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OC Today-Dispatch MAY 22, 2026
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GRAD PARADE With graduation ceremonies just ahead of them, members of the Stephen Decatur High School class of 2026 marks the occasion with a parade down the Boardwalk Wednesday evening in Ocean City. See pages 94 and 95 for more pictures.
Still just a tank away That’s Ocean City’s pitch when gas prices are high and it’s sticking with it as summer begins. Lodging stats looking good, as restaurants wait to see how diners will respond to increased costs. — PAGE 86
School budget fails again — 12 Airplane lands on beach — 3
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OC Today-Dispatch
MAY 22, 2026
MAY 22, 2026
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The pilot and his wife are pictured on the scene of the plane crash Monday evening in Ocean City
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On Tuesday, the wings were removed from the downed plane, which was then towed across the beach across the dune crossing.
Plane makes forced landing in OC, pilot, wife unharmed By Brian Shane Staff Writer (May 22, 2026) A Bel Air man and his wife walked away without serious injuries after their two-seater aircraft made an emergency landing on the 94th Street beach in Ocean City on Monday afternoon. The couple refused medical treatment and no one on the empty beach was injured, according to Maryland State Police, who led the investigation on the scene. The plane had taken off from the Ocean City municipal airport, but the engine had stopped mid-flight, forcing the pilot to touch down on the water’s edge, according to the passenger. “My friend, she lives in Selbyville, she already called me, said – I already saw you on the news,” said the woman, who declined to give her name. The pilot, wearing Lycra shorts and a cutoff T-shirt, was overheard telling police that the plane had 3,000 flight hours. He also mentioned that there were still 26 gallons of fuel left in the tank, which police said did not leak. “And the mechanic’s really good, so I don’t know what happened,” said the pilot, who did not give his name. From their oceanfront balcony at The Phoenix condominium building, witnesses J.D. and Beth Ann Wells watched the green-and-white aircraft float silently before coming to a stop with a metallic crunch. “No sound. I just saw a plane coming in level with the sand, going across, and then it crashed,” Beth Ann Wells said. Video posted to social media shows
the pilot landed the plane safely and was scooting along the shoreline when, in an instant, its nose pivoted down and its tail briefly stood vertical before easing back down. The incident brought a large police and fire response to 94th Street. As onlookers gathered, a state trooper strung yellow crime scene tape across the dune ramp entrance. Even more people could be seen watching from oceanfront balconies as an Ocean City Fire Department crew came by to lasso the plane’s tail and yank it across the sand with a pickup truck. The aircraft, which sustained minor damage, ended up staying on the beach overnight and was towed away Tuesday with its wings removed for trailer transport. An online Federal Aviation Administration registry shows the aircraft, a single-engine 1970 Cessna 150 model, is registered to a William E. Peters of Bel Air. It’s unclear if Peters was the pilot. Next, the investigation will be taken up by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board, according to a State Police spokesperson. The last time a plane went down in Ocean City was July 2019. A 23-year-old Virginia man experienced engine failure with his Cessna 172 and glided onto the beach near 20th Street. He walked away unharmed. In July 2013, Ocean City police officers Josh Adickes, 27, and Tommy Geoghegan, 43, were killed when Geoghegan’s two-seater aircraft crashed into the ocean off 130th Street during a recreational flight.
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MAY 22, 2026
PAGE 5
OVER $56,500 MILLION IN SETTLED REAL ESTATE IN 2025 12207 Coastal Hwy. Suite D • Ocean City, MD 21842 • 410-524-1203
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208 7TH ST UNIT 2 OCEAN CITY OFFERED AT $685,000
Located just steps from the beach and boardwalk, 208 7th Street, Unit 2 is a beautifully updated 3-level residence with garage offering bay and ocean views along with stunning sunset vistas over the bay. Currently used as a full-time residence, this property would also make an exceptional Airbnb or vacation rental investment. This spacious home features 3 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, a home office/den, and a garage, and is being sold fully furnished. MLS# MDWO2038536
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201 S HERON DR #26B • HARBOUR CLUB OCEAN CITY • $574,900 Wow—this stunning 2BR/2.5BA waterfront condo with a deeded boat slip #31 in Harbour Club is truly one of a kind. Completely remodeled between 2022 and 2025, this home showcases modern coastal luxury throughout and is one of the largest floor plans in Harbour Club. Deeded Boat Slip #31 conveys with the sale. The condo is being sold furnished, beautifully designed in neutral tones and ready for immediate enjoyment. MDWO2035916
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6201 COASTAL HWY UNIT 806 • CALYPSO OCEAN CITY OFFERED AT $1.8 MILLION
Own the top of the world in Ocean City. Introducing the premier penthouse, Unit 806—a breathtaking 4-bedroom, 3-bath direct oceanfront masterpiece. This is the Southeast corner end unit. This is the best view in the building! Enjoy sweeping, unobstructed panoramic views stretching all the way to the Boardwalk and Ferris wheel. Watch stunning sunrises over the ocean and sunsets from your private perch. MDW02037456
Stop searching—this is the ONE!! Located in the prestigious River Run Golf Club, this stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath single-family home offers the ultimate relaxed lifestyle. All one level (Ranch-style living!) Spacious, modern, and incredible open floor plan! Close to Ocean City Beaches! 11324 River Run Lane Berlin MD MDWO2037276
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13307 WIGHT ST #101 • BREAKWATER OCEAN CITY • $435,000 Chic Coastal Corner Retreat – Stunning Oceanfront Views in North Ocean City! Experience the ultimate coastal lifestyle in this stunning one-bedroom, one-bathroom oceanfront sanctuary. Located in the sought-after Breakwater I building on 134th St, this elevated corner unit offers the privacy and height of a second-floor condo with breathtaking views of the ocean. MDWO2037918
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424 LARK LANE UNIT #E303 OCEAN CITY • $264,000 Beautifully maintained 2BR/1BA top-floor condo located just minutes from the beach and boardwalk! This move-in-ready unit features a bright and spacious open floor plan that is perfect for entertaining. Being on the top floor provides added privacy and peace with no neighbors overhead. MLS# MDWO2037970
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1 66TH ST #101• VINTAGE OCEAN CITY • $479,000 Stunning 2BR/2BA Condo Just One Back from the Beach! Welcome to your coastal retreat! Located on 66th Street in a desirable ocean block building, this beautifully updated condo is only steps from the sand and surf. MDWO2033508
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Experience true beachfront living in this beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath direct oceanfront condo located on the 18th floor of the highly desirable Atlantis building. Unit 1808 offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Atlantic—endless blue water, refreshing ocean breezes, and a front row seat to every sunrise. MLS# MDWO2037926
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Discover coastal living at its best in this beautiful 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath single-family home, ideally located less than one mile from the Ocean City and Delaware beaches. Offering 1,820 square feet of living space on a 5,270 sq ft lot, this home provides the perfect combination of comfort, convenience, and beachside charm. MDWO2036794
Beautiful top-floor, direct oceanfront condo just hit the market! This is one of the largest one-bedroom oceanfront condos available, located in a desirable midtown setting. The well-maintained condominium complex features an oceanfront pool, perfect for relaxing beach living. This spacious condo offers a large, private oceanfront balcony—ideal for enjoying breathtaking sunrises and cool summer ocean breezes. MDWO2035292
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Prime Location hits the 32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD MOBILE HOME 10168 RABBIT Market! 2.36 acres on the 42 WOODLAND AVE SELBYVILLE, DE PARKS RIDGE LN 13905 LIGHTHOUSE 105 123RD STREET S HERON DR #8A SOUTHHAMPTON DR. 10312 THIRTY KNOTS LN FENWICK ISLAND, corner of RT 54 and W. 201HARBOUR BISHOPVILLE AVE CAINE WOODS UNIT B332 CLUB OCEAN VIEW, DE $5,900,000 DE $199,900 OCEAN CITY JOCKEY BEACH CLUB OCEAN CITY LOT 46 • LIGHTHOUSE SOUND GLEN RIDDLE • BERLIN Line Rd in Selbyville DE. Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 8.4 acres. OFFERED AT OWNER FINANCING AVAIABLE!! Build $365,000 $849,900 OCEAN CITY • $258,900 $499,000 BISHOPVILLE • $449,000 This is a rare commercial development opportunity on This location is directly across from Beautiful 2BR/2.5BA Har- Your Dream Estate on 4+ Acres in Pictur- This stunning coastal cus- Condo – Canal Views, Commu- This is a prime location NOW $1,090,000 Prime Ocean View Opportunity: 0.45 Acres + Updated Garage - 2 Miles to Beach! Unlock esque Bishopville! Discover the perfect blend in sought-after Fenthe potential of this exceptional Ocean View property, perfect for investors, contractors, or those looking to build their dream coastal getaway! Situated on a spacious half-acre lot, this offering includes a detached garage that has been recently updated - ready for your vehicles, workshop, or storage needs. Garage updates include new framing, new roof, new windows and doors. While the property is being sold strictly AS-IS, providing a blank canvas for your vision, the property boasts incredible bones in an unbeatable location. Enjoy the best of Delaware coastal living with public water and public sewer already connected! Unbeatable Location: Only 2 miles to the white sands of Bethany Beach! Convenience: A short walk/golf cart ride to Harbour View Marina for boating enthusiasts. Recreation: Just 1 mile to premium golf courses. Space: Rare half-acre lot in town, offering privacy and room to expand. Bonus: Recently updated, versatile detached garage/workshop. Don't miss out on this rare chance to own a versatile, high-potential property in one of Delaware's most desirable locations. Seller's will finance up to 65% of purchase price. Schedule your viewing.
Build Your Dream Home! A rare opportunity has just become available in the prestigious Lighthouse Sound community! This expansive 20,237.00 sq ft lot - one of the largest in the neighborhood - offers the perfect setting to build your dream home. Ideally situated on the corner of Fox Ridge and Southampton Drive. Enjoy a lifestyle of luxury and leisure in a community recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 golf courses in the country. The Links at Lighthouse Sound also features an elegant clubhouse and a highly rated restaurant - perfect for relaxing after a round of golf.
Rare Opportunity: Build Your Dream Home on a Prime Waterfront Lot! Seize the chance to create your ideal residence on this exceptional 0.73-acre waterfront lot, nestled on an expansive sandy beach within the highly sought-after gated community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline, and breathtaking vistas of Turville and Hearing Creek, as well as the Assawoman Bay. Glen Riddle is an amenity-rich community. MDWO2023166
the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978
Yellowfins Restaurant and shoppingcenter on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
bour Club condo with deeded boat slip #9, sold fully furnished and movein ready—everything you see conveys. One of the larger floor plans in the community, this coastalstyle unit overlooks the canal with stunning sunset views over the bay and Ocean City skyline. MDWO2036148
of country privacy and coastal convenience with this stunning 4.07-acre parcel in desirable Bishopville, Maryland. Featuring a mix of open, cleared land and serene, wooded areas in the back, this property is the ideal canvas for your custom dream home. Enjoy the tranquility of Eastern Shore living with plenty of room for a pool, and expansive gardens, all just a short, easy drive to Ocean City beaches and West Ocean City amenities. No builder tie-in—bring your own builder and create the life you've always wanted. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Worcester County paradise. MDWO2036750
tom home, located just blocks from the beach in Caine Woods, has recently been listed and offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Built by Piney Island Builders, the spacious home features an open floor plan with an abundance of natural light and numerous upgrades throughout. MDWO2037570
nity Pool & Prime Location! This upgraded top-floor condo offers the best of both worlds—peaceful canal views and just two blocks from the beach! Sold fully furnished and move-in ready. Featuring open concept living with updated kitchen & bath, stainless appliances and storage galore. Close to Northside Park, the beach, restaurants, shops, and mini golf, this unit is the perfect coastal retreat or investment property. MDWO2033766
wick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2026 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
Vote for Me - Through May! Nancy Reither - Realtor Best Luxury Real Estate Agent
I am grateful for your support!
-NANCY REITHER
OC Today-Dispatch
PAGE 6
MAY 22, 2026
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By Brian Shane Staff Writer (May 22, 2026) “Would you allow someone to desecrate your ancestors’ graves?” That message on a handwritten sign was held high during a May 14 town hall about a proposed telecom facility near Berlin, where community members and descendants voiced frustration and fury over the future of a historic African American burial ground on the project site. Concerns about the future of the 160-year-old Purnell Cemetery overtook much of the three-hour public meeting, held at Stephen Decatur High School, where representatives of developer Globalinx described plans for a cable landing station on Route 611. The meeting grew raucous and tense at times, with several in the crowd talking over those already queued at the microphone, shouting taunts and obscenities, or interjecting with unrelated concerns. One of the public speakers, Bobby Purnell, described himself as a direct descendant of people buried in the cemetery, which he said traces to a land purchase in 1866 by his ancestor Littleton Allen. He said family members had not been consulted before the project advanced. “I'm doing the best I can to keep the place up. I need help to clear it off, to restore it – this place was here before you guys came,” he said. “We need help to protect the cemetery.” Purnell also said ground-penetrating radar had recently identified additional unknown graves, raising concerns that the cemetery’s recorded boundary may not include everyone buried there. Aaron Levinthal, an archaeologist, questioned why Globalinx had not contacted the Purnell family earlier, saying the cemetery was clearly documented. “It’s not a mystery,” he said. “The See SDHS Page 10
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MAY 22, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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OC Today-Dispatch
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MAY 22, 2026
LUNCH & DINNER AT DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND NORTH, 12305 COASTAL HWY. With Homemade Sodas & Other Soda Fountain Treats
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OC Today-Dispatch
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OC Today-Dispatch
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MAY 22, 2026
SDHS hosts cable landing station town hall Continued from Page 6 cemetery’s documented on plats and on project plans. It’s an historic site. You can freaking see it on Google Earth. Why hasn’t anyone contacted the family about this project?” Roxie Dennis, whose family is connected to the cemetery, gave a fiery speech demanding to know who authorized the removal tombstones and whether any documents showed the original grave locations. “This cemetery represents me and my family,” Dennis said, her voice rising to a shout. “We’re not talking about a pet cemetery. We’re not asking for promises. We are asking for transparency, accountability, preservation and legally protection for this historic burial ground.” Globalinx CEO and founder Greg Twitt ultimately apologized for failing
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Dozens of people stood to speak, and many more shouted from their seats, at the May 14 town hall meeting at Stephen Decatur High School.
to engage the Purnell family, emphasized that nobody from Globalinx has disturbed the gravesite, and pledged to be a long-term steward of the property, including adding a picket fence
and a dedicated entrance for family access. “I’d like to say that I think we’ll be a better custodian of that cemetery than anyone that’s been there before,”
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he said. “We are passionate toward it.” Chris St. Claire, a Globalinx engineer, said while the company had been aware of the Purnell cemetery, they were learning for the first time at the meeting that graves could extend beyond the recorded boundary. As a result, he promised that Globalinx would conduct wider ground-penetrating radar work to learn more. Worcester County officials on hand said the project remains under review and has not received approval. Planning staff reviewed preliminary materials through the Technical Review Committee, an advisory staff-level process, but no permits have been issued. County officials also said whether Globalinx is a public utility would be relevant to the zoning and permitting progress. Twitt said his company is not a public utility but that public utilities would be their customers. County Commissioner Eric Fiori, whose District 3 includes the project site, hosted the town hall. He called the project an unwanted industrialization of the rural and environmentally sensitive Route 611 corridor, telling Twitt he plans to fight it “tooth and nail.” Other meeting attendees also challenged Globalinx about zoning, environmental impacts, and whether the 24,800-square-foot building could lead to future data center development near the gateway to Assateague Island. He said the proposed 24,800 square foot facility would serve to bring onshore transatlantic cables for client Amazon Web Services. Originating in Ireland, the fiber optic cables would terminate through a manhole cover at the nearby Ocean City municipal airport. St. Claire also said the facility would not host cloud computing or run artificial intelligence. He maintained noise levels would be low, water usage would be in line with a single-family home, and the power draw would be on par with a big-box retailer. “Is this a data center? Bluntly, no,” he said. “The reality is really boring because it is just telecommunications.”
MAY 22, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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