OC Today-Dispatch JULY 17, 2026
Teacher fired, cop on leave amid police investigation — Page 22
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Rentals gain against hotel sales in June June revenues for vacation rentals were up 40% over the same time last year, as occupancy climbed too. Hotels, meanwhile, gave up some ground to rentals.— PAGE 6
Sign auction aids charity BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Yes they do, those hundreds upon hundreds of horseshoe crabs that float into Ocean City lagoons and canals and then die. Why is it happening? Scientists continue to look for a reason. Crews removed them yesterday in OC — PAGE 13
Plak That looking to sell old OC signs to benefit local Children’s House By the Sea charity. — PAGE 12
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
Speakers express concerns with Worcester’s comp plan Data centers, estate zoning in South Point, and growth pressure among the worries
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) Worcester County planning officials formally presented a completed draft of their 2026 Comprehensive Plan last week, opening the first public hearing on a document that will guide growth and landuse decisions for the next two decades. Speakers at the Planning Commission’s July 9 hearing raised concerns about the plan’s treatment of data centers, the future of estate zoning in South Point, and whether the county is directing growth to places where development can occur. The future of estate zoning has been a sticking point for residents in the South Point area along Route 611. Commission members had previously considered eliminating the E-1 Estate District. However, faced with resident pushback, they revised their draft and struck a compromise: retain the zoning where appropriate while preventing its expansion. Generous lot sizes and the bucolic character preserved by estate zoning were among the deciding reasons many residents chose to move to South Point, according to Diane Stelzner, secretary of the South Point Association. “The land, the environment, the birds, the critters, that's what drew them down there. And if we start changing what made people come, that's a big loss,” she told the commission. “Just leave it like it was. Keep it E-1. Everyone will be happy.” The E-1 Estate District is for agriculture and low-density residential development. Created in 1992, it’s intended to preserve the open character of rural and environmentally sensitive areas, according to the county zoning code. E-1 applies only to a handful of areas in Worcester County and permits no more than one home per two acres. Not everyone wanted to talk about estate zoning. Mark Cropper, an Ocean City-based attorney who specializes in land use, urged the commission to reconsider Showell’s designation as a growth area after 20 years without significant development. Cropper said the designation made more sense when Showell had access to a sewer plant and discharge permit, neither of which exists today. Building a new regional water and
wastewater system, he said, would require substantial density to cover the cost. He suggested directing future growth toward already developed areas near Ocean Pines and River Run, where utility connections are closer. “It ain’t gonna happen without water and sewer,” Cropper said. “If you’re serious about your growth areas, put them where you anticipate that growth possibly happening.” Wendie Green lives beside the site of a cable landing station proposed by Globalinx. Speaking on behalf of a coalition of homeowners in the Route 611 corridor, she urged the county to add specific protections against data centers, cable landing stations, and other large-scale digital infrastructure. Jennifer Keener, the county’s planning director, later confirmed in an email that the current draft of the comprehensive plan does not address data centers or similar uses. She said county staff recently had been directed to address those uses through zoning and other regulations. Jacky Grindrod, another Berlinarea resident, urged the commission to use the comprehensive plan to reject such facilities outright. “If you take this gamble, and you believe what they tell you, and then you're gonna find out that they played you and that they're very damaging, it's gonna be way too late,” she said. “Why take that risk on us? Why do it? You don't have to do it.” Maryland counties are required to maintain comprehensive plans, which serve as policy guides with a 20-year horizon and must be reviewed at least once every decade, according to Keener. She said the process began in 2023 with public outreach that drew more than 1,500 participants and identified nine priorities, including preserving community character, managing growth pressure, protecting farmland, and addressing housing affordability. Planning Commission Chair Gerald Barbierri said members met nearly every month in addition to their regular sessions to work through the document. “It’s a plan that took a lot of work, and we’re getting near the end,” he said. The Planning Commission will next consider the comments before forwarding a final recommendation to the Worcester County Commissioners, who will hold another public hearing before deciding whether to adopt the plan.
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12301 JAMAICA AVE #351N HIDDEN HARBOUR III • OCEAN CITY $499,900 Welcome to this beautifully updated top-floor 2-bedroom, 2-bath waterfront condo in Hidden Harbour III, complete with Boat Slip #98. Ideally located just a few blocks from the beach and within walking distance of Northside Park, this fully furnished property is move-in ready and waiting for you to start enjoying the coastal lifestyle. MDWO2039360
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Build Your Dream Home! A rare opportunity has just become available in the prestigious Lighthouse Sound community! This expansive 20,237.00 sq ft lot - one of the largest in the neighborhood - offers the perfect setting to build your dream home. Ideally situated on the corner of Fox Ridge and Southampton Drive. Enjoy a lifestyle of luxury and leisure in a community recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 golf courses in the country. Lighthouse Sound has an elegant clubhouse and a highly rated restaurant - perfect for relaxing after a round of golf.MDWO2034644
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Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 8.4 acres. This is a rare commercial development opportunity on the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978
Experience direct waterfront living with breathtaking bay views in this stunning luxury 5-bedroom, 3.5-bath singlefamily home in the soughtafter Heron Harbour Isle community. A charming white exterior sets the tone with a classic coastal, nautical vibe, complemented by beautiful new navy-blue front doors. Perfectly positioned on the water, the home includes a private boat slip with lift and a vinyl bulkhead—ideal for boating enthusiasts! MLS MDWO2037574
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2026 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
Vacation rentals outpacing hotels, OC leaders report Tourism officials evaluate this season’s lodging data
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) Ocean City tourism officials say hotel lodging data improved in June, despite a drop in bookings and revenue earlier in the month. On Tuesday, Bill Obreiter of Zartico – the city’s data research firm – updated members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission on lodging performance in June and provided booking data for the upcoming months. When compared to June 2025, chain hotels reported declines in three of the four data points – revenue per available room, paid occupancy and measured revenue – while numbers for vacation rentals were up across all categories. Breaking down the data, revenues were down 2% for hotels and up 40% for vacation rentals, while paid occupancy dipped 8% for chain hotels and jumped 12% for vacation rentals. Average daily rate (ADR) was $316 for chain hotels and $360 for vacation rentals. “When those numbers get very, very close, it’s a tough sell for hotels versus a larger vacation rental unit,” he said. Looking at revenue per available room – or RevPAR – Obreiter said hotels were down or flat 16 days of the month, while vacation rentals were up every single day. Overall, however, data for chain hotels improved over the course of the month. “At the beginning of the month, we were seeing a slight dip in hotel paid occupancy, about 11% down,” he said. “Over the last 30 days of June, we’ve actually narrowed that gap to about 8.7%. We did see at the same time that hotels had a 7.5% increase in ADR … So while chain hotel was down slightly, it made up a lot of ground over the course of June.” See RESORT Page 10
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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OC Today-Dispatch
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JULY 17, 2026
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
Resort reviews future bookings
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
This week, the Ocean City Tourism Commission heard updates on June’s lodging performance, as well as projected numbers for future months.
Continued from Page 6 Tourism officials also broke down visitor spending throughout the month of June. Obreiter noted that 90% of all credit card spending in town came from visitors, with 63% of visitor spending going to locally owned businesses. “Ocean City in the summer is funded by people from away,” he said. “That shouldn’t be a surprise to anybody, and that number’s growing, year over year, about 4 or 5%.” Obreiter also noted an uptick in visitation and spending from feeder markets like Washington, D.C. Visitors from that area, he added, had higher incomes and and were less likely to have children. “Most of the metrics, we did see D.C. come up quite a bit versus last year,” he said. Looking at July bookings, Obreiter
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said vacation rental performance remains strong, with revenues, average daily rates and paid occupancy all trending upward. While hotels struggled heading into the month, he said lodging data had improved with lastminute bookings. “You can see we’ve made up quite a bit. For chain hotels specifically, we made up six percentage points to wind up pretty much flat,” he said. “Flat is actually really great because we’ve been watching a decrease for hotel revenue and demand for the last four or five months.” Looking at the July 4 weekend specifically, revenue per available room, measured revenues and average daily rates were up for both hotels and vacation rentals. “Any time you have a weekend with $400 ADRs for both products, you know you are doing really well,” he said. Obreiter also reviewed lodging data for August, which showed a decline in hotel revenues and occupancy when compared to 2025. However, he said bookings are strong for the White Marlin Open fishing tournament. “The White Marlin Open is holding its own versus last year,” he said. “It’s the best performing midweek period of the summer, by a lot.” Heading into the fall months, Obreiter said numbers continue to improve for September, with the Oceans Calling weekend bringing more people to town at the end of the month. All hotel metrics, with the exception of paid occupancy, were up from last year, while vacation rental metrics were up across the board. “We’re looking at a record-breaking year, especially for vacation rentals,” he said. But Obreiter noted that October is pacing down. He said the two-day Country Calling festival, as opposed to the three-day festival held last year, had impacted bookings. “What that tells is people are not going to stay that final night, just because there’s no programming,” he said. “So we are seeing a little bit of a dip.” Tourism officials this week also reviewed completed lodging data for the month of May. The cancellation of this year’s Boardwalk Rock music festival, coupled with a rainy Memorial Day weekend, resulted in losses in nearly every category. Average daily rates and paid occupancy were down more than 30% for hotels and 3% for vacation rentals, while revenue per available room was down 24% for hotels and 6% for vacation rentals, and overall revenue was down 24% for hotels and up 38% for vacation rentals.
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
Signs like the one pictured are now available to bid on, with proceeds benefitting Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea. SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH
OC street, Boardwalk signs part of auction for nonprofit By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) The coastal area’s residents and visitors will have a chance to buy a piece of Ocean City history through an online sign auction to benefit Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea. Starting today, West Ocean Citybased sign company Plak That will be auctioning off old street and Boardwalk signs that were recently replaced as part of a rebranding project in Ocean City. The markers – which include street, dune crossing, rip current and bicycle signs – will be sold to the highest bidder, with proceeds to benefit the local respite house. “When I was trying to think through local organizations that I just adore what they do, that was the one,” Plak That owner Wyatt Harrison said in an interview last week. Earlier this year, the Town of Ocean City hired Plak That to replace municipal signs from the inlet all the way to 146th Street. The project was part of a rebranding initiative involving welcome signs, wayfinding and regulatory placards and more. “As soon as we started taking them down, every 10th person walking by us on the Boardwalk said, ‘What are you doing with that? I want it. I want it,’” he recalled. Harrison said he also received nu-
merous calls and emails from clients and community members asking to purchase some of the signs. To make it fair, he came up with the idea for an online auction. “It just snowballed from there,” he said. Harrison said proceeds from the sale will benefit Believe in Tomorrow Children’s House by the Sea, an Ocean City-based respite home for critically ill kids and their families. Harrison said his love for the charity started years ago, while working at Malibu’s Surf Shop. “When I was working there, we started doing surf lessons every Thursday for the families and individuals that were at the house …,” he said. “Looking back, it was an amazing experience.” In the weeks since the city project concluded, Harrison said the company has been busy cleaning, cataloging and photographing an estimated 200 or so signs in preparation for this month’s sale. He said many of the retired signs will be auctioned off, while other signs – those with several duplicates – will be sold for a fixed price. “I like being able to give them a second life,” he said. Those interested in bidding can visit plakthat.com/pages/ocean-city-signauction to view available signs. There, Harrison said participants can also sign up to receive auction news and updates.
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OC Today-Dispatch
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Scientists said this die-off of horseshoe crabs, seen July 7 at Rusty Anchor Road off 94th Street, happened after the migratory spawn failed to find their way back to open water after a full moon.
City brings in cleanup crew after horseshoe crab die-off By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) Cleanup crews visited Ocean City this week to begin clearing out a large number of dead horseshoe crabs that have collected at the end of the 94th Street canal. Wearing head-to-toe personal protective equipment, workers from Hepaco, an environmental cleanup company, took to the water Thursday
to scoop up the dead arthropods, which have been gathering in the canal over a period of weeks. In the meantime, officials continue to investigate the cause of the dieoffs, which have become increasingly common in the canal over the last five years. City Manager Terry McGean said this year’s mortality event is much larger than what is typically See Page 15
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OC Today-Dispatch
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JULY 17, 2026
OC police calls up across several categories
Chief Ray Austin says some calls reach five-, seven-year highs for police department By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) Service calls by police for the month of June show fiveand seven-year highs, Ocean City Police Chief Ray Austin reported Monday. He told the Ocean City Police Commission that the department recorded 10,823 total calls for service last month – 8,005 officer-initiated calls and 2,818 citizen-initiated calls. That figure represents a 13% increase from last June, during which the agency recorded 9,540 total service calls. Breaking down service calls by category, Austin said traffic stops topped the list. Service calls increased from 1,506 in June 2025 to 1,765 in June 2026, representing a seven-year high. “A lot of that is attributed to the Axon [license plate readers],” he told commission members. “They are a terrific asset for enforcing traffic violations throughout town, and there’s been a noticeable increase in incident reports that stem from these Axon LPRs. So those are actually our new in-car cameras that have LPR tech-
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Members of the Ocean City Police Commission review service calls for the month of June, which showed five- and seven- year highs in some recorded categories.
nology inside the cameras. We do only have 25 of those that are included in our contract.” Austin also highlighted service calls for city ordinance violations, which increased from 684 to 913. He said some enforcement measures, including those for noise and smoking violations, contributed to that increase. “Although these [calls for service]
have increased substantially compared to the previous two June months in ’24 and ’25, prior years have been substantially higher than what we’ve seen this year,” he said. “So, it’s been up.” Austin also pointed to an increase in collisions (213 to 252), noise violations (89 to 110), and assaults that have already occurred (45 to 65). The department also recorded a five-year
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high in disorderly calls (544 to 700) and a seven-year high for trespassing (72 to 86). “If you look at everything, what we’ve been commonly dealing with is our disorderly, our trespassing, our assaults that have already occurred, our city ordinance violations, and our noise complaints or violations, which are kind of grouped under the city ordinance violations,” Austin said. However, the department did record a decline in some service calls, including those for thefts that had already occurred. He attributed that decrease to a decline in bicycle thefts last month. “Although there have been a couple of minor bicycle theft hotspots throughout town, there has not been as many bicycle thefts reported so far in 2026,” he said. “We do get a lot of those towards the end of summer though.” Under June enforcement, drug arrests increased from eight to 17, criminal citations decreased from 13 to nine, and custodial arrests increased from 390 to 426. Austin said the department also recorded 30 incidents that resulted in 18 people being charged with weapons violations. “Eighteen of these incidents, or 60%, were the result of a traffic stop,” he said, adding that most of the incidents occurred south of 33rd Street. However, commission members noted some discrepancy between the chief’s reporting and the department’s statistics, which showed 21 weapon incidents last month. The department’s crime analyst, Brandon Reim, said those numbers likely excluded incidents involving juveniles. “Sometimes if a juvenile is locked up for a weapons charge, it won’t show the actual charge in our [records management system],” he said. “They are referred to juvenile services.”
OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
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Cause of crab deaths puzzling Continued from Page 13 seen at 94th Street. “We know why the crabs end up there — it is the end of a large canal system,” he said, “but we don’t know why they are dying in such large numbers this year. [The University of Maryland Eastern Shore] has been out and they are unsure as well. We have had the crabs removed three times in the last two weeks. Typically, we only have to do it once.” The university’s department of natural sciences, which has led horseshoe crab projects and studies in Ocean City’s canals over the last several years, reports that mortality events in the 94th Street canal have been a problem since 2021, but the cause remains unknown. Its research into these die-offs have continued since 2022. “Research conducted to date has included water quality testing, chemical and biological testing of 10 deadend canals including those on 94th Street, and surveys to determine if this problem is unique to the 94th Street canal system,” a statement from the department reads. “With the information the research team currently has, they believe the problem is unique to the 94th Street system. UMES scientists will continue to conduct studies to determine the cause, which could include multiple factors.” McGean said the problem has been so severe in recent weeks that the city has asked both the Maryland Department of the Environment and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources for help in disposing of the dead horseshoe crabs. In the interim, residents along the 94th Street canal have had to deal with the decay. “The stench is so bad you can’t sit out on the pier …,” resident Sharon Dowell said in an interview last week. “I’m more concerned about the air quality and the water quality. I know decaying animals or creatures like that are a hazard. And they haven’t figured out why this is happening.” Dowell, who has lived on 94th Street for 25 years, said dying horseshoe crabs started washing up into the canal roughly five years ago. Since then, she said teams from UMES have been out in the canal, conducting research and projects, with a goal of finding the cause. Volunteers have also gone out in recent years to assist in the cleanup effort, she added. “This year seems to be even worse,” she said. Each summer, horseshoe crabs return to the bays behind Ocean City as part of their annual spawning run, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. The mating season occurs during the full moons and new moons between May and July.
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Nearby residents challenge plans for property rezoning By Brian Shane Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) Plans for an 87unit townhome community on an undeveloped parcel along Route 589 have drawn a sharp rebuke from neighbors living behind the property,
who say they are worried about traffic, public services, and the loss of wooded land. The 14.7-acre parcel sits on Racetrack Road near the North Gate entrance to Ocean Pines. Ashley Mostek, whose home on Bramblewood Drive backs up to the property, has worked with neighbors to circulate petitions opposing the proposal. She said she is concerned about the development’s potential impacts on traffic, school enrollment, and the environment, as well as the additional strain that dozens of new homes could place on police and fire services. “I understand that it’s inevitable that development will happen, but I want it to be done in a responsible way,” she said. “We hoped and prayed it wouldn’t be developed, and someone would be interested in preserving it.” Property owner Allan Rabineau, a Baltimore attorney who has owned the wooded parcel since 1973, wants to rezone it from R-2 to R-3. That change, if approved, would increase the maximum allowable density on the site from 59 dwelling units to 87. At its May 7 meeting, the county Planning Commission gave the petition a favorable recommendation. The rezoning request is scheduled for a public hearing this Tuesday before the Worcester County Commissioners, who have the final say. Mostek said she has reached out to Ocean Pines Association President John Latham and District 5 County Commissioner Chip Bertino. She said she hopes a town hall meeting can be arranged this weekend ahead of the commissioners’ hearing. Attorney Hugh Cropper, who represents the owner, told the Planning See BUYER Page 18
JULY 17, 2026
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JULY 17, 2026
School board to revise social media policies Officials say changes to be presented for approval at WCBOE meeting in August By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) The Worcester County Board of Education is expected to approve a revised social media policy at its meeting next month to ensure staff professionalism in online spaces. A new policy on how employees of the county school system conduct themselves on social media platforms has been considered by the board of education for a few months now. On Tuesday, the board discussed some simple word additions and phrasing adjustments to the standards and indicated they intend to pass the finalized version of the updated regulations at the meeting on Aug. 18. Heather Stansbury, the board attorney, will provide members with the clean copy ahead of next month’s session. Stansbury explained this week a few alterations she made to the policy at the direction of Todd Ferrante, the education board’s president. Ferrante said he would like to use the word “objective” when describing how the superintendent may disci-
pline those who violate the guidelines. The policy would read, "Accordingly, the superintendent or the superintendent’s designee shall evaluate policy violations of this policy based on the totality of the circumstances and shall exercise consistent, objective professional judgement.” The board president said bias-free evaluations of online infractions will help to ensure the standards are followed by all school system staff members. “Depending on where it’s coming from, an objective view versus a sub-
jective view is better and in most policies such as this one, you want there to be as much objectivity as possible,” he said. Stansbury also added language that makes it known that even if content is shared to a private social media account, there are ways for the post to be blasted on public channels. “It’s more educational than anything else, but I just wanted to make sure [employees] were aware,” Ferrante said. Additionally, the new guidelines clarify that professional social media accounts are owned by WCPS. The modernized policy was cre-
ated by a committee directed to overhaul obsolete WCPS social networking rules. This team consisted of Stansbury, board members Jackie Cutlip, Elena McComas, and Jon Andes, and executive team members. The standards’ language has been bounced around since this spring. In June, the board debated a passage that read, “Employees shall not author or share social media content that would likely impair the employee’s effectiveness as an educator and/or role model or likely undermine the educational environment or likely damage the public’s confidence See WCPS Page 20
Buyer eyes townhome community Continued from Page 16 Commission that a townhome community is better suited to the property than single-family homes on larger lots. The land is under contract to NVR, the parent company of Ryan Homes, he said. “Smart growth is not going to a farm and dividing off four two-acre lots along the road in the middle of nowhere,” Cropper told the board. “That’s the antithesis of smart growth
– that’s sprawl.” Cropper said the proposed townhomes would connect to the Ocean Pines wastewater system and would not include taxpayer-subsidized housing. He also said the proposal calls for a 100-foot forested buffer between the townhomes and the Bramblewood Drive homes behind the site. County documents show the property currently has no planned public water or sewer service and would re-
quire an amendment to the county’s water and sewer plan. It also may contain nontidal wetlands that will require closer evaluation. The rezoning would not approve a final site plan, which would require additional county review. County staff also noted that a real estate sign was advertising the property as R-3 with capacity for 87 units in February, before the rezoning had been approved.
JULY 17, 2026
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JULY 17, 2026
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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) A Showell Elementary special education teacher was fired this week, and her husband, a corporal with the Ocean City Police Department, is on administrative leave as Delaware State Police conduct a criminal investigation. Kimberly and Benjamin Berry of Selbyville were already in trouble with their employers on other grounds, when a swirl of unrelated accusations involving the possibility of child exploitation surfaced this week. DSP Public Information Director Lt. Tyler Wright said Wednesday the investigation into the Berrys began on June 13. DSP has confirmed that no charges have been filed at this time, and no arrests have been made. “I can confirm there is an active investigation involving Benjamin and Kimberly Berry. As this investigation is still ongoing, there is no further information to share at this time,” Wright said. “… At this time, we are unaware of any public-safety implications related to the investigation.” Delaware police offered no information about what prompted the investigation, although they were contacted by local authorities because
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of jurisdiction issues. Kimberly Berry, who already faced job performance problems, according to sources outside the school system, was fired by the board of education this week. Benjamin Berry remains on administrative leave. Even though the two are employed in Maryland, their residence is in Delaware, which suggests that Worcester County law enforcement officials do not suspect that any illegal activity took place in the workplace of either person. Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Annette Wallace confirmed on Wednesday that Kimberly Berry had been terminated. “The Worcester County Board of Education is aware of an ongoing law enforcement investigation concerning Kimberly Berry. In light of what the Board understands to be the active nature of the investigation, the Board can make no further comment at this time … “I can confirm that Kimberly Berry's employment with Worcester County Public Schools was terminated effective July 14, 2026, as part of the personnel actions taken by the Board of Education at its regularly scheduled See INVESTIGATION Page 24
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
PAGE 23
POLICE/COURTS
Felony assault charge A man is facing first-degree assault charges after he threatened a woman who would not let him re-enter an Ocean City church’s homeless shelter. On July 9, at 2:40 a.m., Ocan City police responded to St. Paul’s by-theSea Episcopal Church on 3rd Street where Robert Socorso, 45, of Ocean City, had threated a staff member who would not let him enter the temporary homeless shelter after the 10 p.m. curfew. The church staff member told police that Socorso threatened her with a folding pocket knife after she refused to grant him entrance to the church’s sleeping quarters. The staff member told police she feared for her life. Socorso was located nearby at the Bayside Park at 4th Street. The pocket knife was found in Socorso’s pocket. Socorso is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment.
Fighting at 2 a.m. Three Pennsylvania men have been charged after police saw them fighting on a downtown street. On July 7, at 2:22 a.m., uniformed Ocean City police were on bike patrol at Somerset Street and Baltimore Avenue when they heard three men en-
gaged in an argument. By the time officers approached the men, a fight had broken out between Warren Holloway, 24, of Mechanicsburg, Pa., Tezera Mengestu, 29, of Etters, Pa., and Daud Aden, 20, of Mechanicsburg, Pa. Police immediately arrested Holloway and Aden. Mengestu fled south and entered a private property despite no trespassing signs. Police were able to locate Mengestu close by. Mengestu is charged with two counts of affray, two counts of second-degree assault, disorderly conduct, disturbing the peace and trespassing. Holloway is facing charges of affray, two counts of second-degree assault, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace. Aden is charged with affray, two counts of identification fraud to avoid prosecution, disorderly conduct and disturbing the peace.
nile’s Apple AirPods had been stolen as well as $500 taken out of her husband’s wallet. The juvenile pinged her AirPods and realized they were still in the complex, taking her to a balcony of a room on the first floor where a man, later identified as Henry Williams, 46, of Saratoga Springs, N.Y., was located. Surveillance video showed Williams walk off an elevator and head to the room where the family was staying. About three minutes later, Williams was seen on video returning to the elevator with a wad of cash. Williams told police he took the AirPods and cash because he was drunk, returning $334 of the stolen $500. Williams is charged with first-degree burglary, fourth-degree burglary and two counts of theft $100 to under $1,500.
Pepper spray in face A woman was charged with assault after she allegedly pepper sprayed a bouncer while leaving an underage night club. Shortly after midnight on July 10, Ocean City police responded to an underage night club for a disorderly group fighting. Police were informed two underage club bouncers were sprayed with pepper spray by an unknown female. The incident occurred at closing time and club-goers began fighting the bouncers. The woman who sprayed the bouncers fled toward the Boardwalk and was later apprehended. Dakota OliverDavis, 20, of Lanham, Md., stood out among a group walking on the Boardwalk because she was yelling, “We put belt to ass! We put belt to ass!” OliverDavis continued to “yell, hoot and Continued on Page 24
Burglary, theft A condominium stay in Ocean City was disrupted last week when a family realized a theft had occurred while they were away from their unit. On July 8, around 8:45 a.m., Ocean City police responded to 109th Street for a reported theft. A family from Connecticut told police a juve-
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Berlin crash sends trooper, teen to local trauma center (July 17, 2026) Maryland State Police continue to investigate a trooperinvolved crash that occurred shortly before 8:30 p.m. Sunday in Berlin. A Maryland State Trooper was taken by ambulance to a local hospital, and later flown by Maryland State Police Aviation Command to a local trauma center for treatment of his injuries. The driver of a Land Rover, a 16-year-old male, was also flown by Maryland State Police helicopter to a local trauma center for treatment of his injuries. Troopers from the State Police Berlin Barrack responded to the area of eastbound Route 50 at Route 818 for a report of a two-vehicle crash. According to a preliminary investigation, the Land Rover was travel-
ing north in an attempt to cross the intersection and failed to yield to oncoming traffic, subsequently striking the Maryland State Trooper, who was eastbound on U.S. Route 50. The Maryland State Trooper was in his marked patrol vehicle at the time of the crash. Assistance on scene was provided by personnel from the Maryland Department of Transportation State Highway Administration, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Berlin Police Department, and Berlin Fire Company. Upon completion, the investigation will be presented to the Office of the State’s Attorney in Worcester County to determine whether charges will be filed.
Investigation launched in June Continued from Page 22 meeting,” Wallace said. “The Board cannot further comment on personnel matters.” At the same time, the Ocean City Police Department verified that Benjamin Berry had been placed on administrative leave, with pay, for an unrelated matter at the beginning of June. After learning of the Delaware State Police investigation, a second administrative investigation was opened within the last week. According to the Ocean City Police Department, when an officer is placed on administrative leave, their police powers are suspended, along with access to both law enforcement databases and the city’s public safety building. “The Ocean City Police Department takes this matter seriously,” OCPD
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Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said in a statement Wednesday. “We will continue to assist the Delaware State Police with their investigation as needed, along with continuing our two administrative investigations.” Kimberly Berry has worked at Showell Elementary School as a special education teacher since at least 2011, according to online records. Benjamin Berry, who served as a seasonal officer for two years before joining the force full-time in 2012, was assigned to the patrol division prior to his suspension. In 2019, the community rallied around Berry and his family following an advanced testicular cancer diagnosis. Through a GoFundMe campaign organized by Kimberly Berry, the family received more than $27,000 in donations to help make ends meet while Benjamin Berry received treatment. (Additional reporting from Editor Stewart Dobson, Executive Editor Steve Green, Associate Editor Bethany Hooper and Staff Writer Brian Shane.)
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Continued from Page 23 holler as she walked northbound on the Boardwalk,” according to the statement of probable cause. When police tried to stop OliverDavis, she began to resist, telling police the bouncer punched her in the face. No evidence was found to substantiate that claim, but Oliver-Davis was found with “bedazzled pepper spray attached to her wallet,” the police report stated. Oliver-Davis is charged with two counts of second-degree assault, obstructing and hindering and a noise violation.
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Sienna Lester Contributing Writer (July 17, 2026) Ocean City native Lindsay Jones, 26, was just crowned Miss South Carolina, adding another title in a career that’s already defined by more serious pursuits: leadership, entrepreneurship and community service. Jones attended Salisbury University for both her undergraduate and graduate studies, earning a masters of business administration. Today, she serves as a national sales manager at Stanley Black & Decker, where she has been promoted four times in just five years. She manages a $200 million dollar territory and works with major retailers such as Home Depot, balancing the demands of a corporate job with a growing list of entrepreneurial ventures. Outside of her full-time position, Jones owns multiple businesses, including Cupcakes for Kindness, which combines baking with community outreach by supporting charities through fundraising events and donations. She also owns a pet sitting business that has more than 100 clients. While Jones has built an impressive professional career, she is also committed to giving back. Passionate about empowerment, Jones has dedicated much of her time to the American Heart
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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
After graduating from Stephen Decatur High School, Lindsay Jones earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Salisbury University.
Association, where she has raised over $7,000 by hosting women’s empowerment events and collaborating with Pilates studios across the country. She carries the same mission to her social media platform, where she encourages women to pursue careers in business through her initiative,
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
Jones to compete in Miss America
#SheMeansBusiness. Jones’ road to pageantry wasn’t the typical one. Instead of growing up competing, Jones was inspired by a postcard that she received in the mail. She decided to take her chance on an opportunity that she had never considered before. That decision marked the beginning of her pageant journey, first earning her the title of Miss Charleston and later Miss South Carolina this spring. Earning the title requires much more than simply taking the stage. Jones said contestants are evaluated in several categories: “evening gown, health and fitness, talent, and a 10minute private interview.” For the talent portion of the pageant, Jones delivered a speech on the challenges and obstacles that she’s faced as a woman in the construction industry. For her success in the competition, Jones received several honors, such as the Overall Interview Award, the Overall Health and Fitness Award, and the Women in Business Award. And the prize wasn’t just a crown. Jones received a $60,000 scholarship from the Miss South Carolina Scholarship Organization to support her education and career goals. While Jones now represents South Carolina, she said her youth spent in Ocean City played an important role in shaping her into the per-
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Lindsay Jones, 26, is currently working as a national sales manager for Stanley Black & Decker, while also competing professionally in pageants.
son that she has become. “I will always love Ocean City. I’m so thankful for all the opportunities and experiences that helped me get to where I am today.” She is especially thankful for the mentors who helped her through pivotal life phases, Judi Billups, her college professor, and Caitlin Evans, her hospitality teacher at Worcester Technical High School. “I wouldn’t be where I am today
without them,” Jones said. Now, she hopes to provide that same encouragement to others by serving as a mentor and board member for Big Brothers Big Sisters, a youth guidance organization. In September, Jones will represent South Carolina at the Miss America Pageant. As she continues her journey on the national stage, she says Ocean City will always hold a special place in her heart.
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JULY 17, 2026
Berlin reduces scale of street repair project Full testing of roadway led officials to recommend less costly paving alternative
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) The Town of Berlin will pursue a scaled-back paving project in the Henry’s Mill community after discovering that repairing the entire roadway would cost the municipality far more than originally anticipated. The initiative was presented at Monday night’s Berlin Town Council meeting. The town had initially intended to repave all of Henry’s Mill Drive using carryover funds from the 2026 streetpaving budget after other scheduled projects were delayed due to aging
water and sewer infrastructure that still needed replacement. The idea was to address sections of Henry’s Mill Drive that had buckled, making the street unsafe for motorists. The plan came to a halt when public works found irregularities in the Henry’s Mill roadway. Testing of the showed that the street was built on unstable material. “We had some testing done, and then when we did, we found the ground underneath was not solid,” Berlin Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said. “It’s like walking on the beach near the water. If you step on it, it’s always mushy…to do the street correctly, it doubled in price, and we don’t have that in our funds.” Instead, Berlin will address the road’s most bothersome areas and al-
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locate the remaining 2026 carryover funds to other, less costly streets around town that require repair and maintenance. The Henry’s Mill sections slated for repair include: 5 Henry Mill Drive, an 85-foot by 26-foot area; the Littleworth Road and Henry’s Mill Drive intersection, 70 feet by 27 feet; 105 Henry’s Mill Drive, 70 feet by 26 feet; and Penders Lane and Henry’s Mill Drive, 23 feet by 14 feet. At each location, contractors will remove the damaged pavement, excavate six inches of unstable material, install a new stone base, and rebuild the road with 3.5 inches of new asphalt, consisting of a 2-inch base layer topped with a 1.5-inch surface layer. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall maintained that while the project will improve the road’s conditions, it remains a temporary remedy. It’ll buy us time, but it’s not a long-term solution,” he said. “It will reoccur again, but this will help us buy some time.” Councilman Jack Orris asked Charles when the town can expect the entirety of Henry’s Mill to be repaved. The public works director responded that he can’t provide specifics, and for now, he and his team are monitoring the roadway. “Other parts of the road were in
fair or good condition, not to the point where they need to be resurfaced like the areas we’re addressing,” Charles said. “We don’t have the funding to do the whole road today… the road could last for years…we’re watching, we’re maintaining it.” Debbie Ritz, president of the Henry’s Mill homeowner’s association, noted that the areas slated for repair are “awful.” “We’ve been dealing with this,” she said. “Are we going to continue to be in bad shape? Every year, is something going to be going on?” Charles said that the goal of the project is to maintain the roads as effectively as possible, but public works must work within the confines of available funding. “If we have another winter, some areas could expose themselves, or they could be solid for a while,” he said. Tyndall added that the issue predates current town leadership. “The way the road was constructed is leading to some of these problems,” he said. “So, we’re not able to fix the entire roadway…we don’t have the funding to be able to do that.” After the discussion, the Town Council voted unanimously to direct municipality staff to issue a request for proposals for construction contractors.
JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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JULY 17, 2026
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
SUBMITTED RENDERING/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
A computer rendering shows what the retail portion of the massive renovation of the former Tyson Foods poultry processing plant could look like when completed.
Berlin revitalization project secures site plan approval
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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) A push to transform the dilapidated and dormant Tyson’s poultry building on Old Ocean City Boulevard into a vibrant commercial center is finally gaining some momentum now that the project has received site plan approval. The Berlin Planning Commission last Wednesday endorsed the final site plans submitted by developer Palmer Gillis of Coastal Ventures Properties (CVP) for the first phase of a project to revitalize land that was once home to a Tyson Foods poultry processing facility. Under the applicant’s plans, the 8.64-
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acre property known as parcel 57, which was part of the Heron Park parcel, will house three buildings and a landscaped community garden. Last week’s approval was for phase one only, which includes two of the campus’ intended structures. Medical offices are slated for the facility situated at the back of the land, while a retail or restaurant business will move into the front establishment. Gillis, along with his development team, appeared before the Berlin Planning Commission their final plans for the project’s initial stage. Gillis said that Chesapeake Health is likely to sign on as the rear building’s tenant upon completion of construction. Developers hope to secure a commercial operation for the front facility. “The front building, we want to make it a lot more lively with retail or restaurants,” Gillis told the Bayside Gazette this week. “Something that the public interfaces with better.” Plans for the garden center and building number three will be designed and reviewed at a later date. “For building three, we will be coming back to you, and the garden center,” Gillis told the planning commissioners. “We are only submitting [plans] for phase one, which is buildings one and two.” According to the elevation drawings, buildings one and two will feature new red brick veneer, a textured concrete block base, large storefront-style glass windows and black metal awnings. Decorative parapet walls will conceal the flat roof and rooftop equipment, while a protective parapet cap will provide a finished appearance along the roofline. Developers said the red brick will align with the historic elements and colors found in downtown Berlin. Additionally, rather than a flat facade, the brick’s placement will have some “ins and outs,” or offsets, to provide texture, depth, and sun shading. The size of building two, where the medical offices will go, is planned at approximately 22,200 square feet. The retail site, building one, will be around 18,777 square feet. The planning commission unanimously approved CVP’s final site plans for stage one of parcel 57’s redevelopment, contingent on the applicant completing processes with Worcester
JULY 17, 2026
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OC Today-Dispatch
Gillis wants to settle on land purchase soon County Soil Conservation and other outside agencies and addressing routine planning comments from Berlin staff. Gillis added he is nearing the end of talks with the Worcester County Soil Conservation and he has submitted a stormwater management design to the town’s engineering consultant. The redevelopment project dates back to 2022, when CVP wanted to purchase the land, along with Heron Park’s parcels 191 and 410, and create a mixeduse commercial complex. Those negotiations came to a halt in 2023, when the council decided the municipality needed
more time to consider how the land should be utilized. But in the spring of 2025, CVP entered into another arrangement with Berlin to buy parcel 57 for $1.2 million. However, since that agreement was signed, the project’s future has been shrouded in uncertainty amid disputes. On April 8, Gillis and his wife, Sandyn, appeared before the Berlin Planning Commission despite not being included on the official agenda. Gillis complained that parcel 57's property lines had not been agreed upon and that his repeated attempts to confirm the details with town
leadership had been denied. Gillis threatened at the April planning meeting that if an unconditional 12-month extension on their initial study period were not granted by April 20, CVP would terminate its commitment to buy the site. The extension was ultimately approved, providing Gillis until April 2027 to walk away from the purchase agreement and have $100,000 deposit returned. The boundary line debate arose because the town and CVP disagreed over how much of parcel 57 could be
relinquished for redevelopment. In May, the council approved an amendment to the land disposition agreement that incorporates just shy of a quarteracre of the requested property into the purchase agreement. Per this week’s final site plan approval, the redevelopment project continues to progress. “We’re very excited…our task right now is to keep the process moving so I can go to settlement as soon as possible,” Gillis told the Bayside Gazette on Monday. “We’re still ready to go to the settlement as soon as possible.”
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OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 36
JULY 17, 2026
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 37
Furnace Town forced to cancel annual Faire She said Furnace Town also does not want to make up the difference by substantially raising admission prices. “We have to keep our ticket prices reasonable” for families, she said. Worcester County provides Furnace Town with $40,000 annually toward its operating costs. The nonprofit’s total annual operating budget is about $250,000, Nagle said. Nagle introduced the fair after becoming Furnace Town’s executive director in September 2020, and the first, smaller version was held in 2021. It typically attracts about 3,000 visitors. She said the cancellation brought an unexpected wave of positive feedback from people who had made the faire an annual tradition. “I knew people enjoyed it,” she said. “I didn’t necessarily know how much.” Spread across 20 wooded acres in the Pocomoke Forest outside Snow Hill, Furnace Town is a living-history village. The nonprofit preserves the remains of the Nassawango Iron Furnace, where bog iron was produced during the 19th century, along with historic buildings relocated from around Worcester County. Its collection includes a church, schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, woodshop, broom house and weaving house. Furnace Town uses the buildings for school tours and demonstra-
tions of the trades and daily routines of the former company town. Furnace Town still plans to host a fiber arts event in November. Nagle said that program is less costly, more closely tied to the site’s historical mission and is being organized with help from an outside group providing vol-
unteers and other support. Looking ahead, Nagle said the Renaissance Faire would return in September 2027, though it may be reduced from two days to one. Furnace Town would first need to secure sponsorship and volunteer support before committing to a format and dates.
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By Brian Shane Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) Furnace Town has canceled its Renaissance Faire this fall because of a lack of funding, its executive director said, though the event is expected to return in 2027. The faire has been held annually since 2021 and was scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27. But it costs about $60,000 to produce, more than Furnace Town Historic Site can afford under its current financial constraints, Executive Director Claudia Nagle said. “No one is happy about it, including us, but the reality is that the funding picture for small nonprofits – it’s a challenging time,” she said. Nagle said the pause would allow it to concentrate its resources on preserving the historic site and sustaining its primary mission. Furnace Town operates with two full-time employees, two part-time employees, and about 20 volunteers. Nagle said staging the fair requires significant preparation before, during, and after the event. The organization also pays performers brought in from across the East Coast, including stilt walkers, musicians, fire breathers and an entertainment troupe that covers emcee duties. Although the fair generates revenue, Nagle said it barely covers its costs without sponsorship support.
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OC Today-Dispatch
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JULY 17, 2026
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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) A quarter-million-dollar furniture package proposed for Berlin’s renovated Town Hall was tabled this week after councilmembers and residents expressed concerns that the expenditure is an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars. Up for consideration before the Town Council Monday night was a $252,773 request to outfit the municipality’s Town Hall, a building currently undergoing extensive renovation. The town is working with OMNIA Partners for the furniture part of the project. The company provides government agencies with competitively priced equipment and, for Berlin’s Town Hall remodel, has secured products from the supplier Teknion. An itemized breakdown of the pro-
posed furnishings were: • 138 seats for $55,166 at an average of $400 a piece; • 20 desks for $55,244 at $2,762 each; • 12 secondary desks for $6,326 at $527 each; • 10 bookcases for $4,001 at $400 each; • 14 tackboards and whiteboards for $4,728 at $338 each; • six conference tables for $4,602 at $767 each; • four council chamber desks for $1,919 at $480 each; • three lobby tables for $1,049 at $350 each; • one lectern at $753; • 18 filing shelves and pedestals for $7,979 at $443 each; • 24 storage configurations for $32,498 at $1,354 each;
• eight wardrobe towers for $5,388 at $674 each; • 17 modesty panels for $2,676 at $157 each. Also included in the cost are a $25,822 art and design package, a $2,100 specification and design fee, and a $29,687 delivery and installation fee. Daniele Haley of Haley Architecture, the West Ocean City firm handling the building restoration, presented some specifics about the equipment her team proposed to install in the updated Town Hall when it’s move-in ready. She said that the planned desks in the 14 administrative offices would be Ushaped and height-adjustable to allow for sitting or standing. For chairs, Haley said the selected seats are mid-range in quality and price, with an average cost of $400 each. The architect added that the proposed office chairs come with a 15-year, 24/7 warranty. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall explained how this replacement deal works. “A typical office chair, when you go buy it, the warranty might say, if you use it for eight hours, that is what we will warranty it for,” he said. “If you work more than eight hours in this chair, it voids the warranty. So, in areas where we have dispatchers working multiple shifts in the same chair, or if folks are working longer than an eight-hour day, See FURNITURE Page 40
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JULY 17, 2026
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JULY 17, 2026
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SUBMITTED RENDERING
According to furniture costs discussed this week, 20 of the town staff desks are proposed to cost $55,244, or $2,762 a piece. Above is a proposed look at the mayor’s office inside Town Hall.
Furniture proposal hits $252K Continued from Page 38 it would void the warranty. “This warranty, you could hypothetically sit in it every day, every hour for 15 years and it would still be warrantied.” The proposal also includes about 45 new seats for the council chambers that Tyndall said are easier to clean. The price tag for the Town Hall furniture, which the council later postponed for further review until its next meeting, prompted an impassioned response from residents. Citizen Carol Rose argued that the municipality should have aimed to reuse furnishings where possible. For example, Director of Public Works Jimmy Charles said about 35 old council chamber chairs are in storage that, while not in prime condition, could be salvaged. However, Monday night’s
proposal recommended replacing them with all new seats. “It’s a waste of money if we’ve got chairs that work,” Rose said. Resident Mary Hedlesky maintained that the $250,000 expenditure is an excessive financial burden on taxpayers, even though the benefits would be reaped primarily by town staff. “I would rather see us do something else,” she said. “We don’t spend money wisely. It’s time we start taking a step back and looking at how this money is being spent. And I hear … we’re looking out for the staff. And I appreciate everything the staff does. But what about the residents? We’re the ones still sitting here dealing with these ridiculous issues. West Street looks like a warzone. And then we’re sitting here bouncing around $253,000 for furniture.”
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JULY 17, 2026
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Council wants to reduce furniture expenses Hedlesky added that not only does the furniture carry a hefty price tag, but it also lacks the characteristics of the town’s historic aesthetic. “This furniture, I think it’s ugly,” she continued. “… it does not enhance the historic nature of this building at all.” The mayor noted that the historic character was preserved in the actual building renovation. However, the chairs, tables, and desks prioritized staff comfort. “We’re hiring a workforce that is not going to work at a nursing home or a funeral home,” he said. “We are trying to
attract a millennial workforce … they want a standing desk, they want to be able to work in a space that is open and bright. ...” Resident Marie Velong said less money should be spent on furniture and more should be allocated to audio and video capabilities to improve virtual meeting viewing. Tyndall said that audio and video upgrades will be presented to the council at a later date. In addition to the citizens’ problems with the $252,000 price tag, council members also had serious misgivings.
Councilman Steve Green took particular issue with the $400-a-piece chairs. “When I look at $400, I think that’s very expensive,” he said. “I wouldn’t pay that, so I wouldn’t expect the taxpayers to pay that.” Councilman Jack Orris asked Haley to explain the arts and design portion of the project. The architect said this cost includes 61 pieces of art. Orris suggested that the cost of art could be reduced by seeking donations from local artists. “There’s no reason someone from the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum can’t
offer to put a picture in the town lobby for a month or two,” he said. Councilman Jay Knerr added that he would prefer the furniture costs to fall between $175,000 and $200,000. Tyndall cautioned that the figure may be unrealistic, given that 24 workspaces in Town Hall will need to be equipped with the appropriate desks, chairs, and storage configurations. The council tabled the discussion and asked Haley to return with a revised cost estimate. The vote to postpone was unanimous, with Councilmember Shaneka Nichols absent.
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JULY 17, 2026
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OC Today-Dispatch
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17,2026
BIG SUMMER SAVINGS! Soak up the sun and savings!
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17,2026
BIG SUMMER SAVINGS! Styles available for the whole family!
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Who’s Where When BLU CRABHOUSE / DISTRICT 24 410-289-3322 24th Street Bayside Fri., July 17: Lime Green Sat., July 18: Loud Moon Sun., July 19: Tony Mowen BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY 443-513-4647 10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin Fri., July 17: Dustin Showers Band Sat., July 18: Josh Pryor
OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
Best Beats On The Beach
DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Fri., July 17
DJ MARY JANE Purple Moose: Fri., July 17 Seacrets: Sat. & Sun., July 18 & 19
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28 410-289-BUXY 28th Street Coastal Hwy. Fri., July 17: DJ Wax 7pm Sundays: Locals Night w/ DJ Deogee Wednesdays: Karaoke w/ DJ Nick Hundley CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue CARIBBEAN POOL BAR 410-289-6181 In The Plim Plaza Hotel 109 N. Atlantic Ave. Fri., July 17: Kasey Briggs Duo & Rogue Citizens Sat., July 18: Mercury Agenda & Chris Diller Band Sun., July 19: Permilla Project & Jason Lee Mon., July 20: DJ Wax & Dust N Bones Duo Tues., July 21: Shane Gamble & Wayne Blake Wed., July 22: Fil Rhythm & Johnny Cardo Thurs., July 23: Sketchbook & Boogiemen COCONUTS BEACH BAR 410-289-6846 Oceanfront At Castle In The Sand Hotel 37th & 38th Streets Fri., July 17: Darin Engh & Coastal Groove Sat., July 18: Shredded Cheddar & Krush Sun., July 19: Margo & Val & 33 RPM Mon., July 20: Nate Clendenen & Johnny Cardo Tues., July 21: Medium Wave Jay & The Day Drinkers Wed., July 22: The Dickson Twins & The Castaway Band Thurs., July 23: Neil Helgeson & Clockwork Band COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Fri, July 17: Tear The Roof Off Sat., July 18: Jim Long & Rockoholics Sundays: DJ Wax Tues., July 21: Jamn’ Brothers
DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturdays
THE 1974 Fager’s Island: Sunday, July 19 & Deck Pary ~ Monday, July 20
PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays
KARAOKE W/ DJ NICK HUNDLEY Buxy’s: Wednesdays
DARIN ENGH Coconuts Beach Bar: Fri., July 17
DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays & Wednesdays
SURREAL Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, July 17 & 18
JIM LONG Coins Pub: Saturdays
BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays Buxy’s Salty Dog: Sundays
AMISH OUTLAWS Seacrets: Sunday, July 19
JACK WORTHINGTON Johnny’s Pizza: Wednesdays Open Mic
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Fri., July 17: AJ & RyMac Sun., July 19: Dickson Twins Tues., July 21: C-Miller Wed., July 22: Johnny Phatt FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St., In The Bay Fri., July 17: DJ RobCee, Big Machine & Social Drinking Sat., July 18: Making Waves, DJ Cruz & Almost Creed Sun., July 19: The 1974 & DJ Dimmy
NATE CLENDENEN Fish Tales: Sat., July 19 Coconuts Beach Bar: Mon., July 20
9 MILE ROOTS Pickles Pub: Saturday, July 18
DJ WAX Buxy’s Salty Dog: Fri., July 17 Coins Pub: Sun., July 19 Fager’s Island: Mon., July 20 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays Fish Tales: Wednesdays
JULY 17, 2026
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Who’s Where When Mon., July 20: Deck Party - DJ Wax, The 1974, DJ DNIAL & Boh Daddies Tues., July 21: Saltwater Sweat Line Dancing Wed., July 22: DJ Hector & The Dunehounds Thursdays: DJ Groove & The Dustin Showers Band
JAMIN’ BROTHERS Coins Pub: Tuesday, July 21
TWIN FIN Seacrets: Wednesday, July 22 (Ticket Event)
FISH TALES 410-289-0990 22nd Street & The Bay Fri., July 17: Blake Haley Sat., July 18: Nate Clendenen Sun., July 19: Colossal Fossil Sauce Wednesdays: DJ Wax HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Fridays: DJ Billy T Sat., July 18: Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler Sundays: Opposite Directions & AJ Fox & Caileen Wednesdays: DJ Billy T Thursdays: Dust N Bones
MARGOT & VAL Coconuts Beach Bar: Friday, July 17
GRAND ILLUSION/HEARTLESS Purple Moose: Thursday, July 23
JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB 443-664-6147 98th Street Coastal Hwy., Plaza Condominium Fri., July 17: Beach Bandits Sat., July 18: DJ Giddyup Sun., July 19: Identity Crisis Mon., July 20: First Class Tues., July 21: All The Vibes Wed., July 22: Joe Mama & Friends Thurs., July 23: Colossal Fossil Sauce PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th Street & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Sat., July 18: 9 Mile Roots Sun., July 19: TBA Mon., July 20: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Thursdays: Beats By Connair
IDENTITY CRISIS Jolly Jellyfish: Sunday, July 19
BOOGIEMEN Caribbean Pool Bar: Thursday, July 23 The Wedge: Tuesday, July 21
CECILIA’S FALL Harborside: Saturday, July 18
THE DUNEHOUNDS Fager’s Island: Wednesday, July 22
CLOCKWORK Coconuts Beach Bar: Thursday, July 23
THE ROGUE CITIZENS Caribbean Pool Bar: Friday, July 17
PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Streets On The Boards Fri., July 17: Surreal & DJ Mary Jane Sat., July 18: Charlie Travers (2pm), Surreal & DJ Papi Sun., July 19: Chris Diller (2pm) & Noah Selt Mondays & Thursdays: DJ Papi Wednesdays: DJ Rellew Thurs., July 23: Grand Illusion/ Heartless SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th Street & Coastal Hwy. Fri., July 17: DJ E-State, The Poprocks, Kono Nation, DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ J-Spinz & Sky City Social Sat., July 18: DJ Bobby O, DJ E-State, DJ Connair, DJ Mary Jane, The Poprocks, Jackson Perkins & Lights Out By 8 Sun, July 19: Triple Rail Turn, DJ Mary Jane, DJ E-State, DJ Davie & Amish Outlaws Mon., July 20: Blake Haley, DJ Davie & DJ E-State Tues., July 21: Turning The Tide, DJ E-State, DJ Davie & Carley Twigg Wed., July 22: DJ E-State, Steal The Sky, Full Circle Duo, The Benderz & Twin Fin (Ticket Event) Thurs, July 23: Faith Noel & Go Go Gadjet THE WEDGE 410-289-5121 806 S. Atlantic Ave. Tues., July 21: Boogiemen
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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 $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. ■ DISTRICT 24: BLUE CRABHOUSE& RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ, CRAFT BEER & 1945 STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE 2305 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City 410289-3322, district24oc.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar Nestled on 24th Street Bayside in Ocean City, Maryland, District 24 stands as one destination brimming with endless possibilities. On the first floor, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar invites you to indulge in all-you-can-eat blue crabs, easy-peel shrimp, golden fried chicken, and so much more, while Jay’s Café serves breakfast sandwiches all day alongside La Colombe coffee, fresh pastries, and delicious lunch creations. Just steps away, CRAFT Bar delivers smash burgers, crispy wings, craft pizzas, an impressive selection of craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and more. Rising above it all on the third floor, the stunning new 1945 Steak & Seafood offers breathtaking rooftop views, in-house hand-cut chops, exceptional seafood favorites, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and thoughtful bourbon and wine pairings. Let’s face it—there’s simply more at District 24. ■ FISH TALES 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 410-2890990, ocfishtales.com Bayfront marina dining offered here with a
huge menu to satisfy guests of all ages. Enjoy a drink from a hanging chair or fish tacos at your table while the kids play in a playground build in the sand. Food and drink menus offer enough of a variety to meet all needs. ■ HARBOR WATCH 806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com $$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar Celebrating our 42nd year with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open every day, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Raw Bar Happy Hour Monday through Thursday from 2-6 p.m. Call for banquet and large-party details. ■ PICKLES PUB 706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410289-4891, picklesoc.com $$ | 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 $-$$ | Full bar Panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, bay and Assateague Island. Enjoy small plates, sandwiches and grilled burgers. Open every day, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets ■ 32 PALM 32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com $$ | 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. ■ COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL 3701 Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 410-2896846, castleinthesand.com A tropical open-air patio steps from the beach. A unique place for lunch or dinner with a menu featuring all the customary items and a few Ocean City-based surprises. Guests can also enjoy beach service for lunch and cocktails. Be sure to check out the daily entertainment schedule. ■ FAGERS ISLAND 201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com $$ | Full bar Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Re-
JULY 17, 2026
gional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m. ■ HOOKED 8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410723-4665, hookedoc.com $$ | 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
91st to 146th streets ■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY 13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410250-2000, albertinosoc.com $$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, ItalianAmerican mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection. ■ THE CRAB BAG 13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410250-3337, thecrabbag.com $$ | 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.
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 20 years. Voted Best Top 5 Bakeries in Delaware. 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 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 ■ 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 $$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open everyday, 12 noon to 9 p.m., kitchen and bar. ■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats. ■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL 12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410213-1846, weocharborside.com $$ | 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. ■ OC DINER 12744 Ocean Gateway, Rt 50 east, Ocean City 410-390-5112 $$ | Kids’ menu Family owned for over 25 years. Serving the best homemade food. Local’s favorite. Breakfast served all day. Kids’ menu. Dine-in and Carry-out. Open 7 days a week.
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SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
A new mobile mammography unit will provide screenings at community locations and events throughout the region.
TidalHealth announces new mobile mammography unit (July 17, 2026) TidalHealth announced the public launch of TidalHealth Mobile Mammography, a new mobile breast imaging service that will travel throughout Delmarva, bringing lifesaving 3D mammograms directly into neighborhoods, workplaces and community gathering places. TidalHealth Mobile Mammography represents a new model for delivering preventive healthcare — bringing high-quality breast cancer screening, patient navigation and community partnerships directly into neighborhoods across Delmarva. TidalHealth Mobile Mammography is designed to complement existing screening services by bringing preventative breast care closer to the people. “Timely access to high-quality preventive care is essential to improving the health of our community,” said Kathryn Fiddler, vice president of population health at TidalHealth. “By bringing mammography services closer to where people live, work and gather, we are helping more people take an important step in detecting breast cancer early.” Supported by a $645,000 Maryland Community Health Resources Commission grant, TidalHealth Mobile Mammography combines convenient access to breast cancer screening with patient navigation and community outreach. The mobile unit was made possible through the generosity of donors across Delmarva who rallied behind the TidalHealth Foundation’s Drive for Mobile Mammography campaign. “The success of this campaign is a powerful reflection of what our community can accomplish together,” said Jessica Hales, vice president, chief philanthropy officer and president of the TidalHealth Foundation. “Because of the generosity of our donors, we are able to bring critical screening services directly to our neighbors, helping to remove barriers and save lives through early detection.” This community investment en-
sures the program can reach more patients in a variety of settings, helping close gaps in access to preventive breast health services across the region. “Mobile mammography is about much more than bringing a mammography unit into the community," said Kat Rodgers, director of community health initiatives. "It's about removing the barriers that keep women from getting screened in the first place. ....”
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
ON GUARD
Rip current information all swimmers must understand
By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer (July 17, 2026) “The water was only waist deep. How did they end up over their head?” It’s a question Ocean City Beach Patrol lifeguards hear all too often after a rip current rescue. At this time of year, you’ll also hear local news reports warning about the dangers of rip currents. These powerful currents are frequently, and incorrectly, called “rip tides.” Unlike tides, which are caused by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun and rise and fall about every six hours, rip currents are fast-moving channels of water that flow directly away from the beach and out to sea. Unlike longshore (littoral) currents, which move parallel to the shoreline, rip currents can quickly carry swimmers away from land. Someone standing in only waist-deep water can be swept into water over their head in a matter of seconds. This powerful flow not only explains how unsuspecting beachgoers are suddenly pulled into deep water, but it also creates the visual clues that trained
lifeguards use to spot a rip current. As waves break, they stir up sand and create foam. The rip current then carries that sand-filled water and foam offshore, often forming a narrow, discolored channel that reveals the location of the current. Although rip currents do not pull a person under water as a lot of people believe. It is the deep channel cut into the sandbar that gives the impression that a swimmer maybe pulled down. What is happening is a non-swimmer who intended to remain only in waste deep water is being moved by the rip current into increasingly deeper water channel. Since they cannot swim, they try to stand on the bottom or bounce to keep their head above water and as they move away from the shore the water becomes over their head, and they are no longer able to keep their head above water. Therefore, a person watching from the beach may think that what they believe they are seeing is a person being pulled under. In fact, it is a non-swimmer who does not have the ability to keep their head above water. If this occurs while the beach patrol is on duty, the lifeguard will simply assist the person back to safety. However, if this occurs while lifeguards are not on duty, the outcome could be
The drone image shows a visible rip current near 14th Street, taken during an educational talk following multiple rescues. PHOTO COURTESY OF MICHAEL ARBIN
CROSSWORD
Answers on page 56
OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
HOROSCOPE ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20 Aries, now is the perfect time to socialize with others. Romance is in the air and you are going to go out of your way to treat someone special in the days to come.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21 Taurus, some people express their affection for others by buying them gifts. You have the ability to know just what a person needs at a given time and provide that to them.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21 Gemini, a pleasant week awaits you, and one this inspires your compassionate and tender side to come to the forefront. You may feel unselfish and spiritual, and relationships will be easy.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22 Your idealism is aroused this week, Cancer. This is a time for you to become more involved with others, and you might find it rewarding to work with a charity.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23 A friendship may turn romantic, Leo. You’ll have to tread carefully depending on how you want to see things go. Listen to your emotions carefully in the days to come.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22 This week you are compelled to use your influence to help someone directly or indirectly, Virgo. Figure out what you can do to affect change.
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ON GUARD deadly (over 98% of all drowning deaths in Ocean City over the past 100 years have occurred when the Beach Patrol was NOT on duty and most of those are also RIP current related). You may believe that only non-swimmers drown because of rip currents while many rip current drowning victims had moderate to good swimming ability. This brings up the question, why would a person who knows how to swim, drown? The answer is simple. Panic, fatigue, and lack of ocean awareness all contribute to the outcome. A rip current is very much like a treadmill. As water is flowing away from the beach, a swimmer attempting to swim straight in will make little or no progress against this outgoing current. Since a rip current may flow faster than an Olympic swimmer (like Michael Phelps) can swim, swimming against this current only causes a person in this situation to become fatigued while getting no closer to the beach. Eventually they become so fatigued that they are no longer able to keep their head above water and once they slip below the water’s surface and are no longer able to get air, they become unconscious and only have moments before they become a statistic. In contrast, a swimmer or someone with a flotation device can easily escape the pull of the rip. By nature, a typical rip current is not very wide, usually 20 yards at most which means that a person who is being pulled out can swim out of the rip after just a few swimming strokes.
Also, once the rip current flows through the cut in the sandbar the pull disperses and the current no longer continues to pull you away from shore. With these facts in mind if you find yourself being pulled away from shore, do not panic simply swim parallel to shore and once you no longer feel the pull of the rip, swim back into shore. To help escape the “grip” of the RIP swim with the littoral current (north or south), so before you go swimming take time to study the water and know which direction you would want to swim out of the RIP. If you feel you are unable to swim across the rip relax, let it take you out to the sandbar and then swim back to shore. Whatever you do, never abandon a flotation device, and always signal the lifeguard if you want their assistance. In most cases they will already be on their way to assist you back to safety. Even our lifeguards will not attempt to swim straight in against a rip current. They use their knowledge of the ocean to swim parallel to the beach until they are out of the rip current and then make their way back into safety with a victim in tow holding onto the buoy that the SRT has handed them as a flotation device to keep them above water. If you can remember the word RIP then you can remember what to do to save your life R = Relax: Stay calm and conserve energy. You’re not being pulled under, just out. I = I need help: Wave and yell to attract attention.
P = Parallel: Swim parallel to the shoreline until you’re out of the current, then swim back in. With a busy tropical storm season predicted, we expect an increase in rip current activity. That’s why Ocean City Beach Patrol partners with NOAA, Johns Hopkins, the University of Delaware, Maryland Sea Grant, and others in ongoing rip current research and safety initiatives. Our educational programs have received national and international recognition, including a NOAA award for Rip Current Awareness and Prevention. For the 2026 season we are working with several organizations to develop software that can predict Rip Current activity. A camera is located at the Hilton Ocean City Oceanfront Suites on 33rd St in Ocean City, MD. MARACOOS partnered with the WebCOOS team to install this camera to monitor, assess, and report on beach hazards and activities. https://webcoos.org/cameras/oceancity/ We encourage all beachgoers to: Swim only when lifeguards are on duty (10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.); Ask a lifeguard about the current conditions; and check the rip current diagram on the back of every lifeguard stand. Learn more at www.ococean.com/ocbp or NOAA’s site at www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov. Want to make a difference? Talk to any of our lifeguards or visit JoinBeachPatrol.com for information on how to become part of our team.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23 Expect to meet people under unique circumstances, Libra. You may engage with someone who needs your help or can teach you something new.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22 Scorpio, enjoy spending time with friends and other groups because this is a feel-good time for you. If you feel affectionate toward someone, those feelings will become more passionate.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21 People notice you more than usual, Sagittarius. This is an excellent time to enjoy the company of others, including, friends, your partner or spouse.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20 Look for ways to help a coworker who could use some help right now, Capricorn. You have the power to give them what they need right now, more so than others.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18 This is a time for social outings and special dates, Aquarius. Figure out how to feel sensitive to the needs and feelings of loved ones as only you can do best.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20 True generosity is giving what is needed, Pisces. Assist a relative as best as you can, even if that is simply serving as a sounding board.
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
Tindley Day Celebration
The first Tindley Day celebration was hosted by the Germantown School Community Heritage Center, Beach to Bay Heritage Area and the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum on July 7 on the lawn of the museum. The Town of Berlin and the Worcester County Commissioners issued proclamations proclaiming July 7 forever as Tindley Day. The event featured readings about Tindley, who was born and raised in Berlin, as well as the Tindley Quartet performing several of his hymns with audience members joining in. Above, Gregory Purnell reads a town proclamation with Council members Steve Green and Jack Orris. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BEACH TO BAY
JULY 17, 2026
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Berlin awarded $50,500 in grant funding from Md. By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) Downtown Berlin’s festivals, arts programs and streetscape improvements received a monetary boost after the state awarded the town’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District two grants totaling $50,500. The funding involves a $34,000 Main Street Maryland grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and a $16,500 grant from the Maryland State Arts Council. According to a Facebook post by the town’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District, the grants will help pay for many of the community events and amenities that have become staples of downtown Berlin. These grant dollars support the petting farm at the Berlin Farmers Market, entertainment during Oktoberfest and the town’s New Year’s Eve celebration, seasonal activities such as the Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, and various downtown beautification projects. “The Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District has been awarded two grants that help make so many of the things you enjoy downtown possible,” the social media post reads. “We’re incredibly grateful to the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for believing in our community and continuing to invest in Berlin.” The Main Street and Arts and Entertainment Advisory Board, which meets quarterly, will determine how this year’s funding will be spent on events, programming and downtown improvements. Town officials said the funding helps retain community traditions while supporting efforts to bolster the appearance and liveliness of Berlin’s historic district. In other downtown enhancement news, community development leaders this year plan to create a selfguided walking tour highlighting Berlin’s eye-catching murals. The initiative was presented during the annual report of the Main Street Arts and Entertainment District Advisory Board at Monday night’s Town Council meeting. Cassandra Brown, the committee’s chair, told the mayor and council that the group intends to create informational brochures directing visitors to the artistic walls. Berlin’s current murals include the inside of 410 Social, Noble Beast on Main Street, the Berlin Welcome Center, the Berlin Opera House Sign, Pitts Street Advertisements, Love Locks on Gay Street, Pollinator Way, Rev. Charles Albert Tindley, Roadie Joes, and the Henry Park basketball court. More information on the will be provided as the project comes to fruition.
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JULY 17, 2026
Film Challenge Night event planned Aug. 8
(July 17, 2026) The Ocean City Film Festival presents “Film Challenge Night,” showing the entries into the 9th Annual Ocean City Film Challenge. The screenings are free to the public and take place on Saturday, Aug. 8 at the tennis courts in Little Salisbury Park, next door to the Art League of Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside. Donations are welcome, and popcorn will be available. Gates open at 7 p.m., with the films beginning at 8 p.m. No advance tickets are required. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs, as seating will not be provided for this outdoor movie experience. Throughout the evening, attendees can cast their vote for their favorite film in the challenge, adding a fun, interactive twist to the event—the favorite will
win the Audience Choice Award. In the event of inclement weather, the screenings will move indoors to the Ocean City Center for the Arts. Whether the event is held outdoors or indoors, guests should plan to bring their own chairs. The 9th Annual Ocean City Film Challenge inspired filmmakers to produce an original short film no longer than 15 minutes and made between July 1 and July 31, 2026. Films must have been shot in Ocean City or outside of Ocean City but with the resort central to the premise of the film. “Ocean City is a great place to tell a story, and the entries into this year’s
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Take the smoothest ride to Smith Island aboard the “Chelsea Lane Tyler” Leaves Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, MD
12:30 FRee PaRKInG CRUISE CRAB LUNCH PACKAGE
www.smithislandcruises.com
ISLAND AMENITIES
• Bayside Inn Restaurant
Known for its famous Crab Cakes and Smith Island Cake
• Golf Cart Rentals • Bicycle Rentals • Museum • Gift Shops
Directions:
Rt. 413 to Crisfield Turn left after Fire Dept. Stop at Capt. Tyler’s Motel for cruise tickets.
Reservations Required!
410-425-2771
Purchase your tickets online at www.smithislandcruises.com Like us on Facebook!
challenge are creative and inspiring,” B.L. Strang-Moya, creative director of the OC Film Festival, said. “On last year’s Film Challenge Night, more than 120 audience members gathered under the stars for a magical evening, and we invite everyone to come share the night and see the films with us this year.” The Ocean City Film Festival will announce the winning films during Film Challenge Night and present awards to the top filmmakers. Prizes include: 1st Place: A Season 11 Filmmaker Pass to the 2027 Ocean City Film Festival (plus a guest pass), a swag bag,
and a hotel stay during the festival. 2nd Place: A Season 11 Filmmaker Pass to the 2027 Ocean City Film Festival (plus a guest pass), a swag bag, and a $50 cash prize. 3rd Place: A Season 11 Filmmaker Pass to the 2027 Ocean City Film Festival (plus a guest pass). Audience Choice: Ocean City Film Festival swag bag. The winning films will also be screened during the 2027 Ocean City Film Festival, taking place March 4-7. The Ocean City Film Festival and the Ocean City Film Challenge are programs of the Art League of Ocean City.
Quarter auction set
4519. We hope to see you there!
The Church of the Holy Spirit, at 100th Street and Coastal Highway in Ocean City, will be holding their annual fundraising quarter auction. There are lots of good prizes and food, all adding up to a lot of fun. The date is July 27; doors open at 5:30 and the games begin at 7. Attendees must be at least 18. For more information or to purchase tickets, you can call Jackie at 443-735-4275 or Diane at 443-523-
Student achievements
- Sydney Forrester, of Ocean City, earned dean's list honors at the University of Tampa for the Spring 2026 semester. Forrester is a member of the Class of 2026 majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice BS. Students must maintain a GPA of 3.75 or higher to be eligible for the dean's list. - Aiden Cornell of Berlin received a Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management from Quinnipiac University during a commencement ceremony held in May.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
The following is a recap of press releases announcing local student achievements. - Emily Clark of Bishopville is among the more than 3,800 students who earned their degrees from the University of Mississippi in May 2026. Clark, who majored in Hospitality Management, received a Bachelor of Science from the School of Applied Sciences.
JULY 17, 2026
PAGE 55
OC Today-Dispatch
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., July 17
and water provided. Ages 4-16 years. Free event. All registrants will receive a prize. Lee Phillips, 410-208-1575
FANDOM FRIDAY: CRYPTIDS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9 a.m.5 p.m. Drop in any time for crafts, quizzes and discussions about the monthly topic. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, https://worcesterlibrary.org
SANDCASTLE BUILDING CONTEST
KIDS BOP
SUMMER SEAS FAMILY SPLASH
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Put on your party shoes and dance along to popular music hits. Glow sticks and light refreshments provided while supplies last. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, 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
UNEARTHING THE PAST: A BEGINNERS GUIDE TO FOSSILS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Held also via Zoom. See real examples from around Maryland and hear what they reveal about the state’s ancient environments. Registration only if joining through zoom: 410-208-4014.
Ocean Pines Beach Club, 49th Street, 57 p.m. Bring your sand tools and your imagination. All ages welcome. Prizes for first, second and third places. Must pre-register: 410-641-7052, Kgoetzinger@oceanpines.org. Swim & Racquet Club Pool, 10 Seabreeze Road, 5-8 p.m. A relaxing night in a tropical themed, Caribbean atmosphere. Enjoy music by DJ and activities. Food available for purchase. Cost is $9 for swim members, $11 for residents and $13 for non-residents. 410-641-5255
SNOW HILL RIVER FEST
Sturgis Park, River Street, Snow Hill, noon to 8 p.m. Featuring kayak races, paddle board races, anchor toss competition, cornhole tournament and the 3rd Annual Pocomoke River Raft Race (build your own raft). Also beer, food, live music, prizes and vendors. Register: www.snowhillchamber.com/river-fest
40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BABYSITTERS CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Make crafts inspired by your favorite babysitter and design a kid kit to take with you. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, worcesterlibrary.org
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 6 p.m. Watch the original movie based on the best seller from author Michael Crichton. Light refreshments. Registration required: 410957-0878. worcesterlibrary.org
Sat., July 18 OCEAN CITY SUMMER PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Ocean City Racquet Center, 104 61st St., 8 a.m. Participants should have experience in playing pickleball prior to entering the tournament. For adults ages 18 years and older. Cost is $40 per team. Registration: 410-524-8337 by July 16.
ANNUAL ART HANSEN MEMORIAL YOUTH FISHING CONTEST
South Gate Pond, Ocean Pines. Registration from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Contest from 9-10:30 a.m. Bring rod and reel. Bait
each month.
ORIGINALS ONLY - NO COVERS, JUST CREATORS
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 6-8 p.m. Live from the Art League of Ocean City: local musicians and creators perform their original compositions. Free event. Advanced registration preferred: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org/events/28. 410-524-9433
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., July 19 OCEAN CITY SUMMER PICKLEBALL TOURNAMENT
Ocean City Racquet Center, 104 61st St., Ocean City, 8 a.m. Participants should have experience in playing pickleball prior to entering the tournament. For adults ages 18 years and older. Cost is $40 per team. Registration: 410-5248337 by July 16.
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Featuring “Bubble Painting.” Guided crafts led by friendly instructors. All supplies provided. Jessica Bauer, development@artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433
BERLIN FARMERS MARKET
Sundays (May-October) - Pitts, Commerce and Main streets, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine. Producers only market, petting farm (9-11 a.m.), live music. www.TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com
SEWING SEEDS OF LOVE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10-11 a.m. Youth of all ages learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-6410234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
Mon., July 20 BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: SPORTS
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, https://worcesterlibrary.org
SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Making Waves: Upbeat Dance.” Kids’ activities and ice cream for purchase. Followed by fireworks. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sundaes-in-thepark/
SPORTS CARDS & MEMORABILIA SHOW FREE KIDS CRAFT SATURDAYS
and a dish to share if you choose. Cost is $60. Reservations: 301-615-3384.
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sports cards, Al Bumbry autographs, silent auction (10 a.m .to 2 p.m.), collectibles, raffles, 50/50, mystery boxes and more. Admission cost is $5 for adults and $3 for kids 9 years and younger. 443-9780680
YOU CAN BANK ON IT: FINANCIAL PRODUCTS, SERVICES, AND PROVIDERS
Maryland’s Coast - Worcester County Tourism & Economic Development, 107 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 12-1 p.m. The Bank of Ocean City will lead this free workshop providing attendees with some banking knowledge. Light refreshments provided. Pre-register: https://tinyurl.com/PowerHourJuly20, 443-783-6164.
MONDAY MOVIES AND MUNCHIES
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Come sink your teeth into a dino-rrific movie. For ages 6-11 years. 410-2084014, worcesterlibrary.org
IT’S BBQ CHICKEN TIME
St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 11 a.m. 1/2 BBQ chicken with two sides, roll and drink for $15 or 1/2 BBQ chicken, roll and drink for $12. Proceeds benefit St. Paul United Methodist Church Men’s Ministry.
ANNUAL FOREMAN’S DAY
TOPS OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
WORCESTER COUNTY DEMOCRATICS ANNUAL CRAB FEAST
ZUMBA
Calvary United Methodist Church, 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin, 11 a.m. Foreman Day 2026 “United in Love Stronger Together.” Ephesians 4:1-7. Guest speaker will be Minister Chanté Walker-Beckett. Host pastor is Minister Carolyn Schoolfield.
TidalHealth Atlantic, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) is an educational group that promotes weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. Held weekly on Mondays. https://www.tops.org/home
GOD’S CLOSET OPEN
New Hope United Methodist Church, 7348 New Hope Road, Willards, 12-2 p.m. Helping families in need with clothing and t-shirts, underwear, socks, shoes, dishes and basic essentials. God’s Closet will be open the third Saturday of
White Horse Park, Ocean Pines, 12-4 p.m. Meet the candidates and enjoy crabs, fried chicken, corn-on-the-cob and side dishes. Bring own beverages
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 4:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
Continued on Page 56
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
CALENDAR 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. If you plan to visit, please Contact: Director: Ludwig692@outlook.com, 410641-6876 or Membership Coordinator: ocelissa@yahoo.com, 410-641-8050.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County Library Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
Tues., July 21 GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. This workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by a Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information, if you can. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
DIGGERY’S DINO ADVENTURE
Snow Hill Train Station, Snow Hill, 10:30 a.m. Kids will help return the baby dino to its mother in this high-energy show featuring animated dinosaurs, a giant egg, music, magic and plenty of audience participation. For families. 410-632-5622
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
MINI MAKERS ART MORNING
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Toddlers, preschoolers and big kids can explore, create and imagine with a variety of art supplies. Dress for a mess. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878, 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
MOMMY/DADDY & ME CRAFT TIME
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 11 a.m.-noon. Featuring a short story and craft. Parents may need to assist child with crafts. All materials provided. Cost is $4. Pre-registration required: 410-641-7052, www.oceanpines.org.
MASTER GARDENERS PLANT CLINIC
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1-4 p.m. Bring any questions you have and feel free to show your plants as well. 410208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
DIGGERY’S DINO ADVENTURE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Kids will help return the baby dino to its mother in this high-energy show featuring animated dinosaurs, a giant egg, music, magic and plenty of audience participation. For families. 410-208-4014
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS SEAFOOD NIGHT
Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Steamed crabs, crab cakes, fried seafood platters, and a menu for all is available. You must pre-order crabs by calling 410-524-7994 or visiting https://koc9053-seafoodnights.square.site/.
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumfords Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. DJ, games and prizes. Cost is $5 per swimmer at the gate. Food available for purchase. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.org
DIGGERY’S DINO ADVENTURE
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Kids will help return the baby dino to its mother in this high-energy show featuring animated dinosaurs, a giant egg, music, magic and plenty of audience participation. For families. 410-524-1818
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grabbers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Lewes Senior Center, 32083 Janice Rd. Lewes, DE, 7-9 p.m. Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:15 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., July 22
Review some of the most common current scams, 12-1 p.m. Practice strategies for helping you avoid scams in the future. Register: https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/event/16364420. 443-783-6164
PUZZLE SWAP
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with a new-to-you puzzle. Don’t have a puzzle but still want one? That’s okay, too. All puzzles must be complete and in their original box. All ages welcome. 410-6410650
‘BRANCHING OUT: VAN GOGH VIBES’
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Join local artist Jean Frank to create a work of art in the style of Van Gogh. Registration required: 410-641-0650. worcesterlibrary.org
GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
TidalHealth Atlantic, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4:30 p.m. Held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. 410-629-6848, lora.pangratz@tidalhealth.org
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
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. Open to the public. 443-605-5028
KIDS PAINT NIGHT
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-6:30 p.m. For ages 8 years and older. Cost is $22 and includes all materials and instruction. Preregistration required: 410-641-7052.
Splash Mountain Water Park, 2901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 1-4 p.m. Stop by to grab a photo in front of the OC photo ops, win smile swag and more. Be sure to download the app to play games and win swag at the event. https://www.ococean.com/event/oceancity-tourism-pop White Horse Park Pavilion, Ocean Pines, 7-9 p.m. Free community event featuring “Shoreline Grooves.” Food for sale. BYOB welcome. 410-641-7052
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 0-5 years. 410-632-5622, worcesterlibrary.org
DIGGERY’S DINO ADVENTURE
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Kids will help return the baby dino to its mother in this high-energy show featuring animated dinosaurs, a giant egg, music, magic and plenty of audience participation. For families. 410-641-0650
STORY TIME: PENELOPE REX
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
DIGGERY’S DINO ADVENTURE
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Kids will help return the baby dino to its mother in this high-energy show featuring animated dinosaurs, a giant egg, music, magic and plenty of audience participation. For families. 410-957-0878
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
Crossword answers from page 50
MOVIES ON THE BEACH
Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m., Featured movie is “The Super Mario Galaxy Movie.” Bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Movie lineup: https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/.
OCEAN CITY TOURISM POP UP AT JOLLY ROGER SPLASH MOUNTAIN
OCEAN PINES CONCERTS IN THE PARK MONEY SMART FOR OLDER ADULTS
BEACH HEROES-OC
https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sunset-park-partynights/
ZUMBA PLUS!!
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 4:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
Thurs., July 23 SUNSET PARK CONCERTS
Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Totally Bowie with Blondie Meets Talking Heads.” Admission to the park is free.
JULY 17, 2026
57
OC Today-Dispatch
Call 410-723-6397 or email classifieds@octodaydispatch.com by Monday, 5 p.m.
Classifieds appear in OC Today-Dispatch & Bayside Gazette each week & online at octodaydispatch.com & baysideoc.com
MARKETPLACE HELP WANTED
HELP WANTED
RENTALS
ROOMMATES
COMMERCIAL
SERVICES
HEAD OF MAINTENANCE Oversee the repairs, installations, and upkeep of various units. Ensuring they are safe, compliant, and fully operational. Email resume: ctwomey@ goodmanagement.com. Ocean High, 410-520-0003
PROPERTY MANAGER Century I Condominium Association, Ocean City, MD. Experienced in facility or property management, Quickbooks knowledgeable, enjoys working with the public, good supervisory skills. Full time, year-round. Send CV to centurycondo24812@ gmail.com.
Seeking Year-Round Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
HOUSESHARE IN BERLIN $600 per month, Util’s & Cable Incl. Nonsmoker, no pets. 443-513-0190
OFFICE/STORAGE SPACE FOR RENT Conveniently located at Herring Creek Professional Center, Unit 28, this 775-square-foot office/storage unit offers flexible space suitable for a small business, professional office, workshop, or storage needs. • 775 square feet • Professional business park setting • Flexible office and storage layout • Reasonable rent. For additional information or to schedule a viewing, call 410-726-2309 or email: info@kiteloft.com.
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
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 ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Storefront Travel Agency Administrative Assistant with excellent organizational, computer, people, creative skills, and the ability to learn a variety of systems. Must be knowledgeable in creating spreadsheets & flyers. Position is Monday thru Friday with some weekends. Send resume to: info@travelwithoasis.com No Phone Calls
F/PT HEAD HOUSEKEEPER/ ROOM ATTENDANT 35 Suite Boutique Hotel Bayfront, 58th St. Hands on, good work environment & pay. Apply: bhuber@fagers.com CLEANERS NEEDED Vacation rental cleaners needed for OC. Experience preferred but not required. OC Purifiers. Call or text 443-397-1189 or email karen@ocpurifiers.com.
Extended Spring & Summer Stays Avail. Utililites Included CONTACT US AT burgundyinn@gmail.com 410-289-8581
YEARLY RENTALS WEST OCEAN CITY PETS WELCOME 2 Bedroom / 1 Bath Laundry on premises. 877-289-1616 www.bbapartmentsoc.com
REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE
75 ACRE FARM, BERLIN, MD 30 acres are cleared. $1,291,692.00 Serious Inquiries Only. Text 443-926-1393 Dallas Harrington
COMMERCIAL COMMERCIAL 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
AFFORDABLE TWO BEDROOM APARTMENTS NOW HIRING FULL TIME • DRIVER • COOK Great Pay!! Call 410-726-7061 Or Apply Within at 56th Street, Bayside
NOW HIRING!! Production Crew for our WOC kitchen facility Up to $20/hr. Apply online at: www.delmarvadd.com
Beach House Rental 3-bed, 3-bath on 26th Street. https://bit.ly/3RR214G
Low and Moderate Income ~ Accessible Units and Facilities Available ~ Air Conditioning ~ Kitchen-Furnished w/Range & Refrigerator ~ Wall-to-Wall Carpet ~ On-Site Laundry Facilities ~ One Year Lease Call Us Now To See If You Qualify!
410-641-0830 TTY users via MRS Dial 711
Classified Deadline is Monday @ 5pm
REEDY COVE APARTMENTS Germantown Rd., Berlin, MD 21811 This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
Storage, Warehouse, Office, or Retail with a roll up door. 1176 SF plus 600 SF loft. West OC near Harbor. 12636 Sunset Avenue For Rent $1,600 410-422-2100 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. OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Downtown Berlin $425 month + utils. 2 units available. Call 410-713-2065. OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Looking for space, comfort and great views? Spacious, climatecontrolled office available, with use of conference room and reception area, in a modern, wellmaintained building in prime Ocean City location. Call 410-524-3440 for appointment.
WANT TO BUY WANT TO BUY I BUY ALBUMS! 410-430-5349
PETS PETS 2 Female Purebred Chihuahua Puppies For Sale near Ocean City. 1 black and white, 1 solid chocolate. Ready Aug. 15th. 301-742-8771
FOR SALE FOR SALE 3 WINDOW A/C UNITS Used only 4 days while main HVAC compressor was replaced. 2 LG brand 12K BTU $300 ea. and 1 LG brand 8K BTU $200. All three $750. Brad, 410-935-1963
Run your business card in our SERVICE DIRECTORY CALL 410-723-6397 for pricing!
RENTAL WANTED RENTAL WANTED
RESPONSIBLE/ PROFESSIONAL COUPLE SEEKING YR, 1+ bedroom rental. Excellent references. Sept./Oct. move-in. Email: rowilkin@hotmail.com.
ROOMMATES ROOMMATES ROOM FOR RENT Fully furnished, large, clean, private room. Full house privileges. $900 per mo., util’s included. $400 sec. dep. Call 443-880-2317.
Classifieds 410-723-6397
CLASSIFIED AD NETWORK Serving the Newspapers of Maryland, Delaware and the District of Columbia since 1908.
MARYLAND STATEWIDE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING NETWORK SERVICES DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258
FOR SALE Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-855-993-0969 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move. MISC. FOR SALE Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719
MISC. FOR SALE Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-407-6870 REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929
Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397
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PAGE 58
JULY 17, 2026
DIRECTORY AUTOMOTIVE
BLINDS / SHADES
CARPET CLEANING
HANDYMAN
HOME IMPROVEMENT
Mobile Oil Changes & Repairs
443-373-7664 FREED MOTOR COMPANY HANDYMAN SERVICES
RISH A RBEACHMAN PHANDY THE
Exterior Home Repairs
“WE DO IT ALL” • Roofing Repairs • Rain Gutters • Roof Cleaning • Gutter Guards
• Screening • Painting
• Staining • Caulking
• Gutter Cleaning & Powerwashing •
MHIC #127296
SPRING CLEANUPS & MOWING
BATHROOM / KITCHEN WINDOW & DOORS INTERIOR / EXTERIOR CARPENTRY
PAINTING FLOORING SMALL JOBS & MORE CALL 410-999-4998
• Deck Repairs •
Licensed • Bonded • Insured • MHIC 17433 Phil Parrish
“A Family Tradition Since 1935”
410-893-9707
HOME HOME IMPROVEMENT IMPROVEMENT
HOME IMPROVEMENT
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OC Today-Dispatch
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PAGE 59
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PAGE 60
OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, Maryland 20707 301-490-3361
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
BID SOLICITATION
B01-27 – 14th Street Water Treatment Plant Window and Door Replacements The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking BID’s from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the 14th Street Water Treatment Plant Window and Door Replacements and for said work to conform with the BID Documents. BID Documents for the 14th Street Water Treatment Plant Window and Door Replacements may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any BID Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed BID Documents. A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on MONDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST, AT THE 14TH STREET WATER TREATMENT PLANT, 14TH STREET AND ST. LOUIS AVENUE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last Day for Questions will be on MONDAY, JULY 13TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM EST. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, JULY 14TH, 2026. Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, JULY 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, JULY 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 (14th Street Water Treatment Plant Window and Door Replacements) 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-6/25/6t _________________________________
Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs vs. Jason Coyman Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Civil No. C-23-CV-25-000349
NOTICE
ORDERED, this 26th day of June, 2026 by the Circuit Court of WORCESTER COUNTY, Maryland, that the sale of the property at 160 Intrepid Lane, Unit 93, Berlin, Maryland 21811 mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported by Laura H.G. O’Sullivan, et. al, Substitute Trustees, be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 27th day of July, 2026 next, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in some newspaper published in said County once in each of three successive weeks before the 20th day of July, 2026, next. The report states the amount of sale to be $248,788.00. Susan R. Braniecki CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-7/2/3t _________________________________ JOSEPH E. MOORE ESQ WILLIAMS MOORE, L.L.P. 12800 HOSPITALITY WAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9394
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21166 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF BARBARA C. MORRIS Notice is given that Kelley M. Krause, 929 General Beauregard Dr., Virgina Beach, VA 23454-2606, was on June 23, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Barbara C. Morris who died on June 13, 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 23rd day of December, 2026. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of December, 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. Kelley M. Krause 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: July 02, 2026 OCD-7/2/3t _________________________________ SIDRAH IJAZ 429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff, v. JENKINS ARNOLD aka ARNOLD JENKINS 5746 Coventry Parish Road Westover, MD 21871 Defendant, And POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND 101 Clarke Ave Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant, And WORCESTER COUNTY Attn: Phil Thompson l West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, And ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: LOT 2 3267 Sq Ft 707 Clarke Ave Taylors Subdiv, Pocomoke Tax Account# 01-015923, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No.: C-23-CV-26-000181
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-015923, Property description: Lot 2 3267 St Ft 707 Clarke Ave Taylors Subdiv, Pocomoke. Deed Reference: 5792/459, Assessed to Jenkins Arnold, AK.A Arnold Jenkins, owned
JULY 17, 2026 by Jenkins Arnold, AKA Arnold Jenkins. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It is, thereupon this 18th of June, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 23rd day of August, 2026, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances. Brian D. Shockley Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan A. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-7/2/3t _________________________________ QUINN W MCGINNES WILLIAMS MOORE, L.L.P. 12800 HOSPITALITY WAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9394
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of CHRISTINE HOPKINS Estate No. 21164 Notice is given that CHARLES R JOHNSON whose address is 44 SUGARLAND SQUARE CT STERLING, VA 20164-1639 was on JUNE 24, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHRISTINE HOPKINS who died on APRIL 29, 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 24th day of DECEMBER, 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 24th day of DECEMBER, 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 pre-
JULY 17, 2026 sented 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-7/2/3t _________________________________ JORHEA N. WRIGHT ESQ ARMISTEAD, LEE, RUST & WRIGHT, P.A. 114 BAY STREET, BUILDING C EASTON, MD 21601
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of KATHY ANN ZEVE Estate No. 21169 Notice is given that DAVID C CORBIN whose address is 214 WEB FOOT LN STEVENSVILLE, MD 21666-2428 was on JUNE 25, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KATHY ANN ZEVE who died on JUNE 06, 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 25th day of DECEMBER, 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 25th day of DECEMBER, 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-7/2/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of FRANCIS ANTHONY PFEIFER SR Estate No. 18182 No-
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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices
PUBLIC NOTICE The motor vehicles described below have been abandoned. The owners and lien holders are hereby informed of their right to reclaim the vehicles upon payment of all charges and costs resulting from the towing, preservation, and storage of the vehicles. The failure of the owners or lien holders to reclaim the vehicles within three weeks of notification shall be deemed a waiver by the owners or lien holders of all rights, title and interest and thereby consent to the sale of the vehicles at public auction or to have it otherwise disposed of in a manner provided by law. These three weeks of notification begins on DATE: 07/10/2026 Line No 125-26 127-26 130-26 132-26 146-26 160-26 176-26 177-26 307-26 311-26 322-26 347-26 352-26
Year 2024 2014 2011 2020 2014 2017 1995 2014 2010 2023 2013 2012 2013
Make TOYOTA NISSAN SUBARU HONDA DODGE CHEVY FORD CHEVY HYUNDAI CADI HYUNDAI DODGE FORD
Model RAV4 ROGUE FORESTER ACCORD RAM 1500 IMPALA E350 SONIC ELANTRA XT4 ELANTRA AVENGER ESCAPE
Color SILVER BLK GRN/BLU BLK BLK WHI PURPLE BLK SILV BLK BLK RED BLK
Style PC PC PC PC TK PC VAN 4D PC PC PC PC MPV
VIN Mileage 2T3H1RFV1RC290492 N/A 5N1AT2MV7EC801829 N/A JF2SHAHC6BH718325 N/A 1HGCV1F31LA050802 N/A 1C6RR7FTXES215427 N/A 1G1145S35HU214749 N/A 1FBJS31H7SHA18749 N/A 1G1JE5SG2E4157311 N/A KMHDU4AD4AU869592 N/A 1GYFZCR48PF136031 N/A 5NPDH4AE3DH414930 N/A 1C3CDZCB9CN215360 N/A 1FMCU0HX1DUD19307 N/A
All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643. AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police OCD-7/9/3t ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ tice is given that MICHAEL PFEIFER whose address is 62 BEECH HILL DR., NEWARK, DE 19711-2950 was on JUNE 23, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANCIS ANTHONY PFEIFER SR who died on JANUARY 27, 2020 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of DECEMBER, 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 23rd day of DECEMBER, 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 de-
livery 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-7/2/3t _________________________________ Michelle Simon, Esq. 401 North Washington Street, Suite 445 Rockville, MD 20850 IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT C. MCCREADY JR. ESTATE NO. 21173
NOTICE
OF JUDICIAL PROBATE To all Persons Interested in the above estate: You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Michelle Simon, Esq., 401 North Washington Street, Suite 445, Rockville, MD 20850 for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on September 01, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. This hearing may be transferred
or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Phone: (410) 632-1529 Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Publication Date: July 09, 2026 OCD-7/9/2t _________________________________ RACHEL B. HARRIS ESQ. PO BOX 62 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-0062
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21150 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF STEVEN JOSEPH PRUITT Notice is given that Deborah Halter, 6270 Taylor Landing Rd., Girdletree, MD 21829-2806, was on July 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Steven Joseph Pruitt who died on June 06, 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 rep-
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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices
resentative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of January, 2027. 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 January, 2027. 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 Halter 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: July 09, 2026 OCD-7/9/3t _________________________________ JOHN SLATTERY 3923 PLYERS MILL RD., APT. 4 KENSINGTON, MD 20895-2000
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21172 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICK WILLIAM SLATTERY Notice is given that Christine Slattery, 92 Robin Hood Trl., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-1686, was on June 29, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Patrick William Slattery who died on May 04, 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 29th day of December, 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 29th day of December, 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. Christine Slattery 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: July 09, 2026 OCD-7/9/3t _________________________________
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. James R. Bergey Jr. James L. Otway Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: July 09, 2026 OCD-7/9/3t _________________________________
JAMES L. OTWAY, ESQ. PO BOX 446 SHARPTOWN, MD 21861-0446
OF APPROVED CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION 2026-01
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20858 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ARLENE OLIVE LINN Notice is given that James R. Bergey Jr., 8938 Worcester Hwy., Berlin, MD 21811-3021; James L. Otway, PO Box 446, Sharptown, MD 21861-0446, was on June 29, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Arlene Olive Linn who died on August 26, 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 29th day of December, 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 29th day of December, 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-
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
NOTICE
RE: Qualifications for Election as Mayor or City Councilman Pursuant to §4-304(b) of the Local Government Article of the Maryland Annotated Code, Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that subsequent to a public hearing and presentation held on Monday, July 6, 2026 at the 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, Charter Resolution 2026-01 was adopted by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City. Summary of Charter Amendment Resolution 2026-01 is as follows: § C401, Qualifications for Election as Mayor and City Councilman: 1) amends the existing charter provisions by adding that a person shall not be deemed to satisfy the domicile requirements of the Charter where the person’s actual pattern of living demonstrates that another location constitutes his or her principal place of residence for substantial portions of the year; and 2) adds that it is the intent of this section that any candidate for elected office and any elected official, maintains the Town as his/her true, fixed, principal residence. Mere technical compliance with the domiciliary requirements, without actual residency within the Town, is inconsistent with the purpose and the intent of this Charter Section. In determining whether a candidate or elected official satisfies the residency requirements of this section, all relevant facts and circumstances shall be considered, and no single factor shall be dispositive. An exact copy of Charter Amendment Resolution 2026-01 is posted at City Hall, and available in the July 6, 2026, agenda packet online at oceancitymd.gov and can be obtained by contacting the City Clerk’s office at 410-289-8824.
JULY 17, 2026 OCD-7/9/4t _________________________________ LAWS, INSLEY & BENSON, P.A. VICTOR H. LAWS, ESQ. 209 E. MAIN ST., P.O. BOX 75 SALISBURY, MD 21803-0075
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 21176 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans court of Franklin County, Pennsylvania appointed (1) Amy K. Mahon-Stillwagon, 1070 Tallow Hill Rd., Chambersburg, PA 17202-9276; (2) Gary A. Mahon Jr., 1202 Tallow Hill Rd., Chambersburg, PA 172027626; (3) Kathy Donzella, 3455 Troon Dr., Chambersburg, PA 172028104 as the Executor of the Estate of Gary A. Mahon who died on July 06, 2026 domiciled in PA, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) Victor Laws, 202 E. Main St., Salisbury, MD 21803; (2) Victor Laws, 202 E. Main St., Salisbury, MD 21803; (3) Victor Laws, 202 E. Main St., Salisbury, MD 21803. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred. (1) Amy K. Mahon-Stillwagon (2) Gary A. Mahon Jr. (3) Kathy Donzella Foreign Personal Representatives Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: July 9, 2026 OCD-7/9/3t _________________________________
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zon-
JULY 17, 2026 ing Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: Thursday, July 23, 2026 AT 6:00 P.M. Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(1), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed to appeal the zoning determination dated April 9, 2026, which states that the requested amendment to Permit 251995 is denied because the second floor of the dwelling is defined as and is subject to the requirements of a habitable attic under Section 110-2 of the Ocean City Code. The Property is described as Lot 977, Section 5B, of the Montego Bay Mobile Home Park Plat. It is further described as being on the north side of Sea Lane and is locally known as 103 Sea Lane in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: QUINN MCGINNES, ESQ. FOR JAMES E. LARUE, INC. (BZA 2740, #2609300001) AT 6:15 PM Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(1), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed to appeal the zoning determination dated May 29, 2026, which states that the indoor mushroom cultivation operation taking place on the premises does not qualify as a permitted home occupation that is defined under Section 110-908 of the Ocean City Code. The Property is described as Lot 16, Block 25, Section 5, of the Caine Woods Plat. It is further described as being located on the northeast corner of Sailing Road and 141st Street and is locally known as 602 141st Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. APPLICANT: MOURNING WOOD MUSHROOMS, LLC C/O ANDREA DAVIS (BZA 2747, #2609300002) Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall. Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-7/9/2t _________________________________ WILLIAMS MOORE, L.L.P. REGAN J. R. SMITH ESQ. 12800 HOSPITALITY WAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9394
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 21177 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of City of Alexandria county, Virginia appointed Howard Paperner, 11007 Martin Grove Ln., Saint Louis, MO 63141-7666 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Leslie J. Paperner who died on May 09, 2021 domiciled in Virginia, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Regan J.R. Smith, 12800
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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices Hospitality Way, Ocean City, MD 21842-9394. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred. Howard Paperner Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: July 16, 2026 OCD-7/16/3t _________________________________ CHRISTOPHER T. WOODLEY, ESQ. WILLIAMS MOORE, L.L.P. 12800 HOSPITALITY WAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9349
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21127 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KEVIN HARPER Notice is given that Christopher T. Woodley, Esq., 12800 Hospitality Way, Ocean City, MD 21842-9394, was on June 30, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Kevin Harper who died on April 16, 2020, 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 30th day of December, 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 30th day of December, 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. Christopher T. Woodley, Esq. Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: July 16, 2026 OCD-7/16/3t _________________________________ COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A. RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 21179 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Surrogate’s court of Westchester county, New York appointed Dora Ryan, 80 Brandt Ter., Yonkers, NY 107103403 as the Executrix of the Estate of Rose Rampa who died on November 05, 2025 domiciled in New York, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred. Dora Ryan Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: July 16, 2026 OCD-7/16/3t _________________________________
RICHARD M. DUVALL, ESQ. DUVALL & DUVALL, LLP 112 W. MAIN ST. SALISBURY, MD 21801-4905
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21181 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOYCE D. CLARK AKA: JOYCE DOROTHEA CLARK Notice is given that Daniel Hirko, 9 Deerfield Dr., Wading River, NY 11792-2200, was on July 09, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joyce D. Clark who died on May 25, 2026, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of January, 2027. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of January, 2027. 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. Daniel Hirko 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: July 16, 2026 OCD-7/16/3t _________________________________ JOSEPH E. MOORE ESQ WILLIAMS MOORE, L.L.P. 12800 HOSPITALITY WAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9394
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE Z BASLE Estate No. 21183 Notice is given that KIMBERLY L WILSON whose address
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OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices
is 2 FEDERAL HL BERLIN, MD 21811-3237 was on JULY 09, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGE Z BASLE who died on JUNE 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 of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of JANUARY, 2027. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of JANUARY, 2027. 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-7/16/3t _________________________________ 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 THOMAS CARVILLE VACH Estate No. 21182 Notice is given that RICHARD J VACH JR whose address is 12504 WHISPER TRACE DR OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9170 was on JULY 09, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THOMAS CARVILLE VACH who died on JUNE 17, 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 9th day of JANUARY, 2027. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the
9th day of JANUARY, 2027. 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-7/16/3t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of SANDRO VIZI Estate No. 21178 Notice is given that KATALIN VIZI whose address is 12342 SAINT MARTINS NECK RD., BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813-1626 was on JULY 08, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of SANDOR VIZI who died on DECEMBER 09, 2025 without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney. All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-7/16/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of DONNA LEE ZEPHIR LANCELOTTA Estate No. 21175 Notice is given that ROBERT J. LANCELOTTA JR. whose address is 440 M ST NW APT 1, WASHINGTON, DC 20001-4662 was on JULY 10, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DONNA LEE ZEPHIR LANCELOTTA who died on FEBRUARY 10, 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-7/16/1t _________________________________ SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of JAMES DANIEL NOONAN Estate No. 18087 Notice is given that NANCY NOONAN whose address is 8292 IRIS CT., ARVADA, CO 80005-2140 was on JULY 10, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JAMES DANIEL NOONAN who died on NOVEMBER 04, 2019 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 represen-
JULY 17, 2026 tative 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-7/16/1t _________________________________ JONATHAN E. BECKER ESQ. ECKELL SPARKS 300 W. STATE STREET, SUITE 300 MEDIA, PA 19063
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVES ESTATE NO. 21180 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the REGISTER OF WILLS court of DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA appointed MARY DOUGHERTY HUNT whose address is 850 CHANDLEE DR., WEST CHESTER, PA 19382-1976 as the PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE of the Estate of DOROTHY A. DOUGHERTY who died on NOVEMBER 26, 2025 domiciled in PENNSYLVANIA, USA. The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is KATHLEEN MCCRUDEN whose address is 8007 BAILEYS LN., PASADENA, MD 21122-4633. At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: WORCESTER COUNTY. All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the cred-
JULY 17, 2026 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-7/16/3t _________________________________
BID SOLICITATION
John Walter Smith (JWS) Park – Parking Project Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors for the John Walter Smith (JWS) Park - Parking Project in conformity with the requirements contained in the Documents. Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov, by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents. A pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00am on August 3, 2026, at the south end of John Walter Smith (JWS) Park Road (adjacent to maintenance building), Snow Hill, MD 21863. The last date to submit questions for clarification will be noon on August 12, 2026. Due to funding source, Maryland State prevailing wage laws must be met. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than August 26, 2026, at 2 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Late Bid Documents cannot be accepted. Envelopes shall be marked “Bid Solicitation – JWS Parking Project” in the lower left-hand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation. OCD-7/16/1t _________________________________
LEGAL ADVERTISING
Call: 410-723-6397 Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@octodaydispatch.com
OC Today-Dispatch/Public Notices
PAGE 65
WCPS to update purchasing policy By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools has implemented new safeguards designed to prevent purchasing card fraud after a federal audit identified internal control weaknesses tied to a former employee’s misuse of school funds. Vince Tolbert, WCPS’ chief financial officer, explained these protections at the board of education meeting on Tuesday. The fiscal year 2025 audit, conducted by UHY LLP, reviewed programs including the National School Lunch Program, adult education, Title I, and special education, among others. Tolbert said WCPS reported approximately $13.7 million in federal expenditures during the fiscal year. As part of the audit, reviewers also documented any findings related to the school system’s financial controls. “The board is aware we have a former employee who abused her P-card to purchase personal items,” Tolbert said, referring to Dee Shorts, a former assistant superintendent. She was fired amid criminal charges alleging she used a school-issued card to buy personal items totaling more than $118,000 between 2019 and 2025. According to Tolbert, those actions resulted in a deficiency in the school
system’s internal controls being included in the federal audit report. Tolbert said the audit also required the school system to detail corrective actions implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future. Among the changes, the school system has established a district-wide Amazon Business account to strengthen procurement controls and has implemented formal user access administration procedures. The school system also added enhanced approval requirements for Amazon purchases and prohibited the use of purchasing cards and personal Amazon accounts for board-funded transactions. In addition, the finance department has expanded its monthly monitoring process by reviewing purchasing card transactions against vendor data and analyzing transaction reports to identify discrepancies, purchasing trends, and potential noncompliance. Tolbert said the corrective action plan documenting those measures was submitted as part of the federal audit process. “The auditors were satisfied with our responses to the findings,” he told the board. The school system is also undertaking an independent review of its financial practices. In June, the school board hired
CliftonLarsonAllen LLP to conduct a comprehensive financial and forensic audit following the criminal charges against Shorts. The contract calls for an extensive review of the school system’s financial procedures beyond routine compliance audits. School officials have said they expect to receive periodic updates as that review progresses. Separately, the board of education unanimously approved a contract Tuesday with SB & Company, an Owings Mills-based accounting firm, to provide the school system’s future independent auditing services. WCPS Superintendent Annette Wallace said she decided to seek a new auditing firm after district leaders recognized financial challenges facing the school system and wanted “a fresh set of eyes.” Tolbert said the school system received four proposals through its request for proposals process. A selection committee ranked SB & Company as the highest-rated respondent. He noted the firm audits several Maryland school systems, including Frederick County Public Schools. The first-year contract totals $47,500, within the school system’s $48,000 budget for auditing services, and includes options to renew annually for four additional years with incremental price increases.
OC Today-Dispatch
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JULY 17, 2026
REAL ESTATE REPORT
Appointed commission acts as Md. real estate overseer By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer (July 17, 2026) In Maryland, licensed real estate agents answer to the Maryland Real Estate Commission (MREC), a part of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation’s (DLLR) division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The Commission exists to serve both real estate consumers in Maryland and the real estate licensees that they are charged to regulate. The Commission was created to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public through examination, licensing, and regulatory activities. It is composed of 9 members, 5 licensed members and 4 consumer members. The Governor appoints the members with the advice of the Secretary of DLLR and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Commission is also tasked with upholding and applying the governing real estate laws and regulations equally to all. They provide professional assistance and must impartially conduct disciplinary actions.
Approximately 40,000 licensees in Maryland are regulated by the Commission. It issues three levels of licenses: salesperson, associate broker and broker. The Commission also oversees time- share developers. Another responsibility of the Commission is to oversee and approve continuing education for licensees. The Commission oversees complaints about licensees, as well as the Real Estate Guaranty Fund, which protects consumers for losses up to $50,000. For the purpose of a Guaranty Fund claim, misconduct is an action arising out of a real estate transaction involving real estate located in Maryland which causes actual loss by reason of theft, or embezzlement of money or property, or money or property unlawfully obtained from a person by false pretense, artifice, trickery, or forgery, or by reason of fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit. The Maryland Real Estate Commission is located in Baltimore, MD, and is headed by executive director, Scott Lederer. Their website is www.dllr.state.md.us/license/mrec. Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, MD.
The Republican Women of Worcester County invite you to our
COVID-19 Staff Vaxed Virtual Appts. Available
Summer Meet & Greet
at the Forgotten 50 Distilling in the charming town of Berlin. Come join us for appetizers & cash bar on
Estate Planning Wills & Trusts
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Flat Fee Available Home Visits Available Upon Request
JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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OC Today-Dispatch
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JULY 17, 2026
Town advances water quality work Residents worry the project will have a minimal impact on severe flooding in yards By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) The Berlin Town Council voted this week to proceed with a stormwater management upgrades project that officials hope will increase stormwater storage capacity and reduce flooding. The vote came despite residents arguing the work fails to address longtime neighborhood drainage problems. The project, which was approved with Councilman Jack Orris opposed and Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols absent, will be advertised for construction bids before returning to the council for contract approval. Engineer Steven Lemasters told the council that the construction phase is fully grant-funded, with a focus on improving water quality in Newport Bay. The initiative also hopes to offer flood mitigation benefits. The work will modernize and expand two existing stormwater management facilities — one near the end of Upshur Lane and another within Buckingham Estates. Lemasters said both ponds were built to outdated Maryland stormwater standards and
will be converted into submerged gravel wetlands. “The project is incorporating an expansion of the Buckingham Estates stormwater management facility, retrofitting it to be a more modern structure, in addition to doing the same thing at Upshur,” the engineer said. According to the construction documents, the project includes excavating and enlarging the existing ponds, installing submerged gravel wetlands, replacing storm drainage infrastructure, constructing new drainage structures, relocating portions of a water main, installing fencing around the facilities, restoring disturbed areas, and resurfacing portions of Westminster Drive and Abbey Lane. Contractors will also be responsible for erosion control, traffic maintenance, and restoring affected driveways, landscaping and other property features. One bid alternate would replace an existing 24-inch storm drain pipe along Abbey Lane with a larger 36inch pipe. Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall asked whether the project could also include a pedestrian connection between Upshur Lane and Abbey Lane. “People do cut in and out,” Tyndall said. “It would be nice to have a defined way.”
Lemasters said a walking path and educational displays explaining how the stormwater facilities improve water quality could possibly be incorporated. The engineer emphasized the project is designed to retain more water rather than redirect it elsewhere. “Everything from the school to the Upshur, Tingle area to Buckingham … all flows out to West Street currently,” he said. “We’re not configuring anything to redirect water. The two stormwater features will hold more water. So, you expect to see a reduction of flooding within the roadways themselves.” Tyndall maintained that the greatest flooding concerns are typically around the intersection of West Street, Abbey Lane and Westminster Drive. “This should, hypothetically, hold more of that water in these submerged gravel wetlands as opposed to being in the public right-of-way or in citizens’ yards,” he said. However, Lemasters cautioned that the project is not a complete solution. “This is where we’re doing something to improve the situation,” he said. “It’s not a solution to flooding at Abbey and West since we still have that bottleneck existing.” Orris asked whether retaining
July 16 - July 23 DAY/TIME
ADDRESS
Fri-Mon 11am-4pm
BR/BA
STYLE
Heron Harbour, 120th St., Bayside, Ocean City 1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+ Condos, Towns & SF
PRICE
AGENT/AGENCY
-
Nanette Pavier/Holiday Real Estate
12430 Old Bridge Rd., West OC
2BR/2BA
Single Family
from $284,750
Shelly Wilson/Salt Life Community
Friday10:30am-12:30pm
201 S. Heron Drive #26B, Ocean City
2BR/2.5BA
Condo
$574,900
Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty
Friday11am-1pm
12301 Jamaica Ave #351N, Ocean City
2BR/2BA
Condo
$499,900
Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty
Friday1-3pm
9900 Coastal Hwy #1409, Ocean City
2BR/2BA
Condo
$589,900
Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty
Friday 3-5pm
26738 Chatham Lane, Millsboro, DE
3BR/2.5BA
Townhome
$347,500
Katie Landon/Coldwell Banker Realty
Friday 3-5pm
26740 Chatham Lane, Millsboro, DE
3BR/2.5BA
Townhome
$349,900
Katie Landon/Coldwell Banker Realty
Saturday 10am-Noon
562 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines
4BR/2.5BA
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Rob & Anne-Marie Bouse/RE/MAX Advantage Realty
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201 S. Heron Drive #26B, Ocean City
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Nancy Reither/Coldwell Banker Realty
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2BR/2BA
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
PAGE 69
Grant to fund stormwater upgrade more water upstream could create problems because the existing drainage pipe at West Street remains only 24 inches in diameter. Lemasters responded that the older facilities were originally designed to manage roughly an inch of rainfall, while the upgraded ponds will be capable of managing approximately 3.6 inches of rainfall over a 24hour period. Council Vice President Dean Burrell asked how much additional water the ponds would hold. Lesmasters estimated their storage capacity would increase by roughly four times after construction. Councilman Jay Knerr asked whether residents would notice a significant reduction in flooding once the project is complete. “I think we’ll have a significant reduction,” Lemasters said. Questions also arose about downstream impacts east of Route 113. Lemasters said all stormwater in the watershed eventually reaches that area, but because the new facilities will retain substantially more runoff, he expects flows east of the highway to decrease as well. Residents, however, expressed concerns that the project fails to consider the longstanding and severe
flooding issue many homeowners must endure. Resident Mary Hedlesky said that while she appreciated efforts to reduce flooding near West Street and Abbey Lane, the initiative does not address chronic drainage issues affecting nearly 30 homes farther upstream. “I’m still watching my yard flood away,” Hedlesky said. She argued that years of permits allowing swimming pools, patios, and other impediments within drainage swales have blocked the natural flow of water, causing it to back up into residential properties rather than reaching the stormwater ponds. “This isn’t going to help any of that to drain to get into those ponds,” she said. “There are bigger issues.” Hedlesky worried the town could spend grant funding improving the ponds only to later discover it must reconstruct them again after addressing the neighborhood’s drainage problems. Lemasters said if water is unable to reach the ponds because drainage has been obstructed on private property, the project cannot solve that problem. “If there’s something impeding flow in the backyards, this project isn’t directly helping that, and the im-
pediment would have to be removed on the private property,” he said. Tyndall maintained that pursuing the grant-funded improvements does not mean the town is ignoring residents’ concerns. “We hear these things, but we have to work in the confines of the available funding,” he said. “Rather than doing nothing at all, we want to make some meaningful strides to try and improve the area.” He added that the town could explore working with its attorney on future efforts to address structures built within drainage swales. Resident Carol Rose asked why the town had relied on grants to address flooding that residents have experienced for more than a decade. “There has to be money somewhere to take care of an issue that’s been going on for 10 years,” she said. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen explained that the grant’s primary purpose is improving water quality entering Newport Bay, with flood reduction serving as an additional benefit. “The primary focus of the fund is to improve the water quality in Newport Bay,” Bohlen said. “At the same time, we can also address some of the stormwater mitigation problems.”
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PAGE 70
OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
County, land owner at odds over solar farm Pocomoke project may still advance despite opposition from Worcester’s officials
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) A proposed 4.95megawatt solar project outside Pocomoke City has prompted the town’s mayor to call for a broader review of utility-scale solar development surrounding the community. In a July 7 letter to the Worcester County Commissioners, Mayor Todd J. Nock warned that four existing or proposed facilities would create an “industrial energy corridor” around planned residential growth. According to Nock, the projects would collectively generate nearly 14.5 megawatts across 229 acres in and around Pocomoke. One of the four projects is located on city-owned property. Nock wrote that Pocomoke had “already demonstrated its willingness to contribute” to renewable energy, and urged county officials to carefully reconsider additional projects around Pocomoke until their cumulative effects have been studied. “There comes a point,” he wrote, “where the concentration of these facilities begins to fundamentally
change the landscape and character of the community.” His letter coincided with the county commissioners’ July 7 review of an ongoing proposal for a solar farm at 1521 Old Virginia Road. The commissioners voted 7-0 to oppose the project on a motion by Commissioner Caryn Abbott, who represents the Pocomoke area in District 1. Abbott cited Nock’s letter in making her motion. County staff concluded that the utility-scale solar farm is permitted by right on the property, which is zoned industrial despite its current agricultural use. The commissioners’ opposition, however, does not stop the project. Worcester County does have a role: officials here still review the site plan, local permits, and whether the proposal meets county requirements. Its position also becomes part of the state review. But because the project is larger than 2 megawatts, the Maryland Public Service Commission preempts the county, and the state ultimately decides whether it can be built. Maryland has made expanding solar generation a matter of state policy. The state’s renewable energy law requires the solar share of electricity sales to rise from 8% this year to
14.5% by 2030. The proposal calls for solar panels on 20 acres of a 54-acre parcel owned by the Fair family. Ray Fair, who has lived on the family farm his entire life, described the affected ground as clay-heavy and poor for farming. Despite the proposal describing a 54-acre lot, Fair said he considers the tract to be 100 acres of contiguous family-owned land on Old Virginia Road. “They act like we’re imposing this thing on the county, whereas that is our land – we have paid taxes on it,” Fair told OC Today-Dispatch. “It is zoned what it is by the county.” Fair said the developer, CleanCapital LLC, agreed to a 25-year lease and would divide the solar installation into two sections, leaving open space through the property so the family could continue using the farm. It also would preserve access to a duck blind he shared with his father, Fred, who had initiated the project but died last summer at age 92. “It was a big decision for us to even decide to let them do it,” he said. “I’ve looked out at the deer in this field all my life, and hunted them all my life, and I’m going to lose a part of that.” Fair also told OC Today-Dispatch that Commissioner Abbott visited the property unannounced July 5 and
told his adult daughter that she was there to examine the site before voting on the proposal. Abbott confirmed the visit. She made plans to meet Fair in person July 6 but canceled. She acknowledged that she did not speak with Fair or the developer before making her motion to oppose the project. Abbott said she believes this solar project could interfere with planned residential and economic development on a parcel across the street, which she called part of Pocomoke City’s growth area. That land is currently zoned as industrial but could be rezoned, she said. “We can’t place these solar farms on top of areas that we have for development,” she told OC Today-Dispatch. “It’s just not gonna work. Who’s going to buy a home when they’re surrounded by solar fields? Who’s going to build a home? I wouldn’t.” “I think there’s a place for them,” she added, “but unfortunately, this isn’t it, and it’s unfair for Pocomoke to have to bear the brunt of this, to have so many in such a small area. I’m looking at the long-term interests of Pocomoke and Worcester County.” Fair said the project is an appropriate use of the property and questioned why commissioners would oppose solar there while supporting future development across the road. He believes county officials made up their minds to oppose the project without hearing from him or the developer. “We’re pretty emotional in this thing,” he said. “It’s been pretty hurtful to my family.” The project may still move forward despite opposition from Pocomoke City and Worcester County. CleanCapital LLC says on its website that the project remains in the permitting phase, with power generation anticipated in 2028.
www w.octodaydispatch.com
OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
Resort’s police department preparing for hiring season Ocean City agency’s next recruitment round to begin this month, leaders report By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) With the summer tourist season well underway, the Ocean City Police Department is already preparing for the next round of recruitment. On Monday, Lt. Andrew Yeager told members of the Ocean City Police Commission that the department was almost fully staffed, with 125 of the 126 budgeted officer positions filled. Now, he said, the agency is preparing to kick off its 2026-2027 testing and recruitment season, with the first testing date scheduled for July 22. “We are now up to 20 signed up,” he said. “Eight of those are public safety officers.” Yeager told commission members this week that four recruits had graduated from the police academy last month and were now on field training. This month, the department plans to send six more recruits, with graduation slated for Dec. 9. While the department is near full staffing levels, Yeager said that does
not include officers who are out on medical leave, suspension or academy training. As of Monday, the OCPD had 115 officers on active duty. “So as of today, we have 115 available to hit the road, which is the highest number we’ve had, probably in the last year,” he told commission members. During the 2025-2026 testing cycle, the department received 311 applicants – 121 for full-time positions and 185 for public safety officers (PSO). After testing, background checks and interviews, the department offered positions to 15 officers and 89 PSOs. For the second year in a row, the PSO positions will replace the seasonal officer program, which had existed for decades in Ocean City. Unlike seasonal officers, who had the power to make arrests, PSOs are civilian support staff who can issue municipal citations, transport arrestees, handle bookings and fingerprinting and direct traffic, among other things. Officials say the PSO program is critical for the department, as it serves as a stepping stone for future full-time employment. Just this week, for example, Chief Ray Austin reported that multiple PSOs have expressed interest in becoming officers.
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JULY 17, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
Harris, Schwartz oppose first district redraw
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (July 17, 2026) The two candidates for Maryland’s First Congressional District agree on at least one thing: Annapolis should not redraw it. Eight-term incumbent Rep. Andy Harris, a Republican, says western shore Democrats “want to control the whole state” and are trying to eliminate Maryland’s only Republican-held congressional seat. His Democratic Andy Harris challenger in November, Dan Schwartz, calls the current statewide map “a devil of our own design,” but says Democrats should not redraw it mid-decade. Both candidates said in interviews
this week that congressional districts should be drawn without partisan manipulation. Harris said he has long supported nonpartisan redistricting, while Schwartz said he would work to end partisan gerrymandering and mid-decade redraws. Their unusual agreement comes as Gov. Wes Moore and legislative leaders prepare to bring lawmakers back to Annapolis for a special session on Aug. 3. Its goal: clear a legal path for middecade congressional redistricting and send a proposed constitutional amendment to Dan Schwartz voters in November. If voters approve it, state lawmakers could draw a new congressional map for use before the reg-
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ular redistricting cycle that follows the 2030 census. Any changes would take effect no earlier than the 2028 election. In political terms, the amendment would give Democrats an opportunity to reshape district boundaries to make the Republican-leaning First District more competitive for their candidates. “Inaction is not an option,” Moore said in a July 7 statement on redistricting. “We cannot sit on the sidelines while voting rights, fair representation, and the foundations of our democracy come under attack across the country.” Schwartz, 37, said Democrats knowingly accepted a Republicanleaning First District as part of a statewide map designed to protect seven Democratic seats. He said he still disagrees with redistricting. He said the deeper problem is a primary system that excludes more than 1 million unaffiliated Maryland voters and encourages political extremes – a position puts him at odds with leaders of his own party. “Further gerrymandering of the First Congressional District is not going to solve that problem,” he said. Schwartz said he wants voters to judge his candidacy under the district as it exists now. “I really hope that they think first
about who they want to represent them in Washington now, not in 2028,” Schwartz said. Harris, 69, argued the proposed constitutional amendment would create two sets of rules: one for state legislative districts and another for congressional maps, granting lawmakers drawing congressional seats more freedom to disregard geographic and jurisdictional boundaries. He said the current district keeps the Eastern Shore intact and groups together rural communities with similar interests. “People from the western shore want to control the whole state,” he said, “and they don’t want to leave the decision of who represents the Eastern Shore up to the Eastern Shore.” Harris also said representing a geographically broad rural district already requires extensive travel, but that shared interests matter more than distance alone. “When you represent a rural district, those are the facts of life,” he said. “Keeping areas of similar interest, like rural areas, together in a single district is something we should strive for, not attack.” Since last year, Texas, California, Missouri and North Carolina have adopted partisan congressional maps See MD. Page 75
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PAGE 73
OC Today-Dispatch
City awards bid for plant mitigation project By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) Ocean City officials this week selected a Maryland landscaping service to complete a plant mitigation project at the municipally owned Eagles Landing Golf Course. During a work session Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to award a bid to Ecological Restoration & Management Inc. for plant mitigation work at the golf course. The project will coincide with a tidal flood remediation project at several of the course’s holes. “The total project cost is estimated at $1,625,148.99,” Procurement Manager Matt Perry told council members this week. “This is $124,851 below the approved bond allocation figure and does not necessitate utilization of golf course fund reserves. As such, the procurement depart-
ment’s formal recommendation to the mayor and City Council is to fully award to Ecological Restoration & Management, Incorporation in their specified amount of $114,241.” Last summer, the council agreed to solicit bids for remediation work at the course, where tidal flooding has affected play at several holes. Three months later, however, the city received three bids, all of which came in over the $2.3 million budget. Ultimately, the council voted to proceed with the project by awarding a contract to McDonald & Sons, which ultimately revised its cost estimate down to $1.49 million. Officials say work will commence this fall and will take Eagles Landing down from an 18-hole course to a 12-hole course as crews work to raise one of the holes and berm and drain several
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others. “This would have allowed the procurement department and recreation department $507,598 in remaining bond funds to complete the planting mitigation and bridge construction scopes,” Perry said this week. Last month, the council received bids from five landscaping companies, with submissions ranging from $114,241 to $132,000. And on Tuesday, staff brought a formal recommendation to award the project to the lowest bidder – Ecological Restoration & Management.
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As part of this week’s 7-0 vote, the City Council also approved expenditures of up to $257,598, which will be used to fund not only the planting work, but bridge repairs and potential change orders. The bridge work, valued at $18,506, will be completed by the city’s public works department. The money, staff reports, will be drawn from a bonded budget allocation of $1.75 million. “It's great,” Councilman John Gehrig said, “getting it under budget too.”
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OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 74
JULY 17, 2026
SURF REPORT
The Adventures
L
by Steve Green
of Fatherhood
ike most families, our two sons couldn't be more different. Beckett, 18, and Carson, 16, each have their own personalities, interests and quirks. What they have in common is their ability to make Pam and me laugh. Sometimes we're laughing with them. Other times, we're laughing at them. Here are a few moments from the past several months that I've jotted down in the notes app on my phone. • While at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum's Concerts on the Lawn last weekend, Beckett and I were sitting on a bench listening to the band when our conversation turned to the World Cup. As prone to do, he switched subjects abruptly. The young man who has lived in Berlin his entire life suddenly asked, "What is this place called again?" I couldn't help but laugh because he was having a teen kid (or senior) moment. Then he followed it up with, "When did they start having concerts here?" I laughed again and told him, "Many years ago." • With college move-in now less than a month away, we're trying to squeeze in as much family time as possible. That's not always easy with everyone's schedules, but we managed to catch Toy Story 5 this week. Both boys actually wanted to see it, and we all enjoyed it. At one point, a character referred to parents as "ancient." Beckett and Carson immediately looked at each other, started laughing, and then pointed at Pam and me. They found that joke far funnier than we did. • During church recently, the pastor was wrapping up a prayer. Apparently, I kept my head bowed a little too long for Carson's liking because he suddenly elbowed me in the ribs. He later admitted he thought I had fallen asleep and was trying to wake me up. • Beckett loves eating out. Last summer, I'm convinced he spent nearly every dollar he earned on
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restaurant meals. When we sat down last year to discuss finances, we told him he had to cut back because there's always plenty of food at home. Now he'll wander through the kitchen, inspect everything in the refrigerator, and casually ask, "Does anyone want to go out to eat?" It's his not-so-subtle way of hoping someone else is buying. Sometimes it actually works. • Carson and I joke every time we're driving on Coastal Highway during the summer about how "dangerous" it can be. We're not talking about the traffic. During one recent drive, a group of young women in bikinis was crossing in front of us. I glanced over at Carson, who was dramatically looking everywhere except straight ahead — up at the sky, off to the side, anywhere but the crosswalk. He was trying so hard to convince me he wasn't looking that it made it even more obvious. He pointed at me, and I said, "Yep ... dangerous time of year to be driving around here." We both cracked up. • Beckett is working at the Lazy Lizard this summer, and all we've heard about is the importance of increasing his sales through upselling. Because of that, we avoided going in to see him, knowing exactly what was coming. Sure enough, when I ordered a drink, the fishbowl upgrade was immediately suggested. A cheeseburger apparently needed crab added to it, along with a few other premium recommendations. He was definitely doing his job. I have to admit, though, he gave us excellent service, and it was fun having him wait on us for a change. He also recommended the appropriate tip amount. • I asked Carson recently if he wanted to walk over to the Taylor House concert. The look he gave me clearly said, "Are you serious?" It's funny what he enjoys and what he doesn't. Crowds aren't his thing, and standing around for long periods is even less appealing. But if I pointed to a dead shrub in the yard and asked for
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help pulling it out, he'd volunteer without hesitation. He knows exactly what he likes, and I can appreciate that. • "When do the next people come in ... just curious?" That text from Beckett had both Pam and me laughing. As a graduation gift, we gave him four nights at our Ocean City rental for a little staycation. Leading up to it, he didn't seem all that excited. But after a few days, he suddenly realized his stay was about to end. That's when the text arrived, casually asking if anyone else was checking in the next day. As luck would have it, no one was, so he earned himself an extra night. • Carson seems to have discovered a new hobby: embarrassing me in public. At the Berlin Farmers Market a couple of weeks ago, he noticed I'd completely sweated through my shirt. When a friend walked up to say hello, Carson couldn't wait to point out my soaked shirt—with a huge grin on his face. • "The ocean has ruined me for the pool." That may be my favorite Beckett quote of the summer. One of the joys of raising kids in the same hometown where I grew up is sharing so many of the same experiences. The ocean has always been my happy place, and Beckett clearly feels the same way. He'll choose the beach over the pool every single time. He insists it's all about the waves. I nod and agree, although I secretly suspect the scenery and atmosphere might play a small role, too. Watching these two grow into young men has been one of life's greatest blessings. They continue to surprise us, make us laugh, and remind us that some of the best family memories come from the ordinary moments we never planned. Those are the ones worth writing down.
(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.)
‘Barbarian Days’ gives readers keys to ‘secret garden’ Memoir of a lifelong surfer honors the sport of kings By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer (July 17, 2026) “Surfing is a secret garden, not easily entered.” These are the words of a William Finnegan, world class surfer and pulitzer prize winning author. Finnegan has written a book entitled, “Barbarian Days, A Surfing Life.” It’s a story about surfing and a life long journey, but surfer or non-surfer, it’s highly recommendable. Finnegan works for The New Yorker magazine and has written books about war-torn areas of the world. He’s also travelled the world seeking some of the best waves the planet has to offer. Into his 70s, his traveling has slowed, though living in Manhattan he’s a frequent surfing visitor to the waves and shores of Long Island. Surfing is still a large part of his life, even to the point of surfing during the coldest winter months, assuming the wearing of thick wetsuit gear. “Barbarian Days” is an excellent book, especially for a surfer and even a non-surfer. I’ve personally read it twice and most likely will read it a few more times. One of the most outstanding parts of the book is the descriptive way in how a wave is ridden. Finnegan really shines in this particular portion of the story. So there you have it. Good surfer, good author, and a good writer equals a good book and a good read. Once again “Barbarian Days, A Surfing Life” by William Finnegan is highly recommendable. “Surfing is a secret garden, not easily entered.” Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
50
Years On!
JULY 17, 2026
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OC planners to create rules Md. Dems aim for redistricting for accessory dwelling units Resort leaders will consider the implementation of ADU regulations per state laws By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) Forced to comply with a new state law, Ocean City leaders this week told resort planners to begin developing a local ordinance allowing accessory dwelling units on single-family properties. Last year, the Maryland General Assembly passed the 2025 Accessory Dwelling Unit Act (House Bill 1466), legislation requiring local governments to adopt laws authorizing the development of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) on land with existing single-family detached houses. The goal, according to the state Department of Planning, is to help solve a 96,000-unit housing shortage and create affordable housing options for Marylanders. With a deadline of Oct. 1 to enact local legislation, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler came before the Ocean City Council on Tuesday with a request to have the city’s planning
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and zoning commission begin crafting an ordinance. He said the city had been in communication with the Maryland Department of Planning to better understand the bill’s requirements. “This is a mandate coming down from the state of Maryland,” he explained. “Typically, I’m not coming before you to discuss Maryland regulations because they leave that up to us here at the municipality for zoning. But they are requiring us to develop a code.” Currently, the city allows accessory structures on single-family lots – for example, a converted room above a garage. However, once those units include kitchens, it becomes a separate dwelling unit, which is currently not allowed in R-1 residential districts. “By establishing that kitchen, it establishes two units on the property versus one,” he said. However, state law will now require municipalities to allow ADUs on such lots. Those local regulations, Bendler said, must exclude ADUs from density calculations and residential growth limitations and cannot establish setback requirements that See ACCESSORY Page 77
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ceed. Maryland’s reliably Democratic electorate also makes voter backlash less threatening here than it might be in a closely divided state, he added. The proposed constitutional amendment would need support from three-fifths of both legislative chambers before going to voters in the Nov. 3 general election. Earlier this year, a redistricting attempt passed the House of Delegates but stalled in the Senate amid concerns from Senate President Bill Ferguson that it could expose the state to legal challenges. Although attention has centered on the Republican-held First District – which includes the entire Eastern Shore, all of Harford County, and part of Baltimore County – altering its boundaries would create a domino effect that could force border changes to the state’s other seven congressional districts.
Continued from Page 72 ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Several other states have changed their boundaries through court orders or state-mandated redistricting processes. Joshua Bolton, a Salisbury University political communication professor, said Maryland’s redistricting push is part of a national redistricting arms race in which each party feels compelled to answer the other. “When you’re starting to have elected officials choose their constituents instead of constituents choosing their elected officials, it’s both the Democratic and Republican parties acting in kind,” Bolton said. “One state does it and the other has to respond, down to the end of the line.” Bolton also predicted legislative leaders would not have called the special session unless they were confident that they had the votes to suc-
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OC Today-Dispatch
vanishing
OCEAN CITY
With Bunk Mann
JULY 17, 2026
Things I Like... By Steve Green Quick ocean dips after work Taking the high road when others go low Learning the stories behind World Cup players Breakfast for dinner A breeze out of the east on a hot day
A popular form of fishing that is affordable for the average fisherman is on a party boat or “head boat” (so-called because there is a flat charge per angler or “per head.”) These boats provide rods, reels and bait and a mate to untangle lines and help bring fish aboard. One of the most famous was the “Question Mark,” which sailed from the dock at Wicomico Street beginning in 1951 captained by Gordon S. Patton. The “Question Mark” was formerly Navy PT-139, which had been launched in September 1942 and assigned to the Motor Torpedo Squadron in Mellville, R.I., as part of the Navy’s training squadron. As a party boat, the 80-foot long craft made two trips daily offshore at a cost of $4 “per head” and an evening cruise along the beachfront at twilight. The “Question Mark” sank in the West Ocean City harbor in 1973 and now rests offshore in the Atlantic Ocean as part of an artificial reef. To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard from Bunk Mann’s collection
When a teen in the house wakes up before me Movies with my teens on a rainy day Local corn on the cob The exhaustion after a long beach day Always keeping a beach chair in the vehicle Rick Warren’s ‘The Purpose Driven Life’
JULY 17, 2026
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OC Today-Dispatch
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This week, OC Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler made a request to have the resort’s planning commission draft an ordinance for ADU allowance per state laws.
Accessory dwellings discussed Continued from Page 75 are more stringent than those that currently exist. The legislation also prevents municipalities from requiring additional off-street parking without first conducting a parking study. If parking requirements are imposed, he said, a municipality must seek a state waiver. “What it does say is we cannot require parking for an ADU unless we require a parking study at that point,” Bendler told the council. “So, either you can adopt these standards they put, and just let it have no parking, or we can do a parking study.” Simply put, while the city can find ways to regulate ADU development – through safety standards, conditional use approvals or building code compliance – Bendler said the city must comply with what is written in state law. Councilman Peter Buas, however, asked if an ordinance was even needed, as the city allowed accessory units so long as
they don’t have a kitchen and aren’t rented out. “If it’s just a kitchen issue, we don’t need an ordinance,” he said. “They just change it at the staff level and we’re done.” Mayor Rick Meehan added that while the intent of state law is to create more year-round housing, it doesn’t mandate that ADUs have to be used as year-round housing. “I don’t think they accomplish it with the way this is written,” he said. “That was MML’s objection to this legislation. It circumvented local authority, but it also didn’t really do what the intent was.” “I agree with you,” Bendler replied. Regardless, he said that there were certain provisions of the state code that must be included in local laws. With that said, the City Council this week voted unanimously to remand the issue to the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission to determine what amendments, if any, were necessary.
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Opinions
July 17, 2026
Page 78
Need more than lodging statistics As the Ocean City Tourism Commission tracks the literal ups and downs of summer spending as indicators of Ocean City’s economic well-being, it’s becoming more apparent that lodging statistics don’t mean as much as they once did. Overall, June appeared to be a good month in terms of total occupancy, with the resort lodging industry showing a net improvement of 4% in paid occupancy over June 2025. Nevertheless, that news comes with a “Yes, but ....” In this instance, it is “yes,” total lodging was up, “but” no one can say how another major tourism-dependent business, food and beverage, fared in light of a big change in lodging preferences. The net increase in spending on lodging over June 2025 is provided by an 8% decline in paid occupancy at chain hotels being offset by a 12% jump in paid occupancy at vacation rentals. The latter consists of condominiums, townhouses and single-family homes, almost all of which have kitchens. There’s no way to know whether the restaurant industry as a whole is up or down, but odds are that an increase in the number of renters as opposed to hotel guests will show up as a dip in dining. This is information that Ocean City’s marketing people might find helpful as they plan for the years ahead. Obviously, the resort’s marketing campaigns continue to work, as there seems to be no lack of people in town. But we’re only getting part of the picture and need to know more about how this shift in lodging is affecting bars and restaurants. Because a growing number of visitors who come to town have the option of eating in instead of going to a restaurant, Ocean City businesses need to know how often this occurs, how much it affects visitors’ vacation budgets and whether it has any impact on local spending by the tipped employees who work the restaurant scene. Ocean City’s economy has many moving parts, but it’s still all connected.
OC Today-Dispatch Stubbornly local, equally independent NEWS EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, BRIAN SHANE Contact News Room: editor@octodaydispatch.com SALES ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLY CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS PAMELA GREEN Contact Sales: sales@octodaydispatch.com PRODUCTION ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON; SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS SENIOR AD DESIGNER KELLY BROWN ADMINISTRATION PUBLISHER/CONTROLLER CHRISTINE BROWN ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS Web: octodaydispatch.com ~ Facebook: www.facebook.com/octodaydispatch OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2026
PUBLIC EYE
Cyclops eyes fairness
I’m baffled by people who insist on “historical semi-accuracy” in works of fiction. In other words, there is total accuracy, which is impossibly boring, versus comfortable accuracy, which is also impossible, except it’s worse because it picks its spots. This week, for instance, the offices of Universal Studios Hollywood were being set upon by critics upset with director Christopher Nolan because his casting choices in “The Odyssey” were not “hisBy torically accurate.” In addition to the film not Stewart starring any Greeks and havDobson ing a Black Helen of Troy (more on her later), other criticisms were made. These include complaints from the International Cyclops Confederation because of the studio’s failure to cast a real cyclops or even a full-vision giant in the film. “Sirs,” began a letter posted on the wellknown website People.With.Nothing.Better.To.Do.com, “I wish to protest your lack of consideration for the cyclops community. Sadly, your story’s featured cyclops, Polyphemus — not to be confused with his sister, Polypropylene — was played by a human actor. “This comes at a time when many oneeyed sheep-eating giants are looking for work,” said Myron Blinkman, director of cycloperations at Mary’s Monocle Exchange. “Just because we eat the odd human now and then doesn’t mean we don’t have a sensitive side, or that we approve of your appropriation of cyclops culture. We are deeply
aggrieved, as are our associate members, the largely unemployed man-eating giants, although most of them do live overseas and are unable to obtain U.S. work permits anyway.” In the meantime, the historical accuracy freaks have not said one harsh word about Helen of Troy’s scandalous background and whether that should have been brought to light a well. The thing is Helen of Troy, who was said to be the most beautiful woman in the world, wasn’t born, she was hatched. That’s correct. She was the daughter of Leda, the Queen of Sparta, and Zeus, who had his way with Leda by disguising himself as a swan. If anyone can explain that to me in historically accurate terms, I’m all ears. The obvious conclusion, though, is that Zeus was winging it somehow or that Leda was somehow involved in animal husbandry. In any event, this union between the girl and the goose, the sweetheart and the swan or the fair and the fowl, left Leda with egg, so to speak, out of which Helen eventually emerged. And let’s not forget that Helen was half immortal, a demi-god, which probably explains how she could have eight kids with two different men and still looked great. The point is, “fiction” doesn’t have to be historically accurate. It depends on how the teller of the story wants to present it. It’s like if George Romero wanted to keep “Night of the Living Dead” accurate, he would have cast actual brain-dead people as zombies rather than actors. In all fairness, though, the availability of the former would depend on whether Congress was in session.
OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
Between the Lines By Steve Green
Another major crash occurred on Route 50 at the intersection with N. Main Street in Berlin last weekend with two local motorists — a teen and a MSP trooper — flown to Shock Trauma due to the major injuries sustained. As expected, many residents were questioning on social media this week when a traffic light will be installed at the intersection. During the discussions about the new Wawa near the intersection two years ago, it was reported a new traffic light would likely be placed at the intersection, but there is nothing official stating that as a certainty. As a matter of fact, according to a document shared by Commissioner Eric Fiori courtesy of the District 1 State Highway Administration office, the intersection of N. Main Street and Route 50 is not currently tapped for a traffic light. Instead, the plan is for “geometric improvements” but the timing is questionable. The notice to proceed date is August of 2027 but the funding is unknown. Some designs were released years ago that essentially aimed to improve the area and restricted crossings across all highway lanes. When the new Wawa is built in the area, SHA could pivot toward a traffic light as it has done in other areas like Pocomoke. The traffic light is the game changer the town and residents must see. According to the District 1 project list provided by Fiori, the next traffic signal planned in the area will actually be Whaleyville Road (Route 610) and Route 50, another dangerous intersection with a notice to proceed slated for October of 2027, dependent on funding. Another traffic light badly needed is at the Assateague Road (Route 376) and Route 611 intersection. Funding has been approved at the federal level for the intersection after the state could not find the money, but the timing is unknown. Another intersection on the project development list is Bishopville Road (Route 367) and St. Martin Neck with a 2028 date for geometric improvements. Design changes are also being surveyed for the Route 113 and Bishopville Road intersection where a light does exist already. While not always practical, it’s best to try and avoid Route 50 and Main Street intersection whenever possible. It will involve a massive change though for many of us, but no major changes are imminent. *** Will there be only daylight saving time from now on? The House of Representatives passed a measure – called the Sunshine Protection Act – this week with President Trump’s support to use the current time zone year-round rather than fall back in November. Now, the Senate must review it. The measure is not expected to pass the Senate as presented but there could be a middle ground reached potentially. It’s interesting to note WBAL-TV created a web tool to allow users by zip code to determine what it means if daylight saving time became permanent. For Worcester County, under permanent daylight saving time, the sunrise times were listed as early as 5:37 a.m. and the latest at 8:18 a.m. (as compared to 7:30 a.m. under the current changing system). As far as sunsets go, the earliest would be 5:40 p.m. (compared to 4:40 with current system) with the latest 8:28 p.m. *** Is eating in up and eating out down in Ocean City this summer? The answer is most likely yes and it’s following the general trend of shortterm rental bookings outpacing hotel bookings. It’s all about the cost, and vacationers are adjusting. The overall result seems to be an average summer thus far at best. For the month of June, hotel revenue, according to a limited evaluation from the city’s analytics company Zartico, dropped 2% from the previous year. It was better than a poor May, when it fell 24% mostly due to Boardwalk Rock being canceled and a bad Memorial Day weekend due to the weather. On the flip side, the evaluation showed short-term rentals spiked 40% this June compared to last year. It’s interesting to note the average daily rate (ADR) was $316 for chain hotels and $360 for vacation rentals, based on the study. While there seems to be data to support the general trend toward rentals, which are better fits for some family dynamics, it’s tougher to quantify whether more people are choosing to cook in their units as opposed to eating out. It’s more expensive than ever to eat out today, due to rising food, labor and utility prices, and it stands to reason to conclude many visitors are constrained and limiting costs while here. Habits are changing. Also, it doesn’t help bottom lines that young people do not drink as much as they used to, according to bar operators.
Letters to the editor
Opening our eyes to the beauty of the wind
Editor, Critics of offshore wind turbines are missing the boat – literally. Near tourist destinations like Ocean City, residents worry that these distant structures will be bad for business – even though they will be miles away and no more visible than a passing freighter, if they can be seen at all from shore. Few people seem to recognize that offshore wind farms can be a tourist attraction, not a deterrent. Indeed, boat tours to see them up close are popular where wind farms are operating. Half a dozen charter boat companies, operating out of Brighton in the south of England, have made a business out of taking tourists to sea – to see for themselves whether these machines are beautiful or an eyesore. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, but I had the opportunity to take such a trip some years ago, and it was an unforgettable experience. The boat ride itself was pleasant enough, of course, but the turbines themselves – emerging from the deep as we approached and slowly spinning in the breeze – were a majestic sight, and thought provoking as well. To my eye, the blades, each of them more than a football field in length, seemed to turn slowly, but the tips were moving at up to 200 miles per hour. They require not a gale but only a steady breeze to turn and turn and turn, making a power plant’s worth of electricity to be sent to shore through undersea cables for our homes and businesses. The bright white pylons, rising like church spires hundreds of feet in the air and glistening in the sunlight, sur-
PAGE 79
rounded by endless ocean, spoke profoundly about humanity’s relationship with nature. They are a testament to human ingenuity, starting with the engineering feat of constructing, transporting, and installing these enormous structures. But more powerful to me was their symbolic partnership with the wind, harnessing its relentless flow across the water – a God-given resource, like manna in the desert – to support the needs of human endeavor. To get the energy we need, we don’t have to dig for coal and oil and gas. Instead, we can harvest what is freely given and will never run out. Offshore wind is stronger and more stable than its onshore cousin, and that matters: Every extra bit of wind speed exponentially multiplies the amount of power produced – so doubling the wind speed results in eight times the wind power. I was not alone in being moved by these gleaming white towers. Online reviews of the boat tours confirm that visitors find them objects of fascination. Here’s one such comment: “They’re elegant and breathtaking, and when I look at them, I can’t believe what human beings are capable of doing – in a good way. Complex math and science and manufacturing and planning and cooperation. It chokes me up.” Our rapidly warming climate, with its intense storms and recurrent droughts, is telling us to change the way we produce the energy we need – just as we once moved on from human labor to horsepower to steam engines. The task is urgent. The byproducts of fossil fuel use are killing us – changing the weather, filling our lungs with toxic air particles and our Continued on Page 80
OC Today-Dispatch
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Continued from Page 79 bodies with microplastics, and poisoning life on Earth. Clean, renewable energy alternatives are sweeping the globe, empowering people who lacked even a light bulb before, and supporting manufacturing booms in rapidly developing China and India. Hypermodern Europe more and more fuels its economy on solar power and wind – including abundant offshore wind. To have a clean, affordable, natural substitute for the energy we need – it feels like a miracle. It calls to me as the psalmist said: “Let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Reid Detchon Bethesda (The writer is Senior Advisor for Climate Solutions at the United Nations Foundation and a member of Third Act Maryland. He lives in Bethesda.)
Candidates at crab feast Editor, In Australia, voting is compulsory, and eligible citizens who fail to vote without a valid reason may receive a
modest administrative penalty equivalent to $20 or more. In the United States, voting is voluntary, and there are no penalties for choosing not to vote. Even so, voting is both a fundamental right and an important civic responsibility. Every eligible citizen should register to vote, learn about the candidates and issues on the ballot, and make their voice heard at the polls. Worcester County Democrats are holding a Crab Feast July 19 at noon at the White Horse Park in Ocean Pines. This presents a wonderful opportunity for Worcester County voters to chat with and learn more about the following candidates seeking office. Dan Schwartz – Democratic candidate for Maryland's 1st Congressional District. Schwartz has emphasized protecting democracy, expanding access to affordable health care, supporting public education, and defending Social Security and Medicare in his campaign against incumbent Andy Harris. Lino Cressotti - Democratic candidate for the Maryland State Senate in Continued on Page 81
OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from Page 80 District 38, is running to give Eastern Shore residents a stronger voice in Annapolis, with a focus on supporting working families, strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable health care, and promoting economic opportunities while protecting the region's agricultural and coastal communities. Roxie Dennis – Democratic candidate for Worcester County Commissioner, District 2. Dennis is a longtime community advocate who has focused her campaign on government transparency, responsible growth, environmental stewardship, and ensuring county government serves all residents. Vicky Wallace – Democratic candidate for Worcester County Commissioner, District 5. Wallace is campaigning on fiscal responsibility, protecting the county's natural resources, supporting public safety, and encouraging balanced economic development. Martin Radinsky – Democratic candidate for Worcester County Orphans' Court. Radinsky is seeking to
bring fairness, integrity, and careful attention to the court's responsibilities in handling probate and estate matters. Shelley Johnson – Democratic candidate for Maryland House of Delegates, District 38A. Johnson, a Princess Anne town commissioner, has emphasized improving education, strengthening health care access, supporting working families, and creating economic opportunities on the Lower Eastern Shore. Kathy Cater – Democratic candidate for Worcester County Board of Education. Cater is focused on supporting students and teachers, maintaining high academic standards, promoting transparency, and ensuring responsible stewardship of school resources. An informed electorate is essential to a strong democracy. Come join us for a fun and informative afternoon. More information is available at DCWC@gmail.com. Tish Michel (The writer is a member of the Worcester County Democratic Central Committee.)
Mail your letter to editor@octodaydispatch.com All letters are subject to editing for clarity and potentially libelous material
PAGE 81
Code compliance crew nets first ticket for dog on beach By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (July 17, 2026) Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald said the newly created beach enforcement division has issued its first citation, although not for any tent or canopy violation. The violation, which occurred over the past weekend, involved a dog, Theobald told members of the Ocean City Council this week. City code prohibits canines on the beach and Boardwalk from May 1 through Sept. 30. “We have not had to enforce, by citation, anything regarding the canopy itself,” he said. Earlier this year, the City Council voted to create a new division, which would spend the first summer season educating the public on the city’s beach regulations, including newly enacted tent and canopy laws. Those laws – passed last year and amended in the spring – ban beach tents (with the exception of tents used for babies) and prohibit beachgoers from erecting beach canopies before 10 a.m. and then leaving those canopies unattended; prohibit beach canopies larger than 15-by-15 feet; require a 3-foot separation around a canopy’s perimeter; and require the anchoring for such canopies to be contained within the canopy’s footprint.
In what is now turning into a weekly update, Theobald told council members during Tuesday’s work session that the division continues to push its educational campaign on the beach this summer. Between Memorial Day weekend and Independence Day weekend, employees tagged 1,080 unoccupied canopies, followed up with 684 owners and made contact with 1,955 people involving the canopy ordinance. “We’re seeing a pattern,” he said. “A new group comes in, they look out their windows when they rent a condo, they see other people doing it, they go out the next day. So, it’s a constant turnover.” Beyond the canopy regulations, the beach enforcement division has enforced 790 other ordinance violations, including those for smoking, ball playing, alcohol, open fires and more. The division has also recorded 359 dogs on the beach, with the only citation being issued over the weekend. “The program continues to be a success,” Theobald told the council this week. “It’s well embraced by the public. We have very little negative comments being made.” The only negative, he said, is that the division has lost one employee due to medical reasons. “We’ll be down one. We’ll make it work,” Theobald said.
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OC Today-Dispatch
JULY 17, 2026
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Scrambled eggs, gluten free breakfast bagels
Creative way to prepare eggs and start the day, all while impressing the guests
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer Has one ever taken a moment to consider the fascinating occurrences that encompass our daily lives? Nothing is by chance; every occasion has purpose and should be utilized to the fullest degree. The kitchen follows suit and is a sanctuary of culinary lore. Shedding light on conundrums that confound chefs not only raises our level of awareness but also enlightens us to a wonderful world of glorious food. Intention takes us to a theme of the day. Eggs are one of the most versatile and popular ingredients. The yolk and albumen combine to produce scientific wonders that go beyond the boundaries of enchantment. M.F.K. Fisher brilliantly describe an egg as “probably one of the most private things in the world until it is broken.” Egg cookery is a simple task, but a
few helpful hints ensure textbook eggs every time. Cooking a hard-boiled egg may seem trivial, but is not as easy as one thinks. There are a number of variables that affect the cooking process: the age of the eggs, the size of the pot that the eggs are cooked in, and the temperature of the heat. Believe it or not, but fresh farm eggs are good for frying but not boiling. The inner membrane of the egg sticks to the white, making them difficult to boil accurately. However, this adherence breaks down after a few days and makes them acceptable for cooking in hot water. Choosing the right size pot to cook your eggs in is probably the most overlooked step in boiling eggs. The first step is to bring your eggs to room temperature; they are less likely to crack in hot water. Eggs should not be stacked but be placed in one layer: positioning eggs on top of each other can result in uneven cooking. In addition, add enough cold water to cover them completely by one-inch of water. Too much water will take too long for the water to come to a boil, which can throw off the timing and produce rubbery eggs. Scrambled eggs are the next sub-
ject at hand. Always mix the eggs in a small bowl before placing them in the pan. Cracking eggs directly into the pan and then mixing them will result in a streaky scramble. Scrambled eggs should be cooked slowly over medium-low heat. If you rush the dish, the eggs will be dry. Just before the eggs are fully cooked, remove the pan from the heat, and continue to cook. This is another way to prevent overcooking. Scrambled eggs should be cooked in nonstick pans. While I love my cast iron skillet, some of the egg mixture will stick to the pan and is not the best choice. If you are entertaining and want your scrambled eggs to be extra fluffy, place the eggs and milk in a blender. Then add your other ingredients. The blender incorporates air into your egg mixture for a souffle like texture. A gluten free breakfast bagel is another option and makes quite an impression. Rice paper is soaked in an egg wash so it becomes pliable. Then fill it with scrambled eggs and other favorite toppings if desirable. Roll the stuffed rice paper and form it into the shape of a bagel and top with Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend. Finally, air fry the bagels until they are golden brown and crispy. These gluten free bagels are so cute and are sure to
be a hit with your guests. Enjoy! Scrambled Eggs 4 large eggs 4 teaspoons half-n-half ¼ teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon unsalted butter fresh herbs or freshly ground black pepper to taste 1. In a medium bowl, aggressively whisk the eggs, cream, and salt unt well blended. 2. Melt butter in a small nonstick pan over medium heat, make sure to coat the entire pan with butter. 3. Add the eggs to the center of the pan and immediately reduce heat to See EGGS Page 84
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OBITUARIES MARY LOUISE BUNTING WARRINGTON Selbyville Mary Louise Bunting Warrington, Age 94, of Selbyville died July 7th, 2026, at Tidal Health Atlantic in Berlin, Maryland. She was born in Salisbury, Maryland on June 12th, 1932, to Harry W. Bunting and Martha Pepper Bunting. Mary Louise grew up in Dagsboro, Delaware as a young girl and teen during the “Depression Era”. From a young age, she was taught generational family values and a strong work ethic by her family, which later inspired Mary Warrington her determination and perseverance. She married her husband Earl C. Warrington, in 1952. Unfortunately, their marriage was cut short when Earl became ill with Polycystic Kidney Disease and died in 1984. Mary Louise and Earl worked hard on their family poultry farm in Selbyville. Year after year, Mary Louise delighted in planting multiple gardens that produced an abundance of vegetables, fruits, and flowers. She routinely shared their harvest with family and friends. It wasn’t unusual to receive a bag of fresh string beans, fresh tomatoes or silver queen corn during the summer months, as well as a pumpkin in the fall. Many veg-
etables were canned and pickled providing a food source through the winter months. In addition to gardening, she loved knitting Afghans, cross stitching, reading, playing the piano, as well as traveling with her sister and brother-in-law. Her affinity for needlework was best seen in the Christmas stockings she made for her grandchildren. Mary Louise loved playing Bridge, especially with her friend Nancy Jo Pepper. For over 65 years, she entertained many Bridge Club and Bunco Groups in her home. Mary Louise was a member of Salem Church, Selbyville DE, where she served on many committees including the Alter Guild and Food Pantry. In addition, she would help teach Sunday School. She was also a member of the Friends of the Selbyville Library. She graduated from John M. Clayton High School in 1950 and then attended the University of Delaware from 1950 to 1952. She taught a private Kindergarten sponsored by the Selbyville Community Club from 1964 to 1968. Following, she then began teaching Kindergarten in 1968 at Philip C. Showell Elementary. She was awarded Teacher of the Year for 1994-95 academic year. Mary Louise retired from the Indian River School District with 31 years of experience including the priContinued on Page 84
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OBITUARIES Continued from Page 83 vate kindergarten. It wasn’t uncommon to hear Mary Louise celebrate the accomplishment of helping transition the educational system from developmental activities to being highly academic. She helped mold teaching from basic memorization to critical thinking and independent application. She was always eager to share experiences of the students when they grasped a concept and showed success in their accomplishments. She is survived by two daughters, Lana Linz and husband Mark of Selbyville, Lisa Brown and husband Marc of Berlin. Four Grandchildren: Aaron Hudson (Dana), Amber Welsch, Andrew Linz (Nicole), Collins Brown (Leah). Six Great grandchildren: Dylan and Carolina Welsch, Cole and Wyatt Brown, and Ethan and Adien Facciolini. She was preceded in death by her husband Earl C. Warrington (1984), brother Norris L. Bunting, and sister Eula Mae Graves. A graveside memorial service was held on Saturday, July 11 at 10 a.m. at the Bishopville Cemetery. In leu of flowers, donations can be made to Selbyville Public Library. Mail to P.O. Box 739 Selbyville, DE 19975. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com
TIMOTHY A. SIMPSON, SR. Berlin Timothy A. Simpson, Sr., 53, of Berlin, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Friday, July 3, 2026. Born on February 4, 1973, in Baltimore, Maryland, Tim was the son of Gayle Seeberger and Dale Simpson. He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Gayle Seeberger. Tim leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, including his daughter, Samantha Littleton (Tyler), and his son, Timothy T. Simpson, Sr. Simpson II (Brooklynn). His greatest joy in life was being "Pappy" to his cherished grandchildren, Emma Littleton and Gatlin Thomas. Their laughter, smiles, and accomplishments filled his heart with pride. He is also survived by his father, Dale Simpson and Stepmother (Marsha); his twin sister, Stephanie Schultz (Steve); his sister, Donna Schmidt (Jim); his brothers, James "Fluff" Simpson and Bill Simpson (Jenn); along with many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends who will forever carry his memory in their hearts. Tim was known for his unwavering work ethic and the pride he took in his work. As a skilled contractor
and local business owner, he built more than homes and projects—he built lasting friendships and earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. When he wasn't working, you could often find him on the golf course or at the bowling alley, always enjoying a little friendly competition and sharing laughs with family and friends. Those who knew Tim will remember his generous heart, his willingness to lend a helping hand, and the love he had for the people closest to him. While his passing leaves an immeasurable void, the memories he created, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared will remain with those who knew him for years to come. A Celebration of Tim's Life will be held on August 15, 2026, from 1-3 p.m. Kitts Branch Road, Berlin Maryland 21811. Family and friends are invited to join in honoring Tim's life. Bring your favorite memories, stories, and laughter as we celebrate the man he was and the lasting impact he made on all who knew and loved him. GEORGE E. COMBS Berlin George Edward Combs, 88, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on July 8, 2026 with his wife “Candi” by his side.
$1,945.
He was born in Washington, D.C. on March 21, 1938 to James Emmitt Combs and Florence Newcomb Combs. Following graduation from High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. After his service, he became a Physical Education teacher in Prince George County, MD. He found great happiness teaching hundreds of students over his career. Geoge always enGeorge E. Combs joyed a good joke at the golf Coed Scramble, as well as spending time golfing with his buddies in the Geezer golf group. Survivors include his wife Candice (Candi) and many friends and former students. There are no plans for a service at this time.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Eggs for gluten free breakfasts
Continued from Page 82 medium-low. 4. Wait for the edges to barely set. Using a rubber spatula, gently push the eggs toward the center. 5. When the eggs are almost done, remove the pan from the heat and stir until done. 6. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Assembly of the breakfast bagel rice paper Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend 1. Preheat oven (air fryer) to 400 degrees. 2. In a large pie pan, whisk 3 eggs with 3 teaspoons water. Dip one sheet of rice paper briefly into the egg mixture and cover both sides. 3. Place the dipped rice paper onto a counter or chopping block. Place 3 to 4 rounded tablespoons of scrambled eggs at the top of the rice paper (horizontally). 4. Carefully roll the rice paper towards you until it is completely rolled. Shape the rice paper so it forms a bagel. 5. Sprinkle Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend over the surface of the bagel. Using a spatula, remove the bagel onto a greased sheet pan. 6. Repeat this process for the remaining bagels. 7. Air fry for 15 to 20 minutes. Turn the light on in the oven and keep an eye on them. Serve immediately. Secret Ingredient – Choice We make our choices, then our choices make us. Anonymous
Sports & Recreation
OC Today-Dispatch July 17, 2026
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www.octodaydispatch.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER
The top prize winner in this year’s Ocean City Tuna Tournament was the Bogg Hogg, winning $629.837. The team is pictured at the post-tourney awards banquet.
Taking home a check for $201,887 in the heaviest stringer division was the Fin Planner fishing team.
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER
A 200.5-pound bluefin tuna was the biggest catch of the tournament, earning the Boss Hogg the Terrific Tuna award for $24,300 in addition to the division prize.
The Fin Planner fishing team weighed in a stringer of tuna weighing 725 pounds to take home the top stringer category prize.
Annual OC Tuna Tournament pays out $1.4M to winners
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER
The Reel Chaos finished in second place in the heaviest tuna division with a 167.5-pound beauty.
A 92-pound tuna hooked on the Myra HT earned JL Cropper the top lady angler award last weekend.
(July 17, 2026) The Ocean City Tuna Tournament attracted 101 boats last weekend competing for a purse of more than $1.4 million. The tournament began with a bang with 96 boats fishing on the first day last Friday, followed by 99 boats on Saturday and just six boats on the third day with the wind blowing. The following is a look at the tournament results. Single heaviest First place: Boss Hogg, 200.5 pounds, $629,837 Second place: Reel Chaos, 167.5 pounds, $45,712 Third place: Talkin Trash, 136.5
pounds, $33,775 Heaviest stringer First place: Fin Planner, 725 pounds, $201,887 Second place: Wrecker, 682 pounds, $47,962 Third place: Water Damage, 627.5 pounds, $44,710 Heaviest dolphin First place: Reel Fin Addict, 26 pounds, $45,150 Second place: Invialo, 24.5 pounds, $16,800 Third place: Reel Fin Addict, 24 pounds, $45,150 Top junior angler See RESULTS Page 86
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Ocean City angler weighs in Md. record false albacore
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN CITY FISHING CENTER
The team of the Wrecker took home second place in the Heaviest Stringer category and a payment of $47.962.
Results from tuna tournament Continued from Page 86 First place: Clayton Maillet, Following Seas, 70 pounds, $1,500 Second place: Ben Connolly, Something Simple, 69 pounds, $1,000 Third place (tie): Hunter Gentel, Christine Marie, 67 pounds, $250 Third place (tie): William Whittingham, Restless Lady/Byte Me, 67 pounds, $250 Top lady angler First place: JL Cropper, Myra HT, 92 pounds, $2,000 Second place: Megan Humphrey, Wrecker, 67 pounds, $1,500 Third place: Megan Humphrey, Wrecker, 64.5 pounds, $750 Boats 37’ and under Single heaviest First place: Black Irish, 79.5
pounds, $22,500 Boats 37’ and under Heaviest stringer First place: Loose Knot, 346 pounds, $22,500 Boats 38’-52’ Single heaviest First place: Bella, 118.5 pounds, $28,125 Boats 38’-52’ Heaviest stringer First place: Water Damage, 627.5 pounds, $28,125 Boats 52’ and up Single heaviest First place: Boss Hogg, 200.5 pounds, $629,837 Boats 52’ and up Heaviest stringer First place: Fin Planner, 725 pounds, $201,887
(July 17, 2026) The Maryland Department of Natural Resources has officially recognized Cooper Clark of Ocean City as the new state record holder for false albacore (Euthynnus alletteratus) in the Atlantic Division. Clark’s 28.2-pound catch surpasses the previous record of 26.0 pounds that was set in July 2025, just eight days after the record fell for the first time in 30 years. Clark caught the false albacore on July 3, 2026, at the “Jackspot,” a commonly fished area 20-30 nautical miles off Ocean City near the 20fathom line. Clark and his fishing party were trolling for bluefin tuna with skirted ballyhoo. He thought he had a small bluefin tuna on his line until they brought it into the boat. The anglers were not impressed with the false albacore and placed it in the fish box to be used for bait. The next day, they realized that it might be a state record fish. Clark, 19, attends Salisbury University and works for his uncle’s construction business. He has lived in the Ocean City area his whole life and is very close to his uncle and cousins, frequently fishing with them from his uncle’s boat named “Baby Girl.” The July 3 trip was their fourth trip this year. The record fish was weighed on a certified scale and verified by DNR fisheries biologist Gary Tyler at Sunset Marina on July 4. The false albacore is a frequent summer visitor to the Ocean City area. They are more closely related to mackerel than tuna, and are sometimes called “little tunny.” Their flesh is very dark and not usually eaten, but is often used for bait. They are a very hard-fighting fish and a challenge on light tackle.
PHOTO COURTESY OF COOPER CLARK
Cooper Clark is pictured with his state record false albacore weighed on a certified scale at Sunset Marina, Ocean City.
The Department of Natural Resources maintains state records for sport fish in four divisions: Atlantic, Chesapeake, Nontidal, and Invasive. Anglers who believe they have caught a potential record-setting fish should complete the state record application and call 410-991-0748. The department recommends keeping the fish immersed in ice water to preserve its weight until it can be verified and certified. Maryland state fishing licenses are available on DNR’s MD Outdoors website. Fishing licenses, fishing tackle, boats, and marine fuel purchases fund DNR’s fish and wildlife conservation work.
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