01/23/2026 OC Today-Dispatch

JANUARY 23, 2026

Fire parade marches on

The Maryland State Firefighters Association has voted to move its June parade from Ocean City to Berlin after the town quickly agreed to stage the event on a Saturday. Ocean City did too, but not until after the wheels of relocation were already moving. — PAGE 22

Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter. — Page 59

With more than 1,200 signatures, but needing just 990, the petition calling for a referendum on the issuance of new short-term rental licenses should make the cut. — PAGE 4

Resort beach replenishment cost doubles

Inflation, materials, labor ... no one is quite sure why the estimated cost of this year’s beach work has gone up by many millions of dollars. — PAGE 3

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEELEY CHESTER

GREENLIGHT TO NOWHERE

The Route 50 Bridge closure went into effect on Monday and is planned to continue through Feb. 3. Repairs will be conducted to the drawbridge’s “nose locks,” mechanisms associated with securing the span when it lowers back into place after boats pass through.

Beach replenishment cost surges, work to begin in fall

Next pumping effort will start in Sept. after a year delay if Trump signs bill

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Ocean City’s beach replenishment project for 2026 may cost Maryland taxpayers twice as much as previous cycles.

Scheduled for a post-summer start, beach replenishment now carries an estimated price tag in the range of $37 to $40 million. That’s nearly double the cost from 2021, when federal, state, and local partners contributed about $21 million.

Congress on Jan. 16 authorized $20 million for its share of the project by passing the Senate’s 2026 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill; the funding was included at the request of Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.). A House version of the bill passed Jan. 8. President Trump is expected to sign the bill into law by the end of the month.

Beach replenishment occurs generally every four years, and 2025 was supposed to be a project year. But Congress failed to set aside its funding share, marking the first time in three decades that the project didn’t meet its expected interval, according to City Manager Terry McGean.

“With disagreements and challenges on the federal level, that didn’t happen,” he said. “We’re very optimistic and hopeful this goes through, and we can start in the fall. Fortunately, we haven’t had bad storms, and the beach is in good shape. We kind of got lucky. Another year without it, we’d start to be in trouble.”

According to McGean, Ocean City and Worcester County for years have each set aside money for a Beach Maintenance Fund. The state contributes $1 million a year and manages the fund. The city and county in recent years have contributed $500,000 each, he said, which doesn’t cover local costs like dune maintenance and crossover repair.

Moving forward, “that contribution’s going to have to go up,” McGean said, adding that the city won’t know the true costs for 2026 until contractor bids arrive.

Worcester County Administrator Weston Young said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the work, had shared with him a preliminary estimate of $40 million for this year’s project. He didn’t know the exact reasons for the higher cost, but believes it generally reflects the price of everything going up, including materials and labor.

“If their number doubled,” he said

of Congress, “I imagine all our numbers would double.”

When asked why the Army Corps’ costs were so much higher for this cycle of beach replenishment, spokeswoman Cynthia Mitchell said the agency is planning for and expecting higher prices based on recent bids and contract awards for similar regional dredge work.

The last time Ocean City completed beach replenishment in 2021, project totals came to $20.9 million: Congress earmarked $11.1 million, and Maryland allocated $9.84 million for the local share from the maintenance fund, according to records from the Maryland Board of Public Works.

After Hurricane Gloria flooded Ocean City and partially destroyed the Boardwalk in 1985, local leaders faced a hard truth: they needed a stronger long-term solution to protect the shoreline from devastating storms. They turned to beach replenishment.

Sometimes called renourishment or shoreline protection, it’s the process of siphoning sand from the ocean floor 8 miles offshore, called a “borrow area,” and pumping it onto the Ocean City shoreline.

Its goal is risk management: combat erosion and keep the defensive line of sand dunes intact. Going block by block, crews take months to pump an estimated 800,000 cubic yards of sand from a hopper dredge onto about 8 miles of beach.

The completed berm ranges from 40 to 100 feet wide, and elevates the beach to about 7 feet above the median high-water line, according to Mitchell with the Army Corps.

After Gloria, the state got behind beach replenishment, taking the lead on beach widening in 1988 and dune construction in 1990, online records show. It took volunteers two years to track down signatures from 250 owners of direct oceanfront property to grant easements for the dune line.

In a 50-year agreement inked in 1994, Congress pledged to fund 53% of the cost of beach replenishment. Remaining costs are shared between the state of Maryland (23.5%) and Worcester County and Ocean City (11.75% each).

That initial work also included construction of the 1.4-mile-long sea wall along the Boardwalk, where crews inserted a steel sheet pile bulkhead deep into the ground from Fourth Street to 27th Street.

Since the first replenishment 32 years ago – this will be cycle No. 8 for the resort – the ongoing project has saved the resort from more than $927 million in storm damage, according to the Army Corps.

Election board to validate petition signatures

sion.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) For the second year in a row, Ocean City’s election board will convene to validate signatures after a group of property owners opposing a short-term rental license moratorium submitted their petition for referendum Tuesday.

After the Ocean City Council voted last month to extend a moratorium on the issuance of short-term rental licenses in R-1 residential and MH mobile home districts another year, an opposition group made good on their promise to launch a petition drive challenging the council’s deci-

On Tuesday, the city clerk accepted the 1,257 signatures the group had collected over the last 40 days. Now, it will be up to election officials to determine if the signers are eligible to vote.

“This says that the people do not want more regulations in these areas,” Terry Miller, petition organizer, told OC Today-Dispatch. “They want enforcement of the current regulations.”

Last February, city leaders agreed to a 11-month moratorium, halting city staff from issuing new shortterm rental licenses to properties located in the R-1 and MH districts.

From the outset, they said the temporary pause would give them more time to evaluate the effectiveness of newly enacted short-term rental reg-

ulations.

However, when the moratorium was revisited in the fall, a council majority expressed their desires to extend it another year. They argued more time was needed to find a solution for regulating short-term rentals in single-family neighborhoods.

Last month, the City Council voted 4-2, with Councilman John Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed, to extend the moratorium through Jan. 3, 2027. Preceding the vote, and in the hours that followed, community members made it clear that they would challenge the council’s decision.

On Dec. 9, Miller – organizer of last year’s effort to overturn the council’s length-of-stay restrictions –filed a petition with the city, setting in motion a 40-day time period in

which to collect signatures from 40% of the number of voters in the last general election. As 2,476 people voted in the 2024 election cycle, they need at least 990 valid signatures to bring the ordinance to referendum.

“We had the perfect storm,” Miller said of her group’s petition effort. “It was a very cold in December, the flu, and then come January in Ocean City most people leave.”

Despite those obstacles, petition volunteers were able to secure well over the needed number of signatures ahead of Tuesday’s 4:30 p.m. deadline – pushed back from the original 10 a.m. cutoff. Miller said she was even gathering names on her way to submit the petition at city hall.

“It’s unbelievable what we were able to achieve,” she said, recognizing all of the petition volunteers and giving a special shoutout to Ocean City resident and former councilmember Vince Gisriel. “He said every single signature counts, and they are all important.”

Tuesday’s submission marks the completion of a second petition effort in less than a year by property owners opposing ordinances aimed at short-term rentals in the two residential zoning districts. Last March, the group successfully petitioned an ordinance enacting a short-term rental ban in the R-1 and MH districts by 2027. The legislation was voted down in a special election last summer.

From the outset, Millers and others within the community have argued the regulations infringe on their property rights and did little to solve the few problems that exist within the two residential districts. She said this week she is hoping city officials could work to enforce ordinances already on the books.

“We really want to move forward and to make the town great for all of our residents and visitors,” she said. According to City Clerk Diana Chavis, if enough petition signatures are validated by the elections board, the moratorium ordinance will be stayed.

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Worcester tourism eyes changes to event alcohol rule

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Attendees at special events in Worcester County could be allowed to carry alcoholic drinks outdoors, rather than being confined to bars and restaurants, if state lawmakers take up a legislative proposal from the county’s economic development office.

Municipalities hosting events –think Snow Hill’s seafood festival or Berlin’s Oktoberfest – would apply for a special to-go permit with the county’s liquor board. That would allow adults to buy booze at any participating brick-and-mortar bar and then move about freely within the event footprint, inside or out. Guests would have to wear a 21-plus wristband.

Melanie Pursel, the county’s tourism and economic development director, on Tuesday asked the County Commissioners for permission to work with state lawmakers in Annapolis to turn the concept into a Worcester-specific law. The commissioners approved the plan unanimously.

Under the proposal, each of Worcester’s four municipalities could apply for a single-day event permit with the liquor board. Licensed bars and restaurants inside the event footprint would apply to participate. Nonprofits could still sell alcohol during events, and restaurants would still only get to sell drinks from inside their establishments.

Pursel added that the idea was based on a 2025 law (Senate Bill 798) drawn up for Wicomico County and its sprawling outdoor Folk Festival in downtown Salisbury.

While the prospective legislation is aimed at municipalities, there could be establishments in unincorporated Worcester County, like Ocean Pines, that would want to establish their own single-day permit for walkabout beverages during events, according to Pursel.

When it comes to offering alcohol at town-sponsored events, it’s an approach that would effectively cut out the middleman, according to Karah Burton Lacey, Pocomoke City’s economic development director.

At her town’s Fourth Friday street festivals, for example, the nonprofit Downtown Pocomoke Association will buy beer from Cypress Roots Brewing Co., and then the association sets up a booth to sell the brewery’s beer out on the street.

“The brewery can sell inside, but they can’t bring their beer out, and our people outside can’t bring their County, state lawmakers work to allow to-go drinks

Post office likely to open on Worcester Street by summer

Former facility at 5th Street and Philadelphia Avenue to be demolished for parking

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) Ocean City officials say the U.S. Postal Service could move its downtown operations to Worcester Street as early as May.

Since last year, the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) has overseen construction work on 102 Worcester Street, property the organization purchased in 2023.

With the rental portion of renovations nearly complete, Executive Director Zach Bankert said the post office will soon begin fitting out the space for opening as early as Memorial Day.

“The tenant will be in there this summer,” he said.

The post office’s lease for the building at 5th Street and Philadelphia Avenue will not be renewed, as the owner – the mayor and City Council – has plans to demolish the site for additional parking.

To-go

To that end, OCDC began working with USPS last year on a new location – 102 Worcester Street. Purchased three years ago, the corporation has completed extensive renovation work, which includes new siding, a new roof and dormers and a new ramp.

Bankert said OCDC has been improving the building’s exterior, replacing major systems and building out employee housing on the second floor. He said their work is roughly 95% complete, with just a few “punch-list” items remaining until the project is handed over to USPS.

“They will have their own series of work they will have to do …,” he explained. “The post office then has to come in and do their tenant fitout.”

After the post office moves to Worcester Street, officials say the current post office building at 5th Street will be demolished. Public Works Director Hal Adkins said work to convert the property into a gravel parking lot would tentatively occur the first two weeks in June.

“It will be a paid parking lot on or as early as the 15th of June.”

drinks for events possible

Continued from Page 6

beer in,” she told the commissioners. “It’s confusing for the customer and the guests. They’re like, ‘well, it’s the same beer – why can’t I go out in the street?’ This way it would eliminate the downtown association completely.”

In Berlin, not only do restaurants get crowded during events because guests can’t exit the premises with drinks, but they lose money for a lack of a carry-out option, according to Ivy Wells, the town’s director of economic and community development.

Wells also said restaurants would be asked to offer to-go drinks in eventspecific cups featuring their restaurant logo – proof to the watchful eye of security guards that the traveling tipple came from an approved establishment. “It wouldn’t be, you could go with your Yeti cup and fill it up,” she said.

Commissioner Eric Fiori, a Berlin restaurateur himself, agreed. Even with 2,000 eventgoers right outside their door, Berlin’s restaurants stand to lose “significant” revenue because attendees are spending money at the nonprofit beer booth and not inside with them.

And, with no option to take bar drinks outside, that means long lines and extended wait times outside at the beer booth. He said one recent Berlin festival had a 25-minute wait for beer – and “that deters from the event.”

“It makes people not want to go

there,” said Fiori, proprietor of the distillery Forgotten 50. “If we can spread that out, and business owners can profit, it’s so much better for the businesses. Everybody makes more money. We want the nonprofits to make money but it’s not fair that they make all the money.”

Also during this same line of discussion Tuesday, the commissioners voted in support of expanding the membership of the county’s liquor board – formally, the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners – from 3 members to 5, a change that would require state legislative action.

The motion by Commissioner Joe Mitrecic carried 4-3, with Commissioners Ted Elder, Jim Bunting, and Chip Bertino voting no.

Notably, this proposal originally would have shifted the duty of liquor board nominations from the governor to the commissioners. Mitrecic’s motion, however, removed that stipulation, keeping the existing approval process with the governor’s office. Elder and Bunting both said they could not support that.

“The problem is that the Worcester County Liquor Board can act without any oversight or control from the Worcester County government, who are elected and are answerable to the people,” said board president Elder (District 4, Western). “There’s actually no direct line of authority between the liquor board and the local people.”

Licensee pulls out of lawsuit over city’s dispensary denial

Zoning questions remain as property owner evaluates legal options moving ahead

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) The Howard County man who’d wanted to open a cannabis dispensary in Ocean City has backed out of a lawsuit that challenged the town’s denial of his proposed retail operation on zoning grounds.

Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby dismissed the lawsuit on Jan. 16. The judge said because petitioner Shreif Shata of Guru Ventures LLC had exited the case last October, it rendered the administrative appeal moot. Shata was the statelicensed operator behind the proposed dispensary.

In March 2024, the Maryland Cannabis Administration awarded Worcester County’s third dispensary to Shata, 30, of Columbia. It gave him 18 months to set up shop. With a decade in the industry already under his belt, Shata had made plans to launch a dispensary in the Phillips Square shopping center at 21st Street.

ing he was no longer a party to the lawsuit and didn’t want to “proceed in an adversarial capacity” against the Town of Ocean City.

Despite Shata and Guru Ventures having formally stepped away from the zoning appeal against Ocean City, his landlord Ramadan wanted to press on. He argues in court documents that he still has a right to appeal and that the dispute did not end with his tenant’s withdrawal.

Ramadan appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court on Jan. 5 to plead his case. His arguments included citing a 2024 state law that prohibits a municipality from enacting zoning ordinances that are more restrictive to dispensaries than to alcohol retailers.

However, Oglesby rejected that argument. He wrote in his denial that only Shata had been the legitimate legal petitioner, and that Ramadan was not an “aggrieved party” and therefore had no standing.

‘We are disappointed that the Court dismissed the appeal without considering the merits of the case.’

Demetrios Kaouris, attorney

Mike Ramadan controls the shopping center. Shata signed a six-year lease with him, owing $300,000 in the first year, according to court documents. They would renovate the retail space, at Ramadan’s expense, and even had a shop name picked out: Green Marlin.

But the town’s planning and zoning department quashed the proposal, arguing the shop would be illegal based on the resort’s zoning rules for cannabis dispensaries. City staff deemed the site too close not only to residentially zoned areas, but to a public park – the “park” being the beach itself.

Shata and Ramadan, doing business as Phillips Plaza LLC, fought the denial with Ocean City’s Board of Zoning Appeals but lost. At the same time, the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA) wrote to Planning Director George Bendler, stopping short of saying the town’s zoning was unenforceable. The MCA’s compliance office in an April 9, 2025 letter reminded Ocean City it can’t “unduly burden” a cannabis licensee with zoning mandates.

About six months later, on Oct. 27, Shata filed a brief with the court say-

Ramadan’s lawyer said the case raises questions about whether a municipality has the right to deviate from state law, and they’re evaluating legal options to move forward, including an appeal to a higher state court.

“We are disappointed that the Court dismissed the appeal without considering the merits of the case,” said his attorney, Demetrios Kaouris. “We certainly believe Phillips Plaza LLC was an aggrieved party under well-established Maryland case law and maintained the right of appeal despite Guru Venture Inc.’s participation.”

Whether the beach qualifies as a public park could determine whether cannabis dispensaries are allowed to operate in Ocean City at all. The court did not rule on whether that zoning determination was legally correct.

For its part, Ocean City is moving on. “We consider the matter litigated by Phillips Plaza LLC (and previously Guru Ventures Inc) to be closed based on the Court’s dismissal of the administrative appeal,” said Ocean City’s attorney, Bruce Bright.

It’s also unclear what Shata, who declined to comment through his attorney, will do moving forward. The MCA in October extended all conditional dispensary licenses by six months, giving him until March 14 to launch. Any future dispensary attempt in Ocean City would require a new application with City Hall.

Federal funding secured to replace Army Corps dredger

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) An aging dredge boat that helps keep East Coast waterways passable could soon be replaced after Congressman Andy Harris secured $40 million in federal funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The money would go toward replacing the Currituck, one of two shallow-draft dredge boats in the Army Corps fleet. Frequent mechanical issues have left both the Currituck and its sister vessel, the Murden, sidelined by repairs and unavailable for routine dredging.

Persistent sediment buildup creates shoaling that reduces channel depth and limits boat access on busy East Coast waterways, such as the Ocean City Inlet. Replacing the Currituck would restore dredging capability needed to maintain navigation channels and reduce hazards, Harris said.

The House appropriation was a bipartisan effort involving 15 members of Congress from coastal states and was included in the fiscal year 2026 Energy and Water Development appropriations bill.

“I had cooperation from members in other states who had the same problem because we share old dredge vessels,” Harris (R-1st) told OC Today-Dispatch.

That package of legislation, which passed the House Jan. 8, also allocates more than $375 million for shoreline maintenance projects. A companion bill passed the Senate on Jan. 15 and provides a total of $10.4 billion for Army Corps civil works projects and maintenance nationwide.

Because boat repair issues have made dredging less frequent, larger fishing vessels using the Ocean City Inlet not only can get stuck waiting for the tide to change, but often run aground, according to Ocean City Manager Terry McGean. He said the resort was thrilled to learn the funding was secured. “Having a new

dredge online will make a tremendous difference in keeping our inlet open for business,” he said.

Worcester County welcomed the news, as officials here want to see the Army Corps engaged in more dredging operations and even have talked about a dedicated third dredge boat just for Maryland. For now, the Corps’ dredgers cover the entire eastern seaboard.

“When the dredge ultimately goes into service, it will provide an additional resource to support a more aggressive and reliable dredging schedule – something that is increasingly necessary as we continue to experience accelerated shoaling in the Ocean City Inlet,” said Ted Elder, president of the county commissioners, in a statement.

While the estimated cost of a new dredge is $50 million, Harris said he expects Congress will allocate the remaining $10 million in the next budget year. The Army Corps has been instructed to plan for that purchase, he added.

A July 21 report from the House Appropriations Committee criticized the Corps’ mismanagement of a revolving fund used to service dredge boats, saying the agency required repeated cash infusions from Congress.

The report also says the Corps’ mishandling of dredge replacement funding helped drive adoption of an “industry-first” policy, under which private dredging companies are relied on, and the Army Corps dredgers are used as backup.

Last summer, both the Murden and Currituck were out of service ahead of the 2025 White Marlin Open fishing tournament. It prompted an emergency request from the Army Corps’ Baltimore District to deploy another dredge boat from the Wilmington District, the sidecaster Merritt, to clear sediment at Ocean City’s inlet. The Currituck was built in 1974 and launched as a dredger in 1977, while the Murden went into service in 2013.

PHOTO COURTESY OF U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS

The dredge boat Murden is pictured in Ocean City last year.

Go Green OC looks to grow composting program in ’26

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) Organizers of a local composting program are looking to bring more businesses on board in 2026.

While the summer season is still months away, Go Green OC founder Josh Chamberlain said the organization is inviting local businesses to join its composting initiative. With more than 1.2 million pounds of food waste composted since 2018, he said Go Green OC is hoping to build that number in the years ahead.

“We’re always looking for more participants,” he said.

Eight years ago, Go Green OC partnered with The Hobbit Restaurant owner Garvey Heiderman to

launch a composting program that invites local businesses to divert food waste from the town’s waste stream

Each season, volunteers collect food waste from participating businesses and haul it to a farm in Bishopville, where it is turned into compost.

Since its inception, the program has grown, with new businesses joining and more waste collected. Today, the program includes 22 participating restaurants and stores around Ocean City.

“Everyone who came on board last year is coming on board again this year,” Chamberlain said.

However, Chamberlain said the door remains open to new businesses. He said those looking to participate can message Go Green OC on any of its social media platforms.

“We’re probably looking to expand by three to five businesses this year,” he said.

Last year, three businesses joined the list of participating compost locations. And this year, Go Green OC is looking to grow again, with a goal of reaching 2 million pounds of food waste composted by 2027.

Chamberlain said the nonprofit’s interns will be visiting participating businesses in 2026 to see what can be done to increase the amount of food waste they collect for composting.

“We want to help them design a better, more efficient way of producing food waste,” he said.

Chamberlain said Go Green OC’s efforts have come full circle, as the food waste collected in Ocean City is now being used to fertilize the city’s flower beds and landscaping. He added that composting is available to community members, but asks that a donation be made to Go Green OC.

“This year, we’re also giving away free compost to teachers,” he said.

“If you show your ID, we'll give up to five buckets of compost for free. It’s just a simple way of giving back to the community.”

Chamberlain said 2026 is shaping up to be a busy year for the nonprofit. In addition to participating in the next installment of the Oceans Calling and Country Calling music festivals, Go Green will also join the inaugural E-Volution Expo, an event centered around health, sustainability and technology.

The nonprofit also has plans to participate in Assateague Coastal Trust’s plant sale this May, where they will be handing out buckets of compost.

Those interested in learning more about Go Green OC can join the nonprofit at its public meeting, held at 7 p.m. on Feb. 2 at The Hobbit Restaurant in Ocean City.

PHOTO COURTESY GO GREEN OC

Composting operations are pictured at the organization’s property in Bishopville last year. Go Green OC has plans to expand its program in 2026.

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Snow Hill tables sale of old town fire facility

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Snow Hill officials have declined to act on an offer to buy the town’s vacant firehouse, voting instead to table the decision.

The Town Council’s 2-1 vote to postpone any moves at its Jan. 13 meeting came without setting a deadline to review offers on the firehouse, an anchor of the downtown that’s been on the market for months.

Council members Margaret Ann Fletcher and Aaron Lumpkins supported the motion to table while Councilman Eddie Lee did not.

Residents had made it clear they favor the proposal to revamp the firehouse into an events space. During a public hearing about the sale held before the council meeting, a dozen people spoke with many saying the town should proceed with the sale.

Mandy Gladden, head of the Snow Hill chamber of commerce, mentioned how the firehouse is just one of multiple vacant buildings and empty storefronts in Snow Hill’s downtown.

Every month the old fire hall sits empty is a “missed opportunity,” she told the council, adding that a new owner could bring foot traffic to downtown and spending at local businesses. “It means life, energy, and purpose

returning to an iconic building that deserves to be part of Snow Hill’s future, and not just its past,” Gladden said. “This could be the turning point. Snow Hill is open for business, and this is our chance to show it.”

For now, the 13,470 square foot commercial building remains on the market for $325,000 with listing agents Clint Bickford and Bryan Coates, both of whom appeared at the meeting.

The unnamed buyer, an event planner, has not withdrawn their cash offer, but also hasn’t yet committed to writing up a contract, according to Bickford. He also said the offer was about 92% of the asking price; Lumpkins during the meeting confirmed the offer is for $300,000.

Bickford reminded the council how, since the town declared the firehouse surplus property and then listed it for sale last June, he’s only gotten two real offers – even after getting significant and valuable attention from local news media.

“Your story has been carried far and wide,” he said. “You had plenty of time for your property to be viewed in the public space and the best offers have come forward. Unfortunately, it’s the only offers.”

Councilman Lee, who is also a real estate agent, said he could not sup-

port the sale of a public asset with a below-market price per square foot. He priced out the firehouse at $24.12. He said comparable commercial prices in the area were between $45.90 and $85 per square foot.

“I fully acknowledge that the building needs work. That justifies a discount, but not a discount of this magnitude,” said Lee, who represents the Eastern District. “We’re gonna give it away – for what? It’s very upsetting for me.”

Councilman Lumpkins said “a vote to sell it is a vote to save it” because a new owner, not the town, would shoulder the liability of bringing the property up to code.

“I want to send a strong message as a council to the rest of the Eastern Shore: that we are a place that is probusiness, is welcoming and inviting. We’re not sending that message right now,” said Lumpkins, who represents the Central District.

Western District Councilwoman Fletcher asserted she believes the property’s list price wasn’t high enough. The audience grumbled when Fletcher wondered aloud about renegotiating the sale price to $375,000 – a figure $50,000 above the list price.

“I agree with the sale, I just don’t

agree with the price,” she said.

Snow Hill resident Chase Phillips rebuffed Fletcher’s premise during a post-vote public comment period.

“We’re not gonna get more money. That’s not realistic. In fact, seeing what occurred tonight would probably just make a buyer walk away,” he said.

Mayor Janet Simpson told the packed meeting room that “it sounds like we’re rejecting our citizens’ point of view by not selling this firehouse to someone who wants to get involved with community and cares about Snow Hill.”

Built in 1950, the brick firehouse served for decades as home to Snow Hill’s volunteer fire company. Its members relocated to the outskirts of downtown in 2002. The building then took on a new public safety tenant: the Snow Hill Police Department called the building home for the last 23 years before it, too, relocated in September.

The two-story building at 212 W. Green Street sits just 500 feet from the Pocomoke River. It includes three garage bays, office space, and meeting rooms. Any buyer would have to tend to a host of expensive improvements, including electrical upgrades and installing a sprinkler system.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Snow Hill officials declined to act on an offer to buy the town’s vacant fire station, despite support from residents that the sale would benefit local businesses.

Lawmakers aim to pass child protection bill

If passed, law could require child custody evaluators to obtain specialized training

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) Sen. Mary Beth Carozza is hoping the sixth time is the charm for legislation aimed at child custody evaluators.

The second week of this year’s General Assembly session kicked off Tuesday with a hearing on Senate Bill 222, which would require specialized training for workers who evaluate custody cases involving child abuse and domestic violence.

Co-sponsored by Carozza (R-38, Worcester) and her colleague, Sen. Chris West (R-42, Baltimore County), the legislation mimics an existing

statute requiring judges presiding over child custody cases to have the same training.

“When we think about the many qualifications and training bills that the Maryland General Assembly has passed into law over the years that impact positions not dealing with our most precious responsibility – our children – I believe we as legislators have a moral obligation to pass the child custody evaluators qualifications and training bill this session and ensure that it becomes law this year,” Carozza told members of the Judicial Proceedings Committee this week.

Senate Bill 222 – cross-filed with House Bill 0137 – is one of three bills Carozza pre-filed ahead of this year’s session, which began Jan. 14 in Annapolis. She told committee mem-

bers this week she was seeking a favorable report on the legislation, which had already been introduced in the five previous sessions of the General Assembly.

Carozza noted that this year’s bill had changed – the result of a bipartisan workgroup of delegates and senators working with the Maryland Judiciary.

She highlighted two amendments – one that specifies child custody evaluators should demonstrate knowledge of child sexual abuse and disability-related issues, and another that allows the courts to waive the qualification requirement for courtemployed or contracted individuals who have conducted custody evaluations for at least 14 years, have completed a training program, and completes at least 20 hours of contin-

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ued training per year.

Carozza added that the judiciary has since updated its rules to reflect the same training standards included in the legislation.

“Senate Bill 222 codifies the judiciary’s updated rule, which went into effect October 1 of 2025,” she said. “It does not dictate how the training is to be done.”

Following the passage of a Senate bill in 2019, a workgroup was formed to study child custody court proceedings involving child abuse or domestic violence allegations. Findings from that workgroup resulted in 20 recommendations, two of which related to the training of judges and child custody evaluators.

In 2022, the General Assembly approved Senate Bill 17, sponsored by Sen. West, requiring judges overseeing sensitive child custody cases to have training. West told his colleagues this week it only made sense for evaluators to be trained under the same guidelines.

“Four years ago, when I introduced the bill to require judges who are going to sit in child custody cases receive training, the issues they would be encountering, I made a mistake,” he told the committee Tuesday. “I should have worded that bill to require not only the judges, but also the child custody evaluators, whose opinions and recommendations the judges would be relying on, to get the same training. I didn’t do that four years ago, and that’s why we are here with this bill today.”

Eileen King, executive director for Child Justice, a Maryland nonprofit that works to protect children in child custody and protective order cases, also came before the committee to testify in support of the legislation.

“I have a slogan. When we know better, we do better,” she said. “When custody evaluators know better, they will do better. It’s a public safety issue. It’s a child safety issue.”

County eyes federal support to clean up WWII munitions

Fire marshal says efforts to remove washed-up debris costing Worcester money

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Worcester County’s fire marshal says repeated discoveries of World War II-era practice munitions on Assateague Island are straining emergency response resources and he wants the federal government to step in.

Fire Marshal Matt Owens said more than 50 inert training rounds have been recovered in the last five years on the beach near the Assateague Island National Seashore toll booth entrance, with two having washed up Dec. 28 and five more found over the Jan. 17-18 weekend.

agencies while maintaining public safety.”

As a result, the commissioners unanimously agreed to Owens’ request to send a letter to members of Congress, asking them to step in and help relieve the burden on local emergency responders.

“Our hope is to get some kind of a remediation, some kind of a cleanup, to get them off the beach,” he told the commissioners.

‘That got their attention that they probably shouldn’t have that at home.’

Fire Marshal Matt Owens

While the training rounds – practice munitions dating to the 1940s –are not live explosives, Owens told the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday that every piece of military ordnance unearthed still triggers an hours-long bomb squad response.

“If you go out on the beach right there, that’s basically where they’re at,” he said. “Which, in the summertime, is really a problem because that’s where all the people are at. We have to part the seas on both side about 300 feet on both sides of the ordnance.”

In a Jan. 5 internal memo, Owens described the issue as a “significant and recurring operational burden” on both the county and Ocean City fire marshal’s offices. He told officials it costs both agencies about $450 for each in-person response.

Owens said he now wants federal lawmakers to re-evaluate risk assumptions for the site, clarify longterm federal responsibility, and develop a strategy that “reduces repeated emergency responses by local

Protocol for a practice round found on the beach involves calling out bomb squad teams from Ocean City and Worcester County, who then Xray the device. Then, the X-ray is sent to Dover Air Force Base for a remote evaluation and threat assessment, Owens said. Bomb disposal experts from Dover Air Force base believe the most recent devices found last month were M29A1 practice rockets commonly known as “Super Bazookas,” Owens reported. Those practice rounds were flying over Assateague two decades before the National Park Service took over.

From 1944 to 1947, the U.S. Navy and Army Air Corps (predecessor of the U.S. Air Force) used the island for air-to-ground target practice, according to a 2020 report from the Army Corps of Engineers.

The military employed two testing locations on the beach, one near the current park entrance and another in the middle of the island. Aircraft dropped what the report referred to as “practice” rockets and bombs. It also says the Department of Defense “may have created two or possibly three suspect ordnance burial sites during site cleanup.”

In recent years, multiple field investigations resulted in no live munitions or explosives on site, and any remaining debris was deemed inert.

And, while the Army Corps concluded that site conditions were ac-

Officials caution beachgoers

ceptable and no remediation was necessary on Assateague, Owens wrote in his memo that “operational conditions on the ground have diverged from the assumptions underlying that determination.”

The ordnance looks like dark, rusty pieces of metal, Owens said. They’re about 18 to 24 inches long and about 3 inches in diameter, and some still have fins and nose cones. They’re not live explosives but still may contain dangerous propellant. Owens stressed that anyone finding rockets on the beach should not touch them and to contact a park ranger. However, in a

handful of cases, beachgoers have actually picked up munitions and taken them home.

It happened most recently about a month ago, when an Ocean Pines resident reported to police how they’d found and hung onto a device for several weeks. That resident realized their beach souvenir was possibly unsafe after having seen news reports about the two pieces of ordnance found after Christmas, according to Owens.

“That got their attention that they probably shouldn’t have that at home,” he said.

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State firefighters to move parade from OC to Berlin

After a formal vote by the group, event will relocate

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) The Maryland State Firefighters Association (MSFA) will now begin its preparations after an executive committee voted this week to formally move its convention parade to Berlin.

After a decades-long run in Ocean City, committee members Monday night agreed change was needed to bolster participation in the yearly event. To that end, this year’s parade will be held Saturday, June 20 in Berlin.

“The outcome is favorable,” MSFA President Robbie Blackiston said in an interview Wednesday. “It was voted on to move the parade to Berlin.”

For the last several decades, the MSFA parade has taken place on the Wednesday of the June convention, with the procession route running along Baltimore Avenue in Ocean City. In September, however, Blackiston approached Ocean City’s mayor and city manager with a request to move the event to the weekend.

The dialogue continued throughout the fall, with city leaders supporting a Sunday parade, but without the association’s use of the Inlet parking lot. Last month, the MSFA informed Ocean City of their plans to explore Berlin as a new parade location.

“We polled our membership back in August or September and got feedback to move a parade to the weekend, so that was the biggest thing we were going after …,” Blackiston said. “We understand the logistics in Ocean City, but we as an association chose to go another route, and Berlin allowed us the opportunity.”

In a Facebook post last week, Ocean City Council President Matt James shared the council’s desire to keep the MSFA parade in Ocean City this summer, stating the governing body would be willing to meet the association’s request for either a Saturday or Sunday parade and its use of the inlet parking lot as a staging area. In the end, however, the MSFA decided to continue its discussions with the Town of Berlin.

“They did come back and counteroffer,” Blackiston said this week, “but at that time we had already been in motion with Berlin.”

While the Berlin Town Council formally approved MSFA’s special event request last week, Blackiston said the decision was not finalized until Monday, when the association’s executive committee met for a vote. While the parade will now be held in Berlin, the MSFA annual summer convention will continue to be held in Ocean City.

Parade gets new home in Berlin

Continued from Page 22

When reached for comment this week, Mayor Rick Meehan said he understood the association’s desire to boost participation. But he maintained that the city has been willing to work with the MSFA from the very beginning and will continue to do so in the years ahead.

“We hope they will return,” he said. “But the Town of Ocean City will be here to support the convention and the MSFA in any way we can.”

With approval from the Berlin Town Council, Blackiston said the association’s parade committee would be meeting this week to begin planning for the June event. This will be the first statewide event held in the municipality.

“It’s a lot of moving parts,” he said.

Va. man leads police on car chase, faces 49 charges

By Bethany Hooper

Associate Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) A Virginia man is facing 49 traffic charges after leading police on a car chase through Ocean City.

Last Thursday, just after 8 a.m., police in Ocean City were called to assist with a traffic stop in the area of 61st Street. According to charging documents, an officer had seen a Hyundai Venue with a Florida license plate driving in circles within two intersections of Coastal Highway before heading north and turning right onto 70th Street.

From there, the driver, later identified as Alvin Ou, 22, of Springfield, Va., emerged from 70th Street and turned south back onto Coastal Highway, where another officer tried to initiate a traffic stop by turning on his emergency lights. Police said Ou began to slow, but then continued to drive south, running through a red signal at 62nd Street.

What followed was a series of turns onto side streets, where Ou continued to evade police.

After running the signal at 62nd Street, Ou turned west onto 61st Street, traveling at a high rate of speed until he

reached the end of the road, according to the statement of probable cause. He then pulled into a parking space, backed out and struck both the officer’s vehicle and another vehicle before traveling back down 61st Street and back onto Coastal Highway southbound.

The driver then turned west onto 56th Street and onto hotel property, where officers attempted to establish a perimeter. However, Ou pulled back out of the property, failing to stop for the officers as he passed by, according to the statement of probable cause.

At the end of the road, police deployed tire deflation devices, which Ou struck before driving back onto Coastal Highway.

Police report that Ou continued south on the highway, running a traffic light at 28th Street and reaching speeds of more than 80 mph in a 35-mph zone.

At 17th Street, Ou turned around once more and began traveling north on Coastal Highway, crossing over into opposing traffic four times as he traveled up and down the roadway.

Police deployed tire deflation devices two more times, which ultimately resulted in Ou losing control of his vehicle at 61st Street and striking a light pole.

Once his vehicle came to a stop, Ou fled his vehicle and ran north, accord-

ing to the statement of probable cause. Police later found Ou in the lobby of a nearby hotel.

During a search of the suspect, police reported smelling alcohol on Ou’s breath. The statement of probable cause also notes that “Ou’s speech seemed slow and slurred, and that he seemed very relaxed considering the circumstances.”

Police also searched Ou’s vehicle before it was towed from the travel lane. During that search, police located a cellphone, an empty bag with marijuana residue and a Beat Box brand alcoholic beverage container with ashes inside. Police also noted an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle’s interior.

Dress Ministry supporters met with Steve and Kelly Smith, Livingsent Guatemalan missionaries, to share the success of their well water program and outreach efforts. Barbara Entwistle, Dress Ministry Director, provides necessary supplies which are collected locally and shipped overseas. Money is also collected to pay shipping for needed items.  Donations can be sent directly to Livingsent Ministry at PO Box 134, Princess Anne, Md. 21853. The meeting was held at Buckingham Presbyterian Church.

Ou was taken into custody and transported to the Ocean City Public Safety Building, where he declined to speak with police and refused to submit to a breath test.

In total, Ou faces 49 traffic charges, including driving vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, attempt by driver to elude police, and more.

Police say they will be executing a search warrant for two cellphones, one located in the vehicle and one located in Ou’s pocket. At multiple times during the chase, officers reported seeing Ou holding a cellphone in a manner that made them believe he was recording or livestreaming his actions, according to the statement of probable cause.

Alvin Ou

Developer shares redevelopment plans with Berlin

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) An idea of how the redeveloped Tyson Food property on Old Ocean City Boulevard might look was shown to Berlin Planning Commission members last Wednesday in a preliminary step by the developers.

Palmer Gillis of Coastal Ventures Properties (CVP), joined by his development team, appeared before the commission to get their reaction to his concept before he moves on to formal presentations.

“I think this is an opportunity that we would like to give commission members, early in the game, to provide comments,” Gillis said. “To put it in kind of blunt terms, ‘a hell yes, a hell no,’ or somewhere in between.”

The roughly 9.35-acre site, known as parcel 57 at Heron Park, contains two remaining industrial buildings from the former Tyson Foods operation. Gillis said those buildings are structurally strong and would be reused rather than demolished, with renovations designed to reflect Berlin’s architectural character.

Under the concept, the rear building would likely be converted into medical or healthcare-related offices, while the front building along Old Ocean City Boulevard could house future commercial uses such as retail, professional offices, or a restaurant.

While no tenants have been finalized for the front building, the design could include multiple entrances, storefront windows, and potential patio or terrace space.

Developers added that plans for the commercial space include softening the site with additional green space, landscaping, and improved pedestrian access. Large garage-style doors, awnings, brick, and stucco materials were discussed as ways to create an aesthetic environment.

While the front commercial building could house professional office space, planning commission member Dirk Widdowson noted that he would like to see the structure serve in a more retail capacity.

Gillis said that something like a restaurant is possible, but that his team received guidance from the Berlin Town Council that whatever goes into the building does not compete with downtown businesses.

“We were pursuing that, and we got a lot of pushback from the Town Council,” Gillis said in response to Widdowson’s comments. “Our goal here is to make this economically feasible.”

The developer added that “the good news” is that the project’s financial engine is in building two, likely to be taken over by a specific medical provider. Gillis said that Chesapeake Health Care is the possible tenant.

“That gives us a lot of patience and tolerance and time to pursue what we

Eastern Shore

Elks Lodge seeks honorees for annual banner program

(Jan. 23, 2026) Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645 has started looking for Worcester County military veterans and active-duty personnel who would like to participate in the 13th Annual Hometown Heroes Banner program. Veterans or active-duty service members can nominate themselves or be nominated by a relative or friend. Those selected will have banners with their photographs displayed on light poles on the Ocean City’s legendary boardwalk this summer.

The program that began in 2014 has so far displayed banners for 439 veterans who have served our country from World War II, Korea, the Cold War and Vietnam. Now the Lodge is adding veterans and activeduty personnel who served in the Gulf War, Afghanistan, and the War on Terror.

At no cost to the veteran, banners will display a photo of the honoree, name, rank, branch, and era of service in all branches of our armed forces. The veteran will be given the banner at a ceremony in October that the Elks hold each year to honor their service.

Nomination forms are available by emailing hometownhero2645@gmail.com.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

An example of the banners displayed on the Boardwalk is pictured.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PAMELA GREEN

BERLIN AWARD PRESENTED

The winner of this year’s Berlin Award was Charles Townsend, who has been a member of the Berlin Fire Company for 55 years. Townsend was celebrated at the annual Berlin Chamber of Commerce banquet and introduced by last year’s winner, Melissa Reid. Pictured, from left, are Reid, Townsend, Past President Garrett Neville, Carol Rose representing Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, and Berlin Council members Dean Burrell, Steve Green, Jack Orris and Jay Knerr. See page 30 for more award photos from the event.

Gillis presents design hopes for property redevelopment

Continued from Page 25

want to have as the developers in that front building,” Gillis said. “We want it to be alive and lively.”

A third building shown in the conceptual plan could house a private daycare facility intended primarily for employees of nearby healthcare operations, such as Chesapeake Health, if it moves into the site’s rear building.

“Let me get into the third building,” said Gillis, addressing the planning commission. “We had some activity on this. That third building that you’re seeing, you’ll see a picture of a daycare center. We are throwing that in as a placeholder. We will have to come back to you guys for final approval on that, of course. We have a client who’s in building number two who is looking for daycare education facilities for their employees. This won’t be open to the public, per se, but open for private use only. In other words, for one or two specific employers.”

Sandy Gillis, Palmer Gillis’ wife, added that the medical office in building two, or the rear building, is “highly probable” and noted that this space, along with the potential daycare business, would be closed on evenings and weekends. Therefore, plenty of parking for any retail function in the front structure would be available onsite.

Two additional structures associated with a garden center concept were also shown.

Much of last week’s discussion focused on site logistics, including property boundaries, traffic access, parking, and stormwater management.

Gillis explained that multiple hypothetical property lines are still being evaluated as the town and project leaders work to preserve an existing lagoon and pedestrian walkway near the site. The developers said they designed the concept using the most restrictive boundary assumptions to ensure compliance regardless of final determinations.

A state-required traffic study was completed in May 2025, and the State Highway Administration has decided that, as part of the project, Main Street and Old Ocean City Boulevard would need to become a four-way stop.

To meet parking requirements, the front building would be reduced in size by approximately 35 to 40 feet, allowing for double-loaded parking rather than parking along the street. Gillis said the goal is to create a more pedestrian-friendly streetscape.

Furthermore, in addition to Gillis’ development, a new structure for the town’s public works department is planned for Heron Park, along with a skate park.

The commissioners expressed interest in enhanced landscaping, bike racks, sidewalks, and active uses along the street frontage, particularly given anticipated future development along the corridor. Planning Commission Chair Matt Stoehr highlighted the importance of walkability and street activation as the area continues to evolve.

“I think it's going to be really important to us, it’s going to be really important to me how that streetscape, how that basically front yard gets developed, and hopefully eventually a sidewalk going down there where people can bike and whatever is and that the front building is accessible from a bikeability standpoint, and walkability,” Stoehr said. “It's

not just people inside the building…It’s going to be a crazy time with a lot of development along that street.”

Additionally, Gillis emphasized that the project would generate new jobs, expand the town’s tax base, and remove what he described as a longstanding blighted property.

“This town has put up with this blight for quite a long time,” Gillis said. “We want to make it a shining star for this community.”

No formal action was taken by the planning commission on Jan. 14, as the plans were presented for discussion only.

Developers said they will return in the future once plans are further refined.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Developer Palmer Gillis outlined his plans for the former chicken plant property in Berlin, including bringing in Chesapeake Health Care, a child care facility and a garden center as possible tenants.

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY 28th Street & Coastal Highway Saturday, January 24: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue

COINS PUB

410-289-3100 28th Street Plaza On Coastal Highway Saturday, January 24: Cup Of Joe

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500 60th Street In The Bay Friday, January 23: DJ Vybe Saturday, January 24: Big Machine & DJ RobCee

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC Saturday, January 24: Chicken Charlie & Two Biscuits Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

BIG MACHINE

Fager’s Island: Saturday, January 24

THE DUNEHOUNDS

Pickles Pub: Saturday, January 24

MERCURY AGENDA

Pickles Pub: Saturday, January 31

OTHER BROTHER DARRYL

Fager’s Island: Saturday, January 31

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Thursday, January 29

CHICKEN

CHARLIE & TWO BISCUITS

Greene Turtle West: Saturday, January 24

Seacrets: Saturday, January 31

Who’s Where When

West End OC CLOSED REOPENS

Friday, January 30: DJ Billy T

Saturday, January 31: Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler

Sunday, February 1: Opposite Directions

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th Street & Philadelphia Avenue

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, January 24: The Dunehounds

Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

CECILIA’S FALL

Harborside: Saturday, January 31 FULL CIRCLE

49th Street & Coastal Highway

Friday, January 23: Karaoke Competition & DJ Mary Jane Saturday, January 24: Carley Twigg & DJ J-Spin

Thursday, January 29: Opposite Directions

Annual Berlin Chamber Banquet

Bright Idea Award: On Thin Ice owner Bree Chmielewski, third from left, was presented with a handmade award from Jeffrey Auxer Designs. The business was honored for the concept of rewarding children seen wearing helmets while riding their bikes in Berlin. The idea was a summer partnership with the Berlin Police Department.

Volunteer of the Year: Christopher Rice, third from left, was celebrated for his dedication to volunteering at nearly all the chamber’s events in the calendar year 2025.

Past President Garrett Neville was recognized by Incoming President David Fitzgerald and Berlin council members for his dedication to the chamber during the past year of service.

New Chamber Officers and Board members were recognized. Pictured, from left, are President David Fitzgerald, Vice President/Incoming President Crystall Collins, Treasurer Denny Murphy, Past President Garrett Neville and Board members Bill Outten, Cindi Krempel, Gussie Sholtis, Adam Davis and Jason Myers. Not pictured were Board members Lauren Carlson and Garrett Neeb.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF PAM GREEN

The Berlin Fire Company hosted the annual Berlin Chamber of Commerce’s banquet last Thursday, presenting the installation of new leaders, award winners and the recognition of this year’s Berlin Award winner, Charles Townsend. Above left, Best Chamber Partner: Arctic Heating and Air Conditioning operators Christine Queen-Brown and Andrew Queen are pictured with President David Fitzgerald, Past President Garrett Neville and Berlin Council members Steve Green, Dean Burrell, Jack Orris and Jay Knerr. Above right, Best New Business: The Ghost Museum owner Alyssa Maloof, third from left, who owns and operates the Mermaid Museum in downtown Berlin, is pictured with Fitzgerald, Senator Mary Beth Carozza representative Carol Rose, Neville, Green, Burrell, Orris and Knerr.

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., Jan. 23

PLAY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for imaginative play and social interaction. For ages 0-5 years. 410-2084014, worcesterlibrary.org

CAST 26 CUPPING DEMONSTRATION

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m. Experience an informative and fun coffee tasting experience with Cast 26 Coffee. Registration required: 410-957-0878. worcesterlibrary.org

OC MAHJONG CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a fun morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults are welcome. 410-5241818, worcesterlibrary.org

KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994

Sat., Jan. 24

COCOA AND WINTER CRAFTS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m. Join in for a cup of warm cocoa, coloring and crafts. For families. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

ARTIST ROUNDTABLE

The Art Collective at The Factory, 16 S. Main St., Suite D, Berlin, 10 a.m.-noon. See the new space and learn about upcoming opportunities. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=615846898812 20, artcollectiveatthefactory@gmail.com

KIDS DANCE ALONG

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Beat the winter slump with some dance-along videos featuring popular songs. Dress comfortably. Best of ages 4 years and older. For families. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

GLOBAL GOODIES

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Taste test snacks from around the world. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-6417052, https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market

Sun., Jan. 25

ANNUAL WOMEN’S DAY

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405

Flower St., Berlin, 10 a.m. Rev. Janice Herman, guest preacher “Victorious Women: Rising, Reigning, Renewed” All are welcome. 410-641-0270

SEWING FOR A CAUSE

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

Mon., Jan. 26

REGISTRATION DEADLINE FOR VIRTUAL ESCAPE ROOM - WARSHIP MYSTERY Register before Jan. 26 for the Warship Virtual Escape Room and get your invitation to help solve the mystery. Get a link that will be active Jan. 28-31. 410632-3495, worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-2 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

Continued on Page 34

Continued from Page 32

STORY TIME: SNOWMEN

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

T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169

Mondays - Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157

BRIDGE

Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Elissa, 410-641-8050; on social media; or delmarvachorus.org.

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

DEMOCRATIC WOMEN’S CLUB OF WORCESTER COUNTY MEETING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9:30 a.m. Hear members of the League of Women Voters speak about the organization. Open to the public. https://dwcmd.org

Tues., Jan. 27

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

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and sensory play for kids of all abilities. For ages 2-5 years. 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: FOLK AND FAIRY TALES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

AUTHOR TALK: ‘THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION AND THE FATE OF THE WORLD’ Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3 p.m. His-

torian Dr. Richard Bell talks about his new book that investigates The American Revolution and how it was a cataclysm that pulled in participants from around the globe. 410-208-4014

NEEDLE FELTING WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn about the properties of wool and needle felting with 4-H educator Barbara Barga and create your own piece to take home. For ages 12-18 years. 410208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.

BEACH HEROES-OC

Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725

OC KNITTING CLUB

Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

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

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Don’t have a puzzle to exchange but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be complete in their original box. 410-641-0650

CARDBOARD GINGERBREAD HOUSES

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Make a gingerbread house using cardboard, cotton balls and all kinds of other crafting materials. For families. 410524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

THE LIVES OF THE SIGNERS OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. You know the importance of the document, but what happened to these men and their families afterwards? Practice your own signature using quills and fountain pens. For ages 12-18 years. 410-957-0878

SPEED-FRIENDING

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 5:30 p.m. Join in for an evening of conversation to make new connections in a speed-dating format. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.

CASH BINGO

Wednesdays - Ocean City Elks Lodge 2645, 13708 Sinepuxent Ave. Door open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Food available before bingo and at intermission. Open to the public. 443-605-5028

Thurs., Jan. 29

STORY TIME ‘BIG RED BARN’

Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: GROUNDHOG’S DAY

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

FIRESIDE CHAT

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3 p.m. A popular and entertaining book discussion featuring books you have read and want

to share. Come find your next great read or future favorite. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

LEGO MASTERS CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Join in for a Lego challenge event. All materials provided. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

DRY PANTRY

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

ONGOING EVENTS

FREE TAX PREP

AARP is offering free tax preparations to the public. AARP Foundation Tax Aides will be available at the following libraries: Mondays in Ocean Pines; Wednesdays, Berlin; Fridays, Pocomoke City; and Saturdays, Ocean City. By appointment only: 443-584-5661, aarpfoundation.org/taxaide.

TOWN OF BERLIN RESTAURANT WEEK

Held Jan. 19-26. Pick up an entry card at The Berlin Welcome Center. Dine at three different participating restaurants and get your card stamped. Drop your card in the Entry Box located in the foyer of the Berlin Welcome Center. Random drawing for the winner.

MARYLAND FIREFIGHTER 50/50 FUNDRAISER

Drawings are held every Thursday at 8 p.m. Ticket sales open Thursdays at 8:05 p.m. and close the following Thursday at 7:59 p.m. One winner takes home 50% of the total jackpot and the remainder supports the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department. Tickets: https://md.5050raffle.org/give/ mdfire/50-50-raffles/md5050/

BUS TRIP TO WASHINGTON CAPITALS VS. CAROLINA HURRICANES REMATCH GAME

Held Jan. 31 at the Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Cost is $130 and includes transportation, game ticket and food package. Bus departs Ocean Pines Community Center at 1 p.m. Game time is 5 p.m. Tickets: OP Recreation & Parks, 410-641-7052.

Crossword answers from page 51

FIRE ALARM TECHNICIAN: FULL TIME/PART TIME Locally Owned Co. looking for an experienced TECHNICIAN. Must have good driving record and some background in Fire Alarm systems. Competitive pay with benefits.

410-641-4411

FIRE EXTINGUISHER

TECHNICIAN: FULL OR PART TIME. No wknds. No nights. Will train. Must have Basic Mechanical Skills Perfect for retirees. Small local co. 30 yrs serving Delmarva. 410-641-4411

RENTALS

YR OCEAN PINES

Available Immediately! 3BR, 2BA Central HVAC All Appliances Incl. No Pets.

$2,300 per month + $2,300 sec. dep. 410-404-8851

YR OCEAN PINES

Available Immediately! South Gate Cul de Sac Recently renovated Unfurnished 4BR, 2BA

Screened in porch, Central HVAC No smoking/pets

$2,500 per mo. + util’s & sec. dep. 410-404-8851

Seeking Year-Round Rentals!

Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

Commercial Space for Lease ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT! 2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined.

Approx. 1000 sq. ft. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.

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

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

COMMERCIAL

Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center. Large unit with 5 individual office spaces within. $2,400 per mo. 410-430-7675

DONATIONS

Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be tax-deductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.

Beginning again! We walk together from here, One for the other!

o Experience preferred.

o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus.

o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available. Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

COMMERCIAL

Commercial Impound Lot For Rent

7,500 sq. ft. $4,000 month. Call Steve 410-251-3412, leave message.

Contractor Shop For Rent 12 x 24 sq. ft.

$200/month + sec. dep. Near Ocean Pines Call Steve 410-251-3412, lv. msg.

FOR LEASE

Commercial Space 816 sq. ft. Village of Fenwick, Fenwick Island, DE. Call Melissa, 410-641-1101 or Email Melissa@bergeycpa.com

Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-855-407-6870 REAL ESTATE We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-866-541-7929

Advertise in MDDC 410-723-6397

Hunter C. Piel, Esquire Piel Law Firm, LLC

502 Washington Avenue, Suite 730 Towson, Maryland 21204

HUNTER C. PIEL, et al., Substitute Trustees, v.

R- LUXURY RENTALS LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY,

A/K/A R-LUXURY RENTALS, LLC Defendant.

Subject Property:

400 Second Street Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851 (Tax ID No.: 01-017969)

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000213

NOTICE

OF FORECLOSURE SALE

NOTICE is hereby given this 9th day of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in the above-captioned proceeding, described as 400 2nd Street, a/r/t/a 400 Second Street, Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851 (the "Property"), and reported by Hunter C. Piel, Substitute Trustee, shall be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 9th day of February, 2026, provided that a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three (3) successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in Worcester County, Maryland, before the 2nd day of February 2026.

The Report of Sale states the amount of the sale of the Property to be $70,000.00.

Susan Braniecki CLERK, CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY

True Copy

Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD OCD-1/15/3t

Mayor & City Council

Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

B08-26 – Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by 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 Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2026 AT 9:00AM, AT THE WINTER HARBOR DRIVE BULKHEAD, 165 WINTER HARBOR DRIVE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2026.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City Procurement Department, Attention: Procurement Manager; 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Winter Harbor Drive Bulkhead Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-1/1/5t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B09-26 – Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. BID Documents for the Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by 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 Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM, AT THE OLD LANDING ROAD BULKHEAD, 164 OLD LANDING ROAD, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2026.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City Procurement Department, Attention: Procurement Manager; 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Old Landing Road Bulkhead Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-1/1/5t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL

SOLICITATION

B10-26 – 17th Street Bulkhead Replacement

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the 17th Street Bulkhead Replacement and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

BID Documents for the 17th Street Bulkhead Replacement may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by 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 Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, JANUARY 13TH, 2026 AT 11:00AM, AT THE OLD LANDING ROAD BULKHEAD, 301 17TH Street, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The last day for questions will be on TUESDAY, JANUARY 27TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28TH, 2026.

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3RD, 2026, BY 4:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Town of Ocean City Procurement Department, Attention: Procurement Manager; 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (17th Street Bulkhead Replacement) must be noted on the outside of the package.

Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.

OCD-1/1/5t _________________________________

BETH B. MILLER ESQ. FOX ROTHCHILD, LLP 1201 N. MARKET ST. STE 1200 WILMINGTON, DE 19801 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20957

To all persons interested in the estate of ANTONIO GENOVESE, Estate No. 20957. Notice is given that MARYANN HOFFMAN whose address is; 1216 Mays Landing Rd, Hammonton, NJ 08037-8448 was on DECEMBER 22, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANTONIO GENOVESE who died on MARCH 28, 2025 with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd day of JUNE, 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 22nd day of JUNE, 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.

MaryAnn Hoffman

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

OCD-1/8/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20954

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF KAREN EVANS

Notice is given that Aimee Reese, 27035 Gillette Dr., Crisfield, MD 21817-2609, was on December 30, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Karen Evans who died on November 22, 2025, with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of June, 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 June, 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.

Aimee

Reese 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: January 8, 2026

OCD-1/8/3t

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

FOR COUNTY-WIDE

HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM

QUALIFIED CONTRACTOR LIST

The Worcester County Commissioners are requesting qualifications from licensed contractors to establish a list that will be used for bidding on Requests for Proposals associated with the rehabilitation or renovation of dwellings funded under the Community Development Block Grant and managed by the Worcester County Housing Rehabilitation Program. This program provides grant and loan funding to owner-occupied properties for general rehabilitation, septic and well installation, HVAC, and lead abatement services.

The following Maryland licensed contractors are requested:

General rehabilitation – MHIC Lead Abatement – MDE

HVAC Installers

Septic Installers

Well Installers

Bidders may quote to fulfill any of the listed functions with the appropriate license. Worcester County's review process, selection criteria, and award and proposal format guidelines are also described in this Request for Qualifications (RFQ).

Proposal submission deadline is Monday, February 2, 2026. The County's Housing Program Coordinator and the Worcester County Commissioners will review Proposals. Two (2) copies of the Proposal must be received in the Worcester County Commissioners Office at the address shown below no later than 1:00 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026. Envelopes shall be marked "County-Wide Housing Rehabilitation Program Qualified Contractor List" in the lower left-hand corner. Handwritten, email and facsimile transmissions, as well as proposals received after the deadline, will not be considered.

Address all submissions to:

Worcester County Commissioners Office

Worcester County Government Center

One W. Market Street, Room 1103

Snow Hill, MD 21863

OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 20964

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Superior Court of Pima County, Arizona appointed Karen E. Stauss, 7333 New Hampshire Ave., Apt. 804,

Takoma Park, MD 20912-6975 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Thomas W. Stauss who died on July 13, 2025 domiciled in Arizona, USA.

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.

Karen E. Stauss

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: January 15, 2026

OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20968 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PAUL ARTHUR VREELAND

Notice is given that Craig Bernier, 201 Edgewater Pl., Highland Lakes, NJ 07422-1801, was on January 07, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Paul Arthur Vreeland who died on December 25, 2025, with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of July, 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 7th day of July, 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.

Craig Bernier 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: January 15, 2026

OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DEBORA MARIE HENKELMAN Estate No. 20965 Notice is given that STEPHANIE MARIE HENKELMAN whose address is 11810 BACK CREEK RD., BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813-1726 was on JANUARY 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DEBORA MARIE HENKELMAN who died on DECEMBER 13, 2025 with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CARLTON C. WHALEY Estate No. 20966 Notice is given that HOWARD JAMES WHALEY SR whose address is 21105 COVERDALE RD., BRIDGE–VILLE, DE 19933-4363 was on JANUARY 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CARLTON C. WHALEY who died on DECEMBER 04, 2025 with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of JULY, 2026

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/15/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commis-

sion in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on 301 Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 03, 2026 AT 6:30 PM

To consider amending Chapter 110 entitled Zoning to revise bulk regulations within the BM-1 (Bayside Marine), DM (Downtown Marine), LC-1 (Local Commercial) zoning districts, BMUD- Bayside Marine Mixed Use District and SC1 (Shopping Center District) related to residential dwelling and subdivided two-family dwellings and townhouses by amending the relevant district sections and Section 110-906. APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #26-14100001)

No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.

Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.

For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.

PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION

JOSEPH B. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON

MAUREEN F. L. HOWARTH, ATTORNEY OCD-1/15/2t

Buas 3G Properties, LLC 3509 Coastal Hwy Ocean City, MD 21863 v. Ella D Topping 406 Oxford St Pocomoke MD 21851

Beneficial Maryland Inc.

c/o The Corporation Trust Incorporated 35 J West Camden Street Baltimore, MD 21201-7912

City of Pocomoke City 101 Clarke Avenue/P.O. Box 29 Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

Worcester County, Maryland l W. Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 45, Account No. 01-021648, Property description 68 X 32 N SIDE 605 LAUREL ST POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 5393/472, Assessed to Ella D Topping, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 45, Account No.01-021648, Property description

68 X 32 N SIDE 605 LAUREL ST POCOMOKE, Deed Reference: 5393/4 72, Assessed to Ella D Topping

In the Circuit Court For Worcester County State of Maryland Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000345

ORDER OF

PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in and to the following property, lying and being situate in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and State of Maryland, to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No.: 01-021648

Assessed Owners: Ella D Topping Brief Legal Address: 68 X 32 N SIDE 605 LAUREL ST POCOMOKE

Deed Reference: 5393/472

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for the redemption if the property have not been paid. It is thereupon this 9th of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 13th day of March, 2026, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/15/3t

BRIAN PETER COSBY NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP 12417 OCEAN GATEWAY #B-13 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20973 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MILTON J. SCHUL

Notice is given that Alexander L. Schul, 435 Spring House Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011-1453, was on January 12, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Milton J. Schul who died on November 26, 2025, with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of July, 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.

Alexander L. Schul 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: January 15, 2026

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20978 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EDITH BEATRICE LANKFORD AKA: EDITH ADKINS MORRIS Notice is given that Coretta Kenya Lankford, 3100 Glenwood Ridge Dr., Richmond, VA 232232181, was on January 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Edith Beatrice Lankford who died on May 24, 2025, with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 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 15th day of July, 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.

Coretta Kenya Lankford 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:

January 22, 2026

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WORCESTER COUNTY

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing and receive public comment on the following request for the establishment of a Residential Planned Community (RPC) floating zone on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:35 AM in the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, 1 West Market St, Snow Hill, MD: Racetrack Village RPC, filed by MD Medical Owners III, LLC for a proposed 137-unit multi-family residential development with a commercial component, located on the east side of Racetrack Road (MD Route 589) at Taylorville Lane, Tax Map 21, Parcel 66, Lots 1 and B, in the 3rd Tax District of Worcester County, MD.

A map of the area, staff file and Planning Commission’s recommendation to be entered into record at the hearing are available to view online at www.co.worcester.md.us or during normal business hours at the Dept of Development Review and Permitting, 1 West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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WORCESTER COUNTY NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing and will receive public comment on the following map amendment on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 10:30 AM in the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1101, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland:

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: 01/16/2026

All vehicles will be sold at auction on-line at www.govdeals.com. For details call 410-723-6643.

AUTH: Raymond J Austin Chief of Police

Rezoning Case No. 452, filed by Hugh Cropper on behalf of KASA Holdings, LLC, property owner, for an amendment to the Official Zoning Maps to change approximately 1.66 acres of land located on the westerly side of Stephen Decatur Highway (MD Route 611) and the easterly side of Sinepuxent Road, West Ocean City, Tax Map 26, Parcel 340, in the Tenth Tax District of Worcester County, Maryland, from A-2 Agricultural District to C-2 General Commercial District.

A copy of the file on Rezoning Case No. 452 and the Planning Commission’s recommendation, which will be entered into record at the public hearing, are available to view online at www.co.worcester.md.us or during normal business hours at the Department of Development, Review and Permitting, One West Market Street, Room 1201, Snow Hill, MD.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ

COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P O BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM JAMES DAVIS Estate No. 20979 Notice is given that ELSIE VIRGINIA AHMAD whose address is 303 BELT ST SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1305 was on JANUARY 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM JAMES DAVIS who died on DECEMBER 13, 2025 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of JULY, 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 15th day of JULY, 2026

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-1/22/3t

GINA D. SHAFFER, ESQ.

SHAFFER LAW OFFICE, LLC 11033 CATHELL RD. BERLIN, MD 21811-9328

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20565 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF

BRIAN LYNN KERRIGAN

Notice is given that Jeanne Pelayo, 18 Robin Hood Trl., Berlin, MD 21811-1686, was on January 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Brian Lynn Kerrigan who died on December 19, 2024, without a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 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 15th day of July, 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.

Jeanne Pelayo 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: January 22, 2026

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SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC

Plaintiff vs.

MITCHELL HALEM, MARJORIE SILVERMAN HALEM, DANIEL HALEM, ILANA HALEM

BETH DUFFY, PAUL DUFFY, ROBERT HALEM, JENNIFER LYNN HALEM, and WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY

(All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:)

9800 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 1510 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY:

9800 COASTAL HWY, UNIT 1510 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000340

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

List No. 15, Parcel No. I 0285291, Property Description: U 15 IO BEACH HWY PLAZA CM, Assessed to MITCHELL HALEM, MARJORIE SILVERMAN HALEM, DANIEL HALEM, ILANA HALEM, BETH DUFFY, PAUL DUFFY, ROBERT HALEM, and JENNIFER LYNN HALEM, also known as 9800 COASTAL HWY, UNlT 1510, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 13th of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County:

ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a

general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 16th day of March, 2026, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 16th day of March, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/22/3t

SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC Plaintiff vs. ESTATE OF RONALD P PRIHODA, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY and

(All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:)

19 FOSSE GRANGE OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811

UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY:

19 FOSSE GRANGE OCEAN PINES, MARYLAND 21811

The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000342

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

List No. 32, Parcel No. 03109178, Property Description: LOT B-101253 I 0663 SQ FT FOSSE GRANGE PL OCEAN PINES SEC 10, Assessed to RONALD P PRIHODA and CAROL ANN SHORB, also known as 19 FOSSE GRANGE, OCEAN PINES, Maryland 21811, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 15th of January, 2026 by the Circuit Court for

WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 16th day of March , 2026, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 16th day of March, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/22/3t

SHOREAL ESTATE HOLDINGS, LLC Plaintiff vs.

ESTATE OF JULlA E. BECKER, WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

ROSCOE R. LESLIE, COUNTY ATTORNEY

(All persons having or claiming to have an interest in the property situate and lying in Worcester County and known as:)

715 142ND ST, UNIT 42704 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

UNKNOWN OWNERS OF THE PROPERTY:

715 142ND ST, UNIT 42704 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842

The unknown owner's heirs, devisees, and Personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right, title and interest Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO: C-23-CV-25-000338

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below in the State of Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:

List No. 4, Parcel No. 10232988, Property Description: U 427 P 4 142ND ST LIGHTHOUSE VILLAGE CM, Assessed to JULIA E. BECKER, also known as 715 142ND ST, UNIT 42704, OCEAN CITY, Maryland 21842, on the Tax Roll of the Director of Finance.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid although more than six (6) months and a day from the date of sale has expired.

It is thereupon this 13th of January, 2026 by the Circuit Court for WORCESTER County: ORDERED, That notice be given

by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three (3) successive weeks on or before the 17th day of March, 2026, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 17th day of March, 2026 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a Final Judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances.

Brian D. Shockley JUDGE

True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/22/3t

ESTHER A. STREETE ESQ. MCNAMEE HOSEA 888 BESTGATE RD., STE. 402 ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-2957

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20983 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN EDWARD WALLOP

Notice is given that Johnnette Wallop, 816 N. Colorado St., Salt Lake City, UT 84116-3806, was on January 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John Edward Wallop who died on September 13, 2025, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 15th day of July, 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 15th day of July, 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.

Johnnette Wallop

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: January 22, 2026

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THE TOWN OF WILLARDS “REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL AND QUALIFICATIONS”

General On-Call Engineering Services

The Town of Willards is soliciting a request for proposal and statement of qualifications from licensed engineering firms to provide “on-call engineering services to the Town of Willards.

Scope and form of the proposals must be followed and details may be obtained from the Willards Town Hall, 7344 Main Street, PO Box 98, Willards, Maryland 21874. All responsible parties regularly engaged in business of this nature interested in making sale to the Town of Willards of the above named service may examine or obtain a copy of the specifications and instructions during normal business hours at the Willards Town Hall. All proposals shall be sealed and marked “On-Call Engineering Services Proposal” and delivered to the Town of Willards at the address noted in this ad.

Sealed proposals will be accepted in the Willards Town Hall until 2:00 pm on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at which time proposals will be opened for consideration by the Willards Town Council. Proposals will be reviewed by the appropriate Town Staff and will be considered for approval by the Willards Town Council during its Monday March 9, 2026 town meeting to be held in Council Chambers, Willards Town Hall.

Interested parties submitting a proposal must also provide a copy of the company/firm’s “certificate of insurance” as well as evidence of compliance with the Workers Compensation statues of the State of Maryland which is required.

Minority, Women Owned, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises are encouraged to participate and submit proposals for this project and associated work. The Town of Willards is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No person shall, on the grounds of race, color, national origin, or sex, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise discriminated against under any of its federally funded programs or activities.

The Town of Willards reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, or portions thereof, and to make such awards and/or negotiate with any bidder as is most advantageous and in the best interests of the Town. The

Town of Willards also reserves the right to postpone the award of the proposal and condition the acceptance of the proposal upon the Town of Willards checking the bidders’ references and qualifying the bidder.

ERICH HESS

President, Willards Town Council OCD-1/22/1t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

At 3:00 PM

BAAV 26-013 - A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) Minimum Elevation Requirements, to reduce the minimum 3’ freeboard elevation requirement above the AE-5 flood zone by approximately 2.9 feet for substantial improvement of an existing residence, including a lateral and vertical additions. Locally known as 165 Old Wharf Road – Parcel 1534ALot 33 Caine Keys II located in the Town of Ocean City, MD

Owner: Daniel Ross

Builder: David Bradley

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INVITATION TO BID

Overhead Pipe Corrosion Protection at the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant

Worcester County is seeking Proposals from qualified vendors for Overhead Pipe Corrosion Protection at the Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant in conformity with the requirements contained herein the Proposal Documents.

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 by calling 410-632-1194 during regular business hours, or via the County’s Proposals page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their Proposals. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Mayor and City Council, a public community transit service provider in Ocean City, Maryland, is offering the opportunity for a public hearing to provide citizens a forum to present views on the following proposals: FY 2027 Annual Transportation Plan (ATP).

The ATP contains requests for operating funds from the following programs: Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act, which provides funds for general public transit service in rural areas; Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) program, which provides funds for federally required para transit services for persons with disabilities.

In addition, capital funds will be requested for the following items:

Transit Vehicle Preventative Maintenance

$875,000 Five (5) Heavy Duty 40’ Transit Buses $3,750,000

TOTAL $4,625,000

A Public Hearing will be held upon request. Requests for a Public Hearing must be in writing and will be received until 4 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked “Public Hearing Comments”:

Ocean City Transportation

224 65th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Written comments can also be emailed to: Rob Shearman Jr. at rshearman@oceancitymd.gov

If requested, a Public Hearing will be held: Monday, March 2, 2026

6:00 p.m.

City Hall Council Chambers

301 North Baltimore Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

If special assistance is required at the Public Hearing contact Ocean City Transportation, Administrative Coordinator, at 410-723-2174 prior to 4 p.m. Monday, February 23, 2026.

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received through any third-party Proposal service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at 10am at the Ocean Pines WWTP Operations Building. 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811

Last questions are due no later than February 26, 2026, at noon

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than March 12, 2026, at 2:30 pm 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 Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked, “Invitation to Bid – Overhead Pipe Corrosion Protection - Ocean Pines Wastewater Treatment Plant” in the lower left-hand corner.

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

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RACHEL B HARRIS ESQ PO BOX 62

POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218510062

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the es-

tate of PAUL W JONES Estate No. 20984 Notice is given that ROBERT WAYNE JONES whose address is 833 N LEXINGTON ST ARLINGTON, VA 22205-1318 was on JANUARY 16, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PAUL W JONES who died on DECEMBER 09, 2025 with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JULY, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of JULY, 2026

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

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

(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not pre-

sented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY

ONE W MARKET STREET

ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE

SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074

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REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Edgewater Acres Pump Station Replacement Design

Worcester County is seeking Proposals from qualified vendors for: Edgewater Acres Pump Station Replacement Design in conformity with the requirements contained herein the Proposal Documents.

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 by calling 410-632-1194 during regular business hours, or via the County’s Proposals page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their Proposals. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party Proposal service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.

A Pre-Proposal meeting will be held on February 26th at 10am at the Ocean Pines WWTP Admin Office at 1000 Shore Lane, Berlin, MD 21811

Last questions are due no later than March 12, 2026, at noon

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than March 26, 2026, at 2:30 pm 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 Proposal Documents will not be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked, “RFP – Edgewater Acres Pump Station Replacement Design” in the lower left-hand corner.

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

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B. RANDALL COATES ESQ. COATES, COATES, & COATES 204 WEST GREEN STREET P.O. BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20974

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JENNY DUKES HALL

Notice is given that B. Randall Coates, 204 W. Green St., Snow Hill, MD 21863-1057, was on January 16, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jenny Dukes Hall who died on December 24, 2025, with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to

the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 16th day of July, 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.

B. Randall Coates 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: January 22, 2026

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20976 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JEROME EDWARD CALLAHAN

AKA: JEROME CALLAHAN

Notice is given that Robert Joseph Callahan, 12464 Barnard Way, West Friendship, MD 21794-9526, was on January 14, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jerome Edward Callahan who died on January 03, 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 14th day of July, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of July, 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 ear-

lier 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.

Robert Joseph Callahan 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: January 22, 2026

SMALL

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ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20972 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA FARRY STEWART Notice is given that Lisa Reed, 10207 Twilight Gun Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-2745, was on January 12, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Patricia Farry Stewart who died on December 23, 2025, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

Lisa 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: January 22, 2026

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SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

Estate No. 20975

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF LORRAINE FRANCES MATTIE

AKA: LORRAINE F. MATTIE

Notice is given that Donald Mattie, 9724 Stephen Decatur Hwy., Apt. 4, Ocean City, MD 21842-9313, was on January 13, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Lorraine Frances Mattie who died on December 21, 2025, without a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Donald Mattie 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: January 22, 2026

Housing grants serve Lower Shore

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

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(Jan. 23, 2026) The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently announced $5.3 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program funding for Fiscal Year 2026. Awards will support 11 projects in nine counties to expand affordable housing opportunities, make neighborhoods more accessible and upgrade community infrastructure. Our three local counties—Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset — are all benefitting from the funds in FY 2026.

America are right here in Maryland,” said Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day. “By investing support in the visions of rural Maryland leaders, together we can ensure that every corner of this state has a path toward a bright future.”

“Many of the greatest small towns in

The CDBG State Program provides federal funds to states which then distribute assistance to rural counties, cities and towns. DHCD manages the state’s annual allocation of federal funds and administers them through an application process with priority given to emergency health and safety initiatives.

All three local counties will be utilizing the funds to continue providing a county housing rehabilitation program. Somerset County is receiving $350,000, and anticipates assisting 20 properties. And both Wicomico County and

Worcester County were awarded $300,000 each, and anticipate assisting 10 properties in each of their respective jurisdictions. The housing rehabilitation program in our tri-county area provides grants and loan funding to owner occupied properties for general rehabilitation and lead abatement services.

Wicomico County is additionally receiving $800,000 in CDBG funds for the Town of Willards to make improvements to their water treatment plant with cellular and web-based controllers for more efficient operations.

Since its creation in 1987, Maryland’s CDBG Program has awarded more than $335 million to local government grantees for 1,122 projects.

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

Expenses portend higher OPA fees

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Ocean Pines Association officials outlined proposed membership fee increases at a Jan. 15 budget town hall meeting and said much of the adjustment was due to rising utility costs and public safety expenses.

Citing inflation and increases in county utility rates as major drivers in the upcoming fiscal year’s budget, OPA Director of Finance Steve Phillips walked attendees through the membership dues portion of the recommended budget.

He said total membership revenue is projected at approximately $1.56 million, up from $1.438 million the previous year.

“We did have some inflationary increases across the board,” Phillips said.

Under the proposal, swim memberships would increase by 5%, while racquet sports fees would rise by $5 to $10 depending on the category.

Golf memberships would see larger adjustments, with a $100 increase for individual memberships and $150 for family memberships. Boat slip rates would increase 3% for residential slots and 5% for commercial slips.

Association General Manager John Viola said inflation and utility costs played a significant role in creating the proposed increases, partic-

ularly water and wastewater expenses passed down from Worcester County, which will account for $15 of a $40 increase to assessment fees.

“One of the increases that raised our assessment by $15 was water and wastewater,” Viola said. “Anybody who owns a home knows you received a high bill because there were increases from the county.”

Those rising water costs were factored into aquatic fees to help offset expenses, Viola said. He added that 1.25% of the 3% marina rate increases is to cover water-related expenses.

Phillips also reviewed proposed user fees, noting that the amenities’ daily rate fees will increase, based on annual benchmarking against similar communities. Swim fees would rise by $1 per visit, while racquet sports daily rates would remain flat. Golf fees would increase by $5 for residents and $10 for nonresidents.

Water and sewer expenses have been a significant topic of discussion in recent months, Phillips said, adding that they continue to affect multiple departments and amenities.

Viola highlighted the impact on the association’s food and beverage operations, noting that water costs for the contractor have more than tripled

since the restaurant group and OPA inked its agreement in January 2025.

“When they first signed the contract, the water cost was around $20,000. Now it’s $71,000-plus,” Viola said. “They were hit with a $50,000 to $60,000 increase just in water.”

Public safety costs were also discussed, with Phillips presenting a 15year overview showing a steady rise in expenses. According to the presentation, the portion of the annual assessment dedicated to public safety increased from $199 per property in 2012-2012 to $377 today.

“Obviously personnel costs, recruiting, retention, and then obviously capital costs as well,” Phillips said. “The infrastructure and the apparatus costs for the fire department.”

Of the $40 assessment increase included in the recommended budget, $25 will be put towards public safety, particularly costs related to the upcoming rebuild of the old South Side Fire Station.

Officials said that the public safety share of annual assessments has nearly doubled over the past 15 years, rising from 22% to a little over 40%.

In the public comment portion of the meeting, resident Karen Kaplan asked why marina slip fee increases

See GREATER Page 46

Greater costs for water, sewer may impact amenities

Continued from Page 45

were modest, given a reported waiting list of more than 100 applicants.

Viola responded that the association aims to remain comparable while covering operating costs.

“There have been increases,” he said. “We will continue to look at the marina. That’s what the team felt like at this time…with that said, we are one of the lowest in the area. That is the objective of our amenities. We want to try and cover our operating costs. We want to be competitive.”

Viola concluded the presentation by praising the staff and their work on the budget.

“It’s probably one of the strongest senior management teams since I’ve been here,” Viola said.

The OPA Board of Directors is expected to vote on the proposed spending plan in the near future.

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Art show pieces sought

(Jan. 23, 2026) The Art League of Ocean City invites students in middle and high school in Worcester Co., Md. to enter their original artwork and be eligible to win cash prizes in the annual Shirley Hall Youth Art Show. The deadline to enter is Feb. 28, 2026. The Art League is expanding this annual youth art in 2026, and entries will hang in Studio E at the Ocean City Center for the Arts for the entire March exhibition, March 6-28, 2026. The Art League will accept entries in-person at the OC Arts Center, 502 94th St. bayside, from Sunday, Feb. 22 through Saturday, Feb. 28 during regular Arts Center hours, Monday-

Friday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and weekends 11 a.m.– 4 p.m.

For more than 34 continuous years, the Art League has presented an annual youth art show for Worcester Co. students. Originally sponsored by the Women's Club of Ocean City and coordinated by member Shirley Hall, a former Art League president, the Art League continued to coordinate the show after the Women’s Club disbanded, believing it central to its mission. When Shirley Hall passed away in 2006, the Art League renamed the show in her honor.

Hall’s daughter, Betsy Hall Harrison, will judge the show and provide $300 in prize money to the students in memory of her mother.

The show is open to all middle and high school students in Worcester County, including public, private, and homeschool students. Artwork must be original, and all two-dimensional art is eligible: paintings, drawings, photographs, mixed media, etchings, and more. The artwork must have been created in the past year. Artwork must be matted or framed and ready to hang.

Questions should be directed to Kacie Neeb, gallery manager, at the Art League, kacie@artleagueofoceancity.org.

Student recognitions

The following is a collection of press releases sent to this publication for distribution.

• College of Charleston congratulates more than 2,050 students named to the President's List for Fall 2025 including James Barrett of Ocean City majoring in Finance and Elaina Elrick of Berlin majoring in Communication and Political Science.

• College of Charleston’s Dean's List for Fall 2025 included Madilyn Nechay of Berlin majoring in Public Health and Hunter Simons of Berlin majoring in Biology.

• The University at Albany is welcoming Brody Lee of Ocean City, MD, for the start of the Fall 2025 semester. Lee, who is majoring in Business Eco-

nomics, is among some 5,482 new Great Danes to enroll this semester.

• The following students from the area have been named to the dean's list at Frostburg State University in recognition of outstanding academic achievement for the fall 2025 semester -- Noah Fisher of Berlin, Logan Intrieri of Berlin and Aaron August of Berlin.

• McDaniel College’s undergraduate students achieving outstanding academic achievement, included these local students: Jacob Hicks of Ocean City who has been recognized with Honors; Chloe Candeloro of Bishopville who has been recognized with High Honors; Gavin Buchheit of Bishopville who has been recognized with Highest Honors; Evie Eggers of Berlin who has been recognized with Highest Honors; and Ethan Gell of Snow Hill who has been recognized with Honors.

• Ryleigh Smith of Bishopville excelled during the fall 2025 semester at Hofstra, achieving a GPA of at least 3.5 to earn a spot on the Dean's List. Her major is Exercise Physiology.

• James Madison University announced the following students who made the Dean's List for the fall 2025 semester: Grady O'Connell of Bishopville, who is majoring in Finance –BBA, and Emma Berrie of Berlin, who is majoring in Marketing - BBA.

• Southern New Hampshire University’s Dean List students for fall included Collin Berke of Ocean City and Jarrett Humphress of Ocean City.

• James Weber of Berlin, a junior majoring in engineering and management, was named a Presidential Scholar for the Fall 2025 semester at Clarkson University.

• A total of 1,965 students have been named to the Dean's List at East Stroudsburg University for the Fall 2025 semester, including Samantha Boger, a Finance major from Berlin; Sadie Kauffman, an Early Childhood Education major from Berlin; and Madelyn Poltrack, a Exercise Science major from Berlin.

• Approximately 580 students at Bridgewater College were named to

the Fall 2024 Dean's List including Berlin residents Reagan Sterrs and Addison McDaniel.

Cutlip steps into school board seat vacated by Addis

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) In addition to reelecting its presiding officers, the Worcester County Board of Education officially welcomed new District 6 representative Jackie Cutlip to the school system’s governing body this week.

Cutlip has taken over the seat left by Katie Addis, who vacated the position late last year.

At the Worcester County Board of Education’s meeting on Tuesday, the board opened nominations for the positions of president and vice president. Current president Todd Ferrante was unanimously reselected by the board, as was William Buchanan, the team’s incumbent vice president.

This week also marked the first board of education meeting since the Worcester County Commissioners unanimously decided that Jackie Cutlip would take over the body’s District 6 seat left by Katie Addis, who resigned in December with a year left on her term. Cutlip will serve the remainder of Addis’s obligation. Cutlip was welcomed by the board and expressed her excitement at the opportunity.

“I want to welcome [Cutlip],” Ferrante said. “She’s been very supportive of our school systems, so we welcome her as our new board member.”

Cutlip, 47, has been involved in the school system as a parent since around 2013, she said. She served on the School Improvement Advisory Committee at Showell Elementary School and Berlin Elementary School

Saturrdday

Saturrdday

Cutlip officially joins school board

and was a past president of the PTA at Showell. The new board member also served on past committees for new superintendent searches.

Cutlip added that she has been a champion for school safety, particularly following the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School. She said she began working with school and law enforcement officials to push for buzzer systems inside Worcester County Public School facilities, which they currently have.

“I’m very proud of the role,” she said. “It wasn’t just me, but I had a role in pushing that as a parent.”

The new board member acknowledged Addis, her predecessor, in her welcome speech.

“I would like to acknowledge [Addis], who previously held this seat and I wish her well,” she said. “I do believe we shared some concerns and also some values.”

She added, “Personally, I plan to come in here and truly commit to this role with an open mind. To listen, to learn, to make myself available and useful to the people I now serve. And to build positive, honest, and open working relationships with my fellow board members.”

Cutlip also expressed her commitment to her new role and said that she looks forward to being a part of a

“strong” educational system.

“I would also like to make it known that I believe we have a very strong school system,” she said. “I do believe our schools are safe. I would say 98% of our teachers, administration, and support staff are truly amazing. These are deeply dedicated professionals who genuinely care about the whole student. I see it firsthand with my daughters.”

She noted that she hopes to work towards further improving the schools.

“I do believe there’s an opportunity to strengthen trust among staff, parents, students, community mem-

bers, and I would love for our schools to show even more openness in all areas possible and still advance in school safety,” Cutlip said.

In addition to her new role on the board, Cutlip and her husband are the owners of Bayside Boat Rentals in midtown Ocean City.

Board member (and former county school superintendent) Jon Andes also welcomed Cutlip to the group.

“Thank you for stepping up and thank you for accepting the position,” he said. “I look forward to working with you to make our school system the best it possibly can.”

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Jackie Cutlip (left) is sworn into her seat on the Worcester County Board of Education on Tuesday by Clerk of Court Susan Braniecki (right) as Superintendent Annette Wallace (center) looks on.

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, eggrolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-2897192, captainstableoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m. Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 4-9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Open Monday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dinein, carry out.

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

■ 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.

MIDTOWN

29th to 90th streets

■ 32 PALM

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ THE BONFIRE

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

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

■ FAGERS ISLAND

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ HOOKED

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Full bar

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

■ SEACRETS

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

UPTOWN

■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS

118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com

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

■ THE CRAB BAG

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA

120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com

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

■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT

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

$$-$$$ | Full bar

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

FENWICK ISLAND

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

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

$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

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

■ NANTUCKETS

Closed - Reopens Feb. 11

Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-

2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com

Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.

■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY

Closed - Reopens March 11 Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-4362305, twiningshanty.com

Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.

WEST OCEAN CITY

■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL 9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com

$$ | Full bar

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

■ BREAKFAST CAFE

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

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

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

$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar

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

■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND

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

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

■ GREENE TURTLE WEST

Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-2131500

Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.

■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL

12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410213-1846, weocharborside.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Your attention is focused on finances and deeper connections, Aries. This is the week to speak honestly about budgets, debts or your investments with a partner.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Taurus, the spotlight is shining on your relationships, whether in love or business. Expect some meaningful conversations that define your approach going forward.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Your focus turns to work and wellness as part of your daily routine this week, Gemini. You may feel a strong urge to get more organized and capitalize on resolutions made.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Your inner child is leading the way for the week, Cancer. Spend time on hobbies, connect with children or plan a memorable date night. Don’t be afraid to take a creative risk.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

Leo, your energies are best spent on your home and family life right now. You may be dealing with a domestic project, a renovation or sorting out a matter with a relative.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Communication is your strongest tool this week, Virgo. With ideas flowing, you may be up to signing an agreement or running errands. You may want to reconnect with an old friend.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Libra, review your income streams and spending habits to give you a clear picture for the new year. This isn’t about cutting things out, but about understanding what you value.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

It is your time to shine and redefine yourself, Scorpio. With cosmic energy focused your way, you have the drive and the focus to launch a personal project or make a major change.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Take some necessary steps back for quiet work and rest, Sagittarius. This week favors wrapping up older projects so you can think more clearly. Don’t overschedule yourself.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, social activities and future goals take center stage right now. It might be wise to start networking or join a new group that will open you up to different people.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

This is an important period for your career, Aquarius. If you’ve been mulling over making a move, now is the time to get a jump on it. Your professional achievements are getting noticed.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Pisces, finalize plans for a trip or a new pursuit, such as returning to school. Seek experiences that will broaden your horizons. Adventure beckons you this week.

County schools celebrate teacher of year candidates

14 honorees from each Worcester school will vie for countywide recognition

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools announced its 14 Teachers of the Year this week. The nominees from each school in the county will now vie for the countywide title.

The 2026 Teachers of the Year in Worcester are: Malcolm E. Bratcher Jr., Pocomoke Middle School; Maya N. Bratten, Pocomoke Elementary School; Taylor M. Case, Showell Elementary School; and Kiersten G. Conway, Snow Hill High School.

Erika L. Doyle, Buckingham Elementary School; Emily R. Handley, Berlin Intermediate School; Patricia A. Hands, Worcester Technical High School; Colleen A. Hood, Snow Hill Elementary School; Zachary S. Johnson, Cedar Chapel Special School; Emily M. Knopp, Stephen Decatur Middle School; Hannah C. Morris, Snow Hill Middle School. Christopher T. Muni, Pocomoke

High School; Heather L. Robins, Ocean City Elementary School; and Megan T. Seyler, Stephen Decatur High School.

The honorees were announced on Tuesday at a Worcester County Board of Education meeting. WCPS Superintendent Annette Wallace said the Worcester County Teacher of the Year will be named at the school system’s annual celebration on March 3.

Phillip Cropper was named Worcester County’s 2025 Teacher of the Year. Cropper is Worcester Technical High School’s lead culinary chef. Following his county win, the Worcester Tech educator was one of seven instructors statewide to be nominated for Maryland Teacher of the Year.

“They are all excellent candidates,” Wallace said at the board of education meeting this week. “It’s going to be a really exciting year and a great competition and celebration of our outstanding educators. We are incredibly proud of each of these educators and grateful for their passion, professionalism, and dedication they bring to our students every day.”

by Steve Green

The Adventures of Fatherhood

(The following is a reprint from January 2023.)

It was 3:15 in the morning when Pam woke me up questioning a beeping sound.

We happened to be in a rental house on vacation in Vermont for a ski trip. Therefore, it was much more of an unknown than if we were at home. A major storm had also passed through the day before, dropping more than four feet of snow. I followed the beep to the bottom floor where a combination smoke detector and carbon monoxide alarm was sounding. The bottom floor in this house featured a game room and hot tub along with a garage area where the heating and air conditioning units were located.

After some cursory investigating by my non-mechanical self, like hitting the reset button, we ultimately decided to call 911 because we were concerned carbon monoxide was filling the house. We figured it was better safe than sorry in the unfamiliar home and the storm conditions outside. The 911 operator’s advice was to vacate the house immediately and keep all windows and doors closed until the West Dover Fire Department arrived to allow for accurate air condition readings.

For the most part, considering the time of night, Beckett, 14, and Carson, 13, handled the emergency well. Beckett initially asked to stay in bed until the firefighters arrived. I admitted to him my concern and the seriousness of the situation. He eventually accepted the situation’s gravity. As I worked to motivate Beckett, Pam said Carson immediately jumped out of bed confused but got his stuff together quickly, following her instructions.

Due to the ongoing severe weather conditions, it took the first responders about 90 minutes to arrive. We would learn later the roads were horrible and along the way to our place the fire truck needed to help a plow in need of assis-

tance. At one point, during the long wait and amid questions from the kids about wireless internet access in the truck, Pam surmised whether the situation might have had something to do with the plow truck coming to our house while we were asleep.

The guess turned out to be accurate as the huge mounds of snow piled up near the house had apparently overflowed against the house, blocking a furnace vent along the foundation. Despite the snow and cold conditions, it was inspiring to watch the firefighters attempt to diagnose the issue.

When they arrived, I walked two firefighters – who apologized for their delay -- into the house to show them around the house. One firefighter quickly stopped us, referring to his reader alerting him of high levels of carbon monoxide. Another firefighter informed me the protocol subsequently changed – they needed to retrieve their oxygen tanks.

From that point on, I stayed outside and listened to the firefighters communicate on their radios. While the carbon monoxide level was high on the first floor, once the firefighters were on the bottom floor the readings went above 260 ppm (35 ppm sets off an alarm). It was clear the source was on this floor as the second and third floor detectors had not yet sounded.

The firefighters were looking to determine where the furnace vent entered the house. A series of knocking from inside the home then took place with the firefighters on the outside communicating via radio. One firefighter then said, “found it, I got it, just need a shovel.” I tossed a couple shovels to them from the house.

A few minutes later, we heard a loud burp come from the vent followed by an overwhelming odor of gas. Once the snow was cleared, the firefighters inside then went about ventilating the house and getting some fresh air inside. The readings immediately began to decline, and we were soon back inside. Altogether, the ordeal last about three

hours. We were rattled but relieved. Beckett went back to sleep for a couple hours until it was time to ski. Carson bemoaned the lack of internet due to a downed antenna from the storm for a couple hours until it was time to leave the house. Pam and I reflected on what could have been.

Though this vacation will forever be remembered for this incident, the vacation was memorable in other ways.

We were initially scheduled to head to Vermont in mid-February but had to postpone our plans by a month. We were a bit worried about the snow still being around that late in the winter. Those thoughts seemed silly while the four feet of snow fell, resulting in a great week of skiing for all of us.

A daily highlight was able to ski trails with Beckett and Pam during our days away. These are lifetime memories to me. For his part, Carson took part in the Adaptive Mountain Sports program, which matches volunteers and/or staff with special needs individuals. It’s essentially a modified ski school for people with disabilities, some of whom are in a wheelchair and others, like Carson, have neurological differences requiring special treatment.

On the second to the last day of the trip, the adaptive program volunteers were comfortable enough to take Carson to the summit and have him sky down with assistance. Pam, Beckett and I timed it so we could ski past Carson without him knowing. We were then able to watch from the side of the mountain as he skied down with his assistants. It took him a while as he is cautious, but it warmed the heart to see him doing something he had never done before. It was special to be able to observe his incredible achievement. He only did it once, but he did it.

(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.)

Apostolou is first candidate to file in OC Council race

Mayor,

three council seats up for grabs in fall election

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) Campaigning for this year’s municipal election has now begun, with Ocean City resident William “Billy” Apostolou announcing his candidacy for City Council.

On Jan. 16, Apostolou shared his intentions to run for a seat on the Ocean City Council. He will be the first to formally file for this fall’s municipal election.

“I think this is the next step for me, to look out for the town I love …,” he told the OC Today-Dispatch last week. “The ability to give back and make sure it’s there for the next generation is important to me.”

This year, the mayor’s seat and three council seats – currently held by Matt James, Carol Proctor and Will Savage – will be up for grabs. While the incumbents have yet to publicly share their re-election plans, Apostolou said he is filing early, with the hopes of gaining the electorate’s trust … and vote.

“I want them to vote for someone they believe in and feel they know,” he said.

While raised in the Baltimore area, Apostolou said his connection with Ocean City started at a young age, spending summers on 54th Street. He would later purchase a condo at Sunset Bay, right next door to where he vacationed as a kid.

Apostolou moved to Ocean City full-time in 2020 and now lives on Robin Drive with his wife, Holly. With no children of their own, he said they hope to grow roots in their community in other ways.

“I think serving this community is the missing piece,” he said.

In addition to working for Direct Mortgage Loans, Apostolou serves on the board of directors for the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce. He is also president of the OC Chamber Foundation and president of the

Newcomer wants to ‘give back’

A.M. Foundation, which supports local initiatives and awards annual scholarships to deserving seniors at Stephen Decatur High School.

As for his candidacy, Apostolou stated he is running on transparency and accessibility with a focus on residents’ quality of life and thoughtful growth and development. He said he will spend the coming months introducing himself to the community and

CROSSWORD

gathering input from residents.

“I’m a big believer that I don’t know everything, and I want to poll voters and residents to see what they want,” he said.

Candidates in this year’s municipal election have until Oct. 6 to file, while residents have until Oct. 13 to register to vote. This year’s mayoral and council election will be held Tuesday, Nov. 3, at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.

Answers on page 34

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

WiTh Bunk Mann

The Knickerbocker Ferry passes through the Route 50 Bridge in February 1971. Planned as a floating shopping mall with two restaurants and a 200-seat movie theater, the former Staten Island, N.Y., Ferry met with nothing but disaster during her three-and-a-half year stint in Ocean City.

Owned by the Washington-based company, Ferryboat Ltd., the boat got stuck on a sandbar off 15th Street and spent the summer of 1971 stranded in the Sinepuxent Bay.

After being towed to a mooring at 32nd Street, the Knickerbocker sat empty for two-and-a-half years. No work was ever done on the proposed shopping mall/restaurant project and the city filed suit again Ferryboat Ltd., which filed bankruptcy. The old ferryboat was put up for auction and scrapped with the last pieces pulled from the bay in August 1974.

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

Photo by Dale Timmons

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

The last 15 minutes of the His & Hers series

When social media is a positive thing

My son’s relief after his last exam

History repeating itself

Mother Nature’s extremes around here

Rooting for close games in the playoffs

When evil gets punished

Healthy weight loss transformations

Leaving the office after deadlines ‘AI’ used for efficiency

When mortgage rates fall

Opinions

OC marijuana limits unrealistic

Ocean City government’s ban on cannabis dispensaries is hypocritical and unrealistic. There’s no other way to say it, when one of this resort’s traditional forms of entertainment has involved the destruction of a fair number of brain cells via the consumption of alcoholic beverages.

Elected officials may argue that no ban exists, but when zoning laws prevent dispensaries from locating within a certain distance from the beach — a “public park” — that’s a ban.

In a way, the disapproving eye cast in the direction of cannabis sales and use in town is reminiscent of the chestthumping outrage that colored the debate in the 1990s on whether Ocean City should permit body-piercing shops.

Opponents, most of whom were much older than the bodypiercing crowd, just knew that piercing studios would be the ruination of the resort. That, as we know, did not happen.

Similarly, the council’s opposition to the presence of a single cannabis shop is out of sync with most of society these days, and it’s seriously at odds with Ocean City’s role as the county’s leading source of alcohol consumption.

This isn’t a knock on alcohol sales, nor is it a promotion of marijuana use. It’s simply a matter of local officials not being hypocritical in dictating about how residents and visitors can indulge their desire to loosen up.

The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners, which governs liquor licenses in the county, reported last March that the 21842 zip code area, which includes Ocean City, has 233 license holders.

That’s not a shocking number, considering Ocean City’s summertime population of somewhere between 200,000 and 300,000, but in terms of social image, it’s overwhelming as compared to one cannabis dispensary.

Whether it’s one or 10 dispensaries, in-town sales of cannabis won’t be the ruination of Ocean City any more than a couple of hundred happy hours every day, eight to nine months a year. Let’s be realistic.

Going full-on crazy

Given that I have a 50 percent chance of going or being crazy at some point in my lifetime, I’m guessing this is as good a time as any to join the crowd.

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, BRIAN SHANE

Contact News Room: editor@octodaydispatch.com SALES

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Web: octodaydispatch.com ~ Facebook: www.facebook.com/octodaydispatch

OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2026

By Stewart Dobson

Of course, there are those at home and work who would say, “You’ve been a member of that club for quite a while now, so I wouldn’t spend too much time trying to sort out exactly when you should begin your little foray into wobbly world. I’m just saying.”

Regardless of my membership status, I reclaimed my seat on the crazy train this week after being told, rather distinctly, that although I heard what I thought I heard, I didn’t hear it in the way it was meant to be heard, which was not at all.

The word I heard, but didn’t would be in comments this week by a high-ranking U.S, official who seemed to confuse Greenland and Iceland in a lengthy speech in Switzerland. I’m not saying who this was for reasons of national and personal security.

In any event, I could have sworn the speaker said Iceland several times instead of Greenland, even though I knew he meant Greenland.

But I then learned from another highranking U.S. official who also will remain anonymous (hint: wears really red lipstick and got her lips puffed up a couple of weeks back) declared that he didn’t say that at all.

No, what he said was “Ice-Land,” as in Land that’s Icy, which Greenland is. In fact, she continued, those very words “Ice” and “Land” were in his script.

“So,” the anonymous person continued, “what you heard is not what you heard, capisce?

Personally, saying the wrong thing no big deal to me. I’ve said the wrong thing thousands of times — often in print — so I’m used to it.

And I don’t need anyone to help me deny that I said it.

“Oh, I didn’t endorse you for office? I endorsed your rival? Are you sure? I could have sworn I endorsed you. OK, let’s agree that I meant to endorse you, but mis-printed the name and we’ll leave it at that.”

And then, just the other day at home, I was asked which of us would be driving to the grocery store.

“I guess we’ll take my Maserati,” I said.

“You don’t have a Maserati,” she replied. “You have a Hyundai.”

“Same thing, I just pronounce it differently,” I countered.

“OK, fine” she said, “but tell me, just what do you think you’re doing?”

“I’ve decided that being crazy isn’t enough anymore and that I’m going to become fullout delusional. Here’s why:

“Last week I read that a 2010 study published in the Journal of Psychiatry found that half of all people in the world will experience a psychiatric disorder (i.e. go nuts) in their lifetime.

“So, here’s the thing,” I continued. “Half the world’s population going nuts at some point in their lives doesn’t bother me. But what they forgot to add is that it’s possible that half of all people will experience a psychiatric disorder ( i.e. go nuts) at the exact same time. And I say if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”

reprint from Feb. 10, 2023

PUBLIC EYE

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

The proposed Worcester County school calendar options for the 202627 school year have come with some controversy this year. Social media has been aflutter with criticism of the three presented options. The big deal seems to be having schools open the week of Christmas. Two calendar options have the last day being Dec. 22 with one option being Dec. 23. It’s clear many families enjoy having two full weeks off for Christmas and New Year’s. It’s not an option this year, leading some online to call for another option to be presented.

Another important point is one calendar option includes half-day, mid-week professional days that many parents struggle with as far as scheduling. One calendar option treats mid-week professional days as closed days for students. Another calendar option offers a mix of halfday and closed days for the Wednesday professional days. Under all calendar options, the last day of school for most kids will be June 15 half day.

It’s interesting to note what other school systems are planning. For instance, Frederick County has already approved its calendar with an Aug. 19 start date. Even with the early start date, Frederick students and teachers will be in school on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 21 and 22 with winter break starting Dec. 23. Frederick’s last day will be June 4 half day. In Garrett County, a resort area similar to our county here, schools will start Aug. 31 with winter break starting on Dec. 23 half day. The last day in Garrett will be June 3, however.

A large part of the challenge for the school system appears to be the post-Labor Day start date. This year Labor Day falls on Sept. 7, the latest it possibly can. The earliest it can fall is Sept. 1, of course. The late Labor Day is a problem once every six years. It’s a significant issue for planning. The calendars under consideration all start school on Sept. 8, as a post-Labor Day start has traditionally been a local priority.

The results of the calendar survey will be posted soon. It’s worth noting as of Thursday morning the calendar survey had 1,446 official responses. Despite some vitriolic social media comments, the priority (57% of survey respondents) seems to be an earlier release at the end of year over more or longer breaks such as the holidays (43%).

***

The group fighting the short-term rental ban in Ocean City has submitted 1,257 signatures, which will need to be verified to determine if it meets the 990 total needed to place the matter on a future ballot.

My guess is the validation effort will be close. Recent history shows us about 20% of signatures, or about 250, will be tossed. If that pattern holds, the petition will be successful in placing the moratorium before Ocean City registered voters.

If the petition effort is successful city officials will most likely simply reverse course, lift the moratorium and go a different direction with regulating short-term rental in the R-1 and MH districts. The favored option at this point seems to place a cap on the number of short-term rentals permitted in those neighborhoods. If the petition is validated, city code stipulates a referendum can be held via a special election or during the regular municipal election looming in November.

The unknown moving forward will be whether every single attempt to regular short-term rentals will face another petition drive.

***

The Town of Ocean City has approximately 66 places to buy beer and wine and 200-plus liquor licenses overall. While the authority over these outlets lies outside Ocean City with the Board of License Commissioners, it still strikes me as hypocritical to place tight limitations on a cannabis dispensary in the resort town. There is a story in the paper this week on this topic.

It would have bene interesting to see the disposition of the court challenge in Worcester County over the town’s restrictive zoning for dispensaries. Ocean City has a law on the books stating dispensaries cannot open within 100 feet of a residence or 500 feet from a park, which the beach is considered. The zoning basically makes a cannabis dispensary impossible in Ocean City, but state law states governments cannot unfairly target dispensaries and apply different rules to alcohol and cannabis. Ocean City is clearly doing just that.

The legal challenge’s outcome would have been interesting, but unfortunately the judge did not have to take up the matter because the dispensary license holder – only the third of which permitted in the county – withdrew the matter and no longer plans to open up his store, the Green Marlin (an outstanding name in my opinion, for what it’s worth). At some point, the zoning law will be challenged because the potential revenue will be worth the battle.

Ocean City wind forum spreads misinformation

Editor,

I'm writing in regard to your recent coverage of the anti-wind "public forum," where "a panel of experts and elected officials gathered to share information and field questions" ("‘We will not give up the fight,’ local leaders say," January 17, 2026).

Your readers may wish to know that the "information" which you uncritically reported is actually part of a years-long campaign of mis-information, largely funded by the oil and gas industry. We rely on journalists to provide accurate and reliable information, not to simply transcribe.

Some facts:

The claim that offshore wind is "three times pricier than conventional generation" is just pure nonsense. The truth is that unlike fossil fuels, which fluctuate wildly in price, offshore wind provides stable, predictable costs, far ahead of natural gas and conventional nuclear energy today. According to the International Energy Agency, by 2030 wind energy is estimated to be nearly 28% cheaper to produce over a project lifetime than gas, which is projected to become more costly over the next decade.

The fact is that offshore wind strengthens grid reliability and reduces our dependence on foreign oil.

The claim that offshore wind "will end commercial fishing" is likewise false. It just hasn't happened. A recent study confirmed that wind farms can serve as artificial reefs, attracting marine invertebrates that attach to them and grow, attracting other fish and shellfish. A seven-year independent study at Block Island Wind Farm concluded that most species saw no difference in catch due to the opera-

tion of the wind farm.

That fact is that offshore wind in Ocean City is a long-term infrastructure investment that has been approved only after years of intense federal review, including review by the Department of Defense.

Finally, offshore wind will bring thousands of good paying union jobs to our community, which are sorely needed.

It's time to face facts. Our climate is undergoing changes that are threatening to Ocean City's economy and continued longevity. Demands for electricity are rising. We need real solutions for an energy independent future and offshore wind provides that.

Jared Schablein (The writer is the Chair of Shore Progress.)

Wind project needed to fight rising energy costs

Editor, Families across the Delmarva peninsula are feeling the sting of rising energy costs.

Much of this is driven by a massive surge in electricity demand from regional data centers, which caused capacity prices to spike nine-fold last year.

Offshore wind is a critical tool for price stabilization. While fossil fuel prices are volatile, wind projects lock in fixed electricity rates for decades. A study by Aurora Energy Research estimated that similar projects would have saved ratepayers $77 million in a single month during 2022 weather events by suppressing price spikes.

The cost for this security is capped by law in Maryland at just $1.50 per month for the typical household. For

Continued on Page 56

Continued from Page 55

the price of a candy bar, we are buying a shield against global and seasonal energy market fluctuations. On Long Island, customers of the Long Island Power Authority are seeing a nearly identical impact of just $1.58 for South Fork Wind.

The US Wind project is expected to save Marylanders $12.6 billion over 20 years.

Scrapping this project doesn't save money. It just leaves us vulnerable to a market where wholesale prices recently spiked by over 300% in a single winter.

Stacy Paulsen Ocean Pines

Annapolis decisions could affect residents Editor,

Who is a Maryland taxpayer? An individual or business that pays taxes to multiple levels of government: state, county and/or municipality. Taxation is not an optional exercise that allows Marylanders to pick and choose what taxes they will pay and to whom.

Maryland taxpayers pay them all. That’s why again this year, Marylanders should beware.

The 2026 Maryland State Legislative session is underway, in an election year. As if that were not enough drama to make the session interest-

ing, add in new House leadership, new committees, a no tax/no fee increase pledge from the Governor and a nearly $2 billion deficit.

Budget decisions made in Annapolis reverberate throughout the state and permeate decisions made by county and local elected officials who are also responsible for budgets, budgets that often have more impact on the daily lives of Marylanders. Think funding for law enforcement, public schools, parks and recreation and roads. Think planning and zoning codes.

For those of us responsible for governing at the county level, there’s significant trepidation as this session rolls out. How will the state balance the budget this year, already starting in deficit territory? History reminds us that state legislators and the executive branch often balance the budget by pushing on to local county governments programs and initiatives costs the state legislates are necessary but are unable or unwilling to fund. And when more is required to close a budget deficit, they slash local allocations. Cuts to Highway User Revenue and Project Open Space funding come to mind.

It's likely Maryland taxpayers will again take it on the chin as local governments will be forced to make the hard budgeting decisions glossed over by Annapolis lawmakers.

State legislators and the Governor will claim they balanced the budget,

in an election year, without increased taxes and fees. They will campaign accordingly. What is left unsaid in celebratory sound bites is that ultimately Maryland taxpayers are still going to pay in local and county taxes for the left behind unfunded mandates and reduced state funding allocations.

Unless Annapolis legislators practice responsible budgeting, Maryland taxpayers will again pay the price. If the past is prologue, Annapolis lawmakers will pass difficult funding and tax decisions onto local government leaders to pay for Annapolis’ unfunded mandates, gubernatorial pet projects and reduced allocations.

Despite sound bites and press releases to the contrary, this legislative session may rely less on responsible governing than smoke and mirrors. And when the smoke clears, it will be the Maryland taxpayer – all of us –who will foot the bill.

Chip Bertino Ocean Pines

(The writer is a county commissioner representing District 5.)

letters are subject to editing for clarity and potentially libelous

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Of all the culinary possibilities, sauce making can be intimidating not only for the novice chef but even the most experienced. Believe it or not but the less elaborate preparations can also be fickle: suddenly separating onto pools of oil and water, or thickening into a mound of unwanted clumps, or even worse, the forbidden curdled pan of a no return mess.

According to Herald McGee’s, On Food and Cooking, our first real knowledge of saucelike preparations comes from the late Latin recipe book attributed to Apicius. These mixtures were known as “juices” and were heavily spiced and thickened with pieces of bread. Needless to say, the art of saucing has come a long way. Sauces have a rich history, and the types of sauces are numerous at best. We will be focusing on a creamy sauce that is classically paired with a juicy steak.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

The nature of a creamy sauce is depended on colloidal chemistry. A colloid is basically a suspension of very small particles in another substance.

What makes starch so useful in cooking is its behavior in hot water. Starch molecules are made up of many thousands of glucose molecules. Mix some flour or cornstarch into cold water, and hardly anything happens. But when the water gets hot enough, hydrogen bonding between the starch and water molecules takes place, and it is this process that thickens your sauce.

Experience and knowledge are your best teachers. The following tips ensure a decadent creamy peppered mushroom sauce. Each ingredient has purpose and harmony so it complements the steak. Beef broth enhances the beefy flavor while chicken broth, Worcestershire, white wine, and Dijon give the sauce depth of flavor.

Cornstarch thickens the sauce and is imperative for a cohesive dish. Without a thickener, the recipe will not be successful.

Cooking the steak and mushrooms in the same pan as the sauce is essential. These little particles are the caviar of taste and are eventually incorporated back into the sauce.

Cook the mushrooms until they get brown. By doing so, the natural juices escape which intensifies the mushroom essence.

Freshly ground black pepper high-

lights the steak. If you have an option of a coarse grind, choose that option. The steak and rich sauce will benefit from it and it also heightens the texture.

In closing, a sauce should enhance the protein and not overpower it. A steak smothered in a creamy, peppered mushroom sauce is decadent and perfect for the wintry weather.

Crusty hot bread with butter and a glass of your favorite wine makes this dish hard to beat. Enjoy!

Steak with Peppered Mushroom Sauce

• 2 boneless beef ribeye or filet steaks

• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

1. Bring steaks to room temperature.

2. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

3. Season each side of the steak.

4. In a cast iron skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.

5. Sear each side of the steak, and transfer pan to the preheated oven, and cook steaks until medium rare. Time will vary according to the thickness of the steak. Remove from oven, and transfer steak to a plate and tent with foil.

* The internal temperature will increase about 5 degrees while steak rests, so take this into consideration when cooking the steaks.

Mushroom Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 6 ounces favorite mushrooms

• 1 small shallot, minced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

• 1/3 cup dry white wine

• ½ teaspoon cornstarch

• ½ cup each chicken and beef broth

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon dried crushed rosemary

• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons heavy cream

• kosher salt and lots of freshly ground black pepper to taste

1. Return the skillet to the stove top and heat to medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and olive oil to the pan. Add mushrooms and cook until well browned on both sides.

2. Add remaining butter to the pan and saute shallots, garlic, and parsley for about 3 minutes. Add the wine and deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.

Continue cooking until almost all of the wine has evaporated.

3. In a small bowl, combine cornstarch with beef and chicken broth. Make sure it is smooth and does not have any lumps.

4. Add cornstarch slurry, seasonings, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce and continue to stir until sauce reduces slightly.

5. Reduce heat to low and add cream, and cook until it thickens slightly.

6. Place steaks on plates and top with mushroom sauce.

7. Garnish with lots of freshly ground black pepper.

Secret Ingredient – Sauce

An ounce of sauce covers a multitude of sins.

~ Anthony Bourdain

OC Chamber announces ’26 Awards Celebration winners

(Jan. 23, 2026) The Greater Ocean City, Maryland Chamber of Commerce has announced those being recognized at the 2026 Awards Celebration.

The theme of this year’s Awards Celebration is “masquerade,” and the event is to be held on Friday, Feb. 27, 2026, at the Ashore Resort in the Atlantic Ballroom.

• Lifetime Achievement will be awarded to Royette Shepherd of Hooper’s Crab House, Sneaky Pete’s, Pancho & Lefty’s and Westside 50 Plaza.

• Business Person of the Year awarded to Tonya Agostino of Unstoppable Joy.

• Citizen of the Year awarded to Robert Chandler (DJ Wax).

• Community Spirit/Best Initiative awarded to Go Green OC.

• Chamber Volunteer of the Year awarded to Dawn Gallick (Equipment Share).

• First Responder of the Year awarded to Officer Barbara Wisenewski (Ocean City Police Department, Animal Control Division).

• Non-Profit of the Year awarded to The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club.

• Young Professional of the Year awarded to: Crystal Collins of Draper Media.

The honorees will be recognized from 6-10 p.m. Tickets are $125 per person, which includes two drinks, a threecourse plated dinner, and professional photos. To register, visit www.oceancity.org or contact Joanna Aydelotte, events manager, at joanna@oceancity.org or 443-664-3052.

SPORTFISHING AWARD

The Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association presented the 2025 Angler Of The Year Award at its January meeting. Top Angler was Brian Reynolds who caught the biggest fish of 11 different species in both ocean and coastal bays. Pictured is ACSA Advisor John McFalls presenting both ocean and coastal bay awards to Angler of the Year Brian Reynolds, who is pictured with his son, Charlie, four months old.

CAROL E. MILLS

Ocean Pines

Carol Elizabeth Mills of Ocean Pines passed away November 18, 2025, after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She was 92. She was born to Clarence and Bertha Hahn and raised in Springfield, Illinois. After graduating from Macalester College, she worked for the National Security Agency for two years where she met her husband Jim Mills. Married to James P. Mills in 1956, she raised her family in New Carrollton, MD, a Washington suburb where she served as the Carrollton Elementary PTA president, brownie leader, volunteered with Meals on Wheels and the Parkdale High School Sports Boosters along with Jim, Thursday morning 10-pin league bowler, bridge player, Library Book Club Member, and the unofficial Mayor of the New Carrollton Swim and Recreation Club. She was a great Cook.

Jim and Carol Mills retired to Ocean Pines in 1986 where bridge, bowling, knitting & sewing, going to the Beach, bird watching, Ocean City Kiwanis Club, and the Ocean Pines Craft Club kept her busy along with lots of golf and some Elder Hostile adventures. She loved Dogs.

Jim Mills passed away during January 2018. Mrs. Mills leaves behind her daughter Deborah Mills of Richmond, Va. and her son, David of Milford, Del. Please contribute to a charity of your choice to honor her memory.

WILLIAM P. ROGERS JR.

Bishopville

William (Billy) Purnell Rogers Jr, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026 at 59 years young.

Billy was born on June 18, 1966 to parents Jacqueline Tingle Rogers and William Purnell Rogers Sr. Billy grew up in Bishopville, Maryland where he loved to go hunting, fishing, and riding four wheelers. His family lovingly remembers him playing in the woods for hours on end- and had to be called up for dinner nightly.

He worked as an electrician for

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most of his adult life, but his passion was serving the Bishopville Fire Company alongside his immediate family members (Bill, Andrew, Bryan). He very much enjoyed packing up his RV alongside his parents and siblings to go camping either at Shad Landing or Assateague beach with as many nieces and nephews as possible. Billy was a caring, generous, fiercely loyal and loving man.

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Jackie and Bill Rogers, his nephew James Scott Jackson, his great nieces Adeline and Amelia Tellier.

He is survived by many close friends and family including siblings Patricia Jackson, (spouse James Jackson), Susan Rogers Stant, Andrew Rogers, Bryan Rogers (nephewraised as brothers), and Tina Rogers (niece and sister-in-law). He is also survived by many nieces and nephews- Beth Brockman (spouse Will Brockman), Blaire Jackson, Christopher Stant, Jeffrey Stant (spouse Michelle Stant), Brittani Bunting (spouse Colby Bunting), Andrew Rogers (spouse Rachel Rogers), and Wesley Rogers (spouse Mikayla Rogers). He is survived by several great nieces and nephews- Tegan Rogers (spouse Trish Rogers), Riley Rogers (Bryan and Tina Rogers), Lincoln Tellier, Logan Brockman (Beth and Will Brockman), Emerson Gray and Delaney Bunting (Brittani and Colby Bunting), Jack Rogers and Banks Rogers (Andrew and Rachel Rogers), Lorelei Rogers (Tegan and Trish Rogers), Brent Spicer and Lainey Rogers (Wesley and Mikayla Rogers). Billy did not have any biological children, but he treated all his nieces and nephews as his own.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, January 28, 2026 beginning at 11 am at Bishop Hastings Funeral Home in Selbyville, DE. There will be a memorial service directly after the visitation at 12 pm followed by a procession to the graveside at Bishopville Cemetery.

The family is asking for either flowers sent to Bishop Hastings Funeral Home or donations to the Bishopville Fire Company, P.O. Box 350, Bishopville, MD 21813.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

STEPHEN WHITE REDDISH

Salisbury

Stephen White Reddish, 78, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on July 6, 1947, he was the son of the late Alfred “Pogie” and Dorothy (White) Reddish. Steve lived a life anchored in family, forged by hard work, and guided by the water. An avid outdoorsman, his happy place was on the open ocean sportfishing, along riverbanks casting a line, or in duck blinds at sunrise. A master craftsman, he could build or fix just about anything. When not outdoors, he could be found cheering on the Virginia Tech Hokies, a loyal fan through every season.

Raised in Denton, Maryland, Steve carried many fond childhood memories throughout his life. He spent most of his adult years in Salisbury where his determination built a respected, successful business and strong relationships across the community. Yet, his proudest accomplishment was his family whom he

loved beyond measure and supported without condition. He also shared a special bond with his beloved dogs, who were constant companions and a source of daily joy.

Known for his sharp wit and great sense of humor, Steve loved a good time and could always be counted on for a laugh or a well-timed comment (most likely inappropriate). This humor made him a favorite among waitstaff and health care providers. If there wasn’t a game or car race on, the music was. He was master of his outdoor kitchen when entertaining. Yet when he was ready to call it a night, he was ready — on his terms and without hesitation, a trait those who knew him came to appreciate and smile about.

Steve’s legacy lives on through the values he instilled in his family: hard work, integrity, and loyalty.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie (Cooper) Reddish; sons Michael Reddish (Kim) and Rusty Reddish (Stacie); daughters Katie (Reddish) Vinroot (Pete) and Allison (Reddish) Grinups (Paul); and eight grandchildren: Dylan, Rowan, Alexis, Lee, Maggie, Brooklynn, Mackenzie, and Michaela. He is also survived by his siblings, Al Reddish, Amy (Reddish) Rogers, and Bill Reddish.

In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his older brother, Alfred “Tac” Reddish.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Green Hill Country Club on February 8, 2026, at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the 4Ocean Foundation or Coastal Hospice.

In keeping with his wishes, the family will lay him to rest at sea at a later date.

May his lines stay tight, the winds be calm, and the ducks fly low.

Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.

W. Rogers Jr.

Stephen Reddish

Sports & Recreation

For Coleman, D1 coaching a future ‘desire’

By Steve Green Executive Editor

(Jan. 23, 2026) After six seasons and two state championships at Decatur, Jake Coleman has stepped down as the football program’s leader.

While his reasons are largely personal and logistical with his son a member of a Division I football program in Vanderbilt, Coleman said this week he does aspire to coach again at a higher level eventually.

In a radio interview with Power 101.7 on Monday, Coleman, a teacher at the Berlin high school, was transparent about his future goals.

“I want to be honest. I will be able to collect early retirement in a couple years and if the right opportunity presents itself at the collegiate level, I may take it,” said Coleman. “I want everyone to know I do have this desire. I want to coach at that level. I want to see if I can do it.”

In his statement released last month, Coleman acknowledged the grind of being a head coach for the Decatur program and supporting his son Brycen’s career at Vanderbilt in Tennessee.

It was common in the fall for Decatur to play a game on Friday night and for Coleman, his wife Melanie, a teacher at Ocean City Elementary, and other family members to immediately fly to watch their son compete in the SEC.

“As each season comes to a close, I take time to reflect. While this may look easy to some, I must humbly acknowledge the challenges of being a head coach and defensive coordinator,” Coleman said. “Balancing these roles with the demands of traveling across the country every weekend to support my son, while also making time for my other two children and my wife, has been no small feat.

“To accomplish what we did over the past two years while personally keeping the pace, is nothing short of remarkable and I want to credit the best coaching staff and the best players in Maryland for that. …. I want to assure you all that I will continue to support and assist the program, the school and the kids … I have fulfilled my dreams in coaching, and I will cherish these moments forever. “

On the radio this week on The Bill Baker and Jessica Show, Coleman expanded on his new role next season with Decatur.

“I am going to be at the lifts, probably 100% of the practices, but I am probably going to be at 90% of the games,” Coleman said. “If Brycen is playing at Florida or Georgia or wherever or (wife) Mel says I want to go early, then we are going to do it. I couldn’t do that before.”

“I am going to step back, kind of help out, maybe coach some JV football. I am going to be around for the kids … I am not going anywhere. It’s important for everyone know that. I also can’t wait to support whoever they choose to replace me.”

While he will not be the head coach, Coleman made it clear during this week’s interview he plans to still be invested in the program he and his fellow coaches have built.

“I try to be a beacon for the kids and gravitate toward. The kids know how much I care about them and they reciprocate that,” Coleman said. “The relationship building we have among our staff is second to none, and our kids feel that. They know we are fully invested in them and I think the kids want that.”

Dating back to 2020, Coleman’s record at Decatur is 59-11 and 16-3 in the playoffs. Coleman’s teams in 2023 and 2024 won the 2A state title and he was named Bayside Conference Coach of the Year both seasons.

Before coming to Decatur, Coleman’s record at his alma mater, Cambridge South Dorchester, was 85-53. As a player for Cambridge, Coleman was part of two state championship football teams in 1995 and 1996.

Coleman’s high school coaching record overall stands at 144 wins and 64 losses.

Coleman is proud of the culture created at Decatur but he said his entire coaching staff from top to bottom is incredibly talented and committed and deserves much credit for the program’s success.

“Decatur is the place to be, that’s how it is now,” Coleman said. “People say we are recruiting but they don’t like to hear

this. We don’t have to do that. People want to be here. They want to be in the No. 1 school system around. The school is great. Our teachers are the best. Our kids are the best. Our parents are the best. We are the best of the best and people want to be a part of it.”

While reflecting on his career on the radio, Coleman talked about recent players who are now playing at the collegiate level.

Coleman’s son Brycen just completed his second season at Vanderbilt. Coleman appeared in four regular season games as a freshman and had three receptions for 67 yards and a 54-yard touchdown catch as a sophomore. A tight end his first two seasons and playing in 18 games, Brycen will be transitioning to wide receiver next season.

“He’s been playing tight end but he keeps getting faster and faster so they are going to move him to wide receiver and then re-evaluate,” Coleman said. “He’s amazing but he’s always been like that. … People ask me ‘man what’s the secret, how did you all do it?’ I say the kid must want it. Well, that kid has always wanted it. He did it.”

Coleman also reflected on former Decatur player Luke Mergott, a linebacker for Duke University who made two huge interceptions for the Blue Devils late this season. Mergott, whose parents both work in the public school system and live in Berlin, was featured on ESPN’s Sportscenter twice in a month with those game-clinching interceptions.

“Luke is only scratching the surface,” Coleman said. “If you know Luke Mergott, Luke Mergott is special in so many ways. … He’s an unbelievable football player … fast, explosive, strong … he never played linebacker until he got to

Duke … he averaged 10 tackles a game … Brycen and I were at the ACC championship game and Brycen and Luke are like best friends … so to have another family that understands how chaotic our lives are and they understand the challenges. … Brycen and Luke have each other to go through all this together because they understand.”

Coleman said Mergott will graduate early from Duke and he expects he will be playing in the NFL.

Coleman also spoke about Davin Chandler, a freshman at Vanderbilt University. Chandler, a safety, appeared in one game this year on Sept. 20 against Georgia State.

“Davin’s time is coming, he’s coming. … Everyone around here is used to seeing Davin start, going back seventh and eighth grade, but it’s coming. It’s just different in the SEC where you don’t just go in and play right away,” Coleman said.

“He’s growing and going to be amazing.”

Coleman also spoke about Ethan Bradshaw at Army, Trybe Wise at Georgetown University, Ashten Snelsire at the University of Richmond and Dalontae Henry, who Coleman expects will be signed away from his junior college Diablo Valley in California for a Division I program in time.

Coleman said it was “beautiful thing” to see Snelsire gain the starting quarterback role at Richmond last season and score the game winner against the school’s arch rival, William and Mary. “It’s just incredible to see this,” he said.

Coleman added, “These other guys are all coming, but you go there and everybody is every team’s best player in high school. You are playing against the very, very best. These guys are working hard. They are coming. Be ready.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Stephen Decatur’s first state football title was won in 2023. The team would repeat in 2024, becoming back-to-back champions in the 2A division.

Seahawks thwart comeback bid from Parkside at home

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(Jan. 23, 2026) Stephen Decatur boys varsity basketball team is improving, knocking off Parkside, 7773, and Washington this week.

The Rams were strong and led by Javon Comegys, who had 42 points in a losing effort.

In the first quarter, the Seahawks scored 15 to Parkside’s 12. Caleb Wise had seven points and Kayden Sharkey had six points.

In the second quarter, the Seahawks scored 16 to the Rams’ 8. Going into half time, the score was 31-20 with Decatur in command.

In the third the Seahawks scored 27 with three pointers from Johnathan Purnell, Jasir Jackson and Nicky Soares.The quarter ended with Decatur ahead, 58-40.

Then the Rams came alive with Comegys scoring 20 points in the fourth quarter and Parkside outscoring Decatur, 33-19. Decatur was able

to hold on for the 77-73 victory.

Stephen Decatur’s high scorer was Johnathan Purnell with 22 points followed by Nicky Soares with 14 and Caleb Wise with 13.

After the game, Acting Head Coach Bobby Guroso said, “I’m as exhausted as the boys, I think coaching that game they played their hearts out. They followed the game plan they executed really well. That’s really a good team. Number 1 (Javon Comegys) is a heck of a player. He just got really hot, but we did the things we had to do to hold on, you know, I’m so proud of it.”

The win came after a loss to Snow Hill on Jan. 13, 58-50. On Tuesday, Decatur beat Washington High, 4641. The season record for Decatur was 4-6 heading into Friday’s game against Crisfield, which won the early season matchup, 41-40.

The next home game will be Tuesday, Jan. 27 against Pocomoke High School at 5:30 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior guard Ricardo Copes is pictured sizing up Parkside’s defense in this week’s win.

Junior guard Nicky Soares scored 14 points for the Seahawks, including three from behind the arc.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Guard Johnathan Purnell led the Decatur offense with a game-high 22 points over the Rams. Purnell leads the team in points, rebounds and assists this season.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS