02/06/2026 OC Today-Dispatch

OCFD: new boss same as old boss

Acting Fire Chief Josh Bunting regains title on permanent basis after ‘retiring’ in December and then winning position over 53 other applicants. — PAGE 4

DeLuca survives council challenge

Other members question his intent and say he should resign, but agree he met poorly written eligibility requirements to run for City Council in 2024. — PAGE 3

Colleagues say DeLuca may keep seat amid controversy

Officials vote to revisit the eligibility requirements for the mayor and City Council

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) Ocean City Councilman Tony DeLuca will maintain his seat after a motion to disqualify him over residency concerns failed for lack of a second.

The outcome was the result of a special meeting held Wednesday, during which officials debated whether DeLuca had maintained his domicile during his time in office, as required by the city’s charter. Despite allegations and evidence suggesting he lived in Annapolis, and commuted to and from the area on a weekly basis, a motion to oust him failed to gain traction among his colleagues.

“I’m kind of pissed we’re here. I think you’ve put us in a very bad spot …,” Council President Matt James told DeLuca this week. “Even if you originally intended to be here fulltime – and maybe you do meet the letter of the law, I don’t know – I don’t think you meet the intent of the charter.”

In January, challenger Leslie Smith filed a formal complaint with the Town of Ocean City seeking a review of DeLuca’s residency. The former council candidate – ousted from the 2024 race after a council majority determined she did not meet the city’s domicile requirements – alleges she was discriminated against, and that the same review was not applied to DeLuca, who she claims is living full-time in Annapolis.

Real estate records Smith presented to the City Council this week showed DeLuca purchased his Annapolis condo in April 2023, at the same time he sold his primary residence in Ocean City. She also presented an affidavit signed by DeLuca and his wife, declaring their intent to occupy the condo at least seven months out of the year.

In May 2024, four months before announcing his bid for re-election, he purchased a second property, a 486square-foot unit at the Coconut Malorie in midtown Ocean City. The deed from that purchase declares the property would not be used as a principal residence and lists DeLuca’s mailing address as his Annapolis condo.

Smith also presented loan documents and testimony from a resident in DeLuca’s condo building in Annapolis, declaring that he resided there 80% of the time and served as the board’s vice president.

“I would request that Councilman Deluca do the honorable thing and step down from the council this afternoon,” Smith concluded, adding that she would seek a full investigation if

he did not.

For his part, DeLuca acknowledged that he and his wife purchased their Annapolis condo in 2023, after his son was diagnosed with cancer and his daughter-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. He said the residence allowed them to go to Annapolis each week to help family.

“The bottom line is I live in Ocean City, and I travel to Annapolis every week to help support my family during this family crisis,” he said.

DeLuca presented the City Council with his deed to the Coconut Malorie, which he said he and his wife moved into five-and-a-half months prior to the election. Up until that point, he told his colleagues he rented a place on 120th Street.

DeLuca also shared his driver’s license and Homestead Tax Credit application, which lists the Coconut Malorie as his principal address. He then proceeded to show E-ZPass records, car registration information, 2024 tax returns, and his voter card for Ocean City.

“All documents currently meet all requirements,” he said.

DeLuca said it was always his intent to remain domiciled in Ocean City. Councilwoman Carol Proctor, however, said she did not believe him to be a fulltime resident of the municipality, pointing to the deed restrictions on his Coconut Malorie home and his voter registration card, which was issued in Ocean City after DeLuca had filed to run for re-election.

“Based on all the data and everything that I have, I’m sorry to say but I do not believe you live there,” she said. “And I also believe the intent of our charter is that you are here for 12 months out of the year, that you live here fulltime basically, not parttime.”

James agreed.

“I don't think the intent of the charter is to have people live here six months and a day to serve our public,” he said. “I think the intent is to have full-time, year-round residents serve Ocean City.”

Councilman John Gehrig, however, argued the council must vote based on what the charter states, the main reason he said he voted to keep Smith as a council candidate back in 2024. Officials noted that the charter does not define “fulltime” or how many days a resident must live in Ocean City to serve on the dais.

APORME OF TECIT

“We have to vote based on the words on the page,” Gehrig said. “And if the words on the page need to change, we need to change it.”

Councilman Will Savage shared his frustrations, adding that most of the evidence brought before them was circumstantial and “inconclu-

NO

DeLuca maintains council seat

sive.”

“The intent of the charter, is it met? I don’t think so,” he said. “Do you meet what the charter says? Yes, I think you do.”

For his part, Councilman Jake Mitrecic said he took issue with the process and his involvement in it.

“That being said, there is nothing in our code today that says that Tony needs to live here 186 days of the year, or whatever that number may be,” he said. “And until that time comes, I can’t in good conscience go against the law of our town, regardless of how I feel about anything else.”

With no second, Proctor’s motion to disqualify DeLuca and declare his seat vacant failed. However, a motion to revisit eligibility requirements for the mayor and City Council passed in

a 6-0 vote.

“The whole problem lies within the charter,” Councilman Larry Yates said.

James made it clear at the end of this week’s meeting that he expected DeLuca to resign should any charter amendment make him ineligible to keep his council seat.

“If it becomes clear, I expect you to respect that,” he said.

Following Wednesday’s meeting, a complaint was filed with the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, seeking an investigation into election irregularities and voter integrity concerns. The letter outlines Smith’s discrimination claims involving her ineligibility to run for City Council, DeLuca’s residency dispute, and questions surrounding the residency of former councilman Frank Knight, among other things.

Bunting declared the front runner for the position, and was sworn in this week

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) Josh Bunting has been named Ocean City’s fire chief, a position he held in an acting capacity before to his retirement in December.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted 7-0 to confirm Bunting as Ocean City Fire Department’s next fire chief. He will permanently fill a position he has held on an interim basis for roughly eight months.

“I had eight months to evaluate Josh, and I have 100% confidence in his ability to do the job,” City Man-

ager Terry McGean told the council. “And it gives me great pleasure to make this recommendation to the mayor and City Council.”

With the council’s vote, Bunting will continue to lead the department he left in mid-December, when he announced he would be retiring the following day. In his letter to department staff at that time, he shared his intentions to reapply to the position.

In his speech Monday, Bunting thanked city officials, city staff, family and members of the Ocean City Fire Department for their support. He said he was eager to work alongside the department’s firefighters, paramedics, fire marshals, and even some “childhood heroes” as the city’s next fire chief.

“We remain committed to stepping up when you need us, when our citizens need us and our community needs us,” he said. “So in closing, thank you again for the opportunity to serve alongside this fantastic group of men and women that is the Ocean City Fire Department, and for your continued support now and in the future, to be able to develop it into the department the community deserves.”

In his recommendation to the council Monday, McGean said Bunting was one of 54 candidates to apply for the job. While sharing his

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

This week, Josh Bunting was named as the Ocean City Fire Department’s next fire chief. He was sworn in by Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan.

Beautiful waterfront single-family home located in the quiet neighborhood of Wood Duck II in Ocean Pines coming to the market very soon! This wellmaintained property offers peace, privacy, and scenic water views on one of the larger lots in the community, providing ample room for future expansion. The impressive lot spans approximately 19,757 square feet. The sellers completed a renovation and expansion creating a spacious and functional layout. MDWO2035742

Rarely does a single-family home become available in the highly soughtafter community of Heron Harbour Isle in Ocean City, Maryland. This is your opportunity to own a stunning waterfront residence featuring over $458,000 in upgrades and improvements, sold fully furnished and ready for immediate enjoyment. This exquisite, one-of-a-kind custom waterfront estate offers a truly elevated coastal lifestyle with breathtaking views. Exceptional craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail are evident throughout, making this home ideal for the sophisticated buyer seeking custom finishes, efficiency, and timeless elegance. Situated on one of the largest lots in the community—a 9,549 sq. ft. lot—the property boasts extensive hardscaping and lush landscaping. 4BR/2.5BA waterfront, boat lift and screened in porch. MDWO2035746

Beautiful top-floor, direct oceanfront condo just hit the market! This is one of the largest one-bedroom oceanfront condos available, located in a desirable midtown setting. The well-maintained condominium complex features an oceanfront pool, perfect for relaxing beach living. This spacious condo offers a large, private oceanfront balcony—ideal for enjoying breathtaking sunrises and cool summer ocean breezes. MDWO2035292

City manager addresses selection process

enthusiastic support for Bunting’s appointment, he also acknowledged some of the concerns raised regarding the selection process and said he wanted to “set the record straight.”

“When Josh retired in December, I hoped he would reapply but there was no guarantee that he would, and frankly there was no guarantee that he would get the job if he did,” he said. “Although, based on his performance during the eight months he served as acting chief, he was certainly going to be the front runner.”

McGean said the position was advertised, both internally and externally, which resulted in 54 applications. When the city’s human resources department narrowed that list down to 11 finalists, those remaining applications were then reviewed

by McGean, Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company Chief Jay Jester and fire company President Steve Price, a process required by a memorandum of understanding between the city and its volunteer division.

“After doing so, all three of us agreed that Josh was head and shoulders above the rest,” McGean said.

“His combination of technical skills, education, training, his command experience as both a paid and volunteer member of the fire department, and his local and state network connections made him our clear and obvious choice. To bring in another candidate from out of town for a one-hour interview would've been a waste of our time and theirs.”

Bunting, who has headed the city fire marshal’s office since 2020, will be no stranger to the fire chief posi-

tion.

Last April, following the immediate retirement of the department’s previous leader, Richie Bowers, he was appointed to fill the vacancy in an acting capacity. Three months later, Bunting announced he was resigning as fire marshal, a move he said would give him more time to focus on his duties as interim chief.

When Bunting announced his immediate retirement in December, the city began an open recruitment process to find the next chief, a position with an advertised salary range between $115,690 to $149,937. Now that Bunting will return to the post, he will not only receive a full-time salary, but pension payments for his 25 years of service to Ocean City.

Bunting began his career as a cadet and became an active volunteer

at age 18, according to the city. He began his professional career with the fire marshal’s office in 2000, where he has held numerous leadership roles, including deputy chief, fire marshal, and bomb squad commander.

“It is an honor to be standing here and to swear Josh Bunting in as our new fire chief,” Mayor Rick Meehan said Monday. “Josh, I know you are going to do a terrific job.”

Officials vote to allow bikes on two OC pathways

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) While bikes will continue to be banned from Ocean City’s sidewalks, officials this week agreed to carve out two pathways.

During Monday’s regular meeting, the Ocean City Council passed a resolution to allow bicycles to be used on the westerly sidewalk of Philadelphia Avenue, between Caroline and South 1st streets, and on the easterly side of Coastal Highway, from 60th to 64th streets, in an area where no shared bus-bike lane exists.

While the council last year voted to ban the use of bicycles, scooters and other similar vehicles on city sidewalks, officials in January asked that an exception be made for the two heavily traversed pathways in town.

“This was presented at the January 5 regular session and comes with a recommendation from BPAC (Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee),” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told the council this week.

Last year, the Maryland General Assembly passed Jay’s Law, which allowed bikes and other similar vehicles to be used on sidewalks everywhere unless prohibited by local ordinance. In response to the legislation, the Ocean City Council – at the recommendation of the Ocean City Police Commission – voted unanimously in November to ban such vehicles from sidewalks and to push them back into the shared bus-bike lane.

However, the ordinance left open the option for city officials to allow such uses in specific areas by resolution, which was presented to the council Monday. Specifically, the resolution will allow bike use on the easterly sidewalk of Coastal Highway, between 60th and 64th streets, and on a 14-foot-wide sidewalk located on the west side of Philadelphia Avenue, between Caroline and South 1st streets. The large walkway was reconstructed in the 1990s for shared bike and pedestrian use.

With no discussion, the council voted 7-0 to adopt the resolution.

OC planners consider increases to setbacks

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) A proposal to increase setbacks for residential developments located in certain commercial zoning districts will advance to the Ocean City Council with a favorable recommendation from resort planning officials.

At a public hearing Tuesday, the Ocean City Planning Commission voted 6-1, with Chair Joe Wilson opposed, to forward a zoning code amendment to the City Council with a favorable recommendation.

The city proposes to increase the minimum front-, side and rear-yard setbacks for residential dwellings, subdivided two-family dwellings, and townhouses in three zoning districts designated as commercial.

“This is to represent the R-1 code

for residential,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told commission members this week.

While setback changes were initially proposed for residential units located in five commercial zoning districts, the commission this week pared it back to three – LC-1 local commercial, SC-1 shopping center, and BMUD bayside mixed use.

The goal of the amendment, Bendler said, was to give additional setback space to accommodate basic needs on those lots. He told commission members in December the city was “struggling with every project” to ensure those services were included.

“The reason we brought this to everyone’s attention was we were concerned about having a front yard so we can provide additional space

for transformers, utilities, stormwater, HVAC, trash and other things … ,” he told commission members Tuesday. “Giving this additional space will provide more opportunities for those things.”

Specifically, the zoning amendment would: increase front-yard setbacks for any residential dwellings or subdivided two-family dwellings and townhouses to 20 feet; increase the rear-yard setback to 15 feet; and require a five-foot side setback for one, two- or three-story, two-family subdivided dwellings and townhouses, and a 10-foot side setback for four- or five-story subdivided dwellings and townhouses.

The commissioners noted the modifications would address land use problems associated with residential developments taking advantage of commercial setbacks. Commissioner Palmer Gillis used recent residential projects along Coastal Highway in uptown Ocean City as an example.

way, but rather the prominent access road. He said if the goal is to set residential developments farther off Coastal Highway, it should be specifically mentioned.

“It would be much more specific,” he said. “But if that’s the goal then I think that should be discussed.”

Commissioners this week also held a lengthy discussion on which commercial districts should be included in the proposed zoning amendment. While five zoning districts were initially proposed, the commission agreed to remove BM-1 bayside marine and DM downtown marine from the equation, noting that those areas were predominantly built out and not located along Coastal Highway.

“They are in the downtown area where everything is already dense … ,” Wilson said. “I don’t know increasing the requirements on those properties would make practical sense.”

“If I had any feedback from the community, it is that they cannot understand why projects on the north end got built so close to the highway,” he said.

Chair Joe Wilson said that is why he had concerns about the proposed amendments, as they did not tie front-yard setbacks to Coastal High-

At the end of Tuesday’s public hearing, the commission voted to advance the setback changes for residential developments located in LC1, SC-1 and BMUD districts to the City Council with a favorable recommendation. Wilson cast the lone dissenting vote.

“I’m going to dissent because I want it to be tied back to Coastal Highway,” he said.

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) The Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association is now the OCMD Hospitality Association.

After 55 years of operation, officials and members of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association gathered last Friday to celebrate the organization’s rebranding as the OCMD Hospitality Association.

Executive Director Susan Jones said the new name marks a new era for Ocean City’s hospitality industry.

“We are full-on focused on advocacy, education and networking now,” she said in an interview last week, “just for Ocean City.”

Noticing a lack of hospitality representation by the local chamber, in 1971, hotelier Kathleen Harman initiated the formation of the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA), formerly known as the Ocean City Trade Association. And for more than five decades, the organization has served as an advocate for the industry, all with a goal of promoting Ocean City as a tourism destination.

However, changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic led the association to reevaluate its purpose. With the board’s involvement, the OCHMRA began discussing ways to form a stronger organization, one that would better serve the hospitality sector.

"Our group decided, let’s take a step back,” Jones said.

Recognizing the challenges of business and hospitality in a post-pandemic society, Jones said she and chamber of commerce’s former executive director, Melanie Pursel, began brainstorming ways to work collabo-

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OCMD Hospitality Association Executive Director Susan Jones, front row right, joins board members in celebration of the organization’s rebranding.

Ocean City officials agree to review beach franchise cap

Beach stand operator asks city to increase amount of franchises it can acquire

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) Ocean City officials say they will explore a code change that will increase the cap on the percentage of franchises a beach stand operator can have.

At the end of Monday’s meeting, Oceanside Partners’ Adrian Nemet and Pat McLaughlin approached the Ocean City Council with a request to change the code for beach stand operators. With a parcel now up for bid, they noted that they will not be able to participate, given that they hold 50% of the franchises in Ocean City.

“This makes us want to basically ask the council to consider raising the ceiling from 50% to a little higher, whichever percentage the council may deem appropriate,” Nemet said, “to be able to give the same opportunity to everyone interested.”

Currently, the city franchises 70 beach equipment parcels spanning the entire Ocean City beach, with the parcels divided into three sections –south end, mid-beach, and north end.

Each year, one of those three sections is auctioned off, with the highest bidders receiving a three-year contract to rent umbrellas, chairs and other equipment on the beach.

In December, south-end parcels, from the inlet to 27th Street, were scheduled for auction. Of 34 southend parcels, 33 were auctioned, as only one first-term contract was renewed for a second three-year term. One north-end parcel, between 128th and 130th streets, was also included in the auction, as the current fran-

chisee will terminate their agreement with two years remaining on the current contract.

However, Nemet told officials Monday that the operator of one of the parcels auctioned off late last year had recently backed out, launching a sealed bid process that ends Feb. 11. He said he and his business partner were unable to participate, as the city code caps the percentage of franchises an individual or entity can hold at 50%.

“We would like to ask that the percentage be raised, if possible,” he said.

Nemet said raising the cap would bring stability to a program that has seen a decline in interest in recent years. He added that the cap negatively affects large operators.

“The largest operator would be at a disadvantage, only because of the existing ceiling at 50%,” he said.

For his part, Council President Matt James said he supported the idea of raising the cap. He asked staff to come back with “pros, cons, and what the consequences are” of increasing that limit to something greater than 50%.

However, officials noted that timing remained the only problem, as operators had until Feb. 11 to submit their bids.

“I believe the 50% is codified,” City Manager Terry McGean told council members, “and there’s no way to change that before February 11.”

With that said, James asked that city staff move the bid deadline to a later date, giving council members more time to meet and discuss the proposed change. According to the city code, the 50% limit on holding franchises can be waived by the City Council if deemed necessary to serve the public.

Organization celebrates launch

Continued from Page 12

ratively, so that businesses would continue to receive the same representation but without the multiple membership dues.

Right now, Jones said, some businesses are paying membership fees to the hospitality association, the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce, Ocean City Development Corporation and the Ocean City Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“I kept saying, if I owned a business, how do I choose which organization to belong to,” she said.

At one point, the OCHMRA began discussing a merger with the Ocean City Chamber. When those negotiations fizzled out, the association’s board re-evaluated its direction once more.

“For years, it was about getting people to town to fill hotel beds and restaurant seats …” Jones said, noting that those efforts are now being led by Ocean City’s tourism department.

“Now, we don’t need to be the one getting people here, but to make sure they have good service.”

That, she said, is what the new OCMD Hospitality Association will be focusing on in the years ahead. As Ocean City’s tourism department focuses on sales and advertising, the association will focus on strengthening and improving Ocean City’s hospitality industry.

With last Friday’s rebranding, Jones said, will come more opportunities for hotels, restaurants and amusements to connect and collaborate.

County questions need for $38K door-breaching tool

Sheriff, staff defend budget item, argue device to be more efficient than others

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office will soon be the only police force on the lower Eastern Shore with a remote-controlled pneumatic door-breaching tool.

And while the county commissioners did approve the expenditure more than two months ago, some commissioners this week still pressed Sheriff Matt Crisafulli about budgeting $40,000 for a device that likely won’t be used that often.

“In your career as being the sheriff, how many times have you had to knock a door down?” asked Commissioner Jim Bunting (District 6, Bishopville) at Tuesday’s meeting.

According to Lt. Rob Price, who leads the Sheriff’s Tactical Armed Response (STAR) team, it’s a lot.

“Often times, when we execute these warrants, people don’t come to the door, so we’re forced to breach through,” he told the commissioners, noting that the department currently has a steel ram device at its disposal for such a task.

Using compressed air to power a door-breaching tool is faster and safer than using a manual battering ram and gets the job done more quietly than shotguns or explosives, Capt. Brian Cardamone told the commissioners in a Jan. 27 internal memo.

He also said the device’s precision means less structural damage after the fact – helpful for getting into public places like apartments or hotels. Once activated, the device applies 4.5 tons of hydraulic force, per the manufacturer, typically breaching a doorway in under a second.

The commissioners voted to approve the purchase unanimously, with varying levels of enthusiasm.

Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, West Ocean City) supported the purchase, saying, “if this brings one of your deputies back home for $38,000, I think it’s a bargain.”

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) was less effusive.

‘I do respect your question, commissioner, but I respectfully disagree that this is a surprise or that we’re not being forthright or bringing information to you.’

Sheriff Matt Crisafulli

When Commissioner Diana Purnell (District 2, Central) criticized the sheriff for “working outside the budget,” he reminded her how the commissioners had already approved the money for the proprietary Holmatro Door Blaster through a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment on Dec. 2.

“I do respect your question, commissioner, but I respectfully disagree that this is a surprise or that we’re not being forthright or bringing information to you,” he told her.

The sheriff’s office had included the item as part of its original spending request for the current fiscal year, but it was pulled ahead of the budget being finalized.

The device also could be shared with nearby police departments throughout the county as needed, Crisafulli said.

Invoices provided show the cost of just the Door Blaster itself was quoted as $15,247. Other accoutrements like a pump, wireless control, and air cylinder add another $22,050 to the bill. The vendor offered a discount of 2%, or $780, bringing the total expenditure to $38,230.

“Do I think this $38,000 could be spent someplace else? Absolutely,” he said. “But we approved this.” Bullets bought

Also at Tuesday’s meeting, the commissioners approved a $76,632 over-expenditure for 195,400 additional rounds of rifle and pistol ammunition. This would supplement the 227,000 rounds already purchased for the fiscal year, Crisafulli told OC Today-Dispatch.

The sheriff was asking the commissioner for more ammo funding because his department has already used up 94% of its ammo budget of $84,500 for the fiscal year, he added, and wants to stockpile approximately a year’s worth of extra bullets.

The sheriff’s office isn’t obligated to buy ammunition through the state’s approved vendor, but piggybacking on the state contract does allow for competitive pricing and volume discounts, he said.

It’s typical for the sheriff’s office to sometimes order ammunition up to a year in advance due to long lag times in delivery of seven to 12 months. This latest purchase should arrive in time for the 2027 fiscal year, which starts July 1.

Outside of training situations, Worcester’s deputies haven’t discharged a service weapon in the field in years. Crisafulli says the stockpile of ammunition purchased is used almost exclusively for mandatory training, marksman drills, and range time for his 96 deputies and the STAR team.

• TESTIN

• REPLAC

• TEST YO AVOIDI

• PROVID

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL HEAATTIN

G ALL YOUR SMOKE DETECTORS. YOUR SMOKE DETECTOR BA E ATTTERIES.

UR RECEPTTAACLES FOR POLARITY AND PROPER GROUNDING

NG POTENTIAL FIRES

DE THERMAL IMAGE TEST TO ENSURE BREAKERS AREN’T OVER NG POTENTIALLLY Y CAUSING A FIRE.

• TEST Y

• COMPL -CHEC OXIDA

OUR GFI AND REGULAR TO ENSURE SAFE OPERA RECEPTTAACLES ATTION. YOUR MAIN SERVICE ELECTRICAL P LETE P PAANEL TUNE UP ON PAANEL. TIONS WHILE APPL KING AND TIGHTING ALL TERMINAAT LYYING NT INHIBITOR.

• PRIORITY SCHEDULING: V OUR R.PP..E- V..I.P PLAN WHEN EMERGENCIES ARISE.

A AL N CUSTOMERS ARE LWWAYYS GIVEN PRIORITY SCHEDULING

• PREFERENTIAL PRICING:

• PERIODIC SPECIALS:

RECORDS: WHA .I.P CUSTOMERS,WE MAINT .E-V FOR OUR R.PP. V. TAAIN RECORDS OF AT T A GREA TO HA WE FIND DURING OUR HOME SAFETY CHECK UPP, , WHICH HELPS YOU AVVE ATTER PEACE OF MIND AS WE DIAGNOSE AND OFFER SOLUTIONS.

• TRANSFERABLE AGREEMENT: .E-V OUR R.PP. V..I.P PLAN AGREEMENT IS TRANSFERABLE TO NEW SIMPL OWNERS WHEN YOU ARE READY TO SELL. LY Y NOTIFY US OFTHE NAME OF THE NEW OWNERS.

• EXTENDED LABOR WARRANTY: W A THE ST DOUBLE TAATTED LENGTH OF YOUR LABOR WAARRANTY .E-V YOUR R.P ON P. V..I.PPLAN.

K-9 trainer named OCPD Officer of the Year

(Feb. 6, 2026) The Ocean City Police Department honored its members and community partners during the annual Officer of the Year Ceremony held last Friday at the Holiday Inn Ocean City.

Nearly 140 guests joined Chief Raymond J. Austin and department leadership to celebrate the dedication, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated by OCPD personnel and volunteers throughout 2025. The evening’s highest honor was presented to Police Officer First Class Erika Rhode, who was named the 2025 Ocean City Police Department Officer of the Year.

A panel of community members, Megan Alvarado, Renee Seiden, Tonja Sas, and Charles “Newt” Weaver, met with this year’s nominees and played an essential role in

the selection process. Nominees included Corporal Jacob Fetterolf, PFC Joseph Laughlin, PFC Erika Rhode, PFC Timothy Chaykosky, PFC Thomas Stoltzfus, PFC Daniel Richardson, and PFC Zachary Schultz. The department is grateful for the time and perspective these community representatives contributed.

PFC Rhode was nominated in recognition of her exceptional dedication over 12 years of service, particularly her leadership within the K-9 Unit as a Master Trainer. Her nomination cited her unwavering work ethic, mentorship of new handlers, and an instrumental role in expanding the unit to include the department’s first Bloodhound and an explosive-detection canine. In addition to her K-9 responsibilities, she

serves as a Field Training Officer, a firearms instructor, a member of the Honor Guard, and an active participant in community outreach events. Her commitment to both the profession and the Ocean City community distinguished her among her peers.

“It is ironic that my most difficult year resulted in my nomination for one of the most prestigious awards,” said PFC Rhode. “I spent a total of 15 weeks away from home for training in 2025 and lost my K-9 partner, Smoke, at the beginning of summer. But 2025 was also a year of very high highs. I earned the title of K-9 Trainer after an intense three-month school in northwest Pennsylvania, selected my new partner Cido, and helped train our department’s first Bloodhound. I am truly honored to represent the Ocean City Police

Department as the 2025 Officer of the Year.”

“PFC Erika Rhode represents the very best of the Ocean City Police Department, professionalism, resilience, and a genuine heart for service,” said Chief Raymond J. Austin. “Her leadership within our K9 program, her commitment to training the next generation of officers, and her compassion for this community reflect exactly who we strive to be as an agency.”

The ceremony also recognized the OCPD Auxiliary Unit, whose volunteers contributed 1,772 hours of service in 2025. Since 1999, Auxiliary Officers have donated nearly 70,000 hours to the community. The Auxiliary Officer of the Year award was presented to William “Bill” Hoshal, who has served since 2021 and is known for his enthusiasm, dependability, and commitment to events such as the Maryland Special Olympics Torch Run.

The Commendation Board honored additional personnel who exemplified courage and excellence: Meritorious Service Award: Lt. Kyle Murray, Retired Sgt. Joseph Bushnell, Sgt. Christopher Wrench, Cpl. Ryan Flanagan, Former PFC Corey Pavinski, PFC Sierra Thompson, DFC Edward Newcomb, Cpl. David Whitmer, and Sgt. Nicholas Forsyth.

Lifesaving Award: PFC Joshua Glaub, Lt. Kyle Murray, PFC Elaine Miller, Sgt. Nicholas Forsyth, PFC Clifford Goggins, PFC Joseph Zurla, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Mark Shayne, and Deputy James Wood.

Excellent Performance Award: DFC Carl Perry (x3), DFC Kevin Herbert, DFC Amy Gutowski (x2), DFC Edward Newcomb, DFC Austin Mora, PFC Thomas Stoltzfus, PFC Jacob McElfish (x2), PFC Patrick McElfish, and Sgt. Nathan Kutz.

Police Officer First Class Erika Rhode

Wider driveway aprons proposed in new law

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) An ordinance to require a driveway apron on certain townhouse lots will advance to a second reading following a council vote this week.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council agreed to pass the first reading of a proposed zoning code amendment that requires builders to install a minimum five-foot-wide driveway apron between a garage door and interior drive aisle. Staff say the change will provide more room for vehicles trying to maneuver between townhouse developments.

“This allows compliance through either a five-foot-wide driveway apron or a recessed garage design within the building envelope,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said.

Last week, staff presented the council with a favorable recommendation from the Ocean City Planning Commission to require a driveway apron for new townhouse developments located on lots larger than 50 feet in width.

They noted that resort planners found flaws in new townhouse developments uptown, in which the drive aisles were too narrow and created problems for motorists attempting to turn or park.

The proposed change, they said, would now require any new townhouse developments on larger lots to have a minimum five-foot apron. Planners say the added space would give residents more room to maneuver vehicles, and load or unload, among other things.

However, prior to the council’s

vote, Ocean City resident and former councilman Peter Buas voiced his objections to the ordinance. He noted that the change stemmed from various ordinances the planning commission brought forward in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

“Ultimately, it was finally brought up a third time, which resulted in Ordinance 2024-01,” he told the council. “What I call this is the ultimate compromise, with garages and aprons.”

Buas said that ordinance set new standards for garage widths and drive aisles. He said the amendment before council members this week was an

add-on, which he argued undermined the compromise officials reached two years ago.

“Based on that, it makes the townhouse-style development somewhat untenable once you keep adding restrictions on it,” he said.

Buas then questioned what problem the city was trying to solve, arguing the required driveway apron did not address turn radius or provide additional parking. He said all it did was make townhouse developments – built at a lower height, lower density and higher price tag – less feasible for developers.

With a favorable recommendation

from the city’s planning commission, the council this week voted 4-3, with Council President Matt James, Councilman Will Savage and Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed, to approve the ordinance on first reading.

Unit Citation: Forensic Services Unit: Supervisor Sharon Schultz, CST Nicole Ruggiero, Kaleigh Kelly, Victoria Herbert, and Sara Hetherington. Certificate of Outstanding Service: Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller, Ms. Tricia L. Heffron and Ms. Miranda Adams.

The department also celebrated 11 promotions in 2025, reflecting continued professional growth and succession within the agency: Lt. Kyle Murray, Sgt. John Spicer, Cpl. Connor Finch, PFC Cara-Marie Chiocca, PFC April Knudson, PFC Jacob McElfish, PFC Timothy Passarello, PFC Zachary Schultz, PFC Jared Thatcher, Custody Officer Lauren Lintz, and Custody Officer Lucas Webster.

Austin closed the evening by thanking families, community partners, and town leadership, saying, “The strength of this department comes from our people and our relationships with the community we serve. Tonight’s honorees represent the very best of Ocean City policing, integrity, service, and compassion.”

Parsonsburg fire takes two lives, injures one

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) Officials with the Office of the State Fire Marshal and the Maryland State Police continue to investigate the cause of a house fire that killed two people in Parsonsburg early Sunday and injured an off-duty Ocean City firefighter responding to the scene.

On Feb. 1, at around 2:40 a.m., a passerby called 911 to report smoke and flames coming from a home in the 32000 block of Old Ocean City Road in Parsonsburg, according to the state fire marshal’s office. He then knocked on the front door and windows to wake the owners.

It was around that same time an off-duty Ocean City Fire Department (OCFD) firefighter, also a volunteer with the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company, arrived at the scene. The firefighter was later identified as OCFD’s community and department engagement officer, Ryan Whittington.

According to the state fire marshal’s office, Whittington kicked in the rear door of the home and discovered a victim. However, while attempting to remove the victim, he was overcome by heavy smoke and had to exit the home.

He was later flown by Maryland

State Police Aviation Command to a Baltimore area hospital. He is reported to be recovering at home this week.

The state fire marshal’s office reports firefighters with the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Company and surrounding departments arrived on the scene and upgraded the incident to two alarms. The fire quickly spread throughout the two-story home, where sections of the home had collapsed.

The agency said it took roughly 100 firefighters nearly two hours to bring the fire under control. They later located the remains of two victims inside the home.

“This is a heartbreaking incident for the Parsonsburg community and for the fire service,” Acting State Fire Marshal Jason M. Mowbray said in a news release. “An off-duty firefighter did what firefighters do — he acted without hesitation to try to save lives. We are grateful he is expected to recover. Tragically, two lives were lost, which reminds us how quickly fires can turn deadly. Every home should have working smoke alarms and a home escape plan.”

The state fire marshal’s office reports the origin and cause are both under investigation, and deputy state fire marshals have not yet deter-

mined whether smoke alarms were present.

The victims were taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, where they will be positively identified, as well as the cause of the death.

In a social media post Monday, the Parsonsburg Volunteer Fire Department extended its condolences to the victims’ families and recognized those who assisted.

“We would like to recognize the

many mutual aid partners who responded to assist, working seamlessly alongside our members during a challenging incident. We are also incredibly thankful for our 911 dispatchers, whose calm professionalism and coordination played a critical role from the very first call,” the message reads. “Moments like this remind us how strong and connected our community truly is.”

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Firefighting teams responded to a house fire in Parsonsburg in the early hours of Feb. 1. Officials continue to investigate the cause.

Bishopville murder trail to begin in summer

tus hearing in July.

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) A Bishopville woman accused of killing her boyfriend last spring will have to wait seven more months for her day in court after waiving her right to a speedy trial.

In a status hearing early Monday in Worcester County Circuit Court in Snow Hill, defendant Bonnie Hackendorn made her appearance remotely from the county jail. Over a live video feed, a television on the courtroom wall showed her seated at an empty desk, wearing navy blue prisoner garb over a white longsleeve shirt.

Maryland State Police said Hackendorn, 62, told investigators that she shot and killed her live-in boyfriend, 57-year-old David Shaulis, claiming self-defense.

County prosecutor Dempsey Stewart and public defender Alexandria Hall discussed setting a trial date for August to accommodate Hall’s expected maternity leave. Judge Beau Oglesby agreed to schedule a five-day trial and also asked for a pre-trial sta-

Her jury trial had already been rescheduled twice, from October and then December, pushing the limits of a state law that ensures the accused a speedy trial.

A specific state law, known as the Hicks Rule, says a trial must begin within 180 days of either a defendant’s first court appearance or the date an attorney files to represent the defendant.

A defendant or their attorney, however, may voluntarily agree to waive the rule, which Hackendorn agreed to in a Nov. 13 hearing, court documents show.

On the night of May 12, 2025, State Police responded to a 911 call that Shaulis had been shot dead at the mobile home he shared with Hackendorn on Shell Mill Road in Bishopville, court documents show.

Hackendorn told police she shot Shaulis with a .38 special pistol before calling 911 herself.

A statement from a funeral home included in court documents said the victim was delivered to the medical examiner in the same condition as when the body was taken into custody, wearing only shorts and underwear with a gunshot wound to the chest.

According to his obituary, Shaulis

was a handyman and master carpenter who loved motorcycles and muscle cars, and that he left behind four children and five grandchildren.

Police charged Hackendorn with first-and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree assault, and a firearms charge. She’s been held at the Worcester County Jail since the murder.

Prosecutors stated in court documents they intend to seek a life sentence without the possibility of parole, the maximum possible sentence for first-degree murder. Maryland has no death penalty.

In August, the defense unsuccessfully moved to suppress inculpatory evidence stemming from a conversation Hackendorn had with one of the investigators.

Prosecutors fought the motion to suppress in court documents. They said investigators formally interviewed Hackendorn just after midnight on May 13 – about three hours after the shooting – when she waived her Miranda rights and made several statements, including “he’s gone.” Police later had her sign a search warrant for her DNA.

Less than an hour later, ahead of an appearance before the District Court Commissioner, Hackendorn approached one of the troopers who

interviewed her earlier and “advised him that she had lied about something.” The details of that conversation were not included in the public case record.

Prosecutors argued she’d already waived her Miranda rights and agreed to speak to police without an attorney present. Judge Brian Shockley denied the motion to suppress, saying at the Nov. 13 hearing that Hackendorn’s statements were admissible.

Court documents show the prosecution is planning for several expert witnesses at trial, including a forensic pathologist from the medical examiner’s office, a State Police forensic scientist to testify about DNA, and a State Police firearms examiner.

Public defender Hall confirmed to Judge Oglesby that one of her defense witnesses will be a clinical psychologist with an expertise in battered spouse syndrome.

Bonnie Hackendorn

Decatur coach acquitted on sex offense charges in court

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) Bryon Johnson, a local high school basketball coach accused of sexual offenses against a minor, had his charges dropped by the county prosecutor's office for a lack of evidence.

Investigators uncovered “reliable digital forensic evidence” that contradicted earlier witness accounts, leaving prosectors with insufficient proof to proceed with criminal charges, according to Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser.

“Consistent with our ethical obligations, the State entered a nolle prosequi on all criminal charges against Mr. Johnson this morning. The State will not be prosecuting this matter,” Heiser said in a Jan. 30 statement to OC Today-Dispatch.

Johnson, 59, has been employed since 2000 by Worcester County Public Schools. His job is to oversee the in-school suspension program at Stephen Decatur High School. He’s also been the boys’ basketball coach, where he’s known as Coach B.J. The unproven accusations were not connected to any students under his care.

About two dozen people sat in sol-

idarity with Johnson in the District Court gallery in Snow Hill for last Friday’s preliminary hearing; he was dressed in the same blue blazer he often wears on the sidelines of basketball games.

Johnson’s case was the first called to the docket. Assistant State’s Attorney Tori Rinaldi moved for the charges to be dropped, and Judge Michael Farlow announced that the case would be dismissed. Johnson did not address the court.

After the quick verdict, the vibe was one of somber relief as Johnson’s supporters filed out of the courtroom and into the parking lot. “Hallelujah!” one man was heard to exclaim to a bailiff in the courthouse lobby.

Then, outside in the 20-degree cold, the group joined hands in a circle as Johnson’s childhood friend, Pastor Keith Ellison, led them in prayer. “We got the victory,” he told them.

“When this happened, when we heard about this – we know his character. We know who he is, you know? I knew this wasn’t true," Ellison told OC Today-Dispatch.

"But unfortunately, things like this happen to us in life, and we have to

See JOHNSON Page 24

Johnson recognizes supporters

Continued from Page 23

face these things,” he added. “We just thank God, that God prevailed, and the truth is always gonna stand. Lies won’t.”

Johnson thanked his supporters before tearfully embracing a few of his adult children.

“My mother, they didn’t raise no animal,” he told the group. “What they tried to put on me – I been working with kids for 36 years. It’s definitely not in my character. That’s not who I am. I love kids.”

Added Johnson, to a reporter: “They know I couldn’t possibly do anything like what I was accused of.”

Ocean Pines Police charged Johnson on Jan. 7 with third- and fourthdegree sex offenses and one count of second-degree assault. He was arrested the next day.

Court documents show police had responded to an Ocean Pines home the day before to meet with a woman identified as Johnson’s former girlfriend.

In a statement to police, the woman alleged that she had left her minor children at the home on Jan. 6 while she went to work in Salisbury.

She further alleged that, upon her return, her 8-year-old daughter reported being touched inappropriately by Johnson in her absence. The child allegedly corroborated that testimony with social services, court documents show.

When police interviewed Johnson on Jan. 7, he denied being at his exgirlfriend’s home on the date in question and denied any inappropriate contact with the minor, court documents show.

After being taken into custody Jan. 8, Johnson spent 19 days in jail. He was released Jan. 27 with the state’s consent.

“I knew from day one that man was innocent,” Johnson’s attorney Ryan Bodley told OC Today-Dispatch.

Not only had Johnson attended a high school basketball game that

night before heading straight home, Bodley said, but cellphone tracking data and eyewitness testimony examined by police “unequivocally exonerated” his client.

“It is a grave miscarriage of justice that the full investigation was not undertaken until after Mr. Johnson was arrested, held without bond, and had his reputation tarnished,” Bodley said in a statement.

“The rush to judgment in this case has harmed an innocent man's stellar reputation in the community and brought pain and suffering to an innocent man and his family.”

Bodley also confirmed that Johnson had applied for a restraining order against the woman on Jan. 6. Online records show the court order was granted Jan. 27 in District Court and will be in effect for one year.

Johnson is now focused on repairing his reputation and returning to his normal life, his attorney said.

“We are hopeful that those responsible for these false allegations will be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Bodley’s statement concluded.

Johnson makes statement

Following his court case, Johnson provided a statement through his attorney where he thanked his friends, family, and the community for their steadfast support.

“I never would have anticipated facing the challenge of proving my innocence against such horrible lies,” he said. “This experience has revealed significant flaws within the justice system and heightened my awareness of the reality that many innocent individuals are incarcerated. The conditions within these facilities are often inadequate, and enduring confinement for extended periods of time is particularly difficult, especially for those who are innocent.”

Johson said he intends to volunteer with organizations like the Innocence Project that advocate for the rights of the innocent by fighting wrongful convictions.

BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Bryon Johnson, center, joins a prayer circle outside of the Worcester County district courthouse in Snow Hill last Friday.

MIDDLE SCHOOLER WINS CONTEST, AGAIN

Loralei Donoway, an eighth grader at Stephen Decatur Middle School, was surprised Monday morning with being selected as the Delmarva Shorebirds Hit the Books Bookmark Contest winner. The student’s art entry was also selected two years ago for the bookmark design. Donoway was surprised by representatives from the Delmarva Shorebirds, including Sherman, The Brace Place, and her family to celebrate her achievement. Her bookmark design will be distributed to 55,000 students across the Delmarva Peninsula, and she has been invited to throw out the first pitch during SDMS designated Shorebirds night in May. She is pictured above with Sherman and her family who joined in the surprise.

HAPPINESS

Classic Collections at The Perfect Gift is Waiting For You to Discover

Re-Opening February 4th, 2026

Moore promoted to special events director

(Feb. 6, 2026) The Town of Ocean City has announced the promotion of Brenda Moore to Special Events Director, effective Jan. 12.

Brenda brings more than two decades of experience with the Town of Ocean City, building a distinguished career dedicated to planning, managing, and executing the community events that have become signature experiences for both residents and visitors. Throughout her tenure, she has earned a reputation for her keen attention to detail, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment

to delivering high-quality, memorable events.

“Brenda’s leadership, institutional knowledge, and passion for special events make her an ideal fit for this role,” said Tom Perlozzo, Director of Tourism & Business Development.

“She understands what makes Ocean City special and brings the experience, creativity, and vision needed to continue elevating our event portfolio.”

Over the years, Moore has played an integral role in the success of Ocean City’s most beloved and well-attended events, including Springfest, Sunfest,

and Winterfest. Her ability to balance creative programming with complex logistics—while fostering strong partnerships across departments and throughout the community—has earned her the respect of colleagues, partners, and stakeholders alike.

In her new role as Special Events Director, Moore will provide strategic leadership for the Town’s Special Events Division, overseeing the continuation of long-standing traditions while also guiding the development of new events that support Ocean City’s growth as a vibrant, year-round

destination.

“I am honored to step into this role and continue working alongside such an incredible team,” said Moore. “Working for the Town of Ocean City has been a joy throughout my career, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue growing and contributing in this next chapter.”

The press release states, “... Ocean City congratulates Moore on this well-deserved promotion and looks forward to her continued leadership in shaping the events and experiences that bring our community together.”

Debbie Hileman

OWNER/BROKER, GRI & CRS

Cell: 443-235-5982 DebbieHileman07 @gmail.com

Well-kept one-level home with bright and open great room, Vaulted Ceilings, Gas Fireplace, Recessed Lighting, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring & Central Stereo. Kitchen includes a spacious pantry, gas range w/griddle, & a passthrough to the 16x12 Florida room with rear deck access. The sizable Primary Bedroom is 14x14. An extra wide driveway leads to an oversized one car garage with automatic opener. Located on a quiet street in the award-winning Ocean Pines community!

ONE ACRE LOT BETWEEN BERLIN & SNOW HILL

7603 BUCKEYE RD, NEWARK, MD

One acre lot with existing well, septic, and mobile home needing major rehab. Zoning would allow replacing it with a newer one. No utilities are connected to the property. All county permits and records are in hand. Located midway between Historic Berlin and Snow Hill, just a leisurely drive to the beaches of Ocean City & Assateague Island.

$99,900

Just minutes from OC, with the area’s most affordable vacation properties! So much has been updated in this fully furnished,

New practitioner on board

TidalHealth has welcomed Harry Lehman, III, MD, to Atlantic General Pediatrics at the Gudelsky Family Medical Center in Berlin. He is passionate about preventative care for the children he sees and enjoys teaching parents who entrust him with their children.

transitioning to board member roles include Morgan Fisher, former chair, and Dr. Sally Dowling, former vice chair. These individuals will remain active members of the Coastal Hospice Board, continuing to support the organization’s mission, strategic initiatives, and community outreach efforts.

After graduating with his medical degree from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dr. Lehman continued at Hahnemann to complete his pediatric residency. He is board certified in pediatrics by the American Board of Pediatrics and is a is a longtime fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

In 2018, Dr. Lehman completed studies at the University of Delaware to be an advanced telehealth coordinator. He was appointed to the faculty at Sydney Kimmel Medical College in Philadelphia as a clinical instructor in 2024.

With his many years of experience in private practice and with Nemours Children’s Health, Dr. Lehman has received many awards and honors over the years. Included among them are Best Pediatrician by Coastal Style Magazine from 2014-2025, Top Doc in Delaware Today, and Physician of the Year at TidalHealth Nanticoke as well as the CDC’s Champion for HPV Immunization in 2018 and Childhood Immunization Champion Award in 2019.

Dr. Lehman is accepting new patients at Atlantic General Pediatrics, located at 10614 Racetrack Road, Suite 1, Berlin, MD 21811. To schedule an appointment, call 443-728-1004.

Hospice leaders change

Coastal Hospice announced the 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee transitions, recognizing the dedicated Executive Committee members who are stepping down from officer roles to continue their service as Board members, while welcoming new leaders into Executive Committee positions.

These thoughtful transitions reflect Coastal Hospice’s commitment to strong governance, continuity, and mission-driven leadership in support of patients and families facing life-limiting illness across the four Lower Eastern Shore counties we support.

“We are deeply grateful for the Executive Committee members whose leadership, guidance, and dedication have helped strengthen Coastal Hospice during their tenure,” said Ann Lovely, president and CEO. “Their continued service on the Board ensures we retain valuable experience and institutional knowledge, while also creating space for new leaders to step forward.”

Executive Committee Members

The 2026 Executive Committee includes Steve R. Farrow, chair, Morgan Fisher, immediate past chair, William Cooper, vice chair, Seth Place, treasurer, and Susan Bounds, secretary.

The Executive Committee members bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and passion for Coastal Hospice’s mission that promotes dignity and quality of life for patients and families who face life-limiting conditions.

“Serving on the Executive Committee is both an honor and a responsibility,” said Steve Farrow, Coastal Hospice Board chair. “I look forward to working alongside fellow board members and staff to advance Coastal Hospice’s vital work in our community.”

Another highly valued board member, Tony Sarbanes, was honored at the final quarterly board meeting of 2025 in recognition of his outstanding leadership and three terms of service that helped guide and strengthen the organization.

As Coastal Hospice looks ahead to 2026, these leadership transitions reinforce the organization’s strong foundation and shared commitment to compassionate care, community partnership, and responsible stewardship. To learn more about Coastal Hospice’s Board of Directors or to view photos of its valued Board members, visit www.coastalhospice.org/leadership.

Freeman search kicks off

The Joshua M. Freeman Foundation Board of Directors announced today the planned transition of Executive Director Patti Grimes, who will step aside later this year following the appointment of her successor.

Grimes has been a leader at the Foundation — and its signature venue, the Freeman Arts Pavilion — since its founding in 2007.

Consistent with governance best practices and its commitment to longterm sustainability, the board has engaged the global executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates to conduct the search. Candidate interviews are expected to begin as early as the spring.

Founded by Michelle Freeman in honor of her late husband, Josh Freeman, the foundation is rooted in the belief that the arts should be accessible to all. Its mission advances arts access through performance, education, and advocacy.

Under Grimes’ leadership, the foundation has grown steadily, guided by a vision of legacy, community, and impact. Together with an engaged board, dedicated leadership team, talented staff, and committed volunteers, the

H. Lehman, III

organization has reached more than one million people through its summer concert series and year-round Arts Access Initiative — providing more than 300,000 opportunities for students and families to experience live arts free of charge.

Nineteen years in the making, the new permanent stage and back-ofhouse facilities at Freeman Arts Pavilion are scheduled to open in July 2026. The expanded outdoor venue will seat up to 4,000 guests, extend the performance season, and is expected to welcome more than 150,000 visitors annually, delivering transformative arts experiences to the community while generating significant economic and cultural impact across the region.

“Serving as executive director for so many years has been an extraordinary privilege,” Grimes said. “The timing is right for me to step into my next

leadership chapter. Since day one, we have been growing and creating arts experiences that inspire and connect people. Our work has always been grounded in our mission, and I remain committed to supporting the board and the next executive director during the leadership transition. This is an exciting time for everyone in the organization, as new leadership brings fresh energy, ideas, and relationships.”

Board Chair Michelle Freeman and the entire Joshua M. Freeman Foundation board expressed deep gratitude for Grimes’ leadership, dedication and enthusiasm.

“It’s been a privilege to witness Patti’s extraordinary impact as she built a vibrant arts hub for Delaware and the Mid-Atlantic. Her conviction that the arts unite and uplift communities has transformed our region. Patti is a consummate professional and changemaker whose influence will con-

tinue far beyond the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation. With her support, a dynamic team, and the board’s guidance, the Freeman Arts Pavilion is poised for even greater success as we look ahead to our 2026 season and an inspiring new chapter for the foundation.”

New director appointed

TidalHealth has announced Suzanne Green has been appointed Senior Director of Operations for TidalHealth Primary & Specialty Care.

In this role, Green will collaborate with service line senior directors and medical office leaders to enhance workflows, develop policies and procedures, and monitor clinical performance and team member satisfaction.

Green brings extensive experience in practice management, working closely with administrative and clinical teams to improve processes that ensure patient and team member satisfaction. She is also highly skilled in managing acquisitions and launching new medical practices.

“We are excited to welcome Suzanne into this leadership role,” said Tres Pelot, Chief Administrative Officer for TidalHealth Primary & Specialty

Care. “Her proven expertise in operational excellence and her commitment to fostering a positive experience for both patients and team members will be invaluable as we continue to grow and strengthen our services.”

Green is certified by the American College of Medical Practice Executives (ACMPE).

Gold Seal earned by AGH

Atlantic General Hospital has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval®for hip, knee and shoulder replacement by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards. The Gold Seal is a symbol of quality that reflects a healthcare organization’s commitment to providing safe and quality patient care.

Atlantic General Hospital underwent a rigorous review, during which a Joint Commission reviewer evaluated compliance in required areas. Joint Commission standards are developed in consultation with healthcare experts and practitioners, measurement experts and patients.

“I’m proud of our team at Atlantic General Hospital for earning certifications from The Joint Commission in joint replacement for hip, knee and shoulder,” said Don Owrey, president of Atlantic General Hospital. “This Gold Seal recognition in these areas is a testament to our focus on maintaining high standards of quality and patient safety.”

Suzanne Green

OC arts center to celebrate exhibits at opening event

(Feb. 6, 2026) First Friday, Feb. 6, from 5-7 p.m., celebrates six new art shows in the galleries of the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 502 94th St. bayside, home of the Art League of Ocean City. The opening reception is free and open to the public. PKS Investments is sponsoring complimentary beverages.

The Thaler Gallery at the Arts Center features a signature members’ exhibit by the Delaware Watercolor Society, a group of more than 100 artists from Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Signature level denotes the highest level of artistic achievement within the Society, designating those artists who consistently demonstrate a high degree of creativity, knowledge, and skill in watercolor.

In February, the Sisson Galleria features a group art show titled “Senses: Beyond Sight,” showing works in all media. The artists explored how art can evoke sensory responses without relying on vision alone, emphasizing sound, texture, or smell. Debra Howard, noted plein air artist, is judging the show, and the Art League will award cash prizes to the winners.

Devon Hall is the artist-in-residence in Studio E in February. Hall studied art at Frostburg State University, and tattooing, comics, manga, and anime have influenced his approach to his illustration and fine art projects. Hall’s primary mediums are pencils, pens, and markers.

The Schwab Spotlight Gallery in February features Cindy Strouse who strives to capture the emotion and serenity in her paintings and drawings of landscapes, people, flowers, and wildlife.

Katherine Belz exhibits in the Artisan Showcase in February. A full-time studio potter based in Berlin, she believes handmade pottery creates a connection between the maker and the user.

The Burbage Staircase Gallery features 10 years of Ocean City Film Festival posters, designed and illustrated by artist Ian Postley, that will be available for purchase. Also on display are film posters from the 100 movies being screened at the 10th season of the Film Festival. The festival returns March 5-8.

The Art League’s satellite galleries open new shows. Carol Bell exhibits her photographs of the beauty of the earth in the lobby of the Princess Royale Hotel at 9110 Coastal Hwy. Kristin Mallery Hooks of “Hearts Happen” is the artistin-residence at the Coffee Beanery at 94th St. and Coastal Hwy., showing her photos of found hearts.

Arts Center exhibits run through March 1, 2026. Satellite gallery exhibits continue through March 29, 2026.

The Ocean City Center for the Arts at 502 94th St. is open weekdays from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m., weekends from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m., and admission is free. More information is available at OCart.org or by calling 410-524-9433.

Shore

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S

SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY 28th Street & Coastal Highway Saturday, February 7: 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 Friday, February 6: Shortcut Sunny Saturday, February 7: Collosal Fossil Sauce

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500 60th Street In The Bay Friday, February 6: DJ Groove Saturday, February 7: Pistol Whipped & DJ RobCee

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500 Route 611, West OC

Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Road, West End OC

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 7

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

SHORTCUT SUNNY Coins: Friday, February 6

CARLEY TWIGG Cantina Los Agaves: Thursday, February 12

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Saturday, February 7

DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ RAMPAGE Pickles Pub: Saturday, February 7

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, February 7

PISTOL WHIPPED

Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 7

THE BENDERZ

Seacrets: Saturday, February 7

THE DUNEHOUNDS

Harborside: Saturday, February 7

FULL CIRCLE

Fager’s Island: Friday, February 13

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Friday, February 6

Harborside: Sunday, February 8

COLLOSAL FOSSIL SAUCE

Coins Pub: Saturday, February 7

SHREDDED CHEDDAR

Seacrets: Saturday, February 7

STEAL THE SKY

Seacrets: Saturday, February 14

Who’s Where When

Friday, February 6:

DJ Billy T Saturday, February 7: The Dunehounds & DJ Bigler Sunday, February 8: Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th Street & Philadelphia Avenue Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, February 7: DJ Rampage Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Thursdays: Beats By Connair

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th Street & Coastal Highway Friday, February 6: Karaoke Competition, Opposite Directions & DJ J-Spinz Saturday, February 7: Shredded Cheddar, DJ Mary Jane & The Benderz Thursday, February 12: Full Circle Duo

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

FIRE COMPANY SERVICE HELD

Members and leadership of the Berlin Fire Company each February attend the Sunday service at Stevenson United Methodist to recognize the memory of former church and BFC member Franklin Pennewell, who died in the line of duty responding to a fire. Last Sunday marked the 91st year on the first

TECH SCHOOL SPEAKER

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City welcomed Rick Stephens recently as its guest speaker. A proud alumni of Worcester Technical High School, Stephens has dedicated over 41 years as the welding instructor and serves as the SkillsUSA lead advisor. He has received numerous accolades, including being named the SkillsUSA National Educator of the Year in 2019.

TOOTH FAIRY VISITS OCES

Students in Mrs. Lavin's first grade class at Ocean City Elementary participated in a presentation about healthy teeth by the Tooth Fairy's helper. The students learned how to brush their teeth correctly and which foods to eat and avoid, for a great smile. Pictured are Ayleen Mateos Fermin and Colette Covell.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

YOUNG READERS

Reading is fun when you get to enjoy it with a friend. Pictured are kindergarteners Jamison Dougherty and Austin Aperance from Laura Black's class at Ocean City Elementary School.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Calendar

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

Fri., Feb. 6

OCEAN CITY FUTSAL CLASSIC

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Cost is $275 per team, 12 player roster. For youth ages 10-18 years. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/soccertournament/, 410-250-0125

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

CURRENTLY READING BOOK CLUB

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Drop in to this club to discuss what you are currently reading and share it with the group. Get great ideas on what to read next. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

FIRST FRIDAY OPENING RECEPTION

Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-7 p.m. Meet the artists, enjoy hors d’oeuvres and see the new exhibits. All are welcome. Also held at the Princess Royale and the Coffee Beanery. https://artleagueofoceancity.org, 410-524-9433

SIP AND SHOP

Ocean Pines Golf Shop, 100 Clubhouse Drive, 5-7 p.m. Meet the new Ocean Pines Golf Pro, Matt Ruggiere. Enjoy wine and appetizers while shopping. Featuring 50% off all golf clothing.

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., Feb. 7

OCEAN CITY FUTSAL CLASSIC

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Cost is $275 per team, 12 player roster. For youth ages 10-18 years. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/soccertournament/, 410-250-0125

SATURDAY WRITERS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Novice and established writers gather to share their writing projects. Structure

includes critiques and appreciation, market leads and writing exercises. Drop-ins welcome. 410-641-0650

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT FRIED CHICKEN BUFFET

Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church, 36540 Mount Pleasant Road, Willards, 11 a.m. Vegetables, beverages and desserts included. Dine in: $17 for adults, $8.50 for children and free to those 5 years and younger. Carry outs: $15. 410-835-8340

6TH ANNUAL MAC & CHEESE COOKOFF BENEFIT

Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, 12-3 p.m. Cost is $25 in advance; $30 at the door and free to those 12 years and younger. Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/annualmac-cheese-cookoff-benefit-tickets1979543651349?aff=oddtdtcreator. 443-664-7043

HAPPY HOUR & PIZZA PARTY

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 5:30-7:30 p.m. For Ocean Pines Golf members, friends and prospective members. Cost is $12 at the door which covers pizza and salad. BYOB and soft drinks. RSVP: david.b.mcgregor@gmail.com.

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

Sun., Feb. 8

OCEAN CITY FUTSAL CLASSIC

Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Cost is $275 per team, 12 player roster. For youth ages 10-18 years. https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/soccertournament/, 410-250-0125

THE BIG GAME SCRAMBLE

Ocean Pines Golf Club, 100 Clubhouse Drive, 10 a.m. Shotgun start at 10 a.m. 2 player team scramble. $20 for members and $35 for non-members. Includes range balls, prize pool, hot dog and a beer. Registration: 410-641-6057.

CELEBRATE BLACK HISTORY

New Bethel United Methodist Church,

10203 Germantown Road, Berlin. Morning speaker: Dr. Clara Small, Professor Emeritus of History.

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., Feb. 9

COLONIAL ERA BRAIN GAMES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., Pocomoke City, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Test your wits 1700s-style with a series of puzzles and riddles inspired by 18th century Colonial life. Finish the puzzles and be entered into the drawing for a prize. 410-957-0878

BABY TIME

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Songs, stories and giggles. For ages 0-5 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: CATS VS. DOGS

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

WRITING FOR WELLNESS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1:30 p.m. Writing about stressful experiences like illness may boost health and psychological well-being. This group uses exercises to stimulate creative expression. 410208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

HERBAL HEALTH

Maryland’s Coast - Worcester County Tourism & Economic Development, 107 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 2 p.m. Fun and informative discussion on the therapeutic and medicinal properties of herbs. Attendees will receive a specialty curated tea to enjoy at home. Registration required: 443-783-6164.

COLONIAL GAMES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Learn about colonial-era toys and games, then try them out for yourself in this handson program full of old-fashioned fun. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650

VALENTINE COOKIES AND CARDS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines

Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m.

Create some festive cookies and design Valentines for our friends at the 50 Plus center or someone special. All materials provided. For families. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

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

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

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., Feb. 10

COLONIAL ERA BRAIN GAMES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Test your wits 1700s-style with a series of puzzles and riddles inspired by 18th century Colonial life. Finish the puzzles and be entered into the drawing for a prize. 410-957-0878

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

OC KNITTING GROUP

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME @ THE DELMARVA DISCOVERY MUSEUM

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Stories, songs and crafts that feature one of the museum’s special animals. For ages 0-5 years. Registration required: 410-957-0878. worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME

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

Continued on Page 36

Continued from Page 34

Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and finger plays. 410-641-0650

STORY TIME AT THE MUSEUM

Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join us for stories, songs and crafts that feature one of the museum’s special animals. Registration required. For ages 05 years. 410-957-0878, https://worcesterlibrary.libcal.com/eve nt/15667083?hs=a

MOVIE MATINEE

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m.

Come see a movie you may have missed in theaters. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

TEEN VISION BOARDS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4:30 p.m. What are you manifesting for 2026? Make a vision board and enjoy light refreshments. For ages 12-18 years. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

BOOK CLUB @ TIDES & VINES: “EVERY HEART A DOORWAY” BY SEANAN MCGUIRE

Tides & Vine, 106 W. Green St., Snow Hill, 6 p.m. An evening of books and wine. Stop by the Snow Hill Library to pick up your book, then meet for a great discussion at Tides & Vine. Must be at least 21 years of age. 410-632-3495, worcesterlibrary.org

ATLANTIC COAST SPORTFISHING ASSOCIATION MEETING

American Legion Synepuxent Post 166, 2308 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 7 p.m. Dinner and drinks available for purchase after 6:15 p.m. Captain Kerry Harrington from Sea Born Seafood will demonstrate how to best handle a fish from catch to fillet to table. All are welcome.

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. 410641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.

Wed., Feb. 11

COLONIAL ERA BRAIN GAMES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Test your wits 1700s-style with a series of puzzles and riddles inspired by 18th century Colonial life. Finish the puzzles and be entered into the drawing for a prize. 410-957-0878

AARP MEETING

Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st St., 10 a.m. Social and refreshments begin at 9:30 a.m. The guest speaker will discuss downsizing and moving options for seniors. Upcoming travel opportunities and more provided. All welcome. 410-250-0980

VALENTINE’S DAY CARD MAKING

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Make cards for friends and loved ones. For families. 410-957-0878

MAKING SENSE OF THE CENSUS AT 50PLUS CENTER

Snow Hill 50plus Center, 4767 Snow Hill Road, 11 a.m. Come to hear a presentation from our local history librarian about using census records for family history research. 410-632-3495, 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

‘SCORCHY’S CORNER: WANDERING OUR DELMARVALOUS LAND’ VIDEO SERIES Museum of Ocean City, 217 S. Baltimore

Ave., 2-3 p.m. Held Wednesdays, Feb. 4March 4. Offering audiences a nostalgic journey across Delmarva with host Scorchy Tawes. Preregister: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1978305 907223?aff=oddtdtcreator.

MARBLED MEMOS EXPERIMENT

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Design your own (Valentine) card by creating a marbled paper with shaving cream and food dye. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

OC LIONS MEETING

Ocean City Lions Club, 12534 Airport Road. Social gathering at 6 p.m., followed by dinner meeting at 7 p.m. Open to all who are interested in serving the OC community. Reservations: 443-880-8729.

PAJAMA STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 6:30 p.m. Wear your pajamas and bring your favorite stuffie to snuggle while you enjoy stories and songs to wind down to bedtime. For ages 0-5 years. 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., Feb. 12

COLONIAL ERA BRAIN GAMES

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Test your wits 1700s-style with a series of puzzles and riddles inspired by 18th century Colonial life. Finish the puzzles and be entered into the drawing for a prize. 410-957-0878

STORY TIME: ‘THE DAY IT RAINED HEARTS’

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

STORY TIME ‘I AM HAPPY’

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

AFRICAN AMERICANS AND THE COLONIAL ERA

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Explore the lives and legacy of African Americans in the colonial era and how African Americans contributed to the

development of early America. 410-6410650, worcesterlibrary.org

BINGO

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Play a lively game of Bingo and win fun prizes. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

MERRY MAKERS: PAINTED CANVAS HEARTS

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Paint a sweet heart on a mini canvas block that you can keep or gift to someone you love. Registration required: 410-2084014, worcesterlibrary.org.

YOGA BASICS FOR BEGINNERS

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 5 p.m. Build confidence and familiarity with foundational yoga poses. Bring your own mat. 410957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

ART UNCORKED: A DINNER PAIRING ART & WINE

Ocean Pines Yacht Club, 1 Mumfords Landing Road, 6-9 p.m. A dinner pairing art and wine hosted by Laurie Forster. Cost is $150 per person or a table of 6 for $900. Tickets: https://givebutter.com/ArtUncorked. Benefits Art League of Ocean City. 410-254-9433

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.

QUEEN OF HEARTS

Weekly virtual drawings on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. Winner receives 60 percent of jackpot. www.opvfd.com/queen-ofhearts. Sponsored by the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department.

Crossword answers from page 60

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

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

o Experience

o

o Excellent

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

YR RENTAL

Month-Month Lease

1BR, 1BA, 120th St.

Indoor/Outdoor Pool, Tennis

$1,350 per mo., incl’s util’s 717-261-1692

Seeking Year-Round Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

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

Looking for licensed Journeyman with experience in commercial, residential with good trouble shooting experience. Performance Pay Training & Coaching Provided To Ensure Success Advancement Opportunities

Applicants Must Be: Drug Free, Personable, Outgoing, Well Mannered and Have a Valid Drivers License Contact Nancy to schedule an interview today. 410-213-2658

What have you done for your future today?

COMMERCIAL FOR LEASE

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

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 SPACE

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

SERVICES

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

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.

Hofmeister, Robinson & DiPietro

11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza II, Suite 601 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031

SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE OF VALUABLE FEE SIMPLE DWELLING

309 Purnell Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863

Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from CABM Contractors LLC, dated March 1, 2024, and recorded in Liber 8719, folio 112, among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, default having occurred under the terms thereof, and at the request of the parties secured thereby, the undersigned Substitute Trustees will offer for sale at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, 1 West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Courthouse Door, on

Monday, February 23, 2026 AT 11:00AM

All that lot of ground and the improvements thereon SITUATED IN Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.

The property is believed to be improved by a substantially complete single family home. The property address is 309 Purnell Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.

Said property is in fee simple and is sold in an “as is condition” and subject to all covenants, conditions, liens, restrictions, easements, rightsof-way as may affect same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.

Terms of Sale: A deposit of $15,000.00 will be required of the purchaser, other than the Holder of the Note or its assigns, at the time of sale, such deposit to be in cash or certified check, or other form acceptable to the Substitute Trustees, in their sole discretion. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid in cash within ten (10) days of the final ratification of sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County. If payment of the balance does not take place within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit may be forfeited or property may be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser. The defaulting purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds or profits resulting from any resale of the property. Interest to be paid on unpaid purchase money at the rate pursuant to the deed of trust note from date of sale to date funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees in the event the property is purchased by someone rather than the note holder.

In the event settlement is delayed for any reason , including, but not limited to, exceptions to the sale, bankruptcy filings by interested parties, or court administration of the foreclosure, there shall be no abatement of interest. Taxes, ground rent, water, condominium fees and/or

homeowner association dues, all public charges, assessments payable on an annual basis, including sanitary and/or metropolitan district charges and front foot benefit charges, if applicable, to be adjusted for the current year to date of sale and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes and settlement expenses shall be borne by the purchaser. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. Purchaser assumes the risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale forward. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey good and marketable title, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit. Upon refund of the deposit, this sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claims against the Substitute Trustees.

NOTE: The information contained herein was obtained from sources deemed to be reliable, but is offered for informational purposes only. Neither the auctioneer, the beneficiary of the Deed of Trust, the Substitute Trustees nor their agents or attorneys make any representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy of information.

PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS ARE URGED TO PERFORM THEIR OWN DUE DILIGENCE WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPERTY PRIOR TO THE FORECLOSURE AUCTION. For additional information, please contact the Substitute Trustees.

Ralph J. DiPietro and Scott R. Robinson, Substitute Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC 410-825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com

OCD-2/5/3t

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 dece-

dent 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

OCD-1/22/3t

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

OCD-1/22/3t

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:

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.

OCD-1/22/5t

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 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

OCD-1/22/3t

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 OCD-1/22/3t

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 estate 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 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

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 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.

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

OCD-1/22/3t

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of EMMANUEL LOPEZ JR Estate No. 20980 Notice is given that JOSEPH LOPEZ whose address is 217 RIVERVIEW CT., SYKESVILLE, MD 21784-7154 was on JANUARY 15, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of EMMANUEL LOPEZ JR who died on DECEMBER 29, 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 appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) 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-1/29/3t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

WORCESTER COUNTY

BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 12, 2026

Pursuant to the provisions of the Worcester County Zoning Ordinance, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be held in-person before the Board of Zoning Appeals for Worcester County, in the Board Room (Room 1102) on the first floor of the Worcester County Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland. Audio and video recording will take place during this public hearing.

The public is invited to view this meeting live online athttps://worcestercountymd.swagit.co m/live

6:30 p.m. Case No. 26-8, on the lands of Amy and Scott Lawrence, requesting a variance to the front yard setback for a flag lot from 228 feet to 150 feet (to encroach 78 feet) for a proposed pole building in the A1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1201(b)(5), ZS 1-201(d)(2), and ZS 1305, located on the northwest side of Worcester Highway approximately 600 feet northeast of Johnson Neck Road, Tax Map 78, Parcel 81, Tax District 8, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:35 p.m. Case No. 26-10, on the lands of Bryan Stefanic, on the application of Spencer Ayres Cropper, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the rear yard setback from 30 feet to 16.1 feet (to encroach 13.9 feet) for an existing open deck with a pool in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1305, located at 1100 Ocean Parkway, Tax Map 21, Parcel 224, Section 10, Lot 388, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:40 p.m. Case No. 26-12, on the lands of Adam Lockhart Showell, Sr., as Custodian, on the application of Mark Spencer Cropper, requesting a variance to the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Buffer Management Area from 50 feet to 3 feet (an encroachment of 47 feet) and a vari-

ance to the Ordinance prescribed front yard setback from 30 feet to 20 feet (an encroachment of 10 feet) associated with the proposed construction of a single-family dwelling in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code Sections ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1-116(m)(1), ZS 1-206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305 and Natural Resources Code Sections NR 3-104 (c)(4) and NR 3-111 located on the south side of Pond Road, approximately 130 feet west of Golf Course Road, Tax Map 22, Parcel 412, Lot A, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

6:45 p.m. Case No. 26-9, on the lands of Frederick Henry Eisenbrandt, on the application of Hugh Cropper IV, requesting two (2) special exceptions to allow (1) a sawmill and the manufacturing and processing of wood products in an agricultural structure, and (2) the accessory use of that principal agricultural structure for the commercial hosting of non-agricultural functions and events in the A-1 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(3), ZS 1-201(c)(8), ZS 1201(c)(32) and ZS 1-325, located at 11930 Ocean Gateway, Tax Map 26, Parcel 260, Tax District 10, Worcester County, Maryland.

OCD-1/29/2t

ERICA T. DAVIS

1401 ROCKVILLE PIKE STE 650 ROCKVILLE, MD 20852-1451

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20932

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MISTY NOEL HORNEY

Notice is given that Erica T. Davis, Esq., 1401 Rockville Pike, Ste. 650, Rockville, MD 20852-1451, was on January 22, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Misty Noel Horney who died on October 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 of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 22nd 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 22nd 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.

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

Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: January 29, 2026

OCD-1/29/3t

SEAN J COLGAN ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES 6200 COASTAL HWY STE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL LOU BLOUM Estate No. 20991 Notice is given that STEPHEN L BLOUM whose address is 13875 OLD EL CAMINO REAL SAN DIEGO, CA 92130-3028 was on JANUARY 21, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL LOU BLOUM who died on OCTOBER 03, 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 21st 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 21st 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

Rosenberg & Associates, LLC

4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (301) 907-8000

Diane S. Rosenberg

Mark D. Meyer

Sara Tussey

Andrew Higgins

Patrick Clowney, Jr. 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814

Substitute Trustees

Plaintiff(s) v.

Estate of William J. McGraw 35 Tail Of The Fox Drive Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-25-000129

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given this 23rd day of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of 35 Tail Of The Fox Drive, Ocean Pines, MD 21811, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 23rd day of February, 2026, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in Ocean City Digest a weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 16th day of February, 2026. The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $203,000.00. Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-1/29/3t

JOHN F. ROBBERT ESQ CHESAPEAKE LEGAL COUNSEL LLC 2661 RIVA RD STE 410A ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7335

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of GERTRUDE A GOLA Estate No. 20944 Notice is given that SHERRY NYKIEL whose address is 835 PARKRIDGE DR MEDIA, PA 19063-1715 was on JANUARY 23, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GERTRUDE A GOLA who died on OCTOBER 27, 2018 with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 23rd day of 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 23rd 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-1/29/3t

SEAN J COLGAN ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES 6200 COASTAL HWY STE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-6698

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL LYNNE STEPHENSON Estate No. 21000 Notice is given that MARY JANE WIMBROW whose address is 59 CASTLE DR BERLIN, MD 21811-2035 was on JANUARY 23, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL LYNNE STEPHENSON who died on OCTOBER 06, 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 23rd 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 23rd 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-1/29/3t

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Board of Zoning Appeals for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:

Thursday, February 12, 2026 AT 6:00 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-94(3)(a) has been filed to request a special yard exception for a proposed attached garage to be 2.7 feet from the side lot line, rather than 5 feet as required by Code. The Property is described as Lot 10, Block, 21, of the Sinepuxent Beach Company Plat. It is further described as being located on the west side of Baltimore Avenue and is locally known as 707 Baltimore Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: LOGAN BUAS & PETER S. BUAS (BZA 2733, FILE 26-09400001)

Further information concerning the public hearings may be examined in the office of the Department of Planning and Community Development in City Hall.

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-1/29/2t

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR

License: 7 Day, By: Andrew C. Hoster, 12394 Sea Oaks Lane, Unit #2, Berlin, MD 21811; Michael D. Manry, 1201 Atlantic Avenue, #403, Ocean City, MD 21842.

For: BBS Hospitality, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Brass Balls Saloon 1105 Atlantic Avenue

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: BBS Holdings, Inc.

There will be a public hearing on

the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: February 18, 2026 @ 1:15 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us

OCD-2/5/2t

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "A" BEER-WINE License: 7 Day, By: Howard R. Nichols, 309 S. Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842; Robert J. Riccio, Jr., 816 Terry Lane, Key West, FL 33040.

For: Exile Enterprises, Inc.

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Weaver's Beer & Wine 2 South Baltimore Avenue Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Formerly: Charles N. Weaver, Jr. & David L. Weaver

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: February 18, 2026 @ 1:25 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us

OCD-2/5/2t

NOTICE

OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE

Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class "D" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By:Carlena L. Jelley, 12 2nd Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851.

For: Cypress Moon Art, LLC

For the premises known as and located at:

T/A: Cypress Moon Art 143 Market Street Pocomoke, Maryland 21851

There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: February 18, 2026 @ 1:40 P.M.

The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us

OCD-2/5/2t

D NICOLE GREEN ESQ

D. NICOLE GREEN, PA 300 EAST MAIN STREET SALISBURY, MD 21801

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of BETTY B GROTON AKA: BETTY BRADFORD GROTON Estate No. 21001 Notice is given that

LOUIS T BRADFORD whose address is 6825 APACHE DR SNOW HILL, MD 21863-3361, SUSAN B AGE whose address is 8439 NEWARK RD NEWARK, MD 21841-2019 were on JANUARY 27, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BETTY B GROTON who died on JANUARY 02, 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 27th 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 27th 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-2/5/3t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 25-07 WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 25-07 (Zoning – Off-street parking clear height) was introduced by Commissioners Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on November 18, 2025. A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

Add a new subsection § ZS 1320(b)(2) of the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to establish a minimum clear height for required off-street parking provided in an enclosed or covered structure in twofamily, multi-family, and townhouse dwelling units.

A Public Hearing will be held at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:30 AM

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is available for public inspection in the main hall

of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the county website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-2/5/2t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 26-01

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 26-01 (Zoning – Short-term rentals) was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on January 20, 2026. A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

Repeal and replace subsection § ZS 1-351(b)(5) of the Zoning and Subdivision Control Article to modify the effective date at which a third parking space shall be provided for a short-term rental property to January 1, 2026.

A Public Hearing will be held at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:35 AM

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is available for public inspection in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the county website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

OCD-2/5/2t

NOTICE

OF INTRODUCTION OF BILL 26-02

WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS

Take Notice that Bill 26-02 was introduced by Commissioners Abbott, Bertino, Bunting, Elder, Fiori, Mitrecic, and Purnell on January 20, 2026. A fair summary of the bill is as follows:

Bill 26-02 is titled AN ACT TO EMPOWER AND AUTHORIZE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND TO BORROW ON ITS FULL FAITH AND CREDIT NOT MORE THAN SIX HUNDRED EIGHTEEN THOUSAND DOLLARS ($618,000) IN ORDER TO FINANCE AND REFINANCE IMPROVEMENTS TO LEWIS ROAD SEWER EXTENSION PROJECT(S).

A Public Hearing will be held at the Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101 – Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at 10:40 AM

This is only a fair summary of the bill. A full copy of the bill is available for public inspection in the main hall of the Worcester County Government Center outside Room 1103. In addition, a full copy of the bill is available on the county website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

THE WORCESTER COUNTY

COMMISSIONERS

OCD-2/5/2t

Christopher Robins, Esq.

128 E. Main St. Salisbury, MD 21811

DELMARVA HOUSING CORPORATION

128 East Main Street Salisbury, MD 2180 I Plaintiff vs. JAMES R. ROTH

12 Chatham Ct. Ocean Pines, MD 21811,

BONITA B. ROTH

12 Chatham Ct. Ocean Pines, MD 21811,

WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

1 W. Market Street, Room 1103 Snow Hill, MD 21863,

Serve: Roscoe Leslie, County Attorney

1 W. Market Street, Room 1103

Snow Hill, MD 21863,

The testate and intestate successors of James R. Roth, deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under the decedent,

The testate and intestate successors of Bonita B. Roth, deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under the decedent, and

All persons that have or claim to have any interest in property described as 12 Chatham Ct., Ocean Pines, MD 21811, Tax Account No. 03-156613

Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000364

ORDER OF PUBLICATION

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

12 Chatham Court, Ocean Pines, MD 21811

Tax Account No. 03-156613

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.

It is thereupon by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland:

ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear 111 this Court by March 29, 2026, and redeem the property 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-2/5/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of MORTON N BROWN Estate No. 20997 Notice is given that AARON BROWN whose address is 26 ALLENHURST CT., GAITHERSBURG, MD 20878-1990 was on JANUARY 22, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MORTON N BROWN who died on DECEMBER 10, 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 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 22nd 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-2/5/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD GLOCKNER

AKA: RICHARD WALTER GLOCKNER Estate No. 20990 Notice is given that ERIC R. GLOCKNER whose address is 116 PATTON WAY, ELKTON, MD 21921-5174 was on JANUARY 21, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of RICHARD GLOCK-

NER who died on SEPTEMBER 08, 2025 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/5/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20989 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THEORDORE R. ESCHENBURG JR.

Notice is given that Brad A. Soulsman, 9813 Quail Run Ln., Ocean City, MD 21842-9303, was on January 21, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Theordore R. Eschenburg Jr. who died on January 08, 2026, with a will.

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

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

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

of the following dates:

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

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

Brad A. Soulsman

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: February 5, 2026

OCD-2/5/1t

Buas 3G Properties, LLC

3509 Coastal Hwy Snow Hill, MD 21863

v.

Cindy L Naylor

1200 Lodge Lane Wilmington, Delaware 19809

Harbour Island Condominium Association c/o Mann Properties 220 16th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

Worcester County, Maryland 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863

Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 30, Account No. 10-379059, Property description BOAT SLIP 26 14TH ST & BAY HARBOUR ISLAND CM, Deed Reference: 3570/192, Assessed to Cindy L Naylor, 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. 30, Account No. 10-379059, Property description

BOAT SLIP 26 14TH ST & BAY HARBOUR ISLAND CM, Deed Reference: 3570/192, Assessed to Cindy L Naylor In the Circuit Court For Worcester County State of Maryland Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000332

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,

known as Boat Slip No. 26, 14th St & Bay, Harbour Island CM, being Account No. 10-379059, assessed to Cindy L Naylor with deed reference: 3570/192.

The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for the redemption if the property have not been paid. It is thereupon this 28th 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 30th 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-2/5/3t

COATES, COATES, & COATES, P.A.

RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300 OCEAN CITY, MD 21824

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 21004

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania appointed (1) Melissa J. Link, 30th S. 25th Street, Allentown, PA 18104; (2) Barry H. Westgate, 4 Epping Ct., Somerset, NJ 08873-4743; (3) Jessica E. Zambelli, 4474 Farview Ct., Emmaus, PA 18049-5261 as the Executors of the Estate of Donna L. Westgate who died on July 06, 2021 domiciled in Pennsylvania, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) Raymond D. Coates Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698; (2) Raymond D. Coates Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698; (3) Raymond D. Coates Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.

At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.

All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the

claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

(1) Melissa J. Link (2) Bary H. Westgate (3) Jessica E. Zambelli Foreign Personal Representatives Terri Westcott Register of Wills One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: February 05, 2026

OCD-2/5/3t

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 F. WEST, JR. Estate No. 21003 Notice is given that LINDA W. WEST whose address is 6446 AYRES LN. RD., SNOW HILL, MD 21863-4102 was on JANUARY 28,2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM F. WEST, JR. who died on NOVEMBER 11, 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 28th 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 28th 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-2/5/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20986 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF HERBERT GLENN HALLER

Notice is given that Carol Harting Haller, 10326 Derby Dr., Laurel, MD 20723-5736, was on January 20, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Herbert Glenn Haller who died on January 05, 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 20th 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 20th 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.

Carol Harting Haller 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: February 5, 2026

OCD-2/5/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20977

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARY ELIZABETH BROCATO

AKA: MARY E. BROCATO

Notice is given that Mary Ferrell, 11607 Windward Dr., Unit A, Ocean City, MD 21842-7448, was on January 23, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Mary Elizabeth Brocato who died on

August 26, 2024, with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

Mary Farrell 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: February 05, 2026

OCD-2/5/1t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE

OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JORDAN I. VOGL Estate No. 20950 Notice is given that DEBRA L. FLYNN whose address is 39012 BAYVIEW W., SELBYVILLE, DE 19975-4521 was on JANUARY 27, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JORDAN I. VOGL who died on DECEMBER 06, 2025 with a will.

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

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

All persons having claims against

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/5/1t

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of DONALD TERRY STIVERS Estate No. 21002 Notice is given that KATHRYN CHERYL MILLER STIVERS whose address is 12618 SHEFFIELD RD., OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9780 was on JANUARY 27, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of DONALD TERRY STIVERS who died on JANUARY 12, 2026 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT,

Register of Wills for Worcester County

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOSEPH MARTIN MERSINGER Estate No. 20998 Notice is given that STEPHEN ERIC MERSINGER whose address is 12057 PIMLICO LN., BERLIN, MD 21811-3227 was on JANUARY 23, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JOSEPH MARTIN MERSINGER who died on SEPTEMBER 09, 2025 with a will.

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

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

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

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

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

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/5/1t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20940

TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DOROTHY MARIE WILKIE

Notice is given that Pamela Ruth Bienert, 11146 Spring Branch Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-3255; and Allison Jean Snyder, 11146 Spring Branch Ln., Berlin, MD 21811-3255, were on January 29, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Dorothy Marie Wilkie who died on January 20, 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 represen-

tative or the attorney.

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

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

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

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

Pamela Ruth Bienert Allison Jean Snyder Personal Representatives 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: February 5, 2025

OCD-2/5/1t

NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING MARCH 2, 2026, AT 6:00 P.M. TOWN OF OCEAN CITY

RE: PUBLIC PROPERTYALLEY CLOSURE

A Public Hearing is scheduled on Monday, March 2, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842.

The purpose of this public hearing is to consider the abandonment and closure of a portion of an alley that is 16’ wide by 50’ length (800 sq. ft.) between 26th and 27th Street as shown on the plat entitled “Bed of 16’ Wide Alley- Block 79N Plat of Property of Sinepuxent Beach Company Town of Ocean City Tenth Tax District, Worcester County, Maryland”. In exchange, the developers will improve the remaining right-of-way of the 16-foot-wide alley from the point on the northerly property line of Lots

3 & 10 northerly therefrom a distance of 100 feet to 27th Street.

The hearing will allow public input for Mayor and Council consideration as to whether it is in the public’s interest to determine that the property is no longer needed for public use and move forward with the abandonment and closure of the portion of the alley. Additional information can be obtained from the City Clerk’s office by calling 410-2898842.

OCD-2/5/1t

TOWN OF BERLIN REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

RFP # 2026-02

MULTI-PURPOSE BUILDING DEMOLITION

Due Date: March 18, 2026 Time: 11:30 am EST

The Town of Berlin is seeking Proposals for demolition of an existing Multi-purpose Building located at 130 Flower Street, Berlin MD. This project is funded with federal Community Development Block Grant funds and is subject to Federal Labor Standards which includes DavisBacon wage rates, BABA requirements and Section 3 requirements. Section 3 Business Concerns as well as minority and women owned businesses are encouraged to apply.

Qualified contractors are encouraged to visit the Town of Berlin website at berlinmd.gov/government/requestfor-proposals/ or contact Director of Public Works James Charles at 410641-4001/ jcharles@berlinmd.gov for the official RFP.

OCD-2/5/1t

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

The Children’s Cabinet Interagency Funds

The Worcester County LMB is seeking proposals from qualified community partners to provide high quality, comprehensive and supportive services in Worcester County for children, youth and families. These services should address the ENOUGH Pillars and local indicators in which the LMB has identified as areas for consideration via the LMB’s Needs Assessment.

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 normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the

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

A pre-proposal conference will be held via Google Meet on Thursday, February 19, 2026, from 10:30 –11:30 a.m.

The last day for questions will be Tuesday, March 24, 2026.

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than March 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. They will be opened and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

Late Proposal Documents cannot be accepted.

Envelopes shall be marked “Proposal Solicitation – The Children’s Cabinet Interagency Funds” in the lower left-hand corner.

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

OCD-2/5/1t

ALINA I. YOHANNAN ESQ. DAVIS AGNOR RAPAPORT SKALNY, LLC

11000 BROKEN LAND PKWY., STE. 600 COLUMBIA, MD 21044-3534

SMALL ESTATE

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21009 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MADELINE A. SCHUMACHER

Notice is given that Nicole M. Desesa, 11509 E. Winchester Ln., Ellicott City, MD 21042-2040, was on February 02, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Madeline A. Schumacher 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 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 cred-

itor 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.

Nicole M. Desesa 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: February 05, 2026

OCD-2/5/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2026-02

RE:

Waterways

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-02 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 2, 2026. Second reading is scheduled February 17, 2026. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the February 2, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance amends Chapter 106 of the Town Code, entitled Waterways, as to terminology, enforcement and penalties, permit duration and timelines, construction standards for bulkheads, revetments, piers and boatlifts, and procedural clarifications.

OCD-2/5/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE 2026-03

RE: Driveway Apron Requirements

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-03 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 2, 2026. Second reading is scheduled February 17, 2026. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the February 2,

2026, agenda packet. This ordinance adopts driveway apron requirements for townhouses located on lots greater than fifty (50) feet in width. This amendment allows compliance through either a five (5) foot wide driveway apron or a recessed garage design within the building envelope.

OCD-2/5/1t

TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE

2026-04

RE: Parking Violation Fine During Designated Special Events

Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-04 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 2, 2026. Second reading is scheduled February 17, 2026. A complete text of the ordinance is available for review in the Office of the City Clerk, City Hall 3rd Street and Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, or online at oceancitymd.gov in the February 2, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance doubles the parking violation fine amount if the violation occurs during a Special Event that is designated by Resolution.

OCD-2/5/1t

Melinda Ragusa

1937 Baltimore Annapolis Blvd Annapolis, MD 21409 vs. Michael John Cramer 12107 Angler Road Ocean City, MD 21842 Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County Case No.: C-02-FM-24-004583

NOTICE

Melinda Ragusa, has filed a petition & motion entitled Petition for Contempt and Motion to Enforce in which she is seeking Contempt and Monetary Damages Notice is hereby issued by the Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Maryland that the relief sought in the aforementioned petition & motion may be granted unless cause be shown to the contrary.

Michael Cramer is to file a response to the petition and motion on or before MARCH 2, 2026

Failure to file a response within the time allowed may result in a judgment by default or the granting of the relief sought.

OCD-2/5/3t

Call: 410-723-6397

Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@octodaydispatch.com

Landlord fights against dispensary decision

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) An Ocean City commercial landlord isn’t ready to give up the fight over a proposed cannabis dispensary at his 21st Street retail property, even after resort zoning officials denied it and a trial judge dismissed his appeal. Back-and-forth filings last week between Mike Ramadan and the Town of Ocean City show both sides digging into their respective legal interpretations of whether a landlord can continue a zoning appeal after the tenant – a state-licensed dispensary operator – withdrew from the case.

On Jan. 26, Ramadan’s attorney Demetrious Kaouris filed a motion asking a Worcester County Circuit Court judge to reconsider his dismissal of the zoning appeal. He also wants the court to rule that, as a landlord with a valid lease,

his client still has the right to appeal.

Ocean City, meanwhile, countered in court filings last week that the judge ruled correctly.

Speaking on behalf of the BZA, attorney Bruce Bright framed the landlord’s case as an attempt to relitigate a moot issue – and that Ramadan “continues to flog a dead horse,” he wrote.

Worcester County already has two cannabis dispensaries, both in West Ocean City. The state granted a third license in 2024 to Shreif Shata, of Columbia, Maryland. Ramadan says Shata approached him because Shata liked the store’s location in town. They decided to work together to open a dispensary, which would be called Green Marlin.

Shata (who declined interview requests through his attorney) signed a sixyear lease for the Phillips Square property, which Ramadan agreed to refit

9am-4pm Saturrdday 10:30am-12:30pm Saturrdday 10:30am-12:30pm 2 Saturrdday11am1pm

for a dispensary. Ramadan, doing business as Phillips Plaza LLC, says he initiated the zoning process by seeking a building permit for tenant improvements.

But City Hall rejected the application, saying town zoning code didn’t allow for a dispensary at the site – the parcel was deemed too close to residential areas and to the beach for a dispensary, which is a violation of municipal zoning.

Ramadan and Shata, doing business as Guru Ventures, Inc., challenged that decision before Ocean City’s Board of Zoning Appeals but lost. They appealed the BZA ruling to the Circuit Court.

By October, however, Shata decided to withdraw from the case, saying he didn’t want to “proceed in an adversarial capacity” against the Town of Ocean City.

Shata’s withdrawal became the basis

for Judge Beau Oglesby’s eventual ruling on Jan. 16.

With the dispensary licensee no longer in the lead chair, and only Ramadan left as a petitioner, Judge Oglesby dismissed the case and ruled the appeal legally dead.

Oglesby concluded that, once the case became moot, Ramadan lacked standing to keep the appeal alive as an “aggrieved” party who was adversely affected by the BZA’s ruling.

Ramadan argues he is aggrieved because the town’s denial interferes with how the property can be used. He also argues the zoning decision cost him a tenant and hundreds of thousands of dollars in rent.

“It is hard to imagine,” his attorney wrote, “that a property owner or longterm leaseholder who has been advised by a government body that it cannot use its property in a specific way is not aggrieved.”

Ramadan also says the court incorrectly treated Guru Ventures as the sole zoning applicant, even though Phillips Plaza initiated the zoning process by seeking a building permit.

Bright, however, argues for Ocean City that when Shata withdrew from the case, he effectively abandoned his efforts to operate a dispensary at Phillips Square. Bright is also saying that Ramadan’s lease agreement hinges on the dispensary actually being approved, court documents show.

Kaouris told OC Today-Dispatch that the motion is a “last-ditch effort” at the trial court level before potentially appealing to a higher state court.

From the town’s perspective, the matter is settled.

Feb. 5 - 12

“Any intention Guru may still have to locate its dispensary at (Phillips Plaza LLC’s) property could only be pursued, if at all, by way of a completely new request submitted to Ocean City at the staff level,” Bright wrote.

on Harbour erro r, , 120th St., Bayside 1BR/2BR/3BR/4BR+

12430 Old Bridge Rd., W Weest OC 2BR/2BA S 204 S. Herroon Drive #202G, Ocean City 2BR/2BA 2819 Plover Drive Unit 4305, Ocean City1BR/1.5BA 12048 Pimlico Lane, Berlin 3BR 2.5BA 24 Bayshorre e Dr #4101, Ocean City 2BR/1BA

2BR/2BA atch, Ocean City Coastal Hwy #1614, Sea W 2BR/2BA Coastal Hwy Unit 1607 PH 2, Ocean City 3BR/2.5BA elei II, Ocean City e 4 125th St #106 Lor 4BR/2BA cle, Ocean Pines c 124 Camelot Cir

2BR/2BA eet #208B2, Ocean City e 05 125th Str

3BR/2BA 00 White Horse Drive, Ocean Pines

Pines coffee table book underway

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Jan. 29, 2026) A task force in Ocean Pines is working to create a coffee table book that looks back at the homeowners’ association’s history. The first stage of the project, collecting information and documents, has been completed.

At the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Jan. 24, board member Elaine Brady updated other members and residents on the group whose aim is to preserve the community’s past.

The coffee table book proposes to look back at photos and documents that show the evolution of Ocean Pines. Brady said the group has collected memorabilia, once-forgotten association information, and photos, and has cataloged them all. The documents are being stored in a room in the OPA Administration Building at White Horse Park.

Brady noted that the effort was inspired by Bunk Mann’s collection of coffee table books that highlight Ocean City’s history. Mann’s work began with “Vanishing Ocean City” in 2014. The volume includes over 500 photos that take viewers from the resort’s 1875 inception through modern day.

“Ghosts in the Surf” came out in 2019, featuring memories from 1945 to the spring of 2019. The final in-

stallment, the “Ocean City Chronicles,” was released a few years later, featuring articles by Mann, photos of long-vanished restaurants and hotels, Boardwalk attractions, and more.

Now, Ocean Pines looks to create a similar product. The goal of the book is to take its purchasers through OPA’s transformation from its early days on dirt roads to now, when it’s become the largest year-round residential community in Worcester County.

Brady said the team is working with veteran journalist Tony Russo and Berlin-based publisher Salt Water Media to create the work, and that the book will likely generate revenue for the association. However, she maintained that any money garnered is just a bonus.

“It’s going to be a great project,” she said. “…The point is to let people know, new folks and people who have been here a long time, the history of Ocean Pines and be able to see the growth and what has happened with it.”

Brady added that under the agreements with Russo and Salt Water Media, OPA will retain ownership of the book. Russo will act as a ghost writer. The publication will likely be available for purchase around early 2027.

“I’m very excited,” Brady said at last week’s board meeting. “They’ll

start on it within the next month or so, and it’ll probably take about a year before you’re able to get copies.”

The task force’s most recent project follows its first mission, reprinting the book, “History of Ocean Pines, Maryland” by late homeowner Bud Rogner, who originally wrote the document chronicling OPA facts and details from 1968 to 1998. That initiative was completed in early 2025.

The historic preservation group was formed following an OPA Board of Directors meeting in the summer of 2024. Brady said at the time that the idea was conceived following an inquiry from the late Joe Reynolds, the longtime neighborhood forum moderator and Ocean Pines resident, regarding signs at the Community Center’s East Room.

According to Reynolds, the East Room was named after Phyllis East, an executive secretary to the general manager and the board of directors, who passed away in 2012.

However, Reynolds had said that many OPA citizens are unaware of this designation, as the room lacked any information about the recognition. The oversight was remedied, and a plaque now acknowledges East’s contributions to Ocean Pines.

The team continues searching for new ways to keep the neighborhood’s past alive.

Berlin Liquor S

County to oppose legislation pending in General Assembly

Commissions vote to send written testimony against against four House bills

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) Officials in Worcester County are pushing back against a slate of bills pending in the General Assembly they say would chip away at counties’ authority over zoning, land use, and workforce policy.

The County Commissioners on Tuesday unanimously agreed to oppose four bills in the House of Delegates while expressing support for two Senate bills. County staff ultimately will submit written testimony to be considered at each bill hearing.

Legislative Analyst Charlene Sharpe walked the commissioners through each proposal. She warned three of the bills would strip commissioners of legislative authority while another could impose new costs without additional state funding.

House Bill 99 would allow towns to take control of newly annexed land sooner and limit how long counties can block or dictate development on that land.

Specifically, it would remove the commissioners’ existing right to review and approve zoning classifications that would result in higher density within five years after annexation.

HB 99 is sponsored by Delegates Matthew Schindler (D-2B, Washington) and Kris Fair (D-3, Frederick.)

House Bill 203 says employers can’t contractually bind workers to reimburse them for training after leaving the job. The bill specifically would make it illegal for employers to require such “training repayment agreements” as a condition of employment.

For Worcester, this could affect positions like correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, roads workers, and 911 dispatchers, according to Sharpe. HB 203 is sponsored by Del. Joe Vogel (D-17, Montgomery).

House Bill 239, known as the “Starter and Silver Homes Act of 2026,” targets municipal control over zoning.

It says cities and counties can’t use zoning to block the construction of smaller, more basic homes – more affordable “starter” houses that might appeal to new home buyers or re-

Officials discuss bill impacts

tirees.

Specifically, the bill would prohibit the county from enforcing lot size minimums over 5,000 square feet for single-family homes on public water and sewer. It also would force the county to allow townhouses in areas where single-family homes can be built.

HB 239 was filed by the House Economic Matters Committee at the request of the state’s Department of Housing and Community Development. The agency has been pushing for more ways to generate affordable housing in the state.

House Bill 257 would require new housing or subdivision developments to conduct flood-related watershed studies, which would then have to be submitted for approval to the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) on the developer’s dime.

HB 257 was filed by the House Environment and Transportation Committee at the request of MDE.

“That’s basically an unfunded mandate,” Sharpe told the commissioners, “because once the watershed is designated, the counties will have to do these studies every five years.”

Sharpe also named several bills the county plans to support.

Senate Bill 300 would establish a “Rural Readiness Program” to provide assistance to small towns and nonprofits that lack the capacity to compete for funding.

The bill would establish a grant program to benefit rural communities where funding could go toward community assessments and feasibility studies. Sharpe said the bill is being pushed by the Rural Maryland Council, an independent nonpartisan state agency.

SB 300 has bipartisan support

Interested in getting more information more quickly than our weekly OC Today-Dispatch delivers? Our five-days-a-week digital newsletter might be just what you need.

We have developed an in-yourmorning-email product (with updates for breaking news) and invite you to give it a try.

If you sign up now, you’ll get a free three-month trial subscription, to what will become available by paid subscription only for a nominal charge. How nominal? $1 a month or $10 a year to cover our production costs.

Sign up and get three months free by emailing subscriptions@octodaydispatch. com or visit the OC Today-Dispatch online.

from eight sponsors in the Senate, including Lower Shore Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38, Worcester).

House Bill 460 concerns solar farms on rural lands. It would reduce from 5% to 2% the amount of priority preservation area acreage that can be used for solar. It also would require MDE to study the environmental impact of the disposal of solar farms.

HB 460 has 30 Republican sponsors in the House, including Lower Shore Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38B, Worcester). No Democrats are supporting the bill.

Commissioners President Ted Elder expressed some hope that HB 460 might be helpful to Worcester County by shrinking the size of farmland that might be turned into solar farms.

However, Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) chimed in to say that the measure is unlikely to make it to a floor vote in the House.

Based on feedback he’s hearing from his colleagues in the Maryland Association of Counties, where he’s a board member, “there’s not a chance it’s going to pass,” Bertino said Tuesday.

Lawmakers have a hard deadline of March 9 to file bills. The 2026 Legislative Session ends April 13.

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.

How to keep houses safe in cold conditions

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) Frigid, icy, arctic. The human body is less efficient in colder temperatures, and so are our houses. Below are tips for homeowners to help keep homes safe from freezing temperatures and avoid costly repairs.

Open cabinet doors: This may seem unusual, but HouseLogic, a home maintenance and remodeling website operated by the National Association of REALTORS (NAR) sug-

Parking violation fees to double at OC special events

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) City officials this week agreed to advance an ordinance that will double fines for parking meter violations that occur during special events.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to pass the first reading of an ordinance, which would amend the city code to double the $50 fine for parking meter violations that occur during a special event that is designated by resolution. The City Council then voted to adopt a resolution declaring its special event dates for 2026.

“We now have to do this every year, now that we changed the parking ordinance some time ago,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury told council members this week.

Last year, the City Council passed several amendments aimed at paid parking and parking enforcement throughout town. Among those, an ordinance authorizing the city’s newly established parking division to enhance parking and towing penalties for violations that occur during special events and within special event zones.

For example, fines for certain violations, such as parking in a no parking zone, parking at a red curb, and parking on a sidewalk, for example, doubled during special event dates, beginning in 2025.

This week, the City Council revisited its parking regulations with the first reading of an ordinance to double the fine for parking meter violations occurring during special events. They also approved a companion ordinance, setting the special event dates for 2026.

The resolution adopting the special event dates when enhanced penalties would apply include: Cruisin’ Ocean City (April 30-May 3), OC Air Show (June 13-14), Fourth of July Fireworks (July 4), White Marlin Open (Aug. 3-7), Bike Week/OC Rock and Ride (Sept. 913), Oceans Calling (Sept. 25-27), Country Calling (Oct. 2-3), and Endless Summer Cruisin’ (Oct. 8-11).

gests opening any cabinet doors covering plumbing in the kitchen and bathroom during cold weather. “This allows the home’s warm air to better circulate, which can help prevent the exposed piping from freezing,” the site notes. “While this won’t help much in pipes hidden in walls, ceilings, or under the home, it can keep water moving and limit the dangerous effects of freezing weather.”

Insulate: Keep drapes and blinds closed except when windows are in direct sunlight. Also, cover window air conditioners and insulate electrical outlets and switches on exterior walls

with foam seals, which are available at home centers. Run paddle ceiling fans on low in reverse (clockwise when looking up) to help circulate more warm air.

Turn the faucets on inside: Turn the faucets on occasionally to keep water moving through your system and slow down the freezing process. Aim for about five drips per minute, suggests HouseLogic.

Change filters on heaters: A heater needs to be checked annually to help prevent issues later on. Change your filters, especially if you haven’t done so in a while. A clogged filter can prevent heat from getting into the home.

Check outdoor connections: Make sure any outdoor spigots on all

hoses have been disconnected and the spigots have been turned off and drained.

Shut off water immediately if pipes are frozen: If your pipes are already frozen, turn off the water immediately. Close off any external water sources, such as garden hose hookups. “This will prevent more water from filling the system, adding more ice to the pile, and eventually bursting your pipes—the worst-case scenario,” HouseLogic.com notes. “This will also help when the water thaws; the last thing you want after finally fixing your frozen pipes is for water to flood the system—and thus, your home.”

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

Comprehensive plan challenged by citizens

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(Feb. 6, 2026) Citing public concerns, Ocean City officials this week agreed to revisit the updated comprehensive plan at a future work session.

On Monday, the Ocean City Council held a public hearing on the draft 2025 comprehensive plan, the city’s primary long-range policy document guiding land use, infrastructure investments and legislative updates in the coming decade.

However, after hearing the public’s opposition to some of the language used in the planning document, officials voted unanimously to move the matter to a future work session, rather than voting to approve it on first reading.

“I do think there is work that needs to be done,” Councilwoman Carol Proctor said this week, “and I don’t think that we’re in a position where this is the final version and that we should be voting on it.”

During Monday’s public hearing, residents came before the City Council to share their thoughts on the topic of short-term rentals, which they say was addressed at least 17 times in the updated comprehensive plan. For his part, Teal Drive resident Gordon Kretser said the topic’s inclusion was nothing new, as it had been featured in previous plans.

“The misconception is that somehow this was just brought up out of thin air amongst the ‘good ‘ole boys network’ or something to that effect, and that is just not the case,” he said. “This is very methodical planning, and there’s an issue that is something that needs to be addressed that could be a big problem in the future.”

However, resident and former council member Vince Gisriel took issue with use of the word “adverse” when the comprehensive plan referenced the impacts short-term rentals had on residential neighborhoods.

“My concern is if this issue gets resolved one way or the other, or a compromise, that adverse language about the impact of STRs will linger in the comprehensive plan for 10 years,” he said, “and I don't think we should have that in there.”

Gisriel noted that his involvement in the recent petition effort showed him that the majority of residents he spoke to had no issue with short-term rentals. He added that the data did not show a problem with vacation rentals in single-family communities, and that enforcement would resolve any issues that existed.

“I would propose that you eliminate any language the five, six, seven times it appears out of the 17 or 18 that cast this issue as impacting neighborhoods, because I don’t see it that way,” he said.

Resident Terry Miller, who led the last two petition efforts against shortterm rental restrictions, also opposed what she viewed as negative verbiage. She added that, as presented, the comprehensive plan separated single-family neighborhoods from the remaining zoning districts in town.

“If we do different policies for different areas of town, we are creating different classes of citizens, and that isn't right,” she said. “Everybody should be on an equal playing field. All we’ve ever needed to do is enforce all of the ordinances.”

In addition to short-term rentals, residents this week came forward to discuss nonconformity, referring to properties and buildings that were legally established under previous zoning regulations but no longer comply with current ordinances.

While the city has allowed nonconformity as an incentive for redeveloping of aging properties, the updated comprehensive plan proposes to reduce or eliminate the practice.

“Ocean City is built out, and without nonconformity you won’t get

problem solving,” resident and former council member Peter Buas told the City Council this week. “You’ll either get stifled redevelopment, or more parking lots, both of which are contrary to what makes Ocean City special.”

Buas, a local attorney, said he was joined by more than two dozen property owners and businesses, all of which had added their names to a Jan. 30 letter addressed to the mayor and members of the City Council. He said they took issue with the plan’s attempt to reframe nonconformity as an issue that needed to be solved, rather than a tool for reinvestment.

“Nonconformity, when you hear it, it sounds like you need to bring it into compliance, which isn’t the case …,” he argued. “Really, it’s not the property owner that creates the nonconformity. It’s the town. All the property owner did was own the property.”

Zach Bankert, executive director of the Ocean City Development Corporation, echoed Buas’ concerns this week. He noted that OCDC’s board and members supported the continuation of nonconformity and asked that any references to its elimination be removed from the updated comprehensive plan.

“Hands down, the most successful incentive that we've had for development in downtown Ocean City has been the use of nonconformity,” he told the City Council.

Bankert added that the city should first address the causes of nonconformity before it reduces or eliminates the practice. He pointed to a fee-inlieu-of-parking program to address existing parking nonconformities in the downtown area.

“We also feel moving forward with eliminating nonconformity without fee-in-lieu-of-parking would be irresponsible,” he said. “In our opinion, you can’t have one without the other.”

Following the public hearing, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler told officials the plan’s inclusion of nonconformity was meant to be a starting point for future discussions. While acknowledging that nonconformity was a tool often used in redevelopment projects, it also presented challenges for staff when trying to determine the level of nonconformity.

“What we’re asking from the comprehensive plan is to look for solutions and recognize there might be some consideration for changing a zoning code so we make a property not have to have so much nonconformity,” he explained. “We’re trying to soften how much we use nonconformity as a tool. It shouldn’t be the only tool a developer focuses on.”

Following a lengthy discussion, the council opted not to proceed with the first reading of the comprehensive plan, but to schedule a work session to discuss the public’s concerns, mainly as it pertained to nonconformity. Mayor Rick Meehan said he wanted staff to find a way to “soften” the language.

“There is a benefit, and we hear it when a project is presented to us –when they have to come to us for an overlay or for something else – how one of the advantages is they decreased the nonconformity. Most cases it’s with regard to parking,” he explained. “So I think it’s recognized as it can be an advantage to the community if nonconformity is reduced. But I think we need to present it in a different manner.”

He added, “It’s been in the code a long time. We’re one of the few places that perpetuates nonconformity. The goal of most communities is to move away from nonconformity. But not all things fit all communities, particularly our downtown area and the way it was developed and when it was developed.”

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Ocean City residents came forward this week to address the council on concerns they had with the town’s draft comprehensive plan. Former Councilman Peter Buas is pictured before the council.

Berlin seeks input on reconnection project

cuss possible bridge locations, including Old Ocean City Boulevard, Bay Street, and Germantown Road.

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) The Town of Berlin is inviting residents to public input sessions to gather feedback on a longdiscussed project to improve safety and connectivity along U.S. Route 113.

Berlin will begin planning efforts for a potential bike and pedestrian bridge over Route 113. The goal of the project is to explore options for a safe crossing that would better connect neighborhoods long since divided by the highway.

Two public input sessions are scheduled, and citizens are encouraged to attend either. The information shared will largely remain consistent at both meetings. The discussions are scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., and Thursday, Feb. 12, at 9 a.m. at the Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Avenue.

Town officials will review and dis-

Community members can RSVP by emailing Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall at MayorZack@berlinmd.gov, and questions can be directed to executive assistant Sara Gorfinkel at SGorfinkel@berlinmd.gov.

Berlin resident and founder of the nonprofit We Heart Berlin, Tony Weeg said he plans to present a broader concept at the Feb. 11 meeting, one that reimagines Route 113 as a more pedestrian-friendly corridor rather than focusing solely on a single bridge.

“[My] design envisions Route 113 as a human-sized pedestrian corridor rather than a highway,” Weeg wrote on Facebook. “It was created to divide, and it’s high time we fix that and give folks the safety and dignity they deserve while walking up and down the road.”

Weeg’s proposal includes features such as bollards at intersections, audible and visual crossing indicators, and "monumental" trees lining the roadway. He said the improvements should extend from Burley Street to the hospital.

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

“Long gone should be the days of grandparents walking with baby carriages in the turn lane to get to Food Lion,” Weeg said. “We can do better than this.”

In August 2025, Berlin announced that nearly $1 million in federal funding for its original Connecting Neighborhoods initiative had been rescinded. While Berlin received the first $250,000, Congress eliminated the remaining $950,000 in a budget reconciliation bill passed in July.

Those federal funds were intended to support the project's design and planning phases. The highway, installed in the 1950s, created an eastwest divide through Berlin that has since limited safe pedestrian access to schools, parks, healthcare facilities, downtown, and the town’s only grocery store.

Following the federal cuts, Berlin began working with the Maryland Department of Transportation to identify alternative funding. MDOT later notified the town that it had located $643,000 in unspent earmarked federal funds that could be redirected to the Route 113 project. However, the town was required to provide a 20% local match to accept

the money.

While MDOT gave Berlin two years to complete the match, town officials said at the time that they were given only 48 hours to decide whether to claim the funds.

At the same time, Worcester County had already awarded Berlin $113,000 for a separate Rails and Trails project, but those funds were restricted to that purpose. To meet the match requirement, Berlin formally asked the Worcester County Commissioners to repurpose that funding for the Route 113 effort.

Gorfinkel raised the issue before the commissioners at the end of last summer.

Ultimately, the commissioners voted 6-1 to reallocate $24,000 from the Rails and Trails funds toward the Route 113 project. Commissioner Jim Bunting voted against the motion.

Combined with $104,000 already available, the $24,000 brought Berlin to its minimum 20% match of $128,000.

The Town of Berlin is now seeking public input on the issue. The municipality encourages residents to attend one of the two sessions scheduled for next week.

by Steve Green

IThe Adventures of Fatherhood

t’s a big deal when your firstborn child chooses a college.

No matter how much you try to prepare yourself for that moment, when it finally arrives, it lands differently than expected. It’s exciting. It’s emotional. It’s reassuring. And, if we’re being honest, it’s a little unsettling too. It represents another unmistakable step away from childhood and toward adulthood.

For our family, that moment came quietly, without fanfare, more over time and gradual. The decision evolved until one day he texted me he wanted to send the enrollment deposit for High Point University.

Just three days after having four teeth removed, still a little sore and still easing back into normal routines, we were back on the road. This time, he wasn’t headed to school or practice. He was traveling to High Point University for a weekend interview event aimed at earning additional merit scholarship money.

It struck me at the time how symbolic that trip felt.

Here was our 17-year-old, fresh off a medical procedure, managing discomfort, packing a bag, preparing for interviews, and advocating for his own future. It was one of those subtle parenting moments that sneaks up on you — when you suddenly realize your child is doing grown-up things without much prompting.

In the weeks leading up to that visit, Beckett had been doing what so many seniors are doing this time of year: weighing options, comparing offers, crunching numbers, and trying to make sense of a complicated process. All while working through his academic life.

Like many of his classmates, he applied to several colleges. On paper, it sounds simple. In reality, it is anything but. Between tuition, room and board, scholarships, grants, and various forms of aid, it can be nearly impossible at first glance to know what a school will actually cost. Families spend months opening emails, reading fine print, having difficult conversations, and hoping everything will somehow fall into place.

It’s stressful for parents. It’s overwhelming for students.

Somewhere in the midst of all that, Beckett found clarity.

After considering everything — finances, academics, campus life, distance from home, and overall fit — he essentially came full circle. When we toured High Point last January, it immediately rose to the top of his list. But he wanted to explore other options. He wanted to be sure. We encouraged that.

Choosing a college is one of the first major life decisions our kids make on their own. It shouldn’t be rushed. It deserves careful thought.

Over time, through conversations with admissions counselors, exchanges with other students who had already committed, and plenty of reflection, Beckett reached his decision. One night, in a simple, straightforward way, he told us where he wanted to go.

Pam and I felt a mix of emotions — happiness, relief, pride, and gratitude.

We were happy he had found a place that felt right.

We were relieved that the uncertainty had lifted.

We were proud of how seriously he had taken the process.

And we were grateful that the numbers worked in a way that made it possible.

Once he officially committed and submitted the required fee, everything began to feel real.

By accepting early decision, he gained early access to the housing portal and was able to rank his dorm preferences. Suddenly, we weren’t talking about “someday.” We were talking about where he might sleep, study, and live.

High Point is well known for its dorm accommodations. When we toured, we were amazed at the variety and quality of the living spaces. Some of them looked more like apartments than traditional college dorms. It was remarkable to imagine our son building his life in one of those rooms.

The campus itself is impressive. But what stood out most to us wasn’t the buildings. It was the people.

From tour guides to professors to admissions staff, there was a consistent sense of enthusiasm and genuine care. Everyone seemed invested in student success, not just academically, but personally.

Of course, like most parents, we pray the university lives up to its promises.

Every school paints a glowing picture. But our own research and conversations with local families who already have children there have reinforced that the experience is real.

That brings peace of mind.

With the college decision now behind him, Beckett has entered a new phase of his senior year. There is noticeably less stress on his shoulders. The pressure to decide is gone. The uncertainty has faded.

Now, he can focus on enjoying what remains.

And that may be the hardest part.

He is ready for the next chapter. He’s eager for a change of scenery. He’s excited to meet new people and experience independence. Like most teenagers, he is always looking forward.

We gently remind him that the future will arrive soon enough.

In the meantime, there are “lasts” approaching everywhere. These moments are easy to overlook while racing toward what’s next.

We encourage him to slow down. To soak it in. To be present. To recognize the significance of where he is right now. Whether he fully adopts that mindset remains to be seen.

Perhaps having his college decision behind him will make it easier. Perhaps he’ll find space to appreciate this chapter before closing it.

As parents, we’re learning right alongside him.

We’re learning how to celebrate milestones while quietly grieving transitions. How to let go while staying close. How to be proud without holding on too tightly. Watching your firstborn choose a college is more than a logistical step. It’s a reminder that time keeps moving, whether we’re ready or not.

And somehow, in the middle of all that emotion, there is comfort in knowing he’s ready.

Ready for what’s next. Ready to grow. Ready to take the next step — we have about seven months to now get ready.

(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.)

Icy temperatures on shore impacts local surf habits

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) Wow, January’s been cold. Like a punch in the gut cold.

Last night on a television news broadcast the water temperature readings were 38 in the ocean, 29 in the Delaware Bay and 28 in the Chesapeake Bay. These readings are a reflection of what’s been happening in the atmosphere with many days not getting above the freezing mark of 32.

And yet yesterday I viewed two surfers in the water at sunset. The wave conditions were out of the Northeast. Head high set waves with an offshore wind. Kudos to those in the water. Undeterred by the frigid air and surf.

The good news is that we are approximately two months through the winter. The not-so-good news is that there’s another two months to go, at least. My personal benchmark has always been a water temperature of 40 degrees. Above 40 is a “mild” winter. Below is a cold winter. We’re already below the 40 threshold.

All of this is really not that unusual and happens from time to time. Winter is always cold. Some are just colder than others. Our “normal” or “average” temperatures are mid-20’s at night to mid-40’s during the day, but these readings are average and can deviate up or down, as is evident from recent weeks.

So there you have it. Anyone can testify to these occurrences if they have been outdoors or in the water. In truth it’s no big deal, an inconvenience at worst. It’s just another period of time on our beautiful Delmarva Peninsula. Keep your chin up. Spring is just around the corner.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPOS MEDIA

Berlin considers ‘Tree City USA’ recognition

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(Feb. 6, 2026) During a meeting last month, the Berlin Parks Commission discussed pursuing Tree City USA recognition, a program that encourages communities to prioritize planting and caring for trees.

The discussion followed a presentation by Greg Eastman of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Service.

During the meeting, Eastman outlined the Tree City USA program and how it could benefit the Town of Berlin through recognition, technical assistance, and potential funding opportunities for tree planting and care.

Eastman said that as a Snow Hill native with an environmental science background, he took quick notice of Berlin’s potential as a candidate for the program.

“Berlin jumped to the top of the list,” Eastman said. “A lot of this is already in place for you guys. It shouldn’t be a hard lift.”

For instance, last year, the Town of Berlin’s Horticultural Committee led a “Keep Berlin Cool” program, funded by the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, to increase the town’s urban tree canopy and reduce stormwater runoff. The project included planting native trees on public and private properties.

Tree City USA is a national recognition program administered by the Arbor

Day Foundation to acknowledge communities for their urban forestry efforts. Municipalities must meet four standards to qualify.

The first guideline is having a designated tree board or department responsible for overseeing tree-related matters. Eastman noted that this need not be a formal entity and could include public works, planning, a horticultural group, or another town body.

“It’s up for you guys to decide,” Eastman told the parks commission.

The second requirement is to adopt a public tree care ordinance that defines responsibilities for tree maintenance, protection, and related issues. Parks Commission staff liaison and Town of Berlin Special Projects Administrator Kate Daub noted that Berlin currently lacks a tree care ordinance, which would need to be drafted and approved by the Berlin Town Council.

Eastman said model ordinances are available from the Arbor Day Foundation and can be customized by the town, provided they meet minimum standards.

The third mandate to qualify for the designation is an annual per-capita investment of at least $2 in tree care. Based on Berlin’s population of roughly 5,000, that would amount to about $10,000 per year. Eastman explained that eligible expenses include tree planting and maintenance, public works labor, leaf and brush pickup, administrative time, and even

volunteer hours.

The final requirement is holding an annual Arbor Day event. The DNR representative said this can range from a small tree-planting to a larger community celebration. The event must be documented with photos and include a proclamation from the mayor.

Eastman added that all documentation for initial recognition would be due by Dec. 31, 2026, giving the town ample time to prepare.

“I would say wintertime, that’s board oversight, reviewing the model ordinances and trying to get it passed by this

CROSSWORD

spring, and then once you get through the Arbor Day celebration, it’s really just budget and activity tracking and then submitting it,” he said. “So, you’ll be busy in the spring and then continue to do what you normally do.”

Berlin is not a stranger to environmental recognition. In 2018, the town was officially designated as a Bee City through the Bee City USA program.

Daub said that she believes the Tree City USA designation would be valuable recognition for the Town of Berlin.

“It would be a missed opportunity for us not to pursue it,” she said.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

This week brings a refreshing burst of motivation, Aries. You’ll feel clarity around something that’s been lingering on your mind. Small victories stack quickly — celebrate them.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Comfort and progress go hand-inhand this week, Taurus. You’re finding your rhythm and it shows. A financial or practical matter becomes easier than expected.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, your natural curiosity lights up your week. Inspiration flows easily, especially through conversations or creative brainstorming. Seek inspiration through collaboration.

CANCER – JUN 22/JUL 22

Warmth surrounds you, Cancer. Emotional clarity and a renewed sense of balance help you move forward with plans. Home-related tasks go smoothly.

LEO – JUL 23/AUG 23

Your charm is magnetic right now. This week favors communication, leadership, and bold self-expression, Leo. You may receive recognition for something you’ve been quietly working on.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

Virgo, your practical brilliance shines. You’ll make great progress on tasks that once felt overwhelming. Health and self-care rituals feel especially rewarding.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

Harmony and connection take center stage this week, Libra. Expect positive interactions, pleasant exchanges and a sense of mutual understanding.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Momentum builds, Scorpio. You’re stepping into your power with calm confidence. A project or plan gains traction, and your intuition is especially sharp. Trust your instincts.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Adventure — big or small — calls your name, Sagittarius. You may feel a spark of optimism that carries you through the week. Opportunities abound to learn, explore or connect.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, steady progress and thoughtful planning bring satisfying results. You’re setting foundations that support long-term success. Expect a moment of validation.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Fresh ideas flow effortlessly, Aquarius. This is a strong week for innovation, problem-solving and collaboration. A new perspective may lead to a resolution.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Gentle energy lifts your spirits this week, Pisces. Creativity, intuition and emotional ease all run strong. This is an excellent week for dreams or creative pursuits.

Flavorful anchovy crostini appetizer

By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer

Crostini, Italian for “little toasts,” are small, thin, toasted or grilled slices of bread, brushed with olive oil and embellished with an array of subtle toppings.

These little gems of flavor and texture are a great offering before a meal. They are also a great way to wet one’s appetite and give the host a little more time for preparation.

A common misconception is to confuse crostini with bruschetta. The difference is subtle but preciseness is the key to knowledge and confidence. Bruschetta starts with heartier slices and can support more substantial toppings.

That being said, has one ever considered anchovy crostini?

Anchovies are small, saltwater fish known for their strong, salty flavor, often cured in oil or salt, and used in cooking to add umami to dishes like Caesar salad, pasta, and pizza.

But believe it or not, they make delicious crostini. The secret is to wash the little fish in fresh lemon juice. The

acidity cuts some of the saltiness so you are left with the pure essence of the anchovy.

When a dish does not have many components, every thought process is critical. Let us deconstruct anchovy crostini for greater comprehension.

Let us start with the bread itself. I am a fan of baguettes and their slim shape and airy texture allows the toppings to be the star of the dish.

If you cut the baguette at an angel, it gives you a greater circumference area to work with and is more pleasing to the eye.

Following this train of thought, two anchovy filets are the perfect

amount to enjoy the tasty anchovies without overpowering the bread.

Lots of garlic is a must for anchovy crostini. However, fresh garlic would be too aggressive so garlic in a jar gives the pungency one needs and at the same time allows the anchovy to shine.

The anchovies and garlic are rich in nature and the addition of fresh herbs helps lighten the overall essence of the crostini. And on that note, fresh lemon juice is an extra boost of acidity and brightness.

Whether to add a touch of heat is a personal preference, but if you like

Continued on Page 63

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

With Bunk Mann

The Ocean City beachfront from Caroline Street to 2nd Street had a much different appearance in 1955, and some of the famous hotels and buildings of that era can be seen in this historic photo.

Pictured, from left, are The Maryland Inn, the Coast Guard Station, the Showell block with Edwards 5 and 10, the Roosevelt Hotel (twin units with black roof in center of picture), the three sections of the old Rideau Hotel, the Essex Hotel, the Baltimorian, the Colonial Hotel and the Plimhimmon with tower.

Four of these buildings were lost to fires in the 1960s and early ’70s and the rest to modern development in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The only building that exists today is the old Coast Guard Station, which was moved to the Inlet in 1977 and today serves as the Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum.

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

courtesy Jackie Spurrier

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

Pulling into Berlin after a long road trip

Not caring who wins the Super Bowl

The quietness of a new keyboard

Comparing ‘then and now’ photos of kids

When an athlete apologizes for a mistake

Blunt constructive criticism

Closure to an awkward situation

Big helmets on little lacrosse players

The first shower after a hair cut

Citizen comments at public meetings

The peace of an office on a weekend

Photo

OBITUARIES

JOHN BASSETT LYNCH, JR.

Berlin

John Bassett Lynch, Jr., age 84, passed away on January 30, 2026 in Berlin.

Born on September 23, 1941 in Salisbury, he was the son of the late John B. Lynch, Sr. and Ruth Jones Lynch. John graduated from Stephen Decatur High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in hospitality management from Florida State University in 1963. While at Florida State, he played the trumpet in the Marching Chiefs band and was a member of the Flying High Circus where he learned to be a trapeze artist and clown. John was a brother of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity where he meet some of his closest friends. After graduating from FSU, John served in the United States Coast Guard. He enjoyed traveling the world hunting and fishing and was a distinguished member of Safari Club International and Ducks Unlimited. John was best known as the owner of the Commander Hotel and was in-

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Continued from Page 61

spiciness, the addition of some type of peppers gives the appetizer depth of flavor. We are not talking a large amount, just a few sprinkles crushed pepper seeds or finely chopped jalapenos does the trick.

Olive oil smooths out the ingredients and acts as a glue for the crostini. A good quality oil is recommended.

Lemon zest and Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend are the final touches to the crostini. These garnishes highlight the theme of freshness and contrast in texture.

Anchovy crostini are super easy to make and can be made on the fly which is always a good thing.

If you like anchovies and garlic, you will love this power bomb of umami goodness.

In closing, not everyone adores anchovies. But for those who do, this appetizer will be gobbled up just as fast as it as put on the plate. Enjoy!

Anchovy Crostini

Ingredients

1 baguette, sliced into ¾-inch slices at an angle

1 stick unsalted butter, melted

2 (2-ounces) can anchovy fillets

5 large lemons, divided

1 small shallot, minced

2 rounded tablespoons garlic in a jar

1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley

1 jalapeno, Calabrian, or crushed peppers seeds to taste

1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest

½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

volved in many community organizations. He was a mason for over 50 years with Evergreen Lodge #153 in Berlin. John was a board member of Bank of Ocean City, OC Paramedics Foundation, Ocean City Hotel Motel Restaurant Association, Furnace Town, Ocean City Golf Club, Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Ocean City Museum Society among others.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 58 years Linda A. Lynch, son John B. Lynch III, and sisters Suzanne and Linda.

He is survived his son William M. Lynch and wife Amanda. He was the proud grandfather of Jack B. Lynch and John W. Lynch. John is also survived by his sister Iva and several nieces and nephews.

A service will be held at Makemie Presbyterian Church in Snow Hill, Maryland on Thursday February 5, 2026 at 2 p.m. with a one hour visitation prior to the service. A graveside will be held at the conclusion of the service with a reception to follow inside the church. In his memory, donations may be made to the Pocomoke River Ducks Unlimited c/o David Peterson, 8227 Sea Biscuit Rd., Snow Hill, Md. 21863. or the

Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company, 1409 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Md, 21842. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home-Berlin.

SUSAN SHOCKLEY

Ocean City

Isabelle (Hitchcock) Bachman. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Thomas Bachman.

1 tablespoon toasted mustard seeds

1 teaspoon Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend

2 ½ tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Slice baguette into ¾-inch slices at an angle. Using a pastry brush, brush melted butter over each slice. Toast for 15 minutes.

2. Using the juice of 3 lemons, wash the anchovies.

3. Place 2 anchovy filets on each slice of toasted baguette.

4. In a small bowl, combine shallots, garlic, parsley, and pepper seeds. Spoon mixture on top of anchovy filets and top with lemon zest and bagel seasoning blend.

* If one is a fan of fresh sardines, simply saute them and substitute the anchovies with the sardines. Make sure you salt the sardines well.

Secret Ingredient – Small Packages

Good things come in small packages.

-Aesop

Susan Shockley passed away on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the Macky and Pam Stansell House in Berlin, Maryland. Her journey on this earth was marked by love, compassion, and unwavering faith.

Susan grew up on her family’s dairy farm in Fallston. She always considered this her home, and farm life largely constituted the essence of her being. In her later years, she maintained a small farm on Assateague Road where she cared for herm beloved horse and goats.

She was born on August 9th, 1940, in Fallston, Maryland, to Arthur Vernon Bachman and

Susan met her husband, Raymond, in Fallston, Maryland when he was assigned to the area as a newly minted Maryland State Trooper. Accounts vary when it comes to their early courtship, but rumor has it, he pulled her over in her Robin’s Egg ‘54 Chevy once just to say hello. What is known for certain is that they married soon after and formed an endur-

Continued on Page 66

Susan Shockley

John Lynch, Jr.

Opinions

DeLuca won case but should resign

Now that City Councilman Tony DeLuca has preserved his honor by showing he did not violate local requirements when he ran for reelection in 2024 and maintained his council position, he should do the honorable thing and resign.

DeLuca won reelection in 2024 even though he had begun living most of the time in Annapolis and was commuting, more or less, to meet his councilmanic obligations in Ocean City.

He might not have violated the letter of the law, as the City Council decided during a special session Wednesday on whether he met the city’s residency requirement when he ran, but he certainly did not abide by the spirit of it.

The city charter’s residency requirements for candidates and holders of elected office are local government’s (poorly defined) attempt to ensure the public that the people charged with making decisions for the community have to live with the results just like they do.

Although Councilman DeLuca’s domiciliary situation changed because of tragic family circumstances and not out of a desire for a change of scenery or residential preference, it remains that his commitment to Ocean City will continue to be questioned.

He also put the council in the middle of an ugly political situation instead of walking away and ending the argument. It does seem, however, that the push to remove DeLuca this long after the election is at least partially related to his pro-regulation stance on short-term rentals.

He is one of the four-member council majority who support imposing restrictions on STRs in single-family residential and mobile home zones and his removal would be a major victory for STR advocates.

Regardless, he has proven his point, so if he steps down now he would be doing so of his own volition. We urge him to do that and let the council move on instead of forcing it to change the charter and try to push him out later on.

Intelligent dogs? Nah

Even though I have had dogs for most of my life, I don’t consider myself a pet owner. Or maybe I have had so many dogs that I know better than to think I own them when it’s the other way around.

By

NEWS

EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN

ASSOCIATE EDITOR BETHANY HOOPER

STAFF WRITERS TARA FISCHER, BRIAN SHANE

Contact News Room: editor@octodaydispatch.com SALES

ACCOUNT MANAGERS MARY COOPER, TERRI FRENCH, RENEE KELLY

CLASSIFIEDS/LEGALS PAMELA GREEN

Contact Sales: sales@octodaydispatch.com PRODUCTION

ART DIRECTOR COLE GIBSON; SENIOR PAGE DESIGNER SUSAN PARKS

SENIOR AD DESIGNER KELLY BROWN ADMINISTRATION

PUBLISHER/CONTROLLER CHRISTINE BROWN

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT GINI TUFTS

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

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

The fact is I’m more of a dog associate, as in one who shares accommodations with, speaks for and acts on behalf of a creature that pays no bills, buys no food and does pretty much whatever it wants ... or expresses itself in unpleasant ways.

As it is, dogs expect their associates to interpret their monosyllabic yowls, whines, and grunts and act accordingly.

Dog: “Whine, bark, arraaaaaghghlh!”

Me: “What is it boy? You want to go out? Is that it? Outsies?”

Dog: “Eiaooh, eaioarraaa!”

Me:“Oh, I get it. You’re telling me I should have let you out 10 minutes ago and now watch my step in the living room because something unpleasant is obscured under the stuffing you extracted from the throw pillow 9 minutes ago. And that you, my tiny-brained little friend, deserve a treat for giving me all this information! Is that it, boy?”

It was with situations like these in mind this week that I watched the Westminster AKC Dog Show, a world class event in which thousands of dog owners and associates pretend their dogs know what’s going on.

“We’re in Madison Square Garden, Mopsy! Do you know what that means? It means ...”

Here’s what Mopsy understands from that: “Blah, blah Garden, Mopsy!” which means

“Mopsy no dig! No wee-wee!” Otherwise, she’s occupied with the thought, “So many butts to sniff, so little time.”

That’s what gets me about the AKC breed descriptions. They assign to them traits and abilities that dog associates like me will never see.

“The Long-haired Dunderhead,” says the ring announcer, “is a highly intelligent animal ...”

Highly intelligent as compared to what? A screwdriver?”

Just once, I’d like to see them break down the group judging into something besides the Terrier Group, Sporting Group and so on, and categorize them according to things I’ve experienced.

Ring announcer: “And now the Mr. Potato Head Group: If you think blunt instruments are cute, the Staffordshire Bull Terrier is the dog for you. A small-to-medium-size galoot, the Staffy has the physical sensitivity of a cannonball and will eat your house and all your furniture. A highly intelligent creature, the Staffy knows what to do, and then doesn’t do it.”

Other groups based on my own animals would include: The Bob Barker Group, the members of which will alert the neighborhood that, “BARK-BARK — Big Black Bug on the Floor! Big Black Bug on the Floor!” and The Hindenburg Group, named after the German dirigible that caused a calamity because it was filled with flammable gas.

There are other groups as well, but I don’t know much about them, because of my fondness for galoots, canine criminal masterminds and blockheads. Having a dog that does everything it should when it should? You might as well get a goldfish and move on.

PUBLIC EYE

Stewart Dobson

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Awkward is the best way to describe the situation Ocean City officials have been in regarding Councilman Tony DeLuca’s year-round residency challenge. The comments this week confirm a bit of resentment from at least a few council members on having to essentially litigate a matter related to where a colleague truly lives. It’s a sensitive subject and in this case the city’s code is far too gray on what should be a black-and-white matter.

Following a challenge by Leslie Smith, a one-time council candidate who was told she could not run two years ago over domicile questions, DeLuca’s residency at the time of his re-election bid in 2024 was the subject of a separate meeting on Wednesday that felt more like a court room than a government chamber.

Council President Matt James was most blunt about the situation before him and his colleagues, saying, “I’m kind of pissed we’re here. I think you’ve put us in a very bad spot … Even if you originally intended to be here fulltime – and maybe you do meet the letter of the law, I don’t know – I don’t think you meet the intent of the charter.” He added later, “I don't think the intent of the charter is to have people live here six months and a day to serve our public. I think the intent is to have fulltime, year-round residents serve Ocean City.” Other council members seem to agree on the premise but referred to the “what the charter says,” as Councilman Will Savage said, versus its intent. Councilman Jake Mitrecic went further, saying, “there is nothing in our code today that says that Tony needs to live here 186 days of the year, or whatever that number may be. And until that time comes, I can’t in good conscience go against the law of our town, regardless of how I feel about anything else.”

Most troubling, with this issue, is the code’s burden that it requires a unanimous vote to remove an official. Under no circumstance in public affairs should a unanimous vote be necessary to move forward with any issue. It’s counter to open government methodology that needs to be based on majority rules. This is fundamental and reminds me of the room tax issue at the county level that had to be unanimous to proceed. There’s no reason for unanimity to be necessitated for anything. Disagreements are a good thing, and a simple majority of voting members wins.

Heading into the meeting, it was clear DeLuca would not be removed by his colleagues because not everyone agreed on the issue. In the end, there was only one council member – Carol Proctor – in favor officially of sending DeLuca off the council. However, I suspect there may have been a vote or two siding with her, but they probably felt the juice was not worth the squeeze under the awareness it would not meet the ridiculous burden of being unanimous.

It’s just a bad process, and the code does deserve changes in the future.

***

Though in many ways they are powerless in the Maryland General Assembly, the state’s Republican Party seems intent on at least being consistent with criticism of the majority party, particularly Gov. Wes Moore. In the grand scheme, it might not matter as far as altering the course of legislation, but it’s surely entertaining to read Republican tough talk as they fight for relevance and attention.

On the egregious redistricting effort for District 1 intent on getting Republican Congressman Andy Harris out of office in favor of a Democrat, House Minority Leader Jason Buckel said, “Today the House of Delegates debated bills that do nothing to keep Marylanders safe or to improve their lives. What we have done instead is fight proxy wars for DC Democrats. The House is advancing legislation that disenfranchises millions of Marylanders, ripping away their right to fair representation in Congress.” House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy added “It is mindboggling that the first bill passed by the House of Delegates in this legislative session is this hyper-partisan gerrymandering scheme. It would be nice if we could prioritize and fast-track solutions to the issues Marylanders are facing, like how to afford their energy bills.” Local Senator Mary Beth Carozza added, “This map has nothing to do with what Maryland needs, and everything to do with D.C. politics. Rural representation matters, and this map would eliminate a voice in the Congressional Delegation for the Eastern Shore.”

In response to a podcast with Moore, Del. Mark Fisher (R-Calvert) said this week, “Here we are moving forward, and the Democrats control every aspect and every lever of power in the state, and they’re still whining. They’re still whining. What are they whining about? They’re still in charge! You know what, they can’t govern. The grid is going down. People can’t afford to pay their taxes. They can’t afford to register their cars. The governor is offering payment plans for that.”

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Attention on Maryland’s budget process needed

Editor,

Needless to say, all Maryland tax payers need to be paying close attention to the budget process going on now in the Maryland legislature.

Recent history is not comforting. We went from a $5 billion surplus in early 2023 to a $3 billion deficit in 2025 and we are all suffering through the rate and fee increases passed by the legislature last year to try to deal with this. Well, hang onto your hats - we have an “acknowledged” deficit of $1.5 billion this year, which does not include recently discovered (by state auditors) “shortfalls” and “unaccounted for money” in various state agencies. So far, these “shortfalls” appear to total about $2 billion, which means the real deficit for 2026 may equal or exceed last year’s. At some point the question “What happened?” needs to be asked and answered. And no, it is not Trump’s fault.

A recent investigative report by Spotlight on Maryland and reported by Maryland Matters brings to light additional significant budget challenges facing Maryland tax payers.

Every year, the Office of Legislative Audits takes a close look at how state agencies handle their money. Apparently the same problems keep surfacing, raising concerns that millions of dollars in state expenditures that should be reimbursed by the federal government have not been reimbursed and little effort is being made to obtain the reimbursements.

During the 2025 OLA review of eight state agencies, auditors flagged $3.42 Billion in unsupported federal accruals. That means Maryland spent state money expecting reimbursement from the federal government, but these agencies could not provide enough documentation to

guarantee the funds would come. This does not necessarily mean the state has lost the money, but it is extremely sloppy accounting and who knows when or if the reimbursements will happen?

The same audit flagged $888 million in potential unfunded liabilities and $67 million in known unfunded liabilities.

A review of OLA reports from fiscal years 2020-2025 found a persistent pattern: millions and sometimes billions of dollars tied up in unsupported revenue entries and liabilities across multiple state agencies.

I believe we can certainly expect better from our state government and the very well-paid heads of these state agencies.

I hope people will pay attention to what’s going on - a good way to keep abreast of these issues is to follow “Spotlight on Maryland”, because if any state needs a spotlight-it’s Maryland.

Linda A. Moran Berlin

SHA applauded for 50 bridge reopening

Editor,

As a resident of downtown Ocean City, I was very concerned about the planned closure of the Route 50 bridge for 15 days.

Of course, there was the inconvenience factor that would be a pain to deal with, but the major concern was for delays for service calls by our hard-working men in women in the police department and fire rescue operations. I am not trying to be too dramatic but when a matter of seconds count, the bridge closure really could be the difference between life and death.

I was so happy to learn the repairs that were necessary for full bridge

Continued on Page 66

OBITUARIES

Continued from Page 63

ing partnership built on devotion, trust, understanding, and compromise that yielded an adventurous and fulfilling life. Susan and Raymond’s is a true love story–they would have celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary on January 31st.

Susan was a wonderful mother who was unconditionally devoted to her children and grandchildren, for whom no sacrifice was too great.

Susan was a gifted conversationalist who loved nothing more than meeting new people, catching up with old friends, and connecting with others on a real and meaningful level. She leaves behind many cherished friends. Susan was an eloquent writer of letters, personal histories, and genealogical accounts. She was endlessly curious and a lifelong learner.

When her children went off to college, she pursued her own continuing education at Notre Dame College in Baltimore. She was also engaged in long-term and in-depth Bible Studies. She treasured her experiences traveling around the countryand the world with her family and close friends. She was always reading, learningnew things, and broadening her horizons. Of course, she learned about countlessnew outlooks and perspectives from her grandchildren. She held strong opin-

ions,but never so tightly that she was unable to listen, learn, and even evolve.

Susan was a longtime supporter of and volunteer for The Coastal Hospice. She peacefully transitioned from one life to the next while surrounded by loved ones and compassionate caregivers at the Stansell House.

She is survived by her beloved husband Raymond Shockley; her children – Gregory Stephen Shockley (Susie), Brian Daniel Shockley (Alayne), and Stephanie Susan Shockley (Chris Iacona); and her grandchildren – Noah Shockley, Brody Shockley, Emmi Shockley, Tate Shockley, Tad DeMallie, and Clare DeMallie.

Cremation followed her death. A Celebration of Life was held at Atlantic United Methodist Church.

Susan’s beloved friend, the Reverend George Patterson, officiated.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the "Susan B. Shockley Memorial Fund" at CFES.org/donate or mailed to Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, 1324 Belmont Ave. Suite 401, Salisbury, MD 21804.

Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home – Berlin, MD.

PEGGY A. JANIS

Berlin

Peggy Ann (Herzog) Janis passed away on Friday, January 23, 2026 in Annapolis, Maryland, with her daughter, Jennifer, by her side. She was eighty-three years old. Peggy embodied love and gentleness in everything she touched and built a life of courageous devotion. Her five kids learned from her steady hands and capable heart. She was a registered nurse, company bookkeeper, and built a family that, while moving for work, always returned to the ocean.

After Sacred Heart Academy in Tampa, Florida, and a nursing degree from Florida State University, she worked at University of Florida's Shands Teaching Hospital and served as President of the Student Nurses Association. As a registered nurse, she

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from Page 65

closure ended up only being 5 days instead of the planned 15 days. In an era where government officials tend to over promise and under deliver, this was a welcome surprise. I want to thank the State Highway Adminis-

worked for the National Institute of Health, Salisbury General and Atlantic General Hospitals. She was calm and efficient when patients needed her most and often handled tough situations that made novice nurses turn away.

She met her husband, Al Janis, in Rehoboth Beach. He showed up with fresh flounder from the morning’s catch, which she cooked for her parents who were in town. That started a partnership that would span decades and state lines.

The work and the family grew together: Raising five kids while moving across New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland as the work demanded, they eventually built and owned three golf courses and Peggy managed accounting and business operations when needed. When winter slowed construction, she picked up nursing shifts at local hospitals.

They were road warriors, traveled up and down the East Coast and across the country by car and RV with

Continued on Page 67

tration and everyone else involved who made this project last only a third of the time it was originally planned. Nice job and keep up the good work.

M. Scott Chismar Ocean City

Peggy Ann Janis

OBITUARIES

kids and dogs along for the ride. Peggy was a natural caretaker and made sure everyone was fed with home-cooked meals, cozy with comforting blankets, and happy campers. She was the mother holding a warm towel at the water's edge, waiting for her kids to come out of the cold ocean. She shuttled kids to swim team, camps, church, and school, no matter where they landed, and welcomed the parade of cats, dogs, hamsters, birds, fish and ferrets her kids brought home. Fishing and beach time became their reprieve, a way to catch their breath between work and the constant motion.

Peggy and Al always found their way back to the ocean. They raised their kids near Ocean City and spent winters escaping to Chokoloskee Island deep in the Everglades, where the quaint community offered a break from tourism and a return to smalltown life. In later years, they settled near Chincoteague Island, Virginia, where Peggy enjoyed the quiet dune grass beaches, world-class bird watching, and the annual pony roundup. She was creative and remarkably resourceful. Her handmade Halloween costumes were sometimes worn year-round. Cooking with intuition rather than recipes, her Maryland crab cakes were better than any restaurants, and somehow, simple lasagna tasted better than anywhere else on the planet. All of her children and grandchildren inherited her love of cooking, each with their own specialties.

Peggy is survived by her husband, Al Janis; daughters Jennifer, Jolyn, and Jacquelyn; sons Alyn Jr. and James; sisters Ellen Ficarrotta, Catherine Perez, and Nancy Eckert; brothers Edward Herzog and David Herzog; and grandchildren Charlotte, Rocco, and Oliver. She was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence Martin Herzog and Sarah Louise Coleman Herzog.

A viewing will be held on Friday February 6, 2026 at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, from 4-7 p.m. A mass will be held the following day, Saturday Feb. 7, 2026 at St. Mary’s

Star of the Sea Church in Ocean City at 10 a.m. A burial will follow the mass at Sunset Memorial Park in Berlin, Maryland. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home – Berlin.

DEBORAH WOOTEN

Bishopville

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Deborah Carl Wooten, of Bishopville, who departed life on January 16, 2026, at the age of 77.

Born February 25, 1948, in Takoma Park, she was the middle child of seven siblings and the beloved daughter of the late Howard Frederick Carl and Dorthea Naomi (Fisher) Carl.

Debi devoted her life to education as a dedicated teacher and media specialist at Buckingham Elementary School for 45 years, impacting the lives of many students throughout her career. Guided by compassion and service, Debi spent countless hours advocating for those affected by cancer, raising funds to support research, treatment, and the families who needed it most; proudly serving as a Relay for Life team leader for 25 years.

A cherished member of the Stevenson United Methodist Church, Debi embodied kindness and generosity, serving her community with unwavering grace and love. She was a beloved wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and great grandmother. She is survived by her devoted husband, Ralf Thomas Wooten; her children, Amanda Kaye Wooten, Cassandra Dee Wooten, and Ralf Frederick Wooten; her granddaughters Kaylyn Naomi Cobb and Morgan Cari Thomas; and her beloved greatgranddaughter, Brayleigh Gianna Kayte Combs.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 14 p.m. at Stevenson United

Methodist Church, 123 North Main Street, Berlin, MD 21811.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Debi’s Storybook Garden: Relay for Life –North Worcester or The Spirit Kitchen of Stevenson United Methodist Church.

VICKI CYMEK

Ocean City

tist Church. In addition, she was involved in the opening of the Seaside Christian Academy alongside her beloved husband, Doug.

Vicki Cymek, of Ocean City, passed away peacefully at home on January 23, 2026, at the age of 74. She was born on February 7, 1951, in Baltimore to the late George Edward and Ada Jane (Shaulis) Beam.

Vicki dedicated nearly three decades of her life as a bookkeeper for the Ocean City Bap-

Vicki is survived by her daughters, Kimberly Frey (Kevin) of Ocean View, Del. and Michele Hartley (Bryan) of Ocean Pines; brother, Sam Beam of Glen Arm, MD; sister-inlaw, Mary Beam of Towson; beloved grandchildren, Conner Hicks (Casey), Riley Hicks (Amanda Swanton), Logan Cymek (Emily Hyatt), Finley Cymek, Carrie Frey, Madilynn Frey, Kevin Frey and Matthew Frey; her great-grandchild, Grayson and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Vicki was preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Cymek, son, Stephen Cymek; and brothers, Charles Beam and George Beam.

A memorial service will be held at

Continued on Page 68

Deborah Wooten

Vicki Cymek

a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Seaside Christian Academy, 12637A Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Md. 21842. Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com.

JOANN KATHERINE (HESSE) WENGERT Ocean Pines

and sincere, touching all who knew her.

they shall see God."

Joann Wengert passed away on January 17, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on Oct. 25, 1948, She was the compassionate and caring wife of George "Tom" Wengert for 58 years; a loving mother to two sons, Chris Wengert and Josh Wengert (Staicia); an affectionate grandmother to Morgan, Drew, and Carleigh Wengert, and William and Brett Dryden; and a cherished great-grandmother to Justin "JJ" Jess, Jr. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ferdinand and Catherine Mongeon, and her brothers, Patrick and Michael Mongeon. Joann was also affectionately bonded to her faithful canine companion, Miley.

Joann was the heartbeat and foundation of her loved ones - a woman of quiet strength whose greatest joys were her family, her country, and her unwavering faith in God. She lived a life guided by strong values, integrity, and conviction; her love was constant, selfless,

After graduating from Seton High School, where her character and faith were first shaped, Joann married her childhood sweetheart on April 1, 1967. Their story began as teenagers and blossomed into a lifelong partnership built on devotion, loyalty, and shared religious faith. Their marriage stood as a testament to enduring commitment and unconditional love.

A proud patriot, Joann dedicated her professional life to public service through a distinguished career with the Department of Defense spanning multiple decades. During her tenure, she earned numerous prestigious awards in recognition of her exceptional contributions. She retired her badge in 2007, leaving a legacy of professionalism, dedication, and love of country.

Joann was a long-standing parishioner of Saint Rose of Lima in Baltimore, a place where her faith was nurtured and strengthened. After retirement and relocating to Ocean Pines, she continued her devotion as a parishioner of Saint John Neumann Church, remaining an active and cherished member of the community.

Though her absence is deeply felt, there is comfort in knowing that Joann rests in God's eternal presence. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and joyfully remembered.

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for

— Matthew 5:8. Services were held.

DAVID DALE

Berlin

David James Dale, of Berlin, passed away on January 24, 2025. He was born on Aug. 9, 1974, in Wilmington, Del.

David proudly served in the United States Coast Guard and spent much of his life working on and around boats. He also devoted his time and talents to Bluebird Farms, where he will be deeply missed. Known for his kindness and sense of humor, David had a way of making others feel valued and loved. He enjoyed fishing, crabbing, boating, and spending time with family and friends. His greatest pride was his son, Zachary. David was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Joanne Dale, and his grandparents, Edgar and Bertha Davidson. He is survived by his son, Zachary Dale; Zachary's mother, Nancie Corbett; his sister, Bertie Raucci, and her husband, Drew; his brother, Robert Dale; and many extended family members and friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The

Burbage Funeral Home. David's legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the people who loved him.

DENISE BETZ

Berlin

Denise Betz, 63, passed away January 6, 2026, in Timonium, surrounded by family after a hard fought battle with dementia. She was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by family, friends, and many people she knew in the Ocean City/Fenwick Island community. She was born February 12, 1962.

Denise was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas P Betz Sr and Janet Betz; beloved mother of Nicole Weatherstein and Travis Betz and his partner Britany Giovannetti; beloved grandmother of Tenijah and Terrance Rounds and Kolbe and Kennedy Betz; and loving great grandmother of Thiago Rounds.

Denise was also the loving sister of Daniel Betz, Michelle NcCleave, Thomas P. Betz Jr. and partner Julie Rawls and the late beloved Terry Betz and Jimmy Betz. Denise is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

A small graveside service will be held on Feb. 21 at 10 a.m. at Sunset Memorial Park 10845 Ocean Gateway, Berlin, Md. 21811.

Joann Wengert

David J. Dale

Denise Betz

Sports & Recreation

Prep middle school season wraps, awards presented

(Feb. 6, 2026) Worcester Preparatory School’s middle school students recently competed their winter sports season with an awards banquet. Here’s a look at the award winners:

• Middle School Cheerleading: MVP – Emma Deweerdt; Coach’s Award – Elif Tekmen; and Most Improved Player – Emma Sherrin.

• 7th Grade Girls Basketball: MVP – Camille Leslie; Coach’s Award –Kensley Fones; and Most Improved

Player – Josie Plitko.

• 7th Grade Boys Basketball: MVP – Arian Zheng; Coach’s Award – Eli Parker; and Most Improved Player –Rawnak Brar.

• 8th Grade Girls Basketball: MVP – Haley Hanna; Coach’s Award –Tenley Absher; Most Improved Player – Isabella Rice.

• 8th Grade Boys Basketball: MVP – CJ Labin; Coach’s Award – Landon Carmean; and Most Improved Player – Nonda Gjikuria.

New coach appointed for Decatur to replace Coleman

(Feb. 6, 2026) Following the recent announcement Jake Coleman was stepping down, Stephen Decatur High School reported this month veteran Russell Croteau will take over the football program.

Croteau has been integrally involved with the Seahawks team for many years, serving most recently as offensive coordinator for the past six years.

Croteau was a coach on the two

Maryland state championship teams. He has also helped dozens of studentathletes qualify to play at college programs and was often seen alongside Coleman during commitment ceremonies for athletes including this week when Vernon DeSheilds signed his football scholarship to play at West Virginia Wesleyan. Before coming to Decatur, Croteau coached at Easton High School and Salisbury University.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Stephen Decatur football standout Vernon DeSheilds signed a commitment letter and football scholarship to West Virginia Wesleyan this week. Pictured with the senior are Head Coach Russel Croteau, Vernon DeSheilds Jr. and former Head Coach Jake Coleman.

Pictured are the award recipients for the Middle School Cheerleading team, Elif Tekmen and Emma Sherrin. Not pictured was Emma Deweerdt.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ BAYSIDE GAZETTE

SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Award recipients for the WPS eighth grade basketball teams were, seated from left, Tenley Absher, Haley Hanna and Isabella Rice; standing, from left, Nonda Gjikuria, CJ Labin and Landon Carmean.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE

Pictured are the award recipients for the Worcester Prep seventh grade basketball teams. Seated, from left, are Kensley Fones, Camille Leslie and Josie Plitko; and, standing from left, are Rawnak Brar, Arian Zheng and Eli Parker.