04/24/2026 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch

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Sheriff wants more

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli wants $2.5 million more in his budget for the year ahead, bringing his total request for fiscal year 2027 to $22.2 million, a 13% increase over last year. Without it, he says he’s losing ground to other agencies in the region when it comes to hiring. — Page 20

Springfest weekend is here with new look, events —

After three terms on the City Council and currently serving as its president, Matt James has decided he wants to move up. — PAGE 3

Ocean City Police have eyes on possible organizers of more takeovers and popup rallies. — PAGE 6

OC council president to run for mayor this Nov., he says

Matt James confirmed this week that he will throw his hat into the mayoral ring

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) Ocean City Council President Matt James will be running for mayor in this fall’s municipal election.

The three-term councilman is the first to announce his bid for the mayoral seat, which for 20 years has been occupied by incumbent Rick Meehan. The two have served on the dais together since James first took office in 2014.

That year, James was the top votegetter in the November election, receiving 1,666 votes. His firstplace finish made him the youngest councilmember ever elected to the City Council.

ment for Del. Bennett Bozman, who passed away in office. Since that time, he has secured 10 re-elections.

In 2024, Meehan went head-tohead with local attorney Peter Buas, marking the first contested mayoral race since 2018.

Both Meehan and Buas led strong campaigns in the lead up to Election Day. However, support for Buas was particularly strong amongst council members, most of whom reportedly frustrated over the mayor’s handling of city affairs. Meehan won by a narrow 192-vote lead.

‘Whatever happened over the last 30 days, 60 days, I mean, we have to now reunite and become even better than we were before ….’

Mayor Rick Meehan in ‘24

At the start of his third term in 2022, James was nominated to serve as council president, a role that gives him the authority to preside over and set the agenda for council meetings. He also serves on the Ocean City Police Commission and chairs both the Ocean City Tourism Commission and the Ocean City Pension Committee. When reached for comment this week, James confirmed his intentions to run for the mayoral post, which has been held by Meehan since 2006. The incumbent is the longest-serving mayor in Ocean City’s history.

After serving on the council for more than two decades, Meehan, a local real estate agent, took over as the city’s chief representative in June of 2006, when then-mayor Jim Mathias was named as the replace-

“You know, we’re the City Council now,” Meehan told the OC TodayDispatch after the vote. “Whatever happened over the last 30 days, 60 days, I mean, we have to now reunite and become even better than we were before … You learn along the way too and if there’s some things that I need to do, to be a little better, you know, as being mayor, I’m always going to strive to do that, and I’m certainly going to talk to my fellow colleagues and, you know, we need to be a team. I’m prepared to be part of that team, and I look forward to the next two years.”

With his two-year term nearing its end, Meehan has yet to reveal his plans for the coming fall. Candidates have until Oct. 2 to file for the Nov. 3 election.

Outside of his City Council position, James works in the resort hotel industry and is the co-founder of James Hospitality, where he serves as executive vice president and managing partner.

He also served as an active member of the Ocean City Fire Department from 2006 to 2022.

Country Calling announces artists for two-day festival

Annual event to return to Ocean City beach weekend after Oceans Calling event

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) Lainey Wilson, Chris Stapleton, Rascal Flatts and Miranda Lambert will be among the more than two dozen acts to grace the stages of this year’s Country Calling Festival in Ocean City.

On Tuesday, the festival’s organizer, C3 Presents, announced the lineup for this fall’s country concert

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series, set for Oct 2-3. This year, 26 national acts will perform across three stages at the Ocean City Inlet beach.

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On Saturday, the festivities continue with performances by Stapleton, Lambert, Brothers Osborne, Dustin Lynch, Charley Crockett, Clay

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin said his department is working alongside other law enforcement agencies to stop any popup rallies and takeover events that may come to town this season.

During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocean City Motor Event Task Force, Austin assured event promoters and hospitality leaders that police agencies are working together to monitor unwanted and illegal pop-up events being organized through social media.

As the city prepares for Cruisin’ Ocean City next week, and other major motorized events this fall, he said officials were taking advantage of technology and existing laws to identify and charge those responsible.

“So between cameras, technology, our intelligence, our social media monitoring, our coordinated investigations, our allied agency assistance, our strict enforcement of the law, that’s what the Ocean City Police Department is doing to address the public safety issues in the pop-up car rallies and beach takeovers,” he told committee members. “We’ve been busy this year preparing for it, and again, we’re ready for it, all in the interest of public safety, and to keep events like Bike Week and Cruisin’ safe and where they need to be and, traditionally, where they have been in being successful events.”

City officials went before the state legislature in 2018 seeking a special event zone in Ocean City during select motorized events, including an unsanctioned pop-up car rally. The special event zone — which included reduced speed limits, higher fines and altered traffic patterns — was later amended to include the infraction of exhibition driving.

The designation, officials say, has been largely effective in curbing reck-

See COPS Page 12

released for OC country music event

Walker, Jackson Dean, Rodney Adkins, Carter Faith, Tyler Nance, The Jack Wharff Band, Jimmy Charles and Sons of Habit.

As in years’ past, the festival will take place at the inlet beach, with Jolly Roger at the Pier and downtown Boardwalk businesses included in the footprint.

However, in a departure from last year’s festival, which spanned three days, this year’s event has been scaled back to a two-day format, a move officials say would “ensure the longevity of the event and potential headliners.”

Country Calling will be one of two music festivals held in Ocean City in

2026. Oceans Calling will return with a three-day format, with performances scheduled for Sept. 25-27.

The second installment of Boardwalk Rock – also produced by C3 Presents – will not return this spring, as the cancellation of two headline acts had forced the promoter to scrap the 2026 event entirely.

The entire Country Calling lineup, and additional information, can be found at www.countrycallingfestival.com. Ticket sales began Thursday.

Cops monitor unwanted events

Continued from Page 6

less driving and stopping the sanctioned pop-up car rallies that took place in the resort in years past.

Austin said the special event zone will continue to be utilized for upcoming motor events this season, and that the department will be working with allied agencies to increase police presence both in and out of town.

“One of the things that you're going to see this year is Route 90 and Route 50 saturation patrols, and it's gonna be in conjunction with our allied agencies, enforcing traffic laws outside of Ocean City,” he explained. “So when you come in on Route 50 and Route 90, you're going to see a lot of law enforcement presence, and it's strict enforcement. It's to send a message that we're not going to tolerate this type of driving behavior that comes in.”

However, Austin said pop-up car

rallies aren’t the only thing on law enforcement’s radar. He said takeover events, like the one witnessed in Ocean City last July, are also being monitored.

“The biggest thing the police department is working on right now is coordinating with other law-enforcement agencies across the East Coast, from Florida to Myrtle Beach, to Virginia Beach, all the way to Maryland and Montgomery County and [Prince George’s] County,” he said. “We've been in discussions with them to see what works and what doesn't work.”

In addition to communicating with outside agencies, Austin said the department is tracking repeat offenders, including those promoting pop-up and takeover events on social media. The goal, he said, is to build a case against them.

“We're going to build criminal

cases over time, and we're gonna try to issue criminal charges including arrest warrants when appropriate,” he said.

Officials added that, if needed,

they would seek state legislation to try and stop takeover events. Mayor Rick Meehan said other jurisdictions throughout Maryland have witnessed similar disturbances.

“Hopefully, this will lead to legislation, or something we can do statewide to address these things,” he said. “But I think everybody's trying to move in that direction.”

As part of his presentation this week, Austin also noted his department’s implementation of new technology ahead of this year’s motorized events. He said the agency plans to use drones – which will identify criminal behavior and traffic violations –and new license plate readers, now installed in police cruisers.

Austin also highlighted the city’s special event zone, which will be in effect for next week’s Cruisin’ Ocean City.

“We’re also discussing certain legislation involving higher fines, extended license suspension, and better working with insurance companies,” he added. “And again, we’re always discussing local ordinances in regards to things.”

Cruisin’ Ocean City, set to take place April 30 through May 3, will be the first motorized event to take place in Ocean City this year.

Austin told committee members Monday that the number of citations, exhibition driving infractions and DUI arrests recorded at last year’s event reached a five-year high. However, officials said most of the “reckless behavior” was recorded at night, not during the event’s daytime activities, indicating that most violations occurred amongst hangers on and not event participants.

“I know the chief said the 2025 spring Cruisin’ numbers were fiveyear highs. That wasn’t indicative that spring Cruisin’ was more of a problem. It was indicative that we were being more proactive in getting out there …,” City Manager Terry McGean added.

“I didn’t want people to get the feeling that something different happened with spring Cruisin’ in terms of the people attending it. It was us being much more proactive in our enforcement.”

School system will undergo independent finance review

The move comes in light of theft charges against an assistant superintendent

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) The Worcester County Board of Education on Tuesday agreed to engage an independent firm to examine the school system’s financial activity in light of the accusation that a former assistant superintendent spent six figures of federal grant dollars for personal Amazon purchases.

Denise “Dee” Shorts, a longtime employee of Worcester County Public Schools, who most recently served as an assistant superintendent, was charged last week by the Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor with theft, embezzlement, and misconduct in office.

On Tuesday, the school board opted to take the first steps in tightening up its financial processes and regaining the school community’s trust.

During the course of a stern address to the board by Superintendent of Schools Annette Wallace, she asked the board to "authorize engagement of an independent and qualified firm

to conduct a comprehensive examination of all financial activity, transactions, and controls throughout Worcester County Public Schools, with the specific scope to be determined solely by the reviewing firm to ensure complete independence, objectivity, transparency, free from internal direction or any limitation.”

Wallace said the purpose of the study is to ensure the school system is free of additional purchasing abuse and to assess the effectiveness of current financial practices and procedures. The board unanimously endorsed the superintendent’s recommendation.

As part of the comprehensive evaluation, regular reports will be shared with the public in an effort by WCPS to rebuild “the trust lost as a result of one individual’s reprehensible actions,” Wallace said.

Charging documents filed on April 14 in Worcester County Circuit Court allege that Shorts used her work-issued purchasing card to buy personal products over six years, from 2019 to 2025. Reports claim that the former senior educator spent $118,742 in school funds—specifically those intended for lower-income students—to

See SYSTEM Page 14

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System to share impact letter

Continued from Page 13

buy items such as clothing, shoes, and furnishings for a Florida vacation home.

Last week’s indictment alleges that Shorts bought a robot pool vacuum, a queen-sized bed frame, and a 55-inch television. According to prosecutors, she covered up the scheme by fabricating invoices to make them appear authentic.

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The crime was brought to light in July 2025 when an examination by the state's Office of Legislative Audits discovered discrepancies between Amazon purchase records provided by the educational system’s bank and receipts submitted by Shorts.

While the school system undergoes an audit every fiscal year, this was the first examination of WCPS by the state's Office of Legislative Audits since 2017.

The board of education this week also voted to provide prosecutors with a victim impact statement on behalf of the students whose education was adversely influenced by Shorts’ misuse of system funds.

School leaders maintained that they would do what they could to ensure justice is achieved and that the mishandled educational dollars are reimbursed.

ucation in 2024, noted that Shorts’ six-figure salary is misaligned with the hefty theft charges.

“As far as we know, Dee Shorts’ crime started in 2019 when she was promoted to chief academic officer by her close friend Lou Taylor,” she said. “How far back does this really go? Did anyone else pull from any students like this? Shorts was paid a handsome salary, $178,000 last year, yet she stole $118,000 between 2019 and 2025. The entire time she was in this job.”

Not all public comments placed blame on the board or administrative staff, however. Kathy Cater, retired Stephen Decatur High School vice principal and school board candidate, maintained that the alleged criminal actions by one employee do not define an entire school system.

“It is extremely important to remember that the actions of an individual do not in any way define the hardworking teachers, staff, and administrators who work tirelessly to provide an educational system that is second to none,” she said.

“The administrative team has already taken measures to strengthen the purchasing process based on the audit results…We cannot be distracted from what is most important: creating and strengthening a learning environment for student success with highly qualified teachers, small class sizes, and safe schools.”

“This board will work diligently to pursue restitution to the greatest extent possible in close coordination with our legal counsel so that recoverable funds are returned to our students and schools,” Todd Ferrante, board president, said.

Tuesday’s board meeting was the first held since the charges were brought against Shorts. The gathering's public comments segment included members of the public asking how the misconduct happened and admonishing school system leaders and officials.

Former board of education member Katie Addis, who vacated her seat late last year before her term’s expiration, called out the board and the school system’s administrative team for a lack of proper financial due diligence.

“I was told by all of you to trust the administration during budget time,” she said. “I had board members consistently and relentlessly roll their eyes at me and cut me off as I was speaking … board members downplayed and ignored the severity of the issues that were consistently brought up.

“And now we have a former administrator, whom I was told numerous times to trust, indicted for embezzlement… every single board member, excluding new member Jackie Cutlip, should step down for dereliction of duty as a public servant because every single one of you embezzled from the taxpayers. You decided to trust over verify.”

Cheryl Middleton, who campaigned for a seat on the board of ed-

The school system’s board and leaders also expressed their disappointment with the charges against Shorts.

“After a long string of sleepless nights, I just keep thinking about those kids. Our kids. The children for whom the funding in question was supposed to support,” Wallace said. “…The impact of their funding being taken is profound. Those entrusted to us for education and the well-being of children, is a serious violation of public trust. It is unacceptable, and it stands in direct opposition to the values that we hold in this school system.”

Board member and former superintendent Jon Andes also spoke to the situation, reflecting on his long relationship with Shorts.

“Since I first learned of this situation, I have gone through an emotional roller coaster,” he said. “...I cannot express in words how sorry I am that this happened, a particular individual who is alleged to have done this. I have known this person since 1996, when I became superintendent.

“I appointed this person to be an assistant principal, and I appointed this person to be a principal. I cannot find the words to describe how disappointed I am, how hurt I am that I trusted this individual, and this individual has disappointed me personally and this entire school system. To the extent that I am responsible, I am sorry.”

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School system presents budgetary changes

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools officials outlined revisions to their proposed fiscal year 2027 budget this week, highlighting employee compensation, student services, and operational needs while pushing back on misconceptions about administrative spending and the maintenance of effort funding formula.

WCPS Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert said the school board originally adopted a $157,061,424 budget on Feb. 17, but several updates have since adjusted that figure. The revised spending plan now sits at $157,200,332.

One of the most notable changes comes from the district receiving a $150,000 Donnie Williams grant to support summer and after-school pro-

gramming. Because of the award, officials reduced their request to the Worcester County Commissioners by the same amount.

“We are reducing our overall ask to the county by $150,000 to reflect the Donnie Wiliams grant for the afterschool programs,” Tolbert said.

Additional changes include a slight decrease in projected health insurance costs. The system had initially budgeted for a 16.8% increase, but finalized negotiations lowered that to 16.6%, resulting in a $32,564 reduction.

At the same time, Tolbert noted an increase in the local share of teacher pension costs. The state continues to shift more of that burden to local governments, with Worcester County’s share rising by an additional $321,000 this year. That cost is billed directly to

the county but reflected in the school system’s overall budget.

Superintendent Annette Wallace said the purpose of Tolbert's Tuesday presentation was to make the budget more accessible to the public.

Tolbert emphasized that the proposed spending plan does not include all the requests submitted by individual schools during the budgeting process. Those asks ranged from additional staff positions to facility upgrades and equipment.

“Even though there was a need for these things, we did not include them in our budget for FY27 because we wanted to focus on salary and benefits,” he said.

Tolbert added that of the roughly $13 million increase in the budget this year as compared to FY26, $9,962,415 is dedicated to compensation and ben-

efits for teachers and support staff. That figure includes negotiated salaries, health insurance increases totaling about $2.7 million, tuition and certification support, and other postemployment benefits.

Other key components of the budget are:

• $254,890 for technology, including MacBook lease renewals and replacement of aging iMacs;

• $268,000 for increased transportation rates for bus contractors;

• $602,239 to expand the RISE program to the elementary level, aimed at supporting students with behavioral and social-emotional needs;

• $220,000 in additional funding for the Berlin Intermediate School project, bringing the total to $400,000;

• $50,000 for summer and afterschool programs, after the Donnie Williams grant is applied;

• $322,950 for pre-kindergarten positions in Pocomoke, including two teachers and two educational assistants;

• $175,000 to raise substitute teacher pay, which is currently set at $15 per hour;

• $305,538 for rising dual enrollment costs required under state law.

Officials also addressed public concerns about administrative salaries, which Tolbert said are tied directly to the teacher pay scale and adjusted for 12-month schedules and additional responsibilities.

“Administrators are paid based on the approved teacher salary scale,” Tolbert said, adding that responsibility factors account for extended hours and duties beyond the school day.

Wallace said the clarification was necessary in response to community feedback.

“I heard this several times in the community … that our teachers aren’t paid because we’re paying our administrators,” she said.

Board members, however, said Worcester County ranks among the lowest in the state for starting teacher salaries and falls in the lower tier for administrative pay.

The discussion also highlighted concerns about relying solely on Maintenance of Effort (MOE) funding,

See WCPS Page 18

Clarification

In last week’s story, “Charges filed following state probe,” the impression was given that Worcester County Public Schools had not been audited since 2017. That is incorrect. The school system is audited every year by an external firm. The most recent audit by the Office of Legislative Audits was conducted in July 2025. It was the first such audit by that agency since 2017. We regret the confusion.

Nov. 3 polling returns to OC convention hall

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 21, 2026) Ocean City voters won’t need to cast ballots in two different locations on Election Day this fall after all.

Worcester County officials successfully lobbied to bring Nov. 3 polling back to Ocean City’s convention center, scuttling a previous plan that would have sent resort voters to a north-end hotel to cast ballots for state and county races.

“I’m very happy that we were able to catch this,” said District County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who represents Ocean City. “I’m sure it’ll improve the turnout for the municipal election as well as for the gubernatorial election.”

The county’s Board of Elections voted April 16 to hold the general election at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center on 40th Street, instead of holding voting at the Princess Royale hotel at 91st Street.

Mitrecic raised the issue at a meeting last month, expressing concern that resort voters would have to cast ballots at two different polling locations – one for the city, one for the county – resulting in confusion. His fellow commissioners agreed to notify the elections board about the conflict in writing.

Mitrecic also said he would have preferred to see the county’s primary election hosted next door to the convention center at the Worcester County Senior Center, which shares a parking area.

Elections officials, however, said it’s already too late to make that change –leaving the county primary election for Ocean City voters still scheduled for the Princess Royale on June 23.

“Hopefully, in the future, if we run into this situation again,” Mitrecic said, “they can in fact do that, so they don’t have to move it to a hotel.”

At a meeting last Thursday, elections board staff said they were flummoxed when multiple requests over months to book the convention center for the county’s 2026 elections went unanswered.

By the time they connected with the convention center, the venue was booked solid and could not accommodate the primary election date.

“It was in the October meeting of last year – we knew that we had an issue with the convention center. As much as the previous director had said that she communicated, there was never a response. That’s when we found out we couldn’t go there,” said elections board member Jeff McMahon. Convention center director Larry

Noccolino confirmed the venue had been booked well in advance for perennial June events, and could not accommodate the primary election.

Moving forward, to avoid doublebooking with annual conventions, elections director Jocelyn Abbott informed resort officials of the dates of the next 10 federal elections, and resort officials confirmed they’ll be able to lock in those dates.

“In some spots there could have been a lack of communication, but whatever the issue is, they have handled it on their end,” Abbott said.

Abbott also said Ocean City voters will get a new voter notification card and an example ballot explaining that

the polling location has changed. Early voting, which runs countywide and isn’t tied to precincts, has its own separate schedule. For the primary, it’s still scheduled to be held at the Ocean Pines Community Center from June 11-18. Early voting for the general election pivots to the convention center from Oct. 22-29.

Abbott added that her office will look into the possibility of having early voting at the convention center.

None of this will change Ocean City’s municipal elections for mayor and council. The town will still use the convention center as the polling site for both a special election on May 8 and for the general election on Nov. 3.

WCPS says MOE is not enough

Continued from Page 16

which represents the minimum amount counties must provide to school systems each year.

Tolbert said the district is requesting $123,364,820 in local funding, compared to an estimated $111,115,161 under MOE requirements. If WCPS receives MOE this year, the system would face a gap of roughly $12.24 million.

“MOE was put into place to guarantee that state aid was a supplement,

not a replacement of local aid,” Tolbert said. “It does not cover inflation, salary increases, health insurance increases, or programs for students.”

The Worcester County Commissioners will adopt its FY27 general fund operating budget, including school system funding, on June 2. A public hearing on the county’s spending plan is scheduled for May 5 at 6 p.m. at the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill.

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april 24, 25 & 26 On The boardwalk & beach (5 blocks Of fun south from 6th street)

Sheriff’s budget request tied to new deputy hiring

Crisafulli calls staffing a “pivotal” issue for FY 2027

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) Hoping to gain ground in a competitive hiring market, Sheriff Matt Crisafulli wants to hire five more sworn positions and offer an across-the-board pay grade increase for deputies.

“These requests are not new concepts,” Crisafulli told the Worcester County Commissioners at a budget work session Tuesday. “The urgency has only increased as the law enforcement market continues to evolve and becomes more competitive.”

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His total budget request for fiscal year 2027 is $22.2 million, a 13% increase over last year, or $2.5 million.

Crisafulli is asking for more money to hire an internal affairs investigator and four new deputy sheriff positions. That ask dovetails with a transportation budget request of $200,000 more to cover the cost of three additional vehicles for his potential new hires.

He also wants to convert two parttime deputies to full-time, convert a corporal position into a sergeant, and to create an administrative role to support the office’s financial administrator.

He also is seeking to implement an across-the-board increase for all sworn personnel of one pay grade, which he asked to occur prior to any step increases or cost-of-living adjustments.

He also is asking to increase wages for lateral transfers – offering a salary equal to nine years’ experience, instead of the current five – to better recruit from other regional law enforcement agencies. The move also could help retain long-tenured deputies who might otherwise leave for higher-paying jobs.

Starting pay has loomed large for the sheriff’s office in the last 18 months, as many regional police agencies continue to increase their starting pay and incentives, creating an arms race for a shrinking hiring pool.

On Tuesday, he called the issue “pivotal” for his agency.

“My fear is, failing to act now will put us at a disadvantage that will be difficult to overcome,” he told the commissioners. “We need to invest in our people.”

In December, Crisafulli formally came before the commissioners seeking funding to increase starting deputy pay by 5%, from $63,132 to $66,210. He also wanted a 2.5% pay bump for lateral transfers. At the time, he shared that his department

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OCFD responds to overturned jet ski accident in bay

(April 24, 2026) Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) units responded alongside the United States Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police on Saturday afternoon after a Jetski turned over and threw two people overboard.

Rescued personnel were directed to the area near Madison Avenue and the bay, where OCFD rescue swimmers made contact with the two until the arrival of Fire Boat 1. Fire Boat 1 brought them safely aboard. Both occupants declined further medical evaluation and transport.

“This incident highlights the importance of being prepared while on the water,” said Fire Chief Josh Bunting. “Both individuals were wearing life jackets and used a whistle to signal for help. Because they had the proper safety equipment, crews were able to locate them quickly. This is a strong reminder that safety equipment saves lives, and the outcome could have been much different without it.”

The Ocean City Fire Department reminds all residents and visitors to always wear properly fitted life jackets and carry signaling devices when operating or riding on personal watercraft.

OC tweaks beach canopy policies

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) The Town of Ocean City is looking to increase the footprint that shade casting canopies can have on the beach this summer.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council passed the first reading of an ordinance to increase the footprint for beach canopies to 15-by-15 feet. The additional square footage, officials say, will accommodate more modern canopies with anchoring systems that extend beyond the current footprint restriction.

“This increases the canopy footprint area to 15-by-15 to accommodate the modern canopy systems that often include structural sandbags or guidewire anchors that extend beyond the roof dimensions,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said.

Last year, the Ocean City Council passed legislation to ban all beach tents, with the exception of tents used for babies.

The ordinance also prohibits beachgoers from erecting beach canopies before 10 a.m. and then leaving those canopies unattended;

prohibits beach canopies larger than 10-by-10 feet; requires a 3-foot separation around a canopy’s perimeter; and requires the anchoring for such canopies to be contained within the canopy’s footprint.

However, when the legislation was revisited last week, city staff asked council members to consider several amendments, including one to increase the maximum canopy footprint to 15-by-15 feet, rather than the 10-by-10 feet currently on the books.

City Manager Terry McGean said the vast number of comments and complaints the city received regarding the canopy ordinance involved the maximum size.

“The bulk of the questions and comments I got were the Shabumi Shade [canopies],” he told the council last week, “and a lot of discrepancy as to whether they can have that or not have that. This does take care of that.”

Back on the agenda at this week’s meeting, the City Council voted 5-0 to amend its beach regulations and increase the maximum footprint for beach canopies. Officials say all guidewires, sandbags and personal items must be kept within that 15-by15 area.

The change is part of an effort to improve regulations and their enforcement on the beach. While last season was focused on educating the public on new tent and canopy restrictions, officials say the coming summer will be spent both educating and enforcing the rules.

Just last week, a council majority gave its support for a new division, which will take on enforcement duties currently shouldered by members of the Beach Patrol.

“It is a very small part of our budget that I think would provide a very well recognized service,” Mayor Rick Meehan said at the time.

Sheriff seeking pay increases

was down 12 positions, a combination of vacant deputy roles and staff on medical leave.

But the commissioners, knotted in a 3-3 vote with Commissioner Diana Purnell absent that day, were unable to fulfill that request. Some told him he needed to wait until the annual spring budget cycle to make new funding requests.

At the time, he told OC Today-Dispatch that the denial would set him back by “potentially a year or two” for hiring because of the long lead times required to hire and train new deputies.

Starting pay for several other neighboring police agencies – including the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean City Police, and Ocean Pines Police – exceeds what rookies make in Worcester County.

Across the state line in Delaware, the disparity is even greater, as State Police troopers are paid more than $86,000 and Rehoboth Beach police officers start around $79,000.

The sheriff also wants to offer specialty pay for specific job responsibil-

ities and certifications, which he does not currently offer. Those duties include crash reconstruction, drone operator, firearms instructor, and foreign language translator, among others.

During Tuesday’s budget review, Commissioner Caryn Abbott (District 1, Southern) said she wanted to address the perception that there are sufficient deputies on road patrol –because the public sees plenty of marked sheriff’s office SUVs out and about, she said.

Crisafulli replied that not all deputies seen driving official vehicles on county roads are on road patrol or responding to calls for service, though “sometimes people’s optics become their reality,” he said.

Of his agency’s 96 sworn deputies, some may be uniformed school resource deputies traveling between schools. Others are going to their duty station at the county’s courthouses or are out serving subpoenas or evictions, he said.

Additional work sessions are scheduled for May before the county finalizes its FY ‘27 budget on June 2.

Caught with crack

Three Maryland men are facing crack cocaine possession charges after a traffic stop last Friday night.

On April 14, around 11:46 p.m., Ocean City police conducted a traffic stop around 32nd Street and Baltimore Avenue of a Jeep Compass, which had made an unsafe lane change and failed to stop behind the crosswalk.

The driver, John Mickey, 38, of Parkville, was observed by the officer to have a “pink dime baggie containing one large white crystal-like rock,” according to the statement of charges. Police noted from training it was crack cocaine.

Mickey told police he had more drugs in his pocket. Police found a silver jar with an additional rock of crack and three yellow capsules as well as a glass pipe. Police noted within the capsules a scramble/heroin was found.

The trunk of the vehicle also contained two needles a gray dish of burnt heroin.

Others in the vehicle found with drugs were David Cenidoza, 41, and Stevie Koppinger, 33.

Mickey is charged with three counts of possession of a controlled dangerous substance-not marijuana (CDS) and traffic offenses. Cenidoza is facing two counts of possession of CDS-not marijuana. Koppinger is facing three counts of possession of

CDS-not marijuana and a fighting knife/weapons violation.

Assault charges

A Minnesota woman was charged with felony assault after threatening a man with a knife.

Around 1 a.m. on April 15, an assault on Robin Drive was called into Ocean City Communications by a man who told police his ex-girlfriend had assaulted him.

The male victim said Shenese Wilson, 26, of Minneapolis, Minn., had struck him in the face with her phone and bit his left hand. At one point, according to the man’s statement to police, Wilson approached him with a small steak knife behind her back before pointing the knife directly at his face. He said he feared for his life.

Wilson then began stabbing an Amazon Fire TV with a knife while throwing items around the unit. The knife was nearby broken into pieces.

Wilson is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property under $1,000.

First-degree assault

A local man is facing a first-degree assault charge for his actions in a hotel room last weekend.

On April 16 at 1 a.m., Ocean City police were alerted to a disturbance

at a local hotel on the Boardwalk where two individuals were arguing and shoving each other over cigarettes. A police investigation found the situation was domestic related and involved a man and a woman no longer dating.

An altercation turned physical when the woman refused to have sex with the ex-boyfriend, later identified as Brenton Burns, 38, of Ocean City.

A witness confirmed she saw Burns trying to choke the woman with both hands around her neck. The woman was able to break free but was having trouble breathing until she used her inhaler. At one point, the woman fell during the struggle and hit her head. Police located bruises on the woman’s neck as well as a laceration on her ear.

Burns is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Heroin possession

A Baltimore man was arrested after a traffic stop led to heroin.

On April 4, shortly after midnight, a traffic stop was conducted on 59th Street and Coastal Highway after a Nisson Tucson failed to stop behind the crosswalk.

Motorist Robert K. Sullivan, 54, was given a traffic citation. Before clearing the scene, Sullivan was asked by the police officer if his vehicle could be searched. Sullivan complied, saying he had nothing to hide.

Police found under the passenger seat a capsule containing a white powder confirmed to be heroin. Police also located a spring-assisted knife in the center console.

Sullivan has been charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance-not cannabis and possession of an illegal assisted opening knife.

Buxy’s Salty Dog

Berlin man sentenced on child porn charges

(April 24, 2026) A former Wicomico County social worker has been sentenced to 18 months in jail for child porn distribution.

Matthew Allen Powell, 47, of Berlin, has been held without bond since Sept. 22, 2025. Powell was most recently employed at a public school in Wicomico County.

Last September, the Worcester County Grand Jury indicted Powell after he was connected to events in 2020 and 2023 before Powell started working as a social worker at James M. Bennett High School, according to a statement from Wicomico County

Public Schools. Powell was immediately removed from working with any children once the charges were filed.

Court documents confirm the school system’s timeline, as the counts presented before the grand jury summarize events as taking place beginning in August of 2020

through November 2023. Two felony counts of child pornography distribution are listed in the indictment, while eight misdemeanor counts of child pornography possession were filed.

Count one of the indictment states the grand jury found on or about Feb. 20, 2023 that Powell, “did knowingly possess with intent to distribute a visual representation that depicts a minor engaged as a subject in sexual conduct …” The promotion or distribution of child pornography is a felony with a maximum penalty of jail up to 10 years and $25,000 in fines.

Count two alleges the same activity “on or about Aug. 30, 2020 through and including Aug. 25, 2023,” according to the indictment.

Counts three through 10 allege on Nov. 2, 2023, Powell possessed images and video of an individual under the age of 16 engaged in sexual conduct.

Worcester County State’s Attorney Kris Heiser confirmed this week Powell was sentenced last Friday after pleading guilty one felony count of distribution of child pornography. Heiser recommended 18 months of active incarceration and Judge Beau Oglesby complied, issuing a 10year sentence with all but 18 months suspended. Powell will be given credit for the 99 days he has been incarcerated. He has also been fined $2,355.

According to Heiser, Powell will be on supervised probation for five years after being released and is required to register as a Tier II sex offender.

Heider said, “… defendant’s sentencing guidelines were probation to six months and we secured a sentence above the guidelines with backup time of 8 and ½ years if probation is violated at any time during the five0year long probation.

“I think it’s a message to other online predators that they face serious jail time in Worcester County if they choose to distribute child sexual abuse material. These crimes are not victimless and we will fight to keep all children safe from this type of exploitation.”

Berlin announces new police chief

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) The Town of Berlin has appointed Col. Howard “Howie” Drewer as its next chief of police, marking a new chapter for the department following the retirement of longtime Chief Arnold Downing.

Drewer officially assumed his new role on Monday, April 20. A press release from the town said Chief Drewer has three decades of law enforcement and military service under his belt.

Drewer comes from the Salisbury Police Department, where he served for 27 years, holding leadership positions across operations and administrations. Most recently, he worked as the department’s assistant chief of police.

His experience also includes time as a detective with the Wicomico Narcotics Task Force, service on a SWAT unit and involvement in community policing efforts.

Before entering law enforcement, Drewer served in the United States Army, later continuing in the Army Reserve and retiring with the rank of sergeant major. His military career included deployments to Bosnia, Korea, Afghanistan and Iraq.

A graduate of the FBI National Academy, Drewer has received numerous awards throughout his career,

including Chief’s Awards, Meritorious Service Awards and the Distinguished Service Award.

He is also recognized for mentoring fellow officers and emphasizing steady, community-focused leadership, the town’s press release reads.

Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall welcomed Drewer’s appointment, citing his extensive experience.

“On behalf of the Town of Berlin, I am proud to welcome

Chief Drewer to our community,” he said in the announcement. “His record of leadership, integrity, and service speaks for itself. Chief Drewer brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community-oriented policing that aligns perfectly with Berlin’s values.

“I am confident he will continue to build upon the strong foundation of our police department while fostering trust, transparency, and excellence in public safety.”

Drewer said he is honored to take on the role and emphasized his focus on building relationships within the community.

“Serving the Berlin community is both an honor and a responsibility I

take seriously,” he said in the press release. “I am committed to leading with integrity, building lasting relationships and ensuring our department reflects the values and expectations of the Berlin community.”

Downing, who announced his retirement in November, served more than three decades with the Berlin Police Department, including over 20 years as chief.

He began his career with the department in 1991 and was appointed chief in 2002, becoming the first African American to serve in the role.

During his tenure, he oversaw significant expansion of the department’s capabilities, including the development of specialized units such as SWAT, K-9, drone operations and traffic reconstruction.

He also played a role in improving officer benefits and advancing community policing initiatives, while advocating for vulnerable children and families through organizations like the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center and Lower Shore CASA.

As he steps into the role, Drewer is expected to build on that foundation, with a focus on public safety, community partnership and organizational excellence. A swearing-in ceremony is expected to be announced at a later date.

MOTHER NATURE AMAZES

An unofficial waterspout south of Assateague Island caught the attention of many in the region on Monday. The funnel-shaped clouds are common over water in the spring and typically far off the coast. It’s rare though for the spout to remain visible for long durations like this week.

HALLL’’S RE

EMODELING

• Additions & Club Basements

• Roofs & Siding Waashing & Painting

Berlin mayor to propose tax rate increase for FY27

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) The Town of Berlin is considering a modest property tax increase for the first time in several years as officials work to close a projected $412,000 shortfall in the fiscal year 2027 budget.

During a budget work session this week, Mayor Zack Tyndall proposed raising the town’s property tax rate by 1.25 cents. The increase, if approved, would bring the current rate of $0.8275 per $100 of assessed value up slightly and generate additional revenue to stabilize the general fund.

Tyndall suggested the tax increase, citing the town’s shaky financial situation heading into the next fiscal year, which begins on July 1.

The town’s economic uncertainty stems from a nearly $412,000 difference between revenues and expenditures in the general fund, with no contingency. The lack of a safety net fund leaves the municipality in a vulnerable financial position in the event of unanticipated expenses related to economic volatility, severe weather damage, or emergency infrastructure repairs.

“In addition to the almost $412,000 deficit in the general fund, we have no contingency in the general fund, which is not a good position to be in,” Tyndall said. “In the event of anything unexpected, we have no backup plan for that.”

The town’s main source of revenue is real property tax. The current rate will generate $328,000 for the municipality. However, in light of the $412,000 shortfall, Tyndall would like to see the rate increased to provide additional income to the town.

The mayor said that on a $500,000 house, the suggested property tax rate would yield about a $60 increase.

Finance Director Natalie Saleh added that each penny added to the tax rate generates about $63,453 in revenue. The proposed increase would help chip away at the deficit but would not eliminate it entirely, meaning additional adjustments may still be required.

Tyndall maintained that he doesn’t take the boost, however modest, lightly.

“I think we ran some numbers on a $500,000 home and $60 for the year,” he said. “$60 is $60, I don’t want to discount that. I know that if you folks that are living paycheck to paycheck or worried about whether I buy my medication or whether I do something else, we certainly understand those things, and we know $60 goes a long way. However, we’re looking at these price increases that we’re facing.”

The mayor argued that an increase may be necessary to offset rising costs the town has been subjected to since the COVID-19 pandemic, when prices first began to soar. He added that the municipality has maintained the property tax

Budget adoption set for June 8

rate for a few years to avoid passing these expenses on to ratepayers, but noted that a nominal shift could reduce the current fiscal strain.

“We understand that costs for every single person have gone up,” Tyndall said. “Costs for all residents across the board. We’re seeing more at the grocery store, more when we go out and buy different goods in other places.

“Service contracts are coming in at much higher rates. Whether you’re doing things for your home or going out and buying something, it’s not uncommon to see that price increase. Well, those things that you see on the residential side, we see the same thing here at the town level.

“They go back to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when prices really went up. Over those five fiscal years, what we’ve tried to do is hope that there’s going to be a downward trend in some of that pricing. We’ve not really seen that. Equipment costs and pricing overall have remained high. We are continuing to draw year over year from our reserves in areas where we shouldn’t be drawing from reserves.”

Tyndall added that a slight increase now could prevent a drastic spike in future years. He pointed to May 2019, when the council adopted an 18% property tax rate increase for FY20, raising the rate from 68 cents to 80 cents per

$100 of assessed value to counter a debt of several million dollars.

Council members also raised concerns about the impact of potential future rate increases, particularly for utilities.

Councilman Jay Knerr noted the possibility of rising water and sewer costs, warning that “when you double down on these increases, it hits people hard.” Tyndall responded that utility rate hikes are not for FY27 but could be considered in future years following formal rate studies.

Officials also debated restructuring how room tax revenue is split. In March, the council discussed using funds secured through a countywide policy that increased the hotel room tax on all shortterm rentals (four months or less) in Worcester County from 5% to 6%.

Through talks this week, the town will likely allocate 10% of room tax revenue to parking and 90% to the general fund to create a more consistent funding stream for expensive lot repairs.

The proposed tax rate is expected to be formally introduced on April 27, followed by a public hearing scheduled for May 11. The town plans to hold the first reading of the FY27 budget on May 26, with final adoption set for June 8.

Tyndall emphasized that the proposal is not final and could change as more information becomes available and public input is considered. The council will have the final vote on the mayor’s tax rate proposal.

COUNTY ELECTION

Meet the Candidates & Forum for District 3

Thursday, April 30th

6:30 pm

Ocean City Golf Club Country Club Drive

South Point Food & Drinks Available

Sponsored by the South Point Association, Inc.

Judy Center event to feature activities, raffles, giveaways

(April 24, 2026) The Worcester County Judy Center Early Learning Hub, in partnership with Worcester County Public Schools, will host the Worcester County Early Childhood Extravaganza on Saturday, April 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Worcester Technical High School. This free, family-friendly event is designed to support young children (birth–5) and their families as they prepare for a successful start in school.

The Early Childhood Extravaganza will feature 14 community partners, providing families with access to valuable resources, including early learning opportunities, health and wellness services, and family support programs. Participating organizations include the Worcester County Health Department, Chesapeake Health Care, TidalHealth, WOW Buses from Snow Hill High School and Pocomoke High School, First Wave Families, Berlin Activities Depot, and many more. Families will also have opportunities to connect with local schools and receive assistance with Pre-K registration.

In addition to community resources, the event will offer a wide range of engaging activities for children and families, including a Look Pretty Play Dirty Petting Zoo, Music with Miss Maria, participation from the Salisbury Zoo, bounce houses, yard games, and school bus tours. Fami-

lies can enjoy entertainment from DJ Kay, along with free lunch and Kona Ice. A special highlight of the event will be the First Wave Families Baby Sprinkle, offering essential items and support for families with infants and toddlers.

Families will also receive free books, school readiness materials, raffles for baby items, and baby essentials for new moms and dads, helping to ensure that every family leaves with resources to support their child’s growth and development.

“The Early Childhood Extravaganza is an opportunity to bring families, schools, and community partners together in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Christina Welch, multi-site director of the Worcester County Judy Center Early Learning Hub. “Our goal is to ensure that every child enters school ready to learn and that every family feels connected, supported, and empowered.”

The Judy Center Early Learning Hub serves as a central point of access for comprehensive early childhood services, supporting children and families through early education, family engagement, and connections to community resources.

Families with young children are encouraged to attend this exciting event and take advantage of the many resources available.

Boat safety inspections offered next month

(April 24, 2026) With National Safe Boating Week beginning May 16, the Ocean City Power Squadron is ready to help owners and operators stay safe on the water by ensuring that they are complying with federal and state boating laws.

To that end, the organization is providing free vessel safety examination for anyone who wants it.

All of the examiners are certified and will perform a free safety check. There is no penalty should the vessel fail the exam. Instructions are given to the boat owner on how to correct any deficiencies

for re-exam.

“Most of us have clientele from previous years, but we also respond to new requests from individuals for vessel safety examinations whenever possible,” Bela Gulyas, who chairs the vessel safety examination for the local squadron.

“If we receive a request from, let us say, 10 to 12 individuals in a close-knit community, we would [try] to go out and do vessel examinations at a designated time that is agreeable for all parties involved,” Gulyas said.

Vessel Safety Check Includes:

1. Display of registration numbers.

2. Valid state registration.

3. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD), Coast Guard approved.

4. Visual Distress Signals (Flares) with proper dates.

5. Fire Extinguisher, preferably mounted.

6. Safe Fuel System (Includes proper ventilation of the fuel tank, I/O & Inboard Engines).

7. Backfire Flame Control for all I/O or Inboard Engines.

8. Sound Producing Device (Horn/Bell).

9. Navigation Lights (Anchor and

OceanfrontPanoramicTownhome Views

Running Lights).

10. Pollution Placard (Vessels 26 feet and longer).

11. MARPOL Trash Placard (Vessels 26 feet and longer).

12. Marine Sanitation MSD's (Vessels w/installed heads).

13. Navigation Rules (All Vessels 39.4 feet or longer).

14. State and/or Local Requirements.

15. Overall Vessel Condition.

16. Safe Electrical System (included batter, box and TML caps).

To schedule a free safety inspection, contact Gulyas at bgulyas80@gmail.com.

Saturday 11am

County Isle of Wight offices reopens after renovations

(April 24, 2026) Worcester County officials gathered Monday for a ribbon cutting to mark the reopening of the Isle of Wight offices.

Following interior renovations, county officials say the updated space provides a more efficient, comfortable, and accessible environment for residents utilizing the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office and Worcester County Health Department services, and enhance the county’s ability to serve the public.

On Monday, both offices resumed regular satellite services at Isle of Wight location. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, with the treasurer’s office open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the health department open from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

As part of the transition, the temporary payment drop box at the Ocean Pines Library has been discontinued. Payments can now be made in person or via the drop box at the Isle of Wight Offices.

Eastern Shore JA to recognize ‘18 Under 18’ leaders

(April 24, 2026) Junior Achievement of the Eastern Shore will recognize 18 extraordinary young leaders from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore during its 2026 “18 Under 18” Awards Ceremony on May 18.

This event is open to the public and will take place May 18, at 5 p.m. at the Junior Achievement Center in Salisbury, where students will be honored for their leadership, service, and positive impact within their schools and communities. Community members are invited to attend, and tickets will be available for purchase.

Junior Achievement’s “18 Under 18” program celebrates remarkable students who are stepping up, leading by example, and helping shape a brighter future for the Eastern Shore.

“With so many stresses facing today’s youth, Junior Achievement wanted to create an opportunity for our community to come together and recognize students who are making a difference every day,” said Samantha Eastlack, development manager. “These students represent the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of our region.”

The 2026 honorees represent schools across the Eastern Shore.

Wicomico County

Madeline Tomlinson — Parkside High School

Imran Miah — James M. Bennett High School

Apeksha Agarwal — Parkside High School

Burak Kilicarslan — Delmar Senior High School

Lily Gilchrist — The Salisbury School Guinevere Cockey — Homeschool Worcester County Saish Gupta — Berlin Intermediate School

Gannon Eastlack — Stephen Decatur High School

Kirby Bounds — Stephen Decatur High School

Lyla Roberts — Worcester Preparatory School

Seidon Shaffer — Most Blessed Sacrament School

Carly Watts — Stephen Decatur High School Talbot County

Wyatt Blessing — St. Michael’s High School

Christopher Jackson — Easton High School

Madisyn Moore — Easton High School Dorchester County

Savannah Weber — CambridgeSouth Dorchester High School

Queen Anne’s County

Averie Mortimer — Queen Anne’s County High School

Jack Callahan — Key School (Stevensville)

The May 18 ceremony will celebrate the students’ achievements and share the unique stories behind their leadership.

Springfest underway in Ocean City

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) Ocean City’s annual Springfest celebration returns for its 35th year, with new experiences ranging from a street painting showcase to a gourmet food pavilion.

The 35th anniversary of Springfest kicked off yesterday at the Ocean City Inlet and will continue through Sunday, April 26. The free, four-day festival will feature more than 200 artists and crafters, specialty foods and live music.

“People go to Springfest in Ocean City because it’s basically a one-weekend snapshot of everything the beach town does well—music, food, art, and atmosphere—all in one place,” Ocean City Tourism and Business Director Tom Perlozzo said.

In celebration of a milestone anniversary, officials have announced several

new additions to this year’s festival, including a gourmet food pavilion featuring artisan items such as infused olive oils, small-batch jams, and specialty spreads. The weekend will also feature an expanded lineup of food trucks, offering sweet and savory favorites.

Street artists will also be on hand to transform the north side of the festival grounds with colorful chalk designs. Among the artists participating is Baltimore’s Michael William Kirby – who has showcased his work in more than 200 cities around the world – along with Joel Yau, Abraham Burciaga and 16 others.

Visitors can also experience the artistry of glass blowing with live glass blowing demonstrations. Eli Cecil and Jeff Mick of Glass Half Full will share the process of glass making for attendees.

While there will be several additions to this year’s Springfest, officials say at-

tendees will continue to find an array of arts of crafts from more than 200 artists.

While daytime activities will take place at the Inlet parking lot, this year’s Springfest will feature evening performances at the Ocean City Performing Arts Center. The spring showcase will feature headline acts, including Who’s Bad: The Michael Jackson Experience on April 24, Are You Ready For It? A Taylor Swift Experience on April 25, and The Fab Four: Help!, a Beatles tribute show, closing out the series.

Springfest will continue Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with festival grounds open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“Hopefully we’ll get a little break in the weather and have a Springfest with some spring weather rather than what we’ve really been enduring for the last couple of days,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week.

‘Donate Life’ flags flying at TidalHealth’s area hospitals

(April 24, 2026) TidalHealth proudly raised Donate Life flags at each of its three hospitals this month to honor organ and tissue donors and their families during National Donate Life Month.

Held in partnership with organ procurement organizations Infinite Legacy and the Gift of Life Donor Program, the tradition pays tribute to the lives saved and the hope made possible through donation.

In 2025, organ donors across the TidalHealth system made a lifesaving impact. At TidalHealth Peninsula Regional, 10 organ donors provided 14 organs, and the hospital facilitated 28 tissue donations. At TidalHealth Nanticoke, four organ donors provided 14

lifesaving organs, and the hospital facilitated 21 tissue donations. In Berlin, TidalHealth Atlantic facilitated 14 tissue donations and honored one donor-in-spirit for their selfless gift.

“Raising the Donate Life flag is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary generosity of organ and tissue donors and their families,” said Steve Leonard, president and CEO of TidalHealth. “We encourage everyone to learn more about donation and consider registering, because the decision to donate can leave a legacy of hope.”

TidalHealth encourages everyone to help save lives by registering as an organ, eye and tissue donor on RegisterMe.org.

•Renovated

•Freshly

•1st

•Screened porch overlooks landscaped yard.

•Walk to Clubhouse & Pavilion.

•Enjoy amenities of The Parke & Ocean Pines. $25K Seller Contribution

Ocean 98 to host on-air candidate forum next week

(April 24, 2026) Ocean City voters will have the opportunity to hear how the candidates in the upcoming special City Council election respond when they are questioned on the issues at Ocean 98.1 FM Radio’s candidate forum beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday.

Moderated by station manager and the Rude Awakening Show ringleader, Bulldog, The Ocean City Council Special Election Candidates Forum is expected to run about an hour.

In addition to being available at WOCM 98.1 FM, the forum may be viewed at https://ocean98.com/ocean98-live.

The May 8 special election has five contestants vying to finish the remaining 20 months on the terms of two councilmembers who stepped down this year. Councilman Tony DeLuca resigned his post in February to become a full-time resident of Annapolis, and Councilman Larry Yates resigned early this month because of health issues. Both were elected to four-year terms in November 2024. DeLuca was in his fourth full term when he stepped down.

Seeking one of the two vacant seats are John F. Adkins, Anthony “Tony” DeSanctis, William “Bill” Murphy, Peter Buas and Jeff Heiser.

Scholarship provided

Wor-Wic Community College was selected as a 2025 Progress, Accomplishment, Thriving, Hope (PATH) Scholarship recipient through the Ellucian Foundation. The PATH scholarship program provides grants to higher education institutions worldwide to directly benefit students facing economic hardships and subsequent educational disruptions.

Wor-Wic was awarded $10,000 and a total of 17 students benefited with assistance for housing, utilities, food, transportation and tuition costs.

“The assistance provided by the Ellucian PATH scholarship funds was essential in helping students in need reach their goals to earn degrees setting them up for financial success,” said Ellen Soulis, director of state and institutional aid at Wor-Wic.

“For me as a mother, the scholarship funding will ease the financial strain of balancing school, family and living expenses. It will allow me to stay enrolled at Wor-Wic, focus on my nursing studies, and complete the program so I can build a better future for both myself and my children,” one PATH recipient said.

The PATH Scholarship is provided by the Ellucian Foundation, established in 2020 by Ellucian, the leading technology solutions provider for higher education. To date, the PATH Scholarship program has provided more than $3.7 million in grants to more than 200 institutions, supporting more than 3,700 students.

“Students across the globe are working hard to stay enrolled, but too many continue to face financial barriers that put their progress at risk,” said Laura Ipsen, president and CEO of Ellucian.

“Our 2025 Student Voice Report — which includes insights from ‘stop-outs,’ or learners who left college before completing a degree — found that 23% cannot afford upfront costs to return, and 15% are already too burdened by student debt. The Ellucian Foundation’s PATH Scholarship Program is helping institutions reduce these barriers so more students can continue their academic journey with confidence.”

Visit https://www.worwic.edu/pay-forcollege/ for more information.

Dry conditions persist

The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office, in coordination with the Worcester County Department of Environmental Programs, is advising residents and visitors to exercise heightened caution with any outdoor burning due to continued dry conditions across the region.

Recent weather patterns have resulted in lower-than-normal rainfall, contributing to decreased soil moisture and a declining water table. These conditions significantly increase the risk of rapid fire spread, particularly involving brush, grass, and other combustible materials.

Over the past several weeks, fire departments throughout Worcester County have responded to a number of outside

fires, many of which have spread quickly due to the dry environment. While most incidents have been contained without serious damage, officials warn that the potential for more dangerous fires remains elevated.

“Even routine outdoor burning can quickly get out of control under current conditions,” said Fire Marshal Matthew Owens. “We are asking the public to use sound judgment and consider postponing any non-essential burning until conditions improve. If conditions do not improve, Worcester County officials may have to consider implementing a burn ban to protect life, property, and natural resources.”

Residents are reminded of the following safety recommendations: Avoid open burning whenever possible during dry conditions

Never leave a fire unattended

Ensure a water source or fire extinguisher is readily available

Properly extinguish all smoking materials

Be mindful of local burn regulations and permit requirements

The Department of Environmental Programs continues to monitor groundwater levels and environmental conditions closely. Until meaningful rainfall occurs and the water table stabilizes, the risk of fire spread remains higher than normal.

(April 24, 2026) The General Levin Winder Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) invited winners of its American History essay contests, school-selected DAR Good Citizens, and DAR Youth Leadership Medal candidate to an Awards Luncheon on April 20. More than 55 members, honorees, family and faculty were in attendance.

The American History essay contest was open to students in grades 5 through 8 with the topic “Lunch with a Signer.” Students were asked if they could go back in time, which signer of the Declaration of Independence would they choose to meet for lunch and how did their actions and service contribute to our country becoming independent.

Winners were recognized as follows: Grade 6, first place, Carter Harrison, second place, Anya Murukut; Grade 7, first place, Evan Kaufman, second place, Elliana Arauz; Grade 8, first place, Lillian Ha, second place, Emma Sherrin. All students attend Worcester Preparatory School.

The Patriots of the American Revolution DAR High School essay contest asked students to select a figure from the era of the American Revolution (1773 – 1783) and discuss how he or she influenced the course of the American Revolution, who he or she was, and his/her contribution to the founding of a new nation. Hayden Wagner attends Worcester Preparatory School and received first place. Second place went to Georgine Dewald, a student at Stephen Decatur High School.

The DAR Good Citizens program was initiated by the National Society in 1934 to recognize male and female high-school seniors who exemplify the qualities of a good citizen: dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism.

The following seniors were recognized as DAR Good Citizens: Kenae’ Cooper-Holland, Pocomoke High School; Gabrielle Nicole Culver, Snow Hill High School; Regine “Gigi” Shallah, Stephen Decatur High School; and Beckett Green, Worcester Preparatory School.

A DAR Youth Leadership Medal may be awarded to a boy or girl in grades 5-11, or in service and patriotic organizations, who best exemplifies the qualities of honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism. Based on letters received from a teacher, a church youth and families director, and a local U.S. Daughters of the War of 1812 chapter president, Tabitha Lauer was presented with this award. She is in the seventh grade at Snow Hill Middle School.

Cruisin event eyes return to OC inlet, convention center

Vendors, music, more set for 36th annual car show

(April 24, 2026) The 36th Annual Cruisin Ocean City, presented by Chesapeake Classic Restorations, returns to Ocean City next week, April 30 through May 3.

This nationally recognized event attracts more than 3,000 customs, hot rods, street machines, classics and more. The main events take place at the beachside Inlet Parking Lot and the Ocean City Convention Center.

Scheduled to appear at this year's Cruisin, from the hit series “Flying Sparks Garage” is Emily and Aaron Reeves. Emily and Aaron will be at the Beachside Inlet Thursday, Friday and Sunday and inside the convention center on Saturday. They will also be bringing their Peterbilt, Optimus Grime, for spectators to check out. Joining the fun will be Alison Arngrim and Dean Butler, from the classic show Little House on the Prairie. Alison and Dean will be inside the convention center Thursday and Friday, and at the Inlet on Saturday. Inside the convention center there will be the Smokey and the Bandit tribute car on display plus feature cars Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Additional entertainment includes Deejay Seaside Jimmy, Cruisin Gold Deejay, the 11th Annual Pin Up Contest, a neon and LED light car show, a pedal car show, live music and much more. Taking the stage during Cruisin will be The Fab Four! Enjoy a spectacular night of music as The Fab Four bring their acclaimed Help! Tribute show to the Ocean City Performing Arts Center, Thursday April 30 at 7 p.m.

Celebrated worldwide for their spot-on vocals, iconic costumes and energetic stage presence, The Fab Four delivers a live Beatles experience that feels straight from the 1960s. Tickets can be purchased through eTix or at the OC Box Office. For additional information visit www.OceanCityConcerts.com.

Some of the country’s top national names will be showcasing their products in manufacturers midway at the Inlet Parking Lot including Advance Auto Parts, AMSOIL, B&E Fabrications, Bruno’s Classic Muscle, Cabela’s, Chesapeake Classic Restorations, Chevy Performance, Classic Auto Mall, Coker Tire, Commercial Insurance Associates, Edelbrock, Erin’s Way, Euroshine USA, Golden Star Auto Parts, Morton’s Towing, National Parts Depot, OPTIMA, Southern Rods & Parts, Vibrant Health, Wildfire Lifts and more. Inside the convention center

See CAR Page 46

V TE BILL MURPHY for CITY COUNCIL

The Town Council is Elected to Serve the Residents of the Town of OC

STR was Not a ‘Victory’ for Everyone in OC

• Rental units in R1 or MH have a generous occupancy allowance, while the rest of the city is subject to a more restrictive formula resulting in reduced occupancy. For example, there are 1 bedroom 500+ sq ft Boardwalk properties that have been given occupancy of 3. This includes children. If that same condo were located in R1/MH the occupancy would be 4 plus unlimited children under 10. Why are there 2 standards?

Inspections

• The town is using the rental license program as an excuse to get into your property & inspect for any code violations. They are not just inspecting based on the very long list of items that were published. This is a full-on search for code violations. Property Rights! Privacy Rights! Over-reach!

Tent Rule Enforcement Force

• The new beach tent enforcers are now expected to enforce all other OC laws while on the beach. Are they Police or Ambassadors or Educators?

No Windmills

• This Town started as a commercial fishing town and has the only Atlantic Ocean port in the State of MD. Windmills are proposed to go up in the middle of fishing grounds & will mar the view of the ocean & horizon. We need to Protect wildlife.

Background

• Masters in Math, Retired from HBO as Director Data Services, 10 years on Board of Directors Decatur House, 12th Street & the Boardwalk, as secretary & President. Town of OC Bus Driver since 2014.

Car festivities planned throughout weekend

there will also be Gateway Classic Cars as well as venders selling automotive equipment plus arts and crafts and a swap meet Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Additional Cruisin Ocean City highlights are the special Boardwalk Cruises that will take place Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings beginning at 27th street and heading south into the Inlet. This is a chance for cars to get to cruise down the iconic OC Boardwalk and for spectators to sit back and relax and watch them cruise by.

On Sunday, the Grand Finale Awards will take place at the Beachside Inlet. Before Cruisin comes to an end there will be more than 500 trophies, plaques and awards presented plus over 3,000 giveaways.

Spectator tickets are $15 a day for Thursday, Friday and Saturday and

$10 a day for Sunday, good at the Inlet and convention center, and can be purchased at both locations. Children under 14 are free with an adult. Show hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Inlet and inside and outside the OC Convention Center, and 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday at the Inlet location only, with the Grand Finale Awards starting at 2 p.m. For additional information visit www.cruisinoceancity.com.

A press release from the event promoter reminded attendees to be mindful of existing laws and common courtesies. The statement read, “Cruisin OC has always held safety as our number one priority. The event does not tolerate unlawful activities or the disrespect of Ocean City. During Cruisin the town of Ocean City will be classified as a Special Event Zone where there will be increased fines for speeding, negligent/reckless driving, spinning wheels and alcohol related offenses.

“We encourage everyone that comes to Ocean City for Cruisin, both participants and spectators, to respect the town and abide by the rules. Your cooperation will be greatly appreciated. We look forward to a wonderful and safe Cruisin for 2026 and years to come.”

OC LIONS CLUB GIVES SUPPORT

The Ocean City Lions Club recently presented several donations to local groups and organizations. Top left, OC Recreation and Parks' Recreation Manager Travis Davey receives a $1,000 donation from the Ocean City Lions Club from Lion Jeff Facello. Top right, Josh Chamberlain recently spoke to the Ocean City Lions about Go Green OC, a local nonprofit with a mission of transforming Ocean City into the first zero waste resort. Pictured receiving the donation is Chamberlain and Lion Mike Hooper. Bottom left, the

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 24: Boogiemen

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Friday & Saturday, April 24 & 25: Phil Perdue

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 24: Monkee Paw Saturday, April 25: Lennon LaRicci & The Leftovers

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Sunday, April 26: Dickson Duo

Wednesday, April 29: Full Circle Duo

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay Friday, April 24:

Social Drinking, DJ Groove & DJ Accelerate

Saturday, April 25: Other Brother Darryl, DJ RobCee & Shake The Room Monday, April 27:

First Deck Party ~ DJ Wax, On The Edge, DJ Stinson & DJ RobCee

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

BOOGIEMEN

Buxy’s Salty Dog: Friday, April 24

MONKEE PAW

FULL CIRCLE DUO

Who’s Where When

Saturday, April 25:

Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Pickin’ Party

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, April 25: Tranzfuzion (5pm) & LNJ Sessions (9pm) Monday, April 27: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday, April 24:

It’s All Good & DJ Papi

Saturday, April 25: Gavin Hades (2pm), It’s All Good & DJ Papi

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 24: Kono Nation Duo, DJ J-Spin, DJ E-State & The Event Horizon Saturday, April 25: Mac N Cheese & Pig Roast w/ Vertigo Red, Level Up, DJ E-State, DJ Connair, Sean Patrick & The Alibis Thursday, April 30: Faith Noel & DJ J-Spin

OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY 10AM-NOON

CHARMING 3RD FLOOR STUDIO WITH PRIVATE BALCONY

3010 PHILADELPHIA AVE #S308 • THREE CHEERS OCEAN CITY

Perfect weekend getaway, investment property, or beach retreat.

$179,900

OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY 1-3PM & SATURDAY 10AM-NOON

EMBRACE CONVENIENCE & THE WATERFRONT LIFESTYLE

9823 GOLF COURSE RD #10 SAILORS WATCH OCEAN CITY

3-level end-unit

3 BR, 3.5 BA townhome $539,500

OPEN HOUSE FRIDAY 1-4PM & SATURDAY 10AM-NOON

8 60TH ST #302 THE MERIDIAN OCEAN CITY

Luxury 3 BR, 3 BA coastal condo. $885,000

BAY CREEK SIGNATURE VILLAGE 8 SEAY COURT CAPE CHARLES, VA New Construction 5 Bedroom / 4.5 Bathroom by Ruiz Homes $995,000 OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY 10AM-NOON REFINED COASTAL ELEGANCE

OCEANFRONT

2 BR, 2 BA CONDO 11500 COASTAL HWY #209 SEAWATCH OCEAN CITY 2nd home, investment or full-time coastal escape! Seller offering $10K credit with acceptable offer. NOW $499,999

COASTAL RETREAT with LUXURIOUS UPGRADES 11000 COASTAL HWY #308 CAPRI OCEAN CITY 2 BR, 2 BA with breathtaking ocean views & resort-style amenities! $539,900

- 2:30

condo. Ocean Views & Great location!

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON DRY DOCK 28

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

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls 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.

■ DISTRICT 24: BLUE CRABHOUSE& RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ, CRAFT BEER & 1945 STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE

2305 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City 410289-3322, district24oc.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Nestled on 24th Street Bayside in Ocean City, Maryland, District 24 stands as one destination brimming with endless possibilities. On the first floor, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar invites you to indulge in all-you-can-eat blue crabs, easy-peel shrimp, golden fried chicken, and so much more, while Jay’s Café serves breakfast sandwiches all day alongside La Colombe coffee, fresh pastries, and delicious lunch creations. Just steps away, CRAFT Bar delivers smash burgers, crispy wings, craft pizzas, an impressive selection of craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and more. Rising above it all on the third floor, the stunning new 1945 Steak & Seafood offers breathtaking rooftop views, in-house hand-cut chops, exceptional seafood favorites, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and thoughtful bourbon and wine pairings. Let’s face it—there’s simply more at District 24.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410289-5121, 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.

■ THE WEDGE BAR

806 S. Atlantic Ave, Ocean City www.thewedgeoc.com

$-$$ | Full bar

Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Open Thursday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

UPTOWN

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS 118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA 120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

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

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

■ NANTUCKETS

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.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL

9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com

$$ | Full bar

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

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500

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.

Strawberry shortcake with vanilla

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(April 24, 2026) Spring is finally upon us and fresh strawberries are ruby red and drenched with sweetness.

There are many ways to serve America’s favorite fruit, but homemade shortcake is show-stopper and rich in tradition.

But somewhere through the process of modernism and the fast pace of society, shortcuts have changed the structure and experience of a good old-fashioned shortcake. We will take a detailed look at how to bring this dessert back to its original deliciousness and add a few twists for the ultimate strawberry shortcake.

Shortcake originated in 16th century Britain as a crumbly, biscuit-like cake. It became popular in the U.S. by the mid-1800s, evolving into a popular summer dessert featuring split biscuits, fresh strawberries, and cream. Eventually the biscuit-like cake was replaced with sponge cake and whipped cream. Let us deconstruct this dish so clarity and adjustments come to the forefront.

When a recipe calls for only a few ingredients, it is imperative that each component takes the dish to another level so cohesion and tastiness is at its finest.

That being said, contrast in texture is a must, and crunchy biscuits contribute more than soft sponge cake. Also, the biscuits will hold up better and prevent sogginess.

The following recipe includes strawberries, ice cream, whipped cream, and strawberry sauce. Therefore, grand biscuits are highly suggested.

Removing some of the cooked biscuit filling to form an indentation in each half allows you pack the shortcake with more ingredients and keeps the fixings of the shortcake in place for a more stackable dessert.

Place the whipped cream in the freezer for 15 minutes before assembling the dessert. Otherwise, the whipped cream will melt and not hold its shape when piping which is not attractive to the eye.

Now that we have covered important tips to follow, let us review the exact order when plating the strawberry shortcake. Place a dollop of whipped cream on the serving plate. This will act as a glue for the bottom half of the biscuit.

Load up the bottom half of the bis-

cuit with sliced strawberries. Then gently press down, leaving a slight indentation in the center for the big scoop of ice cream. An ice cream scoop makes the presentation much more impressive and allows one to pack more ice cream in each scoop. Then crown it with the top half of the biscuit. Again, the indentation in the top half will help secure the ice cream.

The dessert needs a drizzle of sauce to reinforce the theme of strawberries and give it a wow factor. There is no need for fuss, simply warm strawberry jam or strawberry pie filling slightly for a finished look. The sauce should be drizzled on top of the biscuit.

The piece de resistance is a big dollop of whipped cream and a whole strawberry as a garnish.

As you can see this dessert is simple but is well thought out for the perfect bite. Fresh strawberries and strawberry sauce highlight the essence of the dessert. Biscuits give it the much-needed contrast in consistency which is a must in every dish. Ice cream gives it height and richness, and who does not adore a big squirt of fluffy whipped cream?

Strawberry shortcake with vanilla ice cream smothered in strawberries

and strawberry sauce is yummy, fun, and easy to make. Children and adults will give this dessert thumbs up. Enjoy!

Biscuits

1 small container (5-count) of your favorite Grand biscuits

1. Cook the biscuits according to the instructions on the package. Allow to cool.

Using a serrated knife, cut the biscuits in half (horizontally).

Strawberries

1-quart strawberries

1. Wash the strawberries and strain in a mesh strainer. Slice most of them, but leave five whole strawberries to top each individual shortcake as a garnish.

Whipped Cream

1-Extra Creamy Reddi-wip

Whipped Dairy Cream Topping

1. Place the whipped dairy cream canister in the freezer 15 minutes before using.

Strawberry Pie Filling

1 (21 ounce) favorite strawberry pie filling.

1. Place filling in a pan and heat over medium-low heat for 2 minutes.

Vanilla Ice Cream

1 container of favorite Ice Cream

Presentation

1. Remove some of the center of

each top and bottom half of the cooked biscuit.

2. Place a dollop of whipped cream on the serving plate.

3. Then place the bottom half of the biscuit on top of the whipped cream. Add a layer of sliced strawberries. Gently press the strawberries into the indentation of the biscuit. Add a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

4. Crown the shortcake with the top half of the biscuit. Drizzle the strawberry pie filling directly on top of the biscuit. Add another dollop of whipped cream and top with a whole strawberry. Repeat this process for the remaining shortcakes.

Recipe makes five strawberry shortcakes.

Secret Ingredient – Beauty

Through simplicity comes great beauty.

- Anonymous

by Steve Green

CThe Adventures of Fatherhood

ollege orientation weekend was a blur.

Somewhere between the campus tours, information sessions, handshakes and hurried meals, it all started to feel very real. Not in the abstract, non-rushed way it has for the last year —applications, decisions, conversations — but in the very tangible, immediate sense that a door is about to open, and there’s no closing it once it does.

Beckett has decided his next chapter after high school graduation this spring will be at High Point University. We are proud of the decision and feel it’s a perfect fit for him. We believed that before orientation weekend, but there was something about being there — seeing him in that environment, watching him interact, listening to the messaging — that provided a deeper level of confirmation on the drive home Saturday night.

It’s going to be a great experience for him.

That much feels clear.

Throughout the weekend, he was busy stepping into what will soon be his world. There was a lot of social time with fellow students, the kind that starts with small talk and quickly builds into something more meaningful with social media stuff exchanged. He reviewed his schedule, met his new success coach, and heard more about his major from a department representative. These weren’t just boxes being checked — they were first steps into independence.

There was also a symbolic moment that felt bigger than it probably sounds on paper. He signed a beam that will be part of a new library currently under construction. At the time, it felt like a neat tradition. Looking back, it feels more like a quiet metaphor — placing your name, in some small way, into the foundation of the place where you’ll grow.

For us parents, the experience was a little different.

We were able to tag along for some of those interactions, hovering just close enough to observe but far enough away to understand the shift that’s happening. There were also sessions designed specifically for us, including a “Parent 101” seminar that mixed practical logis-

tics—move-in weekend timelines, communication expectations—with something a little more difficult to process.

Advice with some hilarious reminders the days of “bulldozer” parenting are over.

The messages were not so much about what to pack or when to arrive, but about how to let go.

During that parent session, a video was shared featuring university president Nido Qubein. He is an engaging speaker, and even through a screen, his words carried weight. The video was from another year’s convocation at the end of move-in weekend, and when it ended, there were not many dry eyes in the room.

A couple of lines stuck with me enough that I typed into my phone so I wouldn’t forget.

“You have given them the roots and now it’s time for them to fly.”

“You’ve done your job. Now let them do theirs.”

Those words land differently depending on where you are in the parenting journey. When your kids are little, they sound poetic. When you’re sitting in a room full of parents on the edge of sending their first child off to college, they feel more like instructions.

Necessary ones.

At the end of his remarks, Qubein offered advice for move-in weekend that has clearly resonated with families, because it’s the line everyone seems to remember:

“Kiss them goodbye, tell them you love them… and then leave.”

One of the seminar facilitators joked after the video that the last part is not optional.

And you must leave.

There’s humor in that, but also truth.

The instinct, especially for parents who have spent nearly two decades managing schedules, solving problems, and staying one step ahead of whatever might go wrong, is to linger. One more conversation. One more check of the room. One more moment to delay the inevitable. One long drive back to a different home.

But the message is clear. This is where their independence begins.

There’s another well-circulated thought from Qubein that has made its way around the internet and into plenty of conversations over the years. It hits the mark

in a way only simple truths can:

“We know your child will only hold your hand for a little when they’re young, but your child will surely hold your heart forever.”

It’s hard to argue with that.

Parenting is, in many ways, a long process of preparing for this exact moment. Teaching, guiding, correcting, encouraging—always with the understanding, whether spoken or not, that the end goal is independence. You want your children to be capable, confident, and ready to take on the world without you.

And then the moment comes when they actually are.

That’s the part no one really prepares you for.

I am ready, in a sense, to let go of the boy—to trust that he can handle what’s in front of him, to allow him the space to make his own decisions, solve his own problems, and find his own way. That’s the goal. That’s always been the goal.

But I also know this isn’t a clean break.

It’s a transition.

I’ll still be there, just in a different role. Less of a manager, more of a supporter. Less involved in the day-to-day, but just as invested in the outcome. The calls will be different. The conversations will evolve. The connection remains, even as the structure around it changes.

There’s a lot to look forward to—new experiences, new friendships, new challenges.

But there’s also a quiet awareness that something has shifted. The constant presence you’ve grown accustomed to won’t be quite the same.

That’s where the heartstrings come in. Orientation weekend didn’t just prepare Beckett for what’s ahead. It prepared us, in its own way, for what’s coming next. It reminded us that growth, for both parent and child, often happens in moments of transition.

And while I know move-in day will bring its own emotions, I also know this: his time to fly is near.

(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.)

Ocean City: The land of bizarre weather extremes

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(April 24, 2026) This changing of weather is almost getting out of hand. Not that we can do anything about it, but it does seem noteworthy, or even newsworthy, at least on a local level.

This past week, as of this writing, produced summer like temperatures inland. The beach even experienced close to summer like temps on a lesser scale. It doesn’t happen every year but the month of April is proving to be one to remember.

This coming week, or hopefully when this is read, is forecasted to be more normal, whatever that is. From what I can gather it’s roughly mid-40’s for low temperatures and mid-60’s for high temps. This is the “average,” of course, and can vary one way or the other.

It’s almost as though one can use a complete wardrobe. One day it’s warm and almost hot. Summer clothing seems to be appropriate. The next day we’re back to almost winter like conditions although it’s more like a quasiwinter trying to become spring. This also pertains to the surfer in the water. The good news is that by most accounts, the water temperature has cracked 50 degrees.

Most surfers can start to shed their heavy winter wetsuit gear and go to a 4/3 or even a 3/2 for a short session. It depends on the individual and what they have available. Wetsuit boots will still be a good idea and even gloves, though I’ve heard of some surfers shedding gloves in warmer air conditions. It’s also a good idea to utilize wetsuit head gear. It goes a long way in keeping the entire body warm.

-Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City

Town shifts funds to fix playground equipment at park

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) The Berlin Town Council has approved shifting funds to repair storm-damaged playground equipment at Stephen Decatur Park by delaying a fence replacement at Henry Park for a few months.

The decision reallocates fiscal year 2026 parks and recreation capital outlay equipment in the amount of $55,000 to support playground repairs. The action was taken to address damage caused by February’s winter storm that inflicted significant damage on Stephen Decatur Park’s playground structure.

“We were hoping to reallocate some money from the fence to get the playground up and running so we have the kids back in the playground playing safely,” said Public Works Director Jimmy Charles.

He added that the repairs are more complex than typical fixes due to the equipment’s specializations.

“This structure — you can’t just go buy a new bolt from Home Depot and repair it,” Charles said. “It has to be all original manufactured equipment to keep the warranties up to the playground system.”

Complicating the issue further, officials learned the playground equipment was not insured. Berlin Human Resources Director Kelsey Jensen explained that while the park carried liability coverage, the equipment itself had been removed from the town’s insurance policy years ago.

“When the damage occurred, we found out that it was asked to be removed from insurance … at least 10 years ago,” Jensen said. “There was no coverage for it.”

Town staff are now working to reinstate insurance coverage for the equipment.

To pay for the repairs, officials approved reallocating money that had been set aside for a fence project at Henry Park. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen clarified that the fence replacement is not being canceled, but simply delayed until the next fiscal year.

“We are only pushing it a few months,” Bohlen said, noting the project is expected to be included in the FY27 budget.

Council members asked about the current condition of the Henry Park fence, with Charles describing it as “in fair condition” and capable of lasting until the replacement can move forward after July 1.

Charles also noted that the project at Stephen Decatur Park is expected to be completed within a few weeks of receiving the necessary equipment.

The funding reallocation was approved unanimously by the council.

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vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

WiTh Bunk Mann

Rolling chairs were a familiar sight in Ocean City in the 1920s and 1930s and were an early version of the former Boardwalk tram, which was ended last summer. Many college students helped pay their tuition by pushing tourists up and down the Boardwalk in those wicker chairs on wheels.

Rolling chairs originated in Atlantic City, N.J., and quickly made their way south. Dr. Francis Townsend Sr. introduced them to Ocean City where he rented them for 25 cents an hour from his Washington Pharmacy on the Boardwalk at Somerset Street.

Although gone from the resort scene since the World War II era, these chairs on wheels were a big attraction for several decades. A restored rolling chair is on display at the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum.

Today, with the tram service a thing of the past, Ocean City is considering the creation of a pedicab franchise to help visitors on the Boardwalk.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Connecting with parents at college orientation

Before-and-after photos of an outside

When the second half of the day is better than the first

job

Picking up a newspaper while visiting a town

Eating out at least once a weekend

When the middle ground prevails

Making Friday an easy work day

The difference a teacher can make

A non-windy Boardwalk day this time of year

The charm of old hardwood floors

Tech changes that help with efficiency

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo courtesy Debi Thompson Cook

Freeman Stage announces 4 additional performances

(April 24, 2026) Freeman Arts Pavilion, a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, has announced four additional performances for its 2026 season, continuing the steady rollout of programming for the venue’s 19th season and the grand opening year of its new permanent home.

These newly added shows feature the return of several fan favorite artists who have previously graced the venue’s stage — including country music artist Cole Swindell on Aug. 5; Changes In Latitudes: The Premier Jimmy Buffett Tribute on Sept. 4; Delaware’s own George Thorogood and The Destroyers “The Baddest Show on Earth,” on Sept. 10 and rock legends Styx on Oct. 2.

With performances scheduled into September and October, the 2026 season

invites audiences to keep the live music going well beyond the summer months. Additional shows will be released on a rolling basis as they are confirmed.

Tickets for the newly announced shows will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, April 24, at freemanarts.org.

With the opening of the new stage, audiences can look forward to a reimagined venue experience. The redesigned Grand Green will feature a nearly 30-foot grade, ensuring excellent sightlines from all areas. Enhanced pathways now connect all areas of the venue, making it easier to navigate the venue, including the Grand Green and seating areas.

Additional performances will continue to be announced. To view the full lineup and to learn more, visit freemanarts.org.

Banker elected to board

(April 24, 2026) The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has elected its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, selecting industry leaders from across the country to help guide the future of community banking.

Bank of Ocean City announced that its president and CEO, Reid B. Tingle, has been appointed to the ICBA Board of Directors and will serve as chairman of the ICBA Political Action Committee (PAC).

The ICBA PAC supports advocacy efforts that advance the interests of community banks nationwide, ensuring their voices are represented in legislative and regulatory discussions on Capitol Hill.

“I’m honored to represent our nation’s community banks as a member of the ICBA Board,” said Tingle. “ICBA’s advocacy is grounded in the real-world perspective of community banks like ours, helping shape policies that strengthen our ability to serve local businesses, individuals, and the communities we call home.”

This marks Tingle’s second one-year term on the ICBA Board. In addition to his board role, he serves on the ICBA Policy Development Committee and as a state representative on the Federal Delegate Board.

Health system promotion

TidalHealth has announced the promotion of Dr. Wen Cao to associate vice president of performance improvement and enterprise transformation, effective April 20. This promotion reflects the health system’s commitment to improvement performance, organizational excellence and the need for continued transformation to better support the region during a time of significant change in healthcare.

Cao joined TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in 2015 as a performance improvement consultant and has consistently demonstrated strong leadership, innovation and dedication to the organization’s mission. In 2019, he was promoted to director of performance improvement, where he and his team have played an important role in advancing education, improving processes and driving meaningful outcomes across the health system.

Under Cao’s leadership, the Performance Improvement team has supported a number of impactful initiatives across TidalHealth, including efforts to reduce length of stay, improve operating room utilization and strengthen financial stewardship and labor management. His team has also helped lead organizational education and deployment of the

TidalHealth Operating System and Core Team, contributing to improvement efforts and notable achievements in the Annual Chairman’s Awards in recent years.

“Wen’s promotion reflects the critical importance of Performance Improvement and the transformation necessary in delivering exceptional care, supporting our team and in shaping the future of our health system,” said Steve Leonard, Ph.D., MBA, FACHE. “As we evolve as a system, in the face of challenging times, our continued focus and investment in Performance Improvement will allow for our continued success.”

CROSSWORD

OCMD Hospitality installs incoming officers, directors

(April 24, 2026) Maryland Tourism Coalition Executive Director Ruth Toomey installed the 20262027 Officers and Board of Directors of the OCMD Hospitality Association at their annual Installation event held April 16.

Close to 200 members gathered at the Oyster & Scales for this annual ceremony, where Dan Jasinski with Stonebridge Companies was installed See OC Page 61

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, a delay turns out to be a blessing this week. You end up somewhere better than planned with this redirected route. Trust how things turned out.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

A decision you have been avoiding suddenly seems completely obvious, Taurus. Money as well as work clarity arrives closer to the weekend. Hold on to it while you can.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

You are the go-to person for the job when anyone needs some comic relief or a mood-lifter, Gemini. Your humor and insight will help someone more than you realize.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Cancer, offer your help to a friend or colleague in need but make sure you don’t go it alone. Enlist the help of others to ensure this new project goes smoothly.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

A compliment will hit you differently this week, Leo. You have earned the recognition, so don’t brush off the kind words that are offered to you in the next few days.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, something you thought was a problem this week, eventually will turn into a learning experience. This is a time for you to experience some emotional growth.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

It is time for an aesthetic and artistic reset, Libra. Figure out a way to change your decor, music playlist or your fashion sense. Your shift in attitude will attract good things.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

A moment of truth hits you this week, Scorpio. It won’t be dramatic, but it will clarify something you already knew. This revelation will free up mental space.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Last-minute plans can sometimes be the best plans, Sagittarius. Spontaneous fun is coming your way, so reach out and grab it.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, this week you will get proof that your effort matters to others. Praise from some close people in your life will have a notable impact.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

If you have been looking to expand your squad, Aquarius, this is the week when some new people will find you. A conversation helps you feel understood.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

You feel more motivated than usual, Pisces. Ride the wave that this energy boost offers you. It may be easy to get carried away, however.

OC nonprofit selects board leaders

Continued from Page 60

as the incoming -president. Installed as 1st vice president was Cole Taustin of Taustin Restaurant Group, and Jeremy Brink of Ocean 13 was installed to serve as the 2nd vice president. Keith Whisenant of the Residence Inn was reconfirmed for his second year as the secretary-treasurer.

The three-year Board of Directors installed included, Chad Olenchick of Cabanas Beach & Grille/Caribbean Pool Bar, Jason Gulshen with Harrison Group Hotels & Restaurants, and Matt Pfau with Touch of Italy. Twoyear directors included Wes Hanna of

Harpoon Hanna’s, Melissa Laws of Hampton Inn Bayfront and Nadine Horsey of Pit-n-Pub Restaurants.

Serving as one-year directors are Rick Staub of Princess Royale Resort, Dave Robinson of Boardwalk Hotel Group, and Megan Alvarado of Happy Jack Pancake House.

In existence since 1971, the OCMD Hospitality Association is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to connecting industry interests through advocacy, education, and networking. The OCMD Hospitality Association addresses common industry challenges and serves as a

central hub for information dissemination. Their goal remains to advance Ocean City as a premier destination.

The evening’s festivities also featured Earl Conley with the Bank of Ocean City presenting the Tres Lynch Scholarship to Wor-Wic Community College students, Susan Bamonto and Angelita Hampton. Additionally, the United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore thanked the members for their participation in the DINE STAY PLAY United program. The new board will have its first meeting on May 7th.

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

POETRY LESSON

Mr. Mills’ kindergarten class at Ocean City Elementary wrote acrostic poems to welcome in the spring season.

LEADER DOG DONATION

At a recent District 22 gathering of Lions Clubs in Hebron, Ocean City Lioness Lions Club President Donna Greenwood presented a generous donation to 22B District Governor Beth Whitelock, left, and Leader Dog representative Joey Johnson with his dog Tucker.  Joey received training and a companion to help with his blindness from the Lions Club Leader Dog School at no cost.  Leader Dog is a nationwide program to provide assistance to those who have limited or no vision free of charge.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WPS CONTEST WINNERS

Worcester Preparatory School proudly congratulates fourthgrade students Carson Kenton, Wesley Weeth, and Casey Heun for their outstanding achievements in this year’s Ladies Auxiliary American Legion Post #123 Americanism Essay Contest. Pictured, from left, are teacher Kim Jankowski, Casey Heun, who was awarded third place, Wesley Weeth, who received second place, Carson Kenton, who earned first place, and Head of Lower School Travis Bower.

SUBMITTED

ANGLERS CLUB SPEAKER

The Ocean Pines Anglers Club hosted speaker Capt. Philomena Cannuli, who holds a 100-ton captain’s license. She, along with her father Vince, run the family inshore charter business Running Tide Charters. An experienced commercial long liner and gill net fisherman, she is also apprenticing in the boat restoration trade and operates a boat detailing service in her spare time. She is pictured with OPAC Administrator Frank Tortella.

SUBMITTED

Calendar

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

Fri., April 24

SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free live music all day long, food vendors, arts and craft vendors and more. Free admission. https://www.ococean.com/springfest/

55TH ANNUAL WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITION & ART FESTIVAL

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Bird carvings, wildfowl art exhibitions, competitions, hands-on classes, vendors, and more. Free admission. Living Legend Awards at 5:30 p.m. (badge or VIP pass required). wardfdn.org, 410-339-0668

WHO’S BAD: THE MICHAEL JACKSON EXPERIENCE

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. The longest-running Michael Jackson tribute act. Prices are $45 and $55. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/43743320 /whos-badthe-michael-jackson-experience-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL AT SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Incredible chalk art created by talented artists. Stop by the Art League tent for fun “make and take” art activities. https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event/street-painting-festival-at-springfest/, 410-524-9433

MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL KITE EXPOSITION

Ocean City Beach between Third and Seventh streets, 511 Boardwalk. Featuring exhibitions, giant kite displays, demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons with some of the best kite flyers from around the world. 410-289-7855, https://kiteloft.com

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CHECK-OUT CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Pick up a challenge sheet in the kids’ department. Earn a prize by checking out at least three items from the challenge list during the week. For families. 410641-0650, 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

O.P.V.F.D. CASH BINGO

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-9 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cash bingo ($75 to $500), 50/50 raffles and food truck. Cost is $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Benefiting the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. 410-641-8272

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. At least $1,000 in payouts and a chance for a $1,000 big jackpot at the end of the evening. Light snacks sold. 410-524-7994

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. 410-524-7994

Sat., April 25

SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free live music all day long, food vendors, arts and craft vendors and more. Free admission. https://www.ococean.com/springfest/

55TH ANNUAL WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITION & ART FESTIVAL

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Bird carvings, wildfowl art exhibitions, competitions, hands-on classes, vendors, and more. Free admission. Worlds Winner Mixer at 5:30 p.m. (badge or VIP pass required). wardfdn.org, 410-339-0668

ARE YOU READY FOR IT? A TAYLOR SWIFT EXPERIENCE

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Bringing the spirit Eras Tour. Prices are $45 and $55. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/46781766/ are-you-ready-for-ita-taylor-swift-experience-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL AT SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Incredible chalk art created by talented artists. Stop by the Art League tent for fun “make and take” art activities. https://artleagueo-

foceancity.org/event/street-painting-festival-at-springfest/, 410-524-9433

MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL KITE EXPOSITION

Ocean City Beach between Third and Seventh streets, 511 Boardwalk. Featuring exhibitions, giant kite displays, demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons with some of the best kite flyers from around the world. 410-289-7855, https://kiteloft.com

AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET

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

OCEAN CITY MARLIN CLUB NAUTICAL FLEA MARKET

Ocean City Marlin Club parking lot, 9659 Golf Course Road, 7:30-11 a.m. Rods, reels, tackle, art work and more. https://members.ocmarlinclub.com/event6524060?CalendarViewType=1&Sele ctedDate=4/20/2026

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CHECK-OUT CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Pick up a challenge sheet in the kids’ department. Earn a prize by checking out at least three items from the challenge list during the week. For families. 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

POCOMOKE NATURE TRAIL: SPRING MIGRATION BIRD-WATCHING

Pavillion at Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 10 a.m.-noon. Bring your binoculars, bird guides and journals to look for the new spring migration arrivals. Weather permitting. For families. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

SERVICE SQUAD

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 11 a.m. Teens, help out with craft and program prep, or other activities that help the library to earn service learning hours. Open to students of Worcester County schools. For ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650

SPRING INTO GOLD CASH BINGO

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 2-5 p.m. More than $3,500 in cash prizes. Bingo, pull tabs, and food and drinks available. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 at the door. All proceeds benefit Worcester County GOLD. Tickets: WorcesterGOLD.org.

HOMEMADE PASTA WORKSHOP

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 2-3:30 p.m. Learn the art of Southern Italian pasta and take home 8 oz. of fresh pasta with cooking tips. Cost is $40 for Ocean Pines resi-

dents and $45 for non-residents. Registration: 410-641-7052.

TAYLOR HOUSE MUSEUM GUEST BARTENDING

Sister’s Wine Bar, 113 N. Main St., Berlin, 6 p.m. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-6417052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market

Sun., April 26

SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free live music all day long, food vendors, arts and craft vendors and more. Free admission. https://www.ococean.com/springfest/

55TH ANNUAL WARD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING COMPETITION & ART FESTIVAL

Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Bird carvings, wildfowl art exhibitions, competitions, hands-on classes, vendors, and more. Free admission. Award presentation noon in the PAC. wardfdn.org, 410-339-0668

STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL AT SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Incredible chalk art created by talented artists. Stop by the Art League tent for fun “make and take” art activities.

https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event/ street-painting-festival-at-springfest/, 410-524-9433

MARYLAND INTERNATIONAL KITE EXPOSITION

Ocean City Beach between Third and Seventh streets, 511 Boardwalk. Featuring exhibitions, giant kite displays, demonstrations including stunt and power kite lessons with some of the best kite flyers from around the world. 410289-7855, https://kiteloft.com

REEF FEAST 2026 - OCEAN CITY REEF FOUNDATION

Hooper’s Crab House, 12913 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, 12-4 p.m. An afternoon of fun, live and silent auctions and mystery boxes. Tickets cost $50. OCreefs.org

Continued on Page 64

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., April 27

MOMMY/DADDY & ME CRAFT TIME

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Come read a fun short story and do an easy age appropriate craft. All materials provided. Parents may need to assist child with craft. Participants must pre-register: 410-641-7052, www.oceanpines.org.

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9:30 a.m. Jocelyn Abbot, Election Director for Worcester County, will speak about the upcoming elections in Worcester County. All are welcome. https://dwcmd.org

STORY TIME: COUNTING

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

NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER: SIGNERS HALL

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. A virtual tour of Signers Hall, an exhibit of 42 bronze statues of the signers of the Constitution. 443-783-6164

COMIC BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn about comics and create your own. No experience required. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.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

Tues., April 28

SENSORY STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A 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

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

STORY TIME AT CYPRESS PARK

Cypress Park, 7 Bridge St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m.-noon. Stories, songs and outside play at Cypress Park. If inclement weather, story time will be held at the Pocomoke Library. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

HISTORY OF MYSTERY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Magician and magic historian Mike Rose will talk to us about magic and magicians from the past while also including antiquarian magic recreated and performed. 410-208-4014, 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

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

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. 410289-4725

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.

Wed., April 29

KIDS PAINT NIGHT

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Cost is $22 and includes all materials and instruction. For ages 5-17 years. Pre-registration required: 410-641-7052.

COFFEE & CRAFTS: BUTTERFLY GARLAND

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in every month for a new craft. All supplies provided. Limit 30. 410524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

‘BINGO WITH A HEART’ LUNCHEON & FUNDRAISER

St. Andrew Parish Center, 14401 Sinepuxent Ave., Ocean City, 11:30 a.m.

Doors open at 10 a.m. Cash prizes. Tickets cost $45 and include lunch, all bingo games & door prize entries. Supporting the Joseph House. Tickets/reservations: https://ocladyknights.com. 302-3645645

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. 410641-0650

SELF DEFENSE BASICS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Kevin Killian from Gracie Ocean City teaches this class. Registration required: 410641-0650. worcesterlibrary.org

DISCOVERY ROTARY

Shaffer Law Office, 11033 Cathell Road, Berlin, 5:30-6:30 p.m. Come find out how you can be a part of the OC/Berlin Rotary Club. Join in for happy hour fare. RSVP: ocberlinrotary@gmail.com or Gina Shaffer, 410-375-6006.

PUBLIC MEETING: HUDSON BRANCH RESTORATION PROJECT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5:30 p.m. Public meeting to discuss the design of the Hudson Branch Stream Restoration along Bottle Branch Road. Virtual: www.facebook.com/townofberlinmd/. Info: Kate Daub, kdaub@berlinmd.gov.

16TH ANNUAL TASTE OF FINER THINGS

Harrison’s Harbor Watch, 806 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 6-9 p.m. Entertainment by Adam McDonough, silent auction and raffle for OBX Beachhouse. Tickets: https://www.coastalhospice.org/tastedonation/. Benefiting Coastal Hospice Patient Care.

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. 443605-5028

Continued on Page 65

Crossword answers from page 60

CALENDAR

Thurs., April 30

36TH

ANNUAL CRUISIN OCEAN CITY

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Also at the Ocean City Convention Center. Vendors, live music, boardwalk parades. Admission cost is $15 for adults and free to kids 13 years and younger. https://specialeventpro.com/cruisin-ocean-city, 410-798-6304

THE FAB FOUR: HELP!

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Featuring a live Beatles experience that feels straight from the 1960s. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/469543 08/the-fab-fourhelp-ocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m. Join Tidal Health Community Health Educator Bobbi McDonald for a morning of stretching and relaxation. Registration required: 410-957-0878. worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ‘I BELIEVE IN ME’

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

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-5622, worcesterlibrary.org

1920s POETRY: DOROTHY PARKER

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Join poet Nancy Mitchell to learn more about the life and times of Dorothy Parker, a native New Yorker whose witty, urbane poems, essays and screenplays helped define The Roaring Twenties. 410-208-4014

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want to share. Come find your next great read. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

JELLY BEAN TASTE TESTING

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Taste test jelly beans of all flavors. For ages 12-18 years. Registration required: 410-208-4014. worcesterlibrary.org

DRY PANTRY

Thursdays - St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For those in need of resources such as paper products, laundry products, baby items, and personal care items. Limits apply. 410-641-0270 Continued from Page 64

Come and get it Restaurant Week in OC

By Stewart Dobson Editor

People who are longing to dine out but are being cautious with their money should be heartened to know that Ocean City’s Restaurant Week is on the menu for next week.

A staple of the Ocean City experience since 2007, Restaurant Week allows chefs and staffs, owners and operators the chance to introduce themselves to new customers and to show off a bit for the regulars at attractive lower pricing.

So far, 22 restaurants have signed up to participate in the April 26 to May 9 promotion and have come up with discounted prices on multiplate packages — appetizers, entrée and dessert, as well as other special offerings such as wine pairings.

Diners looking for something

special will find entrees such as lamb chops with balsamic glaze, lobster ravioli with crab alfredo sauce, or local rockfish over sauteed spinach with sundried tomatoes, jumbo lump crab and Noilly Prat sauce. And yes, there’s prime rib.

“Restaurant Week is an opportunity to experience the culinary scene while supporting the local businesses that make this destination special,” stated event organizer Susan Jones, Director, OCMD Hospitality Association.

Signed up so far this year are:

• 32 Palm

• Bourbon Street on the Beach

• Captain’s Table

• Chesapeake & Capri (the Plaza)

• Coastal Salt

• Coral Reef Restaurant & Bar

• Duffy’s Tavern

• Fager’s Island

• Happy Jack Pancake House

• Harpoon Hanna’s

• Harrison’s Harbor Watch Bar

• Liberatore’s Tapas & Wine Bar

• Longboard Café

• Marlin Moon Restaurant

• Ocean 13

• Oyster & Scales

• Real Raw Organics

• Sea Bay Bar & Grille

• Skye Bar & Grille

• Sunset Grille

• The Hobbit

• The Vault Speakeasy @ Flamingo Coast

Because of the popularity of Restaurant Week, guests are advised to call for reservations. Visit https://oceancityrestaurantweek.com for more details and to check out the menus of participating restaurants.

66 OC Today-Dispatch

General Manager

The Barefoot Mailman Motel is seeking a self-motivated person for the General Manager Position

The Barefoot Mailman Motel is a small, pet friendly hotel located in Ocean City. This position is a seasonal, 8-month position. Compensation at $20/hour with overtime possible. Contact the Barefoot Mailman at 410-259-5343 or email Adam at als@castleinthesand.com

HIGH POINT NORTH CONDOMINIUMS

11400 Coastal Highway, OCMD NOW

HIRING

FT/YR CUSTODIAN/ MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT

Hours 8am-4pm, must work summer weekends, off Tuesday/Wednesday. Call Tom 410-524-1761 or fax resume to 410-524-0030

call 302-541-8831 for an interview

THE PLAZA CONDOMINIUM

Seasonal Opportunities

Security Preservation Officer

Ensure the safety and peace of our residents by performing regular property patrols and monitoring building access points. We are seeking professional individuals who can remain alert and provide a reassuring presence throughout the premises for all guests. Candidates must be reliable and capable of upholding security protocols with a calm, professional demeanor at all times.

Housekeeping Team

Join our housekeeping staff to maintain the high standards of cleanliness that our guests expect in all rooms and common areas. You will be responsible for sanitizing guest spaces and ensuring all amenities, from linens to lobbies, are kept pristine and well-stocked. We value detail-oriented workers who take immense pride in creating a comfortable, welcoming environment for our beachfront community.

Pool Attendant

Create a wonderful experience for our guests by providing top-tier service on our oceanfront deck, including checking pool tags and maintaining accurate owner logs. You will be responsible for routine water quality maintenance, including monitoring pH and chlorine levels to ensure a perfectly balanced swimming environment. Ideal candidates will focus on guest satisfaction by keeping the deck tidy and engaging with residents to ensure their summer stay is flawless.

Receptionist

Full-time Receptionist/Front Desk Administrator. Friendly, professional customer service skills required. Duties include answering phones, greeting residents and guests, handling front desk operations, maintaining records, and providing office support. Receptionist or administrative experience preferred.

The Plaza Condominiums 9800 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD 21842

Call 410-723-3300 or email resume to jobs.plazaoc@gmail.com

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

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL

Now Hiring

• FT NIGHT AUDITOR RoomMaster exp. pref. Weekends required. Apply in person 9am-4pm 32nd St., Baltimore Ave.

JOLLY ROGER

Small Engine Mechanic & Ride Maintenance. (Must have mechanical knowledge) Technical Support & Installation (Entry level with knowledge of network systems)

SEASONAL HELP: Cashiers, Waterpark Attendants, Lifeguards, Ride Operators Wage based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902

The Breakers Hotel FRONT DESK

CLERKS

The Breakers Hotel is currently looking for Full or Part-time seasonal front desk clerks available during the evening hours, 3-11 p.m. Experience in Room Maser is not required; however, basic computer skills are necessary. Please send your resume to info@ocbreakers.com or contact us directly, 410-289-9165 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Hiring House Cleaner for cleaning business in Bethany. Day shift plus weekends. Experience a plus. Soft background check. Please call or text 443-453-1113

Hiring Pool Deck Attendant 9400 Condominium Building Full Time, Seasonal May to September. Hours 10-6. $16 per hour.

Duties: Keep Pool Area Clean - Check for Wrist Bands - Sell Ice Cream, Other Duties as Needed. Call 410-524-9400.

15 Passenger Bus Driver for school drop-offs and pickups. Background check required. Mon.-Fri. Part-time during school year, mornings and afternoons. $20/hour. Call 410-629-0878, ask for Aubrey.

RENTALS

RENTAL Available Immediately 2 UNITS - Robin Dr. (1 furn., 1 unfurn.) 2BR, 1BA. Dog friendly only. Ideal for 2 mature adults. $2,000/mo. + electric. Call/text 703-819-7400

Mention this ad for $10 OFF Application Fee!

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

$120,000

BUYS YOU A BEAUTIFUL 2024 MOBILE HOME! Minutes to the beach and next door to county boat ramp. $700/mo. Lot Rent pays for water/sewer/ trash/taxes. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

COMMERCIAL

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

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE OR RENT West OC Salt Life Community. 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.

2 Office/Retail Spaces

available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200

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

Commercial Space 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.

SERVICES

LARRY’S HANDYMAN

SERVICES No job too small, windows, entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066

Larryandkim1954@ gmail.com

TINY YORKIE PUPPIES

Home Raised. Males and Females. Mother and Father on premises. 302-934-8913

WANT TO BUY I BUY ALBUMS! 410-430-5349 FOR SALE

BACKYARD EGGS DUCK AND CHICKEN 443-880-4595

CEMETERY PLOT FOR SALE

SUNSET MEMORIAL PARK Plot # 171-C REDUCED! $450 ($1,000 VALUE!) Rt. 50, Berlin, MD Call 443-783-2989

May 9, 2026, 8am-1pm. Rain Date May 16, 2026.

Aldridge Pite LLP

6001 Executive Blvd., Suite 200

Rockville, MD 20852

301-961-6555

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES' SALE OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON

1512 SNOWHILL ROAD STOCKTON, MD 21864

Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated October 26, 2006, recorded in Liber 4825, Folio 1 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $63,000.00, 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

MAY 12, 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 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 $6,000 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. 377579-1)

Andrew J. Brenner, et al, Substitute Trustees

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the Order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000026 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., at the front door of Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, 16 64th Street, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and ByLaws, as amended, dated September 12, 2001, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 3122, Folio 573, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 171, Folio 28, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8417, Page 180, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.

A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or

certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.

For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.

OCD-4/16/3t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

14 38th Street, #302 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-26-000070, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 14 38th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on

MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 AT 10:00 AM

ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, designated as Unit No. 302 in the Condesa Condominium, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber No. 441, folio 201.

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 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 Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) 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-4/16/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

P06-26 – Non-Cash Bus Fare Payment System

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Non-Cash Bus Fare Payment System and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the NonCash Bus Fare Payment System 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 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 TUESDAY, APRIL 14TH, 2026 AT 11:00AM EST, AT THE PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, 214 65TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. Pre-Proposal Meeting attendance is mandatory for Vendors intending to submit Proposals for consideration. The Town of Ocean City will additionally provide a virtual attendance option, via Zoom, upon formal request in writing to the Procurement Manager, for Vendors unable to attend the Pre-Proposal Meeting in person. The Last Day for Questions will be on THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH, 2026, AT 4:00PM EST. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, MAY 1ST, 2026.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, MAY 14TH, 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, MAY 15TH, 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 (P06-26 – Non-Cash Bus Fare Payment System) 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-3/26/7t

DAVID C. MAJORS

THE MAJORS LAW FIRM 1750 TYSONS BLVD. STE. 1500 MCLEAN, VA 22102-4200 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21080 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOAN T. DONNELLY

Notice is given that Gary W. Donnelly, 6133 Mountain Springs Ln., Clifton, VA 20124-2340, was on April 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan T. Donnelly who died on March 14, 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 1st day of October, 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 1st day of October, 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.

Gary W. Donnelly 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: April 09, 2026

OCD-4/9/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B13-26 – Ocean City Fire Station #4 Apron

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking BID’s from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Ocean City Fire Station #4 and for said work to conform with the BID Documents.

BID Documents for the Ocean City Fire Station #4 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) 7236643 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 THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST, AT THE FIRE STATION #4, 12925 COASTAL HIGHWAY, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last Day for Questions will be on MONDAY, APRIL 20TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM EST.

Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST, 2026. Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, APRIL 27TH, 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, APRIL 28TH, 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 (Ocean City Fire Station #4 Apron) 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.

Matt Perry Procurement Manager Town of Ocean City, Maryland OCD-4/9/3t

JAMES W. ALMAND, ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

OF

APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21086 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARK WIESAND

Notice is given that Deborah Lynn Wiesand, 3801 Atlantic Ave., Unit 206, Ocean City, MD 218423386, was on April 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mark Wiesand who died on March 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 1st day of October, 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 1st day of October, 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 Lynn Wiesand 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: April 09, 2026

OCD-4/9/3t

REENA J. PATEL 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 Estate No. 21084 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF NIVLYS ANNE KITZIG

AKA: NIVLYS A. KITZIG

Notice is given that Mary Kitzig, P.O. Box 990, 1551 Kaufman Road, Buena Vista, CO 81211-0990, was on April 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nivlys Anne Kitzig who died on December 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 1st day of October, 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 1st day of October, 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.

Mary Kitzig

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: April 09, 2026

OCD-4/9/3t

REENA J. PATEL 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 DOROTHY E. DAILEY Estate No. 21085 Notice is given that ALBERT JOHN DAILEY whose address is 106 SPRING PLACE WAY, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7294 was on APRIL 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY E. DAILEY who died on AUGUST 03, 2004 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 1st day of OCTOBER, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of OCTOBER, 2026

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-4/9/3t

WORCESTER COUNTY MARYLAND

OFFICE OF THE TREASURER

GOVERNMENT CENTER

1 WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1105

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

TAX SALE

OF PROPERTIES LOCATED IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

State and County taxes for the 2024 tax levy (and prior years) by the County Commissioners of Worcester County and/or delinquent water, sewer, and assessment charges and/or delinquent nuisance abatements on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid, and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon and costs attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Treasurer, Finance Officer, and Collector of State and County taxes for Worcester County, Maryland, as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland, the undersigned Treasurer, Finance Officer and Collector, aforesaid, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the following properties. This public auction will be held with Real Auction.com. The link is https://worcester.marylandtaxsale.co m

STARTING WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026 @ 10:00 A.M.

CLOSING FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 AT THE HOUR OF 1:00 P.M.

LIST OF PROPERTIES

Acct# 10359449 Assessed To 113 Ocean City Md LLC. Located At 113 79th St 0006 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 6 S Side 79th St The Ritz CM. Assessment $321,000.

Total Due $9,350.65.

Acct# 01000578 Assessed To A J Builders LLC. Located At Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 83' X 328' Nw Side R-113 Willow Grove. Assessment $18,500. Total Due $490.68.

Acct# 10140137 Assessed To Adler Tracy Field Adler Robert. Located At 11500 Coastal Hwy 0804 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 804 Beach Hwy Sea Watch CM. Assessment $395,400. Total Due $12,214.64.

Acct# 01017667 Assessed To ALC Properties LLC. Located At 130 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 22 1/2' X 78' S Side Market St & Clarke Ave. Assessment $38,800. Total Due $1,872.19.

Acct# 01020110 Assessed To Allen Bertha R For Life. Located At 709 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 39' X 100' E Side 709 Fourth St Pocomoke. Assessment $148,200. Total Due $3,458.94.

Located At 11518 Longridge Ln Whaleyville, Md 21872. Described As 4.99 Acs Near N Side R 346 W Of Whaleyville. Assessment $326,167. Total Due $6,895.67.

Acct# 02021854 Assessed To Aydelotte Roland Jay & Joan E. Located At 509 Church St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 24,483 Sq Ft 509 Church St Snow Hill Lot Adj Lds Aydelotte Pl. Assessment $164,100. Total Due $8,500.92.

Acct# 08001219 Assessed To Baine David Lee. Located At 5806 Onley Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As 0.39 Acs S Side Onley Road Pl Survey Carl M Bondy. Assessment $113,500. Total Due $2,467.06.

Acct# 03018911 Assessed To Baker Joseph E Sr. Located At 7424 Libertytown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 4 47 Acs South Side R 374 Libertytown Road. Assessment $124,867. Total Due $1,844.10.

Acct# 10395380 Assessed To Ball Family Trust The. Located At 10117 Fast Colors Ln Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 393 10000 Sq Ft Fast Colors Ln Riddle Farm Subdiv Ph 16. Assessment $562,800. Total Due $11,341.05.

Acct# 02006936 Assessed To Ballard Artie H & Elizabeth W. Located At 4239 Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 18 Blk 1 Sec 1 W/S Market St 35184 Sq Ft Pl Castle Hill Ests. Assessment $111,400. Total Due $2,526.80.

Acct# 10769600 Assessed To Bartee Tammie Marie. Located At 5 Bridge Point CM Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #5 Rusty Anchor Rd Bridge Point CM. Assessment $20,000. Total Due $724.73.

Acct# 10269229 Assessed To Bateman Farms Inc. Located At 10002 Coastal Hwy 0609 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 609 Z Coastal Hwy Marigot Beach CM. Assessment $426,200. Total Due $12,645.02.

Acct# 10036941 Assessed To Bateman Farms Inc. Located At 1201 Atlantic Ave 0207 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 207 12th St & Boardwalk Decatur House CM. Assessment $285,267. Total Due $8,256.64.

Acct# 10225590 Assessed To BB Capital And Consulting LLC. Located At 103 123rd St 0319a Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 319 B A P 1 123rd St Jockey Beach Club CM. Assessment $190,733. Total Due $5,511.93.

Acct# 10200016 Assessed To BB Capital And Consulting LLC. Located At 13324 Nantucket Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 1608 Sec 4B Nantucket Rd Pl Montego Bay Mob Hm Pk. Assessment $187,967. Total Due $5,505.70.

Acct# 10205948 Assessed To BB

Total Due $5,970.33.

Acct# 01023063 Assessed To Beckwith Hattie M. Located At 413 Oxford St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 40' X 125' N Side 413 Oxford St Pocomoke. Assessment $29,800. Total Due $1,475.36.

Acct# 01015109 Assessed To Beckwith Richard W Jr. Located At 1011 Clarke Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 9 Blk K 55' X 133.1' E Side 1011 Clarke Ave. Assessment $43,200. Total Due $2,084.76.

Acct# 10120586 Assessed To Bellosi-Mitchell Grace M & BellosiSiebert Jessica. Located At 10900 Coastal Hwy 0202 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 202 Beach Hwy Golden Sands Club CM. Assessment $447,667. Total Due $13,225.12.

Acct# 02016680 Assessed To Benavides Investments LLC. Located At 102 W Green St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 20.2 X 52 102 W Green St Snow Hill. Assessment $226,700. Total Due $8,610.09.

Acct# 10722136 Assessed To Bernetta A Vaughan Revocable Livin Vaughan Bernetta A Trustee. Located At Dawn's Cove Th CM F Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #F Osprey Rd Dawn's Cove Th CM. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $845.90.

Acct# 10328640 Assessed To Bernoski Mary M. Located At 12313 Rumrunner Dr Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 83 3001 Sq Ft Rumrunner Drive Assateague Pt Resort P 1. Assessment $154,600. Total Due $3,281.08.

Acct# 10183162 Assessed To Berrett Rebecca Ann. Located At 607 Twin Tree Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 4 Blk 13 Sec 1D Twin Tree Road Pl Caine Woods. Assessment $369,900. Total Due $7,765.32.

Acct# 03163377 Assessed To Berzonski Derrick J & Shawnee J Berzonski. Located At 201 Flagship Cir Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 42 Ph 1S 21781 SF Flagship Cir Decatur Farms Pl. Assessment $384,267. Total Due $10,383.47.

Acct# 05000068 Assessed To Bivens Letitia Rodnay. Located At 9425 Morris Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 17.19 Acs N Side Morris Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $96,533. Total Due $2,266.56.

Acct# 05000254 Assessed To Blake Quincy & Irene For Life. Located At Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 60 X 259 75 N Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $37,267. Total Due $869.20.

Call: 410-723-6397

Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail:

legals@octodaydispatch.com

Acct# 10295653 Assessed To Althoff Donald & Schwartz Deanna. Located At 307 B 13th St 6 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U66B 311 North Court Royal Palm Th CM. Assessment $144,667. Total Due $4,406.71.

Acct# 03001504 Assessed To Aydelotte Donna M Aydelotte Neil W.

Capital And Consulting LLC. Located At 423 Yawl Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 321 Sec 6-B Yawl Drive Pl Montego Bay Mobile Home Park. Assessment $301,400. Total Due $8,639.18.

Acct# 10221064 Assessed To Bealefeld Shirley W Leaf Coughlin Valerie C. Located At 11 134th St 0307 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 307 134th St Ocean Princess CM. Assessment $200,200.

Acct# 01020536 Assessed To Blount Allen B Jr. Located At 523 Young St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 47.6' X 108.6' 523 Young Street Pocomoke. Assessment $18,000. Total Due $2,567.84.

Acct# 01001280 Assessed To Blount Allen B Jr & Mirian B Golden. Located At Cypress Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 105' X 105' W Side UnionvilleCedar Hall Road. Assessment $8,900. Total Due $519.42.

Acct# 01020013 Assessed To Borden Estelle. Located At 707 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described

As 34' X 100' E Side 707 Fourth St Pocomoke. Assessment $3,000. Total Due $505.46.

Acct# 10402557 Assessed To Bowers Jason S. Located At 11 Seascape CM 11 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #11 Heron Drive Seascape CM. Assessment $17,667. Total Due $628.64.

Acct# 10352940 Assessed To Bowman Brady S. Located At 12542 Old Bridge Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Par A .716 Acs S Side Old Ocean City Rd Edward B Gray Sub. Assessment $208,500. Total Due $3,251.61.

Acct# 10232252 Assessed To Braun Robert J & Braun Silja B. Located At 2802 B Plover Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 332B Plover Drive Plat Outrigger II Bay Sho Est. Assessment $305,100. Total Due $9,149.06.

Acct# 02009277 Assessed To Brewington Lawrence K & Kelly C. Located At 6758 Mccabes Corner Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 0.56 Ac S/W Side Mccabes Corner Rd Loc Sur L Reithmuller. Assessment $204,600. Total Due $4,440.98.

Acct# 02011891 Assessed To Brittingham Lynette. Located At 4119 Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 1.45 Acs Sw/Sd Market St Rev/ Lds Waters Et Al. Assessment $44,400. Total Due $1,159.32.

Acct# 10768889 Assessed To Burke Edward A Trustee & Burke Kathryn D Trustee Etal. Located At Baltimore Ave Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Parcel A 1704 SF Baltimore Ave Resub Of Lts 6 & 7 Into. Assessment $103,067. Total Due $3,150.41.

Acct# 04000439 Assessed To Burkett Edwina L. Located At 7454 Queponco Rd Newark, Md 21841. Described As 1.094 Acs Sw Side Queponco Rd W Of Newark. Assessment $77,200. Total Due $1,799.03.

Acct# 10002265 Assessed To Burton Jeffrey Burton Julilyn. Located At 10409 Exeter Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 26A Blk 8 Sec A Exeter Road Resub Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $519,200. Total Due $9,960.52.

Acct# 01021427 Assessed To Butler Kenneth D & Marvin Dinky Parker Jr. Located At 513 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 74' X 60' N Side 513 & 515 Laurel St. Assessment $66,000. Total Due $2,963.21.

Acct# 10083400 Assessed To C1 Holdings LLC. Located At 12 72nd St 0101 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 101 72nd St Atlantic Court CM. Assessment $215,367. Total Due $6,324.16.

Acct# 10337070 Assessed To C1 Holdings LLC. Located At 12626 Sunset Ave 0068J Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 68 B J S 2-O Sunset Ave Sunset Village CM. Assessment $204,000. Total Due $1,221.44.

Acct# 10722829 Assessed To Campbell Jill C Stewart Robert Scot. Located At Harbor Place CM C Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #C Windward Dr Harbor Place CM. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $566.80.

Acct# 01003143 Assessed To Carter Melinda. Located At 1523

Unionville Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 100' X 200' N Side Unionville Rd SW Of Pocomoke. Assessment $101,100. Total Due $2,295.84.

Acct# 10165822 Assessed To Carter Richard D Frances M Tenants In Common. Located At 13400 Coastal Hwy S208 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U As-208 Btw 134th & 135th Sts Bluewater East A CM. Assessment $203,333. Total Due $5,975.42.

Acct# 01019511 Assessed To Charles Edmane. Located At 103 Linden Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Item 1 40' X 155' Item 2 26' X 155' N Side 103 Linden Ave. Assessment $337,800. Total Due $15,100.26.

Acct# 01029495 Assessed To Clabaugh Daniel G. Located At 1301 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Revsd Par 207 1.12 A N Side Market St Subdv & Bndy Ln Adj Dani. Assessment $69,300. Total Due $3,326.74.

Acct# 03034321 Assessed To Collick Beatrice Pitts Reginald T. Located At 114 Railroad Ave Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 69 3 X 591 36 N Side Railroad Avenue Berlin. Assessment $54,933. Total Due $2,303.10.

Acct# 03029123 Assessed To Corbin Leslie H. Located At 104 South Main St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot W Side 104 S Main X Washington Sts. Assessment $298,367. Total Due $8,640.29.

Acct# 10336651 Assessed To Cuart James A. Located At 201 S Heron Dr 0009F Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 9 B F P 3 Edward Taylor Rd Harbour Club CM. Assessment $318,700. Total Due $9,377.09.

Acct# 10215986 Assessed To Cubler Angela Reese Susan Etal. Located At 20 St Louis Ave 0004 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 4 St Louis Ave Bay Haven CM. Assessment $133,300. Total Due $3,253.35.

Acct# 07007876 Assessed To Culver Eric C Culver Rebecca L. Located At 8080 Stevens Rd Salisbury, Md 21804. Described As Lot 1 2.109 Acs E Side Stevens Road Donald Culver Min Sub. Assessment $254,500. Total Due $5,520.00.

Acct# 07000227 Assessed To Culver Eric C Culver Rebecca Lynn. Located At 8124 Stevens Rd Salisbury, Md 21804. Described As 37.891 Acs E Side Stevens Road W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $282,700. Total Due $6,324.58.

Acct# 03083101 Assessed To Curry Greg Curry Judith. Located At 3 Ivy Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-03-035 11146 Sq Ft Ivy Lane Pl Ocean Pines Sec 3. Assessment $286,733. Total Due $5,758.90.

Acct# 03097323 Assessed To Dahl John & Dahl Susan. Located At 1 Maid Marion Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-543 11425 Sq Ft Castle Dr Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $257,967. Total Due $2,746.55.

Acct# 02018705 Assessed To Demarr Derek. Located At 115 Collins St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 57.5 X 116.5 X 57.5 X 118.1 115 N Collins St Snow Hill. Assessment $155,900. Total Due $6,291.55.

Acct# 01007173 Assessed To Denney Jeffery A. Located At 4417 Stockton Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 125' X 317' N Side Stockton Rd E Of Pocomoke. Assessment $54,400. Total Due $1,350.55.

Acct# 01040049 Assessed To Dewey Bay Limited Liability Compan. Located At 2145 Old Snow Hill Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 2A Ph 4 2.11 Acs N Side Old Snow Hill Rd Lt Ln Aband Newtowne Squ. Assessment $521,300. Total Due $24,189.85.

Acct# 01030582 Assessed To Dewey Bay Limited Liability Company. Located At 9 Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 80' X 195' X 102' X 103' X 213.96' E Side 9 Sixth St. Assessment $37,800. Total Due $1,856.86.

Acct# 01029533 Assessed To Dewey Bay LLC. Located At Dorchester St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 115' X 49 1/2' SW Side Dorchester Ave Pocomoke. Assessment $29,000. Total Due $1,464.26.

Acct# 01030698 Assessed To Dewey Bay LLC. Located At Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 1 - 37897 Sq Ft 6th St Car Wash Age Associates Plat. Assessment $221,900. Total Due $10,425.20.

Acct# 01029525 Assessed To Dewey Bay LLC. Located At 1105 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 135' X 311' N Side Market St Pocomoke. Assessment $192,400. Total Due $8,922.46.

Acct# 10338530 Assessed To Dickey Kate A. Located At 8527 North Longboat Way Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 236 North Longboat Way Assateague Pt Resort P 2. Assessment $173,500. Total Due $3,653.46.

Acct# 03769108 Assessed To Diehl Gregory John. Located At 10155 Harrison Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 2 19.26 Acs W Side Harrison Rd Min Sub David & Bonnie D. Assessment $451,733. Total Due $9,197.38.

Acct# 04005546 Assessed To Donaway George William Sr & Donaway Brenda A. Located At 6262 Basket Switch Rd Newark, Md 21841. Described As Lot 1 1.15 Acs E Side Basket Switch Rd Plat Oak Hill Estates. Assessment $181,800. Total Due $3,864.42.

Acct# 01001019 Assessed To Donaway Rita Elizabeth. Located At 2514 Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 190' X 190' X 190' X 143' Near E Side R-113 NE Of Pocomoke. Assessment $68,100. Total Due $1,659.20.

Acct# 03054896 Assessed To Doria Allison. Located At 2 White Sail Cir Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-01-694 7500 Sq Ft White Sail Cr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 1. Assessment $264,633. Total Due $4,801.75.

Acct# 10006430 Assessed To Dougherty Edwin J. Located At 12654 Balte Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 24 Blk 6 Sec A E Side Balte Road Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $422,100. Total Due $6,757.13.

Acct# 03050408 Assessed To Dowd Martin M & Jone M. Located At 29 Harborview Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot C-01393 5000 Sq Ft Harborview Dr Plat

Ocean Pines Sec 1-B. Assessment $499,067. Total Due $22,830.84.

Acct# 10010292 Assessed To Drummond Sylvia V & Ruth J Williams & Others. Located At Sinepuxent Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 2 Acs S Side Sinepuxent Rd W Of Ocean City. Assessment $13,900. Total Due $391.80.

Acct# 10010306 Assessed To Drummond Sylvia V & Ruth J Williams & Others. Located At Sinepuxent Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot S Side Sinepuxent Road West Of Ocean City. Assessment $11,400. Total Due $338.05.

Acct# 08009961 Assessed To Dukes Harvey Dukes John Clayton Etal. Located At Dukes Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 10 Acs Near Kellys Mill Near R-112 S Of Snow Hill. Assessment $10,000. Total Due $307.96.

Acct# 07000278 Assessed To Dykes Judith A. Located At 445 McGrath Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 55 Acs Marcellus Brown Tract McGrath Road. Assessment $156,600. Total Due $3,815.04.

Acct# 10265258 Assessed To East Of The Sun Association Of Owners Inc. Located At State Line Ave Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As .83 Ac Escaped Prop Coastal Highway To Dukes Avenue Ocean City. Assessment $9,100. Total Due $549.79.

Acct# 10030188 Assessed To Elliott Evan G Newell Elizabeth K. Located At 203 2nd St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Part Lots 28, 29 Pt Lot 12 Blk 28 Div 203 Second St. Assessment $313,700. Total Due $9,045.57.

Acct# 03018601 Assessed To Elliott John Walter Jr. Located At 9236 Mary Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 52.6236 Acs North Side Mary Road East Of Berlin. Assessment $468,967. Total Due $9,827.04.

Acct# 10032261 Assessed To Elliott Pauline J For Life. Located At 300 4th St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot A Blk 43 N Side 300 Fourth St Pl Bay Heights. Assessment $335,100. Total Due $7,806.44.

Acct# 10019907 Assessed To Elliott Ralph H & Pauline J Elliott. Located At 12249 Snug Harbor Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 49 Sec A N Side Hastings Drive Pl Snug Harbor. Assessment $377,200. Total Due $10,132.80.

Acct# 10341531 Assessed To Emperador Francisco Javier Cermeno Candy R. Located At 6 127th St 0406 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 406 127th St Marylander Hotel CM. Assessment $160,367. Total Due $4,858.96.

Acct# 10004438 Assessed To Engh Darin M & Elizabeth DewildeEngh. Located At 10335 Walthan Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 5 Blk 25 Sec C W Side Walthan Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $309,400. Total Due $1,296.57. Acct# 10115299 Assessed To English Towers LLC. Located At 10000 Coastal Hwy 1207 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1207 Beach Hwy English Towers CM. Assessment $442,733. Total Due $13,083.85.

Acct# 10122937 Assessed To EVP MD LLC. Located At 10300

Coastal Hwy 409 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 409 Coastal Hwy Atlantis CM. Assessment $328,400. Total Due $9,696.08.

Acct# 02003457 Assessed To Ewell Lillie Mae & Betty Ann Ewell & Phyllis Ann Ewell. Located At 5428 Sweet Spire Ln Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 6.6202 Acs N/E Side Forest Lane Road N W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $99,900. Total Due $2,209.13.

Acct# 03004848 Assessed To Fiedler George D. Located At 11104 Worcester Hwy Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 1 2.13 Acs E Side Worcester Hwy Bluewater Botanical. Assessment $250,700. Total Due $5,394.80.

Acct# 01023071 Assessed To Fleming Tammie Sue. Located At 503 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 43' X 205.5' N Side 503 Market St Pocomoke. Assessment $161,300. Total Due $6,367.08.

Acct# 10138523 Assessed To Frey Connie J For Life. Located At 11500 Coastal Hwy 1209 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1209 Beach Hwy Sea Watch CM. Assessment $395,400. Total Due $8,348.47.

Acct# 01006592 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At Bypass Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot E Side Md 359 NE Of Pocomoke. Assessment $28,900. Total Due $714.23.

Acct# 01000411 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 105' X 105' N Side R-113 Willow Grove. Assessment $14,400. Total Due $402.55.

Acct# 01023381 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At 415 Oxford St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 55' X 147' N Side 415 Oxford St Pocomoke. Assessment $18,200. Total Due $953.58.

Acct# 01016660 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At 618 Clarke Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 58' X 80' 618 Clarke Ave X Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $20,800. Total Due $1,074.02. Acct# 10327431 Assessed To Garfield Craig L Jr. Located At 14305 Light House Ave 000B Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U B Lighthouse Ave Lighthouse Cove CM. Assessment $214,200. Total Due $4,837.83.

Acct# 05007291 Assessed To Garzanit Nancy For Life. Located At 11623 Back Creek Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 200' X 223.82' NE Side Back Creek Rd E Of Bishopville. Assessment $250,633. Total Due $5,549.17.

Acct# 03049159 Assessed To Gayle Hazel M & Gayle Laverne. Located At 5 Salty Way Rd Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-02-203 8483 Sq Ft Salty Way Pl Ocean Pines Sec 2. Assessment $289,300. Total Due $6,021.14.

Acct# 10425859 Assessed To GCR Development LLC. Located At 9723 Golf Course Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 2 Blk G 3.45 Acs Golf Course Rd. Assessment $755,167. Total Due $31,815.38.

Acct# 10742293 Assessed To Ghosh Kumkum Ghosh Pradip. Located At 6 Hidden Cove Way Lug-B Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U-Lug-BF-3A Hidden Cove Way The

Garden CM II Ph 1. Assessment $479,233. Total Due $14,312.36.

Acct# 01021028 Assessed To Gibbs Fiona. Located At 723 Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 38' X 100' E Side 723 Sixth St & Fifth Avenue. Assessment $65,700. Total Due $2,370.19.

Acct# 03098699 Assessed To Gleeson Gerard J Jr & Carol Susan. Located At 39 Robin Hood Trl Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-1161 7667 Sq Ft Robin Hood Trail Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $75,333. Total Due $1,729.23.

Acct# 03034518 Assessed To Gortman Sheila F. Located At 102 Flower St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 6.073 Sq Ft Easterly Side Flower St Berlin. Assessment $85,100. Total Due $3,457.20.

Acct# 02008300 Assessed To Grace Full Gospel Fellowship Inc. Located At 5349 Snow Hill Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 80' X 408' S W Side R-12 W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $191,100. Total Due $309.00.

Acct# 03046095 Assessed To Green Janis & Jenkins Janeen. Located At 6 Southwind Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-09-209 10705 Sq Ft Southwind Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec Nine. Assessment $317,600. Total Due $6,605.34.

Acct# 10258669 Assessed To Green Michael O. Located At 504 Yawl Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 339 3600 Sq Ft E S Yawl Dr Pl Montego Bay Sec 6 C. Assessment $232,000. Total Due $6,688.89.

Acct# 05004446 Assessed To Greenridge Enterprises LLC. Located At 12531 Worcester Hwy Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 17.79 Acs W Side R-113 E Of Bishop. Assessment $1,217,300. Total Due $25,313.37.

Acct# 03021246 Assessed To Hall Randolph Freddie Jr For Life. Located At 10209 Germantown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot X E Side Germantown Road SE Of Berlin. Assessment $93,933. Total Due $2,216.41.

Acct# 10226821 Assessed To Harmon Barbara J. Located At 14 136th St 0301 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 301 136th St Sunspot CM. Assessment $326,133. Total Due $9,452.89.

Acct# 03042294 Assessed To Haskell Elnathan Haskell Angela T. Located At 25 Sandyhook Rd Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-06-202 11319 Sq Ft Sandyhook Rd Plat Ocean Pines Sec 6. Assessment $411,300. Total Due $8,492.02.

Acct# 10366216 Assessed To Hauser Sheila D. Located At 12506 Deer Point Cir Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 10 14251 Sq Ft Deer Point Circle Deer Point Subdiv. Assessment $412,700. Total Due $7,262.77.

Acct# 03126013 Assessed To Haynie Mark W & Evelyn M. Located At Timberline Cir Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 397 Timberline Circle White Horse Park Phase 3. Assessment $118,100. Total Due $2,450.20.

Acct# 10113679 Assessed To Hicks John D. Located At 9500 Coastal Hwy 006F Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 6F Beach

Hwy Pyramid CM. Assessment $312,433. Total Due $8,956.33.

Acct# 08004285 Assessed To Hilliard Glenn M. Located At 1542 Grant Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As Lot On Private Road Nr Pocomoke Road. Assessment $161,300. Total Due $3,164.42.

Acct# 02022079 Assessed To Hillman Emily Dawn. Located At 232 Washington St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 117' X 191' X 162' X 81' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $116,500. Total Due $4,760.59.

Acct# 10343844 Assessed To Hinkle Gary & Marcia D & Alan E Bell. Located At 8343 South Longboat Way Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 366 3000 Sq Ft South Longboat Drive Assateague Pt Resort P 3. Assessment $180,500. Total Due $3,748.99.

Acct# 01021400 Assessed To Holden Gregory T & Vera L. Located At 509 Cedar St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 60' X 120.4' 509 Cedar St Pocomoke. Assessment $87,300. Total Due $2,539.61.

Acct# 10236355 Assessed To Hudson Christopher R & Hudson Kimberly. Located At 9 41st St 0232 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 232 41st St Ocean Point No 3 CM. Assessment $177,767. Total Due $5,228.87.

Acct# 03112020 Assessed To Hund Judith A Hund Ann. Located At 807 Ocean Pkwy Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11-255 7650 Sq Ft Ocean Parkway Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $288,667. Total Due $4,401.28.

Acct# 10355508 Assessed To J And R Properties LLC. Located At 9601 Ocean View Ln Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 1 Ph 1 15622 Sq Ft Ocean View Lane Seapointe Subdiv. Assessment $1,747,100. Total Due $36,196.02.

Acct# 02018136 Assessed To Jackson Pearl. Located At 103 Gunby St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 73' X 112' 103 West Gunby St Snow Hill. Assessment $72,400. Total Due $1,822.58.

Acct# 02009897 Assessed To Jackson Willie Joe Jr & Mary A & Jackson Vandella A. Located At Public Landing Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 14.35 Acs Mt Wesley E Side Public Landing Rd E Of Snow Hill. Assessment $58,200. Total Due $1,330.65.

Acct# 10230136 Assessed To James Paula & Nina Fernandez & Yurcisin Lindy & Kimberly Garrison. Located At 4000 Coastal Hwy 0211 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 211 Btw 40th & 41st Sts Ocean Point No 2 CM. Assessment $177,133. Total Due $5,198.21.

Acct# 05769378 Assessed To Jenkins Tyler M. Located At 12516 Daye Girls Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 4 6.68 Acs E Side Daye Girls Rd Min Sub Keith A Coffin E. Assessment $257,033. Total Due $4,360.58.

Acct# 02009013 Assessed To Jones Clarence. Located At Public Landing Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 10 Acs Cor Public Landing & McCabe Corner Roads. Assessment $62,000. Total Due $3,784.16.

Acct# 10741165 Assessed To

Joseph G Dooley Trust Dooley H Kathleen Trustee. Located At 44 Canal Walk Ln 44CP Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Unit 44CP Ph 1 Canal Walk Ln Port Astor Sunset Is 111. Assessment $692,067. Total Due $20,595.63.

Acct# 03107361 Assessed To Justice Tina Louise. Located At 26 Nottingham Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-028 7500 Sq Ft Nottingham Ln Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $240,000. Total Due $3,999.39.

Acct# 10338387 Assessed To Kavoossi Saiid & Annette M & Thompson Cristina N & Jeffrey M. Located At 12116 W Cannonball Dr Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 222 North Longboat Way Assateague Pt Resort P 2. Assessment $176,000. Total Due $5,144.04.

Acct# 01021125 Assessed To Keefer Ronald Jr. Located At 501 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 39' X 62' N Side 501 Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $12,000. Total Due $1,742.88.

Acct# 01021664 Assessed To Keiffer James W. Located At Cedar St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 47' X 134' N Side Cedar St Pocomoke. Assessment $10,100. Total Due $570.58.

Acct# 01021656 Assessed To Keiffer James W. Located At 610 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 50' X 155' E Side 610 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $123,100. Total Due $4,505.18.

Acct# 03119866 Assessed To Kelly Patricia Jo. Located At 289 Woodhaven Ct Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 289 Ph 1 Sec 3 Woodhaven Court Pl White Horse Park. Assessment $66,667. Total Due $1,483.94.

Acct# 03136043 Assessed To Kelly Patricia Jo. Located At 943 Yacht Club Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot 37 3295 Sq Ft Yacht Club Drive Sec 1 Marina Village Ths Sc 18. Assessment $374,700. Total Due $7,633.25.

Acct# 01012444 Assessed To Knox Levi Rubben For Life. Located At Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 105' X 195' N Side Colona Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $19,300. Total Due $1,281.01.

Acct# 10210976 Assessed To Leblanc Aida L & Hitch John A & Dayna L Hitch. Located At 143 Jamestown Rd 0003 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 3 Jamestown Rd Jamestown Inlet CM. Assessment $277,133. Total Due $8,321.65.

Acct# 10128595 Assessed To Leventer Debra S. Located At 11000 Coastal Hwy 1701 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1701 Beach Hwy Capri CM. Assessment $383,300. Total Due $11,388.01.

Acct# 01012517 Assessed To Long Benjamin Heirs. Located At Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 10 Acs S Side Colona Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $24,700. Total Due $623.93.

Acct# 10383676 Assessed To Lynch Craig R. Located At 9925 Stephen Decatur Hwy E4 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 4 BE P2 N/S Rt 611 Teal Marsh CM. Assessment $254,467. Total Due $5,202.22.

Acct# 03091961 Assessed To

Mareno Damien. Located At 44 Ocean Pkwy Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-03-298 9000 Sq Ft Ocean Pkway Pl Ocean Pines Sec 3. Assessment $346,333. Total Due $3,955.83.

Acct# 03013936 Assessed To Maricle Daniel L. Located At 7922 Libertytown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 6.3764 Acs Southeasterly Side Libertytown Rd R-374. Assessment $176,000. Total Due $3,952.17.

Acct# 05014603 Assessed To Marie E Altese Trust Altese Marie E Trustee. Located At 10216 Hammond Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 1B 2.65 Acs South Side Hammond Road Resub Lot 1 A Altese Ld. Assessment $126,900. Total Due $2,824.99.

Acct# 10307767 Assessed To Martini Paul R. Located At 12 63rd St 0402 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 402 63rd St Sun Rise Sea CM. Assessment $351,233. Total Due $10,060.95.

Acct# 08000794 Assessed To Mattaponi Bottoms Farm LLC. Located At 3002 Betheden Church Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As 52.45 Acs E/S Betheden Church Rd Bdy Sur Porter Mill Prop. Assessment $19,600. Total Due $514.31.

Acct# 08000697 Assessed To Mattaponi Bottoms Farm LLC. Located At 4437 Onley Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 129.76 Ac SVH 195/73 E/S Betheden Church Rd Pl Rural Int Ld LLC. Assessment $24,300. Total Due $615.36.

Acct# 10172586 Assessed To Mcgrath Living Trust Mcgrath Michael P & Sara M Trustee. Located At 14001 Coastal Hwy 204 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 53 140th St Orleans Court CM. Assessment $144,333. Total Due $4,320.05.

Acct# 10179130 Assessed To Mckenzie Robin Jo Robinson. Located At 13603 Sea Captain Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 1 Blk 11 Twin Tree Road Pl Caine Woods Sec 3. Assessment $356,567. Total Due $10,296.19.

Acct# 10032296 Assessed To Md Group Corp. Located At 308 4th St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot D Blk 43 Bloxom Apts Pl J E Evans Dev. Assessment $470,367. Total Due $13,597.73.

Acct# 05005574 Assessed To Meehan Thomas Joseph & Elizabeth Ann Bertrand. Located At 9937 Bishopville Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 148 X 467.85 X 432.90 N S County Rd Near Bishopville. Assessment $95,367. Total Due $1,700.19.

Acct# 02025736 Assessed To Merritt Michele Jones Robert F. Located At 422 S Church St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 150' X 400 420 X 422 S Church St Snow Hill. Assessment $168,600. Total Due $6,302.69.

Acct# 10387620 Assessed To Metzbower Curt E & Metzbower Gail L. Located At 3 Baywatch II CM Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #3 S Heron Dr Baywatch II CM. Assessment $5,000. Total Due $343.97.

Acct# 02023555 Assessed To Milbourne Oliver. Located At 106 Collins St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 50' X 180' 106 N Collins

Street Snow Hill. Assessment $85,700. Total Due $1,656.73.

Acct# 01022954 Assessed To Mills Steven Jr. Located At 4 Gray St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 46 X 87 West Side 4 Gray St Pocomoke. Assessment $20,500. Total Due $2,243.84.

Acct# 03768927 Assessed To Mitchell Eric Brian Sr Mitchell Erica Womack. Located At 10407 Trappe Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Imps Itm 1 1 Ac N Side Trappe Rd SE Of Berlin. Assessment $84,967. Total Due $2,006.49.

Acct# 03007413 Assessed To Mojoind LLC. Located At 8525 Logtown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 16.57 Acs N/S Logtown Rd Forest Co Easement Pl D & L Lilley. Assessment $71,500. Total Due $1,743.96.

Acct# 03007421 Assessed To Mojoind LLC. Located At 8525 Logtown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 5.23 Acs N/S Logtown Rd Forest Conv E D & L Lilley Pl. Assessment $389,467. Total Due $8,347.38.

Acct# 01015958 Assessed To Molock Group Inc The. Located At 708 Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 76' X 136' W Side 708 Second St Pocomoke. Assessment $20,300. Total Due $3,012.60.

Acct# 01009192 Assessed To MS Shore Properties LLC. Located At 1705 Cypress Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 5A W Side Unionville Rd Pl Of Israel Gale. Assessment $115,800. Total Due $2,596.49.

Acct# 01017241 Assessed To Mt Vernon Group LLC. Located At 205 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 65' X 105' N Side 205 Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $188,700. Total Due $4,853.62.

Acct# 10315476 Assessed To Murray Shawn M. Located At 802 Bahia Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 123 3600 Sq Ft Bahia Road Montego Bay Mobile Hm Pk Sec 8B. Assessment $334,467. Total Due $6,334.47.

Acct# 01024612 Assessed To Navarro Tracy. Located At 902 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 25 52.5 X 145 S Side 902 Walnut St Pl Dixie Realty Co. Assessment $147,000. Total Due $5,435.68.

Acct# 02014106 Assessed To Palmer Jeffrey Mark & Vicki Palmer. Located At 6245 Taylor Landing Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 5.09 Acs E Side Taylors Lding Rd Leroy Burkett Addt Lds. Assessment $189,900. Total Due $4,024.92.

Acct# 03069397 Assessed To Parry Robin L. Located At 31 Concord Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11-212 9559 Sq Ft Concord Lane Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $261,333. Total Due $5,440.26.

Acct# 03003159 Assessed To Pep Maxwell LLC. Located At 11280 Hall Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 12.04 Acs E/S Hall Rd Alta/Acsm Ld Sur Lease Area Clearview. Assessment $301,500. Total Due $6,625.53.

Acct# 03121224 Assessed To Perreault Peter. Located At 220 West St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 9-21922 Sq Ft West St Subdiv Of Carroll W Hynes. Assessment $321,333. Total Due $10,447.11.

Acct# 10341442 Assessed To Phengsavath Phanomkone Phengsavath Souchitta. Located At 6 127th St 0306 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 306 127th St Marylander Hotel CM. Assessment $160,367. Total Due $4,858.96.

Acct# 03081575 Assessed To Pillsbury Duwayne Edward. Located At 1 Briarcrest Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-07-123 12616 Sq Ft Bramblewood Dr Pl Ocean Pines Sec 7. Assessment $251,200. Total Due $5,150.67.

Acct# 01028057 Assessed To Powell Alice Mae. Located At 709 Eighth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 40' X 100' S Side Eighth St Pocomoke. Assessment $64,700. Total Due $2,988.63.

Acct# 10084717 Assessed To Powell Diana Barbara & Powell Carl M E & Helen E Powell. Located At 7301 Atlantic Ave 001D Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1-D Btw 73rd & 74th Sts Beachmark CM. Assessment $260,033. Total Due $7,976.33.

Acct# 10442753 Assessed To Prender Christopher Allen Schoelkopf Michael. Located At 12129 Snug Harbor Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 95 6749 Sq Ft E/S Rt 611 Snug Harbor Bayside At The Landings. Assessment $465,500. Total Due $6,442.61.

Acct# 05013836 Assessed To Prokapus John D & Prokapus Karen M. Located At 12106 Salt Point Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 4 Blk 8 20166 Sq Ft Salt Point Pl Bay View Estates. Assessment $363,367. Total Due $7,723.82.

Acct# 02017822 Assessed To Raebeck Heidi. Located At 304 Federal St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 140' X 137' 304 306 308 Fed St. Assessment $205,000. Total Due $11,399.99.

Acct# 05005116 Assessed To Revocable Trust Agreement Of Barba Hudson Barbara Ann Trustee. Located At Bishopville Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 35 Acs S Side Bishopville Rd W Of Bishopville. Assessment $12,400. Total Due $516.19.

Acct# 05005019 Assessed To Revocable Trust Agreement Of Barba Hudson Barbara Ann Trustee. Located At St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 20 1/2 Acs N Side St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville. Assessment $7,100. Total Due $335.32.

Acct# 03099679 Assessed To Rice Timothy A. Located At 81 Robin Hood Trl Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-1231 7920 Sq Ft Robin Hood Trail Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $278,900. Total Due $5,502.31.

Acct# 10019095 Assessed To Rindal Eric A. Located At 8305 Stephen Decatur Hwy Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As App 100 X 200 W Side Stephen Decatur Road. Assessment $160,400. Total Due $3,469.84.

Acct# 10261651 Assessed To Rose Aubrey E Rose Darlene B. Located At 206 8th St 0026 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 26 8th St Surfside 8 CM. Assessment $139,833. Total Due $3,915.90.

Acct# 10248701 Assessed To Rose Aubrey E Rose Darlene B. Lo-

cated At 711 Edgewater Ave 711 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 711 Edgewater Ave Pier Seven CM. Assessment $191,633. Total Due $5,773.80.

Acct# 01018485 Assessed To Rose Paul F II. Located At 104 Front St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Parcel 4 W Side 104 Front Street Pocomoke. Assessment $121,400. Total Due $5,483.37.

Acct# 01009338 Assessed To Rose Paul F II. Located At 869 Cedar Hall Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 41817 Sq Ft W Side Cedar Hall Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $63,500. Total Due $1,532.76.

Acct# 10441188 Assessed To Russo Anthony Frederick & Russo Antonio B. Located At 8142 Timberneck Dr Berlin, Md 21811. Described As L-31 & SRA 31 5.25ac Timberneck Dr Winding Creek Estates. Assessment $237,200. Total Due $5,191.74.

Acct# 10746507 Assessed To Sami Mike Mehrzad Sami Sharareh. Located At 25 Bahia Vista CM 25 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #25 Edgewater Ave Bahia Vista CM. Assessment $30,000. Total Due $1,040.61.

Acct# 05014433 Assessed To Sanchez Bianey Cordoba. Located At 9836 Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 2.67 Acs S Side Line Hotel Rd S Of Selbyville. Assessment $159,867. Total Due $3,529.95.

Acct# 10263441 Assessed To Sauler Katherine A & Sauler Clifford W. Located At 9 37th St 0108 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 108 37th St Sovereign Sea CM. Assessment $372,067. Total Due $10,838.84.

Acct# 03025241 Assessed To Schrider Raymond Scot & Schrider Angela Margaret Clark. Located At 9125 Old Ocean City Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 1 5.08 Acs Old Ocean City Rd Div Of Lds R Hudson. Assessment $208,433. Total Due $4,598.73.

Acct# 10341426 Assessed To Seeking Alpha LLC. Located At 6 127th St 0304 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 304 127th St Marylander Hotel CM. Assessment $160,367. Total Due $4,858.96.

Acct# 10239397 Assessed To Shaughnessy Marilyn C For Life. Located At 10 143rd St 204 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 204 143rd St Le Lisa CM. Assessment $317,233. Total Due $9,539.58.

Acct# 03011445 Assessed To Shea William. Located At 11311 Gum Point Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 100 X 300 N Side Gum Point Road East Of Berlin. Assessment $323,833. Total Due $7,029.72.

Acct# 10251818 Assessed To Sherwood Heather Reeves Timothy G Jr. Located At 11618 Seaward Rd 00210 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 21 P 4 Seaward Road Harbour Bay CM. Assessment $278,300. Total Due $6,113.30.

Acct# 02029162 Assessed To Shockley Ralph Estes Jr. Located At 7750 Shockley Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 2A 5.05 Acs E/S Shockley Rd Bndry Ln Adjus Ralph Shockley Jr. Assessment $258,000. Total Due $5,501.28.

Acct# 02011662 Assessed To Skidmore Lillie E. Located At Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 6 Acs N W Side R-394 S Of Snow Hill. Assessment $39,500. Total Due $2,308.85.

Acct# 03091570 Assessed To Snyder Claude & Snyder Deborah A. Located At 73 Boston Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11-161 10343 Sq Ft Gloucester Rd Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $315,633. Total Due $6,442.27.

Acct# 01017950 Assessed To Soghomonian John. Located At 406 Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 82' X 140' 406 Second St & Walnut St. Assessment $84,400. Total Due $4,042.05.

Acct# 05021650 Assessed To Sovereign Edwin P III. Located At 12012 St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 4-3.00 Acs S/S St Martins Neck Rd For Consv Pl G Marvin Steen. Assessment $161,900. Total Due $3,588.19.

Acct# 02018691 Assessed To Spain Shane C II & Spain Shannon N. Located At 104 E Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 102.5' X 100' 104 E Market St Snow Hill. Assessment $234,200. Total Due $9,169.10.

Acct# 01011065 Assessed To Spivey Lisa Wise & Barry Wise Tennell Tina & Ruth Leatherbury. Located At 1339 Buck Harbor Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As App 1 Ac Buck Harbor Rd S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $24,800. Total Due $621.12.

Acct# 08005249 Assessed To Stockton Community Center Inc. Located At 1550 St Paul's Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As 151' X 120' X 192' X 120' Little Red School Nr Pocomoke Rd. Assessment $28,600. Total Due $309.00.

Acct# 10098521 Assessed To Stotler Stacy L. Located At 718 Mooring Rd B104 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U B104 Mooring Rd The Chateau CM. Assessment $312,867. Total Due $8,942.01.

Acct# 10356636 Assessed To Struble Lester J Struble Ann C. Located At 31 Mystic Harbour Blvd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 246 Blk J 6753 Sq Ft Mystic Harb Blvd Mystic Harbour Sec 3B. Assessment $219,700. Total Due $3,135.72. Acct# 10052009 Assessed To Symanski Raymond H Jr & Symanski Katherine Lassetter. Located At 15 35th St 0204 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 204 35th St Seven Seas CM. Assessment $199,167. Total Due $5,849.40.

Acct# 03062317 Assessed To Szczybor Anthony L. Located At 152 Sandyhook Rd Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-03-060 11129 Sq Ft Pinehurst Road Pl Ocean Pines Sec 3. Assessment $220,233. Total Due $4,617.65.

Acct# 08000905 Assessed To Taylor Alfred C Taylor Doretha C. Located At 4206 Betheden Ct Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 4 1.03 Acs Betheden Church Road Pl Betheden Court. Assessment $130,500. Total Due $2,784.14.

Acct# 01035258 Assessed To Thornton Justin Francois Samantha. Located At Acorn Cir Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 4 Acorn

Circle White Oaks Subdiv. Assessment $32,100. Total Due $1,610.85.

Acct# 05001250 Assessed To Tingle Norman B & Tingle George & Others. Located At 9506 Morris Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 21.07 Acs South Side Morris Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $142,033. Total Due $3,225.10.

Acct# 01022717 Assessed To Titus Properties LLC. Located At 101 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 77.5' X 158.5' X 75.5 X 150.5 E Side 101 Fourth & Oxford Sts. Assessment $24,600. Total Due $1,256.19.

Acct# 01016474 Assessed To Titus Properties LLC. Located At 704 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 7756.5 Sq Ft 704 Fourth St Add't To James Robinson Lot. Assessment $20,100. Total Due $1,043.43.

Acct# 01020854 Assessed To

Titus Properties LLC. Located At 705 Fifth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 66' X 65'10'' X 67' X 70' E Side Fifth & Young Sts Pocomoke. Assessment $18,000. Total Due $944.13.

Acct# 01020153 Assessed To

Titus Properties LLC. Located At 708 & 710 Fifth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 9282 Sq Ft 708 & 710 5th St Pocomoke. Assessment $18,200. Total Due $953.58.

Acct# 01032844 Assessed To

Titus Properties LLC. Located At 713 Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 85' X 100' E Side 713 Sixth St Pocomoke. Assessment $18,200. Total Due $953.58.

Acct# 10003024 Assessed To Todd William Bryan Jr & Elizabeth Ann & William B Sr & Sarah F Todd. Located At 12528 Salisbury Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 7 & Pt Lot 8 Blk 20 Sec B N/S Salisbury Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $243,500. Total Due $4,866.36.

Acct# 01023586 Assessed To Topping Shawntay D. Located At 413 Bank St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 63 X 92 X 54 X 119 N Side 413 Bank St Pocomoke. Assessment $34,200. Total Due $1,513.11.

Acct# 02003449 Assessed To Townsend Charles & Tokysha P. Located At 5414 Sweet Spire Ln Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 3.8615 Acs N/E Side Forest Lane Road N W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $82,700. Total Due $1,860.12.

Acct# 02021862 Assessed To Travers Alan. Located At 511 Church St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 7,143 Sq Ft 511 Church St Snow Hill Lot Adj Ld Aydelotte Pl. Assessment $119,900. Total Due $3,340.43.

Acct# 02022729 Assessed To Truitt Karen L. Located At Belt St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 68' X 160' 212 Purnell & Belt Sts Snow Hill. Assessment $3,900. Total Due $455.42.

Acct# 01021923 Assessed To Turner Donald. Located At 409 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 50' X 152' 409 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $24,200. Total Due $1,237.30.

Acct# 01013734 Assessed To Turner Lena Edith For Life. Located At Payne Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 3/4 Ac NE Side Critcher Road S Of Pocomoke. As-

sessment $19,800. Total Due $768.75.

Acct# 08001472 Assessed To Tyndall William Jackson. Located At 2816 Snow Hill Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As Lot X E Side R 12 Girdletree. Assessment $26,200. Total Due $55,853.99.

Acct# 02023040 Assessed To Walterhoefer Taryn. Located At 208 Federal St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 80' X 120' X 77' X 208 E Federal & Purnell Sts Snow Hill. Assessment $234,700. Total Due $6,287.92.

Acct# 10264766 Assessed To Watson Roger C & Brenda L. Located At 107 Convention Center Dr 00620 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 62 P B Convention Center Drive Thunder Island CM. Assessment $398,767. Total Due $11,568.02.

Acct# 02026716 Assessed To Whaley Raye Gillette. Located At 100 Washington St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 57' X 89.5' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $122,700. Total Due $4,958.38.

Acct# 03056465 Assessed To Wienhold Jonathan Christian. Located At 78 Birdnest Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-06-173 11672 Sq Ft Birdnest Dr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 6. Assessment $328,800. Total Due $5,338.12.

Acct# 05001471 Assessed To Willey James Douglas & Willey Tina Marie Reaves. Located At 10207 Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 11 Acs S Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $406,500. Total Due $8,614.75.

Acct# 01021729 Assessed To Willey Joshua Charles. Located At 608 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 51.48' X 154.68' X 48 X 150.46 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $117,000. Total Due $3,609.98.

Acct# 03088146 Assessed To Willman David M. Located At 438 Ocean Pkwy 13 Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Unit Am Borderlinks Dr Pl Borderlinks I. Assessment $218,833. Total Due $4,700.11.

Acct# 10019451 Assessed To Wooden Maryellen. Located At 8209 Stephen Decatur Hwy Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As 100' X 300' Nw Side Stephen Decatur Road. Assessment $127,500. Total Due $2,931.06.

Acct# 03084302 Assessed To Wright Cinnamon. Located At 9 Twilight Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-09-625 9750 Sq Ft Twillight Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec 9. Assessment $322,533. Total Due $6,605.66.

Acct# 01029207 Assessed To Young George Edwin III & Brenda Ann. Located At 1504 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 16,283 Sq Ft S Side Market St Bndy Ln Adj Eastrn Shore Poultr. Assessment $96,300. Total Due $4,516.53.

Acct# 01007157 Assessed To Young John W & Helen F. Located At Stockton Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 58' X 75' Mason Lot S Side Stockton Rd. Assessment $6,300. Total Due $308.04.

Acct# 10230268 Assessed To Yurcisin Paula E. Located At 4000 Coastal Hwy 0311 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 311 Btw 40th & 41st Sts Ocean Point No 2 CM. As-

sessment $177,133. Total Due $5,198.21.

TERMS OF SALE

All bidders must register. Registration for the sale begins at 10:00 a.m. April 17th and ends promptly at 4:00 p.m. May 1st. Proper identification for individuals and proof of existence for legal entities shall be required by RealAuction for all registrants. In order to bid, an individual or entity must be registered.

ACH will need to be tendered by 4:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 15th on the final date of sale. It shall be in the amount of taxes due including expenses of sale (attorney, auctioneer, advertising and miscellaneous). A receipt will then be issued by RealAuction. A tax sale certificate will be provided by mail to the tax sale purchaser within thirty days of the date of the sale.

These properties are offered for sale “AS IS”, at the risk of the purchasers and neither the undersigned nor any other party makes any warranties or representations whatsoever either expressed or implied, of any kind or character, with respect to the properties or the title thereto. In the event a tax sale certificate is issued and then voided by the Treasurer, through no fault of the buyer, only a refund of amounts actually paid on day of sale shall be made and shall be the Treasurer’s sole liability and limit thereon. Properties are listed and sold based upon information provided by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, which is in no way represented to be accurate or correct. The sale, the premises, and the properties are, to the extent provided by law, subject to any and all title defects, claims, liens, encumbrances, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, rights-of-way and matters of records. In the event of mistake, defective title, description or nonexistence of property, no refund shall be given.

Bidders should be well versed in the law regarding tax sales and should investigate the properties and titles thereto prior to purchase or bid.

Competent legal advice should be sought by prospective bidders prior to the sale. No legal advice shall be given by the County Attorney, Treasurer, or staff.

Bidders representing legal entities are limited to one bidder per property sold. Bidding shall be conducted in accordance with procedures determined by the Treasurer or his agent at the sale.

All costs in connection with the foreclosure of the right of redemption and all other title costs are at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. All taxes and fees and other impositions including, without limitation, the following: transfer tax, agricultural transfer tax, recordation tax, and recording costs required will likewise be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. Terms of sale shall be complied with as determined by the Treasurer, who shall be the sole judge of such.

These requirements are directory as to the Treasurer and not mandatory. They may be altered by the

Treasurer at his sole discretion in the interests of justice, fairness, and efficiency or other good and valid reason.

PROPERTIES LISTED HEREIN, ON WHICH TAXES ARE PAID PRIOR TO DATE OF SALE WILL NOT BE SOLD.

ONDREA STARZHEVSKIY TREASURER

AND FINANCE

OFFICER

FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND COLLECTOR OF STATE AND COUNTY TAXES FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

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TOWN OF BERLIN PUBLIC MEETING

NOTICE

HUDSON BRANCH RESTORATION PROJECT

The Town of Berlin and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program will host a public meeting to discuss the design of the Hudson Branch Stream Restoration along Bottle Branch Road. This project aims to reduce flooding in the Flower and Bay Street neighborhoods and improve water quality in the Newport Bay watershed.

WHEN: April 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Ave, Berlin, MD 21811

VIRTUAL: www.facebook.com/townofberlinmd/

The meeting will include presentations on project design, construction activities, and next steps, followed by a question-and-answer session. Funding for this project is provided by the State of Maryland through the Whole Watershed Act. Questions? Contact Kate Daub, kdaub@berlinmd.gov

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NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of VICTORIA KATHLEEN JOHNSON Estate No. 21087 Notice is given that JACQUELINE REID PLOOF whose address is 183 GREEN ST., ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-2501; DONNA BUSH whose address is 5804 ARGYLE DR., PARSONSBURG, MD 21849-2075 were on APRIL 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VICTORIA KATHLEEN JOHNSON who died on JANUARY 17, 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 rep-

resentative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of OCTOBER, 2026

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD ARNOLD MAXIMOWICZ SR. Estate No. 21088 Notice is given that LINDA SIMON whose address is 26 N. PINTAIL DR., BERLIN, MD 21811-1736 was on APRIL 07, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD ARNOLD MAXIMOWICZ SR. who died on FEBRUARY 26, 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 7th day of OCTOBER, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of OCTOBER, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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WORCESTER COUNTY COMMUNITY MEETING

Old Virginia Road Solar Project

CleanCapital invites residents of Worcester County to an open house, public community meeting regarding the Old Virginia Road Solar Project located off Old Virginia Road in Pocomoke City, MD.

Date: Tuesday, April 28th

Time: 5:00 – 6:00pm

Location: Pocomoke City Community Center – 1410 Market St., Pocomoke City, MD 21851

This meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project, its local benefits, and to ask our team any questions! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Raajan Raj Project Manager | CleanCapital

OCD-4/16/2t _________________________________

ARLETTE K BRIGHT ESQ THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LOTTA MAE WIMBROW Estate No. 13825 Notice is given that JOHN J. WIMBROW whose address is 310 S. CHURCH ST., SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on APRIL 13, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LOTTA MAE WIMBROW who died on OCTOBER 16, 2009 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 13th day of OCTOBER, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of on or before the 13th day of OCTOBER, 2026

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/16/3t

ARLETTE K BRIGHT ESQ THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN WILLIAM WIMBROW Estate No. 20095 Notice is given that JOHN J WIMBROW whose address is 301 S CHURCH STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on APRIL 13, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN WILLIAM WIMBROW who died on FEBRUARY 04, 2024 without a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of OCTOBER, 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 13th day of OCTOBER, 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 no-

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/16/3t

PATRICK D. HANLEY JR.

SHAFFER LAW OFFICE

836 S. MAIN ST., STE. 101 BEL AIR, MD 21014-4169

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20908 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT G. BURGIO

Notice is given that Wendy Campbell, 32 Saint Marks Church Rd., Perryville, MD 21903-2564, was on April 14, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Robert G. Burgio who died on September 17, 2025, 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 14th day of October, 2026. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of October, 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 Reg-

ister of Wills.

Call: 410-723-6397

Fax: 410-723-6511

or E-mail:

legals@octodaydispatch.com

Wendy Campbell

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: April 23, 2026

OCD-4/23/3t

IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

IN THE ESTATE OF: EMMANUEL LOPEZ JR. ESTATE NO. 20980

PUBLIC NOTICE TO CAVEAT

To all persons interested in the above estate:

Notice is given that a petition to caveat has been filed by Emmanuel Anthony Lopez, Andrew Curtis Lopez, Jordan Parker Lopez & Tucker David Lopez challenging the will dated 05/22/2024.

You may obtain from the Register of wills the date and time of any hearing on this matter.

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

Name of newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: April 23, 2026

OCD-4/23/2t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21092 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DONALD CLARK HOWARD

Notice is given that Jennifer Oakley, 1257 Robert Dinkins Rd., Sumter, SC 29150-1938, was on April 10, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Donald Clark Howard who died on March 31, 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 10th day of October, 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 October, 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.

Jennifer Oakley 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: April 23, 2026

OCD-4/23/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 21095 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOAN STARR CHAVIS

Notice is given that Deanna Amedori, 181 S. Ocean Dr., Ocean City, MD 21842-4653, was on April 14, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Joan Starr Chavis who died on March 31, 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.

Deanna Amedori 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: April 23, 2026

OCD-4/23/1t

THE

TOWN OF BERLIN,

MARYLAND

NOTICE OF A PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX ORDINANCE 2026-03

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, SETTING THE REAL PROPERTY TAX RATE FOR FISCAL YEAR 2027.

The Ordinance will be introduced for a first reading on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6 PM. A public hearing on the Ordinance will take place on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 6 PM. Both meetings will be held during Regular Meetings of the Mayor and Council, located at the Worcester County Library—Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 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.

OCD-4/23/1t

SMALL

ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21097 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARGARET ESTHER DALE

Notice is given that Faith DeShields, 5502 Teaberry Ln., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4476, was on April 16, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Margaret Esther Dale who died on November 24, 2025, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

Faith DeShields 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: April 23, 2026

OCD-4/23/1t _________________________________

PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. COASTAL LAW OFFICE, LLC 3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of ROLAND H. PEARSON AKA. ROLAND HOWARD PERSON Estate No. 21032 Notice is given that BETSY GODBOLD whose address is 9100 MEDITERRANEAN DR., OCEAN CITY, D 21842-5010 was on APRIL 17, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROLAND H. PEARSON who died on JANUARY 31, 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 17th day of OCTOBER, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 17th day of OCTOBER, 2026

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-4/23/3t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2026-10

RE: Chapter 66, Signs

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-10 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of April 20, 2026. Second reading is scheduled May 4, 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 April 20, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance amends Chapter 66, entitled Signs, to clarify the treatment of banners, ground signs, fence signs and temporary signs.

OCD-4/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN

CITY ORDINANCE

2026-11

RE: Outdoor Displays of Merchandise on the Boardwalk

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-11 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of April 20, 2026. Second reading is scheduled May 4, 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 April 20, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance creates clear parameters for outdoor displays of merchandise on the Boardwalk . Key components include outdoor display permitting, display standards and restrictions, A-frame signs and restaurant and ancillary uses.

OCD-4/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2026-12

RE: General Employees’ Pension Plan

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-12 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of April 20, 2026. Second reading is scheduled May 4, 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 April 20, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance amends the General Employees’ Pension Plan to permit the application of late retirement factors for the person holding the director of public works position.

OCD-4/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2026-13

RE: LC-1 and SC-1 Yard Setbacks

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-13 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of April 20, 2026. Second reading is scheduled May 4, 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 April 20, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance clarifies language to explicitly state lots 5,000 SF or greater are subject to updated yard setback requirements, thus confirming the treatment of smaller, legally existing nonconforming lots under 5,000 SF.

OCD-4/23/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2026-14

RE: Beach Canopy Footprint Area

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-14 was in-

troduced for first reading at their meeting of April 20, 2026. Second reading is scheduled May 4, 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 April 20, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance establishes a canopy footprint area of no larger than fifteen feet by fifteen feet (15’ x 15’) to accommodate modern canopy systems that often include structural anchoring systems such as sandbags or guidewire that extend beyond the roof dimension.

OCD-4/23/1t

THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE OF A PROPOSED REAL PROPERTY TAX RATE INCREASE

For the taxable year beginning July 1, 2026, the Mayor and Council of the Town of Berlin, Maryland proposes to increase real property tax rates from $0.8275 per $100 of assessment to $0.84 per $100 of assessment.

The proposed real property tax rate will be introduced at 6 pm on April 27th at Worcester County Library—Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, Berlin, MD 21811.

A public hearing on the proposed real property tax rate increase will be held at 6 pm on May 11th at Worcester County Library—Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Avenue, 2nd Floor Meeting Room, 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.

OCD-4/23/1t

TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE

OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2026-02 AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN AMENDING CHAPTER 30, ENTITLED UTILITIES, ART. IV, ENTITLED WATER AND SEWER ALLOCATION; SPECIAL CONNECTION, CONNECTION AND READY TO SERVE CHARGERS; SECTION 30-249, ENTITLED DURATION OF ALLOCATION. This ordinance is scheduled for in-

troduction and first reading on Monday, April 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on Monday, May 11, 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.

OCD-4/23/1t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of STEPHEN C. REYNOLDS Estate No. 20713 Notice is given that JANE R. COLLINS whose address is 3982 BAYSIDE DR., EDGEWATER, MD 21037-4436 was on APRIL 13, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of STEPHEN C. REYNOLDS who died on JUNE 09, 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 Reg-

ister of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

OCD-4/23/1t

SMALL

ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MARY MADALINE O’NEAL

Estate No. 21094 Notice is given that PASTINA A. TINGLE whose address is 10411 HARRISON DR., BERLIN, MD 21811-2868 was on APRIL 14, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of MARY MADALINE O’NEAL who died on MARCH 22, 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/23/1t

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 21096

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the court of LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA appointed (1) ROBERT T. GOODHART whose address is 1401 HAINES AVE., WILMINGTON, DE 19809-2716, (2) PATRICK N. WARD whose address is 70 GOODS RD., CONESTOGA, PA 17516-9731 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of JEAN M. HAMBLETON who died on SEPTEMBER 06, 2025 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) RAYMOND D. COATES JR. whose address is 6200 COASTAL HWY., STE. 300, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698, (2) RAYMOND D. COATES JR. whose address is 6200 COASTAL HWY., STE. 300, OCEAN CITY, MD 218426698. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER

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 cred-

itor 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.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-4/23/3t

RACHEL B. HARRIS ESQ. P.O. BOX 62 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218510062

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21098 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF TINA MARIE MASON

Notice is given that Kenneth Kinard, 833 Ocean Hwy., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-3011, was on April 20, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Tina Marie Mason who died on March 22, 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 20th day of October, 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 20th day of October, 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.

Kenneth Kinard 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: April 23, 2026

Public comments get testy over cancelled speed humps

Worcester County officials opted not to pursue Gum Point Road traffic calming

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) The Worcester County Commissioners this week walked back a plan to install speed humps on a road just off Route 589 near Ocean Pines, drawing sharp backlash from a local couple who helped drive the project.

Concerns from Gum Point Road residents Laura and Dennis Parker led the commissioners last year to pursue a pilot program for speed humps after a traffic study found most drivers exceeded the 30-mph limit.

But on Tuesday, commissioners quietly abandoned the effort, folding the decision into their consent agenda, where it passed without discussion.

An April 15 internal memo said written opposition from “numerous” other Gum Point Road residents –who feared speed humps could delay emergency responses, pose a danger to vehicles, and hurt property values – led county officials to cancel a planned May 5 public hearing.

During the public comment period, Laura Parker expressed surprise that the commissioners might drop the speed hump project, especially since she had been in contact with county roads staff about next steps.

“You all had made the decision to do a pilot program, and I think the pilot program needs to be done. If it doesn’t work out, then we have to say it didn’t work out,” she said. “I just

feel like it’s something that shouldn’t just get shut down.”

Dennis Parker spoke next and was more forceful with his comments.

Visibly frustrated, he accused county officials of ignoring his requests to meet. He called Gum Point Road a “racetrack” and “a drag strip.”

“Everybody knows it’s a problem, but nobody wants to come up with a solution – this is a solution. It’s a speed hump, not a speed bump,” he said. “We’ve been the loudest voice on the speed on Gum Point Road for eight years now. You’ve known about it for a decade, and you still want to kick the can down the road. I’m not happy about that.”

Facing opposition, the Parkers canvassed the street and collected 27 signatures from neighbors on Gum Point Road – “not by the gated community in the back where we’re not allowed to go,” he said, referring to Bay Point Plantation – who support speed humps. He held high a clipboard as proof.

When his two-minute window to speak expired, Parker raised his voice in protest and his wife called out his name in a scold from the gallery.

The conversation spilled into a momentary but tense exchange with Commissioner Jim Bunting, who isn’t running for reelection.

“I’m supposed to be somewhere else, okay?” Parker said.

“Why don’t you get there, then,” Bunting replied dryly, “because your time is up.”

“Oh, so you gonna give me some lip, huh?” Parker shouted back. “You’re just a lame duck.”

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli – on hand

Pilot program nixed after email complaints

Continued from Page 81

for a separate budgeting discussion –sprung up from his seat in the gallery and stood on guard near Parker.

“If you would communicate with us, return a phone call, return an email, you wouldn’t get the blunt end of my grievances,” Parker bellowed.

Parker paced near the lectern before walking away as the sheriff held nearby with his hands open at arm’s length.

Despite the heated exchange, commissioners did not revisit the decision Tuesday in open session.

DAAYY/TIME

Fri-Mon 11am-4pm Herroon H Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm

Friday 10am-Noon3010

Several letters to county officials by Gum Point residents, which are public record and were reviewed by OC Today-Dispatch, mostly expressed concerns with how speed humps could interact with vehicular tow attachments like boats, trailers, or campers.

Bobby Kitchens, a 40-year Gum Point Road resident, said in an April 14 email that he’s never seen any situations dire enough to warrant speed humps, and wondered if the commissioners were “seeking a solution to a non-existent concern.”

“Baffling enough is the need for the ‘speed limit warning signs’ recently installed, and the very recent reduction in speed limit to 25 mph. Is the ultimate goal to turn Gum Point Road into a walking trail or park?” he wrote.

Last year, Laura Parker had raised the issue with commissioners, saying at an October meeting that traffic on Gum Point had “quadrupled” in recent years. She said reckless drivers were putting lives at risk.

The commissioners then approved a five-month speed study, the results

April 23 - 30

of which showed hundreds of Gum Point Road drivers in both directions regularly drove 10 to 15 mph over the limit. That study came at no cost because radar-based speed-tracking signage was already in place and available to reference.

Plans also would have included a follow-up study to determine the speed humps’ effectiveness and decide whether to keep them, according to Public Works Director Dallas Baker. Each of the seven proposed speed humps would have cost $2,500 to install.

arbourr, , 120th St., Bayside, Ocean City 1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+ Condos, T Toowns & SF - Nanette Pavier/Holiday

12430 Old Bridge Rd., W Weest OC 2BR/2BA Single Family frroom $284,750 Shelly Wilson/Salt Life C

0 Philadelphia Ave #S308, Ocean City1BR/Studio Condo $179,900 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W

Friday 1-3pm 20

1 S Herroon Drive #26B, Ocean City 2BR/2.5BA

Friday 1-3pm 9823 City Friday 1-4pm

Friday 2-4pm

23 Golf Course Rd #10, Ocean City3BR/3.5BA

$574,900Nancy Reither/Coldwell B

$539,500 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W

8 60th Strreeet #302, Ocean City 3BR/3BA Condo $885,000 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W

1 66th Strreeet #101, Ocean City 2BR/2BA Condo $479,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell B

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 11100

Saturrdday 10am-Noon

Saturrdday 10am-Noon

Saturrdday 10am-Noon

00 Coastal Hwy Unit 901, Ocean City 3BR/2BA Condo $897,000 Katie Quinn/BHHS Pen

esthaven Dr 89 Crre r, , Ocean Pines 3BR/2BA

8 60th St #302, Ocean City 3BR/3BA

Single Family$489,000 Christine McCoy/The Real McCoy Gr

Condo $885,000 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W

8 Seay Court, Cape Charles, V VA A 5BR/4.5BASingle Family$995,000 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 9823 City

23 Golf Course Rd #10, Ocean City3BR/3.5BA T Toownhome $539,500 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W

500 Coastal Hwy #209, Ocean City2BR/2BA

Condo $499,999 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller W

Saturrdday 10am-Noon 11500 City on Williams Realty

4 W W Waar Dancer Ln #107, Glen Riddle 4BR/4BA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 11964 Rob & Anne-Marie Bouse/ReMAX Advantage Realty

Single Family$469,000 Rob & Anne-Marie Bouse/ReMAX 1910 Back Crreeek Road, Bishopville 3BR/2BA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 11910 Cr emski/BHHS PenFed Realty

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 8 Long Pines Debbie Bennington/BHHS PenFed Realty

Single Family$1,350,000 Cindy Porreemski/BHHS Pe ong Point Ct. The Parke, Ocean Pines4BR/3BA Single Family$552,800Debbie Bennington/BHHS 00 Coastal Hwy Unit 102, Ocean City3BR/3BA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 11900 City Durham/Coldwell Banker Realty

Condo $629,000 Rick Meehan/Katy Durham/Cold 201 S Herroon Drive #8A, Ocean City 2BR/2.5BA Condo

Saturrdday 11am-1pm Her Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

$509,900 Laurreen Bunting/Keller Wi

$499,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell B Sea Oaks Lane Unit 3, West Ocean City3BR/3.5BA

Saturrdday 11am-1pm 12414 Sea Oaks Lane Unit 3, W en Williams Realty

201CoastalHwy#806OceanCity4BR/3BA Condo$1800000NancyReither/ColdwellB

Saturrdday 11am-2pm 6201 Coastal Hwy #806, Ocean City4BR/3BA Condo$1,800,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

Saturrdday 11am-2pm 30799 Fairway Dr Frankforrdd, DE 4BR/2.5BA T Toownhome $585,000 Kevin Heselbach/Engel & V Voolkers Real Estate

Saturrdday 11am-2pm 8500 Coastal Hwy Unit 1108 Ocean City2BR/2BA Condo $459,900 T Teerry Riley/ReMAX/Advantage Realty

Saturrdday 11am-3pm 11530 Country Club Drr, , South Point Berlin 3BR/3.5BASingle Family$899,000David Dypsky/Newport Bay Realty Sat & Sun, 11am-3pm 12430 Old Bridge Rd., W Weest OC 2BR/2BA

Family frroom $284,750 Shelly Wilson/Salt Life Community

Saturrdday Noon-2pm 139 Camelot Cirrccle, Ocean Pines 3BR/2BA Single Family$335,900Debbie Hileman/Hileman Real Estate

Saturrdday Noon-2 pm 1 66th Strreeet #101, Ocean City 2BR/2BA

Saturrdday 12:30-2:30pm 216 Kingfish Road, Ocean City4BR/2BA

Saturrdday 1-3pm 57 Hatteras St. The Parke, Ocean Pines3BR/2BA

Condo $479,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

Family$999,900Monica McNamara/Coldwell Banker Realty

Family$389,000Debbie Bennington/BHHS PenFed Realty

Saturrdday 2-4pm 12702 Coastal Hwy Unit 201, Ocean City1BR/2BA Condo $297,800 Grreegg Holland/ Coldwell Banker Realty

Saturrdday 2-4 pm 13307 Wight Strreeet #101, Ocean City 1BR/1BA Condo $435,000Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

Saturrdday 2:30-4:30pm 9503 Seascape Ln #4, Berlin3BR/3.5BA T Toownhome $539,900 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller Williams Realty

Sunday 10am-Noon 403 14th Strreeet #13, Ocean City 3BR/3.5BA T Toownhome $1,600,000Sandra Dougan/BHHS PenFed

Sunday 11am-2pm8500 Coastal Hwy Unit 1108 Ocean City2BR/2BA

Sunday 10am-Noon11400 Coastal Hwy #7A, Ocean City3BR/2BA

Sunday 11:30am-1:30pm 10300 Coastal Hwy # 1808, Ocean City 2BR/2BA

Sunday Noon-2pm11000 Coastal Hwy #308, Ocean City2BR/2BA

Sunday 1-3pm ows Nest Ln, Frankfor 39058 Crro rd d DE 3BR/2BA

Sunday 12:30-2:30pm13607 Wight St #203, Ocean City2BR/2BA

$459,900 T Teerry Riley/ReMAX/Advantage Realty

$899,000 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller Williams Realty

$435,000 Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty

$539,900 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller Williams Realty

& Anne-Marie Bouse/ReMAX Advantage Realty

$525,000 Sharroon Daugherty/Keller Williams Realty

Staging is a potent tool for sellers

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(April 24, 2026) In a recent Consumer Guide series release from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), the topic of “home staging” was detailed.

able difference in attracting buyers and possibly even in the sales price. More than a quarter of real estate professionals reported that staging their sellers’ homes netted between 1% and 10% more in the dollar value offered, according to NAR’s report, and about half of seller’s agents reported a decrease in the time it took to sell staged homes.

are getting a true picture of the home. You can do a lot to improve your home’s appeal:

• Snap pics of your home and then look at what stands out. Is that what you want buyers to see?

• Pack away personal items such as photos, toiletries, medicines, firearms and valuables.

Home staging refers to presenting your property in a way that highlights its strengths and helps buyers envision themselves living there. Staging isn’t about following the latest interior design trends or remodeling—it’s centered on decluttering and styling a home so that it can be seen in its best light. No matter the price point, real estate professionals emphasize the importance of preparing a home before putting it on the market: 83% of buyers’ agents said staging a home makes it easier for their buyer to visualize the property as their future home, according to the 2025 Profile of Home Staging report by NAR.

Home staging can make a measur-

Your agent may recommend a professional stager—or may offer staging services. Here are three common forms of home staging:

• In-person staging: The stager visits your home and may rearrange furniture and accessories to improve the home’s layout and flow. The stager may ask you to pack away personal items and remove excess furniture. In some cases, they may bring in furniture, artwork and decorative items.

• Home staging consultations: The stager visits the home and provides a to-do list of recommendations for owners to complete themselves.

• Virtual staging: This method uses software to digitally enhance a property, such as by adding furniture, decor or even home renovations into the photos of empty or outdated rooms. Note: Photo enhancements that materially alter the property should be disclosed to ensure buyers

• Use fluffy, new towels in bathrooms and fresh bedding in bedrooms.

• Paint where needed, such as with neutral colors like beige, gray or soft white.

• Remove bulky furniture to make rooms feel larger, easier to navigate and more inviting.

• Add small pops of color and decor, such as throw pillows, blankets or centerpieces.

• Enhance the entry with a front door mat, manicured landscape and potted plants.

• Start packing boxes and use a storage unit: Closets should be half full, not full.

Whether you hire a professional stager or tackle it yourself, the goal of home staging is simple: Create a clean, neutral backdrop that enables buyers to see your home as their own.

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

County advances BIS replacement

Option to rebuild aging Berlin school is cheaper, faster

than renovations

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 27, 2026) Worcester County officials this week gave the green light to advance Berlin Intermediate School’s replacement project to the state level.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously approved a feasibility study that recommends demolishing and rebuilding the 55-year-old facility, rather than renovating or adding onto it.

The proposal now heads to the Maryland Interagency Commission on School Construction, which must sign off before the project can move into the design phase.

The Worcester County Board of Education already endorsed the replacement option on March 17 after reviewing the same feasibility study.

If approved by the state, officials are targeting a spring 2029 groundbreaking and a fall 2031 opening, following the replacement of Buckingham Elementary School.

With an estimated construction cost of $84.9 million – up from earlier projections closer to $80 million

– school officials said a full replacement would be the least expensive option.

Replacement also offers a shorter construction timeline and less disruption to students and staff. Under the proposal, construction would take about 28 months, compared to 42 months for a full renovation.

According to an analysis by the firm Becker Morgan Group, the existing structure has outlived its useful life.

Its electrical, HVAC, and plumbing systems are outdated. Its kitchen and cafeteria are undersized. The gymnasium has no ventilation. The library has no windows. There are too few toilets. It problematic safety issues include an unsecured lobby, and an open floor plan where classrooms have no doors.

Issues persist outside, too, where traffic flow on Franklin Avenue is a problem during pickup and drop-off with cars backing onto southbound Route 113. Playground equipment and lighting also fall short of current standards.

The proposal calls for a longer drop-off loop and more parking on the existing site. Access to the bus loop would move off Franklin Avenue to the south and onto Graham Avenue on the west side. The replacement building also would be a

two-story structure to fit within the proposed footprint.

The rebuild also shrinks the school’s square footage from 101,000 to 94,220 – a cap tied to state funding formulas included in the county’s agreement with school construction officials. Planners said a more efficient layout would better meet modern educational needs.

Another 3,000 square feet of the building must be dedicated to community cooperative-use space, also a requirement tied to state funding.

Funding comes in part from a record $50 million allocation from the state for both the BIS and Buckingham replacement projects, part of an October 2024 agreement between the state commission, the county, and the school board.

The last time the state contributed to a school replacement, it gave $8.2 million toward the $33.5 million Showell Elementary rebuild, which opened in 2021.

County officials say BIS is one of several aging WCPS buildings that will require major capital investment. At least eight of 14 schools are expected to need significant upgrades or replacement over the next two decades.

While commissioners advanced the project, they also stressed that

See STATE Page 85

Special Event Zone coming this weekend to Ocean City

(April 24, 2026) As thousands are expected to visit the resort community next week, the Ocean City Police Department is implementing proactive enforcement measures to ensure a safe and orderly event.

From Tuesday, April 28, through Sunday, May 3, Ocean City will be designated as a Special Event Zone. Within this zone, speed limits will be reduced, and fines for violations will be increased. Under state law, certain motor vehicle violations may carry enhanced penalties, including higher fines and potential arrest.

In addition, the Town of Ocean City will implement enhanced parking measures under Resolution 2025-10 from Thursday, April 30, through Sunday, May 3. During this time, paid parking rates will increase by $1.50 per hour, and parking violation fines will be doubled. These enhanced penalties will focus on prohibited parking areas, including red curbs, fire hydrants, sidewalks, and clearly posted no-parking zones, to improve traffic flow, ensure access for emergency vehicles, and maintain public safety during this high-attendance event.

Residents and visitors can expect a highly visible police presence throughout the event, with officers from the Ocean City Police Department and partner agencies strictly enforcing all traffic laws.

“Cruisin’ Ocean City is a longstanding tradition that we are proud to host, but safety remains our top priority,” said Chief Raymond J. Austin. “Visitors can expect a strong police presence and strict traffic enforcement throughout the event. Reckless driving, pop-up car shows, and roadway takeovers will not be tolerated. Those who choose to engage in this type of dangerous behavior will be held accountable.”

Pop-up car shows and roadway

takeovers have become a growing concern across the country. Ocean City will take a strict enforcement approach to this type of activity to protect residents, visitors, and participants.

Spectators are reminded to act responsibly. Do not encourage drivers to spin tires, perform burnouts, or engage in reckless behavior. These actions are dangerous, illegal, and subject to enforcement for both drivers and those inciting the activity.

With increased pedestrian traffic expected, everyone is encouraged to walk smart by using marked crosswalks, obeying pedestrian signals, and making sure drivers see you before entering the roadway. Visitors should also plan ahead for parking, as special-event parking surcharges will be in effect, and fines will be doubled. Always park in designated areas and pay for sufficient time to avoid citations. For more information about Ocean City’s Special Event Zones, visit Ocean City Special Event Zone. We encourage all attendees to enjoy the event responsibly and to prioritize safety at all times.

State board will hear rebuild plan

Continued from Page 84

county oversight will be required as it moves forward.

Officials on Tuesday pointed to a prior agreement requiring a county procurement officer be involved in planning. They said that expectation hadn’t been fully met and, moving forward, the school system would comply.

“It’s not a question of asking what they want to do. It’s a condition of getting the funding,” said Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines).

Resort poised to redevelop Racquet Center

OC Council moving forward with design work for tennis, pickleball courts at 61st St.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) City officials are taking the next step in redeveloping the Ocean City Racquet Center.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to spend up to $145,000 for engineering and architectural design costs for the racquet center redevelopment at 61st Street and Coastal Highway. As part of the resolution adopted this week, the City Council agreed to reimburse itself with bond funding at a later date.

“This is declaring the Mayor and City Council’s intent to reimburse expenditures to be incurred with respect to cer-

tain projects, with proceeds of debt to be issued,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said this week. “Specifically, this is for engineering and architectural design costs for the racquet center redevelopment project not to exceed $145,000.”

According to the city’s capital improvement plan, the pre-engineered racquet center building is nearly 50 years old and is past its life expectancy. The city also reports the facility is not operationally efficient and needs upgrades.

“As the first Town-owned facility seen by visitors as they enter the Rt. 90 corridor, an upgrade to its curb appeal is necessary,” the CIP adds.

The proposed redevelopment will be the second phase of construction at the facility, which received six new asphalt pickleball courts in 2024. According to the capital improvement plan, the city

NOTICE OF ELECTION OCEAN CITY SPECIAL ELECTION

MAY 8, 2026

The Town of Ocean City special election is Friday, May 8, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. in Dockside Exhibit Hall of the Roland E. Powell Convention Center. Two (2) City Council seats are open. There are five (5) candidates: John Franklin Adkins, Peter Buas, Tony DeSanctis, Jeff Heiser and William (Bill) Murphy. A sample ballot is below. Vote for no more than two (2) candidates. For those who prefer to vote by mail:

Absentee Ballot Applications must be received by 4:30 p.m. on May 7, 2026. To obtain an application, visit www.oceancitymd.gov or visit City Hall to complete an application and fill out a ballot onsite. Applications can be dropped off at City Hall or mailed to the Board of Supervisors of Elections of Ocean City, c/o the Office of the City Clerk, 301 N. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842.

The Town is offering free bus service for all users on Special Election Day. The "no-fare" policy for buses and ADA service will be in effect from 6:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. The Coastal Highway "Beach Bus" will run every 30 minutes. ADA service is available to qualified individuals during the same days and hours that the "Beach Bus" service is in operation, but 24-hour advanced trip reservations are required. For additional information, contact Transportation at 410-723-1606.

For more information about the municipal special election or absentee (mail-in) ballots, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at 410-289-8824 or visit www.oceancitymd.gov.

now proposes to demolish the existing building and deck at the racquet center and build a new facility to support operations.

The plan also calls for removing four remaining Premier-surfaced tennis courts, perimeter fencing and existing lighting around the complex and constructing three new asphalt tennis courts and two new asphalt pickleball courts, along with new perimeter and internal fencing. The redevelopment

also includes a new paver patio area between the existing clay courts and new asphalt tennis courts to accommodate spectators and people waiting to use the facility.

The project is estimated at $1.7 million, although a bid opening scheduled for September will provide the city with firm cost projections. The city’s goal is to begin construction in October and to complete the redevelopment by May 2027.

OC Council approves zoning changes for two properties

Planning department will clean up the city’s zoning maps to reflect updates

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) The Ocean City Council this week agreed to update the city’s zoning map to reflect two recently rezoned properties.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve a resolution updating the city’s zoning district map. The changes reflect two recently rezoned properties – the former Calvin B. Taylor Bank at 91st Street and the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center at 21st Street.

“This updates the zoning district boundaries and classifications as presented at the March 24 work session,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council this week.

On March 24, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler came before the City Council with a recommendation from the city’s planning commission to revise the zoning map.

He noted that the first change involved the Phillips Plaza Shopping Center, which came before the City Council last year with a request to rezone the easterly half of the property from R-3 residential to LC-1 commercial.

The second change, he added, involved a zoning reversion at the old Taylor Bank location uptown. He called the zoning map amendment a “unique situation.”

“This property has been a bank for many, many years and was zoned LC1,” he explained last month. “But uniquely, through an ordinance on February 6, 1984, this was given a conditional rezoning and it had expressed conditions that if it ever converted from a bank to anything else it would revert back to R-1.”

With the bank location now demolished, and plans in place to build single-family homes on the site, he said staff were seeking to clean up the zoning map and formally recognize the area as R-1 residential.

With no further discussion, the City Council this week voted 5-0 to pass the resolution.

Changes to Boardwalk sign policies headed to final vote

Regulatory review follows OC planning department’s efforts to track violations

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) Changes to outdoor sales display regulations will advance to a final reading following a council vote this week.

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Ocean City Council voted to advance two ordinances to a second reading. While the first piece of legislation would clarify the treatment of banners, fence signs and temporary signs, the second piece would create clear parameters for merchandise displayed on the Boardwalk.

size restrictions for fence signs, ground signs and roof signs. It also changes display times for temporary signs, which would be reduced from six months to 30 days, and A-frame signage, which would now be prohibited during special events.

The second ordinance, also presented for first reading Monday, would change the process for accepting or denying outdoor display permits. The legislation would also update outdoor display standards.

‘This also provides a better defined description of the feather flags and the definition of teardrop flags. That follows your March 24 work session.’

“This creates clear perimeters for outdoor display of merchandise on the Boardwalk,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury explained. “This also provides a better defined description of the feather flags and the definition of teardrop flags. That follows your March 24 work session.”

Heather Stansbury, City Solicitor

When it comes to Boardwalk retailers, staff added code language that prohibits signs from encroaching on neighboring businesses and being attached to utility poles, benches, trees and the like. The amendment also bans feather and teardrop flags and requires merchants to bring in all activity-related displays when not in operation.

During a work session last month, Ocean City Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told council members that the city’s planning commission had attempted to rewrite its outdoor display code last spring, but that the mayor and City Council instead directed staff to enforce the rules that are already in place and to return to the commission for a public hearing at the conclusion of the summer season.

Bendler said that throughout last summer, the city recorded 103 violations and 43 citations. He said staff also followed up with letters to Boardwalk merchants, sharing the city’s intent to hold a public hearing on proposed changes, and meetings with Ocean City Development Corporation’s (OCDC) Boardwalk Committee.

The result, he said, were two proposed ordinances, each aimed at improving outdoor displays. The first ordinance, presented for first reading this week, amends the city’s sign code, which included new definitions and

For restaurants, hotels and amusements, the amendments would require operators to bring in any A-frame signs at night and would prohibit the use of feather and teardrop flags. But as a tradeoff, the code will now allow banners to be displayed on private fences and railings.

A menu board or menu box would also now be permitted at such establishments. With the input of OCDC, the planning commissioners last month agreed to allow those boards to be a maximum of nine square feet.

With no further discussion Monday, the City Council voted 5-0 to approve the two ordinances on first reading.

OC Public Works prioritizes bulkhead repair

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) Efforts to repair and maintain the city’s 67 bulkhead locations continues, with several projects and a study underway.

Through this coming fall, Ocean City Public Works is overseeing a handful of bulkhead projects as part of a $485,000 investment in marine shoreline improvements. Director Hal Adkins said crews recently completed a location earlier this spring, and several more are slated for re-

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pairs in the coming months.

“It is only part of a much bigger project,” he told the OC Today-Dispatch.

Last week, the engineering division of Ocean City Public Works launched an assessment of the condition of Ocean City’s 11,869 linear feet of municipal bulkheads. Once completed, those findings would be used to update the city’s capital improvement plan.

ter Avenue, from 6th to 7th streets, was completed earlier this spring, while three more bulkheads – at Winter Harbor Drive, Old Landing Road, and 17th Street – are currently under construction.

Bulkheads at Bradley Road and 33rd Street bayside are slated for replacement this fall, at the conclusion of the summer season.

Adkins said the study would effectively set in motion a plan for replacing municipal bulkheads on a revolving basis. Once completed, he said, the bulkheads typically last about 30 years.

As the assessment continues, the public works department has contracted with local companies to complete bulkhead replacements at six locations. One bulkhead at Edgewa-

“Overall, these projects involve an investment of nearly $485,000 with a life expectancy of roughly 30-plus years for each of the locations,” Adkins said.

In addition to the bulkhead projects, city officials last week announced that the comfort stations on both Caroline and Worcester streets have reopened. Crews spent the winter months making $760,000 in upgrades to the Boardwalk facilities.

County releases new study on fatal crashes

nicipal roadways and roads in Ocean Pines were excluded from the study.

Road outside Whaleyville, among others.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 24, 2026) Worcester County has identified several high-risk roadway corridors, including areas along Route 50 near Ocean City, in a new study aimed at eliminating traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2045.

County officials this week unveiled a Local Roadway Safety Plan that identifies corridors where drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians face the greatest risk. It analyzes crash data and lays out a long-term strategy to reduce crashes that result in injury or death.

Adopting the plan isn’t just a safety exercise. By voting to move forward with it at Tuesday’s meeting, the Worcester County Commissioners made the county eligible for state and federal highway infrastructure funding.

From 2019 to 2024, the report shows 604 crashes on state and county roads that resulted in injuries or deaths, including 54 fatalities and more than 140 serious injuries. Mu-

The causes of deadly crashes are familiar. Roadway departures, or vehicles leaving the travel lanes, are the No. 1 identified cause, followed by driving under the influence and distracted driving. Animal-related crashes in the fall during peak deer activity are listed as a leading cause.

Driver behavior – specifically, the combination of impairment, distraction, and speed – accounted for 39% of fatal and severe injury crashes, while distraction was identified as the top behavioral cause among 3,547 total crashes analyzed.

Several high-risk corridors were identified. They include stretches of Sinepuxent Road in West Ocean City, St. Martins Neck Road in the Bishopville area, and Sheppards Crossing

Overall, 45% of all fatal and serious injury crashes were concentrated on just 20 miles of county roads, representing 5% of total county road mileage, the study shows.

The plan calls for Worcester County to pursue a goal of zero roadway deaths by 2045 through improving road design in areas where serious crashes are most likely and reducing high-risk driving behaviors.

Proposed safety improvements include reducing speed limits on some rural roads, adding signs and pavement markings to improve visibility, and coordinating targeted police enforcement in areas with higher crash rates. Public education campaigns focused on impaired and distracted driving are also part of the strategy.

The study also integrates socioeconomic data with crash statistics. It prioritizes outreach and safety improvements in some areas of Pocomoke City where elevated rates of serious crashes coincide with higher poverty levels.

The plan outlines a phased rollout, beginning with identifying priority projects and seeking grant funding through programs such as the federal Safe Streets for All initiative.

The report also calls for tracking crash data over time and issuing periodic updates to measure whether safety improvements are reducing serious injuries and fatalities.

The commissioners moved to adopt the plan while voting to approve a batch of agenda items and did not vote on nor discuss the plan independently at Tuesday’s meeting.

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Berlin Library, Art League of OC site of horse exhibitions

(April 24, 2026) During the months of May and June, the Worcester County Library in Berlin will host one of two exhibitions of paintings about the horse, to honor the Chinese “Year of the Horse.” The other show of horses will be at the Art League of Ocean City during the same months. Both shows feature paintings by Joanne Guilfoil and Lynn Yockelson.

The shows will spotlight the legendary “Man o’ War,” the American thoroughbred racehorse widely regarded as one of the greatest racehorses of all time. He was the 1920 unofficial American Horse of the Year and in 2017 was inducted into the national Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

“Man o’ War” was foaled in 1917 near Lexington, Kentucky, but trained right in Berlin by owner Samuel D. Riddle at what is now known as Glen Riddle.

The horse was named “Man o’ War” in honor of August Belmont Jr. by his wife, when he entered World War I at age 65. In 1921 he was retired to stud and became a leading sire of champions including Triple Crown winner “War Admiral,” who also trained at Glen Riddle farm near Berlin. Father and son are both buried at the Kentucky Hose Park in Lexington, Kentucky.

Also featured will be “Secretariat,” also known as “Big Red.” He is the standalone in this group of boys as he

was awarded Horse of the Year twice (‘72, ‘73) and became the ninth winner of the American Triple Crown. Then in 1973 he was retired to stud producing over 600 live foals. It’s said the 19 horses that ran in the 2025 Kentucky Derby, each was a descendent of Secretariat

Also at the Library in Berlin, you will see a depiction of the (current “Airdrie Stud”) farm, the believed location, where the horse “Lexington” lived, and briefly trained. The story of this Civil War era racehorse was depicted in the book

Berlin reduces its housing board of review membership

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 23, 2026) The Berlin Town Council last Monday approved an ordinance that reduces the housing board of review from five to three members and fills the seats with chairpersons of other existing town commissions.

At a meeting on April 13, the Town of Berlin advanced a proposed ordinance that refines how the housing board of review—a group of volunteers that hears appeals related to building code interpretations and housing violations—operates. Under the updated guidelines, the board will now function as a three-person body. These individuals are the respective chairs of the planning commission, the board of appeals, and the historic district commission.

During a first reading of the ordinance last month, David Gaskill, the town attorney, said that the board of housing review meets as needed, which hasn’t happened in over 15

years. As such, securing volunteers to serve on the group has remained a challenge. The board will now maintain a consistent team with the new structure.

“The board has met so infrequently over the years, and it is difficult to get anyone to volunteer for a board that never meets,” Gaskill said last week. “What we’ve done is make the board consist of three members and those members shall be the respective chairpersons of the planning commission, board of appeals, and the historic district commission. That way we’ll have a permanent line of membership.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall added that sporadic meetings have made it difficult to follow proper procedures, as the board’s volunteers would not have enough practice conducting hearings. Appointing those already familiar with these processes—leaders of the planning commission, the board of appeals, and the historic dis-

100th Street lot to return to pay-by-day pricing structure

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 24, 2026) Ocean City officials this week agreed to move forward with parking changes, including a revised rate structure for the 100th Street lot and updates to city rules on dismissed certain citations.

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Ocean City Council voted to update the fee structure for the 100th Street parking lot, making it a payby-day lot once more. While the parking lot has historically been a pay-by-day lot, officials say a resolution passed last year inadvertently made it a pay-by-hour lot.

As part of this week’s vote, the rates for the 100th Street lot would increase to $28 per day for cars, $32 per day for trailers, $140 per week for cars and $160 per week for trailers. Officials also agreed to update city rules on dismissing certain parking citations.

“This amends the rates for the 100th Street lot and amends parking citation dismissal language based on the current app-only payment method,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said of the resolution.

Historically, the city offered a grace period on expired meters, such that tickets issued within an hour of the parking expiration could be dismissed if a subsequent payment was made. While the policy was created during a time when customers were forced to physically return to the meters to add money, the city’s conversion to an app-based payment system now allows customers to add time to their parking session from their phones.

“Now that it is app only, you get a notification on your phone and you can pay anywhere. You don’t have to run back to the meter …,” Parking Manager Jon Anthony told city leaders last week. “It’s not necessary anymore.”

A motion to adopt the changes passed in a 5-0 vote.

Berlin says yes to mosquito control program

Town agrees to take part in the insect spraying once again to manage the bugs

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 23, 2026) The Town of Berlin will participate in Maryland’s mosquito control program this year.

At a meeting last week, the Berlin Town Council agreed to once again take part in the Maryland Department of Agriculture’s mosquito remediation for fiscal year 2027 in an amount not to exceed $6,200, pending budgetary appropriation.

The program provides mosquito spraying services during peak season to reduce the pesky insects. Town staff said participation is contingent on available funding but has been a longstanding practice in Berlin.

“Mosquito control is an economic necessity in some parts of Maryland dependent on outdoor tourism during the summer,” reads the MDA website.

“The program relies on surveys and monitoring of the larval and adult mosquito populations to coordinate control activities. Control techniques include breeding source reduction, public education, biological control and insecticide applications from aircraft or ground equipment.”

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said residents will have the option to opt out of spraying through the MDA website, as in previous years. More information on how to do so will be released once the program is scheduled.

Council members raised questions about communication and effectiveness of the program. Councilman Jack Orris asked whether the town could provide more timely updates to residents ahead of spraying.

Bohlen said the state does notify the town in advance, though not always as early as the municipality would like.

Councilman Steve Green asked how effective the spraying program is. Bohlen noted that extensive scientific data is available through the state’s website, and Public Works Director Jimmy Charles added that the program has a long track record.

“It’s done by the State of Maryland. They’ve done tests over the years,” Charles said. “They know what they’re doing.”

Mayor Zack Tyndall explained that while the decision is often handled at the staff level, officials opted to bring it before the full council this year due to ongoing public feedback.

“Consistently what happens is, this is an item that can be actioned at the

Berlin housing board reworked

Continued from Page 90

trict commission—ensures the group operates effectively.

“Wherever a body meets, there are processes and rules of order they have to follow,” Tyndall said. “When a group doesn’t meet frequently, those processes are unknown and unfamiliar, so it creates a lot of time being focused on how things should work and flow rather than the case or matter at hand before the board of housing review.”

Aligned with the now-reduced

staff level,” Tyndall said. “It doesn’t always come before the mayor and council. [Bohlen] and I were talking, and every year we receive feedback from the citizens, ‘Hey, look, we like the program’ or ‘We don't like the program.’ We thought it was best to bring it before the group for consid-

eration and the public for feedback before we action it. I know it's something historically we’ve done for a very, very long time.”

Following discussion, the council unanimously approved participation in the control program for the 2026 mosquito season.

membership, two representatives of the housing board of review shall constitute a quorum at any meeting, rather than three under the previous guidelines.

The Berlin Town Council unanimously green-lit the changes at its meeting last week.

Opinions

Schools victims not accomplices

Get a grip, people. That would be all the finger-pointers who just know that accused embezzler Denise Shorts would have been discovered quickly by local school officials had they been paying attention.

That is unlikely. Here’s why: over the six years the embezzling is said to have taken place, the combined budgets of Worcester County Public Schools totaled roughly $725 million. The amount said to have been embezzled was $118,742.

That’s an average of $19,790 a year stolen out of an annual budget of about $121 million. That means the amount allegedly embezzled was 16 thousandths of one percent of the total budget.

To break it down differently, two partners have a joint checking account containing $100,000 to spend in one year. Partner A spends 16 thousandths of one percent — $16.88 out of the $100,000— on personal items and turns in false but legitimate-looking receipts each month. How long would it take for Partner B to find the discrepancy? He’d probably never know.

This is why annual audits rarely uncover fraud. The auditors aren’t looking for it. They are checking whether the proper accounting procedures are being applied ... and that it all adds up.

As it is, the school system’s finances are audited by an outside firm every year. These independent auditors found no reason to suspect anything was amiss.

The examination by the Office of Legislative Audits, which was scheduled to take place between 2023 and 2028 as a matter of routine, reportedly found the discrepancy after coming across a piece of information that seemed not to belong. Otherwise, it might never have known.

So, let’s not assume some massive coverup was attempted just because a few people don’t like the public education system and those who oversee it.

These things happen because betrayals of trust aren’t expected and are easily concealed.

Spring for new year

Now that spring is in full bloom, I’m rediscovering the wonders of pine pollen, which this time of year becomes one of the basic food groups for the many older gentlemen I’ve witnessed walking or standing around with their mouths open.

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By Stewart Dobson

I have to admit I’ve done some of that myself fairly recently, judging from the numerous times I hear, “Close your mouth, or you’ll end up standing slack-jawed in the middle of the grocery store looking puzzled. It’s not pretty.”

It’s a fact. You can see the minds of these old guys working:

“Hmmmmm, what is Nutella anyway?” Followed by “Uh-oh, I’ve been rendered immobile by indecision.”

The thing is, though, I have a ready answer should anyone ask me if I have slipped into the slack-jawed-ness stages of the aging process or whether I need to be pointed in any certain direction.

“Well, thanks for asking, your nosiness,” I’ll say, “because the fact is I’m seriously engaged in improving my health. See, the fact is I am currently filter feeding pine pollen like a whale sucking in plankton.”

It could be a thing, too, according to an AI inquiry and we all know that much stranger things are going on these days than filter feeding pine pollen.

So here’s this from someone’s version of AI: “Pine pollen is a comprehensive source of amino acids, containing all nine essential amino acids necessary for human health, making it a complete protein source. Due to its immense profile of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, it is considered a concentrated source of nutrition.”

Close my mouth? Not this time of year because I need my daily pine pollen portion that becomes available during the real beginning of the new year.

After all, Pope Gregory set up his calendar by lopping 10 days out of the 1,600-year-old Julian calendar, which began in January because, “I’m Julius Caesar and I said so, capiche?”

But now, I think we could easily reassign the days of January and February to other, less depressing months, and maybe have more fun as a result.

For instance, you could throw January’s days in with December’s, and we could celebrate the 24 days of Christmas.

And we could dump February’s days in with March’s and have several Valentine’s Days, which would come in handy for polygamists (and sister-wives reality television shows everywhere).

The way I see it, new life starts in the spring, so the new year should as well.

As it happens, one of my favorite sounds of the season is the chorus of early spring frogs, who emerge from their mud and leaf litter burrows and crank up the volume of their whistly croaks that say, “Well, helllllooooooo ladies!”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Ocean City is doing the right thing in shining a light this month on a potential pop-up event returning to the resort in the summer. Last July 4 was ruined by the antics of a group who came to Ocean City to cause trouble. It’s important to remember the stampede that followed on the Boardwalk when it appeared a gun was fired within a group. It was a frightening scene confirmed by many long-time locals who were in the area. Other acts of vandalism and foolishness took place in other areas.

At this week’s motor event task force meeting, Ocean City officials revisited a tact they embraced with the former H2Oi event weekends and the college takeovers of the past. Officials let the organizers know they are watching social media and will be ready if they plan to return. Chief Ray Austin made it clear they are preparing for any gatherings intended to surprise Ocean City with a huge onslaught of day-trippers. Austin said, “ … between cameras, technology, our intelligence, our social media monitoring, our coordinated investigations, our allied agency assistance, our strict enforcement of the law, that’s what the Ocean City Police Department is doing to address the public safety issues in the pop-up car rallies and beach takeovers. We’ve been busy this year preparing for it, and again, we’re ready for it, all in the interest of public safety.”

Ocean City has an election on May 8 to fill two council vacancies. A Q&A with the five candidates will appear in next week’s issue ahead of the municipal election.

While all attention should be on this important election in two weeks, it’s impossible not to reflect on the news this week that three-term Councilman Matt James will not seek re-election to the council and is instead looking to challenge Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan, who has been on the job since 2006 and previously served on the council since 1985.

Two years ago, Meehan, who has now been an Ocean City elected official for 41 years, was challenged in a similar fashion when Peter Buas opted against a council run and sought the challenge of unseating Meehan. Buas lost by 192 votes with Meehan receiving 1,324 votes and Buas earning 1,132. It’s unknown at this time if Meehan will seek re-election but my guess is he will want to continue to serve to see through the offshore wind farm fight as well as securing a site for a sports complex, a priority of his for many years. Like Buas, James is another formidable foe.

With James opting against re-election, at least one new face is guaranteed after the fall vote. Council members Carol Proctor and Will Savage are also up for re-election in November. ***

Budget meetings can be tedious but also are important to follow. At this week’s meeting, it was intriguing to hear Sheriff Matt Crisafulli outline his department’s request for an additional $2.5 million, or 13% over last year’s budget. Though a huge increase, this should come as no surprise to the commissioners as the sheriff has been blunt his department is essentially in a crisis when it comes to recruiting and retaining. What’s happening in law enforcement around this area – and across the country – is concerning. It’s been trending in an unfavorable direction for years as competition ramps up for law enforcement personnel, but the fact is now Worcester County has to do something different when it comes to starting deputy pay, existing deputy compensation and sweetening the offers for the coveted laterals (experienced cops coming from other departments).

The current group of commissioners has been divided on how far to increase the budget for the sheriff’s office. For example, a 3-3 tie in December (with Commissioner Diana Purnell absent) led to a proposal for a 5% increase in starting deputy pay and a bump for lateral transfers failing. Those who opposed the mid-year budget change told Crisafulli to come back in the spring during budget time. It’s now the time for another look.

***

If you are on social media, a new campaign called “You Can Do Both” on the Worcester County Public Schools Facebook page is worth following. I like that it introduces the public to student-athletes on a personal level. It celebrates the students who specifically are excelling in sports and in arts. After all, being well-rounded is a great trait for any teen.

This week’s example was Rubie, a student from Snow Hill High who plays basketball while also participating in the choir. The post read, “Basketball builds stamina, teamwork, and competitive drive, while Choir demands listening, harmony, and artistic expression. Together, these experiences nurture perseverance, creativity, and balance.”

Highlighting the students is always worth the effort, but I think it’s a great builder of personal confidence and sense of place for these young folks to have their diverse interests and activities spotlighted.

OC supports the recent Sussex County bill appeal

Editor,

The recent decision by the Sussex County Council to appeal the ruling on House Bill 159, which would allow the state to override the council’s decision to deny the conditional use permit for the US Wind electric substation at 3R’s Beach, to the Delaware Supreme Court deserves recognition and appreciation from coastal communities throughout our region.

On behalf of the Town of Ocean City, I want to thank President Hudson and the members of the Sussex County Council for their leadership and their willingness to stand up for the fundamental principle that local zoning decisions should remain in local hands. Their vote to appeal was not simply about a single project—it was about protecting the integrity of local governance and ensuring that the voices of their residents are not overridden by actions at the state level.

Coastal communities like Sussex County and Ocean City share far more than a border. We share an economy driven by tourism, recreational and commercial fishing, and the preservation of our natural environment. Decisions that impact our coastline —particularly those involving large-scale infrastructure and offshore energy development — carry significant environmental and economic implications. These are decisions that deserve thoughtful, local review by those who understand our communities best.

The council’s action sends a clear message: local leaders must retain the ability to make land use decisions that reflect the priorities, concerns, and long-term vision of the people

they serve. That principle is essential not only for Sussex County, but for neighboring communities like Ocean City and for coastal regions across the country.

We commend the Sussex County Council for taking this important step and for demonstrating the leadership necessary to defend local authority at a time when it is increasingly challenged.”

Mayor Rick Meehan Ocean City

Berlin mayor believes tax rate increase needed

Editor,

(The following letter was addressed to Berlin’s residents and business owners with a copy sent to this publication.)

The Mayor and Council held our General Fund Budget Work Session on Monday, April 20. Following the meeting, I want to take a moment to speak directly to our community about where we are in the process and what it means for the Town of Berlin.

First and foremost, it is important to understand that we are still early in the budget development process. At this stage, many items remain projections and will continue to be refined as we move toward formal budget introduction. As I shared during the meeting, the same inflationary pressures that families are experiencing at the grocery store, at the gas pump, and in everyday purchases are also affecting the town government. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the cost of goods, services, and operations has increased significantly.

Over the past several years, the Continued on Page 96

town has worked hard to absorb many of these increases without passing them on to our residents, often by strategically utilizing reserve funds. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that most of these costs are not returning to pre-pandemic levels. While we fully recognize the financial strain this creates for our residents, it would not be financially prudent or responsible to rely on reserves as a long-term solution. Our obligation is to ensure the town remains financially stable, not just today, but for years to come.

I want to address a concern I have already heard from some in the community regarding the idea that the town is currently operating in a deficit. That is not accurate. I want to reassure our community that the Town of Berlin remains in a very strong financial position, and our reserves continue to be maintained above historical trends. Since 2020, our team has made a deliberate effort to rebuild and strengthen our financial resilience, and our independent auditors continue to recognize the Town’s solid financial standing in our annual audits. The FY27 draft budget we discussed includes projected gaps that we are actively working to close as part of the normal budget development process, but the town is not operating in a deficit.

Over the past several weeks, town staff and the Mayor’s Office have worked diligently to reduce the projected deficit. At the end of the day, we are required to adopt a balanced budget, and we are making meaningful progress toward that goal. That said, I also want to be transparent about what is not currently included in the draft budget but needs to be considered moving forward. At this time, no funding has been allocated to the contingency line item, which is critical for addressing unexpected costs during the next fiscal year. Additionally, the draft budget does not include increased funding for the Berlin Fire Company or Berlin Fire Company EMS, despite rising operational costs and their request for additional support. There are, however, some positive developments. Our healthcare renewal projections are coming in lower than initially anticipated, and we expect other line items to improve as we continue refining the budget.

As part of the process, I am required to introduce a proposed tax rate at our next meeting on Monday, April 27, so it can be properly advertised. It is important to note that the town has not increased the tax rate for the past 3 years, when the tax rate was increased 1.25 cents or $0.0125 on July 1, 2023. Based on current projections and discussions with our

financial team, that rate will likely be introduced at approximately 1.25 cents ($0.0125, or a penny and a quarter of a penny) higher than our current rate, representing about a 1.5% increase. To put that into perspective, for a home valued at $500,000, this equates to approximately $5 more per month. I fully acknowledge that every dollar is meaningful and, for some families, can make a real difference.

However, the town’s financial team and I believe that a modest adjustment, combined with continued budget refinement, potential deferral of certain projects, and responsible fiscal management, positions us to achieve a balanced budget while maintaining the high level of services our residents and business community expect and deserve. Our goal remains clear: to protect the financial integrity of the Town of Berlin while being mindful of the impact on our residents and business community.

We will continue to evaluate, refine, and make adjustments as we move toward budget introduction and final adoption. I encourage residents to stay engaged, attend meetings, and share their feedback as we move through this process together. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

Mayor Zack Tyndall Berlin

sense, has made too many “woke” decisions in Maryland starting with increasing annual automobile registrations of $70 to $219 a year. Watercraft has moved from $24/year to $70/year.

Continuing his wreckage, our gasoline tax is the top 5 highest in the U.S. at 46 cents per gallon, to abide by our automatic inflation adjustment earning revenue of $100 million per month. This critical tax is “needed” for funding state and local road projects, infrastructure maintenance, and public transit. But, lowering this tax by even 10 cents will bring relief to us Marylanders. Where is the infrastructure tax allotment for rebuilding the 2 year old collapsed Key Bridge, governor?

Next wreckage, reexamine the 3% tech tax imposed on businesses that rely on digital infrastructure, businesses including our Maryland NSA, Fort Meade, and U.S. Cyber Command. Our Maryland contractors and IT small businesses will be forced to raise their prices or leave the state. Moore is also taking a wrecking ball on our most vulnerable group, the disabled. Governor Moore’s Developmental Disabilities Administration is pushing to cut $150 million from the DDA, which when added to the matched federal Medicaid funding, equates to a $300 million loss. To many, it means they must cut DDA staff to care for their vulnerable family members.

Maryland’s spending problem impacts citizens Editor,

Congratulations, Governor Wes Moore. You have successfully forced the Baltimore Ravens to make a decision whether to leave Baltimore for another state, or stay.

With his imposing new taxes, Wes Moore is a wrecking ball to Maryland. The governor, lacking common

But the same budget cuts are not considered for esteemed programs such as the ‘Blueprint for Maryland’s Future,’ Maryland’s multibillion-dollar education reform plan. While Gov. Moore considered reducing school grants and teachers programs, according to our legislative body, Maryland House Democrats rejected most of these proposed cuts, passing a heavily trimmed amended version of

Continued on Page 97

Mid-Atlantic Orchestra hosts gala

(April 24, 2026) On Sunday, April 12, supporters of the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra gathered at Lighthouse Sound restaurant in Bishopville for the organization’s annual Spring Gala, an evening celebrating community, music, and philanthropy.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of the orchestra’s annual Legacy Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions of time, talent, and support to the MSO. This year’s honorees, Tom and Gail Markiewicz, were recognized for their longstanding dedication to the growth and success of the orchestra.

The evening featured performances by MSO musicians, remarks from Music Director Michael Repper, a silent auction, and an opportunity for patrons and supporters to connect in a relaxed and festive setting.

The Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra is the only professional orchestra on the Eastern Shore and presents a unique model as a traveling ensemble, performing 18 full orchestra concerts and 12 ensemble concerts annually across three regions of the Delmarva Peninsula: Easton, Ocean Pines/Ocean City, and Rehoboth Beach. Ticket sales account for approximately 40 percent of the organization’s budget, with the remaining support coming from contributions and fundraising events such as the Spring Gala.

In addition to its performance schedule, the MSO is committed to education and community engagement. Its programs include in-school outreach for young musicians, initiatives designed to introduce new audiences to classical music, and the internationally recognized Elizabeth Loker International Concerto Competition, which connects emerging artists from around the world with the local community.

The Spring Gala serves as an important opportunity to recognize the individuals and supporters who help sustain the orchestra’s mission and expand its impact throughout the region.

For more information about the Mid-Atlantic Symphony Orchestra, visit www.midatlanticsymphony.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 96

Moore’s proposal.

Maryland has become a difficult state to reside in, retire in or to raise a family due to 338 new taxes imposed by Gov Moore. The Ravens have made their decision and signed a new lease that will keep them at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore until 2037. Besides the decision the Ravens faced, many families are deciding to move out of or stay in Maryland.

Maryland doesn’t have a revenue problem. Maryland has a spending problem. And it is past time to fix it. This year, vote out all Maryland Democrats to trade for common sense Republican values.

Susan Ostrowski Berlin

(The writer is the chair of the Worcester County Republican Central Committee.)

SIGNS OF PROGRESS

The installation of new signage continues along the Boardwalk this week. The city reports Plak That, the local company selected to complete the estimated $436,000 project, will be finished installing most of the wayfinding signs by mid-May.

BETHANY HOOPER/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OBITUARIES

SHIRLEY AMMANN EPPARD

Berlin

Shirley Ammann Eppard died peacefully on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at The Macky & Pam Stansell House Coastal Hospice in Ocean Pines. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, sorority sister, neighbor, and artist.

Shirley was born on May 10, 1934, in Camp Springs, Maryland, to Robert Warren and Brittania Park Ammann. The area was largely agricultural when she was growing up. Shirley graduated from Surrattsville High School in Clinton in 1952. She was a fierce competitor, active on the women’s sports teams, and attended their high school reunions for decades. She was an active member of the Phi Pi Epsilon Sorority and engaged in charitable activities, organized memorable soup dinners, and enjoyed close relationships with her sorority sisters for decades.

After high school, Shirley worked as a bank teller at the National Capital Bank in Washington, D.C. She met the love of her life Philip Fenton Eppard and they married on November 30, 1957. Together they built a life in Camp Springs, raising six daugh-

ters – Lynn Eppard (Kenneth Young), Pamela Howard (Jim Howard), Robin Tomaselli (Kenneth Tomaselli), Michele Eppard, Nancy Leah Olsen (Eric Olsen), and Diana Nicole Eppard. The family kept growing, and there are now 16 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and one great-great-granddaughter. Phil and Shirley were married for more than 66 years and eventually moved to a waterfront dream home in Ocean Pines.

When their children were young, Shirley went to work for her father’s F&A Bricklaying Contractors business. Many homes in Auth Village, as well as commercial development around the Branch Avenue Metro Station, stand as a testament to those efforts. During that time, she also cultivated her love of good food and gin rummy at the office compound on Auth Rd.

Shirley was a talented artist. She nurtured her own and her children’s creativity in all kinds of art classes and media. She created beautiful works in oil, acrylic, watercolor, and ceramic, and many are proudly displayed in homes of family and friends across the country. Her interior decorating talents were evident in her beautiful homes and on several commercial projects. In her later years, she enjoyed classes and friendships in the Southern Maryland Decorative Painters league and the Art League of Ocean City.

Shirley supported the Silver Hill Lions Club in many ways, too. Phil was an active member and leader for nearly 50 years, and they both contributed greatly to the club’s biggest fundraiser, the annual Demolition Derby. Shirley’s people skills were well known and profitable at the ticket window.

$1,845.

Faith was also important to Shirley. She was an active member and eventually became a trustee of the Bells United Methodist Church in Camp Springs, one of the oldest churches in that local area of Prince George’s County. She also supported her husband’s parish, St. Philip the Apostle Church and School in Camp Springs, where she contributed generously to fundraisers, especially her popular spaghetti dinners. She recently converted to Catholicism at St. John Neumann Church in Berlin in 2023.

Shirley will be dearly missed by her large family, countless friends, fellow artists, and neighbors. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert J. Ammann; her nephew, Robert V.

Obituary Submissions

E-mail: editor@octodaydispatch.com Submitted obituaries

OBITUARIES

Ammann; and her grandson, Saleem Abdullah Wakil.

A funeral mass will be held at St. John Neumann Catholic Church on Monday, May 4, at 11 am. The church is located at 11211 Beauchamp Road, Berlin, Md. 21811. An interment will be held immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations by check to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, Md. 21802, or online to http://www.coastalhospice.org/donate.

HEIDI LYNN GRIMES

Ocean City

“There are some who bring a light so great to the world that even after they have gone, the light remains.”

Heidi Lynn Grimes, 52, of Ocean City, left this world on April 17, 2026, leaving behind more love than time allowed.

Born Jan. 10, 1974, she was a vibrant light in the lives of all who knew her. A devoted daughter. A fierce and loyal friend. A steadfast partner. A loving and beloved big and little sister. A constant and guiding presence for her nieces and nephew, whom she adored - we are profoundly grateful

for her enduring influence in their lives.

The beauty of her heart was surpassed only by its capacity to find joy in the little things: driving her Jeep on a sunny day; a pink shirt and matching lipstick; dangle earrings; a porch full of summer plants and flowers. Heidi loved the beach life and was never happier than with her toes in the sand and the sun on her face.

As her siblings can attest, Heidi had a passion from an early age for hairstyling—one she turned into an extraordinary career, serving the Ocean City community for over 25 years. The bonds she formed with her OC Hair and Nail Studio family and in the broader community enriched her life in countless ways. And if you were ever in her chair, you were transformed not only by her talent, but also by her kindness, authenticity, and care.

Heidi was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Grimes; her mother, Cinda Grimes; her stepmother, Cynthia Grimes; and her brother-in-law, John Fluharty. She is survived by her sister, Leslie GrimesAlvarado (husband, Jose Alvarado); sister, Janelle Fluharty; brother, Justin Grimes (wife and soul sister, Jenny Grimes); her beloved nieces and nephew, Lexie Alvarado (boyfriend, Frank Peña), Ellie Al-

varado, Aislyn Fluharty, Charlotte Grimes, and Ryder Grimes; and her fiancée, best friend and soulmate Mark Fleming.

As caretakers of her legacy, we will turn the ache of her absence into acts of love that keep her with us. We will say her name—often. We will tell stories of our adventures and antics together—over and over. We will sing and dance in her honor and save her place in our midst—until we meet again. And in all of us who loved her, her light remains.

A celebration of Heidi’s life is planned for May 17, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. at Seacrets in Ocean City. To help us prepare, please RSVP by May 10 via text at (570) 807-5143 or here: https://bit.ly/41OgD79. Guests are invited to wear pink in her honor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Aneurysm and AVM Foundation (TAAF), supporting research and families affected by AVM: https://taafonline.kindful.com/. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

Ronald Lee Rasmus

April 15, 1937 - April 15, 2026

Ronald “Ron” Rasmus passed away on April 15, 2026, at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of entrepreneurship, generosity, and resilience.

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Raymond Rasmus and Marjorie Riely, Ron overcame a modest upbringing through sheer determination and drive. Known by the nickname “Ace” in his youth—a reflection of both his confidence and natural charisma—Ron stood out early as someone destined to forge his own path. Though his educational journey was unconventional, he later earned his high school credentials through Temple University in Philadelphia.

Ron served in the United States Army as a radio specialist, where he developed the technical foundation that would shape his early career. After his military service, he pursued opportunities with government contractors before setting his sights on becoming a self-made entrepreneur.

By his early 30s, Ron had risen to become president of a major circuit board manufacturing company. He later served as CEO of Manufacturing Service Preparation and went on to lead Control Design Corporation, where he worked in pioneering automated radio broadcast systems well ahead of their time.

Never one to remain in a single lane, Ron transitioned into the liquidation business in Alexandria, Virginia, focusing on office furniture before becoming a commercial auctioneer specializing in federal bankruptcy sales in the early 1980s. His work in the auction industry marked yet another successful chapter before his early retirement later that decade.

Ron married Mary Sicilia in Thurmont, Maryland, and together they raised three children: Christopher Rasmus, Trisha Rasmus (deceased), and Kathleen Rodimak. In later years, he married Helen Rasmus, his beloved wife and steadfast partner, with whom he shared his life, his later successes, and his retirement years.

He is survived by his wife, Helen Rasmus; his children Christopher Rasmus and Kathleen Rodimak; his stepdaughter Allison; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Gene.

A man who understood both success and struggle, Ron was known for his generosity and his willingness to help others get started. He took pride in mentoring aspiring business owners and offering support to those willing to work hard, often giving others the same kind of opportunity he had created for himself.

In retirement, Ron and Helen settled in Berlin, Maryland, where he enjoyed a quieter life on the water, spending his days fishing and appreciating the life he had built.

Ron will be remembered as a self-made man who continually reinvented himself and brought others along with him—leaving a lasting impression on his family, his colleagues, and the many people whose lives he touched.

DECATUR STAYS PERFECT

Decatur softball rolls over county foe from Snow Hill

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 24, 2026) On April 17, the Seahawks varsity girls’ softball team took on the Eagles from Snow Hill and won 14-1 in the fifth inning.

This was a special game for Stephen Decatur as the seniors are permitted to pick and play a position.

It was also a particularly special game for senior Madison Donoway, who decided to try pitching for the first time. Her mother, Tammy Donoway, exclaimed, “Madison struck out three players during her pitching debut and also hit her 100th career hit.”

In the third inning, Stephen Decatur was already up 12-0. Snow Hill hit the score board in the fifth with their only run, while the Seahawks scored 2 more. The Seahawks used four pitchers for the game --Emily Blume faced six batters with 26 pitches (18 strikes), Kirby Bounds faced three batters with 11 pitches (eight strikes), Bailey Griffin faced three batters with 17 pitches (10 strikes) and Donoway faced six batters with 29 pitches (14 strikes).

The Seahawk defense held strong only allowing the Eagles one hard

fought run. Stephen Deatur’s runs were scored by Griffin (2), Donoway (3), Blume (1), Tenley Littleton (1), Bounds (3), Kaitlyn Eisemann (2), Lea Herling (1) and Maddie Imschweiler (1).

After the game, Head Coach Scott Kurtz said, “The inner county team from Snow Hill are clearly young. They have girls that try hard. Today’s game was a senior deck game for us and opportunities to have our seniors be celebrated and recognized so we like to do it whenever we have an inner county team to keep it in the county, but you know I’m proud of my four seniors that have been with us and have played varsity for four straight years.

“They all got an opportunity to take them out today and pitch and some of them have never done that so it was fun and it was a successful day. It would bring our family and friends out here to honor the legacy the script from a part of three regional championships. We won one before that so four regionals, they’ve been a part of three. They’re trying to leave their stamp and make it five in a row for the team and four for them so you know they work hard. They’re dedicated, a lot of talent. I’m super proud of all the girls, 17 girls they all come together and contribute as one team. It’s a lot of fun and then Maddie (Donoway) hit her 100th hit of her career here at (Stephen) Decatur. That’s when the game stopped … she’s got a banner out there which for her 100 she’s got the ball and all … so a lot of good they’ve got the balloons that’s an extra bonus to the senior day.”

Decatur fell on April 20 in non-conference play to

Stephen Decatur baseball team having perfect season

By Bruce C. Walls

Contributing Writer

(April 24, 2026) Stephen Decatur’s boys’ baseball team is now perfect on the season at 12-0 and 5-0 in conference play.

On April 17, the Seahawks blew the Eagles out, 16-0, that ended in the fifth inning. The Seahawks had seven runs early on after Nate Hallman made a dusty slide at home to the Eagles blank slate.

Decatur continued the offensive onslaught in each inning while the pitchers controlled the Eagles. The game was ended early in the fifth inning at 16-0.

After the game, Manager Richard Ferro said he has been impressed with his team thus far.

“I feel very good, really a great team win. We pitched and played de-

fense and the bottom of the lineup has been turning it over to the top really well past couple games,” Ferro said. “Very fortunate that they’re having really good bats, cutting down and strikeouts. I’m forcing people to play defense.”

On March 23, the Seahawks won over Queen Anne’s, 4-2. On March 24, Decatur had a close game winning 8-7 over James M Bennett, followed by a 10-0 shut out over Northern High. Another win came against Sussex Central, 14-10, with a nail bitter victory against Parkside, 4-3.

Decatur had two more shut outs, one against Easton 16-0 and 24-0 over Pocomoke. The Seahawks have toppled Indian River, 6-3, and North Caroline, 12-1.

On April 20, Decatur won 7-2 against Delmar on the road.

WPS junior commits to play college lacrosse in Virginia

(April 24, 2026) Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) junior student-athlete Gavin Sutherland of Lewes, Del. has announced his commitment to play NCAA Division III Men’s Lacrosse at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, Virginia. He plans to pursue a degree in Business.

A member of the Class of 2027, Sutherland is a dedicated student and athlete who has made a strong impact at Worcester Prep. He is an active member of the Military History Club and serves as a standout goalie for the varsity lacrosse team. Known for his focus, quick reflexes, and strong field awareness, he has been a key contributor to the Mallards’ success on and off the field.

Outside of school, Sutherland, who also plays soccer, continues to develop his skills through competitive play with the Brotherly Love travel

lacrosse program, where he competes against high-level talent and gains valuable experience. He is the son of Christine and Dale Sutherland.

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