07/24/2026 OC Today-Dispatch

OC Today-Dispatch

Deluge floods resort

Weeks and weeks of dry weather ended all at once Tuesday when the rain pummeled the coast in the afternoon and carried over to early Wednesday morning. — PAGE 15

County formally blocks building of cable landing

Resolution invokes moratorium on data centers too, as officials want time to further think about impact on area. — PAGE 18

City countersues St. Paul’s

Dispute over Episcopal Church’s on-premises homeless shelter sets up federal court case involving constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion vs. local zoning laws and whether sheltering homeless qualifies as a religious exercise. — PAGE 13

Applicants withdraw rezoning request for Rt. 589 property

Owners pull plug as nearby residents, commissioners voice opposition, questions

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) Facing apparent defeat, the owners of a Route 589 property abruptly withdrew their rezoning request Tuesday in the middle of a public hearing before the Worcester County Commissioners.

Hugh Cropper, attorney for the applicants, said the commissioners’ comments made it clear he did not have the four votes needed for approval. He said his clients authorized him, on his advice, to withdraw the application mid-hearing.

“There was simply no need to continue,” Cropper said after the meeting. “It was the family’s decision at the end of the day.”

Cropper added that his client was upset by the public opposition and wanted to avoid further animosity with Ocean Pines residents.

The owners sought to rezone a 14.72-acre wooded parcel along Route 589 from R-2 to R-3, increasing the maximum permitted density from 59 dwellings to 88 townhouses.

The existing zoning allows either single-family homes or townhouses. The higher-density zoning was sought for a community proposed by NVR, the parent company of Ryan Homes, which had the property under contract.

Cropper introduced his client, Mary Claire Consorti, whose family has owned an interest in the property since 1973. She told commissioners the owners believed it was time to sell.

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“We’ve been through this a few times,” Consorti said. “I feel like it’s time to sell the property, and we feel like it’s a good fit.”

Cropper argued that greater density would allow the cost of roads, water, sewer, and other infrastructure to be divided among more homes, making the proposed townhouses less expensive than a lowerdensity development.

He also said the applicants would provide a 100-foot vegetative buffer between the development and homes in Ocean Pines. Under the existing zoning, he said, as many as 59 homes could be built without that condition.

The county’s Planning Commission had recommended approval of the rezoning. Cropper said the project still would have faced another 12 to 18 months of review through the county’s Residential Planned Community process, including additional infrastructure review and public hearings.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic challenged Cropper’s description of the project as a more affordable housing option, noting that the concept plan labeled the units “luxury townhomes.”

Cropper replied that NVR was “the only one that can afford to build anything,” but Mitrecic was unmoved.

“Luxury townhomes are not affordable housing, period,” he said, eliciting applause from the audience.

Other commissioners also signaled skepticism. Commissioner Eric Fiori characterized the request as spot zoning and questioned increasing density while the county was updating its comprehensive plan. Commissioner Jim Bunting chal-

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lenged the traffic evidence presented by the applicants.

The public opposition had only just begun when Cropper interrupted the proceedings and announced he was pulling the plug.

“We’re going to withdraw our request effective now,” he said plainly.

Commission President Ted Elder asked whether the owners understood the consequences. Cropper said they did, including that they could not reapply for the rezoning for one year.

John Latham, president of the Ocean Pines Association, told commissioners that the organization “adamantly and strongly” opposed the rezoning.

He said nearby property owners had received insufficient notice, questioned whether impact studies had been made public, and raised concerns about traffic on an already overburdened Route 589, as well as potential strains on public safety and sewer infrastructure.

After the hearing, Latham called the withdrawal “the exact outcome we were looking for.”

“It’s not just about the 59 to 88 houses,” he said. “It’s the whole development on Route 589. If this one’s OK, the next one would be OK, then the next one would be – then it’s out of hand.”

Opposition also emerged quickly among residents living behind the property.

Bramblewood Drive homeowner Ashley Mostek said she collected more than 900 signatures online and another 50 on paper in about a week. Mostek said she and her husband opposed the higher density, not the owners’ basic property rights.

“They have the right to develop it,” she said. “We have never said anything otherwise.”

With development still permitted under the existing zoning, Mostek said she and her husband plan to ask the Ocean Pines Association to consider purchasing the property.

LIVE

Dredging begins at inlet ahead of OC marlin tourney

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers returned to Ocean City this week to begin maintenance dredging at the inlet.

The agency’s dredge vessel, Murden, began removing roughly 5,000 cubic yards of dredged material from the inlet this week as part of an ongoing effort to clear priority areas in the federal channel.

The current dredging cycle will last approximately 15 days, with work expected to finish ahead of the White Marlin Open fishing tournament.

“Ensuring the safety and economic resilience of the region depends heavily on keeping the Ocean City Inlet clear,” said Baltimore District Commander Col. Francis Pera.

“By launching this second dredging cycle, we are fulfilling our commitment to a safe maritime passage, keeping the waters navigable for local commercial vessels, recreational boaters, and the U.S. Coast Guard's lifesaving missions.”

With expensive boats at risk of running aground, county officials leaders last year wrote to the federal agency, asking crews to perform emergency dredge work ahead of the 2025 White Marlin Open.

Weeks later, the U.S. Army Corps sent its side-caster dredge Merritt to remove roughly 7,500 cubic yards of material from the inlet in advance of the tournament.

“This dredging event not only benefits our tournament visitors,” Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs wrote last year, “but the dredge visit also provides a measure of safety with sediment removal accommodating the vessel drafts for our commercial fishing fleet as well.”

This year, the Murden is handling dredge work at the inlet, which hundreds of boats will pass through next month as they set out in search of a top tourney catch.

The Murden can carry up to 50 dump truck loads of material which it releases by splitting its hull in an authorized area, the U.S. Army Corps reports. The dredged material will be placed at the near shore placement site along Assateague Island to mitigate the impacts of sediment transport and erosion.

The ongoing dredge project will be the second dredge cycle to occur at the Ocean City Inlet this year. In May, the Murden removed 5,020 cubic yards of material from the Sinepuxent Channel and 20,450 cubic yards of material from nearby oceanside areas. The sediment from that project was also moved to a placement site at Assateague Island.

Takeover legislation sought in Md.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) A push for emergency legislation targeting so-called “teen takeovers” will not make it onto the agenda when Maryland lawmakers return to Annapolis next month for a special session.

Legislative leaders announced that the Aug. 3 special session will deal strictly with congressional redistricting, and no other topics.

The decision rebuffs a request backed by Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli and several statewide law enforcement and public safety organizations.

“We’re seeing these now nationwide,” Crisafulli told OC Today-Dispatch this week. “It’s the phenomenon of social media, where they can rapidly deploy in such a quick time. We need some relief for our law enforcement partners.”

Police use the term “teen takeovers” to describe smartphonedriven gatherings in which large numbers of young people use social media to converge on a particular location at a designated time, sometimes with little advance warning to authorities.

The gatherings are not inherently illegal, Crisafulli said, but they can quickly strain police resources and increase the potential for fights, rob-

beries, property damage and disorderly conduct.

Crisafulli said the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association unanimously voted to join a July 16 letter, sent to Gov. Wes Moore, seeking both emergency legislation and a broader statewide response.

Crisafulli is currently the association’s first vice president and is scheduled to be sworn in as president at its September conference.

The letter was submitted by the Maryland Municipal League with support from organizations representing Maryland sheriffs, state’s attorneys, police chiefs and municipal police executives.

The coalition asked the governor to create an interagency task force, one that would bring together state and local police, courts, educators, juvenile services, and municipal leaders.

It also requested legislation that would give local governments additional tools to respond to recurring gatherings, including the ability to target organizers of events that turn violent.

Four days after the coalition letter went out, Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk informed lawmakers that the special session would be limited exclusively to congressional re-

districting.

“We recognize that affordability, energy costs, and other issues facing Marylanders remain important, and the Maryland General Assembly took meaningful steps to address many of those concerns during the 2026 session,” they wrote.

Earlier in the summer, the Ocean City Police Department documented a separate planned takeover-style event in June that was promoted through social media, and said investigators identified people advertising additional events targeting the resort.

Locally, the “teen takeover” issue surfaced over Fourth of July weekend in Ocean City, where hundreds of young people gathered at 120th Street, prompting police intervention.

Crisafulli described a chaotic situation for his deputies, with people densely packed onto a small street corner and spilling toward Coastal Highway.

He also said juveniles taken into custody are typically released to an adult while the Department of Juvenile Services determines what action to take.

“We are just trying to find a way to combat these teen takeovers and be able to hold these juveniles accountable for their actions,” the sheriff said.

OC says church’s homeless shelter violates zoning code

St. Paul’s cites amendment rights violations in federal court, city still opposed

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) The Town of Ocean City responded to a church’s lawsuit this week by asking a federal court to stop St. Paul’s by-the-Sea from operating a homeless shelter on its property.

Standing by its argument that the barracks-style shelter violates the city’s zoning code, the city, through its attorney, filed a response and counterclaim in federal court Monday.

The response, according to City Solicitor Heather Stansbury, supports the town’s “preliminary position regarding the pending litigation and the ongoing zoning violations.”

In late March, St. Paul’s – the church located on the corner of Third Street and Baltimore Avenue directly across from City Hall – began moving occupants of an outdoor tent shelter into the church hall, hours ahead of a city-imposed deadline to have the church remove the tents or face daily fines.

In the weeks that followed, the

church invested in its indoor shelter, rearranging the church hall, hiring staff, and purchasing bunk beds and other supplies.

However, the city argues the barrack-style housing arrangement violates the zoning code for the R-3 residential district in which the church is located. On June 8, following a 30-day notice period, the city started issuing $1,000-a-day fines to the church’s senior warden and the pastor.

Last month, church leaders took the case to federal court, suing the city over what they allege to be a violation of the church’s First Amendment and Fourteenth Amendment rights, as well as the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA), which protects houses of worship and other religious institutions from discrimination in zoning laws.

“Housing homeless persons on Church premises exemplifies and is commanded by the religious doctrine of the Episcopal Church of America, of which St. Paul’s is a parish through the Diocese of Easton …,” the complaint reads. “The Town’s demand that the Church expel its homeless guests for alleged zoning code viola-

See OC Page 14

OC asserts refusal to allow shelter not a rights violation

tions and the imposition of daily civil fines imposes a substantial burden on the free exercise of Plaintiffs’ religious beliefs.”

In its response this week, the city acknowledged it had voluntarily suspended its citations as the case moved through the court system but denied that it had violated any of the church’s rights, as the shelter “has not been a permitted use under the Ocean City Code at any relevant time, including years ago when the Church sought and obtained from Ocean City approval to construct its assembly hall for other purposes.”

The response also disputes the church’s claims under RLUIPA.

“Plaintiffs had no legitimate, reasonable, and/or preexisting expecta-

tion that the Church could begin operating its housing shelter on its property, because: 1) the Ocean City Zoning Code prohibits and has for decades prohibited such use in the R3 Zone; 2) the structure in question (the Church’s assembly hall) was not approved, nor was it sought to be approved, for such use when it was built on the property; and 3) the permitting of the construction of the structure (the assembly/parish hall) was expressly conditioned upon the Church complying with the Ocean City Code in all respects,” the response reads.

The city has also filed a counterclaim against the church, asking the federal court to declare the housing shelter non-compliant with city code and issue a permanent injunction that would stop the church from operating the shelter on church property.

The city also asked the court to find that the city’s actions against the housing shelter do not violate the church’s federal rights.

“Any barracks style housing, however well-intentioned, is not permitted in the R-3 Zone in which the Church property is located,” the counterclaim reads. “This is a neutral and generally applicable prohibition.”

The church acknowledged the city’s countersuit in a Facebook post this week. However, the church shared it continues to stand behind its outreach ministry.

“Today, Ocean City responded to our federal lawsuit by filing a countersuit asking the court to shut down Shelter By-the-Sea,” the statement reads. “Our shelter is not separate from our ministry – it is our ministry. We believe that providing a safe place to sleep for people who have nowhere else to go is part of our religious calling and an expression of our faith. The City has chosen to respond by suing our church.

“We ask for your prayers for our guests, our congregation, the leaders of Ocean City, and everyone involved in this case. We remain committed to serving our neighbors with dignity, compassion, and love, and we will continue to share updates as they become available.

Thank you for standing with us.”

SUBMITTED IMAGE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

In the above graph, the green line represents the current daily conditions for the month of July, while the brown line shows normal conditions. This week’s rainfall pushed total precipitation above normal conditions.

County’s drought conditions linger despite wet week

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) While drought conditions persist, this week’s storm system brought desperately needed rain to Worcester County.

According to precipitation data collected from NOAA’s weather station at the Ocean City Municipal Airport, the area received nearly four inches of rainfall from a system that brought storms to Worcester County on Tuesday.

The U.S. Drought Monitor reports that drought conditions remain severe in the northern part of the county and moderate for areas south of the Route 90 corridor.

“Precipitation is slightly eroding the drought, but it is still a long way to go …,” Maryland State Climatologist Dr. Alfredo Ruiz-Barradas said in an email Wednesday.

Heading into the summer months, state meteorologists recorded one of the driest springs on record for Worcester County, with the effects felt far and wide by residents and farmers. Despite a soggy Memorial Day weekend, the month of June started with an eight-inch rain deficit.

In the weeks since, conditions have improved slightly for Worcester, with drought conditions moving from severe to moderate for most county residents. However, the Maryland Department of the Environment continues to issue drought warnings for the Lower Shore, with streamflow

See DROUGHT Page 16

ADU proposal could expand storage options

New legislation would allow larger accessory dwelling units on rural properties

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) Worcester County property owners could seek approval for larger storage buildings on undeveloped lots located across the road from their homes under a bill introduced Tuesday by the county commissioners.

The proposed zoning change would allow the Board of Zoning Appeals to approve accessory buildings of up to 1,600 square feet on lots without houses. The owner’s primary residence would have to be located within 100 feet, and the properties would be tied together through a recorded deed restriction.

The county’s current zoning rules allow for an accessory building of less than 500 square feet on an otherwise vacant lot, mostly so property owners can store equipment needed to maintain the property.

Commissioner Eric Fiori agreed to sponsor the bill at Tuesday’s meeting, allowing it to advance to a future public hearing and vote.

“What this is trying to address is to allow a little bit larger storage build-

ing, that’s large enough to be practical to use,” Fiori said.

The amendment grew from a property owner’s unusual situation involving two parcels separated by a county road: while one parcel contains the owner’s home, he can’t build a larger accessory building on the other parcel because of septic and well limitations, according to internal county documents.

Ordinarily, owners of adjoining parcels can consolidate them and build a larger accessory structure. That option is unavailable when a public road divides the properties, county planning director Jennifer Keener told the commissioners.

“We can’t do a typical declaration of consolidation like we would normally do,” she said. “This is kind of an exception to that rule.”

If approved, the change would not automatically authorize a 1,600square-foot building. Property owners would first have to obtain a special exception, where nearby residents could comment and the applicant would have to justify the request before the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Keener said relatively few properties countywide are expected to qualify.

The proposal was submitted in April by attorney Mark Cropper on behalf of property owner Thomas

Johnson, who wants additional space to store vehicles, watercraft, tools and building materials, internal county documents show.

County planning staff initially questioned the proposal. In a May memo, Keener described the request as “arbitrary” and designed around one property owner’s circumstances. Staff also questioned why the desired building could not be accommodated on the residential property.

The Planning Commission nevertheless voted 6-0 on July 2 to recommend the amendment after adding a deed restriction intended to prevent either property from being sold separately.

Drought to push on through Sept.

Continued from Page 15

and groundwater levels at “emergency” levels for the eastern portion of the state.

“According to the Drought Monitor, the drought over Worcester County is expected to remain in the following months but to improve through the following season,” RuizBarradas said this week.

It appears this week’s rainfall has

not affected Worcester’s drought status, according to maps updated by the U.S. Drought Monitor Thursday morning. However, weather station data from the Ocean City airport show Tuesday’s storm event pushed accumulated precipitation above normal rainfall totals.

July 2010 recorded the lowest precipitation total, with no rainfall recorded through July 22. The high-

est precipitation total was recorded in 2013, with nearly six inches of accumulated rainfall through July 22 of that year.

“While the current precipitation forecast calls for near normal precipitation through late July, significant drought improvement is still not expected through September,” the National Weather Service reported in a regional weather update this month.

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County hits pause on data centers

do so,” said Commissioner Eric Fiori, who made the motion.

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By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) Worcester County officials decided Tuesday to halt all data center and cable landing station projects formally for up to one year, effectively freezing a project already under county review.

The county commissioners voted 6-0 to pass the resolution for a 12month moratorium. The measure takes effect immediately but can be rescinded or amended at any time.

“We need to take our experts within the county and our staff to address this new challenge. I think this moratorium will give us the time to

The resolution blocks new permit applications and approvals while also suspending all related proceedings before the county Board of Zoning Appeals. County zoning rules currently do not specifically address cable landing stations or data centers.

Fiori represents the West Ocean City district where Globalinx plans to build a cable landing station. That proposed 25,000-square-foot building on the bayside of Route 611 would bring undersea transatlantic cables ashore for client Amazon Web Services.

That project has now been stopped in its tracks.

The Virginia Beach-based Globalinx expressed disappointment with the commissioners’ decision in a

“We are confident that, once the County completes the study referenced in the resolution, it will conclude that cable landing stations are compatible with, and are complementary to, existing development within the County,” the statement said. “In the meantime, Globalinx will consider and evaluate all its options.”

The company had been scheduled to appear before the zoning appeals board Aug. 19 to challenge the county’s determination that the facility is not a public utility while also seeking approval through a special exception.

County officials said the pause will give them time to study the potential effects of the facilities, including their energy demands, water and wastewater use, environmental consequences, and visual impact on neighboring properties.

The moratorium also allows the county to consider where such projects may be appropriate and what regulations would be needed to limit their effects.

Commissioner Jim Bunting seconded Fiori’s motion Tuesday after voting against the commissioners’ initial 5-2 decision to pursue the moratorium. Commissioner Chip Bertino, who also opposed the earlier motion, was absent Tuesday.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic also voted for the moratorium Tuesday after previously warning that a full stop on data centers could expose the county to a court challenge.

Globalinx wants to build the facility on a 7.3-acre parcel along Route 611. The proposal has drawn opposition from nearby residents over its size, utility demands, and proximity to homes.

The state is also preparing a comprehensive analysis of data centers that is due to the governor by Sept. 1. Other Maryland counties are taking action this year, including Frederick County, which recently enacted a sixmonth moratorium.

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OC, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea at odds over plumbing permits

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) As the Town of Ocean City and St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church face off in federal court over the church’s homeless shelter, church leadership last week took to social media to air their grievances over the city government’s handling of a permit application.

While the church says the city has turned away three contractors attempting to secure building permits for plumbing work at St. Paul’s, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said this week she wanted to “correct the public record.”

“No plumbing permit application submitted by St. Paul’s by the Sea, or by any contractor on its behalf, has been denied by the Town nor has any contractor purporting to work on the Church’s behalf been turned away,” she said in an email.

Last Wednesday, the church’s attorney, Robin Cockey, wrote to the city’s legal counsel, asking that they intervene in the ongoing permitting issue.

The correspondence details the church’s attempts to install laundry facilities and alleges city staff had turned away three different plumbing contractors attempting to secure the necessary building permits.

“The Church needs to install laundry facilities to wash linens, vestments, towels and sacred cloths. These materials

are integral to the Church's worship and ministry,” he wrote. “The Church has engaged three different plumbing contractors to install a washer and dryer. All have been turned away by the Town.”

Cockey said the church most recently engaged with Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, which had submitted a permit application on the church’s behalf. He said the contractor also worked with the city to provide additional photos and drawings it had requested.

“The Town then told the contractor no permit would be issued, though without explanation or any accompanying documentation,” he wrote. “Like its two predecessors, the Franklin Company has now dissociated itself from the Church.”

Cockey also referenced the church’s civil suit against the city, which claims the city had violated its federal rights in attempting to shut down a homeless shelter on church grounds.

“This frustrating process has been ongoing for months and appears part and parcel with the Town's opposition to St. Paul's observances of its social gospel,” he added. “If the permit is not issued [by] 7/17, I intend to amend my Complaint to seek redress.”

In a statement last week, the leadership at St. Paul’s said they “remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved promptly, pro-

Alleged fox killings by MSP dive team still an open case

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) Maryland State Police continue to investigate allegations that dive team members got drunk and killed foxes while at the U.S. Coast Guard station in Ocean City last summer.

While more than a year has passed since the allegations surfaced, the state agency says the case remains open.

“Members of the Maryland Department of State Police are held to the highest standards of professionalism,” a July 9 statement from MSP reads. “Allegations of misconduct or complaints against our personnel are taken seriously. The administrative case remains active.”

According to multiple sources, the investigation stems from an incident that occurred at the Coast Guard station during the OC Air Show in June 2025. Reports allege one or more members of the Maryland State Police dive team, staying in tents at the station, became intoxicated and killed one or more wild foxes with an air rifle.

“The Coast Guard is aware of an incident involving Maryland State Police Department personnel at a Coast Guard facility,” Ronald Hodges, public affairs specialist for the U.S. Coast

Guard East District, said in a statement last year. “The matter is currently under investigation by MSP.”

The Ocean City Police Department and Maryland Natural Resources Police also acknowledged the incident in statements last year.

“The Maryland Natural Resources Police is aware of the incident in question involving a member of the Maryland State Police on U.S. Coast Guard Station Ocean City grounds in June,” he said last year. “While the incident is under departmental investigation by MSP, all other investigative information should be relayed through USCG Public Affairs due to the actions occurring on U.S. government property.”

A spokeswoman with MSP said last year that the internal investigation was being conducted “with the utmost diligence to ensure all facts are thoroughly examined and appropriate actions are taken in accordance with the law.”

She added the results of the investigation will be provided to an administrative charging committee for disciplinary action.

She did not respond to questions regarding the events that led to an investigation, nor to questions about the status of any MSP members involved.

Brawl on the OC Boardwalk

A Delaware man was charged after Ocean City police broke up a fight on the Boardwalk last week.

Around 1 a.m. on July 16, an Ocean City police bike officer heard yelling and screaming around 8th Street and the Boardwalk and then saw a group of approximately 10 people fighting. After ordering the participants to stop fighting only to have those orders ignored, an officer grabbed Juan Caballero-Zamora, 43, of Millsboro, who was assaulting another man in front of him.

At one point, while Caballero-Zamora was being restrained, another fight broke up among two women and CaballeroZamora escaped the officer. CaballeroZamora was soon seen wildly swinging

his fist at multiple people on the Boardwalk. Caballero-Zamora was apprehended along with a juvenile female. Caballero-Zamora is charged with affray and disorderly conduct.

Weapons, assault charges

One month after he threatened another man with a gun, a Pennsylvania man was apprehended and charged with assault and weapons charges.

Back on June 12, around 4 p.m., Ocean City police investigated a confrontation that occurred when a man attempted to intervene in a situation in which two men were bothering a young woman near Surf Avenue and Baltimore Avenue. The man was in his hotel room when he saw

No permits denied, city argues

from Page 20

fessionally, and in a spirit of cooperation.”

Stansbury, when reached for comment Monday, said she has since replied to the church’s letter, “rebutting the misinformation” it contained.

She argued the correspondence contained “significant factual inaccuracies” about the permitting issue, stating that no permit has been denied nor has any contractor been turned away.

the two men engage the woman. At that point, he left to confront the two men.

One man, later identified as Isaiah King, 19, of Harrisburg, Pa., responded to the confrontation by grabbing the handle of a firearm and showing it to the Good Samaritan, warning him to stay out of it or he would kill him. King told the man, “it’s not worth your life, bro,” according to the statement of charges, before fleeing the scene and going to the Boardwalk. King was apprehended and arrested last week.

King is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, disorderly conduct and possession of a handgun.

Loaded gun threat, charges

An Eastern Shore man has been charged with felony assault on a juvenile for pointing a loaded gun at the boy’s head.

On July 19, around 11:30 a.m., Ocean City police officers were dispatched to

92nd Street for a report of an assault on a minor. The assault was caught on video by a nearby business employee and showed a fellow employee being pinned down with a gun pointed at his head.

Police arrived on the scene and spoke with the alleged suspect, Matthew Rohn, 24, of Crisfield, who admitted he had a loaded handgun in his possession. Police detained Rohn and placed him under arrest. The gun, a Taurus GC2 9 mm), was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition.

Officers reviewed the video of the incident and confirmed it was Rohn in the video holding a gun to the juvenile’s head. The video showed Rohn repeatedly pointing the gun at the victim’s head.

Rohn is charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and use of a magazine with a capacity of more than 10 rounds of ammunition in the commission of a felony.

“On July 14, 2026, the Town was placed on notice by Ben Franklin Plumbing that they would not be moving forward with the project. All records pertaining to any property seeking permits are generally part of the City’s public record.

“Additionally, it is worth noting that the Church property has never – in its decades-long history – had (or apparently needed) a washer and dryer with associated plumbing and electrical facilities.”

“The single application that was filed by Ben Franklin Plumbing did not meet the standards of the plumbing code and the contractor was advised that his permit application would need to be modified,” she said in an email.

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Education campaign targets electric scooter, bike riders

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) Ocean City Police Department Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller says an educational campaign concerning electric scooters is in full force this year as officials aim to improve rider compliance with safety and road rules.

Last year, city officials held numerous discussions about the proliferation of electric scooter use on the city’s major roads and some of the illegal activity witnessed by community members, including failure to stop at red lights and stop signs and riding in the wrong direction.

The department last year also noted an uptick in the number of reported scooter collisions throughout town. From 2024 to 2025, collisions jumped from 32 to 51, representing a 59% increase. Officials have reported that scooters were mainly at fault in those accidents.

With that said, the City Council last year agreed to seek a change in state law that would allow local jurisdictions to regulate or prohibit the use of electric scooters on state roads. At the local level, the OCPD vowed to continue enforcing traffic laws when it came to illegal electric scooter operations.

The department also shared plans to launch an outreach campaign that would target the foreign J-1 student workers who use electric scooters as a means of transportation.

“I think taking a full system approach, you're going into next year maybe in a better spot than you were in 2025,” Sgt. Nathan Kutz, president of the Ocean City Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, told members of the Ocean City Police Commission last fall.

In a followup this week, Miller said bike and scooter safety education has been one of the department’s biggest priorities leading up to the summer season. She said it has also been a focus of the U.S. Department of State, J-1 student sponsors, and the Ocean City Summer Workforce Committee.

“During the offseason, bicycle and scooter safety was a frequent topic of discussion,” she said. “The Department of State shared that collisions involving electric scooters and bicycles were increasing nationwide and were not unique to Ocean City. Knowing that many of our seasonal workforce members rely on bicycles and scooters as their primary mode of transportation, we recognized the importance of getting safety information to them before they arrived.”

This year, the Ocean City Police Department has updated its bike and scooter safety brochures to include the most common languages spoken by J1 students. Those brochures, Miller said, cover safety information, including riding with the traffic, obeying traffic signals and using proper lighting at night.

In conjunction with those efforts, officers have been distributing lights to bicycle and scooter users and attending community events, all with a goal of educating J-1 students and the public. The department also deployed variable message boards throughout town, displaying bicycle and scooter safety reminders.

“The partnership between the Ocean City Police Department, BPAC, the Summer Workforce Committee, J1 sponsors, and our community has been instrumental in getting these safety messages into the hands of the people who need them most,” Miller said. “The majority of bicycle and scooter riders in Ocean City during the summer are J-1 students, and education continues to be one of our most effective tools for preventing crashes.”

However, Miller said the department continues to enforce traffic laws, with officers assigned to the traffic Safety Unit and high visibility enforcement details to address bike, scooter and pedestrian violations.

“These enforcement efforts are supported through grant funding from the Maryland Highway Safety Office and are focused on reducing crashes and encouraging safe travel,” she said. So far, the police department has recorded 10 scooter collisions this month, or three fewer than what was reported this time last year. No fatalities have been reported in the last three years, according to the Ocean City Police Department.

When reached this week, Council President Matt James said he has not received any constituent feedback, positive or negative, about electric scooter usage in town this summer.

Area celebrates agriculture with Aug. event lineup

(July 24, 2026) From family festivals and farm tours to hands-on workshops, horse ranches, orchards, beekeeping, and fresh local seafood, Maryland’s Coast Agriculture Appreciation Week returns August 1–9. Throughout the week there will be more than 40 events celebrating the people, businesses, and traditions that make agriculture one of Worcester County’s most important industries.

Hosted by Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED), in partnership with local farms, businesses, and community organizations, the week offers residents and visitors opportunities to experience agriculture firsthand while supporting the local producers who help sustain Maryland’s Coast.

Aug. 1, three events will kick off Agriculture Week. The 26th annual Blessing of the Combines begins at 11 a.m. with a parade of combines and farm equipment through downtown Snow Hill. Event details are available at www.blessingofthecombines.org.

The Berlin Peach Festival at the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and feature fresh peaches, live entertainment, contests, games, and family activities. Learn more at www.taylorhousemuseum.org.

Baywater Landing, located at 3908 Bayside Road in Snow Hill, will host an open house from 3 to 5 p.m., There will be complimentary oyster and scallop tastings, crab races, facility tours, and optional kayak tours on Chincoteague Bay. Admission is free.

From Aug. 1-8, the Great Pocomoke Fair returns to the Pocomoke Fairgrounds. Take in livestock shows, competitions, children’s activities, entertainment, carnival attractions, and agricultural exhibits. View the schedule of events at www.thegreatpocomokefair.org.

Aug. 3-8, the White Marlin Open, the world’s largest billfish tournament, will take place. Attend the daily weigh-ins at Harbour Island Marina or enjoying Marlin Fest at the Ocean City Inlet. There will be plenty of vendors, entertainment, food, and family activities. Learn more at www.whitemarlinopen.com.

All week, Bluebird Farms in Berlin will host a native plant and tree sale and offer educational materials about native species. Every Agriculture Appreciation Week customer will be entered to win a large native tree valued at $180.

August 4 take part in the Managing Wildlife Damage Workshop from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Lions Community Center in Snow Hill. Hosted by the University of Maryland Extension Agriculture & Food Systems, Extension Specialist Dr. Luke McCauley will host a workshop on managing crop damage caused by deer, geese, and groundhogs. Participants

Agriculture appreciation set for next month

may earn four Maryland Pesticide Credits (1A, 10, CORE, PVT. Register at www.go.umd.edu/ohdeer or call 410632-1972.

August 5, BayBees Honey in Whaleyville will host a Beekeeping Experience. Go behind the scenes of a working apiary during this guided beekeeping experience. Advance registration is required, and participation is $35 per person. Space is limited. Register at https://tinyurl.com/BayBeesHoney26.

Castle Farm in Snow Hill will offer a free, guided farm tour and live dressage

training demonstration from noon to 2 p.m.

Rusted Star Ranch in Berlin will host an Open House from 5 to 7 p.m. Tour the ranch, enjoy children’s activities, browse apparel, and experience horseback riding with helmets provided. Closed-toe shoes and signed waivers are required. Admission is free.

August 6, Bennett Orchards in Frankford, Delaware will host cut-your-own sunflowers, peach picking, and food beginning at 5:30 p.m., This is a ticketed event, with registration information to be announced soon.

August 7, Underwood Acres Farm in Stockton will host a free farm tour from 2-3 p.m. Meet the owners, tour the property, visit the farm animals, and learn about locally grown products.

Participate in a Cattle & Calving Workshop at the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill from 24:15 p.m. University of Maryland Extension educators Jeff Semler and Maegan Perdue will host an educational workshop featuring a bovine ultrasound and birthing simulator demonstration. Registration is not required.

Aug. 7–9, take in the Worcester

County Fair at the John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill. There will be livestock exhibitions, live entertainment, youth competitions, agricultural displays, family activities, and much more. Check out the events at worcestercountyfair.org. Shop local all week and support Worcester County’s farmers, watermen, seafood businesses, and local restaurants. Visit area farmers markets in Ocean Pines, Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke City, and Ocean City. Fresh local seafood is available directly from area seafood businesses and watermen, while local restaurants.

OC Greek Festival starts today

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) Philoxenia, a concept of Greek hospitality, will be on full display this weekend as members of Saint George Orthodox Christian Church welcome the community to their annual Saint George Greek Festival.

Beginning Friday, the exhibit hall of the Ocean City convention center will turn into a hub for Greek culture and celebration as festival organizers dish up homemade foods and pastries, live music and dancing.

The event will continue through Sunday, with new activities added to this year’s lineup.

“Our people are working around the clock to provide our OC community with another amazing OC Greek Festival at the Convention Center,” Father Christopher Xanthos said. “We anticipate a very successful festival this year with the addition of some new attractions such as the Hellenic Dancers and numerous activities for visitors of all ages, especially some special events for the youth.”

The Saint George Greek Festival is a decades-old tradition spanning back to the mid-1980s, when parishioners

– many of whom immigrated to the United States – formed an event as a way to support the building of Saint George, Xanthos said. Today, the festival generates funds to support parish operations and ministries.

“For example, we partner with local and national charities to help those in need both at home and abroad,” Xanthos said.

However, the festival is not only used as a fundraising opportunity for the church. It’s also a way to share the Greek culture with community mem-

See FESTIVAL Page 34

Greek fest hosted by Saint George

bers, Parish Council President Anthi Mitakos said.

“We host it every year, around the same time, so we can share our culture, ethnic background and great food with the Ocean City community, as well as with those from around the state and Delaware,” she said.

In addition to dancing and live music from The Golden Flame Band, Mitakos said the festival will feature vendors, a youth activity booth, raffles, and homemade Greek food, coffee and baked products, which will be available for purchase.

Some signature dishes include gyros, moussaka, baklava and loukoumathes –a fried dough pastry soaked in honey.

“The line for those never ends,” she joked.

The Saint George Greek Festival will take place Friday from noon to 10 p.m., Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dancers are scheduled to perform Friday and Saturday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 2 p.m.

Both parking and festival entry are free.

“It’s free, so come out and enjoy and

have fun …,” Mitakos said. “Greeks are proud of their heritage, and we like to display it and share it with the community.”

Xanthos agreed.

“An important facet of the Greek culture focuses on food, dance, and getting together, so it is quite natural for us to share this and experience it with our neighbors and visitors especially in our hometown of OC and surrounding areas,” he said. “Today, we have a new generation to run and serve, and the Hellenic spirit is just as strong.”

For more information, visit greekfestivalocmd.com.

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MARLIN CLUB AWARDS SCHOLARSHIPS

The Marlin Club Auxiliary recently awarded its annual scholarships to graduating seniors in the area. This year’s recipients included, back from left, Brandon Trego, Jack Brady and Max McGuire; middle, Sage Myers, Lilly Phillips, Anisha Batra, Jay Moyer, Samuel Hurney, Zoe Hinkle, Avery Lorah and Addison Somoskey; and, front, Eliza Myers, Bhoomika Chimani and Abigale Windsor. Since the auxiliary’s transition to the nonprofit Marlin Club Crew in 2016, a total of 97 scholarships, amounting to $190,000, have been awarded. When considering all scholarships awarded from 2004 through 2026 the organization has distributed 156 scholarships with a cumulative value of $312,000. In honor of the late Franky Pettolina, the Franky Pettolina Memorial Scholarship was established in 2021. To date, it has provided 37 students with financial awards totaling $75,000.

Museum awarded grant

(July 24, 2026) The Julia A. Purnell Museum has received a $1,350 grant from the Beach to Bay Heritage Area to support marketing and outreach for the museum’s upcoming Fiber Fest.

The funding will help cover print marketing and advertising for the festival, as well as a pop-up tent and reusable table cover that can be used during Fiber Fest and future museum outreach events.

Fiber Fest will take place Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Sturgis Park Garden, 200 River St., Snow Hill. The family-friendly event celebrates the living traditions of fiber arts through handmade crafts, artisan demonstrations, local food, and community activities.

The museum will provide the required match for the grant through inkind volunteer time during Fiber Fest and related outreach efforts.

“This grant will help us reach more residents and visitors while strengthening the museum’s presence at community events,” Julia A. Purnell Museum Executive Director Tina Busko said. “We are grateful to the Beach to Bay Heritage Area for supporting programs that celebrate local history, heritage, and hands-on traditions.”

The Julia A. Purnell Museum, located at 208 W. Market St. in Snow Hill, shares the history of Snow Hill and Worcester County through exhibits, collections, and programs that connect visitors with the area’s cultural heritage.

For more information about the Julia A. Purnell Museum and Fiber Fest, call 410-632-0515 or visit the museum’s official channels for updates.

Outdoor recreation boost

The Beach to Bay Heritage Area (BBHA), a nonprofit organization dedi-

cated to preserving, promoting, and interpreting the unique history, culture, and natural resources of Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore, has been awarded a Reinvestment and Repair Act Grant from the Worcester County Local Management Board.

BBHA will use the grant to expand recreational opportunities for at-risk and low-income residents in the 21811 area, particularly individuals and families who have had limited access to outdoor activities such as fishing, hiking, and paddling. The initiative is designed to reduce barriers to participation while promoting healthier lifestyles, improved mental well-being, and stronger connections to the region's natural resources. Research consistently shows that access to outdoor recreation can help improve physical and mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression while encouraging physical activity. The project is particularly focused on reaching underserved populations, including Hispanic families, who may face barriers to accessing recreational opportunities. By creating welcoming, accessible opportunities to experience nature, BBHA hopes to encourage healthier habits and strengthen community connections.

Project deliverables include the creation of multilingual brochures, trailhead signage, and short-form educational videos highlighting accessible outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Coastal Bays watershed. The materials

will feature public access sites for both land and water trails, making it easier for first-time visitors to discover and enjoy the area's natural resources.

To ensure equitable access, all educational materials will be culturally relevant and available in multiple languages. The initiative is intended to foster a greater sense of belonging by connecting residents with the landscapes that surround them and encouraging lifelong participation in outdoor recreation.

In partnership with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, BBHA will also offer guided boating experiences that provide hands-on learning opportunities. Participants will explore local waterways while learning about the region's unique ecosystems, wildlife, conservation efforts, and responsible outdoor recreation practices.

"We are grateful to the Worcester County Local Management Board for investing in a project that promotes both community wellness and environmental stewardship," said Lisa Challenger, Executive Director of the Beach to Bay Heritage Area. "By making outdoor recreation more accessible, we hope to inspire new audiences to discover the incredible natural resources found right here in their own communities while improving quality of life for residents."

For additional information about the Beach to Bay Heritage Area and its programs, visit www.beachtobayheritagearea.org.

Ocean City will host footvolley tournament

(July 24, 2026) Ocean City has announced the world’s premier footvolley talent will converge next week in Ocean City for the Nations Cup.

Presented by Ocean City Tourism, this four-day international beach sports event takes place from Thursday, July 30, through Sunday, Aug. 2, offering spectators free access to highlevel competition, professional youth clinics, and All-Star exhibitions.

The tournament features national teams from the United States, Brazil, Spain, England, Argentina, and Mexico competing for the championship

title. The roster includes top-tier international athletes, such as Team USA’s Jonathan Silva and Brazil’s Lucas "The Model" Paes.

In addition to the men’s international bracket, the event will highlight the rapid growth of the sport with women’s All-Star exhibition matches featuring elite professional players from Brazil, Southern California, and South Florida on Thursday and Friday.

The tournament utilizes an innovative championship format designed to maximize excitement for fans. Teams will compete in a full tournament on

both Saturday and Sunday. Should one nation win both days, they are crowned champion; however, if different teams prevail, a winner-take-all "Grand Final" will be held immediately following Sunday’s play to determine the overall Nations Cup victor.

This format ensures a championship atmosphere throughout the weekend while providing logistical flexibility.

Beyond the professional play, the 2026 Nations Cup emphasizes community engagement through free daily youth clinics held at noon on Thursday and Friday. These sessions

allow aspiring athletes to receive hands-on instruction from the world’s top professionals.

"The Nations Cup is about bringing together elite international athletes while giving families an unforgettable beach sports experience," said Sergio Menezes, Founder of the Pro Footvolley Tour. "Ocean City provides the perfect backdrop to showcase one of the world's fastestgrowing beach sports."

For full event schedules, tournament brackets, and additional information, please visit footvolley.net.

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This week’s weather featured several days of thunderstorms, including last Saturday evening when a strong front of storms passed through the area. Pictured is a lightning bolt captured from Ocean Pines.

Pure Lure | Pelagic | PNC Bank | Pohanka of Salisbury

Jarrett Bay Boatworks | Park Place Jewelers | Rick Bogert

Chesapeake Urology | Duffie Boatworks | Hook Optics Hook’em Right Coffee | Life Med Institute | Yamaha

Non-Typical Outdoor Supply | Okiaya | Pleasure Cove Marina Mid Atlantic Yellowfin | SORD Fishing Products | Contender Boats

92.7 & 98.5 WGMD Radio | Airmar Technology | Bank of Ocean City

Capital Electric Supply | Guy Harvey | Mid-Shore Electronics

Miller Lite | NFP, an Aon company | Old Town Windbells | Polar Residence Inn by Marriott, Ocean City | Seakeeper | Sunset Marina

Viking Yachts | Yachts Direct | Atlantic Tackle | Caruso Homes

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Cropper commits $200,000 to Diakonia’s living campus

(July 24, 2026) “Sometimes people need a leg up.”

Those simple words are at the heart of why local philanthropist Reese Cropper III has made an extraordinary $200,000 investment in Diakonia’s Supportive Living Campus Capital Campaign.

Having personally witnessed lives transformed through Diakonia’s programs, Cropper believes the organization’s continued growth is essential to meeting the increasing needs of individuals, families, and Veterans experiencing or at risk of homelessness throughout Maryland’s Lower East-

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“I support Diakonia because they rehabilitate people to get back to work and they teach them how to get back on the right track. Sometimes people need a leg up,” said Cropper. “I personally know people who have been helped by Diakonia and they have reentered society with new skill sets. The growth of Diakonia has created the need for larger facilities to meet the needs in our region. I hope everyone will contribute in any way possible to help this worthy organization succeed.”

Cropper’s investment will help advance Diakonia’s $15 million Supportive Living Campus in West Ocean City, an innovative project designed to expand services for individuals, families, and Veterans across Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties.

The campus will include an expanded Food Pantry, Veteran Support and Outreach Center, enlarged Thrift Store, administrative offices, and future supportive housing, creating a centralized campus where individuals can access housing support, food assistance, Veteran services, outreach, and other critical resources needed to achieve long term stability.

“Reese’s investment is about far more than constructing buildings,” said Ken Argot, executive director of Diakonia. “It is an investment in peo-

ple, in second chances, and in creating opportunities for individuals, families, and veterans to build brighter futures. We are incredibly grateful for his confidence in our mission and his vision for what this campus will mean to our community.”

Amanda Shick, development director for Diakonia, said Cropper’s generosity reflects the spirit of a community committed to investing in lasting solutions.

“Reese’s gift is transformational, not only because of its generosity, but because of what it represents,” said Shick. “His investment sends a powerful message that our community believes in helping people rebuild their lives with dignity, opportunity, and hope. We hope his leadership inspires others to become part of this vision.”

Diakonia continues to seek businesses, foundations, organizations, and individuals interested in investing in the Supportive Living Campus Capital Campaign. As Cropper shared, “I hope everyone will contribute in any way possible to help this worthy organization succeed.”

To learn more about the Supportive Living Campus Capital Campaign or to make an investment in hope, please contact Amanda Shick, Development Director, at ashick@diakoniaoc.orgor 443.523.2686, or visit www.diakoniaoc.org.

• Unisex Fleece $20 OFF*

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Who’s Where When

BLU CRABHOUSE / DISTRICT 24

410-289-3322

24th Street Bayside

Fri., July 24: Joe Esham

Sat., July 25: Beach Bandits

Sun., July 26: Tyler & Brittany

BURLEY OAK BREWING COMPANY

443-513-4647

10016 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin

Fri., July 24: Late Dues

Sat., July 25: Better Off Dead

Sun., July 26: Overstreet

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy.

Fri., July 24: Boogiemen

Sat., July 25: Full Circle

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 24: Neon Creek

& The Rogue Citizens

Sat., July 25: Star Spangled Hustlers & The Runner Ups

Sun., July 26: No Byscuyts

& Liz & Steve

Mon., July 27: DJ Mary Jane & Ryan Jackson

Tues., July 28: Kasey Briggs Duo & Johnny Cardo

Wed., July 29: Ben Davis & True Country (Solo)

Thurs., July 30: Sketchbook & Chicken Charlie

COCONUTS BEACH BAR

410-289-6846

Oceanfront At

Castle In The Sand Hotel

37th & 38th Streets

Fri., July 24: Darin Engh & Beg 2 Differ

Sat., July 25: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & My Dirty Little Secret

Sun., July 26: Heather Vidal & Part-Time Rock Star

Mon., July 27: Sean Loomis & The Rogue Citizens

Tues., July 28: The Jamn Brothers & All The Vibes

Wed., July 29: Joey Fitz & Lime Green Band

Thurs., July 30: Kevin Poole & Joe Mama & Full Circle

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza

On Coastal Hwy.

Fri, July 24: Clockwork Band

Sat., July 25: Jim Long & First Class

Sundays: DJ Wax

Tues., July 28: Sketchbook

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd.,

Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Fri., July 24: Aaron Howell

Sun., July 26: Joey Fitz

Tues., July 28: C-Miller

Wed., July 29: Kevin Poole

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Fri., July 24: DJ RobCee, The John Frase Project & Shake The Room

Sat., July 25: Other Brother Darryl

DJ DNIAL & Shake The Room

Sun., July 26: Wax Monkey & DJ Rellew

Best Beats On The Beach

BOOGIEMEN

Buxy’s Dry Dock 28: Friday, July 24

The Wedge: Tuesday, July 28

MOODY MOOSE

Pickles Pub: Saturday, July 25

CLOCKWORK BAND

Coins Pub: Friday, July 24

Jolly Jellyfish: Sunday, July 26

AARON HOWELL

Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, July 24

THE ROGUE CITIZENS

Caribbean Pool Bar: Friday, July 24

Coconuts Beach Bar: Monday, July 27

SWAMP BUCKLE

Fager’s Island: Wednesday, July 29

BEARLY DEAD

Seacrets: Wednesday, July 29 (Ticket Event)

TUNNEL VISION FT CAPTIAL DUB & MICHAEL SKY (TICKET EVENT)

Pickles Pub: Sunday, July 26

Who’s Where When

Mon., July 27: Deck Party - DJ Wax, Decade 80, Vertigo Red & DJ Stinson

Tues., July 28:

Saltwater Sweat Line Dancing & Bryan Clark

Wed., July 29: DJ Hector & Swamp Buckle

Thursdays: DJ Groove

FISH TALES

410-289-0990

22nd Street & The Bay

Fri., July 24: Full Circle Duo Sat., July 25: Caileen

Sun., July 26: Josh Pryor

Wednesdays: DJ Wax

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Sat., July 25: Dunehounds & DJ Bigler

Sundays: Pickin’ Party & Charlie Travers

Wednesdays: DJ Billy T

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

JOLLY JELLYFISH BEACH CLUB

443-664-6147

98th Street Coastal Hwy., Plaza Condominium

Fri., July 24: Cup Of Joe

Sat., July 25: Chris Diller

Sun., July 26: Clockwork Band

Mon., July 27: First Class

Tues., July 28: Soul Chase

Wed., July 29: Joe Mama & Friends

Thurs., July 30: Uncle Ward

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th Street & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

Sat., July 25: Moody Moose

Sun., July 26:

Tunnel Vision FT Capital Dub & Michael Sky (Ticket Event)

Mon., July 27: Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Streets On The Boards Fri., July 24: Reagan Years & DJ Mary Jane

Sat., July 25: Kittyback & DJ Papi

Sun., July 26: Gavin Hades (2pm) & Noah Selt

Mondays & Thursdays: DJ Papi

Tuesdays: DJ Catdaddy

Wednesdays: DJ Rellew

Thurs., July 30: Rockoholics

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th Street & Coastal Hwy.

Fri., July 24: DJ J-Spinz, The Collective, DJ Wax

The Event Horizon, DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Crome & Gab Cinque

Sat., July 25: DJ Bobby O, DJ Davie, The Collective, Party Till Dawn

The Event Horizon, DJ E-State, DJ Connair & Stealing Savanah

Sun, July 26: Triple Rail Turn, DJ E-State, DJ Davie, DJ Cheech, DJ J-Spinz & Lost In Paris

Mon., July 27: Blake Haley, DJ Davie & DJ E-State

Tues., July 28: Turning The Tide, DJ E-State, DJ Davie, DJ J-Spinz & Opposite Directions

Wed., July 29: DJ E-State, DJ J-Spinz, Full Circle Duo, DJ Cheech, Bearly Dead (Ticket Event) & Sky City Social

Thurs, July 30: Faith Noel, DJ Cheech, DJ Davie & Lost In Paris

THE WEDGE

410-289-5121

806 S. Atlantic Ave.

Tues., July 28: Boogiemen

Alcohol use illegal on beach, leads to risky behaviors

By Kristin Joson Contributing Writer

(July 24, 2026) “What could one drink on the beach really hurt?”

It’s a question many people ask. After all, you’re on vacation, the sun is shining, and the ocean is calling. But when alcohol, heat, and the Atlantic Ocean are mixed together, the risks increase dramatically, making what seems like a harmless drink anything but.

While the beach may feel like the perfect place to crack open a cold drink and unwind, drinking alcohol on the beach is not only illegal in Ocean City, it’s also dangerous. The combination of summer heat, the dehydrating effects of alcohol, and impaired decision-making can quickly turn a relaxing day into a risky one. Alcohol lowers your body’s ability to stay hydrated, affects coordination and judgment, and can give swimmers a false sense of confidence in the water. These risks are exactly why Ocean City prohibits alcohol on the beach, for your safety and the safety of those around you.

Almost every lifeguard has a story about rescuing someone who drank too much before entering the water. People who normally understand their own limits and respect the power of the ocean can make dangerous choices under the influence of alcohol. That false sense of confidence, sometimes called “liquid courage” can lead to risky behavior, like swimming out too far or diving into shallow water. One tragic example involved a young man celebrating his high school graduation; after drinking, he dove headfirst into just two inches of water and was left paralyzed from the neck down. More recently, a young adult under 21 ignored his friends’ warnings and went swimming after drinking too much. His body was recovered an hour later. These heartbreaking incidents are entirely preventable. Alcohol impairs judgment, endangers lives, and leaves lasting pain for loved ones left behind.

Intoxicated swimmers’ reaction time and physical ability are diminished and often lead to the person finding themselves in trouble in the water. If this occurs between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. they will be lucky enough to be rescued by a lifeguard, although the individuals are often transported to a medical facility for further evaluation. Although we do a very good job of keeping people safe while we are on duty - regardless of how reckless they are (poor decision making) - we unfortunately respond to several off-duty “swimmer in distress” calls each season, some of which are fatal, and almost all are alcohol related. If you’re going to drink, don’t

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

■ 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-

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

■ 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.

swim or drive, and use caution crossing the highway. Most pedestrian accidents that occur each season involve alcohol on the part of the driver or the victim (pedestrian) or both.

In addition to water-related accidents, heat-related illnesses also have a direct correlation to alcohol consumption. Historically, as temperatures rise throughout July, so do our onshore medical emergencies. Some alcohol-related incidents can be related to events up to 12 hours before the incident. In fact, just last week we responded to a dozen heat related emergencies in a single day.

In addition to Maryland’s drinking laws, you might not be aware that Ocean City has its own laws and ordinances. Those that relate to alcohol are:

• Public consumption of alcohol has been reclassified (2012) as a criminal offense and may lead to your arrest.

• Consuming alcohol in public by anyone is prohibited.

• Carrying an open container of alcohol is a violation. This includes the beach areas, sidewalks and the Boardwalk.

• Using false identification to purchase alcohol or enter a bar is a criminal offense that can result in a fine and/or loss of license.

• If your beverage is in a glass container, you are also guilty of violating an additional ordinance (no glass containers are allowed on the beach).

You should note that the law is spe-

cific about the consumption of alcohol and has nothing to do with the container it is in (except that glass is also prohibited). Pouring a beverage into a cup is not acceptable. Some patrons know the law but choose to disobey and take their alcohol to the beach, then attempt to hide the behavior from the Beach Patrol, which is in charge of enforcing Ocean City’s ordinances on the beach. I often find it ironic that a 30 or 40-year-old beach patron will try to hide beer from an 18-year-old lifeguards. This behavior means the lifeguard must then divide their time dealing with challenging patrons and watching the water at the same time. When an SRT has to leave the stand to enforce the law (part of their responsibility) which the person is usually already aware of, that causes the surrounding SRTs to not only have to guard their water but now they have the added responsibility of the now vacant stand.

Obey the laws, listen to your lifeguard, and leave the alcohol at home. Violating beach alcohol laws can result in fines or even a mandatory court appearance, definitely not the kind of memory you want to make on vacation. More importantly, following these rules helps protect you, your friends, and everyone else enjoying the ocean. Do your part to keep the beach safe and fun for all. And always remember: “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguard’s in the stand!” For added safety, be sure to locate the nearest lifeguard stand and always swim near an on-duty guard.

Newport Bay restoration initiatives continue

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) The Newport Bay Partnership is about to enter its second year of work to restore the bay’s watershed and has two projects on this year’s agenda.

With $2 million awarded the joint effort from Maryland’s Whole Watershed Fund, the Newport Bay endeavor is one of five projects throughout the state being funded for five years by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR), to take a holistic approach to improving water quality, enhancing habitat and engaging communities throughout the state.

The Newport Bay Partnership, which was formed by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Assateague Coastal Trust, Lower Shore Land Trust, the Town of Berlin, and Worcester County Government, is using the funding to address environmental issues through a variety of restoration and conservation projects.

“Our priority is to ensure restoration efforts reflect the needs of the local community,” Project Coordinator Jessica McIntosh said in a statement. “We are committed to creating meaningful opportunities for community members to participate in this work.”

Among the work scheduled this year is the restoration of 114 acres of degraded salt marsh habitat at Croppers Marsh in

Newport Bay. The project will recreate natural tidal channels, establish marsh grasses, create shallow-water habitat, and stabilize the shoreline. The project is expected to reduce erosion, improve water quality, and increase carbon storage. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program will oversee the restoration.

Another focus is the Bottle Branch watershed in Berlin, where Assateague Coastal Trust is working with homeowners along the stream to address flooding, streambank erosion, and habitat improvements for aquatic wildlife.

The project also includes educational opportunities for students at nearby Buckingham Elementary School. In addition, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program is working with Maryland’s Program Open Space to identify and purchase land within the watershed that could be preserved from future development and used for stormwater storage and treatment.

The state also awarded an additional $250,000 for monitoring projects in fiscal year 2027.

“Science will be at the forefront of our efforts,” McIntosh said. “To that end, we have secured funding to monitor changes to the watershed as projects are completed.”

According to McIntosh, the environmental monitoring data will be incorporated into Maryland’s annual Water

Quality Report Card. The partnership will also work with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science to begin tracking social and economic impacts associated with the restoration work.

Earlier this year, officials unveiled plans for a stream restoration project along Hudson Branch in Berlin, where approximately 2,000 feet of stream will be reshaped into a more natural, meandering channel. The project is designed to reconnect the stream to its floodplain, slow water flow, improve pollutant filtration, and reduce erosion before water

CROSSWORD

reaches Newport Bay.

The Newport Bay watershed was selected in 2025 as one of the first five watersheds to receive funding through Maryland’s Whole Watershed Act, legislation approved by the General Assembly in 2024. The initiative provides long-term funding for restoration projects that address water quality, stormwater management, and habitat protection.

The watershed encompasses Berlin, the western portion of South Point, the village of Newark, and surrounding agricultural and forested lands.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

How you respond to a situation matters more than how quickly you react, Aries. Interactions with others will feel more charged than expected, but will be effective.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, slow down so you can see what actually matters right now. You may feel slightly off if you move too quickly; give yourself time to respond to those seeking your help.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

You may want to say yes to something quickly, Gemini, without giving it ample time for consideration. Do not jump into things without careful reflection. It’s hard to backtrack.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

What you prioritize this week will shape how stable you feel, Cancer. Focus on those things that matter to you the most and give them your full attention.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, when your messages are clear and direct, others will understand you more easily and this will keep discussions moving forward. Clarity comes from simplicity.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

This week you may feel a pull between staying comfortable and going deeper into something that has been on your mind, Virgo. When you stay grounded, your decisions will be easier.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Tell others what you need without conforming to what you think they want you to be, Libra. You may feel pulled between your needs and theirs. Stay clear about what works for you.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Set clear boundaries around your time this week, Scorpio. Your work will be consistent and controlled. This is how to find success.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, plans will move better this week when you keep them simple and flexible. Progress will build when you have a clear and manageable plan.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

It is important to be direct with others about your limits, Capricorn. Identifying what you are willing to do and what you are not can help you and others to achieve your collective goals.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

A shift in your perspective this week helps everything make more sense to you, Aquarius. You may feel tension, but take a moment to think before responding to others.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

You may be pulled to either avoid a topic or resolve it quickly, Pisces. Progress builds when you stay present and define what’s actually beneficial.

Groups raise funding for Diakonia

(July 24, 2026) Diakonia, Inc. recognized this week an extraordinary community partnership between The Sterling Tavern in Berlin and the Bearded Men Society of Ocean City, whose shared commitment to giving back is helping shape the future of homelessness services on Maryland's Lower Eastern Shore.

Through their inaugural Cinco de Mayo Shootout, the organizations presented Diakonia with a check for $23,055, marking an incredible first step toward their three-year, $50,000 commitment to sponsor two Veteran Support and Outreach Offices within Diakonia's new Supportive Living Campus.

The dedicated offices will provide private meeting space for case managers to work one on one with veterans and individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness, helping connect them with housing, employment, healthcare, benefits, and other critical resources that lead to long term stability.

"Community partnerships like this are what make transformational projects possible," said Ken Argot, Executive Director of Diakonia. "Matt and Brooke Borrelli, the Bearded Men Society, and everyone who supported the Cinco de Mayo Shootout have demonstrated what it means to invest in hope. Their generosity will have a lasting impact on the lives of the individuals, families, and veterans we serve."

Located on Stephen Decatur Highway in West Ocean City, Diakonia's $15 million Supportive Living Campus will expand the organization's ability to provide food assistance, veteran services, homeless outreach, and transitional supportive housing across Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset counties.

The partnership reflects the mission shared by both organizations: strengthening the local community through service, compassion, and collaboration.

"We are incredibly grateful to The Sterling Tavern, the Bearded Men Society of Ocean City, every event sponsor, golfer, volunteer, and supporter who helped make this first tourna-

ment such a tremendous success," said Amanda Shick, Development Director for Diakonia. "This partnership is proof that when our community comes together around a shared vision, we can create lasting change."

Diakonia continues to seek community partners, businesses, foundations, and individuals interested in investing in the Supportive Living Campus Capital Campaign.

For more information about the campaign or to learn how you can invest in hope, please contact Amanda Shick, Development Director, at ashick@diakoniaoc.org or 443.523.2686, or visit www.diakoniaoc.org.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

WOR-WIC POLICE GRADS

Worcester County law enforcement officers who graduated in the 96th entrance-level law enforcement class of the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy operated by Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury are shown, front row, from left, Caleb Fretwell, Noah Shomette, Benjamin Spencer and Noah Townsend of the Ocean City Police Department. In the back row is Franklin Baker III of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

TEACH A KID TO FISH DAY

PREGNANCY CENTER DONATION

The Knights of Columbus #11616 Pocomoke City presented a check to the Pregnancy Care Clinic of the Eastern Shore for their annual Baby Bottle Campaign. All donations go to helping those facing unplanned pregnancies. LtoR: Mark Jablonski, Deputy Grand Knight; Frank Bussink, Past Grand Knight; Jackie Seldon Executive Director; Francis Smith Grand Knight; and Nicole

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 24

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

13TH ANNUAL HUK BIG FISH CLASSIC FISHING TOURNAMENT

M.R. Ducks, 311 Talbot St., Ocean City. Lines in 7 a.m. (Fri-Sat 32HR Teams). Music and vendors in the Big Fish Village at 3 p.m. Scales open 4-9 p.m. https://www.bigfishclassic.com

FRIENDS OF THE OCEAN PINES LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 6-8 p.m. Friends Only Night. Memberships are available for $5 for individuals and $10 for families. Thousands of books for sale, most priced at $2 and less. 410208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

Sat., July 25

SAND DUELS BEACH SOCCER CHALLENGE SERIES

On the Beach between Wicomico and N. Division streets, 1 N. Division St., Ocean City, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. A 5-on-5 soccer tournament for youth aged 8 though 18 and adults with divisions based on age, gender, and ability.

https://ocbeachsoccer.com

FRIENDS OF THE OCEAN PINES LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thousands of books for sale, most priced at $2 and less. All proceeds go toward the purchase of equipment and services for the library. Open to all. 410208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

CENTURY TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Ocean City Racquet Center, 104 61st St., 9 a.m. Teams of two with a combined age of 100+ years compete in Women’s, Men’s and Mixed Doubles. Cost is $40 per team. Register: 410-524-8337. oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/racquet

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Fish Tales Bar and Grill, 2107 Herring Way, Ocean City, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Santa arriving via the Cruisin’ Tiki at 2 p.m. to

bring a treat for the kiddos. Bring your cameras. Bring new toys for Toys for Tots. Dress in your favorite Christmas attire. https://ocfishtales.com, 410-289-0990

FREE KIDS CRAFT SATURDAYS

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Featuring “Bubble Wrap Stamp Art.” Guided crafts led by friendly instructors. All supplies provided. Jessica Bauer, development@artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

SPEED PUZZLING

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Grab some friends or form a team at the library to see who can put their puzzle together the fastest. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

13TH ANNUAL HUK BIG FISH CLASSIC FISHING TOURNAMENT

M.R. Ducks, 311 Talbot St., Ocean City. Lines in 7 a.m. (Sat-Sun 32HR Teams), lines out 3 p.m. (Fri-Sat 32HR Teams). Music and vendors in the Big Fish Village at 3 p.m. Scales open 4-9 p.m. https://www.bigfishclassic.com

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Sturgis Park Garden, 200 River St., Snow Hill, 4-8 p.m. Vendors set up for an Artisan Craft Fair. Then head downtown for a train and hobby show, visit downtown spots for sales and specials. Keep your eyes peeled for Summer Santa (5-6:30 p.m.).

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. 410-641-7052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages/f armers-artisans-market

Sun., July 26

TIDALHEALTH ATLANTIC: JAG FAMILY FUN DAY AT JOLLY ROGER

Jolly Roger Amusement Park, 2901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tickets cost $35 and include access to the waterpark from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., rides from 2-6 p.m; and one round mini golf. Tickets: https://jollyroger.idealss.net/#/?page= 7-26_tidalhealth_jag_fundraiser. 410289-4902

13TH ANNUAL HUK BIG FISH CLASSIC FISHING TOURNAMENT

M.R. Ducks, 311 Talbot St., Ocean City. Lines out 3 p.m. (Sat-Sun 32HR Teams). Music and vendors in the Big Fish Village at 3 p.m. Scales open 4-9 p.m. https://www.bigfishclassic.com

OC CRUZERS CAR SHOW

Somerset Plaza, Somerset Street, Ocean City, 3-6 p.m. Join the OC Cruzers Car Club for a free, family friendly car show. Each show will feature classic cars, custom rides and hot rods. Also, live music or a DJ. https://www.ocdc.org

SUNDAES IN THE PARK WITH FIREWORKS

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “The Kelly Bell Band: Electrifying Blues with a GenreBending Twist.” Ice cream for purchase. Followed by fireworks. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sundaes-in-thepark/

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 27

FRIENDS OF THE OCEAN PINES LIBRARY ANNUAL BOOK SALE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy half price on your entire purchase during the last day of the sale. All proceeds go toward the purchase of equipment and services for the library. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: DOG DAYS OF SUMMER

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

TOPS OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

TidalHealth Atlantic, Conference Room 1,

Continued on Page 56

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

VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL

Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 5:307:30 p.m. Held July 27-31. The theme is “Plenty to Share.” Supper, stories, crafts, games, music and fellowship. info@bethanyberlin.org, 410-641-2186

ZUMBA

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 4:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

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

Tues., July 28

DINO PLAY DAY

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Drop in for dinosaur themed activities both inside and on the lawn. Dig, create, and play; be sure to dress for a mess. For families. 410-632-5622, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410641-0650, 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

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. For ages 2-5 years. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.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

PAINT A STORY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Create a work of art with instruction from local artist Christinia Benedict. For ages 6-11 years. Registration required: 410208-4014. worcesterlibrary.org

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/.

BEACH HEROES-OC

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. 410289-4725

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 29

FUN WITH THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM!

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join friends from the National Aquarium for an interactive presentation on marine mammals. For ages 6-11 years. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch,

13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with a new-toyou 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. 410-641-0650

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

MOVIES ON THE BEACH

Carousel Oceanfront Hotel & Condos, 11700 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 8:30 p.m. Featured movie is “Lilo & Stitch Liveaction.” Bring blankets, chairs and snacks. Movie lineup: https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/.

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

ZUMBA PLUS!!

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 4:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

Thurs., July 30

4TH ANNUAL MARLINS FOR MASON TOURNAMENT

Ocean City Marlin Club Inc, 9659 Golf Course Road, Ocean City and at Sunset Marina, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Benefiting Mason Prather and others who suffer with Dravet Syndrome. Schedule and tournament details: https://marlinsformason.com/tournament-details/.

DINING WITH DINOS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Learn what dinosaurs ate and their diets. Kids will make a simple healthy snack, explore balanced eating and meet a very hungry T-Rex. For ages 6-11 years. Registration required: 410-6410650.

STORY TIME: ‘TRIANGLE’

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

COFFEE & CRAFTS: FELT FRUIT COASTERS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City

Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in every month for a new craft. Materials provided. Limit 30. 410-5241818, worcesterlibrary.org

2026 PRO FOOTVOLLEY TOUR

Ocean City Beach at N. Division St., 1 N. Division St., 12-9 p.m. Six nations compete in the 2026 Nations Cup. Featuring elite competition, free youth clinics, and All-Star exhibitions. Free for spectators. Schedule: https://footvolley.net. 305-213-3275

PRE-HISTORIC PAINT-A-LONG Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Create your own pre-historic masterpiece with artist Mike Carmean, in this step by step paint-along. For families. Registration required: 410-957-0878. worcesterlibrary.org

DINOSAUR TOOTHPASTE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3:30 p.m. Make toothpaste for dinosaurs using a variety of ingredients and a little science. For ages 6-11 years. Registration required: 410208-4014. worcesterlibrary.org

SUNSET PARK CONCERTS

Sunset Park, 700 S. Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7-9 p.m. Featuring “Pistol Whipped.” Admission to the park is free. https://www.ococean.com/things-todo/free-family-fun/sunset-park-partynights/

OCEAN PINES CONCERTS IN THE PARK White Horse Park Pavilion, Ocean Pines, 7-9 p.m. Free community event featuring “Opposite Directions.” Food for sale. BYOB welcome. 410-641-7052

DRY PANTRY

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

ONGOING EVENTS

POLISH AMERICAN CLUB OF DELMARVA Meets the second Wednesday of each month (except July and August) at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 2-4 p.m. A social organization of men and women of Polish or Slavic descent.

Crossword answers from page 52

JULY 24, 2026 OC Today-Dispatch 57

MARKETPLACE

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

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

Senior Looking For Help with basic life assistance. Light housekeeping/errands. Must be avail. wknds., 3-4 days per wk. 9:30am5:30pm. Dependable car for errands and Dr. visits. Work or personal referenced appreciated. 410-208-6513, please all after 6pm 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.

F/PT HEAD HOUSEKEEPER/ ROOM ATTENDANT

35 Suite Boutique Hotel Bayfront, 58th St. Hands on, good work environment & pay. Apply: bhuber@fagers.com

flyers. Position is Monday thru Friday with some weekends. Send resume to: info@travelwithoasis.com No Phone Calls

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.

RENTALS

Seeking Year-Round Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

Beach House Rental 3-bed, 3-bath on 26th Street. https://bit.ly/3RR214G

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

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.

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.

ROOMMATES

ROOM FOR RENT

Or Apply Within at 56th Street, Bayside

Fully furnished, large, clean, private room. Full house privileges. $900 per mo., util’s included. $400 sec. dep. Call 443-880-2317.

HOUSESHARE IN BERLIN

$600 per month, Util’s & Cable Incl. Nonsmoker, no pets. 443-513-0190

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

GARAGE/CONTRACTOR SHOP

24 X 24 $400/MONTH. Call Steve, leave message, 410-251-3412

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

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Downtown Berlin $425 month + utils. 2 units available. Call 410-713-2065.

SERVICES

LARRY’S HANDYMAN

SERVICES No job too small, windows, entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066 Larryandkim1954@ gmail.com WANT

I

ALBUMS!

2 Female Purebred Chihuahua Puppies For Sale near Ocean City. 1 black and white, 1 solid chocolate. Ready Aug. 15th. 301-742-8771

MULTI-FAMILY

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.

JAMES

E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.

108 N. 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

TRUSTEE'S SALE OF

TIME-SHARE INTERVALS IN THE

OCEAN TIME CONDOMINIUM OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Claim of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to the Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, Case No. C-23-CV-26-000152, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction at the Ocean Time Condominium building located at 13 136th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, the following described property located in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, on

FRIDAY, AUGUST 7, 2026 AT 9:00A.M.

land, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser.

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr., Esq. Trustee 410-289-2323

OCD-7/23/3t

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.

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

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.

Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: July 09, 2026

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY NOTICE OF APPROVED CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION 2026-01

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.

Each time interval being one week per year of the corresponding unit, each unit being part of the Ocean Time Condominium as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and subsequent Time-Share Instruments as to each condominium unit, and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records.

The property will be sold in an as is condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranties or guarantees. A secured party may bid and shall be excused from deposit requirements. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the full amount of sale plus closing costs per time interval will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or check. Cost of all recordation and transfer taxes, and all other incidental settlement costs shall be borne by the purchaser. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Mary-

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:

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of 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:

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.

OCD-7/9/4t

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

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

JAMES L. OTWAY, ESQ. PO BOX 446 SHARPTOWN, MD 21861-0446

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

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

AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police

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.

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

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

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 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

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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

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INVITATION TO BID

Biosolids Dewatering at Ocean Pines

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors for the Ocean Pines Biosolids Dewatering 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 10:00 a.m. on August 6, 2026, at 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811 @ OPS Building Classroom.

The last date/time for questions will be noon on August 19, 2026.

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than August 27, 2026, at 3:30 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 – OP Biosolids Dewatering” in the lower left-hand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.

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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

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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 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

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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 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.

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Professional Engineering Services – Preliminary Engineering Report –River Run Wastewater Treatment Facility

Worcester County is seeking proposals for Professional Engineering Services to prepare a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) to evaluate the temporary diversion of wastewater flows from two existing pump stations to facilitate planned improvements at the River Run Wastewater Treatment Facility. The

PER will assess the feasibility, design considerations, and lifecycle implications of implementing a diversion system that may function both as a temporary bypass during construction and as a potential semipermanent/permanent conveyance solution.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov , or via the County’s on-line bid board.

Vendors are responsible for checking the County website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on August 6, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Ocean Pines WWTP Ops Building at 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.

The last date/time to submit questions for clarification will be noon on August 19, 2026.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than September 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. and will be opened and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

Late Proposal Documents cannot be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked “RFP 27-WWW-01 River Run to PS C PER” in the lower left-hand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Professional Engineering Services –Ocean Pines Force Main Replacement PS N to PS L

Worcester County is seeking Professional Engineering Services for the design, permitting, bid phase, and construction administration support related to the replacement of an existing 6-inch PVC force main from Pump Station N to Pump Station L in Ocean Pines. This main, approximately 5,600 ft in length, has experienced repeated failures and is being replaced to restore reliable system performance.

Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov , or via the County’s on-line bid board.

Vendors are responsible for checking the County website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal 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 Proposal Documents.

A non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on August 6, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at the Ocean Pines WWTP Ops Building at 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811. The last date/time to submit questions for clarification will be noon on August 19, 2026.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than September 3, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. and will be opened and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

Late Proposal Documents cannot be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked “RFP 27-WWW-02 Ocean Pines Force Main Replacement” in the lower left-hand corner.

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

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Town of Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals

NOTICE OF APPEALS

Wednesday, August 5, 2026 6:00 PM Berlin Police Department, Training Room 129 Decatur Street, Berlin, MD 21811

Bay Street, Tax Map 0301, Parcel 865: Pursuant to §108-375 of the Town of Berlin Code, the Berlin Board of Zoning Appeals will hear an appeal submitted by Mr. Wilson Eric Davis requesting a Conditional Use to build three duplex homes in an R3 Apartment District.

Property Owner(s): Wilson Eric Davis & Lisa M. Davis

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IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: KELLY MARIE FREBURGER ESTATE NO. 21186

NOTICE

OF JUDICIAL PROBATE

To all Persons Interested in the above estate:

You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Spiros P. Buas, 9923 Stephen Decatur Highway, #D3, Ocean City, MD 21842 for judicial probate 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 23, 2026

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INVITATION FOR BID

Cleaning of Flow Equalization Tank No. 1 at Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant

Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors for Cleaning of Flow Equalization Tank No. 1 at Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov, by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website.

Vendors are responsible for check-

ing 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 mandatory pre-bid site visit will be held on August 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Ocean Pines WWTP, 1000 Shore Drive, Berlin, MD 21811. Bidders should meet at Operations Building. Attendance is required to submit a responsive bid.

The last date/time to submit questions for clarification will be noon on August 25, 2026.

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than September 10, 2026, at 1 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 “IFB 27-WWW-01 OP WWTP FET 1 Cleaning” in the lower left-hand corner.

Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this project.

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the es-

Legal Advertising

tate of LINDA E. GREEN Estate No. 21185 Notice is given that MELANIE HARRIMAN whose address is 6904 SENECA DR., SNOW HILL, MD 21863-3356 was on JULY 13, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LINDA E. GREEN who died on JUNE 12, 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 13th day of JANUARY, 2027.

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 13th 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-7/23/3t

INVITATION TO BID 2026-06

WESTMINSTER, ABBEY, AND UPSHUR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPGRADES TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND

Electronic and/or sealed hard copy proposals will be received by the Mayor and Council of Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland, at the Berlin Visitor Center located at 14 S. Main Street, Berlin, Maryland 21811, until 26 August 2026 for the WESTMINSTER, ABBEY, AND UPSHUR STORMWATER MANAGEMENT UPGRADES.

Electric submissions are to be sent to mbohlen@berlinmd.gov, kdaub@berlinmd.gov, and info@berlinmd.gov. Hard copies are

to be submitted at the Berlin Visitor Center located at 14 S. Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811. The bid opening will occur at 2:00 pm on 26 August 2026 at the Berlin Police Station located at 129 Decatur Street, Berlin, MD 21811, where the proposals will be opened publicly and read aloud. Potential bidders are encouraged to attend the non-mandatory PreBid Meeting, which will be held on 23 July 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Berlin Police Station located at 129 Decatur Street, Berlin, Maryland.

Bid documents are available on the Town of Berlin website https://berlinmd.gov/government/request-for-proposals/.

All inquiries shall be directed to Steven Lemasters, P.E., Project Manager, EA Engineering, Science, and Technology, Inc., PBC, at 410641-5341.

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SMALL

ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21187 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LEE MONROE GILROY

Notice is given that Charles Gilroy, 2216 Haleys Way, Owings, MD 20736-4333, was on July 15, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Lee Monroe Gilroy who died on May 28, 2026, without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Charles Gilroy Personal Representative True Test Copy Register of Wills for Worcester County Terri Westcott

- Court House

Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication:

July 23, 2026

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INVITATION FOR BIDS

Dump Truck

Worcester County is currently accepting bids for the purchase of one (1) new, current production model, six-wheel Dump Truck with a stainless steel 10-foot dump body and attachments/accessories for the Roads Division of Public Works in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.

Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov, by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s 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.

The last date/time to submit questions for clarification will be noon on August 17, 2026.

Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than August 31, 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 –Dump Truck” in the lower left-hand corner.

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

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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20469 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EDWARD F. REED

Notice is given that Deborah Ann Reed, 266 S. Washington St., Unit 108, Snow Hill, MD 21863-1097, was on January 02, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Edward F. Reed who died on December 16, 2024, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid

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

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

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

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

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest

Date of publication: July 23, 2026

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TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ORDINANCE 2026-05

AN ORDINANCE OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF THE TOWN OF BERLIN, MARYLAND, A MARYLAND MUNICIPAL CORPORATION, AMENDING CERTAIN SECTIONS OF CHAPTER 28, STREETS, SIDEWALKS, AND CERTAIN OTHER PUBLIC PLACES.

This ordinance is scheduled for introduction and first reading on Monday, July 27, 2026, at 6:00 PM. A public hearing on the ordinance will be held on Monday, August 10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. Both meetings will take place during the Regular Session of the Mayor and Council at the Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue, Berlin, MD 21811.

The hearing is open to the public, and public testimony is encouraged. Persons with questions regarding this hearing may call 410-641-2770 for further information. OCD-7/23/2t

West OC airport to continue taxiway improvement efforts

City to select contractor for initiative’s second phase, work likely to begin this fall

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(July 24, 2026) The Town of Ocean City will use a $5.3 million federal grant to complete taxiway improvements at the municipal airport.

Earlier this month, U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks (both D-Md.) announced federal grant awards for several Eastern Shore airports, including the municipal operation in West Ocean City. Airport Manager Jaime Giandomenico said the $5,377,500 grant will be used to complete the second phase of a taxiway project.

“Not only will it replace the pavement, but it will also bring the taxiway into compliance,” he said in an interview last Friday.

Last fall, the city kicked off a project to relocate Taxiway A, which serves as a neighboring runway. According to staff, the existing taxiway had not only met the end of its useful life, but did not meet FAA design standards for runway separation.

“It serves two purposes, the first being that the pavement is really old. We’ve been limping along for a long time …,” Giandomenico explained. “Second, it addresses FAA standards.”

City officials selected a regional construction company to lead the project, the first phase of which continued throughout the winter and spring and into the early part of the summer season. The second phase will allow crews to reconstruct the final 1,650 feet of pavement, as well as install lighting, among other things.

“When we say we’re rehabbing it, we’re going all the way to the dirt …,” he said. “It gets expensive.”

Giandomenico said staff are currently evaluating phase-two bids, which will be brought to the City Council for approval in the coming weeks. The project, he said, would be covered in a funding split, with the Federal Aviation Administration responsible for 95% of the project’s cost.

“The federal part comes from the Transportation Trust Fund from passenger fees and fuel,” he explained.

Once a contractor is selected, Giandomenico said the goal is to begin construction by either September or October. He said the airport will remain open throughout the project.

“The safety and utility is continuous,” he said of airport projects. “We never get to a point where we are done.”

The Ocean City Municipal Airport was just one of four Eastern Shore airports to receive federal funding for improvements. Other grant recipients include Easton Airport ($5.58 million), Salisbury Regional Airport ($3.46 million) and Crisfield Somerset Municipal Airport ($351,011).

“The Eastern Shore’s airports help support local business and drive economic growth in the region, including through tourism,” Van Hollen said in a statement. “These substantial federal investments will help improve their safety and efficiency and support their continued operations.”

Federal officials say grant funding is provided through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Contract Tower Competitive Grant Program, created and funded at $100 million over five years through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Airport Improvement Program.

Rehab facility celebrates 46 years

Berlin nursing plans party with raffles, vendors to honor

We have a lot to offer.”

decades of service

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) In recognition of almost five decades of service to the community, the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is throwing a celebratory bash next week jampacked with raffles for summer-oriented items, food trucks, craft vendors, and more.

On Friday, July 31, the Berlin Nursing and Rehab facility is hosting an anniversary festival to celebrate the center’s 46 years in operation. The event is open to the public and will kick off at noon and wrap up around 4 p.m.

Barbara Franklin, Berlin Nursing’s assistant business office manager, who is helping plan the party, said that 94.5 KHI will broadcast the event live on location with MC Bill Baker and DJ KP.

Furthermore, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall will be making a guest appearance as a speaker.

“It’s a huge milestone,” Franklin said. “It’s 46 years in our community, and we just want people to be aware of us and to know we’re here for them for their needs. We have short-term care and long-term care. We have rehab.

Those who come out to celebrate on July 31 will be met with music, various food options, an array of craft and entertainment vendors, and a prize draw for desirable seasonal items.

For instance, attendees will get the chance to win prizes through 50/50 raffles. Franklin said the available products include a cooler filled with drinks and pickleball equipment, a

‘It’s a huge milestone. It’s 46 years in our community, and we just want people to be aware of us and to know we’re here for them for their needs. We have short-term care and long-term care. We have rehab. We have a lot to offer.’

Barbara Franklin, Berlin Nursing’s assistant business office manager

large metal pot for seafood steaming with mallets, towels, and seasonings, and a bucket with beach essentials.

Franklin added that event planners have also secured fishing rods and gift cards for a kids-focused raffle.

Food trucks like The Street Kitchen will be onsite, and Berlin Nursing and Rehab will be offering their own hot

dogs, sodas, chips, and waters.

According to Franklin, additional vendors include crafts sellers, Fisher’s Popcorn, and a snowball and ice cream operation. A local organization will also be pulling up with an assortment of classic cars for hotrod enthusiasts.

The Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is located at 9715 Healthway Drive, near TidalHealth Atlantic. According to the facility’s website, it offers a large catalogue of services, including 24-hour nursing care, longterm and short-term care, pulmonary rehabilitation, comprehensive wound care, respite care, hospice care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, and rehabilitation care.

Center staff hope community members come out to celebrate the nursing and rehabilitation home, in recognition of the vital amenities it has provided the county’s most vulnerable citizens for the past 46 years.

“Here in our Worcester County area, there’s maybe only one other long-term care facility,” Franklin said. “And we’re centrally located. We’re right off Route 113. That’s easy access. The hospital is right behind us. So, if there was ever an emergency, we’re very close to a hospital to get someone in for immediate medical treatment if needed.”

Worcester schools outline long-range technology plan

Aging equipment and cyber security measures targeted

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) The Worcester County Board of Education last week reviewed the school system’s longrange plan to steer technology investments, strengthen cybersecurity, and ensure students and staff maintain reliable access to digital and online learning tools.

The schools’ Coach of Technology and Innovation Nicholas Genovesi and Network Administrator Christopher Shenton presented the plan at the board’s meeting on July 14. Superintendent of Schools Annette Wallace said the proposal had been in development for about a year at the board’s direction.

According to Genovesi, the plan serves as a multi-year guidebook that guarantees the school system’s technology decisions align with the district’s instructional needs.

The plan’s primary pillars include strategic integration, financial sustainability, equitable access, and long-term planning.

Genovesi said technology has become an essential part of education, making it vital that WCPS keep its instructional practices and infrastructure current.

“Technology has become an integral part of how we do things, not just in education but everyday life,” he said. “…So, we need to make sure everything we are doing, all of our instructional and educational practices remain modern and up to date.”

Genovesi added that another major focus is ensuring the school

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WCPS technology plan may guide future county funding

system is financially prepared for ongoing technology needs, including equipment replacement, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

equally important because rapidly changing technology requires systems that can support newer devices and security features.

Equitable access also plays a role in the plan.

While technology can help level the playing field for students, Genovesi said it only does so when everyone has equal access to the necessary devices and digital resources.

“As important as technology is, even more so is making sure everybody has access to that technology,” he maintained. “Technology can be a great equalizer, but only when everyone has the equal opportunity to that technology.”

The long-range plan is designed to help the district anticipate needs rather than react to emergencies, he said.

While the district aims to maximize the lifespan of its equipment, Shenton said network hardware typically has an expected life cycle of about six years before it begins falling behind current standards.

He added that relying on aging technology increases security risks and limits the district’s ability to take advantage of newer tools and protections.

Shenton said future upgrades, including eventually replacing the district’s firewall, would provide enhanced security features not available with the current system. He noted that the overall performance of a network is often limited by its oldest components.

Keeping infrastructure current, he said, helps create a more reliable learning environment for students and staff.

Genovesi warned that failing to plan for technology upgrades creates risks that extend beyond outdated equipment. Aging hardware and software can increase cybersecurity vulnerabilities and force districts into costly emergency purchases when systems fail.

Genovesi also highlighted the complexity of managing technology across the school system.

Instead, he said, the district hopes to be proactive about replacing equipment, budget for future needs, and have technology ready before problems arise.

Sustainability is another objective.

While software updates may seem routine for an individual device, implementing updates across thousands of student and staff devices requires careful planning to avoid interruptions to classroom instruction and daily operations.

Genovesi said technology decisions involve more than the initial purchase price. The district also considers implementation, maintenance, warranties, security protections, and ongoing support throughout a device’s lifespan to reduce long-term costs and risks.

Shenton said maintaining the district’s network infrastructure is

Because students and employees depend on those devices every day, he said, minimizing downtime is a priority.

Board member Jon Andes said reviewing the district’s inventory of iMacs, MacBooks, iPads, and other devices highlighted the scale of the technology operation.

He said ensuring that equipment functions every day is critical because technology has become essential to how students today learn.

Board President Todd Ferrante said the district has experienced continuing connectivity issues, including problems reported by teachers and disruptions during student testing, demonstrating the need for continued infrastructure improvements.

He also said the technology plan will need to be shared with the Worcester County Commissioners as part of future budget planning. In addition to local funding, Ferrante encouraged school system staff to continue pursuing grant opportunities to help offset technology costs as

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Sheriff’s office to get new equipment, interview room

Officials say space will be relocated to the entrance of the Snow Hill building

agenda, without discussion. Two cameras, two wired microphones, and a touchscreen control panel are included in the equipment package, along with a warranty.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) Witnesses and suspects brought to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office get escorted through a maze of subterranean hallways before reaching the agency’s interview room.

The county is spending $34,508 to move that room closer to the front and replace its recording equipment.

The five-year agreement with Axon includes $10,448 for equipment and installation and $24,060 in software, maintenance, and evidence-storage costs.

Chief Deputy Nate Passwaters said the agency already has a designated interview room inside its headquarters in the basement of the Worcester County Government Center in Snow Hill. Relocating it closer to the secured entrance gave the agency an opportunity to upgrade the camera system at the same time.

Passwaters said the Sheriff’s Office already uses Axon technology for its body-worn cameras, Tasers, and digital-evidence storage. The system maintains an electronic chain of custody by tracking who accesses each file.

‘We have sex offenders and wanted people come in through the front door, and it shouldn’t be that way.’

Chief Deputy Nate Passwaters

Recordings also can be transferred directly into the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office evidence system, eliminating the need to move files using DVDs or portable storage devices.

“This is a very secure and efficient way for us to maintain all that video,” Passwaters said.

The county commissioners approved the equipment purchase Tuesday as part of their consent

The relocated room also will be used for routine meetings with registered sex offenders who report to the

Passwaters: ‘It’s a safety issue’

Sheriff’s Office to provide required information about where they live and work.

Those meetings have been taking place at a desk near the front of the secured Sheriff’s Office and are recorded using a deputy’s body-worn camera. Passwaters stressed that the meetings are administrative checkins rather than interviews concerning a new crime.

Those required contacts also include certain travel notifications. Under Maryland law, registered sex offenders must notify local police before staying at a temporary residence for more than five days or being away from their usual residence for more than seven days.

Worcester County deputies cur-

rently monitor 89 registered sex offenders, though Passwaters said that number changes regularly. Two deputies are assigned to oversee the registrants.

Passwaters said having registered sex offenders and people with outstanding warrants enter through the same front access point illustrates the limitations of the agency’s current space.

“We have sex offenders and wanted people come in through the front door, and it shouldn’t be that way,” he said. “It’s a safety issue.”

Moving forward, the agency is in discussions with county leadership about a potential new public safety headquarters that would address future facility needs, Passwaters said.

WCPS hosts skilled trades summer courses

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) School system personnel and community leaders were invited this week to take part in a walk-through of Worcester Tech’s skilled trade summer camp, where, students have two weeks to explore alternative careers in fields such as biomedical engineering, agriculture, and culinary arts.

On Monday, July 20, Worcester County Public Schools Superintendent Annette Wallace, board of education members, county commissioners, and other community figures toured Worcester Technical High School’s S.T.A.T.T. (Skilled Trades, Agriculture, Tourism, and Technology) Camp.

Program leaders took attendees from classroom to classroom, where they watched teachers instruct students in how to create a charcuterie box in culinary arts, the best techniques for a manicure in cosmetology, and methods for 3D printing.

During S.T.A.T.T., students choose two pathways, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, to prioritize throughout the two weeks. These options include: robotics and drones, culinary and pastry arts, digital art, carpentry, fire science, agricultural science, cosmetology, plumbing, biomedical engineering, 3D printing,

music and video production, and laser cutting.

Two terms of S.T.A.T.T. Camp were available this summer. One was held from July 6 to July 16, and another from July 20 to 30.

Worcester Tech Principal Tony Bevilacqua said that about threequarters of the camp’s students signed up for both of the program’s sessions. Monday’s tour coincided with the first day of the program’s second segment.

The camp is open to rising 8th through 12th grade students in Worcester County. Of the 119 enrolled, seven students are homeschooled or attend a private school, and 51, or 42%, are minorities. Of the 119 kids, 10% are Hispanic, 6% are multi-race, and 25% are African American.

In addition, 19% of the participating students fall into the special education subgroup, while 38% are economically disadvantaged.

This week’s tour allowed community members to witness the value the school system provides by offering instruction in nontraditional career tracks.

In the cosmetology lab, guests watched students learn how to conduct manicures.

The walkthrough then headed to the restaurant-grade kitchen, where

Chef Phil Cropper was teaching the young learners knife skills. Hand in hand with that lesson was an activity in which the students prepared miniature charcuterie boxes.

Cropper said that as part of that task, the juvenile chefs were to make ranch dressing from scratch, cut up carrot and celery sticks, and create pepperoni roses to enhance the cheese board’s presentation.

The tour also stopped by the tech school’s outdoor garden where stu-

dents in the agricultural science program were working. Making a special appearance were the facility’s two goats, who are used as therapy animals for the kids and faculty in the building.

Kids in the laser cutting pathway were creating artwork with design software and 3D laser cutting technology, the biomedical engineering class was delving into the subject’s principles and concepts, and digital artists

Maintenance tips for your vacation property

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(July 24, 2026) Vacation homes have accounted for roughly 5%–8% of all home sales purchases in recent years, according to the National Association of REALTORS’® (NAR) Confidence Index. Here on the Eastern Shore, we know that paradise doesn’t just happen naturally—it requires preventive maintenance and care. Here are excerpts on the top considerations from the NAR Consumer Guide on how second home buyers can plan and gain maximum enjoyment in owning a vacation house.

STATT camp free for eligible kids

Continued from Page 72

were learning how to use the program’s apps.

S.T.A.T.T. Camp is free of charge to all eligible families. The Rural Maryland Council and the Worcester County Government provided the funding.

1. Weather: Have service professionals in the area who can check on your home, especially during times of inclement weather. For example, your property on the coast may be prone to hurricane winds and rain, so having someone close shutters or bring in outdoor furniture is of key importance.

2. Maintenance To-Dos: Second homeowners should consider the essential items that require due diligence, such as mechanical systems, roofing, pipes, trees, lawn and gardens, and pests. A checklist like one that owners would follow to manage a primary residence works well for vacation property systems and appliances. Vacation homeowners may want to pay special attention to matters that might arise

when they’re not present. Consider items like the need for water to be turned off if the homeowner leaves for an extended period.

3. Tech Hacks: Homeowners might use smart technology to monitor systems for safety. When connected to the right smart-home devices, apps like Nest and Arlo make it easy to check everything from room temperature to whoever left a package at the door.

4. Property Management: To ensure routine maintenance and more targeted checks, especially before and after a storm, vacation homeowners can hire a property manager or a watch service. Most companies offering property management services provide customized plans based on frequency of use, services rendered and square

footage.

5. Insurance: Because vacation homes are often left vacant for extended periods, there’s a greater risk of an insurance claim. Physical damage may occur without anyone knowing for some time what occurred, which could worsen the issue. There’s also more possibility of vandalism and break-ins. Because of these factors, most companies require a larger mandatory deductible for the home. Coverage for a second home in a hazardous weather area may be hard to come by or be limited. And some also require a higher wind and hail deductible or exclude it completely.

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

by Steve Green

BThe Adventures of Fatherhood

ecause of the algorithms and eavesdropping done by social media outlets these days, my feeds on Facebook and Instagram are full of stuff about college drop-offs and freshman year advice.

At home, we have begun shipping items to Beckett’s school, High Point. A nice thing about the school is we can ship items, like a mini fridge and sheets, direct to the school and the items will be placed in his room. It helps to cut down on the stress of move-in day.

I have not given one thought to the move-in day chaos, but I have spent far too much time wondering how the drive home is going to be after parting ways. I expect mixed feelings and thoughts as well as a ton of emotions.

Because the internet knows where my head is evidently, this story from the grownandflown.com website hit home. The headline read, “6 things you should never do as a parent of a college student.” The advice comes from Dr. Lori Smith, a mom who also serves as the Director of Student Disability Services at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Here’s a recap in part:

As a parent, I know how hard it can be to let go and allow our children to manage the bumps and bruises of life. I wish to protect my daughter from every difficulty and shield her from every hurt. However, as a higher education professional, I know I can’t, and shouldn’t, parent with that as my priority.

In my work, I see the effects of hyper-involved parents who have been more concerned with preparing the path for their child than with preparing their child for the course. Their parental over-involvement may come from love but may not, in the end, succeed in producing confident, capable adults.

Here are some signs you may be over-parenting your college student and suggestions about what you can do.

1. You contact their professors because you didn’t like a grade/want to ask for clarification on an assignment/want to ask for an absence to be excused/want to ask for an exten-

sion on an assignment due date

Unless your child is incapacitated (heaven forbid), this is not okay. It doesn’t matter if you are paying your student’s tuition. Professors do not want to hear from parents. They want to hear from their students and engage them in these conversations…

2. You say “we” and “our” when discussing your student’s college experiences.

YOU are not joining the sorority or taking Bio, so stop that! This subtle pronoun choice communicates a lot to your student. It can make them feel pressured to achieve what will make them happy. Conversely, it could make it easier for your student to “check out” on taking responsibility for making things happen.

After all, if “we” want something, “we” will handle it. Also, it sends a message that you are personally invested in these experiences to a level that goes beyond concern for your student. It sends the message that these things are about you when they aren’t. On a side note, it’s also a red flag to higher education professionals that you are overly involved in your student’s college life.

3. You read their emails and check their assignment grades regularly. Put down the passwords! You don’t need to know everything. I think it’s reasonable to request final course grades at the end of each semester if you are supporting your college student financially. Beyond that, stay out of the minutiae. You don’t need to know what they earned on every test. You don’t need to know what their professors and friends email them.

… A little adversity goes far beyond over-parenting in moving a college student toward good habits. If final course grades come out and they are less than desirable, talk to your student about what changes he or she needs to make to avoid the same mistakes. Make sure they are aware of campus resources such as academic coaching, tutoring, and professor office hours. Reiterate your expectations for their performance next semester.

4. You call them to wake them up for class.

If they are bright enough to get into college, they are bright enough to figure out how to get themselves out of bed. This is a basic life skill that they need to learn now (and probably should have learned in middle or high school). All kinds of wild alarm clocks are on the market, from the super loud to the bed shakers, to the ones that fly around the room until you catch them. Tell your student about them and ask them to pick one if a regular old alarm clock isn’t cutting it.

5. You beg them to come home frequently (with the bribe of doing their laundry).

… Students who leave campus frequently don’t connect with their institutions or other students (a critical factor in college success and completion).

Students who go often also don’t study enough. Especially during their first year, encourage your student to get involved on campus and spend time on the weekends studying and working on papers…

6. You contact the university when your student can’t get into a class they want/earned a grade they don’t like/has a conflict with a roommate/doesn’t like their math tutor, etc.

… Barring an incapacitating event, resist contacting university offices (and professors, as previously mentioned) to get information or “fix” things for your student. Talk with them about their concerns, and coach them on whom to call and how to express themselves. Help them think through the resolution they seek and how to ask for what they want.

… Ultimately, we must love them enough to get out of their way and know they can handle it. Trust them to do well, but know that mistakes will be made. Trust them to survive those mistakes, learn from them, and emerge as confident, capable adults who will make us proud.

(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.)

Swimming skills: the foundation for surfers’ paddling

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(July 24, 2026) It should be obvious to any surfer, though maybe not in the forefront of any surfer’s mind. Swimming should be as much a part of surfing as any other factor in surfing’s circumstances.

Back in the day, before surf leashes, if a surfer were to wipe out, loose his board, and what do you think he’d be doing? Swimming, of course.

Swimming is a lot like paddling, except that no board is involved. And vice versa. Paddling is a lot like swimming, except that, indeed, a surfboard or some type of board is involved.

Lately the surf hasn’t been too good. This doesn’t help the idea of going surfing. But it does endorse the notion of going swimming. Unfortunately, I haven’t been surfing in too long of a time. But swimming? Yes there’s been a lot of that going on. t’s great exercise and helps one cool off, especially in this recent hot weather. In previous times and even in more recent ones the idea of a waterman, one whose activities were concentrated around the water, were and are prevalent. Surfing, swimming, sailing, fishing, stand-up paddling, etcetera, were and are all elements of the waterman.

Swimming will still serve as a basis for water activity. Learning how is key as well as increasing proficiency in all of the other water-based sports/activities. It’s good exercise and a great way to cool off on a hot summer day.

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

Grilled pineapple adorned with burrata, pistachios

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(July 24, 2026) Is cooking an art? This concept will always be up for debate because conclusion is not clear-cut.

What is the definition of art and how does it relate to food comes to the forefront. What defines the process of cooking and how it relates artistically to the entire dish is another consideration. And finally, how one balances art with taste is a constant calculation.

The paradox of taste is another factor to take into account. Discrepancies are psychological and physiological, so what are the standards of judgement? Personal preference is a big factor which adds to the state of uncertainty.

Art evokes emotion and food is no exception. Although this criterion seems a legitimate argument, one has to pay close attention to what degree the senses stimulated. And in reality, is this enough to be classified as a work of art?

While there are no definitive answers, one should always strive for beautification. Get in touch with your inner artist and let the magic begin. Remember, we eat not only with our mouths but also our eyes.

Finally, food is a blessing and should be treated with respect. Glorify this miraculous wonder with every meal. It is then; one understands the importance of thankfulness.

Summer is synonymous with grilling. Burgers, ribs, and veggies sizzle their way to the peak of the season. But how often do we think about grilling fruits? Grilling intensifies the flavors as the natural sugars caramelize. Juicy fruits can get even juicier, and the smoke from the grill adds depth of flavor. Specificity equates knowledge, so let us discuss the endless possibilities of grilled fruit in more detail.

Just about any fruit can be grilled. Peaches, plums, watermelon, pineapple, oranges, lemons, and bananas are just a sampling.

Fruit kabobs with a spiced Cool Whip are delicious and simple. It is important to clean the grates of your grill, followed by a quick dusting of cooking spray. Grill whole pieces of fruit, then cut them to the desired shapes. Skewer the fruit, be mindful of shape and color.

Add a few pinches of cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and Chinese five spice to the Cool Whip. The spiced Cool Whip pairs beautifully with the smokey, grilled fruit.

Salsa is popular year-round. Take advantage of the summer and offer grilled fruit salsa. This tasty twist can be served with chips or can be presented as a side with frilled meats or fish.

Grilled fruits, poblano peppers, tomatoes, sweet onions, and cilantro are finely chopped and mixed with agave syrup, lime juice, and kosher salt. This colorful dish is not only eye catching but will add a wow factor to any menu.

Years ago, I stayed at the Four Seasons Hotel in Hawaii. Breakfast is predictable, but not in this case. A slice of pineapple that was soaked in dark rum and grilled was offered as a garnish on my plate. So much atten-

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

Wheels of chance, commonly known as “Penny Wheels”, were popular Boardwalk games in the 1920s and ‘30s. For a small fee, often a penny or a nickel, people could spin a large wooden wheel and hopefully win a prize depending upon where it stopped. The reward could include a stuffed animal, a Kewpie doll, money, or nothing at all. Inexpensive and easy to play these wheels were very popular during the Great Depression.

Nathan Rapoport was a well-known games operator on the Ocean City Boardwalk and his concession stand included live mouse races and ring toss games as well as the popular Penny Wheel. His original building (shown above) is still owned by his heirs and currently leased to Dumser’s Dairyland. The original 1930s Penny Wheel is on display at the Museum of Ocean City.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo and historical information courtesy of Cara Downey/OC Museum Society

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Watching the antics of kids at play in a pool

Puffy clouds with a blue sky backdrop

Eggs Benedict at brunch

Clearing my desk at the end of the week

Deep talks with my teenager

Golf carts with sweet tires

Catching dinner on a fishing trip

Assateague wildlife pictures

Watching surfers on big wave days

A yard full of kids at play

Extending the benefit of the doubt when possible

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tion to detail and I was instantly in love.

Marinate four slices of pineapple in one cup of dark rum, two tablespoons of brown sugar, and one-half t one teaspoon ground cinnamon, two teaspoons vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Allow the rum mixture to drip off and grill both sides of the pineapple.

Preparing grilled fruits are as easy as it gets. In addition, fruits are very cost effective which means they are easy on one’s wallet.

Sweet and salty is a combination hard to beat. Imagine if you add a grilled component to the equation. Grilled pineapple topped with burrata, chopped pistachios, and a drizzle of honey is a play on taste and texture. This creative variation on cheese and crackers can be put together very quickly.

Sometimes the simplest dish can make the most impression. Grilled pineapple embellished with burrata, chopped pistachios, and a drizzle of honey served with your favorite crackers is sure to be a hit. Enjoy!

Grilled pineapple

Ingredients

3 slices of pineapple

1 ball of burrata chopped pistachios honey favorite crackers or slices of toasted baguette

1. Remove the outer edge and core of the pineapple. Grill both sides. Set aside.

2. Cut the pieces of pineapple into bite size pieces. Arrange on the serving plate. Try to get them as close together as possible.

3. Place a ball of burrata in the center of the pineapple. Cut it in half and open it up. Make little slits on the outside of the burrata so it completely opens up.

4. Garnish with a generous amount of chopped pistachios.

5. Drizzle honey over the entire dish.

6. Serve with favorite crackers.

Secret Ingredient – Cooking

Real cooking is more about following your heart than following recipes.

— Unknown

City Hall, church doing right thing

There are no bad guys involved in the dispute between St. Paul’s By-the-Sea Episcopal Church and the Town of Ocean City, as they head to federal court to determine whether the church may operate an on-premises homeless shelter.

This disagreement between the two is just the latest iteration of the age-old question of when, or if, the laws of mortals might supersede the authority of the Almighty.

As it is, the church is invoking the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, which exempts churches from some zoning regulations if they can show that the affected programs are part of its religious exercise.

St. Paul’s, obviously, contends that’s the case as it ministers to the unfortunate by taking in the homeless and penniless. City officials, meanwhile, argue that the zoning laws that forbid homeless shelters in residential zones are designed with the health, safety and welfare of the community in mind.

Because the church is citing the religious land use act in seeking the exemption, the city’s attorneys must argue that its actions to force the shelter’s closure are based on long-established regulations that have nothing to do with religion.

These are not new arguments and have been before the courts in recent years, with local governments generally winning any disputes. In this instance, Ocean City government has reason for concern. It was just recently that a church volunteer was threatened by a man who was refused entry into the shelter because it was after curfew.

Further, the shelter’s crowded circumstances leave so much to be desired that the city can’t look the other way without opening another set of complicated problems: if the church is exempt from land use regulations, is it also exempt from government rules on total occupancy, health and hygiene and safety?

As much as St. Paul’s is committed to helping the unfortunate, its leadership needs to recognize that City Hall is trying to do the right thing too, even if it is in the secular world.

A soccer fan is born

I watched a least two weeks’ worth of World Cup soccer earlier this month and I’ve learned quite a bit about the world’s most popular spot.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

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STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, BRIAN SHANE

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By Stewart Dobson

For one thing, I didn’t know what I was missing. Even though I have a tough time sitting through a tight, one-run baseball game, I can easily spend 90 minutes or more watching a scoreless tie.

To be clear, I’m not a fan of ballet, but I think soccer is what would happen if you gave a ballet troupe a ball and said, “Go run around and kick the stuffings out of each other. And here are some rules. You can ignore most of them.”

People do run all over the place in soccer, and one of them might even have the ball briefly. This is until he inexplicably collapses on the pitch (See? A real soccer word for ‘field’”) and grabs his leg.

I don’t quite understand what’s going on. A player can hit the ground for no apparent reason and point to an opposing player. I think he’s tells the ref, “He looked at me funny!” and hopes for a positive outcome.

But out of all the flipping and flopping, I saw maybe one actual foul—which, naturally, wasn’t called. I yelled in outrage, because that’s what we soccer fans do.

In the meantime, I’ve concluded that soccer only has four rules: offside, out of bounds, tripping, and overacting. The referees seem to invent the rest as the game progresses.

“What’s this?” I protested during one match. “A red card for Horst VanGlockenspiel? What did he do?”

“Apparently,” said my wife, whose extra 30 minutes of viewing time qualified her as an expert, “he called someone a bad name while holding his hand over his mouth so the ref couldn’t see it.”

That’s a real rule in FIFA play. It’s called “Concealing Communication.” It means if you’re going to tell someone he’s a very naughty boy, you can’t hide the words behind your hand. I suppose it’s so the referees can read your lips and judge the insult on its merits.

Based on my observations, any Czech word will get you thrown out because they all sound terrible, even when they aren't.

“Hey pal,” you say, “To je ale rozkošný kbelík koulí!”

The next thing you know, you’re on the train home because you told an opposing player, “What a lovely bucket of doorknobs.”

As for the flopping, I’ve never seen anything to match it. Some of these guys get jostled by a light breeze and immediately start flapping around on the grass like a freshly caught flounder.

Nevertheless, I really enjoyed watching the World Cup, even if I didn’t understand exactly what went on. It is kind of like taking your dog to a baseball game. He doesn’t understand the infield fly rule, but he sure loves watching the ball.

Eventually, I got so wrapped up in the tournament that I began to appreciate the nuances of the sport. I even felt qualified to explain things to others.

“Why are some of the players wearing bibs?” my wife asked during a break in the action.

“Oh, that’s easy,” I replied. “They’re going out for lobster right after the match.”

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

There are several different reasons for Maryland to consider a special legislative session this summer. The one issue that does not rise to meriting a special convening at taxpayer expense is to gerrymander a congressional district.

The ever-rising cost of energy does, however, require legislative attention as many Marylanders are unable to keep up with the expenses amid flat wages. Another issue to consider would be the teen takeovers causing problems across the state. The state’s structural deficit also deserves its own evaluation, which should include how a surplus four years ago has turned into a dire situation where the state’s bond rating has declined.

Another matter – which will have a tough haul in this state – would be considering whether a portion of the state’s sales tax should be returned to the jurisdictions of origin, whether at the county or municipal level. According to the Census, Worcester County is estimated to generate about $70 million in sales tax for the state, which gets to keep all of it for the state’s general fund. This is an issue that’s expected to be discussed by a task force approved by the legislature earlier this year.

Slicing up the sales tax revenue is an issue for another day, but it’s clear Maryland’s leadership is intent on ignoring the issues top of mind to citizens. I agree with how The Baltimore Sun put it in an editorial this week, “There are so many critical issues facing the state of Maryland right now that could have a direct impact on the quality of life for Maryland residents. If the General Assembly can find time to weigh in on national politics, Maryland residents would appreciate if some of that time were dedicated to improving the quality of life for those of us paying their salaries as well.” ***

On the teen takeover front, the Maryland Municipal League and the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association backed an earlier request by Ocean City for legislators to work together and craft regs allowing for criminal accountability for individuals intent on organizing and promoting unlawful gatherings. While the intent is sound and there’s no question these quick pop-ups put police in jeopardy and disrupt quality of life, the path forward will be an interesting legal battle involving freedom of speech protections.

The concept of teen takeovers has been around for years, but the increased frequency and scale are new. Each takeover seems to be unique. In Ocean City, the violence seen elsewhere, such as in Chicago over Memorial Day weekend, has not been an issue to date. It’s more about perception. For instance, Ocean City made national news last July 4 for all the wrong reasons when videos of a Boardwalk stampede went viral after an individual allegedly set off a firework that was initially thought to be gunfire. This year’s Independence Day weekend saw large gatherings and small-scale takeovers, but most of the arrests were of the senior week variety – disorderly conducts, assaulting a mount, obstructing, affray, assault and malicious destruction of property.

Ocean City should not stand for the busiest weekend of the summer to feel more like senior week than a patriotic celebration for families. In many ways, Ocean City has experience in the concept of teen takeovers, dating back to the H2Oi days. Readers will recall the actual H2Oi event was real and organized by an Ocean Pines resident. Social media antagonists ruined the weekend by overwhelming law enforcement and ruining Ocean City for its traditional visitors. The resort was successful in stomping out the event through a concerted effort that included police social media monitoring, threats to organizers and legislation to enact a special enforcement zone. The goal was to ensure a horrible experience for those intent on coming to Ocean City to cause havoc. The result was the folks went elsewhere.

The issue with the teen takeovers is they are not as predictable as the H2Oi miscreants. It would be wise for the state to weigh different options and it’s unfortunate the summer special session will not be the time.

***

Scooter activity on Ocean City’s Coastal Highway seems to be reduced this summer. I come to this conclusion based on my own observations traveling through the city multiple times every day. Most of the scooter operators this summer seem to be simply using them for employment transportation. I do occasionally see scooters blow through a traffic light, but bicyclists do it sometimes as well.

The data seems to support the observation usage is waning. So far this summer there have been 10 scooter-involved collisions, compared to 13 to date last summer. There were 51 total scooter collisions last year compared to 32 in 2024. On the education front, the Ocean City Police Department reported this week officers have had 24 interactions to date with riders compared to 51 in all of 2025.

Offshore wind a common sense solution

Editor,

(The following letter is in response to Reid Detchon’s letter last week in support of offshore wind.)

Thank you for your cogent and well-crafted letter to the editor, appearing in the July 17, 2026, edition of the OC Today-Dispatch, dispelling the myths and falsehoods used, by our mayor and the lying, fat felon currently occupying the White House, to whip up opposition to a common sense solution to our appetite for electricity.

Another possible solution is that those opposed to wind power can cease using electricity.

Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Ocean City

Are we getting full value from the pier agreement?

Editor,

I am sitting here looking at my current tax bill, pushing it around my desk to different corners thinking it might shrink. A 20% increase over previous levels is concerning to say the least.

I opened this after a pleasant weekend with visiting family, including the obligatory trip to the boardwalk and our impressive pier. While the pier is one of our landmarks and without question something to be proud of, it seems that it could be so much more. A friend mentioned that while the city technically owns the pier, it has been leased to private interests for decades.

This got me wondering are we—in terms of the city—getting our value from the pier in tax revenue, if we were then maybe that bill on my desk

wouldn’t be so high. In fact, the seemingly endless events ranging from the major concerts, to spring and fall fests, to the cruising and bike weeks, represent substantial revenue streams. As a resident with homes here since the 1960’s I appreciate the services we have here like police, fire, maintenance, great beaches, etc. but given the aforementioned events that fill hotel rooms and restaurants, are we taxpayers seeing any of that to lower taxes, not increase them.

Going back to the pier, there may be lessons to be drawn from the now failed effort to build a Margaritaville in the 14th street area. While some claimed this was gross commercialization and would ruin the area, that is countered with the argument that the Jimmy Buffet inspired resorts are top-notch, first-rate facilities and would bring some class and panache to town, elevating us further to a national destination. For those lamenting potential change, this was proposed in the shadow of the major hotels in that same area that have slowly and surely replaced the string of 1950’s motels along Baltimore Avenue up to 33rd Street, freshening and modernizing that whole stretch.

You can’t help but wonder what major corporations like Margaritaville, Disney, Busch Gardens, Six Flags, and Universal might be able to do with the pier. Look at the facelift the Wedge gave to the area facing the inlet, transforming it to a beautiful scenic venue. The same could be done with the businesses at the base of the pier, bringing them into the modern world and attracting locals and tourists alike. According to my friend who is a real old timer and spendthrift, it is unclear how the lease was issued and whether it was

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even competitively bid. This would seem to be a good issue for our prospective council members to investigate as part of an overall austerity effort. In fact, what politician wouldn’t want an issue like this to run on—ensuring we are getting full value of the city’s assets and passing that along to us taxpayers.

I would think there would be minutes or a record of such a lease of the pier, perhaps someone either on the council or seeking a seat could look into this.

Doug Durante Ocean City

Mail your letter to editor@octodaydispatch.com

All letters are subject to editing for clarity and potentially libelous material

OPA board ballots due back Aug. 5

Five

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(July 24, 2026) Time is running out for Ocean Pines Association homeowners to help shape the community’s leadership team as the deadline to cast ballots for the OPA Board of Directors election draws near.

The makeup of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors will be decided in a mere two weeks. Residents intending to make their voices heard have until noon on Aug. 5 to vote for who they wish to see on the neighborhood’s governing body.

This year, five candidates are cam-

BOOK SALE

paigning for the three seats on the seven-person board. Incumbents are Board President John Latham and Director Elaine Brady, who are seeking re-election. Director Patrick Lehnerd is running to retain the seat he was appointed to this spring following the resignation of former Director Steve Jacobs.

Additionally, residents Amy Peck and William “Bill” Pickett are hoping to secure a seat as this year’s election challengers.

The three candidates voted in next month will each serve a three-year term.

Latham, the current board president, has served as the board secretary and is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a master’s degree in business.

Latham said last month that among his top priorities is maintaining Ocean Pines’ infrastructure while keeping assessments affordable.

Brady comes from a career in the newspaper industry. During that time, she served on several boards, including the Maryland-DelawareD.C. Press Association and the United Way of the Eastern Shore.

Brady said in June that she hopes to continue collaborating with General Manager John Viola on responsible budgets that allow operations staff to maintain services while pur-

suing homeowner-requested projects when feasible.

Lehnerd joined the board in March. The appointee has more than four decades of engineering and leadership experience in the defense and space industry. During his career, he served in positions ranging from engineer and team lead to program manager and director.

Lehnerd has stated that communication is one of the association’s greatest challenges.

Peck is again looking to break into the OPA Board. The challenger has a background in teaching and paralegal work.

Peck served on the OPA board from October 2021 to August 2022 after being appointed to carry out the remainder of a former member’s term, who had resigned. Peck ran for the board of directors in the past, including in 2024 and 2025.

This time around, Peck’s campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, transparency, and resident engagement.

At an elections forum in June, she criticized what she described as unnecessary spending on projects such as a recent tiki bar expansion. She also expressed concerns about the elimination of volunteer advisory committees, which were axed last fall.

SUSAN M. KINDRED

Baltimore

Susan Marie Kindred, age 67, passed away on July 13, 206 in Baltimore, Maryland. Born on June 14, 1959, in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of Henrietta Kralick and the late Melvin Charles Kindred.

Susie was a US Army veteran before becoming an employee with the University of Maryland Baltimore County. She eventually moved on to retire from Catsonville Community College as a security guard.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her grandparents – Anna Kralick and Henry Kralick.

In addition to her loving mother, Susan is survived by her sister – Lynn Houser; her brother – Kenny Kindred; her aunts – Marian Payer and Anna Hack; her cousins – Mark Kralick, Terry Gyi, Stephen Payer (Kathy), Frank Payer, Marie Kramer (Jim), Rose Trego (Tom), and Robert Keefer (late Beverly); her nephews –Curtis M. Creamer and Christopher M. Creamer; and her dear friend and neighbor – Earl Ridenour.

A viewing was held at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin on Thursday July 23, 2026 from 2 to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to a charity of your choice in Susan’s honor. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.

Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home-Berlin.

CHARLIE TWILLEY

Salisbury

Charles W. “Charlie” Twilley, 85, of Salisbury, Maryland, passed away peacefully at home on July 6, 2026, following a long illness, with his beloved wife Nancy Lee at his side.

Born on September 29, 1940, Charlie grew up in Salisbury, where community and education were staples of his family life. He attended Mardela High School, graduating with the class of 1958. The institution was deeply tied to his family; his father, William Edgar Twilley, served as the Principal, and his mother, Virginia Mae Twilley, was a teacher. During his

high school years, Charlie was a star athlete, excelling on both the basketball court and the baseball diamond. It was also during this foundational time that he discovered what would become a lifelong passion: the game of golf. After high school, he attended the University of Maryland, where he was a proud member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon (TKE) Fraternity. Charlie’s professional career was diverse and marked by his ability to connect with people. He began his professional journey behind the lens as a school pictures and studio photographer. Later, he transitioned into sales, working with the BurnettWhite Tire Company. He ultimately spent the final twenty years of his professional career working at Mann Properties in Ocean City, Maryland,

Continued on Page 82

Results to be announced at annual meeting

Continued from Page 80

The candidate maintained that the reduction of these committees has severely limited opportunities for resident input.

Pickett has more than 40 years of experience in operations, technology, and organizational management, including 26 years as a chief information officer for Maryland private

schools. He also served 20 years in the U.S. Coast Guard and previously sat on the Maryland Education Enterprise Consortium Board of Directors.

Pickett has stated that improving communication and organizational processes would be among his priorities if elected to the Ocean Pines board.

Residents may cast their votes for the three board seats up for grabs until noon on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Ballots can be dropped off at a box at the Administration Building at White Horse Park or submitted online.

The firm handling this summer’s voting cycle is the Pittsburgh-based MK Election, which partnered with OPA for their elections in 2024 and

2025. MK mailed paper ballots and emailed electronic forms late last month. The vendor will tabulate the votes on Aug. 7, which will be available for public viewing. A link for the observable count will be made at a later date.

The results are planned to be certified on Aug. 8 at Ocean Pines’ annual meeting.

Continued from Page 81

working alongside his childhood best friend Buck Mann.

Charlie was truly at home on the golf course. A lifelong, avid lover of the sport, he played several days a week. His talent earned him a place in local sports circles and some of his golf trophies still remain proudly on display at the Salisbury Elks Club where he was a member for almost 40 years. He was also a long-standing member of the Greenhill Yacht and Country Club, where he spent many happy hours with lifelong friends pursuing his favorite pastime.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edgar and Virginia Mae Twilley, as well as his sister, Phyllis Beach of Delmar.

Charlie is survived by his wife Nancy Lee Twilley and his son Curt Twilley; as well as his nephews Barry Beach and Brent Beach, three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He will be missed and remembered with love by his wife and close friends Bill Johnston and Buck Mann.

A celebration of life will be held in the Fall and will be announced at a later date.

ESTHER ‘SUE’ WELSCH

Berlin

Esther “Sue” Alexandria (Kaplan) Welsch passed away peacefully on the morning of July 20, 2026, at Chesa-

peake Manor Assisted Living Center, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Sue was born on March 12, 1943, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Alexander Kaplan and Helen (Davis) Kaplan. She spent her childhood in Florida, New Jersey; and Baltimore, Maryland. She graduated from Eastern High School in Baltimore in 1961 before attending Baltimore Business College, where she graduated in 1963 and later returned as an instructor.Sue worked as a radiological medical transcriptionist at St. Agnes Hospital and North Arundel Hospital. In 2002, she became one of the first remote workers in Ocean City, Maryland, establishing one of the earliest high-speed internet connections on the island.

In 1966, Sue met the love of her life, Lewis Andrew Welsch Jr., after noticing he had left his car headlights on and knocking on his door to let him know. They were married on October 19, 1968, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and shared nearly 58 wonderful years together.

They raised two sons. Daniel (Danny) Lewis Welsch was born in 1973, followed two years later by David Lewis Welsch.

Sue’s greatest joy was her family.

She also loved the beach, spring daffodils, and spending time with her many friends and extended family. An exceptional cook and baker, she was especially known for her potato salad and raspberry cheesecake, and she passed her love of cooking on to both of her sons.

Music was a constant presence in Sue’s life, especially jazz, and there was almost always a radio playing nearby. Some of her happiest moments were spent with Lew on the porch of their Ocean City home, sharing conversations, music, and a drink, or relaxing together on the beach at 128th Street, turning their chairs throughout the day to follow the warmth of the sun.

Sue was preceded in death by her parents and her younger sister, Victoria “Vicky” Kaplan.

She is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Lewis “Lew” Andrew Welsch Jr.; her sons, Daniel (Danny) Welsch and his wife, Jodi, of Frostburg, Maryland, and David Welsch and his wife, Misty, of Ocean Pines, Maryland; and her five cherished grandchildren, Ethan, Zoe, Joshua, Caleb, and Darcy, of whom she was immensely proud.

A celebration of Sue’s life will be held at a later date.

Sue’s kindness, warmth, and unwavering love for her family and friends will be remembered always. She will be deeply missed by all who

knew her, loved her, and were fortunate enough to be loved by her.

LOIS KING

Ocean City

Lois Jean (Kane) King, 92, died peacefully on July 20, 2026. Formerly of Pikesville and Ocean City, she was born on November 22, 1933, in Baltimore and was the daughter of Leonard Francis Kane and Sarah Elizabeth (Baxter) (Kane) Wood. She is survived by her three sons, Steven L. King and his wife Karen B. King of Hollywood, M; James T. King and his wife Susan King of Parsonsburg and William L. King, Jr. of Wilmington, New York. She is survived by her seven grandchildren, Christopher J. King and his wife Evelyn King of Hollywood; Erin E. King of Hollywood; Patricia (King) Tubbs and her husband Kyle Tubbs of Frankford, Del.; Hannah (King) Ginn and her husband Prentiss Ginn of Pittsville; Alexandria King of Parsonsburg; Jared King of Salisbury; and Sierra (King) Scherer and her husband Billy Scherer of Orange Park, Fla. She is survived by 9 great grandchildren: Gabriella King; Jordyn Ginn; Raina Ginn; Fiona Tubbs; Harlow Tubbs; Asher Tubbs; Kaitlyn Scherer; Ethan Scherer; and Jayden

Scherer. Lois was preceded in death by her three sisters, Gail (Kane) Miller, Linthicum; Anne (Kane) Lindsay; Kathryn (Kane) Howarth, Hamilton, ON, Canada.

Lois loved steamed crabs and strawberries, country music, dancing, the beach, swimming in the ocean, bike riding, ice skating, babies, and wearing bright colored clothing. A member of the first graduating class (1952) of Milford Mill Senior High School, Baltimore County, MD, Lois never missed her class reunions. Her last one was her 69th. She loved her “Golden Years” with her senior friends in Ocean City dancing with Ed Bush at Jordon’s Roof Top, at Duffy’s, and line dancing at the Rec Center. She adored her three sons, her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and her many nieces and nephews. She retired to Cedar Lane Senior Living Community in 2019 in Leonardtown, St. Mary’s County, near her beloved son, Steve, and his family.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m., in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, Md. Prayers will be recited at 7 p.m. Graveside service and interment will

be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 1 p.m., at the Mount Olive United Methodist Church Cemetery, 5115 Old Court Road, Randallstown.

Serving as pallbearers will be Steve King, Christopher King, Tim King, Prentiss Ginn, Kyle Tubbs, and Jared King. Honorary pallbearer will be Stu Garlington.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.mgfh.com.

Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home and Cremation Services, P.A., Leonardtown.

SAMUEL D. HARRELL

Dagsboro, Del.

Samuel David Harrell, of Dagsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on July 20, 2026. He was born on November 14, 1938, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Samuel Clifton Harrell and Olive C. Tingle Murray.

Sam proudly served his country in both the Delaware National Guard and the United States Air Force.

Sam lived a full and accomplished life. He retired as a Captain with the Delaware State Police and later became a successful local businessman,

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owning Tingle’s Package Store and Harrell’s Jewelers in Millsboro. He was also a commercial fisherman operating out of the harbor in West Ocean City, often with his trusty sidekick, Callie, by his side.

He is survived by his loving wife, Debby Harrell; his two sisters, Joye Sammons of Dagsboro, Delaware, and Peggy West and her husband, Eugene, of Georgetown, Delaware; his stepson, Mike Birmingham and his wife, Kelly, of Dagsboro; and his stepdaughter, Chrissy Kashuba and her husband, Brendan, of Ocean City, Maryland. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews and extended family.

Above all, Sam was the incredibly proud “Poppy Sam” to his pride and

joy—his grandchildren, Devin, Marley, Lorelei, Sully, Alex, Jaxson, Wyatt, New and Kallie. They brought tremendous happiness to his life, and the love and memories they shared with him will always be treasured.

One of Sam’s greatest joys was playing softball. It remained one of his absolute favorite things throughout his life, and he continued playing until retiring from the game in 2025. Just as meaningful as the game itself were the lasting friendships he formed along the way.

Sam will be remembered as a man who served proudly, worked hard and treasured his family above everything—leaving behind a life well lived and a legacy his family will always carry with pride.

Services will be private.

Online condolences can be made by visiting, www.melsonfuneralservices.com.

KIDS CLASSIC IN REVIEW

The Ocean City Marlin Club’s Kids Classic was held last weekend. The winners by division are listed: Billfish Release: Boy’s Toy, three white, and Luci Bri, one blue marlin; Wahoo: Luci Bri, 44.6 pounds; Bluefin Tuna: Reel Chaos, 78.6 pounds, Power Factor, 74.8 pounds, and Brass Monkey, 72.8 pounds; Mahi: Boy’s Toy, 6.6 pounds, Luci Bri, 6.2 pounds, and Boy’s Toy, 6 pounds; Spanish Mackeral: Grande Pez, 1.8 pounds, Allen Crew, 1.8 pounds, and Allen Crew and Tighten Up, 1.6 pounds each; Flounder: Just One More sweeps with 4, 3.4 and 3.2 pounders; Bluefish: Team Duffie, 5.2 pounds, Team Duffie, 4.8 pounds, and MR Ducks, .8 pounds; Spot: Trouble Makers, 1.8 pounds, Miss Mary, 1.6 pounds; Croaker: Parkers Pirates, 1.6 pounds, Team Duffie, 1.2 pounds, and Team Duffie, 1 pounds; Sea Bass: Reel Chaos, 3 pounds, Reel Chaos, 1.8 pounds and Alternating Currents and Ro Sham Bo, 1.6 pounds tie; and Bonito, Allen Crew sweeps with 2 pounders. Pictured are some of the highlights from the Sunset Marina weigh-ins.

OP swimmer to attend top-level competition

Kate Wanner to compete at championships, precursor to the Olympic Trials events

(July 24, 2026) The Ocean Pines Swim Team has announced Kate Wanner will compete at the 2026 USA Swimming Futures Championships in Knoxville, Tennessee, July 29–Aug. 1. Futures is the second tier of USA Swimming's National Championship series — the pathway that ultimately leads to Olympic Trials — and marks the highest-level competition ever attended by an OPST swimmer.

A rising junior at Stephen Decatur High School, Wanner first qualified to attend Futures at the 2025 Maryland Senior State Championships. She has qualified in three events — the 50, 100 and 200 Breaststroke — and will also

compete in multiple time trial events throughout the four-day championship.

Wanner joined the team at 8 years old and has been setting new standards ever since. A true trailblazer for the program, she currently holds 32 individual OPST records and, this past spring, became the first swimmer in team history to earn a medal at Sectionals – another high level meet that makes up the first tier of the national pathway.

As a member of the Stephen Decatur High School Swim Team, Wanner has been recognized as Rookie of the Year and MVP, captured Bayside Conference and Regional Championship Titles, holds school records in the 200-yard IM and 100-yard Breaststroke, earned multiple top-three finishes at the MPSSAA State

Championships, and was a member of the Seahawks' 2026 State Champions Medley Relay team.

Wanner has excelled in the classroom as well. While maintaining a heavy practice schedule and taking several AP classes, she currently maintains a weighted 4.1 GPA. A Bio-Med student at Worcester Technical High School for part of the day, she has ambitions to pursue a career in the medical field and recently qualified for and attended the International HOSA Conference with her OPST teammate, Macie Groves.

Under the leadership of Head Coach Scott McIntire, OPST continues to experience continued growth, with increasing numbers of swimmers across every age group reaching championship-level standards and

new goals.

Ladies marlin release added to tournament

(July 24, 2026) Huk, the leader in performance fishing apparel, has announced the return of the 13th Annual Huk Big Fish Classic, taking place this weekend, July 24-26.

Following a record-setting 2025 event that awarded a $1.256 million purse, this year’s tournament introduces a groundbreaking new competition: the world’s first 32-hour Ladies Marlin Release Level, giving female anglers a dedicated opportunity to showcase their offshore billfishing skills on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

The new division reflects both the tournament’s continued evolution and Ocean City’s deep roots in competitive sportfishing. Created to celebrate the history of Talbot Street Pier, where women helped shape the area’s billfishing legacy beginning in the late

1930s, the Ladies Marlin Release Level honors those pioneers while creating a new chapter for today’s generation of anglers.

“We’re excited to welcome anglers back to Ocean City for another unforgettable Huk Big Fish Classic while simultaneously celebrating the female athletes who play an imperative role in the sport of offshore fishing,” said Bryan Johnston, CEO of Huk. “The Huk Big Fish Classic represents everything we love about this sport: great competition, strong community, and a deep respect for the traditions that have shaped offshore fishing. We’re especially proud to support the launch of the Ladies Marlin Release Division, creating another opportunity to celebrate the talented women who continue to make an impact in our sport while honoring Ocean City’s remark-

able billfishing heritage.”

Tournament Director and cofounder Brian Roberts said the new division is a natural extension of the event’s founding mission.

“When we created the Huk Big Fish Classic, we wanted to build more than a tournament. We wanted to celebrate the incredible history of Talbot Street Pier and the people who made Ocean City the White Marlin Capital of the World. The new Ladies Marlin Release Division is a natural extension of that mission. Women have played an important role in this fishery for generations, and we’re excited to provide a dedicated stage for today’s female anglers to compete, inspire others, and make history of their own.”

Unlike traditional billfish tournaments, the Huk Big Fish Classic features teams targeting the Atlantic’s

biggest fish before returning to Talbot Street Pier for public weigh-ins hosted at MR Ducks. Throughout the weekend, spectators can experience the excitement firsthand while enjoying one of Ocean City’s signature waterfront events.

Beyond competition, the tournament remains committed to giving back to the local community. Fish brought to weigh-in are professionally filleted and donated to Diakonia, a nonprofit organization serving individuals experiencing homelessness in Worcester County. Last year’s tournament donated thousands of pounds of fresh fish, helping provide meals for approximately 5,000 people throughout the year. The event also raises funds for the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Department and other local charitable organizations.