Projected spending exceeds revenue by $3M, but cuts will occur along the way before commissioner approval this spring. — PAGE 14 Taking it to the streets
Public Works hits the roads with repairs every off-season — PAGE 67
City advises St. Paul’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church it’s looking at expensive fines if it doesn’t stop violating zoning code — PAGE 3 Annual Ocean City Police report shows decline in crime — Page 22
City says church has until March 23 to remove shelter near Baltimore Ave. corridor
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) The Town of Ocean City has given a local church until March 23 to remove a tent encampment from its property.
On March 13, city staff notified St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, which is across the street from City Hall on Baltimore Avenue, that daily fines will be levied next week if the church does not remove the tents, located in an alcove just south of the church building.
While the church says the tents are being used by members of the homeless population until a more permanent housing solution can be found, the city maintains it is a violation of the zoning code.
“This action is not something that we undertake lightly but the current situation is simply untenable,” City Manager Terry McGean told the OC Today-Dispatch this week.
In November, St. Paul’s began welcoming members of the homeless population to stay on church property, purchasing tents and setting up an encampment near the corner of Baltimore Avenue and 3rd Street.
The goal, according to Pastor Jill Williams, is simple – to provide some relief from the elements until the church can establish an indoor shelter at its outreach center. However, the church’s efforts are being chal-
lenged by the city’s zoning code, which only allows the use of temporary tents by special exception. The congregation has until March 23 at 5 p.m. to remove the tents, or face a fine of up to $5,000 per day for any violations.
“We are shocked and saddened,” Williams said in an interview Monday.
Williams said the issue is not the people sleeping on church property, but the tents themselves. However, without that shelter, she said the community’s most vulnerable residents are left exposed to cold weather and rain.
“I feel like they need cover,” she said. “I don’t know how to do it, and it just can’t happen fast enough.”
Williams said the temporary outdoor setup is just the first step in finding a permanent, code-compliant solution. While the church plans to move homeless individuals inside, she said it would take time, and money, to make improvements and hire staff.
“If the city would like to fund a staff member, we have a space,” she said.
For his part, McGean said he has been in contact with the church since January, when he first met with the pastor to discuss the zoning code violation.
When Williams mentioned the church’s plan to create an indoor shelter, he said he encouraged her to begin quickly, to
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zoning and building departments.
“In an effort to work with her and to avoid requiring her to evict the persons using these tents in the dead of winter, I offered to give her until the end of February to come up with an acceptable solution,” he said this week. “I also offered that the city was currently in the process of preparing our FY27 budget and if she wanted to request funding from the city, the deadline for non-profit requests was February 1st.”
McGean said as of March 13, the church had not reached out to any city departments, nor did it submit any nonprofit funding requests by the Feb. 1 deadline. As a result, the city placed the church on notice.
“According to Pastor Williams, she is unable to move forward with her proposed indoor solution due to funding and staffing issues,” he said.
“Given that I have seen no progress at all towards her proposed permanent solution, we have formally placed St. Paul’s in violation, and unless the tents are removed by 5 p.m. on March 23rd, we will begin to fine the Church for each day the tents remain.”
Williams acknowledged that the church has yet to come up with a concrete plan for housing those in need. However, she said she is surprised by the city’s notice.
“It takes time to get community involvement,” she said. “We hope for the city government to contribute, but we also hope for partnerships with surrounding businesses. That takes time. I can’t blink it into existence.”
Williams said the notice comes as the demand for shelter increases throughout Worcester County. She noted that just last week, a county agency called the church with a request to house a recently released inmate at the tent encampment.
“The most important thing is that the city is now forcing these humans from the last bit of shelter they have,” she said.
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) Increased visibility and a reduction in overtime.
That, according to City Manager Terry McGean, is the reason the Ocean City Police Department is seeking to hire more public safety officers (PSOs) in 2026.
While the department hired 60 PSOs last season, Police Chief Ray Austin said he has worked with the city manager to increase that number to 80 this summer.
“Honestly, it is because the police have done such a good job with recruiting,” McGean said this week. “Chief Austin told me they had more qualified applicants than positions available and asked for an increase. I approved his request in order to increase visibility, especially on the Boardwalk, and reduce overtime.”
For the second year in a row, the police department will be hiring PSOs to replace the seasonal officer program that had existed for decades in Ocean City.
Unlike seasonal officers, who had the power to make arrests, PSOs are civilian support staff who can issue municipal citations, transport arrestees, handle bookings and fingerprinting and direct traffic, among other things.
By and large, the department has been successful in filling positions previously held by seasonal officers.
Last year, for example, the OCPD met its goal of hiring 60 PSOs. And last week, Austin announced it would increase the number of budgeted seasonal staffers for 2026 from 70 to 80.
OCPD’s Lt. Andrew Yeager added that the department had “more viable candidates than we actually have positions for.”
Miller said the department requires PSOs to be in good physical and mental condition, have a valid driver’s license, have a valid high school diploma or GED recognized by the state board of education, and be a minimum of 17 and a half years old at the time of employment.
This year, those seasonal employees will be paid between $20.74 to $21.15 per hour for employees over the age of 18 and $20.14 per hour for employees under the age of 18. They will also receive a $500 bonus for Academy graduation and 80 hours, and $250 in longevity bonuses and coverage of one fall event.
“Candidates must successfully complete a written examination, structured interview, background investigation, and medical examination,” Miller added. “Public Safety Officer positions are 40 hours a week during the summer season.”
“Public Safety Officers are utilized as civilian support staff within the patrol and support services divisions,” OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller explained. “Generally, Public Safety Officers are deployed in the areas of arrest and detention, parking enforcement, or support to patrol operations.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) A City Council majority this week supported a committee’s recommendation to allow all Maryland casinos to advertise on Ocean City’s municipal bus fleet.
On Monday, the council voted 5-1, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to allow casino advertising on municipal buses. The decision follows a favorable recommendation from the city’s transportation committee, which heard about various revenue challenges from the city’s advertising vendor last week.
“I just think if a casino is promoted as a destination, we shouldn't be promoting destinations other than our own,” Gehrig said.
During last week’s committee meeting, representatives with Gateway Outdoor Advertising – the vendor that oversees advertising on the city’s bus fleet – provided officials with a marketing update.
After seeing a presentation that showed waning interest in the program and declining revenues, committee members agreed to recommend to the mayor and council that they allow Maryland casino advertising on municipal buses.
“We still have some challenges ahead to bring in local, regional and national advertisers,” Gateway’s Craig Heard Sr. said at the time.
Heard highlighted numerous financial challenges throughout the 2025 season, including the loss of tram advertising and the loss of a major advertiser – the Ocean Downs Casino. While gambling advertisements are typically restricted in town, the company’s contract with the city provides a carve-out for the casino.
With those losses in mind, Gateway representatives last week asked for the committee’s support to allow additional casino advertising on the city’s bus fleet. Members ultimately agreed to that request, so long as those casinos are located in Maryland.
“That’s the recommendation from the transportation committee, and we bring it to you this evening for a vote,” Mayor Rick Meehan said during this week’s council meeting.
Gateway also asked for the committee’s support to reduce the town’s $200,000 minimum annual share of advertising revenue to $150,000. Committee members agreed to revisit the minimum at a later date.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) A months-long push by Maryland Democrats to run candidates in every state legislative race has resulted in new challengers filing for seats representing Worcester County. While Feb. 24 was the filing deadline for individual candidates to register for the June 12 primary, state election rules allow party central committees to add new candidates within 10 business days, a deadline that landed on March 10.
It means incumbent Lower Shore legislators who had been unopposed will now face an Election Day opponent.
Sen. Mary Beth Carozza will be challenged for her District 38 seat in the general election by Democrat Lino Cressotti of Ocean Pines.
If elected, he hopes to be focused on the concerns of working families, small
businesses, and rural communities –which he said are “overlooked” in Annapolis.
“We need leadership that listens to residents and works collaboratively to deliver real results,” he said in a statement. “I will work with colleagues across Maryland to advance practical solutions that strengthen our local economy, support families, and ensure the Eastern Shore has a seat at the table when decisions are made that affect our future.”
Carozza, a Republican, said she’s “humbled and grateful” to represent Maryland’s Coast and the Lower Shore counties of Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset.
“I believe public officials must earn and keep the trust of the people they represent. I will continue to work hard, day in and day out, on behalf of all my constituents, regardless of whether I am
opposed or not in the 2026 election,” she said in a statement.
After serving one term in the House of Delegates, Carozza narrowly defeated incumbent Democratic Sen. Jim Mathias in the 2018 election. While unopposed in her 2022 Senate primary, Carozza went on to defeat Democratic challenger Michelle Gregory with 66% of the vote.
On the House side, incumbent Del. Wayne Hartman, who won’t have any competition in the primary, will be opposed in the general election by Democrat Laurie Anne Brittingham of Ocean Pines.
Hartman hasn’t faced any general election challenger since his first run for the House in 2018, when he defeated three other primary challengers. When re-elected in 2022, he again went unopposed in both the primary and the gen-
eral election for his District 38C seat. Hartman in an interview noted that he filed for election nearly a year ago, at the close of the 2025 legislative session “out of a desire to serve the constituents.”
“It was a goal of the state party to have someone in every race, so it did not come as a surprise,” he said. “We’ve had one-party rule in Maryland for over 100 years. I think it’s important that we have someone up here fighting against offshore wind… against Gov. Moore’s tax increases.
“In my eight years serving in Annapolis, I feel I’ve represented all the people in my district, whether they’re Republican, Independent, or Democrat. When I get a request for a meeting in my office, regardless of their affiliation, I take it. I’m here to serve all of them,” he added.
Brittingham did not respond via email for a request for comment. She is also a candidate for the District 2 seat on the Worcester County Democratic Central Committee. State election law does permit dual candidacy for party office.
The Maryland Democratic Party since October has been laboring to recruit and run candidates in every state legislative race for the Nov. 3 general election. The party says it hasn’t happened since 1974.
“For too long there were districts where Democrats did not always field candidates. That changes now,” said party chair Steuart Pittman in a March 11 statement. “By organizing in every corner of Maryland, we are rebuilding the party in places where we have lost ground and creating opportunities to compete, win seats, and grow our movement for years to come.”
Locally, the only county commissioner race where the Worcester County Democratic Central Committee added a candidate was in Ocean Pines. Vicky Wallace made her campaign for the District 5 seat official March 9.
She’ll go on to face the winner of the GOP primary, either incumbent Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino or challenger Joseph Schanno, Jr.
No other local races were affected after the March 10 party candidate deadline, and other local incumbents for non-legislative positions will continue to run unopposed.
They include State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, Clerk of the Circuit Court Susan Braniecki and Register of Wills Terri Westcott.
No Democrats filed for Worcester County sheriff. The winner of the GOP primary between incumbent Sheriff Matt Crisafulli and challenger Jeffrey Buhrt will take the seat.
Elections for the Worcester County Board of Education are nonpartisan and therefore unaffected after the Feb. 24 filing deadline for individual candidates.
The next milestone in the 2026 election cycle is the April 21 due date for spring campaign finance reports.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) The City Council on Monday adopted the updated version of the Ocean City comprehensive plan, despite public requests to change some language referring to short-term rentals.
In a 5-1 vote, with Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed, the council passed the second reading of its 2025 comprehensive plan. The final vote concludes the city’s 10-year review and update.
“This is to adopt a 2025 comprehensive plan,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council this week. “It's the 10-year review and update of the existing 2017 plan as introduced at the Jan. 13 session and amended by further review at the Feb. 24 work session.”
On Feb. 2, after months of review by the city’s planning commission, the council held a public hearing on its updated comprehensive plan, a longrange policy document that guides the city’s land use, infrastructure investments and legislative updates in the coming decade.
At that meeting, some people objected to the plan’s proposal to reduce or eliminate the practice of nonconformity – referring to properties and
buildings that were legally established under previous zoning practices but no longer comply with current zoning ordinances – while others objected to the plan associating short-term rentals with “adverse” impacts.
Later that month, city leaders agreed to address some of the public’s comments regarding nonconformity. However, before adopting the comprehensive plan Monday, residents Vince Gisriel and Terry Miller asked that the council eliminate “adverse impacts” when talking about short-term rentals.
“At your work session on Feb. 24, you reviewed some of the comments the public made and Councilmember Proctor made the point that words have meanings,” Gisriel said, “and as I said earlier, I'm opposed to the use of the word ‘adverse impact’ as relates to short-term rentals.”
While he acknowledged that some references had been removed, he said others remained. Miller added that the term should not be used when talking about short-term rentals.
“They are something that we need,” she said, “and I feel it's inappropriate to have that verbiage in there.”
Following public comments, a council majority voted to adopt the 2025 comprehensive plan with no further changes.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) More than $17 million in projected new spending for fiscal year 2027 is putting Worcester County’s operating budget $3 million short of what it would collect in revenue.
Budget officer Kim Reynolds on Tuesday told the Worcester County Commissioners that the county’s projected operating budget for FY 2027 is $299 million, a 6% increase.
Proposed spending comes to $302 million, which is an increase of $20.6 million, or 7% over last year.
Two-thirds of projected revenue, or $200 million, would come from property taxes. Another $53 million, or 17% of revenue, comes from income taxes.
Other projected revenue comes from a combination of other taxes, state and federal grants, permitting, service charges, and interest on accounts.
Officials are required to adopt a balanced budget. To reconcile any revenue shortfall, the commission-
ers can make cuts to projected spending, increase taxes, or tap into budget stabilization funds.
Education is the county’s largest outlay, representing about 45% of total expenditures. Last year, the county gave the school board a record $113.8 million in funding.
For this year, the Worcester County Board of Education is asking the county for $126 million, including a $2.7 million more for healthcare costs and salary increases of $6.6 million.
That payroll bump would go toward a $4,000 raise for teachers and support staff, as well as a step increase for eligible employees.
Teacher raises were a huge point of contention in last year’s budget process, with some commissioners butting heads over whether to account for raises in a fully funded school budget.
Raises are part of the school board’s obligation to meet a statemandated $60,000 salary minimum, based on the state’s education reform legislation known as the Blueprint for Maryland's Future.
Debt service on school construction and other projects, totaling $7.7 million, is calculated separately from the school’s operating budget.
Overall, the school board’s pro-
jected FY 2027 budget of $157.4 million is a total of state, county, grants, and other funding.
Other requested county expenditures by departments include $22.2 million for the sheriff’s office, $16 million for the county jail, and $10 million toward the health department. Another $15.3 million is budgeted for grants to volunteer fire companies.
Notably, the county still has not released the final tally on its budget surplus from fiscal 2026, a figure estimated in the millions thanks to the revenue spike.
Last year’s round of property tax assessments grew the county’s assessable base by more than $4 billion, leading to $11.7 million in new revenue.
Along with increases from income tax and fees, the county’s FY 2026 windfall prompted the commissioners to lower the property tax by three cents. They also lowered the homestead property tax credit from 3% to 0%, which will take effect July 1.
Moving forward, additional budget hearings are scheduled for April and May. The commissioners will hold a public budget hearing May 5 at 6 pm in the county government building in Snow Hill. A budget must be approved by June 2.
Gaming bills in question as ‘crossover’ deadline nears
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) Proposed state legislation that would let Maryland’s licensed casinos expand their operations into gambling apps for smartphones appears to be stalling ahead of an important deadline for the 2026 legislative session.
Two bills to enact internet gaming, or “iGaming,” had been pending this session of the General Assembly in Annapolis. The first (SB 761) would authorize an Election Day referendum. A companion bill (SB 885) outlining the nuts-and-bolts procedures for iGaming would only take effect if voters approved the referendum. Both were sponsored by Sen. Ron Watson.
However, Watson (D-23, Prince George’s) withdrew the referendum bill on March 13. That second procedural bill is still alive, technically, but it’s now a “zombie bill” that can’t function without its partner.
Watson did not respond to a request for comment for this report,
See OCEAN Page 16
Continued from Page 14
and he hasn’t publicly explained why he pulled the bill.
Companion bills on the House side were heard March 5 by the Ways and Means Committee. Lower Shore Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C, Worcester), who sits on Ways and Means, said he anticipates that iGaming legislation will not pass this session.
Because it’s an election year, Hartman said nothing controversial is likely to pass. He noted that the governor’s proposed budget, in the same vein, avoids tax increases to bridge the revenue gap.
“I feel pretty confident there’s not an appetite for it this year,” he said of iGaming. “My concern is, really, next year, after the election, when our deficit continues to grow, what are we going to see to quench the thirst of the majority party here to spend money?”
As legislators continue to find solutions to the state’s $1.5 billion budget shortfall, iGaming could cumulatively generate $1.3 billion in revenue after about six years of implementation, according to a state legislative analysis.
If passed, the enabling legislation would grant Maryland’s six licensed casinos – including Ocean Downs in Berlin – the right to obtain a “mobile gaming license” to create digital versions of games typically found in a physical casino like poker, blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
It also says casinos could lease their license to established platforms like DraftKings or FanDuel that already run wildly popular gambling apps.
However, Ocean Downs has come out in opposition to the bills. Bobbi
Jones, general manager of Ocean Downs, last week said that iGaming would threaten the casino’s 350 jobs and may fuel new gambling addictions.
“We know that if this law passes, it’s not just going to affect us, but it’s going to affect our community, by taxes, tourism – which we rely on heavily on the Eastern Shore,” she told a Senate committee March 11 in Annapolis.
The Worcester County Commissioners also oppose the iGaming proposal, saying that Ocean Downs is a major tourist draw that can’t afford to lose brick-and-mortar gaming customers to screens.
Another upcoming deadline may sideline the iGaming proposal anyway.
Over the course of the Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day session, the milepost known as “Crossover Day” is critical. If a bill doesn’t make it out of committee by then, it falls into legislative purgatory. This year, Crossover Day comes this Monday, March 23.
While any bill isn’t technically dead until the session’s final day (or “Sine Die” in Latin) on April 13, in reality, missing Crossover Day is typically a fatal blow for any bill.
State legislators are considering several bills relating to gambling this session, including an expansion of slot machines onto historical racetrack properties and off-track betting parlors.
Other bills would beef up enforcement power by state officials to go after illegal offshore gambling sites and would increase funds earmarked for the state’s Problem Gambling Fund.
Harrison Group, Jolly Roger, Shore Transit
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce is helping to connect employers and workers through its annual job fair, scheduled to take place March 21.
On Saturday, the chamber will showcase more than two dozen local employers at its 2026 Ocean City Chamber Job Fair. There, job seekers will have an opportunity to find summer and year-round positions.
“I think many of us have felt frustration with automated systems when looking for employment,” Chamber President and CEO Amy Thompson said. “This is an opportunity to talk with hiring managers in real life, face-to-face, regarding open jobs.”
The fair will take place from noon to 2 p.m. in the Palmetto Ballroom of the Princess Royale Oceanfront in Ocean City. Thompson said job seekers can come at any time during those two hours to learn more about various employment opportunities in and around the resort.
“Attendees are encouraged to dress for success and bring a pen, valid ID, and multiple copies of their resume to make the most of this opportunity,” she added. “And probably even more important: a can-do attitude!”
Thompson said 25 employers have signed up to participate. Those attending include: Harrison Group, Jolly Roger Amusement Park, Ocean City Beach Patrol, Delaware Elevator, Shore Transit, Freeman Arts Pavilion and Worcester County Government, to name a few.
For more information, contact Joanna Aydelotte at joanna@oceancity.org.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) With no discussion, Ocean City officials on Monday agreed to abandon a portion of deadend alleyway between 26th and 27th streets.
The City Council voted unanimously to abandon and convey a 16foot-wide by 50-foot-long section of alley separating surrounding lots. The move will allow the Harrison Group Hotels to redevelop the neighboring Flagship Oceanfront Hotel.
“It is our contention that there is simply no public purpose for that alley,” Joe Moore, the company’s attorney, told the council earlier this month, “because it dead ends into the north side of our hotel, which has been there for 66 years.”
As part of a plan to demolish and redevelop the Flagship property –historically known as the Diplomat Motor Hotel – the Harrison Group representatives came before the City Council in January with a request to close an estimated 800 square feet of alleyway between 26th and 27th streets.
In exchange, the hoteliers agreed to improve the remaining portion of the alley to the city’s standards – an effort that would include milling, repaving and more.
During a public hearing this month, Moore argued the alleyway in question served no public need. He said that if abandoned, the corridor would be incorporated into the hotel’s plans to redevelop the Flagship into a 135-room Springhill Suites by Marriott.
“Logically, there’s no public purpose,” G. Hale Harrison of Harrison Group said of the current alleyway. “It is a dead end.”
While city leaders earlier this month agreed to abandon, close and convey the 800-square-foot section of alleyway, the decision was formalized Monday in a second reading of the ordinance.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) A review of crime trends, police activity and recent accomplishments highlight the Ocean City Police Department’s annual report.
On Monday, Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin presented the City Council with the department’s annual report, a comprehensive review of the agency’s efforts to engage with the community and protect the public.
In 2025, reported crimes, arrests and criminal citations decreased, while local recruiting efforts and budget savings increased.
“The achievements showcased tonight are the result of the dedication of our sworn officers, our professional staff and our community partners,” Austin said. “Public safety in Ocean City is truly a shared responsibility, and we are grateful for the trust and support of the community that we serve.”
In 2025, the OCPD received 50,064 calls for service, or about 1,500 fewer calls than the preceding year. Including business checks, those service calls increased to 57,171.
“As expected, the majority of activity occurs during the summer months when the visitor population increases significantly,” Austin said.
In total, more than 58% of reported crimes occurred in June, July and August, Austin said. However, Austin said overall reported crimes decreased by roughly 37% when compared to 2024.
Austin also highlighted traffic safety, which he said remained one of the department’s highest priorities.
In 2025, officers issued 6,649 traffic citations, 7,387 traffic warnings and made 274 DUI arrests.
‘Arrest numbers have trended downward over the past several years.’
Ocean City
Police Chief Ray Austin
Traffic collisions increased from 456 to 476, pedestrian collisions decreased from 26 to 21, bicycle collisions decreased from 28 to 23, and scooter collisions increased from 32 to 49.
Austin also highlighted custodial arrests, which decreased from 1,690 to 1,599, and criminal citations, which decreased from 64 to 43. Weapons arrests decreased from 99 to 92, while controlled dangerous substance arrests increased from 73
to 87.
“Arrest numbers have trended downward over the past several years,” Austin told the council. “This trend is influenced by several factors, including proactive policing strategies, increased community education and changes in state law, including cannabis legalization.”
Austin also noted the successes of the department’s criminal investigation division, which investigated 134 cases in 2025. He said the division also recorded a 93% case closure rate.
Moving on to the department’s finances, Austin said the OCPD operated with a $28 million budget and ended the fiscal year with roughly $640,000 in savings. He added that the department also secured more than $300,000 in competitive grant funding, which covered technology and equipment upgrades, traffic safety initiatives, and training and recruitment.
Those recruitment efforts, he added, paid off for the department, which hired eight new officers, four officers from other departments and 60 seasonal public safety officers.
“We're hoping to increase that in 2026 to up to 80 public safety officers,” he said.
Austin said the annual report will be posted on the OCPD webpage.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) Former member of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors and interim general manager Brett Hill was sentenced to 18 months in prison last week after a federal jury convicted him on 16 counts of failing to collect and pay employment taxes.
In addition to ordering his imprisonment, U.S. District Court Judge Stephanie A. Gallagher directed Hill to pay approximately $658,485 in restitution to the federal government and to serve three years of supervised probation after his release, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Hill was indicted on federal charges in August 2022, and last year in April was found guilty by a federal jury of failing to collect and pay payroll taxes as the chief executive officer of two telecommunications companies.
According to the Department of Justice, Hill, of Parkton and Berlin, owned and operated two telecommuBrett Hill to also pay back $658,000 for tax crimes
See HILL Page 24
Twenty-one jail and correctional officers recently graduated in the 123rd entrance-level clast of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, operated by Wor-Wic Community College. Graduates include (L to R): De’nesha Dale, Dashon Nuttall and Jacob Shourds of the Worcester County Jail and Detention Center.
Jason L. Disney, 42, of Pasadena, Md., faces drug, burglary and vandalism charges after police found him inside a closed restaurant at 2:26 a.m. Sunday.
Police said they were called to a restaurant on Coastal Highway near 33rd Street early Sunday morning where they encountered the suspect in the Sandbar karaoke bar he apparently entered via the attached restaurant.
Two employees on the property told police they had seen a person wearing clothes that matched the suspect’s break through a barricaded service entrance to gain access to Guido’s. The restaurant is undergoing a renovation and is not open to the public. The Sandbar is separated from the restaurant by an interior door.
Being told by witnesses that the suspect also did roughly $100 damage to a Sandbar sign, police charged with Disney with malicious destruction of property. They then found a suboxone strip in the suspect’s pocket and a Baggie of suspected cocaine, leading to drug charges being added to a count of fourth-degree burglary and trespassing.
An apparent fracas between a man and a woman at a Baltimore Avenue hotel resulted in blood on the sidewalk, a cut on the back of a woman’s head, and damage to a unit door in the hotel.
Charges of second-degree assault, malicious destruction of property and hindering were filed against Devonte L. Moore, 29, of Duarte, Calif., on Saturday after police determined he had attacked his girlfriend.
One witness told police they saw the woman on the ground with the accused standing over her and then saw him kick the door in on one of the hotel’s units. Another said Moore “beat the ... out of her” in the hotel parking lot.
Police arrived on the scene shortly after 7 p.m., found blood on the sidewalk and a cut on the woman’s head, but said the woman, who refused medical treatment, was unable to provide any clear or useful information even though she was asked repeatedly what had happened.
Police said Moore also refused to identify himself to them, but that his mother called the department and verified his identity.
Sedrick K Boyce, 34, of Millboro, Del., faces numerous citations for traffic offenses, including going the wrong way on a one-way street, and a criminal charge of carrying a concealed weapon.
Ocean City police said a patrol officer on March 11 saw a car turn and head north on Philadelphia Avenue, which is a one-way road heading south.
After stopping the car, police found that it was occupied by three people, one of whom was Boyce, the driver. Police also said they detected the odor of alcohol and asked Boyce to step out of the car. When asked if he was carrying any weapons, Boyce acknowledged that he was, leading police to remove an unsheathed mini cleaver from the chest pocket of his jacket.
After being taken to the Ocean City Police Department for processing, Boyce agreed to take an intoximeter test, which showed a .24 breath alcohol concentration.
nications companies where he was responsible for collecting and paying federal income, Social Security, and Medicare taxes from his employees’ wages, and filing tax returns.
Last spring, a jury found that from the second quarter of 2016 to the fourth quarter of 2018, Hill withheld
taxes from his employees’ wages at one or both of his companies but did not file tax returns or pay those taxes over to the government.
“Hill did not pay ... his companies’ share either," reads an April 15, 2025, press release from the Justice Department. “Instead of paying the taxes he withheld from his employ-
ees’ paychecks, Hill paid himself a salary and paid other expenses.”
The Justice Department said Hill caused the United States a tax loss of over $2 million. Hill’s sentence was lower than the possible maximum penalty of five years for each count of failing to collect and pay over taxes.
“We appreciate that the Court's sentence was substantially below the established sentencing guidelines,” said Gerald Ruter, Hill’s attorney in an email statement to the Bayside Gazette last week. “…He will make every effort to make amends for his actions.”
Hill sat as a director on the Ocean Pines board from August 2016 to September 2017. During his tenure, the association leadership was in turmoil and the airing of bitter disputes among board members was common. It was during this period that the board terminated the employment of general manager Bob Thompson and asked the newly elected board member Hill to take his place in an interim capacity.
Hill proceeded to institute major changes in operations that ultimately resulted in losses of $1.6 million over two years, according to a September 2022 article in Ocean City Today. He resigned from the board and as general manager in September 2017.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors member Steve Jacobs stepped down from the governing body, effective immediately.
The association announced Jacobs’ resignation in a press release March 9.
“On behalf of the entire OPA Board of Directors, we express our sincere gratitude to Steve Jacobs for his dedicated service to the Ocean Pines Association. His contributions to our community have been invaluable, and we wish him well in his future endeavors. It was a pleasure to work with Steve,” Ocean Pines Board of Directors President John Latham said.
The reason for his resignation, Jacobs told the newspaper, is he is moving out of Ocean Pines to attend to a family matter.
The Ocean Pines Board of Directors has seven members who serve three-year terms after their election by association members. Their terms of directors are staggered.
Currently, OPA’s governing team consists of John Latham, president; Rick Farr, vice president; Monica Rakowski, treasurer; Jeff Heavner, secretary; Elaine Brady, director; and Stuart Lakernick, director.
With one of those seven seats abandoned, the remaining members are required by the association bylaws to appoint a replacement within 30 days of the vacancy’s creation.
Last Tuesday, the association announced the appointment of Patrick Lehnerd to that post.
According to an OPA press release, Lehnerd has served as secretary on the community’s Elections Committee since
2024. Now a member of the board, the appointee must step down from his position with the elections team.
Lehnerd, originally from Ohio, earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Catholic University of America and has lived in Maryland since graduating in 1982. Ten years later, he received a master’s degree from John Hopkins University in systems engineering.
Lehnerd has been a homeowner in Ocean Pines since 2012 and a permanent resident since 2021. He is a current member of the Pines Tones Chorus and the Ocean Pines Platform Tennis Association. He is also a cantor at St. Paul’s by the Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City and works part-time as a senior staff systems engineer at Northrop Grumman.
While Lehnerd will take over for Jacobs, residents Amy Peck, Colette
Horn, and Lora Pangratz had also asked to be considered.
Peck served on the board for nine months after she was appointed in October 2021 to replace former board member Tom Janasek, who had resigned before his term expired.
Horn was elected to the board in 2017 and served two terms. She acted as vice president and president.
Pangratz sat on the now-disbanded bylaws and resolutions committee for four -and-a-half years. For more than two of those years, she served as the group’s chairperson.
Despite the three additional volunteers, Lehnerd has been selected by the six remaining board members to fill the seat left vacant by Jacobs.
The community bylaws mandate that “any vacancies occurring on the board of directors 90 days or more before the annual meeting of the members shall be filled by a majority vote of the remaining directors within 30 days.”
Lehnerd shall serve as a director until the next annual meeting, held each year in August upon the conclusion of the board election. A successor must be elected to serve the remaining portion of the unexpired term.
At the time of resignation, Jacobs was serving his second term, which was set to end in 2028.
ence.
(March 20, 2026) Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) hosted its Annual Gala on March 7 at The Ashore Resort & Beach Club in Ocean City, welcoming parents, alumni, faculty, and community supporters for a tropical resort–themed evening. The fundraiser was a success and will support student-centered projects that enhance the Worcester Prep experi-
The program was hosted by MC duo Julia Ternahan and Abby Harrison of WPS second grade, who kept the energy high throughout the night. Guests embraced the tropical atmosphere as they gathered for an evening of fun and spirited bidding during the live auction. From a fishing trip aboard The Billfisher to Head of School for the Day, paddles were raised in support of WPS. Guests also enjoyed having their photo taken by Telescope Pictures and leaving with a custom WPS Gala
Scopes keychain.
The evening ended on a sweet note with pineapple dole whip from Bonkey’s Ice Cream.
The gala brought together the Worcester Prep community and local supporters for a night of celebration and philanthropy, highlighting the generosity that continues to strengthen the school’s mission.
Worcester Preparatory School extends sincere thanks to the many sponsors, auction donors, and volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.
(March 20, 2026) The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office continue to investigate the cause of a fire that destroyed a maintenance building at Frontier Town.
On March 13, just before 7 p.m., fire and rescue units with the Berlin Fire Company responded to the campground resort for reports of a building fire on the property. Upon arrival, firefighters were met with heavy fire conditions at a maintenance building.
According to the fire company, the blaze completed destroyed one maintenance building and caused damage to several nearby structures. Firefighters were able to contain the fire and prevent further extension to additional facilities.
The Berlin Fire Company was assisted at the scene by personnel from
the Ocean City, Ocean Pines, Newark, Showell, Willards, Bishopville, and Selbyville fire departments. Officials say no injuries were reported.
“We want our community to know that everyone here is safe and accounted for following an incident at one of our maintenance buildings,” a social media post from Sun Outdoors Frontier Town reads. “Our team, animals, and neighbors are what matter most and we're grateful everyone is okay.”
The company also recognized the first responders who responded to the scene.
“Words cannot fully express how grateful we are,” a second social media post reads. “When our team needed help, our first responders arrived without hesitation, and our community wrapped their arms around us immediately. That is the heart of what makes this place so special.”
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) The Town of Berlin intends to submit a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the US Department of Homeland Security this week, seeking details on the operations of federal agents who were in town earlier this month.
On Friday, March 6, Town of Berlin residents witnessed United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents operating on the corner of West and Washington streets. According to Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, the sightings occurred in the morning, and the federal officers left around noon.
That situation was acknowledged by Town of Berlin officials early last week. At a council meeting held March 9, Tyndall said several town citizens had brought the officers’ presence to his attention.
Tyndall maintained that the Berlin mayor and council were not notified by DHS or any other allied law enforcement team that ICE personnel would be conducting operations in town.
Additionally, the Berlin Police Department told the Bayside Gazette that they were unaware of the visit.
“We learned ICE agents were in the Town of Berlin after they had already arrived,” Sgt. Jessica Collins said. “We have no further information regarding the details of their visit or what they were working on.”
Tyndall added last Monday that “the current sworn Berlin Police Department officers did not work in conjunction with ICE while they were operating in the Town of Berlin.”
The mayor said that, upon being informed of ICE’s presence, he reached out to Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office to request information on how to proceed.
“We were informed by the governor's office that ICE agents should be working off of warrants and not patrolling neighborhoods or places of employment,” Tyndall said.
Tyndall asked last week if the council would support submitting a FOIA request to solicit details on any available public information, such as who was detained and why.
The council agreed to go forward with the request.
“I am always for transparency,” Councilman Steve Green said. “... I do think we should know … we are responsible because it's happening in our town.”
Tyndall said that the group was proceeding with the FOIA submission on behalf of the town last week.
“The request is for any information that can be shared on their operations within the municipal limits of the Town of Berlin on Friday’s date,” he said. “We will see what comes of it.”
(March 20, 2026) Veterans and active-duty members of the armed forces interested in having their military service honored on the Ocean City Boardwalk still have time to enroll in the 13th annual Hometown Heroes Banner program.
Eligible individuals must live in Ocean City or Worcester County to be eligible for the program hosted by Elks Lodge 2645.
Individuals can nominate themselves or be nominated by a relative or friend. Those selected will have banners with their photographs displayed on light poles on Ocean City’s legendary boardwalk this summer.
When the banners come down they are given to the veterans at a special ceremony held at the Elks Lodge in October.
The program that began in 2014 has so far displayed banners for 439 veterans who have served our country from World War II, Korea, the Cold War and Vietnam. Now the Lodge is adding veterans and activeduty personnel who served in the
Gulf War, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror.
At no cost to the veteran, banners will display a photo of the honoree, name, rank, branch, and era of service in all branches of our armed forces.
Nomination forms are available by emailing hometownhero2645@ gmail.com.
(March 20, 2026) Meet prospective employers from across Worcester County and choose from a variety of part-time and year-round jobs at the Worcester County Job and Resource Fair on Wednesday, April 1, at the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company from 2-5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
“This job fair brings opportuni-
ties directly to community members within the county,” Workforce Development Specialist Nancy Schwendeman said. “This is the perfect chance to network and connect with local employers, while simultaneously exploring valuable resources available to you. A full list of participating employers will be released closer to the date of the job fair.”
Come prepared, ready to network, and take the next step towards your professional goals. There will be an array of exciting opportunities across various in-
dustries. Whether you’re an experienced professional looking to advance your career, a recent graduate ready to embark on your first job, or seeking part-time employment, this event caters to individuals at every stage of their career journey. Registration is not required, but is recommended. To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/April1Registration.
Additional community resources will be available, including representatives from the American Job Center, Wor-Wic Community College, the Department of Labor, Worcester County Adult Education, Shore Tran-
sit, and other organizations offering assistance. Spanish and Haitian Creole interpreters will be on-site to provide interpreter services.
Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) is hosting this event in partnership with the Worcester County Department of Social Services, Town of Snow Hill, and Maryland Department of Labor.
For more information, contact Schwendeman at nschwendeman@worcestermd.gov or (410) 632-3112 x2120 or visit www.choosemarylandscoast.org.
Hileman
OWNER/BROKER, GRI & CRS
in MD,
Cell: 443-235-5982 DebbieHileman07 @gmail.com
Pines, features vaulted ceilings, beautiful hardwood and ceramic tile flooring, cozy gas fireplace & French doors. The kitchen offers plenty of space for everyday living, & the sleeping areas are separate from the main living spaces. There is access to the screened porch from the Primary BR. Upstairs, you’ll find the 4th BR with park views & a large workshop area, ideal for hobbies or extra storage. The Roof and the Gas Heat have been replaced in the past 3 years.
850 OCEAN PKWY • OCEAN PINES
This Extra Large 2900 sf Home is on an ExtraLarge lot that backs to Park land! The second level contains the kitchen, living room with 2 story ceilings, balcony access, a 16x12 Bedroom and 11x8 Bath. The 3rd level has a loft area, 2 bedrooms and a full bath. Accommodate the in-laws in the Lower-Level living quarters! A one car garage will store all of your beach gear, toys, and tools! Sold in As-Is condition.
The Berlin Mayor and Council issued a proclamation last Monday night ahead of World Down Syndrome Day on March 21. Residents were encouraged to wear their mismatched socks later this month in recognition of those individuals who are impacted by Down Syndrome, a genetic condition caused by an extra copy of chromosome 21. Several individuals with Down Syndrome, including Berlin’s own Conor Pellinger, front right, were on hand for the designation. They are pictured with the Mayor and Council.
(March 20, 2026) History is coming to life through song this spring as the Worcester County Library prepares to host a unique musical journey back to the founding of America.
On Wednesday, April 1 at 2 p.m., the Ocean Pines Library will welcome the Easton-based musical group Ampersand for a special performance of their hit show, Music of the New Nation.
As Maryland continues to celebrate Maryland 250—the statewide commemoration of the 250th an-
niversary of the Declaration of Independence—this concert offers a rare opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the colonial era through the melodies that defined it.
“As part of our celebration of Maryland 250, Ampersand will play music that takes us back to the roots of our country,” says Elena Coelho, adult services coordinator. “This concert brings us back in time through songs that reflect the experiences of the home front and those of everyday people.”
Event to thank supporters of the organization, offers games, live entertainment FOOD
(March 20, 2026) The Art League of Ocean City announces tickets are on sale for “Night at the Colosseum,” April 18, from 6-9 p.m. at the Residence Inn by the Marriott, Ocean City.
All are welcome to join in an evening of games, togas, and gladiators, but the night is to thank all the Gladiators of the Arts, supporters of the Art League who created their own events that benefitted the Art League, and to crown the Champion of the Arts for raising the most money. This is the last event for the competition season and an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate alongside all the Gladiators.
Some Gladiators had existing events like Jeremy Brink’s “Tatts & Tinis” & Courtney Blackford’s “Mac & Cheese Competition” who when accepting their roles as Gladiators announced their events would benefit the Art League of Ocean City. While others like the The Bees Knees Gladiator Team transformed one of their teammate’s home into an event space to hold an elegant “Summer Soiree” by the water with dinner, drinks, live music, and live auction. No matter the event or occasion Gladiators rallied their friends, family and network connections to raise money to support the Art League in its efforts to promote artistic expression in our region.
Night at the Colosseum promises to mimic the feel of an ancient Roman celebration. Guests will enjoy Mediterranean mezze, a cash bar, and live entertainment as attendees partake in Olympic follies. The evening is built around interactive spectacles, classic Olympic sports with a low -stakes, high-laughs twist. Togas and tunics are encouraged, but guests are welcome to arrive in whatever attire they prefer. High heels are discouraged footwear, as the games require steady footing, but a sandal reminiscent of ancient Rome or a comfortable shoe or sneaker would be fine.
“In the arena of the arts, everyone wins. This night is our way of celebrating the incredible fundraising feats of our Gladiators and inviting the public to join the festivities. It’s going to be an evening of historic fun for a vital cause,” Art League Development Director Jessica Bauer notes.
Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League, added, “We’re bringing the ancient world to the coast to show Ocean City how the arts truly come alive. Between the Olympicstyle follies and the crowning of our Champion, the energy in the room
will be legendary. Whether you come in a custom-tailored tunic or a classic bedsheet toga, you’re supporting a legacy of creativity at the Art League.”
She added that tickets are limited and urged attendees to buy now.
Tickets are $75 and can be purchased online at givebutter.com/NightAtTheColosseum, by calling 410-524-9433, or in person at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside. To keep with the sporting theme, guests will have the chance to bid on Orioles and Ravens memorabilia items while enjoying great music & Olympic follies in full swing.
Proceeds from Night at the Colosseum support the Art League’s outreach and community programs. Thaler added, “All the Gladiator events help keep the Art League of Ocean City open seven days a week and free to all, enabling the organization to reach into the community with enriching programs. If you’re looking for an evening that pairs spectacle with generosity, Night at the Colosseum offers a chance to cheer on the gladiators and one another, celebrate the Champion of the Arts, and support a mission that keeps the arts accessible to Ocean City’s residents and visitors alike.”
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
White glittering snow kissed the Delmarva Peninsula again.
Spring is around the corner, and my taste buds yearn for a change. I allow myself to take a break and imagine delectable asparagus running wild as the sun welcomes a season of change.
The green gifts from the Mediterranean tickle my fancy and delight veggie lovers alike. The steadfast stalks with their luscious treasures wait in charmed sleep. For those willing to wait, the fruits of one’s desires are finally meant to be.
A member of the lily family has been a delicacy since ancient times. Gorgeous mauve, verdant, and white hues add diversity and decadence. Careful tending and hand harvesting are the secret undeniably. The impressive stalks are crowned with a tip or bud and are considered the king of vegetables.
One might be wondering how did asparagus end up on American soil? We can thank the English colonists
for such a feat. Culinary historians eloquently note that the English were notorious for their love affair with the elegant crop. Antiquity proves Thomas Jefferson cultivated and adored every last morsel. Gratitude comes in many flavors.
Fast forwarding to today, a chance for you to test your knowledge on asparagus. How long does it take to grow asparagus? If you are hoping for immediate results, you might want to reconsider. It takes two to three years before they can be harvested.
Does one know that white asparagus are green asparagus that are grown in the dark? When the spears emerge from the ground, the sunlight turns the stalks green. As a result, white asparagus are grown completely in the ground or covered with plastic so the sunlight never reaches the asparagus.
According to “The Stockton Record,” the world record for eating fried asparagus is held by Joey Chestnut. He took top honors in April 2014 at the Stockton Asparagus Festival by eating 12 pounds and 8 ¾ ounces of asparagus. I must say that is quite im-
Continued on Page 40
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY 28th Street Coastal Hwy. Saturday, March 21: TBA
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott
Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21: Phil Perdue
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 20: Dueling Pianos Saturday, March 21: Beach Bandits
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Friday, March 20: Full Circle & DJ RobCee Saturday, March 21: Denim N Lace & DJ Vybe Monday, March 23: Bryan Clark
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fridays: DJ Billy T Saturday, March 21:
Mercury Agenda & DJ Bigler
Fager’s Island: Friday, March 20
Pickles Pub: Saturday, March 21
BEACH BANDITS
Pub: Saturday, March 21
Seacrets: Saturday, March 21
Sundays:
Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, March 21: Black Dog Alley
Monday, March 23: Karaoke w/ Wood Thursdays: Beats By Connair
MOOSE SALOON
410-289-6953
Friday & Saturday, March 20 & 21
Seacrets: Friday, March 20
Saturday, March 21
DENIM N LACE Fager’s Island: Saturday, March 21
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards
Friday, March 20:
Party Fowl & DJ
Saturday, March 21: Charlie Travers (2pm) & Party Fowl (9:30pm)
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, March 20:
Faith Noel, DJ E-State, DJ Mary Jane & Amish Outlaws Saturday, March 21: Whiskeyhickon Boys, Dueling Pianos, DJ Davie, DJ Connair & Turning The Tide Thursday, March 26: Blake Haley & DJ J-Spin
pressive.
Helpful hints for preparation and presentation follows. Slightly al dente is the desired texture for asparagus. Obtaining this consistency can be a challenge if the asparagus are thick. The skins are tough, and by the time the skins are cooked, the flesh is mushy. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the skin from the bottom half of the spear. This way one can control the temperature of the asparagus and it also highlights the beautification of the vegetable.
Cooking asparagus on the grill adds a whole new dimension and gives the asparagus a slightly smokey flavor. The blackened grill marks are also a feast for the eyes.
Generously brush asparagus with olive oil; this keeps the spears from sticking to the grill rack. Place the asparagus directly on the rack, and
cook uncovered until crisp, turning occasionally. If the asparagus are thick, cover while grilling.
The key to roasting asparagus is a high oven temperature. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Place asparagus on a baking sheet or in a baking dish and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season asparagus with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast until asparagus are cooked but retain their firmness.
Cooking asparagus in a cast iron skillet is a fast way to cook them and obtain the coveted char.
If you decide to steam asparagus, remember they cook very fast. They can go from undercooked to overcooked in a matter of seconds.
A lemon herb asparagus salad garnished with your favorite crumbled cheese, peas, fresh herbs, and pistachio bits is a great way to showcase asparagus year-round. This dish can
be made at the last minute which makes this recipe a keeper.
The lemon dressing is optional. Just good quality extra-virgin olive oil with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper not only tastes great but allows the true essence of the vegetables to come thru.
If one adores asparagus, you must give a lemon herb asparagus salad a try. Enjoy!
1-pound fresh asparagus, woody ends removed 3 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
1/3 cup finely chopped fresh herbs ¼ cup frozen peas, thawed 1/3 cup favorite crumbled cheese finely chopped pistachios as a garnish kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1. In a large cast iron skillet, add 3 tablespoons olive oil and turn heat to medium high. Cook the asparagus until they are al dente.
2. In a small to medium bowl, combine remaining olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, herbs, and peas.
3. Artfully arrange asparagus on a serving platter.
4. Drizzle lemon dressing on the asparagus.
5. Top with crumbled cheese, pistachios, salt and pepper
Secret Ingredient – Spring Every flower must grow throughout the dirt.
Laurie Jean Sennott
LIVESTREAM SPONSORS:
Fager’s Island
Fish Tales
45th Street Tap House
Jolly Roger Amusements
Longboard Cafe
Ocean Downs
Royal Plus Seacrets
Shenanigan’s Irish Pub
Touch of Italy
Town of Ocean City
FIRST PLACE: Mass Destruction Marching Unit
HONORABLE MENTION: First Panamanian Marching Band of Maryland
FIRST PLACE: Still Livin' Lucky
HONORABLE MENTION: OC Jeep Club
FIRST PLACE: Chesapeake Management Companies
HONORABLE MENTION: Ocean Downs Casino
Grateful Grub Food Truck
Sessa’s Vending
Worcester County Tourism
Comcast
45th Street Shopping Center
Aloft Ocean City
The Voice Radio Network
Unscene Productions
Embassy of Ireland
Carousel Hotel/James Hospitality
Harrison Group
Ocean Copy
PNC Bank
Rogers Graphics
Ocean City Florist
Mann Properties Etch-Art
Cathy Donovan, New Wave Printing and Embroidery
Mike Bradley, WGMD
Melanie Pursel, Worcester County Tourism
Bill Baker, Power 101.7 FM
Brad Hoffman, Live Wire Media
Ahmed Baky, Second Secretary, Cultural & Community Attaché, Irish Embassy
Pat O'Brennan, Barry D. and Brian K.
OC Today-Dispatch
All the members, friends and volunteers of the Delmarva Irish American Club
FIRST PLACE: Believe in Tomorrow Children's Foundation
HONORABLE MENTION: The Ole Baes
FIRST PLACE: Ocean City Surf Club
HONORABLE MENTION: St. Florian 911 Lodge
FIRST PLACE: Royal Elite Diamondz Dance Team
HONORABLE MENTION: Stephen Decatur High School Marching Seahawks
SPECIAL COMMITTEE AWARD: Maryland State Firefighters Association
JUDGES' CHOICE AWARD: Fager's Island
BEST OVERALL: Bearded Men's Society
BASKETS OF CHEER WINNERS:
Missy Votta, Green Lane, PA
Terry Richter, Pasadena, MD
Veronica, Turnersville, NJ (last name not provided)
Morgan, Rockville, MD (last name not provided)
■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ HARBOR WATCH
806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com
$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Celebrating our 42nd year with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open all March, Thursday through Sunday. Sunday Brunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (excluding Easter), $29 for adults, $16 for children 6-12 years. Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $4 all beer, $8 crushes, $10 select apps, $6 glass of select wine. Call for banquet and large-party details.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410289-4891, picklesoc.com
$$ | 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.
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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
91st to 146th streets
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410250-2000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | 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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-5392607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY Closed - Reopens March 11 Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-4362305, twiningshanty.com
Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL
9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com
$$ | 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.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) will host author, entrepreneur and activist Stacey Abrams as the keynote speaker for its annual Presidential Lecture Series on Wednesday, April 8 at 6:30 p.m. The event, the second in the series, will take place in the UMES Student Services Center theater and is open to the public.
As a high school student, Abrams rose from political campaign typist to a candidate speechwriter before arriving on the campus of Atlanta’s Spelman College. While at this HBCU, Abrams’ often one-woman voter registration drives encouraged her fellow classmates to go to the polls — a practice that would later prove critical in securing a slim democratic presidential victory for Joe Biden in conservative Georgia in the 2020—2021 election.
“Stacey Abrams has been working to ensure representation and voter rights since her days as an HBCU student,” said UMES President Heidi M. Anderson. “She has shown the power of people coming together to make a difference politically, and we look forward to the captivating discussion that she will bring to the UMES campus community.”
Abrams is a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur, and producer, who served 11 years in the Georgia House of Representatives –seven as minority leader. She became the first black woman to be the gubernatorial nominee for a major party in U.S. History when she ran in Georgia in 2018 and 2022.
Abrams also served as the Ronald W. Walters Endowed Chair for Race and Black Politics at Howard University and was a senior counsel to Rewiring America, a leading non-profit dedicated to tackling climate change. She has also co-founded several companies, including NOWaccount Corp., Insomnia Consulting, Nourish, Inc., and Sage Works Productions.
United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES), in partnership with the Ocean City Maryland Hospitality Association, looks forward to welcoming back guests and visitors for the 2026 summer season!
UWLES is excited to partner with local hospitality businesses for the 10th season of our Dine, Stay, and Play United program. Last summer, local hospitality and recreational organizations raised over $23,000, demonstrating what it means to Dine, Stay and Play in Worcester County while giving back to the community and creating local impact.
Local restaurants, hotels, entertainment venues, and sporting ven-
ues can sign up with UWLES to participate. Each business chooses its promotional menu items or stays-and-play specials and designates a portion of those proceeds to UWLES. All proceeds stay local for UWLES and their nonprofit partners, who help one in three Worcester and other Lower Shore County neighbors thrive. This is a unique opportunity for locals and visitors to help support the hospitality and tourism industry while giving back through philanthropic-minded Worcester County businesses from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Restaurants, lodging, and entertainment businesses of any size are welcome to participate.
Bobbi Jones, general manager at Ocean Downs Casino, shared the importance of the ongoing partnership, saying “Our participation in the United Way Dine & Stay Program reflects our commitment to giving back locally.
Thanks to the support of our guests and team, we raised $3,300 in 2025 to help United Way and we look forward to exceeding that in 2026, continuing our support of families and strengthening our community.”
Participants benefit from free digital and print marketing through radio promotion, digital ads, television commercials, and social media campaigns throughout the summer. The summer 2026 campaign is made possible through partnerships with the OCMD Hospitality Association, WMDT-47, Greater OC Chamber of Commerce, Worcester County Chamber of Commerce, and the Taustin Group. For more information on how to get involved or become a participating business in the 2026 Dine Stay & Play United Program, contact Ryan Jackson, UWLES, at ryan@uwles.org or Amanda Hailey, UWLES, at amanda@uwles.org, call
410-742-5143 or visit uwles.org/dinestayplay.
Special thanks to the 2025 Dine Stay Play Participants, who will be recognized at the OCMD Hospitality Association dinner on April 16th at Oyster and Scales.
Wor-Wic Community College will hold an open house for prospective students and their families on Wednesday, March 25, from 5-7 p.m.
Participants can learn about WorWic’s credit and career programs and get application help. The event will also offer tours, financial aid information, a chance to meet faculty, department heads and deans, club and student organization info and more. This event will take place rain or shine.
City leaders last Tuesday honored Clifton Henry Sr., who is retiring from the Department of Public Works after 50 years of service to the Ocean City community. Beginning his career as a city maintenance worker, Henry worked his way up to the role of heavy equipment operator. His five decades of public service were recognized during a ceremony, in which Mayor Rick Meehan and Public Works Director Hal Adkins commented on Henry’s dedication and commitment. Henry, pictured with city officials and past and current members of the public works department last week, received a key to the city for his contributions.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
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.
FANDOM FRIDAY: MYTHOLOGY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Drop in any time for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-2084014, worcesterlibrary.org
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
ARTFUL CONNECTIONS: 60 ART CLUB
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., Ocean City, 11 a.m.-12:01 p.m. Join us for our 60+ Art Club. Seeking your input to help form the Art League of Ocean City’s first 60+ art club, “Artful Connections.” Light refreshments served. artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433
MOVIE MATINEE: 3D EDITION
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Catch a 3D movie you may have missed in the theaters. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘FIRST LADIES’ BY MARIE BENEDICT AND VICTORIA CHRISTOPHER MURRAY
Oaked at The Globe/Tiki Tim’s, 12 Broad St., Berlin, 2 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book at the Berlin library and then join in at Oaked at the Globe for a lively conversation. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org
KIDS IN THE KITCHEN!
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m. Celebrate the start of spring by practicing your kitchen skills to make a colorful, tasty treat. For ages 6-11 years. Registration required: 410-641-0650. worcesterlibrary.org
TRUE CRIME DETECTIVES: COLONIAL CASES
Worcester County Tourism & Economic Development, 107 W. Green St., Snow
Hill, 5 p.m. Solve these real colonial cases. Top detectives will receive a prize. Light refreshments provided. Registration required: 410-632-5622. worcesterlibrary.org
OPEN MIC WITH SISTA BIG Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 6 p.m. Join in for an inspiring evening of poetry and music and comedy. Performer sign up is firstcome, first-served. Light refreshments. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org
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
14TH ANNUAL ST. JOSEPH’S DAY FESTIVAL
St. Andrew’s Hall, 144th Street & Sinepuxent Avenue, Ocean City, 11 a.m.6 p.m. Featuring home-cooked Italian food, music, games, basket raffles, 50-50 drawing, silent auction and Italian specialty items for sale. Admission is free. http://sonsofitalyoceancity.com
BREAKFAST WITH THE EASTER BUNNY
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 8-11 a.m. Menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, assorted patties, fruit, orange juice, milk and coffee. Cost is $10 for adults, $6 for ages 4-10 years and free to those 3 years and younger. 410-6417052
WALK WITH A DOC
S. Gate Pond, 11144 Cathell Road, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m. Join a practitioner for a health discussion and then enjoy a walk for the remainder of the hour. Held the third Saturday of each month. 410-6419238, kaylee.hanway@tidalhealth.org
TODDLER EGG HUNT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m.
Grab your baskets and get ready to hunt down those eggs. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
IRISH FOLKTALES AND CRAFTS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m.
Learn about Irish folktales and the history behind them, then create a Celtic themed craft while celebrating Irish-
American Heritage Month. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org
EGG HUNT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 11:30 a.m.
Grab your baskets and get ready to hunt down those eggs. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
FRIED FLOUNDER DINNER
Bowen Fellowship Church, 8426 Newark Road, Newark, 4:30 p.m. Fried flounder dinner with green beans, Mac & cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10. Carryouts available. Open from 4:30 p.m. until sold out.
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
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT PANCAKE BREAKFAST
The Dough Roller, 606 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 8:30 a.m.-noon. Menu includes pancakes, sausage, coffee, tea, and soda. Cost is $10 for adults and free to kids 8 years and younger. Receive a 30-minute free play card for Marty’s Playland with first 120 adult meals. Proceeds to benefit Ocean City Development Corporation Public Art Program. https://www.ocdc.org, 703-731-6515
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
DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB MEETING
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9:30 a.m. Speaker will be Joan Maloof, Professor Emeritus at SU and founder of the OldGrowth Forest Network. Learn what you can do to save old-growth forests. Visitors welcome. https://dwcmd.org
$5 BAG SALE
Atlantic United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 105 Fourth St., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Debit/credit cards accepted
with minimum purchase of $10. Store will be closed March 25 and 26. Reopening on March 27 with everything spring and summer.
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: WELCOME SPRING!
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org
GETTING READY FOR SPRING!
Worcester County Tourism & Economic Development, 107 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 2 p.m. Learn how to grow a healthy lawn, care for shrubs and trees, annual and perennial flowers and vegetables on a scale that suits your needs. Presented by Ginny Rosenkranz. 443-783-6164
CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
TidalHealth John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Cancer Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Held the fourth Monday of each month. 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, 410-8043971. 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
$5 BAG SALE
Atlantic United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, 105 Fourth St., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Debit/credit cards accepted with minimum purchase of $10. Store will be closed March 25 and 26. Reopening on March 27 with everything spring and summer.
Continued on Page 48
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. 410-632-5622, 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
CLAY-N-PLAY
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Mold, sculpt, squeeze and stamp with play dough. For ages 0-5 years. 410-9570878, worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org
EVERYDAY COURAGE: WOMEN ON THE HOME FRONT IN WWII
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. In the 1940s, ordinary women did extraordinary work building ships and airplanes, many of them at the Martin
Aircraft Factory in Middle River, Md. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org
TEEN DIAMOND PAINTING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Come craft diamond painting magnets or mini pieces of art to keep or gift. All supplies provided. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
BRING YOUR OWN PROJECT
Art Collective at The Factory, 16 S. Main St., Suite D, Berlin, 5-7 p.m. Held every other Tuesday. Bring whatever you are working on and come hang out at The Factory. Show up anytime after 5 p.m. https://art-collective.square.site
PAGE ONE, VIRTUAL WRITING GROUP
Learn tips and tricks of writing fiction, nonfiction and poetry while offering critiques and receiving feedback from other writers, 5 p.m. Registration required: 410-632-5622. worcesterlibrary.org
FAMILY SUPPORT GROUP
TidalHealth Crisis Center, 200 E. Vine St., Salisbury, 6:30-8 p.m. Hosted by NAMI Maryland Lower Shore. Held the fourth Tuesday of each month. 443-6146739, namimdls@gmail.com
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. 410-289-4725
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. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
COFFEE & CRAFTS: PAPER WEAVING Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in each month for a new craft. Materials provided. Limit 30. 410-5241818, worcesterlibrary.org
COMMUNITY NUTRITION CLASS
TidalHealth Edward Q. Wilgus Community Clinic, 805 E. Church St., Salisbury, 1-2 p.m. Speaker: Bobbi McDonald, MS, Community Health Educator; Topic: “Discover the Power of Nutrition”.
MARYLAND DAY TRIVIA
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines
Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Test your knowledge of our state and its history with this trivia contest. Prizes provided by the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
PUZZLE SWAP
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with 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
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
TidalHealth Atlantic, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. Held the fourth Wednesday of each month. 410-629-6848, lora.pangratz@tidalhealth.org
SERVICE SQUAD
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m. Jump in to help out with crafts and program prep, or other activities that help the library. Open to students of Worcester County Schools. For ages 12-18 years. Call for information: 410-641-0650.
DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT CLASS
Held weekly on Wednesday via virtual meeting, 6-8 p.m. Provider referral, patient pre-assessment, and registration are required. Insurance may cover all or
part of the cost. Register: 410-543-7061
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.
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.
NARFE MEETING
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 10 a.m. Attention National Active and Retired Federal Employees, spouses and surviving spouses. NARFE works to protect your benefits. Karleen Hagan, khagannarfe@gmail.com, 703-729-2103
STORY TIME: THE VERY IMPATIENT CATERPILLAR
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
STORY TIME ‘GRUMPY PANTS’
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-5622, worcesterlibrary.org
WOMEN IN ART
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Learn something new about women artists from the medieval era through the 17th century. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org
FIRESIDE CHAT
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. Book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Come and find your next great read. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org
DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-8 p.m. Shelley Johnson, a candidate for the MD House of Delegates in District 38A, will be speaking. All are welcome.
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
TRIP TO SIGHT & SOUND
Trip to Sight & Sound in Lancaster, PA to see “Joshua,” on June 27, at 3 p.m. Cost is $200. Pay by May 15. Cash app: $calvarychurch8607. Sponsored by Calvary United Methodist Church. Contact Rosie Dennis, 443-614-7518.
MARIO SCAVENGER HUNT
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, March 9-27. Can you find Mario and his friends and solve the riddle? Prizes awarded from the treasure box. For families. 410-2084014
Join the Sea Colony East Maintenance Team!
Now hiring high rise condominium/full time building maintenance techs.
Great Benefit plan/paid time off! Apply online at troon.com/careers - company location Sea Colony Assoc East Email bethann.steele@seacolony.com or call 302-541-8831 for an interview
Seasonal Bus Drivers for Summer 2026
Seasonal Rate: 21.37/hour
Limited space for applicants requiring CDL training is available!
Apply at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oceancitymd or City Hall, 301 Baltimore Ave., Ocean City, MD 21842
Needed for WOC company with excellent organization, written, verbal, and computer skills. Real estate, property management, social media, ad marketing exp. a plus. Part time/flexible hours.
Send resume to: kclark@monogrambuilders.com or Fax to 410-213-1712.
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Artsy Boho - Lifestyle Retail Store on the Boardwalk.
*Full-time, Seasonal, requires flexible schedule. *Retail experience highly preferred.
*Wage based on experience. Email resume at artsyboho1@gmail.com
JOLLY ROGER
Small Engine Mechanic & Ride Maintenance. (Must have mechanical knowledge) Technical Support & Installation (Entry level with knowledge of network systems)
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
WEST OC
2BR, 1.5BA Townhome. Great location, pool, laundry. Close to it all! $2200/month. Text 443-497-6115.
Looking for Roommate to share home, Berlin/ surrounding area. Rent + 1/2 Utilities. Call 443-210-0208
FOR SALE OR RENT
Salt Life West OC 2BR, 1BA Model Mobile Home. Fully furnished. New pool & community BBQ area. Close to beaches, restaurants, nightlife and fishing. Will co-op w/realtor. Call 410-807-2515 for more info.
Contact Nancy to schedule an interview today. 410-213-2658 What have you done for your future today? The Town of Ocean City is Hiring
Tree Service Seeking GROUND LABORERS
Full time, year round. Valid driver’s license required. Pay negotiable based on experience. 443-365-9717
PGN Crab House
29th Street & Coastal Hwy, Now Hiring for • Waitstaff
• Kitchen Help Apply within in person after 11:00 am.
The Tides Inn NOW HIRING NIGHT AUDITOR
This position may be full or part time, seasonal, requires flexible schedule. Experience is preferred but we will train the right person. Apply in person 10am-3pm
3001 N. Baltimore Ave. 2nd Floor Office
SEASONAL HELP: Cashiers, Waterpark Attendants, Lifeguards, Ride Operators
Wage based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902
ASSISTANT MANAGER
Full-Time, Year-Round
Must be available for day, night or weekend shifts. If interested apply in person. Open daily, 11:00 a.m. American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue For information call 410-289-3166
Hiring Operations
Agent Services Leader KW Delmarva office in OC @ 62nd St. Mon.-Fri., yearround, competitive salary plus paid vacation and health coverage. Submit resume to laurenbunting@kw.com.
FT, YR
For condo located on 47th St., Bayside, OC, MD. Must work weekends during summer months, off Tues. & Wed. Duties include painting, power washing, light clean up, light maintenance. Pay $18-$22/hr. Benefits include 100% paid health & life insurance. Call 443-523-5739
Seeking Year-Round Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
Extended Spring & Summer Stays Avail. Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581
MINUTES TO THE BEACH! Built in 2024
This beautiful 2BR, 2BA Mobile Home is right next to the County Boat Ramp. $120,000. Financing avail. to qualified buyers. Lot Rent $700/mo. Pays for water/sewer/trash/taxes. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555
YEARLY RENTAL
319 Robin Drive
Available Immediately 2BR, 1BA, Unfurnished. Dog friendly, ground floor. Ideal 2 mature adults w/strong work history. $2,000/mo. + electric. Call/text 703-819-7400
OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT: Looking for space, comfort and great views? Spacious, climate-controlled office available, with use of conference room and reception area, in a modern, well-maintained building in prime Ocean City location. Call 410-524-3440 for appointment. FOR LEASE Commercial Retail/Office Space 760 sq. ft. Village of Fenwick, Fenwick Island, DE. Call Melissa, 410-641-1101 or Email Melissa@bergeycpa.com 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
Applicants Must Be: Drug Free, Personable, Outgoing, Well Mannered and Have a Valid Drivers License
Industrial Space
Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200
DONATIONS
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be tax-deductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
ALBUMS! 410-430-5349
CEMETERY PLOT FOR SALE SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK Plot # 171-C REDUCED! $500 ($1,000 Value!) Rt. 50, Berlin, MD Call 410-641-1734
How well You know me, Yet, You reach for my broken, To lead me from here.
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258
FOR SALE
Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.
MISC. FOR SALE
Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719
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
Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397
JAMES
E. CLUBB, JR.,
108 N. 8th Street
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
(13) WEEKS
By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-26-000062, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Quarters Condominium building located at 12108 Coastal Highway, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on
TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 2026 AT 11:00 A.M.
Series of Weeks B, in Unit No. 404, in the Quarters Condominium, being an annually recurring series of thirteen (13) weeks, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established by a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber No. 1285, folio 190; and pursuant to the plats recorded therewith in Plat Book No. 110, folio 27; and as more fully described in the Declaration of Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions - Timeshare Ownership recorded in Liber No. 1285, folio 220.
The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties or guarantees. The property is free and clear of mortgages. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier=s or bank check, with the balance to be paid in wired funds at time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be ten (10) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting Purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee. The Trustee reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the Purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Lien. Monthly maintenance fees will be the sole responsibility of the Purchaser beginning from the date of sale. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the Purchaser. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the Purchaser=s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit
without interest.
For more information, call:
James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee
410-289-2323
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JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.
108 8th Street
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
12 42nd STREET, #305 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-25-000368, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 12 42nd Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2026
AT 9:00AM
ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, more particularly designated and distinguished as Unit No. 305 in the Mystic Point Condominium, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Uber No. 394, folio 86, with Condominium Plats recorded therewith in Plat Book No. 32, folio 62, et seq.
The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Thirty Thousand Dollars ($30,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier's or bank check, with the balance to be paid in wired funds at the time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater charges, and condominium dues will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. Purchaser
agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney's fee of $350.00 for review of any motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the purchaser's sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.
For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323 OCD-3/12/3t
Aldridge Pite LLP 6001 Executive Blvd., Suite 200 Rockville, MD 20852 301-961-6555
OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON
11500 COASTAL HIGHWAY, UNIT #607
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated May 12, 2006, recorded in Liber 4711, Folio 227 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $344,250.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
MARCH 31, 2026 AT 4:00 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and described as Unit No. 607, in Sea Watch Condominium and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.
The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $34,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale,
including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 378098-1) Andrew J. Brenner, et al, Substitute Trustees
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Hofmeister, Robinson & DiPietro 11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza II, Suite 601 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031
309 Purnell Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863
dated March 1, 2024, and recorded in Liber 8719, folio 112, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, default having occurred under the terms thereof, and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, 1 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Courthouse Door, on
Monday, March 23, 2026 AT 11:00AM
All that lot of ground and the improvements thereon SITUATED IN Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.
The property is believed to be improved by a substantially complete single family home. The property address is 309 Purnell Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
Said property is in fee simple and is sold in an “as is condition” and subject to all covenants, conditions, liens, restrictions, easements, rightsof-way as may affect same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $15,000.00 will be required of the purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note or its assigns, at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or certified check, or other form acceptable to the Substitute Trustees, in their sole discretion. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid in cash within ten (10) days of the final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. If payment of the balance does not take place within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit may be forfeited or property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. The defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. Interest to be paid on unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the deed of trust note from date of sale to date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees in the event the property is purchased by someone rather than the note holder.
In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , including, but not limited to, exceptions to the sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, or court administration of the foreclosure, there shall be no abatement of interest. Taxes, ground rent, water, condominium fees and/or homeowner association dues, all public charges, assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey good and mar-
ketable title, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit. Upon refund of the deposit, this sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claims against the Substitute Trustees.
NOTE: The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the auctioneer, the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustees nor their agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of information.
PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO PERFORM THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION. For additional information, please contact the Substitute Trustees.
Ralph J. DiPietro and Scott R. Robinson, Substitute Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC 410-825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com
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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC
1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301
LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 www.cgd-law.com/sales
OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY
303 SCHOONER LANE, UNIT 102 BERLIN, MD 21811
By authority contained in a Deed of Trust dated October 6, 2020 and recorded in Liber 7802, Folio 486, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, with an original principal balance of $145,000.00, and an interest rate of 3.500%, default having occurred thereunder, the Substitute Trustees will sell at public auction at the Courthouse door for the Circuit Court for Worcester County, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
March 30, 2026 AT 11:00 AM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE property more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust. The property being sold is a condominium unit and all common elements appurtenant thereto.
Terms of Sale: The property will be sold “as is” subject to any conditions, restrictions, easements and agreements of record affecting same with no warranty of any kind. A deposit of $13,000.00 by certified funds only (no cash accepted) required at time of auction. Balance of the purchase price to be paid within 10 days of ratification of sale by the Court, with interest at the note rate from date of sale to settlement. If settlement is delayed for ANY reason, there shall be no abatement of interest or taxes. All private utility, water
and sewer facilities charges, front foot benefit payments, ground rent, or condo/HOA assessments, not otherwise divested by ratification of the sale are payable by purchaser without adjustment. Real estate taxes and all other public charges, or assessments, to be adjusted as of date of sale. Transfer and recordation taxes, and all other costs incident to settlement, shall be borne by purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. If purchaser fails to go to settlement within ten days of ratification, or otherwise fails to comply with the terms of sale, the Trustee may declare the entire deposit forfeited and resell the property at the risk and expense of defaulting purchaser, who agrees to pay reasonable attorneys' fees and costs if a motion to resell the property has been filed, purchaser waives personal service of any paper filed in connection with such motion, and agrees to accept service of any such paper by regular mail to the address provided at time of sale. If the Trustee cannot convey insurable title, or the loan servicer determines that the sale should not have occurred, the sale shall be null and void, and purchaser's sole remedy shall be the return of deposit without interest.
Potential Bidders: For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 2802832.
Richard E. Solomon, et al., Sub. Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC (410) 825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com www.Auction.com
CGD File #: 464429 OCD-3/12/3t
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:
The goal of this proposal is to enhance the bus service by reducing unnecessary stops, improving both travel times and bus frequency (“headways”). However, if any individual person or entity feels they will be negatively impacted by the removal of any of the listed stops, please provide your feedback to Transportation Manager Robert Shearman, Jr. via the below listed means. All responses will be given due consideration.
Northbound (7): 4th, 76th, 98th, 121st, 124th, 128th, 137th
Southbound (5): 141st, 134th, 124th, 80th, 69th
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, March 23, 2026. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked:
Ocean City Transportation
Attn: Transportation Manager, Robert Shearman, Jr. 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, April 6, 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, March 23, 2026. OCD-2/19/5t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
B11-26 – 65th Street Service Center Renovations
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking BID’s from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the 65th Street Service Center Renovations and for said work to conform with the BID Documents.
BID Documents for the 65th Street Service Center Renovations 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 BID Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed BID Documents.
A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST, AT THE PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, 214 65TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last Day for Questions will be on TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM EST. Addendum will be
PAGE 56
posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2026. Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2026, BY 10:00AM EST. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST, 2026, AT 1:00PM EST. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (65th Street Service Center Renovations) 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-2/26/5t
SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC Plaintiff vs.
JOHN R. DAVIS, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND
(All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:)
395 DUELING WAY BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811
UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY:
395 DUELING WAY BERLIN, 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-26-000054
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. 10, Parcel No. 03-163423, Property Description: LOT 47 PH 1S 23092 SF DUELING WAY DECATUR FARMS PL, Assessed to JOHN R. DAVIS, also known as 395 DUELING WAY, BERLIN, 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 nine (9) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.
It is thereupon this 25th of Febru-
ary, 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 27th day of April, 2026, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 27th day of April, 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
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MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC
9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21038
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FELIPE NUESCA ARZADON
Notice is given that Glen Karl Arzadon, 121 Maple Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-1117, was on February 26, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Felipe Nuesca Arzadon who died on August 19, 2024, 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 26th day of August, 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 26th day of August, 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.
Glen Karl Arzadon
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: March 06, 2026
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BATIE LAW LLC
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358
OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 21016
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Probate court of Oakland County, Michigan appointed Sima Birach Jr., 5138 Woodlands Ln., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302-2869 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Sima Birach Sr. who died on October 14, 2025 domiciled in Michigan, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Marianna. Batie Esq., 9748 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Ste. 112, Ocean City, MD 12842-9358.
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.
Sima Birach Jr.
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: March 5, 2026
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QUINN W. MCGINNES WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21041
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CATHERINE M. MOORE
Notice is given that Margaret A. Moore, 76 Wood Duck Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-1751, was on February 27, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Catherine M. Moore who died on December 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 27th day of August, 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 27th day of August, 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.
Margaret A. Moore 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: March 05, 2026
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SHANNON GAHS ESQ. 5300 DORSEY HALL, STE. 204 ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042-7818
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21033 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DONNA ZOE DOUGAN
Notice is given that Jessica Lynn Lloyd Hrubar, 1132 W. Pine St., Feasterville, Trevose, PA 190534534, was on February 27, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donna Zoe Dougan 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 27th day of August, 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 27th day of August, 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.
Jessica Lynn Lloyd Hrubar 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: March 05, 2026
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Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
P05-26 – Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Board and Paint Replacement
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Board and Paint Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
Proposal Documents for the Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Board and Paint 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
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: 03/06/2026
All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.
AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police
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 Proposals. 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-Proposal Meeting will be held on MONDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST, AT THE OCEAN CITY LIFE-SAVING MUSEUM, 813 SOUTH ATLANTIC AVENUE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last Day for Questions will be on TUESDAY, MARCH 24TH, 2026, AT 4:00PM EST. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25TH, 2026
Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, APRIL 2ND, 2026, BY 4:00PM EST Proposal submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, APRIL 3RD, 2026, AT 10:00AM EST. Proposals are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (P05-26 – Ocean City Life-Saving Museum Board and Paint Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
Matt Perry Procurement Manager Town of Ocean City, Maryland OCD-3/12/4t
ROBERT G. LOWE III
11536 QUILLIN WAY BERLIN, MD 21811-2567
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 21036 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOANNE M. BREEDLOVE
AKA: JOANNE MILLER BREEDLOVE
Notice is given that Daniel Harlan Breedlove, 8779 Unionville Rd., Easton, MD 21601-7319, was on February 26, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joanne M. Breedlove who died on February 02, 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 26th day of August, 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 26th day of August, 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.
Daniel Harlan Breedlove 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: March 05, 2026
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of Public Hearing Amendment to Worcester County Water and Sewerage Plan
Riddle Farm Sanitary Area Berlin, Maryland
The Worcester County Commissioners will hold public hearings to consider an application filed by Mr. Hugh Cropper on behalf of multiple property owners to expand slightly the water and sewer planning areas in the Master Water and Sewerage Plan (The Plan). Those changes would include a revision to the Riddle Farm water and sewer planning area maps to include multiple commercial properties on the south side of Route 50 (Ocean Gateway), west of Herring Creek, specifically Parcels 133, 136, 137, 383, 471, and 256 of Tax Map 26). The Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Plan amendment at their meeting of February 5, 2026, and found it to be consistent with the
Worcester County Comprehensive Plan
The public hearing on these applications will be held on:
Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at 10:30 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 – Government Center One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
For additional information, please contact the Environmental Programs at (410) 632-1220 x 1601 or visit the County website at: online at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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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 TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ANNA K MARINER Estate No. 21043 Notice is given that MORGAN J MARINER whose address is 12 14TH ST POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-1343 was on MARCH 05, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANNA K MARINER who died on JANUARY 01, 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 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 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 5th day of SEPTEMBER, 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
Take Notice that Bill 25-07 (Zoning – Off-street parking clear height) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on March 3, 2026.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
Add a new subsection § ZS 1320(b)(2) of the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to establish a minimum clear height for required off-street parking provided in an enclosed or covered structure in twofamily, multi-family, and townhouse dwelling units.
This bill becomes effective 45 days from the date of passage.
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103., is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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OF PASSAGE OF BILL 26-01
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Take Notice that Bill 26-01 (Zoning – Short-term rentals) was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on March 3, 2026.
A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
Repeal and replace subsection § ZS 1-351(b)(5) of the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to modify the effective date at which a third parking space shall be provided for a short-term rental property to April 17, 2026.
This bill becomes effective 45 days from the date of passage.
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103., is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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OF PASSAGE OF BILL 26-02
WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
Take Notice that Bill 26-02 was passed by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on March 3, 2026. A fair summary of the bill is as follows:
Bill 26-02 is titled AN ACT TO EMPOWER AND AUTHORIZE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND TO BORROW ON ITS FULL FAITH AND CREDIT NOT MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED EIGHTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($618,000) IN ORDER TO FINANCE AND REFINANCE IMPROVEMENTS TO LEWIS ROAD SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT(S).
This bill becomes effective 45 days from the date of passage.
This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is posted on the Legislative Bulletin Board in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103., is available for public inspection in Room 1103 of the Worcester County Government Center and is available on the County Website at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OCD-3/12/3t
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD STE B
SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN CLIFFORD PAGE II Estate No. 21046 Notice is given that JOHN CLIFFORD PAGE III whose address is 200 MAVERICK ST APT 3 BOSTON, MA 02128-3750 was on MARCH 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN CLIFFORD PAGE II who died on FEBRUARY 04, 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 6th day of SEPTEMBER, 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 6th day of SEPTEMBER, 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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OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of the Snow Hill Town Charter Section 20(47) notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the conveyance of the following real property owned by the Town of Snow Hill and determine the property is no longer needed for public use: 1. 301, 303 and 305 Willow Street, Snow Hill, Maryland Tax Map 0200 Parcel 0110
The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410-632-2080.
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MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21047 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DONALD SECOR DOEG
Notice is given that Lori Doeg Houtz, 7711 Timbercross Ln., Glen Burnie, MD 21060-8378, was on March 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donald Secor Doeg who died on November 30, 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 September, 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
6th day of September, 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.
Lori Doeg Houtz 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: March 12, 2026
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J. HARRISON PHILLIPS III ESQ. 8705 E. BISCAYNE DRIVE OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 21048 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET ANN DENNIS AKA: F/K/A MARGARET ANN WELLS
Notice is given that J. Harrison Phillips III Esq., 8705 E. Biscayne Dr., Ocean City, MD 21842-5109, was on March 09, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Margaret Ann Dennis who died on February 16, 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 9th day of September, 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 9th day of September, 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.
J. Harrison Phillips III, 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: March 12, 2026
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ARLETTE K BRIGHT ESQ
THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B
SALISBURY, MD 21804
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JACQUELINE MARIE
FREEMAN Estate No. 21050 Notice is given that MITCHELL FREEMAN whose address is 4715 W 4100 S WEST HAVEN, UT 844018823 was on MARCH 09, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JACQUELINE MARIE FREEMAN who died on DECEMBER 08, 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 9th day of SEPTEMBER, 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 9th day of SEPTEMBER, 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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OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND
Tuesday, March 31, 2026 5:30pm
Pursuant to the provisions of the Charter of the Town of Snow Hill notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 5:30pm at the Special Meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the Town of Snow Hill’s Arts and Entertainment District redesignation.
The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments and opinions on the redesignation application. For further information concerning this public hearing or for a copy of the draft please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410-632-2080.
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 21044
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY L. KISER
AKA: DOROTHY LOVELL KISER
Notice is given that Allison Kiser, 6342 Knoll Hill Dr., Berlin, MD 21811-2525; and Heather Kiser, 10546 Harrison Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2869, were on March 03, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Dorothy L. Kiser who died on January 15, 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 3rd day of September, 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 3rd day of September, 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.
Allison Kiser
Heather Kiser
Personal Representatives
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: March 12, 2026
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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, March 26, 2026 AT 6:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-94(2)(b) has been filed to request a special parking exception to waive 15 parking spaces for the enclosure of outdoor dining space. The Property is described as Tax Map 111, Grid 11, Parcel 3204. It is further described as being located on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue and is locally known as Embers at 2305 Philadelphia Avenue, Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ. FOR EMBERS, LLC (BZA 2735, #26-09400003) AT 6:15 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Sec-
tion 110-93(2), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-94(3)(c) has been filed to request a special yard exception for a proposed addition to be 16.8 feet from the front property line rather than 20 feet as required by Code. The Property is described as Lot 57 of the Mallard Island Plat. It is further described as being located on the east side of Teal Drive and is locally known as 1535 Teal Drive, Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: MATTHEW H. FOGLE (BZA 2736, #26-09400004)
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-3/12/2t
JANELLE M. RYAN-COLBERT, ESQ.
3060 MITCHELLVILLE RD., STE. 218 BOWIE, MD 20716-3975
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 19939 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RALPH WILLIAM SHOCKLEY
Notice is given that Deborah Shockley, 11886 Man O’War Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-3362, was on March 10, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ralph William Shockley who died on October 05, 2023, 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 10th day of September, 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 10th day of September, 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.
Deborah Shockley
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:
March 12, 2026
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HIDDEN HARBOUR III CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION
c/o Ayres, Jenkins, Gordy & Almand, P.A.
6200 Coastal Highway, Suite 200 Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Plaintiff vs. Michelle D. Breau
154 English Run Circle
Sparks, Maryland 21152
Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF MARYLAND FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CIVIL CASE NO. C-23-CV-25-000232
ORDERED, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, this March 11, 2026, that the foreclosure auction sale of Hidden Harbour III Condominium, Unit 337K, 12301 Jamaica Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, made and reported by Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, be RATIFIED AND CONFIRMED, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the April 13, 2026, provided a copy of this Order is published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once in three successive weeks, before the April 6, 2026.
The Report states that the total proceeds from the sale of the property to be $217,000.00.
Susan R. Braniecki CLERK, CIRCUIT COURT True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/19/3t
Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to build a 46-foot Pole Communications Tower. Anticipated lighting application is a medium intensity dual red/white strobes. The Site location is the parking lot at 12724 Airport Road Berlin, Worcester, Maryland 21811, COORDINATES 38 18 38.5236N, 75 7 4.6734W. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is [A1376613].
ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS –Interested persons may review the application (www.fcc.gov/asr/applications) by entering the filing number.
Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review (www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest) and online filings are strongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 20554. HISTORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS � Public comments regarding potential effects on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: EBI Consulting (RE: EBI #260060991PR), 21 B Street, Burlington, MA 01803, (617) 715-1822, EBIPNReplies@ebiconsulting.com.
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Worcester County Recreation Center – HVAC System Replacements
Worcester County is seeking Proposals from qualified Vendors for the Worcester County Recreation Center – HVAC System Replacements project. This project consists of HVAC renovations and supporting electrical renovations to portions of the existing Worcester County Recreation Center in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.
Bid 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, by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s online bid board. Vendors are responsible for checking that website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents. Contractors that intend to submit an aggregate bid may request a complimentary electronic copy of the drawings and specifications.
A pre-bid meeting will be held on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Worcester County Recreation Center located at 6030 Public Landing Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Last date/time for bid questions shall be Friday, April 3, 2026, at noon.
Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Friday, April 10, 2026, at 2 p.m. 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 Bid Documents cannot be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked “RFPProposal for Worcester County Recreation Center HVAC” in the lower left-hand corner. After opening, bids will be forwarded to the County Engineer and Engineering Consultant for tabulation, review
and recommendation to the County Commissioners for their consideration at a future meeting.
In awarding the proposal, the Commissioners reserve the right to reject any and all proposals, waive formalities, informalities and technicalities therein, and to take whatever proposal they determine to be in the best interest of the County considering lowest or best proposal, quality of goods and work, time of delivery or completion, responsibility of subcontractors being considered, previous experience of subcontractors with County contracts, or any other factors they deem appropriate.
All Bids shall be Lump Sum Amount, including allowances. Each Bid shall be accompanied by a Bid Bond in the in the amount of 5% of the Bid total. All responsive bids shall be held valid for at least 60 calendar days after the Bid Opening Date.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.
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JAMES M. PEPPE ESQ.
4550 MONTGOMERY AVE., STE. 775N BETHESDA, MD 20814-3376 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21059 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JERRY H. KVECH AKA: JERRY HENRY KVECH
Notice is given that Santa Kvech, 202 Beachcomber Ln., Ocean City, MD 21842-4616, was on March 13, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Jerry H. Kvech who died on January 05, 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 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.
Santa Kvech
Personal Representative
True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott
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: March 19, 2026
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APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 21058
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DAVID TIMOTHY MADEN
Notice is given that Alisha Maden, 6 Somerset Ave., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-1339, was on March 11, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of David Timothy Waden who died on February 09, 2026, 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.
Alisha Maden Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott
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: March 19, 2026
SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 21054
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET ANN SNYDER
Notice is given that Diane Snyder Frederick, 28 Burley St., Berlin, MD 21811-1226, was on March 10, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Margaret Ann Snyder who died on September 06, 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 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.
Diane Snyder Frederick Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott 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: March 19, 2026 OCD-3/19/1t
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
VEMBER 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 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
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21056 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES WILLIAM PRATT SR.
Notice is given that Renae Elizabeth Pratt, 116 Pinehurst Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-1620, was on March 11, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James William Pratt Sr. who died on February 27, 2026, 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 11th day of September, 2026.
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.
Renae Elizabeth Pratt 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: March 19, 2026
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To all persons interested in the estate of STEPHEN EDWIN HUMPHREYS Estate No. 21049
Notice is given that JOAN HAWKE HUMPHREYS whose address is 12816 W. HOPETOWN LN., OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9609 was on MARCH 09, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of STEPHEN EDWIN HUMPHREYS who died on NO-
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 11th day of September, 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
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 21055 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD A. CARROLL
Notice is given that Brandon Carroll, 16 Beaconhill Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-1613, was on March 12, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard A. Carroll who died on February 23, 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 12th day of September, 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 September, 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. Brandon Carroll
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: March 19, 2026
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 13162
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ANNIE L. OLIVER
Notice is given that Sandra Kay Branch, 3517 Payne Rd., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-2937, was on March 12, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Annie L. Oliver who died on May 02, 2008, with a will. There was a prior small estate proceeding.
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 September, 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 September, 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.
Sandra Kay Branch 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: March 19, 2026
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MICHAEL B MATHERS ESQ
WEBB, WILBUR, MATHERS
ILLUMINATI & LUKAS, LLP PO BOX 910 DOUSE & MATHERS, LLP
SALISBURY, MD 21803-0910
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of LAURA L DORMAN Estate No. 21061 Notice is given that JANICE LEA YORK whose address is
14343 WESTWIND DR ONANCOCK, VA 23417-3428, DAWN ELLEN SPICER whose address is 5204 DUCK CROSSING LN SALISBURY, MD 21801-2602 were on MARCH 16, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LAURA L DORMAN who died on JANUARY 30, 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 16th day of SEPTEMBER, 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 SEPTEMBER, 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
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2026-09
RE: Issuance of Citations
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-09 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of March 16, 2026. Second reading is scheduled April 6, 2026. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the March 16, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance amends Section 1.8, Violations and Penalties, to provide further clarification of law enforcement’s ability issue a citation for misdemeanor local ordinance violations even if that violation carries a penalty of more than 90 days in jail.
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OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2026-01
AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AMENDING CHAPTER 6, ENTITLED BUILDINGS AND BUILDING REGULATIONS, ARTICLE V, ENTITLED HOUSING STANDARDS, SECTION 6-127, ENTITLED ESTABLISHMENT, POWERS AND DUTIES OF HOUSING INSPECTOR AND BOARD OF REVIEW
This ordinance is scheduled for introduction and first reading on Monday, March 23, 2026, at 6:00 PM. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on Monday, April 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Both meetings will take place during the Regular Session of the Mayor and Council at the Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.
The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged. Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-641-2770 for further information.
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rate of 81.50 cents per $100.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) The Worcester County government and the county’s municipalities received their annual reports on constant yield tax rates, which will guide budget discussions in the coming fiscal year.
Last month, the Maryland Department of Assessments and Taxation notified the state’s counties and municipalities of the tax rate that would be needed to produce the same revenue as the year before. Known as the constant yield tax rate, the figure is based on the new assessed value of taxable properties in a jurisdiction.
Simply put, as assessments rise, for example, the tax rate should drop so that the revenue derived from the property tax stays the same. That appears to be the case again this year for Worcester County and its municipalities, as net assessable real property bases increase in 2026.
In Worcester, this year’s assessable base increased from $21.68 billion to $23.36 billion, resulting in a constant yield tax rate of 75.64 cents per $100 of assessed value, the state reports. That rate is lower than the current tax
In Ocean City, this year’s assessable base increased from $12.23 billion to $13.52 billion. While resort properties were not reassessed for this year, increases from the most recent assessment are phased in over a three-year period.
As a result, the new constant yield tax rate is 40.02 cents per $100 of assessed value, or a figure lower than the resort town’s actual tax rate of 44.26 cents.
It remains to be seen if Worcester County or any of its municipalities will adopt the constant yield tax rate or a different rate altogether. Prior to 2024, a jurisdiction could not set a tax rate that exceeded the constant yield tax rate without first advertising its intent to do so, according to the Department of Assessments and Taxation. Now, a jurisdiction cannot set a tax rate that exceeds the current taxable year’s real property tax rate without advertisement.
The good news is that primary residences are insulated by the Homestead Tax Credit, which limits the increase in taxable assessments each year to a fixed percentage. In Ocean City, for example, the Homestead cap is set at 0%. And Worcester County’s new Homestead tax cap of 0% will take effect July 1.
Berlin’s net assessable base also increased this year, from $634 million to
$664 million. The actual tax rate is set at 82.75 cents per $100 of assessed value, and the constant yield tax rate is calculated at 79 cents.
Moving farther south, Snow Hill reported a $2.9 million increase in the net assessable base, with an actual tax rate set at 93.75 cents per $100 of assessed value and the constant yield rate set at 92.04 cents.
In Pocomoke, tax rates are divided between owner-occupied properties and nonowner-occupied properties.
For owner-occupied properties, the net assessable base increased from $162 million to $171 million, which resulted in a constant yield rate of 88.96 cents per $100 of assessed value. The actual tax rate is set at 93.75 cents.
For nonowner-occupied properties, the net assessable base increased from $181 million to $183 million, resulting in a constant yield rate of $1.1212 per $100 of assessed value. The current rate is set at $1.1311.
In its most recent assessment, the state evaluated properties in the areas of Newark, Snow Hill, Girdletree, Stockton and Pocomoke City, as well as West Ocean City and South Point. According to SDAT, more than 90% of residential properties and 70% of commercial properties in this group will see higher assessments, with any increases phased in over the next three years.
“This does not. It is more restrictive.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) Despite some concerns that the proposed legislation would be more restrictive, a council majority this week voted to adopt a zoning amendment that increases setbacks for residential developments located in certain commercial districts.
During Monday’s regular meeting, the Ocean City Council voted 4-2, with Council President Matt James and Councilman John Gehrig opposed, to apply R-1 residential setback requirements to new residential developments built in the LC-1 local commercial and SC-1 shopping center zoning districts.
While those in support say the increased setbacks would push residential buildings farther away from major roads and provide more space for utilities and landscaping, others argued the proposed setback requirements did not solve the problems and were more restrictive than those found in R-2 and R-3 residential zoning districts.
“If you are going to build residential in commercial, then it should follow the residential code,” Gehrig said.
As adopted, the zoning amendment would increase minimum front-, sideand rear-yard setbacks for residential uses located in LC-1 and SC-1 lots greater than 5,000 square feet.
During their discussions with city leaders, staff noted that commercial district setbacks were insufficient for the modern townhouse developments being built in Ocean City, and that applying R-1 residential zoning setbacks to those projects would allow more space for utilities, landscaping and pedestrian safety, particularly along major roadways.
makes the LC-1 align more closely with the residential zoning requirements. I don’t believe that’s true actually,” he said. “I believe that in the R-2 and R-3 there’s a 10-foot setback, not a 20-foot setback for front yards. So I am concerned that you may not be getting what you want. R-3 and R2 seem to be about half the town, most of the east side of Coastal Highway and Philadelphia Avenue and those can still be built up just as close and taller.”
‘It will affect how many townhouses you can put on it, but maybe that’s not the best and highest use of the property’
Jake Mitrecic, Councilman
“It’s the design and livability of the townhouses,” Deputy City Manager JR Harmon said.
However, during public comments this week, architectural designer Jeff Schoellkopf and his brother, architect Rick Schoellkopf, argued the setback changes could have unintended consequences for residential developments. For his part, Jeff Schoellkopf noted that the R-1 setbacks being proposed were more restrictive than those found in other residential districts.
“The wording says this proposal
Rick Schoellkopf argued the change would devalue LC-1 and SC-1 properties. He said he also believed the setback changes were based on north-end developments that were built close to Coastal Highway.
“If you move an ugly building 10 feet back from the highway, it is still an ugly building, and it just doesn’t seem fair,” he said. “I’ve been dealing with the zoning in Ocean City for a long time. R-1 is a 20-foot setback. Every other R district is a 10-foot setback.”
During council comments, Gehrig said he continued to oppose the setback changes, arguing that it did nothing to solve the problem.
“We’re attacking property owners
because we don’t like a couple of projects,” he said.
Gehrig added that he also misunderstood what residential setbacks applied within those commercial districts. He noted that while staff said residential setbacks would apply to residential projects in the two commercial zoning districts, it was only R-1 setbacks that were being discussed.
“Whatever your opinion on it, there was clear confusion,” he said. “All of us up here were mistaken, and it was not intentional.”
For his part, James said he also misunderstood the zoning amendment, stating he believed R-2 and R3 projects developed on LC-1 and SC-1 projects could continue to use R-2 and R-3 setback restrictions.
“It should tie to the use,” he said.
For his part, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said the point of applying R-1 setbacks was to provide additional space. He pointed to projects where residential developments were built all the way to the commercial setback lines.
“There’s no other areas to even walk around. It’s fully wall-to-wall density,” he said. “If you push setbacks back a little further, you have more grass area, you have more of a
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Worcester County approves study to evaluate temps for local wastewater treatment
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) When hungry microbes living in sewage treatment tanks get too cold, they go to sleep and can’t do their job: eating up harmful nitrogen compounds to prevent them from polluting local waterways.
That’s why the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a performance study for the Ocean Pines wastewater treatment plant. The goal of the 16week study is to help the public works department understand how better to keep sewage tanks warmer after a winter of historically frigid conditions, among other outcomes.
“I don’t think I’d be a good steward of the plant if I said, ‘OK, well, let’s just let things keep going the way we’re going and hope for the best.’ We’ve got to take a look and see, are there things that we can be doing better?” Public Works Director Dallas Baker told the commissioners.
Study results would show not only whether the plant needs insulation wraps to keep treatment tanks warmer in winter, but whether performance could be improved by additional mixing or oxidation, according to Baker.
The no-bid contract would go to the Salisbury engineering firm of George, Miles & Buhr, based on GMB’s success with design revisions to the Riddle Farm sewage plant. Its $18,500 cost would come from the plant’s enterprise fund, not the county’s general fund, according to Baker.
Baker told the commissioners that the issue isn’t the plant’s overall performance, but that the facility has struggled to meet its permitting requirements from the Maryland Department of the Environment for discharging into the St. Martin River. It comes down to state regulations about preventing nitrates – a nutrient that’s a byproduct of sewage treatment – from reaching waterways and becoming a pollutant.
Maryland’s sewage treatment facilities are required to clean discharged wastewater to very low levels because high nitrate levels in waterways can contribute to harmful algae blooms. According to state rules on “enhanced nutrient removal,” sewage discharge can’t have more than 3 milligrams of total nitrogen per liter.
For sewage treatment, tanks are filled with “good” bacteria to eat up nitrates, turning them into harmless nitrogen gas.
But when temperatures are too
cold, the good bacteria can become sluggish or even fall dormant, leaving nitrates unchecked.
Baker says that’s what’s been happening at the Ocean Pines plant: this past winter’s freezing temperatures proved too cold for the good bacteria to do their job inside the aboveground steel tanks.
He also noted that, when the Ocean Pines facility opened 30 years ago, the plant’s minimum state-mandated operating temperature was 12 degrees Celsius – about 54 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, thanks to improvements in technology, a treatment tank’s operating temperature can now drop by a few degrees, so the microbes doing the work are able to survive and thrive in cold weather, Baker said.
Notably, sewage plants that fail to meet permitted nitrate levels are subject to an annual bay restoration fee of $60 per household, sometimes called a “flush tax.”
But because the Ocean Pines facility is one of the few plants in Maryland – and the only one among the county’s nine sewage plants – that was not constructed using state or federal funds, its users are exempt from that fee, Baker said. However, that exemption falls away should the Ocean Pines plant fail to meet its permit standards, based on a one-year average of nitrate levels.
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Continued from Page 64
usable space to enjoy your property.”
Councilman Jake Mitrecic said he supported the ordinance, arguing that the increased setbacks would move developments farther away from the road and farther away from other properties.
“It will affect how many townhouses you can put on it, but maybe that’s not the best and highest use of the property,” he said. “Maybe the commercial property should be used for commercial enterprises.”
Mitrecic also argued that something should be done now before more LC-1 and SC-1 properties are redeveloped. He added that “inaction is the only wrong action.”
“The longer we kick this down the road, and try to come up with one big omnibus, save-everything ordinance, the harder it is going be for us to ac-
tually get anything done,” he said.
While he said he supported the changes as proposed, Mayor Rick Meehan said understood the concerns. He added that developers taking issue with the ordinance should have first brought their concerns to the planning commission, which could have provided a different recommendation.
“I believe if you’re going to develop residential in commercial, you ought to use residential setbacks,” he said. “So if you were going to develop an R1 project in a commercial zone you should have to apply R-1 setbacks. If you’re going to build what would be equivalent to an R-2 or an R-3 project in a commercial zone, that it should be equivalent to what the same setbacks would be in an R-2 or R-3.”
A motion to adopt the zoning changes passed in a 4-2 vote.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 20, 2026) A portion of Coastal Highway closed for several hours last week as crews worked to repair a 20-foot-long sinkhole.
Last Wednesday afternoon, the Maryland Department of Transportation alerted motorists to emergency road work that closed all but the left lane of northbound Coastal Highway at 49th Street. There, crews with Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) District 1 redirected traffic while its contractor, David A. Bramble, Inc., spent hours filling a sinkhole and repairing the roadway.
All lanes were reopened by 5 a.m. the following day, SHA said this week. However, the agency reports it has yet to determine the cause the sinkhole’s formation.
“We have not yet determined the source of the void, but have ruled out a number of issues including a water line being hit and a gas line boring through a storm drainpipe,” SHA Media Relations Manager Shanteé Felix shared in a statement Monday.
“In conversations with Ocean City Department of Public Works, we learned that a similar incident occurred in that area a few years ago and are working with them and utility owners to determine if these may be related.”
Ocean City Public Works Director Hal Adkins said a few years ago, about 50 feet northwest of the most recent sinkhole, another area opened up along Coastal Highway. He said crews could not determine the cause of that void either.
Felix said representatives with Chesapeake Utilities responded to the scene last week to check for any
gas leaks and possible impacts on the storm drain. Adkins added that further camerawork may be needed to determine if there is a leak somewhere in the city’s drainage system.
“Obviously this sand is trickling away, somehow, some way …,” he said. “We just don’t have the answer yet but we are trying to figure it out.”
Adkins added that the road remains in stable condition.
Even with funding issues, department maintains its safety,
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) Despite a lapse in federal funding for the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Coast Guard station in downtown Ocean City appears to be operating as usual, according to federal officials.
Day-to-day operations at the bayfront station at Philadelphia Avenue and Worcester Street – including search and rescue operations and waterway patrols – are continuing without disruption, officials said, even as its funding remains frozen by Congress.
The funding lapse is the result of a broader standoff in Congress over the
federal budget. Lawmakers have been unable to reach agreement on a fullyear appropriations bill or a temporary funding measure, known as a continuing resolution, for the Department of Homeland Security.
While the House of Representatives has passed legislation to authorize funding multiple times, the Senate has failed to advance any funding bill, leaving the department and the Coast Guard in a partial shutdown.
“The Coast Guard is statutorily obligated to maintain the essential safety, security, and environmental protection services the public expects during the government shutdown,” said Lt. Cmdr. Steve Roth, a Coast Guard spokesman.
It means critical functions like emergency response, maritime security, and law enforcement patrols will
continue even as funding remains in limbo.
Roth cautioned that, absent an approved budget, it will become more difficult for the Coast Guard to maintain mission readiness.
“We will continue to monitor the situation and, if necessary, adjust our operations to ensure national security and to protect life and property,” he said.
Roth also said that training and required maintenance are ongoing, though at reduced capacity in some cases.
During a shutdown, federal employees are categorized by their roles. Military personnel and some civilians in critical positions – including air traffic controllers, federal prison guards, and FBI agents – must continue to show up for work.
It means that, for now, Coast Guard
personnel are reporting for duty, even as their pay is temporarily disrupted.
Under federal law, military and civilian personnel are guaranteed back pay once funding is restored, though some civilian workers could see reduced paychecks if the lapse continues.
Higher-level Coast Guard functions, such as ship acquisition, still depend on funding being reinstated. Otherwise, at Coast Guard stations nationwide, it’s “business as usual,” according to Rep. Andy Harris (R-1st), who represents Ocean City.
Harris said Coast Guard stations nationwide, as well as armed forces installations, are continuing normal operations because they are classified as essential services.
“At the local level, there should really be no effect on operations,” he said.
great.
By Stewart Dobson Editor
(March 20, 2026) Motorists headed up and down Coastal Highway and Philadelphia Avenue in Ocean City have probably asked themselves at least once this off-season, “What are they digging up now?” as they drive by one of the many side streets closed for construction.
Generally speaking, the answer to that question is Ocean City’s Department of Public Works has or had 17 roads and parking areas lined up for paving and other improvements this off-season.
The inlet parking lot, for instance, hasn’t just received a new surface, Public Works Director Hal Adkins said. Improving conditions at the parking lot has been a three-year effort involving upgrades in the delivery of water, sewer, gas, and electricity to enhance the layout flexibility for special events. Adkins said the department also worked with Verizon and AT&T to add small cell nodes around the lot to provide much better cell coverage when massive audiences are drawn downtown for attractions such as the music festivals.
Beyond the parking lot, public works has been busy re-surfacing, digging up or otherwise performing maintenance on 16 other roads since what amounts to public works “Prime Time” began in October.
Public works schedules its street paving projects from October of the previous year to May of the current year because traffic is lighter and the inconvenience these temporary street closings pose to motorists is not as
In addition, many of these projects entail more than just laying down a new surface, Adkins said. In many instances, department crews will upgrade water lines, storm drainpipes, sewer lines, and new sidewalks, he said. Here’s a list of what has been, is and will be worked on before the season begins.
• Inlet Parking Lot
• South Division Street (Baltimore to the Boardwalk)
• South Division Street (Baltimore to Phila Ave)
• Caroline Street (Baltimore to the Boardwalk
• 7th Street (Phila Ave to St. Louis)
• 7th Street (St. Louis to Edgewater. About to start)
• Edgewater Ave (6th to 9th)
• 8th Street (Baltimore Ave towards Phila Ave)
• 9th Street (St. Louis to Edgewater. Not yet started)
• Malorie Lane
• 94th Street (Coastal Highway to the Western Terminus)
• 99th Street (Coastal Highway to the Western Terminus)
• Montego Bay
• Peachtree (Paving next week)
• Nantucket (Paving after Peachtree)
• Atlantic Blvd (just finishing the storm drain and water upgrades)
• 133rd (west of Sinepuxent. New storm drains and water upgrades)
Of these, only one job, Malorie Lane, is listed as a paving-only project. The others, motorists might have noticed as they drove past them, are more involved.
by Steve Green
(The writer is on vacation. This column is reprinted from May of 2022.) uesday was evidently National Teacher Appreciation Day.
TI am not a teacher, but I have long thought about getting into education at some point in my life. I think my older son Beckett would be an outstanding teacher because I see a lot of the same traits in him that I remember from my favorite teachers and some memorable educators he and my son Carson have had through the years.
A good teacher’s impact can be felt for many years. I can still recall moments with teachers that had a profound impact on me. Some memories had to do with education lessons while most had to do with leadership and character.
For my son Beckett, 14, he has a handful of teachers he still refers to in random conversations. Most of his recollections have nothing to do with core school subjects. He remembers certain approaches they taught him or impactful casual conversations that served as life lessons.
For Carson, 13, due to his special needs, school is another matter altogether. Nonetheless, there have been about a dozen teachers whose names I can rattle off who have impacted him and Pam and I as his parents. The common trait among these quality individuals was empathy and how they showed it to our boy and us. The special needs journey is complicated, but it’s smoothed when we have a supportive education team that recognizes his strengths and understands his shortcomings.
While I have not taught, I am a coach. I have coached hundreds of local kids while raising my own boys. There have been memorable seasons with responsive and dedicated players as well as some forgettable ones with stubborn and unteachable types.
In recent years, Pam and I have as-
sumed leadership roles in the TOPSoccer program at River Soccer Club.
TOPSoccer is a recreational sports program for those with intellectual, emotional and physical disabilities. We have been involved with the program for about 10 years, the last few leading the training on the field.
This program is near and dear to us. I have been thinking a lot lately about how we can do it better. This is not a league. It’s an hour session where we match up our players (who have a wide range of disabilities) with buddies (who are typically middle and high schoolers) and work through various drills.
Over the years, I have found pride in the connections made with the kids. I can typically bond with the players, even if it’s just for an hour on the fields. It has a major impact on me when a connection happens.
Over the last couple weeks, a new player has joined us with the most severe disabilities yet. Pam worked with him the first week, and there was a minor incident where she could have gotten hurt. I wanted to work with him last week. Despite best efforts, I just couldn’t get him to engage and stay on the field with me. He was struggling and I was sweating. It just wasn’t to be the first two weeks. We will try again, but the lack of success has been eating at me. With a few new tricks, I am ready to try again this weekend and have a positive impact on that family.
My wife Pam, who serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate, recently attended a volunteer appreciation dinner for her tremendous contributions to our community. Included in a packet of things she came home with from the recognition event was a copy of the “The Starfish Story,” which was originally written by Loren Eiseley in 1969.
There are many adaptations of it on the web, but it speaks to the impact we can all have on others. It starts with one person. I feel like I missed the mark last week with that young soccer player, but it was not without effort and
good intentions. I imagine there are good days and bad days like this for teachers who face unique challenges today. It’s often difficult to know the impact we have on other people’s lives, but I fully believe there are rewards to be experienced when the will and effort are there.
Along those lines, here’s an adaptation to share of Eiseley’s essay:
Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.
Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching. As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea. The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning! May I ask what it is that you are doing?”
The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.”
The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.”
The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”
(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.)
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(March 20, 2026) March is traditionally a month of transition but the transition from cold to warmer weather can be quite extreme and take some wild fluctuations.
The second week of March was a good example. We enjoyed a couple days of warmer-than-usual temperatures, but March 12 featured a full gamut of extreme weather variations.
On that day, the sun rose to temperatures frequently seen in the early morning hours of a summer day. These temperatures gradually decreased as the day went on, akin to what we might see and feel on a spring or fall day. I was in Berlin around 4 p.m. when it started to snow.
That snow was coming down hard, reminding me of a rain squall out to sea except that it was cold enough to be a snow squall. In effect we seemed to go through four seasons in one day.
As much as this is a surf report, the weather is a significant factor for the surfer. The winter goes on in the cold Atlantic Ocean although things are on the upswing. Water temperatures are starting to rise, the days are longer, daylight savings time has been with us for a few weeks, and March 20 is the first day of spring. I’m even hearing reports of wave riders being comfortable in lighter boots and gloves.
Hang in there. It won’t be long before we’re in 3/2 wetsuits and able to remove those wetsuit gloves. It all depends on the mood of the ocean and atmosphere. Keep surfing! — Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.
Evaluation a benefit during, after construction, provides buyers with peace of mind
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(March 20, 2026) Nick Strayer, executive director at Pro-spect Inspection Services, provides the following information to show that “just built” isn’t always “just right” when it comes to new construction.
There’s a common assumption that brand-new homes are flawless. Unfortunately, new does not automatically mean perfect. In reality, new construction homes can — and often do — have defects, oversights, and installation issues that a professional home inspection can uncover.
“Among the hundreds of newly constructed homes we inspected in Delaware and Maryland in 2025, 86% contained major defects, and every home had at least one issue requiring correction by the builder,” Strayer said.
It’s important to understand the difference between a municipal/county inspection and a home inspection. Municipal inspectors are primarily focused on code compliance at specific stages of construction. Their visits are brief and they are not performing a comprehensive, detail-oriented evaluation of the entire home. A home inspection, on the other hand, is designed specifically to evaluate the home’s overall condition, compliance to workmanship standards, and safety from the buyer’s perspective.
New construction involves dozens of subcontractors working on tight timelines. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, framers, roofers, insulators, drywall crews, and finish
carpenters all move quickly from house to house. Even with good builders and supervisors, mistakes happen. Wires get pinched, ducts are left disconnected, attic insulation is incomplete, flashing is installed incorrectly, and plumbing fittings may have slow leaks. These aren’t signs of a “bad” builder — they’re signs that construction is a fast, human process with many moving parts.
A new build home inspection commonly reveals issues like missing insulation, missing flashing, damaged framing and structural components, attic ventilation problems, loose railings, or windows and doors that don’t seal properly. Left uncorrected, some of these issues can lead to higher energy bills, moisture intrusion, structural problems, or premature component failure.
Another key benefit of a new construction inspection is documentation. Most builders offer a one-year warranty. Having a professional inspection report before drywall installation, before closing, and again near the end of the warranty period gives homeowners a clear, written record of concerns that should be addressed while the builder is still responsible. Safety is another major factor. Even in new homes, inspectors regularly find ungrounded electrical components, missing fire protection, missing fall protection at porches/decks, or unsafe venting configurations. These are issues that directly affect occupants’ health and safety.
Buying a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. A thorough, independent evaluation helps buyers move forward with confidence and peace of mind, knowing the home has been carefully reviewed and any concerns can be addressed early.
Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) recently recognized member Betty Johnson Whitehead, pictured left with Regent Sharon Moak, with a certificate marking her thirty years of dedicated service to the DAR. Whitehead was accepted into the DAR on Dec. 2, 1995 after proving her lineal, bloodline descent from an ancestor, James Stevenson of Maryland, who aided in achieving American independence.
beloved river otters Mac and Tuck, by working with aquariums and wildlife centers, Gordon also said.
face of uncertainty. That kind of leadership and perseverance deserves to be recognized,” he added.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) The Delmarva Discovery Museum in Pocomoke City announced it will be closing its doors, effective today.
“This decision follows ongoing financial challenges that have made it increasingly difficult to sustain operations at an acceptable level into the foreseeable future,” Executive Director Christy Gordon said in a statement Tuesday. “We know this news will be disappointing to many who care deeply about the museum and its role in our community.”
Rising costs and low attendance had been a strain on operations for the small community museum, a nonprofit that has operated independently from the municipality.
Its staff now plans to re-house animals from its exhibits, including its
The museum would have needed an estimated $500,000 to revamp and modernize the facility, according to Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock. The town will be discussing next steps for the building, he said.
Nock called it “a place of learning, joy, and pride for our community” in a statement Tuesday.
“The truth is, times changed,” Nock said. “Attendance declined, funding became harder to secure, and donations were not sufficient to sustain operations.”
The mayor also said Gordon had “dug her heels in and worked tirelessly to turn a very difficult situation around” amid financial challenges as the town maintained its support for the museum and its supporting nonprofit.
“Through it all, Christy and her staff never stopped working. They remained committed, resilient, and dedicated to the mission even in the
Located directly on the banks of the Pocomoke River, the museum opening in 2009, housed in a former car dealership. The 16,000 square foot facility has been a tourist draw and field trip favorite, showcasing the history and cultural heritage of the Lower Eastern Shore and Delmarva. It changed its name in 2017 from the Delmarva Discovery Center.
The building is owned by Pocomoke City and underwent signif-
icant renovations in the early 2000s through Project Open Space funding, according to a statement from the town.
“The City of Pocomoke extends its sincere appreciation for the longstanding partnership it has shared with the museum and recognizes the lasting impact of its contributions to the community,” a news release reads. “City officials also wish the museum’s staff, board members, and animal ambassadors a smooth transition as this chapter comes to a close.”
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Sometime this week you may discover a hidden talent you didn’t know you have, Aries. Embrace this new aspect of your identity and put it to good use.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
This is a time when you might feel grounded and secure, Taurus. Your inner strength will allow you to take a calculated risk that will pay off, either with your finances or relationships.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
You might find that this week a mental fog will lift, leaving you with a crystal-clear vision for the future, Gemini. Start moving toward your goals as soon as possible.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Your emotional intelligence is your greatest asset right now, Cancer. You help a friend navigate a tricky situation with ease midweek, and by the weekend you’re still going strong.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Right now your confidence is unshakable, Leo. Use all of your energy to advocate for something you fully believe in. Chances are you will evoke some change as a result.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, order brings you joy, which means you may want to tackle transforming your work space into a more detailed operation. This will boost your mood and your performance.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Romance is a priority right now, Libra. Whether you are single or in a relationship, expect a moment this week when the spark is ignited once more.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
A small change in your routine may lead to a big increase in energy, Scorpio. Try rearranging your schedule to see what works best for you, and then make it a habit.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, a dream you had is more attainable than you might think. Take the first step and quickly the path will open up for you. Enlist friends to push you even further along.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Leadership comes naturally to you now, Capricorn. People will be looking to you for guidance this week. Try to deliver it with kindness and no sense of ego.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Your “Eureka!” moment might come sooner than you would imagine, Aquarius. Pay attention to the details this week and tune your way of thinking toward innovation.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Nature walks or creative hobbies may nourish your soul this week, Pisces. You might find yourself deeply attuned to the world around you and the beauty you discover.
With Bunk Mann
One of the biggest crises ever faced by the Town of Ocean City was not a storm or fire but a world-wide pandemic known as the coronavirus which caused the disease known as COVID-19. From March of 2020 to the fall of 2022 Worcester County recorded 11,765 cases of the disease with 204 deaths attributable to it.
Hospitals and nursing homes were overwhelmed and a lack of medical supplies was widespread. There was no vaccine in the beginning of the crisis and once developed many refused to get vaccinated. Groceries, toilet paper, gas, and baby formula were in short supply everywhere.
In Ocean City the beach and Boardwalk were actually closed to visitors at one time and events such as Sunfest, Bike Week, and the annual Firemen’s Parade were cancelled. Social distancing became widespread with hotels, bars, and restaurants limited in occupancy.
J-1 (foreign) students were not available to fill summer jobs and everyone wore masks in public.
Mayor Rick Meehan remarked “the Covid pandemic shares the stage with the offshore wind project as the greatest challenges I’ve ever faced as mayor of Ocean City.”
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo from 2020 of a Boardwalk ramp courtesy of Bunk Mann
By Steve Green
Mornings without fog delays
Sunday afternoons at home
Aggressive off-season football moves
The stories learned during the Olympics
A tip that leads to a news story
Leftovers for lunch the next day
A late lunch that turns into dinner
Watching my kids play sports
Old sayings that still ring true
Meetings under an hour
A text over a call
On Friday, Feb. 27, Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) teachers Alexis Absher and Cynthia Phillips and their students presented members of the TidalHealth Foundation with a donation raised from the annual 3rd Grade Bread Sale.
The annual 3rd Grade Bread Sale is part of a hands-on learning lesson combining English, science, social studies (civics and community), mathematics, and philanthropy. The project is modeled like a small business, with the young entrepreneurs baking bread, selling it to Lower School classmates in a “café,” and donating the proceeds to charity.
The project involved researching ingredients, creating posters, giving verbal presentations, and rotating jobs - from baker to cashier - to learn all the facets of running a business.
The class partnered with Bad Monkey in West Ocean City, where they learned how to make and bake bread. At the end of the Bread Sale, the students counted the money they raised ($501) and donated the proceeds to the TidalHealth Foundation.
SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Now that ICE has made it presence known in this area, with raids occurring last week in Berlin and, possibly, Ocean City, local businesses might be wondering what this might mean to maintaining their summer workforce.
The construction industry has already been hard hit by the crackdown on undocumented workers, despite the administration’s assertion early on that it would be targeting illegal residents with criminal backgrounds. It’s become kind of an “everyone must go” illegal immigrant policy.
That’s reason for concern in areas such as the lodging and restaurant industries, which in the past have relied on immigrants to handle back-of-the-house chores for restaurants and housekeeping duties in hotels.
The politics of an geographical area — this particular neck of the woods being distinctly conservative — have nothing to do with where ICE chooses to go, as has been demonstrated recently in conservative south Texas where the construction trades have lost many of their workers to ICE raids.
Although it’s highly likely that the larger companies along this coast are aware of the situation and have worked to reduce their vulnerabilities or at least have identified them, smaller outfits need to do what they can as well.
The Town of Berlin said last week it intends to file a Freedom of Information Act request with the federal government to see what they can learn about the ICE raid at a construction site in their community the week before.
The chances of that bearing any kind of fruit are somewhere between unlikely and not happening. Even so, the fact that ICE visited small town Berlin is a solid indicator that its return to the coast during the season is a strong possibility.
Be ready. That’s all anyone can do.
PUBLIC EYE
Coming off my once-a-year mission to subsidize the corned beef and cabbage industries that have done so much for society, I confess that I never had corned beef growing up. I didn’t even know what it was, as difficult as that is to imagine given its great contribution to the civilized world.
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By Stewart Dobson
But no. I never had it as a kid. Not one bite. I never even saw it being cooked in my house, because it was not allowed on the premises courtesy of a father who reportedly suffered from some kind of WWII post-war-corned-beefsyndrome.
As it was explained to me — by him, which meant he was making it up like he did many other things he told me — one or more of the following happened to him while he was passing through England.
• He was kidnapped by Axis spies and was corned beef-boarded, which was like waterboarding except it involved the nightmarish application of corned beef.
• He was coming back from a pub on a dark and stormy night when he was set upon by a gang of rogue briskets.
• He didn’t like the name “Corned Beef” because it didn’t seem to make sense.
• He had eaten it so many times that he’d just as soon dig a foxhole in the dining room floor with a grapefruit spoon then have to eat it again.
I suspect the truth involves parts of the last two scenarios, but I’ll admit to feeling funny about the whole “corned” aspect of it because I didn’t know what “corned” was.
I therefore had problems with the thought that other things might be “corned” as well. No, I told myself, it’s “corn dogs,” not “corned dogs.”
I know I was being stupid, but as a young bumpkin at the time (before I left home to become an all-growed-up bumpkin), I didn’t realize that the whole “corn” business is the product of a misunderstanding.
First of all, corned beef was discovered in the 1600s at about the same time that corn from the new world, known as “maize,” was becoming more popular in Europe.
The word “corn,” meanwhile, was the English derivation of a Germanic word, “kurnam,” which means little seed, and that translation was applied to the large particles of rock salt used to cure the beef. Hence, beef was salted or “corned” for preservation, although it was later cured in a brine.
Now here’s where things become somewhat confusing, since the source of this information has been lost to time.
But legend has it that someone in Europe had a dining establishment and, in a bid to drum up business, offered an all-you-can-eat Cockles and Mussels Alive, Alive-O dinner with “Maize on the Cob, with Kernels the Size of a Corn of Salt.”
That did not sell well, so the owner shortened everything to “All you can eat seafood and corn on the cob,” and history was made. Unfortunately, they failed to consider how this would affect small town bumpkins like me by not differentiating between corn and corned.
I know better now, but I don’t see anything wrong with adding this to the label on all corned beef products: “contains no corn, you doofus.”
The Ocean City Surf Club recently hosted a big beach and street clean up with the Youth for Christ youth group, part of Fusion Ministry of CrossRoads Community Church in Bel Air, Md. Above, the first group of members are ready to hit the road and clean up parts of Ocean City.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH GOLF TOURNEY
Members of the Delmarva Leathernecks Foundation united with the Delmarva Whiskey Club to support the club’s annual Saint Patrick’s Charity Golf Tournament and Dinner. The proceeds from the event will benefit Semper K9, a nonprofit that provides service dogs free of charge to disabled military veterans. Pictured, left to right, are Kevin Clover, president of Delmarva Whiskey Club, and members of the Delmarva Leathernecks Foundation; Harry Kolodner, Sabrina Hecht, Chuck Schaub, Sandy Kolodner, Milt Warren, Tom Wengert and Don Coffin, foundation president.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Members of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women (MFRW), including Republican women leaders from Worcester and Wicomico counties, visited Annapolis this month for Red Scarf Day, an annual tradition that unites Republican women from across the state to celebrate leadership and advocacy. Pictured, from left, are Gwendolyn Crisafulli; Republican Women of Worcester County’s Jennie Allen; Senator Mary Beth Carozza (R-District 38); Linda Moran; Kelly Kennan; Carol Frasier; and Wendy Ansplacher.
Editor,
On behalf of the Art League of Ocean City, thank you to everyone who supported and made the 10th Annual Ocean City Film Festival a huge success, including our generous sponsors, attendees, filmmakers, committee, volunteers, moderators, and staff.
A special shoutout to our Blockbuster Sponsor — the Town of Ocean City and Title Producer Sponsor the Maryland Film Office — who helped make the festival happen.
The Film Festival was truly a county-wide happening and a real boost to the shoulder season. A big thank you to all of the venues that screened the films and made this year’s festival a success: Cambria Hotel, Dough Roller 41st., Flagship Cinemas in West Ocean City, Gold Coast Theaters in Ocean City, Princess Royale Oceanfront.
Also, to the local businesses who supported us with popular parties and receptions: Fagers Island, Princess Royale, Seacrets Morley Hall, Spain Wine Bar, and the Cambria. And, to Unscene Productions for hosting the industry-only networking event.
Thank you to the diverse group of filmmakers from around the world, many who attended, who allowed us to share more than 100 compelling films to 2,500 viewers. The festival showcased industry professionals as well as university students, young filmmakers, and local talent and gave them opportunities to network with others who share their passion. For the 10th Annual Film Festival, a new category was added for student film-
makers, featuring 14 films from Baltimore School for the Arts and Delmarva Christian.
Thank you to the Film Festival’s additional supporting sponsors: Atlantic Planning & Development, Bank of Ocean City, Blue Fish, Chesapeake Enrichment Foundation, Dough Roller 41st., Farmer's Bank of Willards, Happy Jack Pancake House, IG Burton, Joe Wilson, John Sisson, OCMDrestaurants.com, OCMD Hospitality Association, Shore United Bank, The Crab Bag, and The Fulton School of Liberal Arts at Salisbury University.
We appreciate the support of our media partners: Draper Media/Coast TV, Maryland's Coast, OceanCity.com, Ocean 98.1, OCToday/Dispatch, and WMDT. And our in-kind sponsors: Coins Pub, Donaway Furniture, Good Clean Fun Life Productions, Matt The Carpet Guy, Ocean City Chamber, Papi's Tacos, Residence Inn, Rise up, T.E.A.M. Productions, and Vantage Hospitality.
Finally, to our audiences who laughed, shed a tear, asked insightful questions, and enthusiastically applauded, we appreciate you choosing to spend your time with us.
We invite you to look for our annual Ocean City Film Challenge at the Art League of Ocean City on 94th St. where you can experience independent film screenings year ‘round. Look for the 11th Annual Ocean City Film Festival in March of 2027. Rina Thaler Art League of Ocean City executive director B.L. Strang-Moya Ocean City Film Festival creative director Continued on Page 76
Continued from Page 75
Editor,
There has been a tear-down across the street from the Chamber of Commerce since they built that. Driving from Snow Hill to Pocomoke you'll lose count of the tear downs. I live in Snow Hill, next door to a tear down and across the street from two. Abandoned tear down houses, three card monte tanker trucks moving sewerage around the county and completely out of control energy bills are being ignored for golf and hotels. Tourism needs to lift everyone who lives here. And the police don't solve your tourism issues, highly trained year round staff and security do though. What we have allowed to be
can't sustain itself and we need to get back to caring about the folks who live here and come here for the entire summer. Right now we act like these people, many of whom are retired, have already left for a nicer beach town. The entire reason OC is a nice place to visit are these people, always has been. Our local people have always been our best asset. Lately, all you hear from folks who come down for a night, stay in a rowdy hotel, get stuck in traffic, is that they'll never come back. We are literally relying on one of the world's largest and cheesiest promoters to close off the end of the boardwalk, the inlet and the widest part of the beach in order to bring people here. That says it all. We have totally 100% sold our souls, and we never needed to do that.
Employee screening issue flagged by state agency is ‘misleading,’ HR head says
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools officials say they have addressed all issues identified in a recent state legislative audit, including deficiencies related to human resources, transportation, management of other risks, and information technology.
WCPS Chief Financial Officer
Vince Tolbert briefed the Worcester County Board of Education on the audit during its March 17 meeting, summarizing the findings and the school system’s response to the report issued Feb. 23.
“We have reviewed the response to our findings and related recommendations and have concluded that the corrective actions identified are sufficient to address all issues,” Tolbert read.
In the school system’s first audit since 2017, the state Office of Legislative Audits, part of the Department of Legislative Services, identified seven findings across several operational areas, including human resources, transportation, risk management and information technology.
Four of those findings, related to cybersecurity, were redacted from the public report but shared with the board in closed session, Tolbert said.
Among the issues, auditors flagged “questionable procurement activity involving a management employee,” which was referred to the Office of the State Prosecutor.
While not mentioned by name, a search-and-seizure team from the state prosecutor’s office was seen late last year at the West Ocean City residence of Denise “Dee” Shorts, the school system’s chief academic officer for grades Pre-K through 8.
Tolbert emphasized that such a referral does not indicate a crime occurred or that charges will be filed. Shorts remains on administrative leave.
Auditors also found lapses in required background screening documentation for employees working with minors, as mandated under a 2019 state law.
Human Resources officials said the issue stemmed not from a failure to conduct screenings, but from insufficient documentation tied to required reference checks from prior employers, if the previous employment included direct contact with minors.
“One misleading thing is where it says we did not perform a newly required screening for the positions…
HR always does the screenings,” said WCPS Human Relations Officer Dwayne Abt.
“What we are talking about in this instance is House Bill 486 [from 2019]. Following the legislative audit, the HR office reviewed the hiring procedures related to HB486 which requires background reference checks from prior employers for applicants who have worked in positions requiring direct contact with minors.”
He continued,
“The audit identified 10 personnel files where documentation related to the HB 486 process was incomplete. Since that time, HR have secured the necessary documentation, and all 10 files have been brought into full compliance.”
long-standing “meet and confer” process used to set contractor rates, which includes input from the county’s bus contractor association.
“In 2010, the same findings were made by the auditors…I disagreed with them,” board member and former WCPS superintendent Jon Andes said. “I continue today to disagree with them. We have outstanding bus contractors that do a fantastic job of safely transporting our students each and every day.
‘We have reviewed the response to our findings and related recommendations and have concluded that the corrective actions identified are sufficient to address all issues.’
WCPS Chief Financial Officer
Vince Tolbert
Abt added the department has since strengthened onboarding procedures, assigning staff to track required forms and ensure they are returned within the mandated 20day window. A review of hiring practices over the past three years is also underway.
House Bill 486, Abt noted, is a form that is given to new public school employees to give to their former employer “if they worked for an employer that has access to children.”
Officials noted that all employees still undergo fingerprint-based background checks through state and federal systems, with results typically returned within a day.
The audit also noted concerns related to transportation services.
The February report questioned whether WCPS had sufficient documentation to support about $1.8 million in bus maintenance payments to its 69 bus contractors in fiscal year 2024.
The report also noted the system reimbursed contractors for fuel taxes they may not have owed, potentially totaling about $1 million over several years.
Tolbert stressed that no improper payments were made under the board-approved rate structure.
“There were no overpayments, there were no missed payments,” he said. “We paid for the rates that were approved and adopted by our board in our budget book. The auditor’s concern, the maintenance part of that payment, they did not feel we had enough support. That was their question, not that we overpaid or paid incorrectly.”
Board members defended the
“The requirements to be a bus contractor are significant: commercial driver’s license, yearly physical exam. So forth and so on. I believe we do it the right way. We have a bus contractor who is responsible for their bus. They take care of their bus, they clean the bus, they oversee the bus, they make sure the bus is in good working condition…I will say it again: Our bus contractors are fairly compensated. I do not support the finding from the legislative auditors.”
Andes argued that requiring contractors to document exact annual maintenance costs would be impractical, as expenses vary widely year to year.
Tolbert added that 11 of 17 Maryland school systems with contracted bus services adjust for fuel taxes, while six — including WCPS — do not. Any future change to exclude those taxes could reduce contractor compensation.
The audit also found that WCPS did not adequately monitor its thirdparty health insurance administrator, particularly in verifying payments and performance standards.
Officials agreed with that finding and said improvements are already planned.
“We intend to have quarterly meetings to compare records and contract rates and establish a formal independent review process,” Tolbert said.
Board members pointed out that the number of findings has decreased significantly since the last audit.
“In 2017 … we had 19 deficiencies and this time we only had seven,” said board president Todd Ferrante.
Tolbert confirmed the improvement, noting that the statewide average for similar audits is about 10 findings per school system.
Berlin
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 20, 2026) The Worcester County Board of Education has approved the architectural assessment’s conclusion that Berlin Intermediate School needs to be replaced. The proposal to proceed in that direction will be presented to the Worcester County Commissioners next month and then to the state this summer for the final green light.
Architecture firm Becker Morgan Group initiated a feasibility study for BIS in September 2025 to determine whether the building could be renovated, renovated with an addition, or replaced.
WCPS Coordinator of Facilities
Brian Cook said an evaluation of the facility assessed the structure’s condition, instructional space, and deficiencies. Options were then developed to address the institution’s educational and safety needs, both present and future.
Representatives of the firm said the study revealed that the most logical action would be to construct an entirely new facility. Cost benefits,
shorter work time, and limited impact on students and staff were the factors that led the firm to the decision to replace rather than renovate.
The initiative will be funded through a collaboration among the Worcester County Commissioners and the Interagency Commission on School Construction. The IAC is a state agency. That arrangement comes out of a deal between the school board, the commissioners, and the IAC.
In February 2025, the three-party Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was finalized to support major capital projects at Buckingham Elementary School and BIS.
The agreement outlines a combined $49.9 million in state capital funding, including $25.8 million for the BES replacement project and $23.1 million for improvements at BIS. About $48 million from the county will help pay for BES, while BIS’s local share comes to roughly $57 million.
BES is scheduled to occur first, followed by the project at BIS.
The MOU mandates that the enhanced BIS is limited to 94,220 square feet. The current BIS facility is 101,000 square feet and was constructed in 1970.
The feasibility study to determine
next steps at BIS was presented to the Worcester County Board of Education at its meeting on March 17.
According to the review, the existing building’s HVAC system is outdated, the security systems need a refresh, and there are code issues related to the Americans with Disabilities Act.
The school maintains an open floor plan with no doors from the classrooms into the corridors which has created acoustical, learning, and safety concerns.
The freezer for the cafeteria is outside the building with a makeshift shed roof, the kitchen is undersized and lacks proper storage space, and the gym is missing an HVAC system. Additionally, the cafeteria is open, which allows excessive noise to filter into classrooms and hallways during meal times.
The study also pointed to security problems. The entrance does not have a safety vestibule, and the security resource officer is posted in the main hallway, rather than a secure space.
The media center’s central location cuts it off from any natural light, and science classrooms lack sufficient equipment.
Additionally, there are only two restroom stalls for all the facility’s women's staff.
Upon completion of the evaluation, Becker Morgan Group developed three options to address BIS’s shortcomings: renovation, renovation/addition, and replacement.
Becker Morgan representatives said while a renovation is feasible to maintain the current site and improve traffic and bus flow, studies
found that several existing classrooms would still struggle to receive any natural light.
Additionally, the project would require a drawn-out renovation with the purchase of 12 to 15 portable trailers for makeshift student classrooms.
The second option, a renovation with an add-on, would include a building-support addition for new mechanical and electrical systems. Additionally, in this option, the state said that the site could maintain its 101,000 square feet in size rather than conform to the 94,000 square feet requirement.
Under this selection, the gym and cafeterias could be larger and offer more gathering space. However, the architects’ primary concern was the construction timeline.
Contractors estimate that the venture would take about 42 months to complete.
Becker Morgan concluded that a replacement would meet the squarefootage requirements, allow natural light to enter instructional spaces, offer a shorter construction time (about 28 months), and minimize disruption to students and staff. A separation of the bus and parent drop-off loop could also be achieved.
Becker Morgan will present the feasibility study to the Worcester County Commissioners in April. The proposal will be submitted to the IAC for their June 11 meeting, seeking approval to proceed with the BIS replacement project.
If everything works out as expected, construction on the new BIS would stretch from March 2029 through August 2031.
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More than 30 community members, family and residents enjoyed a home-cooked spaghetti dinner and delicious baked goods at a community-wide spaghetti dinner this month. It was a fun and festive event which benefited the home’s activities center, which provides inspiring and stimulating activities for their seniors.
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Students in Ms. Thompson’s kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary School welcomed the month of March by learning about the saying, “March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb.” The students enjoyed reading a story about the changing seasons, learning about March weather, and writing about the month of March as they explored how winter slowly turns into spring. Pictured, from left to right, are Reese Kessinger, Hudson Elliott, Charlie Oh, and Aldrin Demo.
The conservation committee chair of the General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) shares a conservation “minute” with members at each meeting. Recently, however, members received an informative presentation by Lower Shore Land Trust (LSLT) Executive Director Matt Heim, pictured right with Regent Sharon Moak, about the nonprofit’s mission in regards to land conservation, habitat restoration and land stewardship. In appreciation, the chapter is donating “The Saved Seed,” a children’s book, to Snow Hill Christian Nursery School.. SUBMITTED
CARY MEADE HOBGOOD
Berlin
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Cary Meade Hobgood, of Berlin, Maryland, a beloved mother, grandmother, and teacher, who departed this world on March 3, 2026, at the age of 89.
Cary Meade was born on Dec. 2, 1936, in Shelbyville, Tennessee to the late Armand Alexander Jr. and Cary Eakin Alexander.
She dedicated her life to caring for and teaching children. She constantly and happily cared for the family dogs and loved to travel with Chris on their many adventures.
Cary Meade is survived by two daughters, Cary Lou Hobgood of Burke, Virginia and Laura Helen Hobgood, and her partner, Jimmy
Smith, of Georgetown, Texas; two grandchildren, Waylon Christopher Hobgood and Johnny David Hobgood, and their mother Stephanie McQuilkin.
Her family was her pride and joy, and they will remember her for her nurturing spirit, wisdom, and unwavering support.
Cary Meade was preceded in death by her husband, William Chris Hobgood, son, Benjamin Christopher Hobgood; sister, Helen Sexton; brother, Armand Alexander III.
A memorial service will take place at Bethany Beach Christian Church (date to be determined), 7 Pennsylvania Ave. Bethany Beach, DE. 19930.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made in Cary's name to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD. 21802.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh. com.
memory this month raising awareness for colon cancer screenings, collec ng change and raising funds to donate to the comfort fund.
WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
Owners of Copy Central, Linda and Michael Dearing lost their daughter Gina to colon cancer in 2014. Gina Barnes was just 37 years old when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. A wife and mother of three children she was too busy to make me for herself even when she no ced there was a problem. There is the misconcep on that colon cancer is thought of as an older person’s disease. It can a ack anyone under 50 years of age. Gina fought her ba le with courage and poise while serving as a role model for others figh ng their own ba le. Gina’s Comfort Fund was created in her honor to provide comfort and resources to individuals figh ng the ba le. Every day individuals fight cancer. Many of whom have families, jobs and life responsibili es regardless of how the disease and treatments are making them feel physically and emo onally. The fund helps to alleviate some of the stress and financial barriers to those brave individuals ba ling Colon Cancer. Stop in to Copy Central Monday Friday 9 to 5 if you would like to contribute. You will be entered into a drawing for a 16 x 20 full color giclee print donated by a local ar st with a $5 dona on.
(March 20, 2026) The Ocean Pines Swim Team (OPST) continued its strong championship season at the Maryland Swimming 14 & Under State Championship Meet, held March 4-8 at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. Seven swimmers met the demanding qualifying standards to attend the top-level state competition for swimmers ages 9-14.
Leading the team was Patrick Murphy (12) who captured six state championship titles and two runnerup finishes in the 11/12 boys division while posting personal-best times, breaking team records with nearly every swim and establishing himself as the top swimmer in the state in his age group.
Another top performer, Bryn Wanner (13), broke five team records and earned three Sectionals qualifying cuts in the 200 Freestyle (1:54.29), 500 Freestyle (5:03.08), and 1000 Freestyle (10:24.97). Karis Bagley (14) broke six team records and qualified for finals in every event she entered. Both Wanner and Bagley consistently placed within the top ten in their events, showcasing their strength against the state’s best competition.
Additional strong performances came from Finley Helfrich (14) and Madison Trimper (13), with Helfrich recording several major time drops and Trimper breaking the team record in the 13/14 girls 200 Butterfly. First-time state competitors Rowan Aguillon (10) and Aaralyn Lillquist (12) also both delivered impressive swims and Aguillon was honored by Maryland Swimming as the “Comeback Swimmer of the
In relay competition, Bagely, Helfrich, Trimper and Wanner broke multiple team records and added a 400 Freestyle Relay (3:42.60) and a second 200 Freestyle Relay Sectionals cut to OPST’s expanding list.
Collectively, these seven powerhouses broke 22 team records, achieved a 90% personal best time rate, made state cuts for next year’s state meets and represented OPST with distinction.
Competition continued the following weekend as seventeen OPST swimmers competed at the Maryland Junior Championship Meet at Loyola University, another qualifying meet that serves as a stepping stone toward the state’s highest-level competitions.
Gabe Laizans (14) raced to personal-best times in every event and finished top eight in all of them, including first-place finishes in the 13/14 boys 50 (also breaking his own team record with a time of 28.25), 100 and 200 Backstroke.
Finnley Greenwood (10) was another standout, capturing first place in the 9/10 boys 50 and 100 Freestyle and second place in the 500 Freestyle, where he broke an 11-year-old team record with a time of 6:50.72. Emily Fink (15) added a first-place finish and a new team record in the open girls 500 Freestyle (5:29.71).
Additional event winners included Alex Dypsky (17) in the open boys
500 Freestyle and Ilya Karcheuski (14) in the 13/14 boys 200 Butterfly. Alice Brailko (14) recorded significant time drops and placed among the top eight in nearly all of her events, highlighted by a second-place finish in the 13/14 girls 100 Butterfly and a thirdplace finish in the 50 Butterfly.
Ava Gibbs (13) also posted personal-best swims, finishing second in the 13/14 girls 100 Freestyle and third in the 500 Freestyle.
Several swimmers saw major improvements across the meet, including Sydney Fowler (13), Nate Friedman (15), Victoria Grigoryeva (13), Anya Paniceva (14) and Lily Sperry (16), each achieving high-margin personal-best times in every event. Aleks Anderson (19), Jake Demarest (15), Joey Kraeuter (12), and Ellie Sullivan (14) also all had their moments to shine.
With championship opportunities available for swimmers at every level, the short-course season will conclude March 21–22 during the final weekend of Maryland competitions and March 26-29 with four swimmers qualifying to attend Eastern Zone Sectionals.
The Hammerheads will then transition into the long-course season in April, followed by the DSA summer season in June, continuing the team’s momentum and providing opportunities for swimmers of all levels to develop and compete.
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