interest.

Bonds are budgeted to cover costs for the Departments of Environment

and Natural Resources ($155 million) as well as the state’s annual contribution to the Metro subway system ($167 million).

Legislators must pass a balanced budget on the 83rd day of the 90-day legislative session, which falls around March 31. The session end on April 7.

Lower Shore Sen. Mary Beth Carozza criticized the plan, saying

Moore’s budget comes in $3 billion higher than the current fiscal year. Carozza (R-38) said while she’s grateful to see certain shore priorities funded, this budget “relies heavily on one-time fixes and shifting funds around” and fails to address unfunded mandates, like the public education funding package known as the “Blueprint.”

Ocean City planners support retail conversion on boards

Commission members OK site plan for new Boardwalk restaurant near Caroline St.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 30, 2026) Plans to convert existing retail space into a Boardwalk restaurant will proceed following approval from resort planners.

On Jan. 21, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved the site plan to tailor the property at 106 Atlantic Avenue to fit the needs of the tenant. Officials say the plan is to convert the unit – currently occupied by a retail, body piercing and smoke shop –into a new restaurant with indoor seating and walk-up food service on the Boardwalk.

‘As

Jerry Greenspan via his company Jelar Corporation, proposes to renovate the 3,900 square feet of retail space situated between the Purple Moose Saloon and Fun City Arcade for a new restaurant.

The restaurant is designed to accommodate 139 people and provide 43 total parking spaces —16 located onsite and 27 located at a deed-dedicated offsite lot on Caroline Street.

Boardwalk.’

Sabrina Hecht, Zoning Administrator

“This fit-out was previously approved as a restaurant with parking approvals that changed to retail and is now going back to a restaurant,” Zoning Administrator Sabrina Hecht told commission members last week.

Hecht said the building’s owner,

“The parking requirement for restaurants is higher than retail, and parking was accounted for in previous [Board of Zoning Appeals] cases,” she said. When asked where employees would park, Hecht said they would be using the same parking lots. However, she argued most would use alternative transportation.

“As I think you know, a lot of employees will either ride their bikes, or take their bus, or find a way to avoid parking at the Boardwalk,” she responded.

Commission members also ques-

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known –Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, eggrolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dinein, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410289-4891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment yearround and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!

■ THE BONFIRE

71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com

Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.

■ FAGERS ISLAND

201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com

$$ | Full bar

Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.

■ HOOKED

8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410723-4665, hookedoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443664-5693, longboardcafe.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com

$$ | Full bar

Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.

■ SEACRETS

49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.

UPTOWN

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410250-2000, albertinosoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, ItalianAmerican mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.

■ THE CRAB BAG

13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410250-3337, thecrabbag.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.

FENWICK ISLAND

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.

■ NANTUCKETS

Closed - Reopens Feb. 11

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-

2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY

Closed - Reopens March 11 Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-4362305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL 9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com

$$ | Full bar

Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 1-6 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com

All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.

■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL 12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open everyday, 12 noon to 9 p.m., kitchen and bar.

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com

This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-2131500

Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410213-1846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Eatery includes walk-up service

Continued from Page 53

tioned the city’s parking calculation, which included spaces for a future 18hole miniature golf course on the second floor. Planning officials noted those plans are not being considered as part of the commission’s review.

“At one time it had been approved, but that site plan has expired …,” Hecht explained. “We wanted to give the entire history of [the property].”

Following a brief discussion, the planning commission voted 6-0, with Commissioner Palmer Gillis absent, to approve the site plan, but with the conditions recommended by planning staff. Those conditions include having signage reviewed for permitting, replacing the chain link fence at the offsite parking lot, and complying with lighting requirements, to name a few.

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by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

’ll admit it: I was a little disappointed.

Not in my son but in the experience. The teenager’s wisdom teeth removal was, frankly, uneventful. And when you’ve raised a child for 17 years, shepherded him through tantrums, broken bones, science-fair meltdowns and highschool drama, you start to feel like you’re owed at least one truly memorable, absurd parenting moment in exchange.

The reality is we have had those in our journey, but I was looking for a video moment as a keepsake from loopy antics associated with the procedure. This was supposed to be it.

I had visions of the classic post-oralsurgery car ride: tears over imaginary heartbreaks, declarations of undying love, philosophical ramblings about life, or at the very least an unintentionally hilarious confession or two.

I wasn’t asking for much — maybe just enough material for a family story that gets retold at holidays until he’s 40. A video to show buddies on hilarious text threads in play for more than a decade.

Instead, Beckett, 17, went under and came out … fine.

Not loopy. Not dramatic. Not entertaining. Just groggy.

When we were leaving the oral surgeon’s office, I was ready. Phone charged. Dad reflexes activated. I asked how he was feeling. He looked at me, eyes half-open, and said — with total sincerity — that he was looking forward to catching up with his good friends Jack and Daniel.

Not the outpouring of rambling nonsense I was prepared but nonetheless totally random.

I asked, “oh do you know Jack and Daniel?” He responded, “oh you know it, a little bit.”

At home, he walked me through the procedure like a calm medical professional. He did offer a few funny takes

on the “laughing gas,” which he initially said he didn’t think was working. Then, apparently, he decided to take bigger breaths — a bold strategy — and the next thing he remembers is waking up at home.

So close. So close to greatness.

He wanted his phone on the ride home, which I allowed under the assumption that whatever happened would be hilarious and short-lived. He had no idea what he sent, or who he sent it to. Later, I learned it was a simple “come over” text to his girlfriend, who has since earned some sort of unofficial medal for calmly keeping an eye on him while Pam and I worked this week.

There were no embarrassing messages. No accidental texts to teachers. No weird snapchats that I am aware of, at least. No cryptic group chats. Another missed opportunity.

By the next morning, Beckett was back to his normal grumpy, non-morning-person vibe — which, honestly, was reassuring in its own way. The grogginess had worn off. The wisdom teeth were gone. The teenage attitude was fully intact.

He wasn’t in pain, so naturally he decided he didn’t need to take the prescribed medicine or follow the treatment plan outlined by the doctor. This is a fascinating stage of parenting, by the way — the one where your child believes medical professionals are merely offering suggestions

He listened politely. He nodded. And then he did whatever he wanted.

Within a couple days, all seemed just fine, which is good because we’re heading off to yet another college tour. Nothing says “healing process” like walking miles across campus while parents ask questions their child already answered online three weeks ago.

As I drove him to the wisdom teeth appointment and back, it struck me how much parenting changes without you noticing. I went in hoping for a viral

moment and came out with something far better — a quiet reminder that this kid is growing up just fine without my help or my camera.

Parenting teenagers is like that. You think you’re still playing a starring role, but more often than not, you’re just a supporting character. You drive. You wait. You hold the paperwork. You pay the deductible. You stock the freezer with soft foods that never get eaten.

You look for the big moments and instead get the small ones — a casual comment, a dry sense of humor, a girlfriend who shows up without being asked, a kid who handles anesthesia with less drama than you handle minor inconveniences.

There was a time when I was needed for everything. Shoes. Snacks. Nightmares. Now I’m mostly needed for transportation and insurance information.

And honestly? That’s okay.

I didn’t get the ridiculous car ride story I wanted, but I got something better — a glimpse at a young man who handled a minor setback with calm, humor and independence. He just recovered and moved on.

It might not make for great fodder to share with family and friends, but it makes for pretty good parenting results.

And who knows — there’s still plenty of parenting left. Another surgery. Another milestone. Another moment when he surprises me in a way I never saw coming.

For now, though, I’ll take the uneventful wisdom teeth removal. I’ll take the groggy but grumpy teenager. I’ll take the normalcy.

Even if it means I didn’t get my story. Because the real story is that he’s doing just fine — and maybe that’s the funniest, most meaningful punchline of all.

(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@octodaydispatch.com.)

Berlin gets $1.4M federal grant for community center

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Berlin Officials announced this week that the Berlin Community Center project has receive a $1.4 million federal grant, paving a path for the endeavor’s initial phase to get off the ground.

Town of Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall took to Facebook on Wednesday, Jan. 28, to announce that the community center initiative was awarded funds through the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act.

The bill became law late last year, and about $25 million has been obtained for use across Maryland. The funds will be allocated to mental health services, first responders, workforce development, agricultural research, and significant infrastructure projects. And now Berlin is getting a slice of the pie.

Tyndall said that the federal funding was requested and secured by U.S. Senators Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) and administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. The $1.4 million will cover the early stage of the community center undertaking, including site preparation, project design, and “future construction related to SHORE UP, Inc. programming and facilities.”

“Once the multigenerational facility is complete, it will house SHORE UP! Inc’s Head Start Center, programs for children and families, computer labs, recreational spaces, and a museum highlighting the history of the site and neighborhood,” the mayor’s Facebook post reads.

A community center has been a longstanding dream for Berlin residents and officials. That wish has been nearing reality over the past few years, particularly when four parcels of property on Flower Street were combined to be the site of the structure through a partnership between the Town of Berlin, the Berlin Community Improvement Association (BCIA), SHOREUP! Inc., and

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Project gets support from both U.S. senators

Continued from Page 56

the Worcester County Commissioners. Since then, additional efforts have been made to advance the project.

Last summer, Daniele Haley of Haley Architecture presented a community center feasibility study conducted by the firm. The evaluation revealed that if the proposed space incorporates every resident's wish, it would be a $30 million-plus endeavor. Additionally, the town would need to hire around 15 new employees to run it.

Desired for the community center is a recreational pool for high school competitive swim meets, lessons, and water aerobics classes; a multipurpose gymnasium for public events and indoor sports; a functional fitness room for group fitness classes; an indoor walking track; a health services office for physicals, vision, and hearing exams; a historical display; a small video viewing room; rooms for special events; a technology lab; a community/demonstration kitchen; Head Start program classrooms and Head Start support spaces, kitchen, and offices.

Outdoor space for the center could include athletic fields, a walking trail, a community garden, an outdoor classroom, a playground, and patios and gathering spaces.

The feasibility study’s plan presented last year envisions a commu-

nity space of approximately 45,000 square feet and a construction cost of up to $35 million. Ongoing operational expenses would also be incurred.

At the time, Haley noted that the final product would likely be scaled back from the ambitious wishlist but would still meet the needs of the Town of Berlin and its residents and visitors. With the $1.4 million, the initiative is closer to realization than before.

While federal funds will get the project’s first phase underway, the hunt for cash continues. Last summer, Berlin’s retired speed limit, stop, and road signs were available online for bidding to raise money for the community center. The auction, spearheaded by Sara Gorfinkel, Tyndall’s executive assistant, secured over $10,000 in revenue.

Following the success of the street sign sale, the Town of Berlin hosted another auction, this time offering 11 prime parking spots for the ultracrowded Christmas Parade. The bidding contest raised just under $1,000 for the community project.

The town is now excited about the federal funds to advance the municipality’s community center vision further.

“Our community is working hard to preserve the site of the historic Flower Street School and create a community center that meets the needs of residents of all ages,” Tyndall said in his an-

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST We have generations of experience and are well known for our exceptional dental care. We want to help you keep that bright and beautiful smile every season!

nouncement. “I sincerely thank Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks for supporting Berlin’s request for funding for this vital project in our community. This investment allows us to take meaningful steps forward toward making our community’s vision a reality.”

Tyndall’s Facebook post also recognized the work of Gorfinkel, who coordinated the submission of the grant with the senators’ teams.

In a town-issued press release, Alsobrooks expressed her belief in the value of a community center for Berlin.

“Our communities need spaces where

CROSSWORD

people can go to learn, socialize, and better their community,” she said. “The Community Center on Flower Street in Berlin will soon become a space of fellowship, friendship, history, and advocacy where children and seniors alike can grow. I am proud that the funding Senator Van Hollen and I worked to secure will launch this terrific project.”

The announcement noted that the municipality will continue working with its community partners and the USDA Rural Development team to create the center. As milestones are reached, updates will be provided.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

You are unstoppable this week, Aries. Your famous pioneering spirit is magnified, giving you the green light for major breakthroughs. Take the lead in situations that excite you.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Prepare for a week of unexpected results, Taurus. A significant financial opportunity may appear out of the blue, or you might find yourself feeling extra secure at work.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, your social life is booming right now. You are a magnet for excellent ideas and exciting connections this week. Expect conversations that lead to professional opportunities.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Right now you are hitting a major professional high point, Cancer. All eyes are on you, and your efforts may lead to some well-deserved recognition and rewards.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Prepare for adventure this week, Leo. The cosmos is urging you to expand your horizons and seek new inspiration. Your optimism is contagious as you make your plans.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

This week brings a powerful sense of personal transformation and empowerment to you, Virgo. You have the energy to tackle complex matters and emerge feeling stronger and wiser.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, your relationships are very strong this week. You’ll find mutual respect and exciting shared goals through these alliances. If you’re single, expect an unforgettable encounter.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

This week is perfect for optimizing your work-life flow and implementing small changes that will yield huge, positive results, Scorpio. You may need help mapping out goals.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, your sector of creativity, fun and romance are illuminated this week. Plan a date, unleash your artistic side or simply dedicate time to pure play. Delightful experiences await.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Home is the launchpad for success this week, Capricorn. Focus on developing your domestic environment. A refresh or redecoration can work wonders, especially to banish cabin fever.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Prepare for several days of remarkable connections, Aquarius. Your ideas and innovative concepts are sharp, which will compel others to aspire to be in your orbit.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Your personal finances are set for an upward trajectory, Pisces. A new income stream may surface, or you might discover a hidden talent that

can monetize.

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) The theory of knowledge is a product of uncertainty. One cannot form hypotheses and process understanding if the full spectrum of conviction and reservations are not explored.

Food is no exception. Has one ever taken a moment to consider the fascinating occurrences that encompass our daily lives? The kitchen alone is a sanctuary of culinary lore and scientific phenomena. Shedding light on conundrums that confound chefs not only raises our level of awareness but also enlightens us to the wonderful world of glorious cookery.

Excellence comes in many flavors. It has been said that when Leonardo da Vinci came to study with Verrocchio, one of the leading artists of the late 15th century Florence, Leonardo was instructed to draw eggs.

Day after day, Da Vinci drew eggs but, in the interim, questioned the purpose intended. Finally, his instructor told him drawing the same egg is not a simple task. If you change the observation angle, the lighting and shape of the egg will also change. This fundamental philosophy shows the details and intricacy involved in the pursuit of perfection.

Verrocchio’s observation of an egg was quite prolific. The unassuming exterior is simplicity in its infantile state. Do not be fooled by the unobtrusive shell: its intricate interior has deleterious consequences for even the most experienced cooks.

The yolk accounts for over one third of the egg’s weight after shelling and the albumen comprises nearly two thirds of the

egg’s shelled weight and most of that is water. The point of most cookery is to bond a liquid, whether the egg itself or a mixture of egg and other liquids into a moist, delicate solid. To understand this, we must delve into protein chemistry 101.

Egg proteins change when you heat, beat, or mix them with other ingredients. Understanding these changes can help one comprehend the roles eggs play in cooking. For the sake of the article, we will stick to the subject of heat.

Proteins are made of long chains of amino acids. When you apply heat, the translucent proteins moved around and attach themselves to water molecules. They eventually form new chemical bonds which result in a solidified product.

What can be simpler than preparing soft boiled eggs? Most recipes call to place in a saucepan large enough to accommodate them in a single layer.

Fill the pan with cold water, covering the eggs by an inch. Set over mediumhigh heat, and bring to a boil. Turn off the heat, cover, and stand for two to four minutes.

Remove eggs from water and rinse in cold water briefly. Trim top and serve immediately in egg cups. This allows the egg filling to be scooped out from the shell with greater ease and at the same time adds to the presentation. Season with salt and pepper.

Tradition is not always the best answer, so let us challenge the “above” recipe. The first issue at hand is getting perfectly cooked egg whites and egg yolks at the same time. This is not as easy as it sounds. Egg whites must reach 180 degrees to set and egg yolks must stay below 158 degrees to retain the creamy, runny texture.

The dilemma with the conventual recipe is that cold eggs cool down the boil-

ing water; the more eggs you add the longer it will take to cook them which increases the chance of error.

Steaming is achieved at 212 degrees and maintained no matter how many eggs are added. In addition, the eggs do not come in direct contact with the hot wave which reinforces reliability.

Taking simple ideas and elevating them to new heights is a timeless theme. A crispy potato basket adorned with a sunny side up egg and sauteed asparagus on the side is a delicious delight.

Soft, poached, or sunny side up eggs are all possibilities. The only requirement is a runny egg.

The potato basket is up for debate. Some recipes call for the shredded potatoes to be molded in a muffin pan and baked. I found the top outer edges were browned and the base of the basket was hardly cooked.

Then I made a basket and placed it on a stainless fine mesh skimmer and fried it. I was able to achieve the crunchy consistency; however, the basket had a tendency to fall apart.

So, I decided to preheat the oven to 375, spray the muffin pan with vegetable spray, bake the potato nests for 30 minutes. Then I carefully removed the nests from the muffin pan and finish it off in the fryer.

The final component of the dish are the asparagus. Sauté them in a hot skillet with a touch of olive oil for smokey, charred finish.

If brunches tickle your fancy, consider crispy potato baskets with a sunny side up egg and sauteed asparagus. This is a dish that will be easy on your wallet.

Secret Ingredient – Desire

The starting point of all achievement is desire.

~Napoleon Hill

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

The Ship Café, an Ocean City landmark for nearly 40 years, was located on the bayside at 14th Street. Constructed in the late 1930s as the Ocean City Yacht Club, its marina was used by the US Coast Guard during WWII.

Following the war it became one of the town's most popular restaurants under the ownership of William and Ethel Ahtes and many a fine meal was enjoyed by summer visitors and locals. It was equaled only by the Commander Hotel as the town's elite dining establishment for many years.

In the mid-1970s new owner Pete Boinis opened the Gazebo Niteclub at the Ship Café and it became popular during the disco era. Music by the celebrated band "The Admirals" was particularly pleasing to the crowds.

The Ship Café was destroyed in a huge fire on May 9, 1977, and the Harbour Island development built on the site. Today the weigh-ins for the world-famous White Marlin Open are held there every August.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Exploring after a snowstorm

Quarterback Sam Darnold’s story

Ignoring long-range forecasts

The first day after a cleanse

Saturday morning lines at the dispensaries

A tip that leads to a good news story

Breaking a dinner into leftover lunch

Old sayings that still ring true

A text over a call

When saying less is more

My son holding the door for his girlfriend

29 Wor-Wic nursing grads awarded pins

(Jan. 30, 2026) An awards and recognition ceremony recently celebrated the achievements of 29 Wor-Wic Community College graduates who earned certificates in nursing.

The ceremony was held at the Wor-Wic campus Salisbury. Participants received nursing pins, a tradition in which the faculty presents graduates with pins to signify their accomplishment. The pinning ceremony has roots back to the 12th century, when knights who aided the injured received a Maltese cross badge. Later, Florence Nightingale, who revolutionized the nursing profession in the 1800s, presented similar medals to her best students. Today, nurse pinning represents the completion of educational requirements to become a nurse and the hard work students have invested in their achievement.

Special awards were presented by Sarah Wray, director of nursing. A keynote address was given by Kelly Daubach, assistant professor of nursing. Hanna Bryce was the student speaker.

The evening was capped by a lamp-lighting ceremony inspired by Nightingale’s nighttime rounds during the Crimean War, which reflects the light of learning that Wor-Wic nursing students have gained during their studies.

Opinions

Redistricting wrong here and elsewhere

Oh, boo-hoo to Maryland’s Republican lawmakers who are yowling about the unfairness of the Democrats’ effort to redistrict Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st) out of a job in the next election.

Their cries of foul and unfairness echo those bellowed by Democrats in Texas last summer and fall when Republican members of that state’s legislature started this mess by instituting rare mid-decade redistricting to benefit their candidates in the mid-term elections.

Meanwhile, Maryland Democrats’ self-righteous assertions that their actions are justified by Republican transgressions elsewhere should be stockpiled until spring, when they can be applied to the fields, assuming the ground can absorb the excess irony.

Unfortunately, the victims here are not the political parties, but voters of all stripes and affiliations whose voices in the election process are muffled by party leaders who pick the voters for their candidates instead of the other way around.

Maryland, which is something of a Jedi master of Democratic gerrymandering, having gotten away with it for generations, is just one of several states pursuing an advantage going into the mid-term elections.

In addition to Texas (GOP), this unprecedented wave of redrawing districts includes California (Dems), Missouri (GOP) North Carolina (GOP) and Ohio (GOP), while Florida and Virginia are thinking about it.

Regardless of party or political philosophy, the purpose of this exercise is to shortchange opposition voters by employing undemocratic principles. It’s wrong, and no amount of fingerpointing at similar moves in other states by the opposing party will change that.

It makes no difference if it’s Andy Harris or Sheriff Andy Taylor from Mayberry running for Congress from this district, redrawing its boundaries isn’t right and the Maryland’s Democratic legislators should put an end to it.

PUBLIC EYE

Jan. has one purpose

Well, as we used to say, it’s colder than a well-digger’s hiney outside, or something of that nature.

I think you know what I mean, but just incase you don’t, here’s the bottom line on that bottom line.

NEWS

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By Stewart Dobson

Even though the world has changed dramatically over the past several decades, and with it society’s perspective on the acceptability of words once considered crude, vulgar and uncivil, I remain forbidden by some unwritten code to write “well-digger’s a..” in full.

Whether it would pass without notice or even be acknowledged as an accepted part of speech these days is beside the point. I would feel guilty, so I write around it.

As ridiculous as it might seem, I can write a*s, I can write a--, I can write a** and I might even be able to write *ss. But I cannot write the full word.

This is despite its decades-long employment everywhere else, including television, where the full moon itself swung into view for more than a glimpse in 1994, on the cop show “NYPD Blue.”

They released the crack in that shower scene, so to speak, and a national uproar ensued.

Presumably, many people were shocked to discover that, yep, everybody really does have one and, yep, if you’ve seen one a**, you’ve pretty much seen them all.

All I know for sure is that you can see ‘em

on the street in the summer, thanks to flosslike bathing suit bottoms that ride so high that “a thong in my heart” is not a line in a parody song but a medical emergency.

And still I can’t use that word in print because someone might find it offensive and call me a jackass, which I can write, but I can’t write, “I see Jack’s a**” because that would be inappropriate.

I have never understood why that is and how, when two words mean the same exact thing, one is considered to be crude or offensive and the other is socially acceptable.

But let’s put that aside and return to the real subject of this minor essay: January, which I find more offensive than any word I know.

It seems to me that January’s only purpose is to be so bad that we are fooled into looking forward to February, which is even worse.

Inexplicably, we tend to forget that February is so miserable that its inventors (yes, inventors) declared eons ago, “Look, February s**ks, so let’s keep it short, OK?”

It’s a fact, by the way, that February was created in ancient times to keep up with the lunar year, and some Roman king threw in January as well because of a two-for-one special, I think.

In any event, both those months came at the end of the year, because the Roman calendar then had the new year beginning in March.

That made then because it marked the beginning of spring, more or less, and would make sense now because this is when you can start going outside without freezing your *ss off.

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but there’s a certain callousness and arrogance associated with Tyler Mailloux’s attorney’s comments on his release. Mailloux was the motorist who struck and killed 14-yearold Gavin Knupp in 2022 and fled the scene.

Mailloux attorney George Psoras said this week, “He’s happy to be released, he paid his debt, and a good thing is in less than three years he will have no record because he will receive probation before judgment, so long as he complies with the requirements of a supervised probation. This is just a tragedy. That’s the saddest part. Tyler did nothing wrong, period.” State’s Attorney Kris Heiser pushed back on the attorney’s assertion on probation, saying the motion to modify Mailloux’s sentence to probation before judgment is unknown while a judge reviews the man’s actions while adhering to the terms of his probation.

The defense attorney’s comments go far beyond defending his clients. It’s simply inaccurate and cruel. The key fact here is Mailloux pleaded guilty to one felony count of failing to immediately stop his vehicle at the scene of an accident where he knew or should have known that the accident resulted in the death of another, and a death actually occurred. The guilty plea means he acknowledged wrongdoing, period. ***

It’s the time of year to monitor legislation in Annapolis. One of the many bills being considered seeks to crack down on vehicle owners looking to save money by registering vehicles in neighboring states where the cost is not as high.

Currently, after a significant increase approved by the state in 2024, it costs between $120 and $190 per year to register a vehicle. You can pay for two years at once, but the price does not change. Maryland’s absurd cost is significantly higher than in Delaware ($40 per year on average) and Virginia ($45 per year on average). The drastic savings has led consumers to explore alternatives, such as registering in other states through creative means. A Maryland Department of Transportation report concluded in January 2025 about 111,000 vehicles registered in Virginia should be registered in Maryland, resulting in about $10 million in revenue loss.

At this point, after the bill was pre-filed last September, a hearing has been held on the Senate side in the judicial proceedings committee. ***

Best wishes go out this week to the Drew family after an early-morning fire on Saturday morning. The family has two children and recently welcomed a third child, who is in the NICU in Philadelphia. This week’s story details more about the difficult situation.

As of Thursday morning, a Go Fund Me page has raised $75,000 for the family through more than 625 donations. This community is always amazingly generous, and the call for help has indeed been answered at a time when a young family could use assistance rebuilding their lives.

An update on the fundraising page was posted yesterday. It read in part, “Our family is overwhelmed—in the best possible way—by the incredible outpouring of love, generosity, and support over these past days. In a world that so often feels heavy and negative, each donation, message, share, and act of kindness has lifted unimaginable weight off my sister and her family’s shoulders. There are truly no words strong enough to express our gratitude. … Many people have asked how the funds raised will be used. Every dollar is helping the family navigate the growing expenses of the NICU, immediate needs, and ongoing bills that don’t pause during a crisis. Genna, being a teacher, is currently not receiving a paycheck while on parental leave, and these funds are helping bridge that income gap so the family can focus on healing and rebuilding rather than worrying about how to stay afloat. … Your kindness has turned one of the darkest moments of their lives into a reminder that good people still exist everywhere. Thank you for showing up for them, for caring, and for helping them take their next steps forward with hope instead of fear.”

To access the online donation page, simply search for “Aid for Family Facing NICU and Fire Loss.”

With inclement weather likely again to impact schools on Monday, it’s worth noting Worcester County Public Schools must utilize its three closure days before implementing virtual learning. So far, Worcester has used one closure day on Monday. Worcester reopened schools on Tuesday with a one-hour delay. It seemed like a good call, despite neighboring counties staying closed.

After the three days built into the calendar are utilized for school closures, the county can then choose to offer the dreaded virtual learning. Last year, when Worcester County schools were closed right after the holidays for five days, officials opted to cut short spring break to meet the minimum days. It was a unique situation coming on the heels of an extended school closure.

Voters should be aware of proposed 2026 legislation

Editor,

We are into the third week of the 2026 Maryland Legislative Session and there are many issues that need the attention of the voters.

One such issue is Senate Bill 222, which is a priority child protection bill sponsored by our own Senator Mary Beth Carozza. This bill would help ensure the safety of children involved in child custody disputes by requiring that all court professionals involved in custody proceedings are properly trained (including custody evaluators), since they advise the court and make decisions that would affect custody in cases involving abuse and neglect. We need to support this legislation.

Another bill that needs urgent support, also sponsored by Senator Carozza, is Senate Bill 50 - known as the Fairness in Girls’ Sports Act. I simply do not understand how anyone can think it is fair and proper for biological boys to compete against girls. It is dangerous for the girls, and it has caused girls to lose scholarship opportunities.

I am sure that the vast majority of Marylanders believe that only U.S. citizens should be able to vote in our elections. Delegate Wayne Hartman has sponsored a bill (HB454) that would require the State Administrator of Elections to enroll the state in the federal Systematic Alien Verification of Entitlement (SAVE) Program to verify U.S. citizenship for those applying to or who have registered to vote.

If you agree these are good bills, please tell the committee members of the legislative committees which will

be voting on the legislation to please support. The committees are: SB222 - Senate Judicial Proceedings; SB50Senate Education, Energy and Environment; and HB454 - House Government, Labor and Elections. Contact information can be found at mgaleg.maryland.gov.

I hope people will pay attention and show support for good legislation.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

Offshore wind will lead to job creation in Maryland Editor,

The U.S. Wind project represents a $6 billion investment in Maryland’s economy and more importantly, a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Maryland workers and communities. In Baltimore, that opportunity is taking shape. At Sparrows Point, a $150 million investment will transform a long-abandoned steel mill into a world-class manufacturing hub for offshore wind foundation components. This redevelopment will restore a proud industrial site to productive use and create approximately 500 high-paying, highly skilled jobs, bringing a substantial industrial workforce back to the region. The benefits extend to the Eastern Shore as well. At Crystal Steel Fabricators in Federalsburg, we have invested $7 million in a new purpose-built facility for the specialized painting and blasting of steel components for offshore wind towers.

For the U.S. Wind project alone, we anticipate creating roughly 100 new jobs at our facility — good-ping

Continued on Page 64

Approved OPA budget includes fee increases

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Following several rounds of review and opportunities for membership comments, the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors approved the community’s fiscal year 2026-2027 budget last week, which includes a $40 assessment increase and fee hikes for a few community amenities.

During the board’s monthly meeting on Saturday, Jan. 24, the directors unanimously passed the budget for the next fiscal year, with board member Stuart Lakernick absent.

The financial plan has allocated over $6 million for capital spending, including significant initiatives such as the new fire station on the south side of Ocean Pines and the third phase of the major golf course irrigation overhaul.

Additionally, during the next fiscal year, which for OPA begins on May 1, homeowners should expect a $40 increase in their assessment fees.

Under the new rate, non-waterfront lot residents will pay $915; nonwaterfront/estate will pay $1,373; waterfront lot owners will pay $1,580; waterfront /estate will pay $2,370; waterfront/non-bulkhead will pay $1,005; and waterfront/nonbulkhead/estate will pay $1,505.

Of the bumped-up assessment rate, $15 will offset costs associated with Worcester County's increase in water and wastewater bills. At the same time, $25 will be allocated to the creation of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s brandnew south station firehouse.

Community officials said at a Jan. 15 budget presentation that public safety accounts for 42% of the annual assessment. Expenses that contribute to the share include personnel costs, recruitment, retention, infrastructure, and apparatus. The spending plan also includes the adoption of increased amenity fees. Swim memberships will go up by 5%,

while racquet sports dues will rise by $5 to $10, depending on the category.

Golfers will see a $100 increase for individual memberships and a $150 increase for family memberships. Boat slip rates will be bumped up 3% for residential slots and 5% for commercial slips.

Before the final budget vote, public comments and board discussions were held, with a few individuals raising concerns.

Resident Amy Peck argued that the 3% increase in marina slips is too modest, which was later reiterated by board member Steve Jacobs. Of the 3% raise, about 1.3% accounts for the county’s increase in water and wastewater usage.

“I remain convinced that we are not utilizing, although somewhat limited, revenue possibilities for the marina,” Jacobs said. “We have a wait list for people who want to rent slips. We also have a pricing schedule that is below virtually every other marina in the area. And between the two, basic economics says that you have greater demand than you do supply, and that could lead to some sort of price increase.”

Jacobs added that, with the 1.3% increase allotted for the county water hike, only 1.7% remains to offset inflationary costs.

“If you talk about annual inflation rates, the lowest projection you’re seeing for this country is 3%,” he noted. “It’s more likely to be a little higher, but in some places in the 3% to 4% range. We’re not even covering inflation.”

Jacobs said he had initially intended to propose an amendment to the budget regarding marina rates, but opted against it after hearing from staff why the low figure was set for boat slips.

According to Jacobs, in last year’s budget, marina fees rose by just under 10%. This steep increase occurred because, in previous spending plans, increases barely kept pace with inflation. As such, this time around, the 3% will serve as a marker and an incremental

step toward covering additional costs.

“The budget is worth passing,” Jacobs said. “But I do think, going forward, this is something we have to keep an eye on.”

Board treasurer Monica Rakowski said she agreed there is room for a larger boost in the future, but assured observers that they are maintaining a “healthy, healthy” budget.

Board Director Elaine Brady pushed back slightly on Jacobs’ points, arguing that the association should not always raise prices, even if they can.

“I think sometimes we get wrapped up in percentages, which doesn’t always show the true story,” she said. “There are certain things in each category that our general manager looks at very closely with his team, and they do what is reasonable. Last year, there was a lot of bump-up in certain areas, so this year was going to be kind of modest all the way around. When we get wrapped up in these percentages, we lose what’s going on in people’s pockets.”

Ultimately, the board approved Ocean Pines’ fiscal year 2026-2027 spending plan and praised OPA General Manager John Viola and his team for creating a balanced budget.

Board secretary Jeff Heavner, for example, complimented the investment in public safety.

“Safety is key to our lifestyle and prosperity here in Ocean Pines,” he said. “Take a look around the state. Take a look around the US. We are so fortunate to live in a safe environment.”

Jacobs highlighted the efficiency of association staff in creating and presenting the financial plan. The process included a review by the budget and finance committee on Dec. 18, followed by a budget board review on Dec. 19, and a town hall open to public input on Jan. 15.

“I do know that both the budget and finance committee and the board

review used to run two, three, and at some points four days,” Jacobs said. “We got both of those; each one took less than a day. That’s a compliment to the staff. Having a document that is easy to review.”

Board President John Latham added that despite a few comments that the community’s governing group should hold off until February to pass the budget, he maintained that with the document completed, reviewed, and presented, it makes the most sense to get it approved and on the books now.

“We started it earlier this year,” he said. “The team is very efficient in doing it. The budget and finance team, the board meeting, and the town hall. It’s done, it’s ready, and we’re ready to approve it.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 63

careers that will support local families and strengthen the regional economy.

Beyond job creation, offshore wind will play a critical role in strengthening grid reliability by supplying power during periods of peak demand. As Maryland’s energy needs continue to grow, a resilient and diversified energy supply is essential to maintaining a reliable grid and protecting consumers.

Walking away from offshore wind would mean turning our backs on thousands of jobs, billions of dollars in private investment, and Maryland’s chance to lead in a growing American industry. Now is the time to build the energy infrastructure and the career pathways that workers and families across our state deserve.

William Lo

(The writer is the CEO of Crystal Steel Fabricators, Inc.)

Members needed

(Jan. 30, 2026) The Worcester County Commissioners are seeking interested area residents to serve on the Administrative Charging Committee under the Maryland Police Accountability Act. There is one vacant position on this board, and the deadline to apply is March 31, 2026.

The Administrative Charging Committee consists of five members who review complaints and investigations of police misconduct, determine whether an officer should be charged with misconduct, and, if charged, recommend discipline from the state-created matrix.

Individuals interested in serving are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of interest and a resume or cover letter outlining any relevant experience. Submissions should describe the applicant’s background, skills, and perspective, and explain how their experience would contribute to fair, thorough, and impartial decision-making on the committee.

Members of the board must receive 40 hours of training before beginning service.

To apply for this board, visit co.worcester.md.us/PAB, click on “Attached Files,” and then click on “Application for Accountability Charging Committee.” Send the completed application along with a letter of interest and a resume or cover letter to khammer@co.worcester.md.us or Worcester County Administration at One

West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Deputy officer named

The Worcester County Commissioners named Steven Doutt as the new deputy finance officer. Doutt brings over a decade of experience in government, nonprofit, and public-sector financial management.

reporting, compliance with government regulations, and preparation for single audits. He also developed annual budgets, managed debt and cash flow, and provided financial projections and recommendations to their Board of Directors.

“Steven brings a depth of financial expertise and public-service experience that will be an asset to Worcester County’s financial leadership team,” Commissioner President Ted Elder said. “We are confident that his leadership, professionalism, and analytical insight will help to strengthen the Treasurer’s Office and support sound stewardship of taxpayer resources.”

Prior to joining Worcester County, Doutt served as the deputy treasurer for the City of Fruitland, overseeing operations within the finance department, including revenue billing, accounts payable, budget preparation, reporting, and annual audit preparation, and acting as a liaison to the city council on financial matters. Prior to joining the City of Fruitland in 2022, he served as the finance manager with Delmarva Community Services, where he directed accounting, fiscal

“I am excited to serve the residents of Worcester County and honored to join such a dedicated and talented team,” Doutt said. “I look forward to working collaboratively to support strong financial stewardship for the County.”

Beyond his professional work, Doutt is actively involved in the government finance community and committed to advancing best practices in public-sector financial management. He is a member of the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), where he served as a panelist and moderator during a recent GFOA Annual Conference and volunteered as a Popular Annual Financial Reporting Award (PAFR) judge. He also contributed as a commission member for Wicomico County’s Compensation and Allowance Commission.

Procurement officer hired

The Worcester County Commissioners appointed Edward Welch to serve as the procurement officer with Worcester County Government (WCG). Welch, a military veteran, brings more than three decades of experience from his 32-year career with Perdue.

“Ed will be a tremendous asset to the County,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said. “This role is central to our responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, and Ed brings the professionalism, discipline, and real-world experience needed to ensure the County consistently receives the best value—from routine operational purchases to complex, multi-million-dollar capital projects. His background, leadership, and privatesector mindset will strengthen our procurement practices and support smart, efficient government for our residents.”

Prior to joining Worcester County, Welch served for 11 years as Perdue’s sourcing manager-CapEx, where he managed company-wide sourcing for all capital expenditure projects, totaling roughly $200 million per year. His role included spend analysis, strategic sourcing, and relationship management for bids that included paving, industrial refrigeration, construction, new equipment, fleet equipment, maintenance repair, overhead items, pallets, and rental equipment. From 2006 to 2011, he served as the director of purchasing (Procure-toPay), where he managed $200 million of indirect procurement and capital

Continued on Page 67

WCPS teachers honored for outstanding careers in music

(Jan. 30, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools recognized Amy Caldwell and Julie Mills for being named recipients of the Outstanding Career Music Educator Award by the Maryland Music Educators Association (MMEA).

This prestigious honor is awarded to veteran music educators who have demonstrated a sustained commitment to excellence in music education, leadership in the profession, and a lasting impact on students, schools, and communities throughout their careers.

Caldwell, one of the wonderful Ocean City Elementary School and Showell Elementary School music teachers, runs her classroom with purpose and intention. Her lessons are thoughtfully planned, highly engaging, and fully aligned with early childhood music standards. She is deeply knowledgeable about curriculum and pedagogy, and she skillfully adapts her instruction to meet the developmental needs of young children. Her ability to blend musical concepts with age-appropriate play, movement, and exploration results in joyful learning experiences for every child.

Mills exemplifies the highest standards of music education through decades of dedicated service to Maryland youth. Her music classes at Berlin Intermediate School are vibrant uplift-

ing spaces where students feel supported and empowered to take musical and artistic risks. She leads a large school choir, and a highly successful 5th and 6th grade annual stage performance, which engages students in drama, movement, vocal performance, and theatrical production. These performances have become cherished school traditions—anticipated by students and families alike—and they provide young performers with opportunities to shine in ways they will remember for a lifetime.

“Mrs. Caldwell and Mrs. Mills represent the very best of Worcester County Public Schools,” said WCPS Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Annette Wallace. “Their passion, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to students builds a foundation for love and appreciation of the arts and a life filled with creativity, confidence, and meaningful connections. This recognition by MMEA is a testament to the profound impact they have had on music education in Maryland.”

The Maryland Music Educators Association’s Outstanding Career Music Educator Award celebrates educators whose influence extends well beyond the classroom, honoring careers marked by artistic excellence, educational leadership, and service to the profession.

THERESA DIEFENDORF

Berlin

Theresa Rae Diefendorf, age 62, passed away at her home on January 9, 2026. Born in New York City on March 10, 1963, she was the daughter of the late Stuart and Sheila (White) Canham.

time roles as a waitress, bartender, and Uber driver.

A 1981 graduate of Elizabeth High School in Colorado, Theresa honorably served her country in the United States Army as an Administrative Specialist for six years. A proud veteran, she was a member of the American Legion Post #123 in Berlin.

Following her military service, Theresa built a successful career in finance and project management, including a tenure with Deutsche Bank in Baltimore. After relocating to Maryland in 2016, she transitioned into real estate, serving clients across Maryland and Delaware with several local firms, most recently Keller Williams. Known for her tireless work ethic and love of people, she also enjoyed connecting with her community through various part-

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Continued from Page 65

projects valued at over $31 million annually.

His procurement experience includes writing specifications with internal customers, RFPs, company background, insurance requirements, evaluating bids with customers, and collaborating with risk, legal, and finance.

Welch moved to the Eastern Shore as a teenager. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in business from Salisbury University and an MBA from Wilmington University, and he served as a commissioned officer in the U.S. Army from 1987 to 1993, where he led logistics units of over 300 soldiers both nationally and internationally.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve the residents of Worcester County,” Welch said. “I look forward to using my prior work experience to help bring value to the procurement operations of this great team.”

Student achievements

The following represents a collection of releases from universities.

Lucas Popielaski from Bishopville has been named to the York College of Pennsylvania Dean’s List for the Fall 2025 semester. Popielaski is majoring in Finance.

Mia Lovitt, of Berlin was honored for academic achievement by being named to Delaware Valley University’s Fall 2025 Dean’s List.

Berlin resident Aiden Cornell has been named to the dean’s list for the Fall 2025 semester at Quinnipiac University.

Theresa found great joy in life’s simple pleasures: tending to her yard, solving puzzles, reading, and dining out. She was particularly known for her talent in the kitchen, often baking treats to share with those around her. Above all, Theresa was a selfless friend and family member who could always be counted on to lend a helping hand, offer a warm meal, or provide a listening ear.

She is survived by her brothers, Pat (Kris) and Sean of Colorado, and Tim (Christine) of Maryland; her uncle, Art of Illinois; and a loving circle of nieces and nephews, including Natalie, Emma, Ryan (Danielle), and Riley, as well as her great-niece Teagan and great-nephew Cooper.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place, and no formal services are currently scheduled. The family is planning a Celebration of Life for June. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family through the Burbage Funeral Home website. Arrangements are being handled by The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

ALEXANDER “ALEX” TRIMPER

Ocean City

Alexander “Alex” Trimper passed away Jan. 24 in Jupiter, Florida, surrounded by family, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was

deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by his family, friends, and the Ocean City community he so faithfully served. He was born April 2, 1964.

For 25 years, Alex was the captain of the Buzz Boat Water Taxi—Ocean City’s original water taxi—and a familiar, trusted presence on the water. Known for his steady hand, sharp instincts, and deep sense of responsibility, Alex took great pride in his work: transporting passengers safely across the bay, ferrying boaters during the White Marlin Open, rescuing stranded vessels, and welcoming visitors to Ocean City with quiet warmth and professionalism.

around Harbor Island, riding his Harley along the country roads of Pine Plains, sitting on the porch in Mystic listening to the waves, or feeding the squirrel in Jupiter who waited patiently for him each day. Nature seemed to know him—birds always appeared when Alex was home.

That same sense of pride and care extended well beyond the water. Alex believed in taking care of the place and people he loved. He was never too proud to pick up a gum wrapper or cup left behind in the amusement park, and he showed up—without being asked—for family, friends, and strangers alike. Whether pulling someone from the water or stopping a 7-Eleven robbery in progress, Alex acted instinctively, calmly, and without fanfare.

Though he appreciated life’s finer things, Alex found his greatest joy in simple moments: walking the docks

An avid traveler, Alex explored extensively throughout South America, Thailand, and Southeast Asia, carrying his curiosity and independent spirit wherever he went.

Last week, knowing his time was short, Alex asked for a celebration of life while he was still here. 50 friends traveled from near and far to honor him—a testament to the deep loyalty and love he inspired.

Alex was the son of the late Daniel Trimper III, of Trimper Rides. He is survived by his mother, Joyce Marie Trimper; his son, Colby BrunoTrimper; his sisters, Antoinette Bruno and Wendy Delamater; and several nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Alex’s life will be held in the spring in Ocean City. Details will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Alex’s memory to PanCAN – the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network.

He fought hard. He loved deeply. And he leaves behind a legacy of kindness, courage, and community service that will live on in Ocean City and far beyond.

$1,845.

Sports & Recreation

Seahawks fall to county rival, 85-77, again

Pocomoke pulls away with under two minutes to play to beat Stephen Decatur

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) On Tuesday, Jan. 27, the Warriors of Pocomoke High School fought a hard battle against long-time rivals, Stephen Decatur, winning 85-77.

For Decatur, this was the second

loss to Pocomoke this season, following an 18-point loss on Dec. 16. This week’s loss dropped Decatur to 5-8 on the season.

This was a real nail biter of a game with Decatur behind 18-17 after one quarter. Scoring for Decatur were Johnathan Purnell, Kayden Sharkey, Nicky Soares and Jordan Brendenburg.

In the second quarter, the physicality of the game increased as did the fouls. By the end of the first half

Stephen Decatur had 14 fouls and Pocomoke 13. During the second quarter, Pocomoke scored 29 points to Stephen Decatur’s 19, gaining a 4736 halftime lead.

Decatur came out for the third quarter aggressive, outscoring Pocomoke, 21-14 in the quarter, cutting the lead to 61-57 headed into the final frame.

In the fourth quarter with 4:36 left in the game, the Seahawks narrowed the Warriors led to 69-68.

INDOOR TRACK CHAMPS

The game was tied at 73 points with 2:22 left to play and tied again at 77 with 1:04 on the clock. Pocomoke was able to escape with an eightpoint win after Decatur went cold from the field.

Purnell was the game high scorer with 31 points, including eight free throws.

The next two games are away at Crisfield on Friday and Wicomico on Feb.3. The Seahawks next play at home on Feb. 5.

Decatur boys, girls wrestlers claim majority of matches

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(Jan. 30, 2026) Stephen Decatur’s wrestling program recorded wins for both girls and boys teams on Jan. 23 against the Parkside Rams.

The Lady Seahawks took charge from the beginning with four straight pins in the 100-weight class -Calleigh McBride, Melani Ruiz, Makalya Robinette and Sage Sturgis.

Parkside took the forfeit in the 120. This was followed by two more wins from Irie Carmack and Betty Barrueta.

The Lady Seahawks captured the 145 with a fall from Amari Purnell. Mya Johnson-Guerrero (170) and Amelia Gonzalez Ventura (190) won by forfeit.

The Lady Seahawks took 9 of 14 matches for the evening glory.

This team really shows its support for each other.

After the girls match that sophomore Makalya Robinette at 110 pounds won by pin, she said, “I thank my coaches and my friends normally …. before my matches, I get really nervous, so sometimes before I go out there, I feel like I’m going to loss and they give me a lot of confidence to go out there and have fun.”

The boys also prevailed during the evening with eight match wins to the Parkside’s six.

Seahawks scoring falls were Paulo Mena-Weber (113), Tim McCormick (144), Grant Stephan (165) and Alex Riehl (175). Elijah Collick (138) and Peter Snyder both won by technical falls. Zach McDaniel won with a major decision, while Wyatt Cook took his match with a decision.

The next match is scheduled for Jan. 30 with Cambridge S Dorchester High School and Easton High School at 4 p.m. in the Stephen Decatur gym.