Busy county ballot set for June primary Motorcycle rally returns with city aid
As the candidate filing deadline passes, races are guaranteed in all but one county commissioner district, with voters deciding six seats in June primary election. — PAGE 14
City Hall waives some fees, signs three-year deal for Rock and Ride.
Council supports fee waiver, contract for OC Rock & Ride
By Bethany Hooper
Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) OC Rock and Ride will return for its second iteration this fall, with some assistance from the Town of Ocean City.
During Tuesday’s work session, the City Council agreed to move forward with a three-year contract with the motorcycle rally’s promoter, Kickin Events, and to waive rental fees for the use of both the inlet and convention center parking lots in 2026. Organizer Matt Odachowski said the city’s support would allow his team to create a more sustainable event.
“Looking back at all the expenses that we had, with previous issues that have happened before our time, and just moving forward and looking forward, in order for us to be more sustainable, we’re looking at some relief there to capture moving forward,” he said.
Last spring, the council agreed to allow the Odachowskis — father Matt and son Tyler — to produce the 2025 motorcycle rally through their new production company Kickin Events. The council’s decision came after it was announced that former OC Bike-
fest promoter OC Jams had failed to pay rent and lease fees as outlined in its agreement with the city.
In an effort to keep the event going, the council also agreed to waive Kickin Events’ ticket fees for 2025 and 2026 and facility usage fees for 2025.
Last year, with the council’s support – and a new agreement in hand – the Odachowskis began the task of booking national and regional bands, securing vendors and sponsors, and obtaining a county liquor license, with less than four months remaining until the event’s kickoff.
In a show of good will, the organizers also agreed to honor the $130,000 worth of tickets sold by the previous promoter before it defaulted on the terms of its contract.
By and large, city officials deemed the 2025 event a success, with similar sentiments shared during this week’s council meeting. During public comments at the start of Tuesday’s work session, representatives with the OCMD Hospitality Association and seven resort hotels asked the City Council to support this year’s rally, which they said would put heads in
See PROMOTER Page 6
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Attorney Hugh Cropper, front left, and Kickin Events promoter Matt Odachowski, front right, make their requests for this year’s OC Rock and Ride motorcycle rally.
Church welcomes homeless, OC claims zoning violation
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) Roughly three months ago, St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church started welcoming members of the homeless population to stay on church property, purchasing tents and setting up an encampment in an alcove just south of its downtown facility.
The goal, according to Pastor Jill Williams, was simple – to provide temporary shelter for the community’s most vulnerable individuals until a more permanent solution could be found.
“We are saying we want to do something,” Williams said of the church’s outreach initiative. “This is the mission. We are compelled by the Gospel.”
However, the church’s efforts are now being challenged by the Town of
Ocean City, which has been in communication with St. Paul’s in recent weeks over what it sees as a zoning violation. The church has been asked to remove its tents by the end of the month.
“I can confirm that the city has been in conversations with the Church to address the issue,” City Manager Terry McGean said in a statement Tuesday. “While we understand the goal of the Church to assist the homeless, the tents are a zoning violation and they do need to come up with an alternate code-compliant solution.”
Williams said the “tent city,” which houses between eight and 12 individuals, provides a place where people experiencing homelessness can legally stay overnight. Last year, both Worcester County and Ocean City enacted tougher laws aimed at punishing those who sleep or store personal property in public places, with violations resulting in fines or jail time.
“We’re in a new landscape this year,” she said, “because this was the first winter where it’s illegal to sleep on public property in Worcester County.”
The temporary tent community, she said, is the church’s short-term response. Those who do not qualify for other housing options – including Diakonia and the cold-weather shelter –can find protection from the elements at St. Paul’s.
“There are people, because of their criminal history, or for all kinds of reasons, they can’t utilize the shelters. There’s nowhere to go …,” she said. “There is no public or low-barrier shelter that accepts everyone. So we created it.”
But the church is now encountering a barrier of its own – the city’s zoning code, which only allows the use of temporary tents by special exception. While the church has plans to establish an indoor shelter at its outreach center, Williams said it would take time, and money, to make improvements and hire staff.
“We need them inside, we need them to have protection from the elements, but we can’t do it quick enough …,” she said. “It’s hard when outside pressures are kind of breathing down your neck. These are human beings. That’s the bottom line. We have to stand with them, and we ask everyone else to as well.”
Williams said the temporary outdoor setup is just the first step in finding a permanent, code-compliant solution. She said the church will be seeking support from local businesses and community members to make it happen.
“I hope this is everyone’s common goal,” she said. “To provide a safe, dignified space for everyone.”
Williams said those seeking additional information can email pastorjill@stpaulsbythesea.org. She said donations made to the church and designated for “outreach ministries” will be used to further its shelter initiative.
BETHANY
St. Paul’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Ocean City has created a space on its property designated for members of the homeless population. Ocean City has asked that the tents be removed.
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and bodies in restaurant seats.
“This group sitting here knows how to embrace the community, and I think we need to embrace them to make sure that we all have the event we want it to be,” the association’s executive director, Susan Jones, told the council this week.
Odachowski told city leaders this week he was seeking some changes ahead of this year’s OC Rock and Ride event. Among those, a request to enter into a five-year contract with the city.
He said the city’s commitment to the event would allow his company to attract larger, national sponsors.
“It makes it easier as far as attracting those sponsors,” he said.
While hesitant to agree to a fiveyear contract, city officials said they would be willing to entertain a threeyear contract.
Ultimately, the council voted 6-0 to proceed with a three-year contract, which will include a kick-out clause should either party decide to end its working relationship. As part of that agreement, the council agreed to waive the 2026 rental fees for the use of the two parking lots.
“You did a good job. I think you're the right promoter, and I think as long as we have a strong kickout on either side – because every year you're going to be evaluated – I support this,” Councilwoman Carol Proctor said.
The council also agreed to extend OC Rock and Ride’s event curfew to 11:30 p.m. – provide that it receives support from the county’s liquor board – while deferring other requests to city staff for comment.
Those requests include extending the promotor’s window for setting up stages and allowing Positive Energy — a local cannabis dispensary run by the Odachowski family — to be an event sponsor.
“Maybe we should explore the option of treating this similar to how we treat gambling and alcohol,” Council President Matt James said, “where they can sponsor but they cannot promote the use of the product.”
Town signs three-year contract for air show
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) Ocean City officials this week signed off on a new, three-year contract with the promoter of the OC Air Show.
On Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to approve a contract for the OC Air Show, with dates tentatively set in 2026, 2027 and 2028. As approved, the three-year agreement would extend the event’s footprint and increase the city’s share of ticket sales beginning in 2027.
“There are some requested changes to the new agreement,” Private Events Manager Lisa Mitchell told the council this week. “One is starting in 2027, the air show would provide $2 per ticket, regardless of ticket type, back to the Town of Ocean City. And the second is starting this year, an expansion of the beach footprint to include 11th street to 17th-and-
a-half street. Previously, it was 13th to 17th Street.”
Rather than continue with a yearly memorandum of understanding, where terms are re-negotiated annually, officials in 2022 agreed to pursue a multi-year contract with the organizer of the OC Air Show. Specifically, the agreement mapped out the city’s working relationship with the air show over a three-year period and included terms for the venue, dates, payment, sponsorships, and more.
As part of the arrangement, the air show promoter was required to pay the city $1 for every ticket sold. The 2022 contract also included some key musthaves for city officials, including language that requires the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Air Force Snowbirds, or two or more U.S. military single ship jet demonstrations to perform as headline acts.
In addition to increasing the city’s per tickets hare from $1 to $2, the contract also sets the footprint, insurance requirements, and event dates for 2026 (June 13-14), 2027 (June 19-20) and 2028 (primary June 10-11, secondary Jun 17-18).
The air show’s event manager, Steve Webster, said the two dates for 2028 were a result of the scheduling process for major jet teams such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds or the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. He said giving the teams two dates gave promoters a better chance at booking an act.
“So that's why we give them a primary date and a secondary date, because that gives you the best option to be able to have the team, is to give them options,” he explained. “That's why we're always working on a three-year schedule, because everything is a two-year-out process to get the jet teams.”
Last year, the OC Air Show returned to Ocean City, with the U.S. Navy Blue Angels on tap to perform for the first time since 2019. However, foul weather and low cloud cover forced the event’s organizer to conclude Saturday’s performance early and ground demonstration teams altogether on Sunday.
As part of the contract approved this week, the promoter has agreed to honor all 2025 tickets at the 2026 event. Webster said it is also why the promoter is
seeking an extension of the event’s footprint.
“What we're gonna do is we're taking some of the streets a day earlier to be able to give people the opportunity to come Friday, Saturday or Sunday …,” he said. “They’ll have an option to be able to come to the show, just like they did for 2025, and that's why we are taking two more streets south on the beach, to be able to accommodate the extra ticket holders.”
While reviewing the proposed contract, Council President Matt James asked if the city had received its share of ticket fees from last year’s event. Staff noted that the city would receive that allotment in 2026.
“We are going to roll it forward because they are honoring the 2025 tickets in 2026 …,” Mitchell responded. “We will receive that money this year.”
“We’re out a lot of money from last year’s show because we even had to honor all the catering …,” Webster added. “It was the first time we ever had a completely weathered-out event.”
Apart from the two amendments, Webster noted the other terms agreed to in 2022 remained unchanged moving forward.
This year, the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds will return to Ocean City, with a full lineup of performers to be announced at a later date.
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Board rejects restaurateur’s request for carry-out liquor
District 24 operator denied bid to sell ready-to-drink cocktails at cafe location
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Feb. 27, 2026) Worcester County’s liquor board drew a line between restaurants and liquor stores last week, rejecting 2-1 an Ocean City restaurateur’s bid to sell canned cocktails at his bayside complex, after hearing objections from competing retailers.
District 24 proprietor Cole Taustin came before the Board of License Commissioners at its Feb. 18 meeting in Snow Hill, asking for permission to offer ready-to-drink liquor cocktails in aluminum cans. The factory-sealed products would be offered at Jay’s Café, the ground-floor deli and coffee shop in the complex, which already sells beer and wine.
Board member Marty Pusey made the motion to approve, but fellow board members Charles Nichols and Reese Cropper III voted no. The board did approve a separate request to allow the enclosure of an exterior deck with glass.
“I will tell you that I personally am just a person that would rather there be stores and restaurants,” said Cropper.
Taustin, 39, is a third-generation proprietor of what used to be The Embers buffet at 24th Street. Since the pandemic, it’s been rebranded and rebuilt as District 24, now a towering three-story entertainment complex featuring the café, a crab house, an arcade, and a fine dining restaurant. The family also operates a minigolf course next door.
He told the board that when it comes to alcohol sales, demand for beer is down because interest is up “exponentially” for ready-to-drink cocktails in cans, and he wants to cater to those customers. He also said they want to be able to sell bottles of liquor offered during tastings
and pairings, especially in the offseason.
Taustin’s attorney, Hugh Cropper, told the board “this is not going to turn into a liquor store” and the intent was to offer tourists more options, so they’d stick around the complex and spend money.
“It is an incredibly unique location and the liquor sales will be confined to that little shop, which is clearly an amenity” to customers, Cropper said.
“I don’t think this will have an effect on (neighbors) at all.”
Neighbors disagreed. Several liquor store proprietors at the meeting spoke against the effort, saying it feels like Ocean City is already full up with places to buy carry-out booze, and Taustin’s plan might put a further squeeze on their business.
“We thrive on people coming to the restaurants in Ocean City and then coming to our locations and getting their alcohol – that’ how it’s always been,” said Sam Ramadan, who said he operates a liquor store on 9th Street. “We pay a lot of money to get that license.”
Ramadan said the resort now has more than 10 liquor stores. “I’ve been hearing a lot of people saying, you don’t want to make it the next Baltimore, where there’s a liquor store on every block,” he said. “They’re restaurant people – stay with the restaurant business.”
Other nearby retailers licensed to offer to-go beer, wine, and liquor include Pickles Pub, Hammerhead’s, Village Market, and Anthony’s, according to BLC administrator April Payne.
Taustin said he’s disappointed with the board’s decision because he thought he’d made a case for the public need. Moving forward, he’s evaluating his options.
“Their justification just didn’t make sense to me for why I was rejected ...,” he told OC Today-Dispatch. “I’m not looking for volume. I’m trying to provide a supplemental service to the guests I already have.”
‘Average Joe’ to run for City Council this fall
Wayne Johnson says he wants to serve Ocean City’s residents, not businesses
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) A second resident has filed to run in this November’s City Council election.
Old Landing Road resident Wayne Johnson announced his candidacy for council last week, making him the second person to file to run for one of three seats up for grabs this fall. A year-round resident since 2023, Johnson said his campaign centers on representing all community members.
“I’m not part of the business culture down here,” he said. “I’m an average Joe wanting to see the people get what they need.”
While moving fulltime to the area three years ago, Johnson said he has been coming to the resort since he graduated in 1975. About a decade ago, following a 40-plus year career in retail management in Baltimore County, he bought a condo uptown.
Now that he is living in Ocean City fulltime, Johnson said he has seen the shortcomings of local politics. He said
he wants to be a representative for the average citizen, and not just those with business interests.
“The local government here is all pro-business, and the people that live here have concerns that aren’t looked at,” he said. “I think the people that live down here don’t get much out of the council.”
Johnson argued that current city officials “bent over backwards” for business owners and developers, but failed to address the concerns of its year-round residents. If elected to the council, he said he wanted to be a visible representative, one that got out into the community and talked to people.
“I think the people of this town need someone that has no interest in business down here,” he added. “The businesses need to take care of them-
selves, not be coddled by the government.”
Johnson said those who vote for him are voting for change.
“The opportunity is there for people to facilitate change in the city,” he said. “At least get one or two on the board that are actually concerned about what is going on down here.”
This year, seats currently held by Mayor Rick Meehan and Councilmembers Matt James, Carol Proctor and Will Savage will be up for grabs in November. Johnson now joins Ocean City resident William “Billy” Apostolou on the fall ballot for City Council.
A separate special election, set for April 21, will be held to fill a vacancy left by Councilman Tony DeLuca’s resignation. Currently, only one resident – Peter Buas – has filed for the open seat.
Wayne Johnson
Candidates set for June 23 primary election
Most county contests to be decided this summer, two state officials uncontested
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Feb 27, 2026) Multiple elected offices that serve Worcester County are going uncontested, including two state-level officials, as the filing deadline for the June 23 primary election passed this week.
At the state level, Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) and Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) are running unopposed. In District 38A, three newcomers are vying for the seat vacated last year after the death of incumbent Charles Otto: Princess Anne Town Commissioner Shelley Johnson, a Democrat, Pocomoke City Councilman C.L. Mar-
shall III, a Republican; and Timothy Howlett, a Republican from Crisfield. Del. Kevin Anderson, who was appointed in November by Gov. Wes Moore to fill the 38A position for the 2026 Legislative Session, did not appear on the list of primary candidates as of Tuesday’s 9 p.m. filing deadline. The district includes all of Somerset County, 20% of Worcester County, and a sliver of Wicomico County.
For most local races, whoever wins the primary will move onto the general election unopposed.
At the county commissioner level, the longest-serving incumbent, Jim Bunting from District 6, isn’t running again after four terms. Candidates for the Bishopville district seat include Lou Taylor, the county’s former school superintendent, and Sherrie Clifford, both Republicans. Clifford
owns the Ocean Pines ROC newspaper.
The seat with the most candidates is District 1 (Pocomoke), where incumbent first-termer Caryn Abbott will face off against candidates Laura Morrison, Shaun Shockley, and Wayne Taylor. Because all four candidates are Republicans, and no Democrats filed for the Southern district seat, it means the winner of the primary will take the seat.
The same goes for District 2, where Democrats Roxie Dennis and Diana Purnell are the only candidates vying for the Central District seat, meaning the winner here, too, will take the seat. District 2 is structured as a majority-minority electoral district, and Purnell, a three-term incumbent, is the first Black woman to serve on the county commissioners.
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Oct 22-29 – Early voting for General Election
Nov. 3 – Election Day
In District 4, it’ll be a three-way primary for Republican candidates Steve Green and Virgil Shockley as they face three-term incumbent Ted Elder, the current board president. Green, an editor at this publication, is a town councilman for Berlin.
Shockley’s last-minute filing on Tuesday puts a new spin on the District 4 race. A Snow Hill chicken farmer, Shockley was a county commissioner for 16 years, at times serving as board president, before Elder unseated him in the 2014 primary.
In District 3, incumbent first-term Commissioner Eric Fiori will face primary challenger Tim VanVonno. The two Republicans last faced each other in the 2022 primary, where Fiori won a four-person contest with 32% of the vote to VanVonno’s 28%.
In District 5, three-term incumbent Ocean Pines Commissioner Chip Bertino will face challenger Joe Schanno in the Republican primary.
Ocean City Commissioner Joe Mitrecic is running unopposed for the District 7 seat. Elected to the commissioners in 2014, Mitrecic has never been opposed at the ballot box.
Several other local incumbents for non-legislative positions are running unopposed. They include State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, Clerk of the Circuit Court Susan Braniecki and Register of Wills Terri Westcott.
For Worcester County sheriff, it’ll be a rematch of the 2022 primary as Republican incumbent Sheriff Matt Crisafulli will face challenger Jeffrey Buhrt.
Judge of Orphans’ Court Cheryl Jacobs, the Republican incumbent, will face primary challengers Mary Burgess, Lisa Mitchell, and John Simms III. The winner will face Democratic candidate Martin Radinsky in the general election.
Four seats are up on this November’s nonpartisan Worcester County Board of Education election, where terms are staggered among the seven seats. Candidates this year include Caroline Bloxom and Glen Ennis for District 1, Frederick Grant for District 4, Kathy Cater and Jackie Cutlip for District 6, and current board president Todd Ferrante for District 7.
Cutlip was appointed last year to fill the vacancy created by the sudden departure of District 6 incumbent Katie Addis. As of the filing deadline, two incumbents had not filed to run for reelection, District 1 member Bill Buchanan and District 4 member Bill Gordy.
Storm knocks out Berlin’s power for hours
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 27, 2026) This week’s heavy winter storm left Town of Berlin residents without power for upwards of 18 hours, electric officials said.
When snow began to fall and the wind picked up Sunday night, Berlin residents found themselves without electricity until well into the afternoon the next day.
Tim Lawrence, the Town of Berlin’s electric utility director, said that “things started to deteriorate around 8 p.m.” Sunday, when the heavy snow started to blow in, and the department initially received power outage calls.
The issue stemmed from Delmarva Power’s transmission line. Lawrence said the line comes from a substation at Old Ocean City Boulevard and Route 5o and is owned by the power company. That line feeds into the Town of Berlin, and around 8 p.m. on Sunday, it started to trip on and off.
Around 9:30 p.m., the line went down completely, taking with it the Town of Berlin’s entire electric system.
That transmission line was down until about 9:30 a.m. on Monday. Berlin staff then had to bring town facilities and residences back online slowly, working in segments.
“That's a very slow process because you can only do a certain amount at a time,” Lawrence said. “Then you have to let it die back down, and basically when people’s heat levels out and everything, then you can add a little bit more to it.”
The first portion of town to have its power restored was the Atlantic General Hospital area. That circuit feeds down Route 113 north, then travels east down to Old Ocean City Blvd.
Then, the town’s electric team concentrated on the downtown area, Franklin Avenue, and Branch Street. The next circuit to see electricity included the wastewater plant and the Berlin Police Department. Finally, power in the Buckingham Lane area was restored.
Lawrence said that by 3 p.m. Monday, about 98% of Berlin once again had electricity.
“When you have a power outage, it affects areas like hospitals, medical spaces, that type of thing,” the utility director said. “We try to get that up first because if there are accidents, they can treat people…then you start concentrating on the residents. It's kind of hard to pick and choose what areas you bring up first. When we look at it, we look at medical services, police departments, and fire departments.
“Those are the main ones we try to bring up first. Because fire has to respond to calls and that type of thing, and police are doing emergency services.”
After about 3 p.m., Lawrence said crews had to go to “at least” 25 individual locations to handle the last bit of power outages. He said that his team received calls from the police department about issues such as downed service wires at some homes.
“You have to go to each location, figure out what’s wrong, repair it, and get their power restored,” Lawrence said. “We had several fuse cutouts that were blown or melted because of overload. So, we dealt with that. We had four or five transformers that failed, and we had to replace them throughout the night.”
He added that his team worked
about 28 hours total, beginning 6 p.m. Sunday when utility employees came in for their shift to begin snow plowing, and finishing up the crisis response at 10 p.m. Monday.
The Maryland National Guard also came into Berlin on Monday to aid the effort.
According to Lawrence, there were certain spots the electric team had to service where their trucks couldn’t reach. He said that the National Guard helped staff unload large, heavy mats so the utility vehicles could be backed in without sinking into any mud.
Lawrence said that in the 16 years he has been with the Town of Berlin, this week’s power outage was the longest yet. He noted that the entire town was down for at least 14 hours. Previously, five and a half hours was
the longest period residents were without electricity.
Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall took to Facebook Tuesday morning to thank the town's departments for their help with the blizzard aftermath.
“I have always been proud of our teams at the Town of Berlin, but these last 36 hours have been a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our town employees,” he wrote.
“Many showed up at 6 p.m. on Sunday and worked through the day [Monday] to help clear the roads and restore power. They worked through freezing temperatures, strong winds, and historic snowfall. Thank you, Town of Berlin Public Works, Electric, Water Resources, Police, and Berlin Fire Company for everything you have done and continue to do for our community.”
OC extends contract with auditing company
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) The Town of Ocean City will extend its working relationship with auditing firm SB & Company, a move that will cost the city $171,000 over the next three years.
On Tuesday, the City Council unanimously approved a three-year contract extension for annual auditing services. The city’s five-year contract with the auditing firm expired at the conclusion of the fiscal year 2025 audit.
“Taking into consideration the time
savings with not switching audit firms, the relationship with them, our satisfaction with their services and fees, we recommend extending the audit services agreement for three years,” Assistant Finance Director Shawn Bunting told officials this week.
The Town of Ocean City has employed SB & Company to provide financial and compliance audit services for the last 17 years. And five years ago, following a competitive bidding process that garnered proposals from 10 firms, the city selected SB & Company to continue the work it started.
The city’s matrix revealed the company had the highest-rated audit proposal and the third-lowest bid.
“The average annual fee at the time, five years ago, was $55,400,” Bunting said this week. “The fees that they’ve proposed through the three-year extension are comparable to those fees.”
During this week’s presentation, staff noted the city’s current contract with SB & Company expired with the last annual audit, and that a new three-year proposal included fees of $56,000 in fiscal year 2026, $57,000 in fiscal year 2027, and $58,000 in fis-
cal year 2028.
“That’s what we had in the past,” Finance Director Chuck Bireley said, “was $1,000 annual increases in the five-year contract.”
With a favorable recommendation from city staff, the City Council on Tuesday voted 6-0 to approve the three-year contact extension. For his part, Bunting praised the strong working relationship and the city’s satisfaction with the company’s performance.
“I appreciate the value of a great relationship,” Councilman John Gehrig concluded.
OC zoning change moving forward after discussion
Gehrig against amendment to level setback regulations
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) The Ocean City Council will continue to pursue a zoning amendment that will increase setbacks for residential properties located in certain commercial districts.
In a 5-1 vote, with Councilman John Gehrig opposed, a council majority on Tuesday agreed to advance the ordinance to first reading. As proposed, the amendment would apply residential yard setbacks to residential developments built in the LC-1 local commercial and SC-1 shopping center zoning districts.
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“So what's basically being submitted or recommended is that if you choose to build residential in a commercial zone … you have to adhere to residential setbacks, which would move the properties back from the highway and would really have that building residential based on what our residential code states,” Mayor Rick Meehan said this week.
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Ocean City Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler is pictured at Tuesday’s meeting with Council members Carol Proctor, Will Savage and John Gehrig.
Staff: Changes will result in better projects
Planning Commission voted 6-1, with Chair Joe Wilson opposed, to forward the zoning code changes to the Ocean City Council with a favorable recommendation. Specifically, the group proposed to apply front-, side- and rear-yard setback found in residential zoning districts to residential dwellings, subdivided two-family dwellings, and townhouses built in three zoning districts designated as commercial – LC-1, SC-1 and BMUD bayside mixed use development.
Before the City Council this week, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said the proposed change would give residential developments in commercial zones more space for utilities, stormwater management and landscaping, particularly along major
roadways.
He then showed examples of residential developments built close to Coastal Highway and without the proper setbacks needed to accommodate trash cans and meters, among other things.
For her part, Councilwoman Carol Proctor noted that roughly 96% of the city is built out, and that developers are turning to commercial properties for residential projects. She said there is currently nothing in the city code that forces them to use residential setbacks on those commercial lots.
“So we're going to continue to see this if we don't do something about it,” she said.
However, Gehrig questioned how the code change would address any aesthetic concerns related to buildings being too close to the highway.
He argued “a building is a building,” regardless of whether it is commercial or residential.
“What’s the difference?” he said. “We’re trying to encourage commercials, I get it. But changing the code in order to do it, it just seems like a backdoor way to do it.”
Meehan disagreed.
“Nobody’s ever complained about a commercial building, but everybody in town complained about the residential buildings that were built to commercial setbacks in a commercial zone …,” he said. “This is a way to address that.”
ment.
“What they're trying to do is create a better project, both visually and easier to manage with residential property,” he said.
Councilman Jake Mitrecic argued the change “would go a long way” to solving problems associated with residential developments.
‘If I can fit four more units because I built all the way to the setbacks, on every side of the property, and maximized my profit that way, I’m going to do it.’
Councilman Jake Mitrecic
City staff said the change created a fair playing field for residential development, which, based on the city’s pyramidal zoning, is allowed in commercial districts. Deputy City Manager JR Harmon added that allowing residential builds to utilize commercial setbacks created problems that aren’t found in commercial develop-
“It doesn’t behoove a commercial building to build all the way to the setbacks all the way around, like it does a townhouse,” he said. “If I can fit four more units because I built all the way to the setbacks, on every side of the property, and maximized my profit that way, I’m going to do it.”
After a lengthy discussion, the council voted 5-1 to move the proposed code change to a first reading, but to exclude the BMUD district, which Meehan said is subject to overlays.
“I think it’s best for the LC-1 and SC-1,” he said.
Planning group considers guideline refresh
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 26, 2026) The Berlin Planning Commission is considering new, clearer procedural guidelines after staff raised concerns about incomplete application submissions that can create confusion for town officials and developers.
During this month’s planning commission meeting, planning staff let the body know that developers are often submitting partial project information by the deadline. This can cause issues when applicants then present additional materials at public hearings that were never shared with staff, the commission, or the public beforehand.
“One of the things I wanted to bring up to the commission … you all have the power to issue rules and regulations and processes as part of how this body works,” planning legal consultant Emily Morris told the planning commission.
“I would suggest that we may want to consider putting in place some kind of guidelines as to how things are submitted to you that kind of clarifies some of the confusion we’re having on the staff level, and you’re level, to understand what is being expected to be in the packet of information, when it’s going to be expected, and
rules about what to be presented by applicants at the meeting.”
Commission members said the details presented should be limited to what the applicant submits by the deadline, ahead of the hearing.
Morris said that some developers fail to do that, and that a set of process standards should clarify this.
“You all don’t get the benefit of seeing things in advance and having staff give you our thoughts,” the legal consultant added.
The discussion focused on the commission’s authority to establish internal rules governing the submission of materials and timing. While some members wondered if that authority rests with the Town Council, staff noted that the commission’s statute authorizes it to adopt procedures for how it conducts its operations.
Staff proposed establishing clear submission standards, including written notices to applicants informing of missing information and realistic review timelines. The commissioners agreed that better record-keeping, particularly written communication, would help protect the town and reduce disputes.
In particular, the staff should send the applicant a formal letter in situations when submissions are incom-
plete.
Staff added that insufficient plans can lead to much longer review times. Currently, developers are required to submit proposals no later than 30 days before the hearing. Morris said some applicants submit less detailed notes, making it hard for staff and planning commission members to review the information.
One suggestion was to create a public-facing flowchart showing each step in the review process and estimated timeframes. This would provide applicants with clearer expectations.
“When I look at the steps of the planning commission and how you go from the initial meeting to final approval, it's there, but doesn’t say how long it's going to take, and if you're saying that I’m submitting it on Jan. 15th for the Feb. 16 meeting, I expect to make it,” commission Chair Matthew Stoehr told staff. “That flow chart says, no, we need to be at step six with all this information 30 days before we get there. That might give you guys more credence and power.”
The conversation follows a Historic District Commission meeting, at which Atlantic Hotel owners John and Michelle Fager and facility general manager Laura Stearns admitted
they failed to obtain proper HDC approval and the appropriate permits for landscaping work.
The issue was raised again at a recent Town Council meeting, where Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall acknowledged that the town code is not always clear, which can lead to confusion, as seen at the HDC meeting. As Morris emphasizes, vague town guidelines can also create issues with planning commission applications.
As such, the mayor said that an internal working group will be launched to ensure that processes are easily understood and followed. That team will include Town Administrator Mary Bohlen, Tyndall, Town Attorney David Gaskill, Morris, Planning Director Ryan Hardesty, Stoehr, HDC Chair Norman Bunting, Board of Zoning Appeals Chair Joe Moore, and councilmembers Jay Knerr and Jack Orris.
At the conclusion of the planning commission meeting, the body agreed that while staff and consultants handle technical matters such as stormwater and utilities, the commission still needs sufficient time and complete information to evaluate projects against the town code and determine whether they are a good fit for Berlin.
Preservation work continues at old golf site
recreational hotspot.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 19, 2026) Restoration efforts at the former Bay Club golf course continue, as officials work to strengthen public access and recreational activities at the preserve.
That project has now been expanded even further with the newly acquired parcel on Evans Road.
The Lower Shore Land Trust and state officials held an information session on Thursday, Feb. 12, to update community members on the work underway to transform the former golf course, now known as the Libertytown Branch Tract, into a
During the community update, Alex Clark of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) said the state has officially closed on a roughly 40-acre property located on the southeastern edge of the Libertytown tract.
DNR finalized the acquisition of the land in the fall of 2025 using funds from the conservation initiative, Program Open Space. The parcel connects directly to the 672-acre Libertytown Branch Tract. The Libertytown Tract, formally the Bay Club golf course, was purchased with assistance from the land trust and transferred to DNR ownership in 2023.
With the 40-acre addition, land restoration and recreational opportunities for Worcester County residents
has been expanded.
Officials said that the new land provides a more direct link to Berlin than the existing access point on Libertytown Road.
“It’s a better connection with Berlin than Libertytown Road,” Clark said. “…It will be a better connection for recreation.”
Plans for the site include establishing a combined meadow and tree planting, along with a small parking area measuring approximately 70 by 70 feet. The lot will be smaller than the main parking area on Libertytown Road and is designed primarily for visitors coming from outside the immediate area, Clark said.
Work is also underway on the main Bay Club property itself. Clark said DNR crews will begin smoothing out portions of the old golf cart pads this winter, using small gravel stone to create a more natural surface suitable for non-motorized use, such as walking, biking, and horseback riding.
event on this property. I made them aware that’s going to be a work in progress, but they want to see the future of what the trail system will become.”
The meadow areas will take time to fully develop. Officials explained that new meadows typically require about three years to establish, with periodic mowing early on to control invasive weeds. The environmentalists added that guests should not expect a picture-perfect meadow by this summer.
While recreational access is expanding, hunting will continue to be allowed on the property. Clark emphasized that the trails are intended for both hunters and other users, though he encouraged visitors to wear bright colors during hunting seasons and avoid the opening hunting weekends if possible.
By early spring, officials hope at least part of the trail system will be usable. The Friends of Libertytown Branch and the Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Committee are planning to host a Celebrate Trails Day-style event on April 25, giving the public a chance to explore the evolving landscape.
“With any luck, by April or so, we are hoping to have some portion of the trail in a more usable state,” Clark said. “The Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Coalition, they want to do a Celebrate Trails Day at the end of April. They want to have an
In addition to trails and meadows, conservation leaders hope the site will become a hub for citizen science. Officials noted that birders and naturalists can log species sightings on platforms such as eBird and iNaturalist, and organizers are exploring hosting future “bioblitz” events to document plants, animals, and fungi across the property.
Community members interested in staying involved can follow updates through the Facebook group Friends of Libertytown Branch, as the transformation of the former golf course into a regional conservation and recreation space continues. Meetings are also hosted quarterly at the Berlin Library.
Berlin kicks off comprehensive plan update
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 26, 2026) The Town of Berlin’s comprehensive plan update got underway last week with a work session of the mayor and council, the planning commission, and the firm contracted to complete the draft.
The meeting began with a presentation from planning company Mead & Hunt, the Town of Berlin's partner in creating a document to guide future growth and development. Project Manager Will White from Mead & Hunt outlined current demographics, trends, and legal requirements.
The Town of Berlin selected Mead & Hunt for the project in late 2025 for $99,075.
Under Maryland law, municipalities must update or review their comprehensive plans at least every 10 years. The last plan was created in 2010. White explained that while the Maryland Department of Planning does not approve or deny local plans, it reviews them for compliance with state requirements.
“They are not an approving body, but they are a compliance body,” White said, noting the document can be amended after adoption through a formal process.
Furthermore, when the town seeks state and federal funding, the desired projects must be consistent with the comprehensive plan to be considered for financial aid.
Last week, White reviewed current Town of Berlin demographics and trends to guide the firm’s plan-creation process.
Between 2010 and 2020, Berlin’s population increased by 12.1%, significantly outpacing state and national averages, White said. The U.S. average growth during that period was just under 5%, while Worcester County grew by less than 2%.
“Berlin is accelerating faster,” White said.
He added that while the town is growing more rapidly, the 12.1% is likely low because the COVID-19 pandemic skewed the 2020 census. Some people never fill out their census, and representatives were unable to go door to door as in other years due to the pandemic.
As of 2024, Berlin’s population is estimated at 5,349 residents. If current trends hold, projections show the population reaching roughly 5,518 by 2050 — an increase of about 150 people over 25 years.
Planning Commission Chair Matthew Stoehr asked if that projection seemed low.
“That’s an average over time,” White responded. “It’s not 12.1% a year.”
Officials also discussed how new developments, such as Ocean’s East, factor into projections. White said new units can be estimated based on occupancy but won’t appear in official census data until 2030.
Additionally, the town’s average age is younger than Worcester County’s average of about 54. Approximately 42% of Berlin residents hold a bachelor’s degree
or higher, a figure White described as “very high for the Eastern Shore.” The median household income is $81,000.
Employment data shows 30.7% of residents work in education, health care and social services. Tourism and food service are the next-largest employment sectors, followed by professional and scientific fields such as engineering, architecture, and law.
White also highlighted commuting patterns: 2,828 people travel into Berlin for work each day, 353 live and work in town, and 1,922 residents commute elsewhere — a number that includes remote workers whose offices are located outside town.
The majority of Berlin is zoned for single-family residential use (R-1, R-2, and R-3), with commercial zoning concentrated in the historic district.
During his presentation, White suggested the town consider whether commercial zoning downtown accurately reflects existing mixed-use conditions.
“By calling it commercial, you have now stopped someone from coming in and doing an infill next to it that matches the rest of the buildings,” he said, noting many downtown properties include retail on the first floor and apartments above — technically nonconforming uses under current zoning.
Several industrially zoned properties may also be better categorized as heavy commercial, he added.
Councilmember Jack Orris added
that state-mandated discussions about the allowance of accessory dwelling units (ADUs) align well with the comprehensive plan process.
“You fell into the best possible time to do ADUs,” White replied.
The consultant said that, as part of the drafting process, his team analyzed the Town of Berlin's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. White identified Berlin’s walkability and bikeability, along with its historic character, as key strengths.
Weaknesses include limited affordable housing, disparities in park and service access east of Route 113—a problem officials are looking to address with a crosswalk system or a pedestrian bridge —and aging infrastructure. Additionally, some areas remain noncompliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Severe weather impacts and the recent withdrawal of federal funding sources were labeled external threats.
Transportation priorities include improving pedestrian connections across Route 113 and addressing frequently flooded roadways that could pose safety risks.
The comprehensive plan drafting process will include a public workshop and one or two pop-up events at community gatherings. A draft plan is expected to be completed later this year and submitted to the Maryland Department of Planning by December, White said.
School system eyes financial literacy course
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 26, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools officials outlined the system’s approach to financial literacy instruction last week, prompting board members to discuss whether an official course should become a high school graduation requirement.
Jess McInerney, coordinator of social studies, JROTC, service learning, and financial literacy at WCPS, presented an overview of how financial literacy is taught across grade levels.
Under the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR), school systems are required to teach financial literacy in grades 3-12. The state mandates that students complete a financial literacy unit once in grades three through five, once in grades six through eight, and once in grades nine through 12.
Maryland’s standards focus on six areas: making informed and financially responsible decisions; relating careers, education, and income; planning and managing money; managing credit and debt; managing risks and preserving wealth; and creating and building wealth.
McInerney explained that while the state requires instruction beginning in third grade, Worcester County begins teaching financial literacy concepts a little earlier, starting in kindergarten.
McInerney said that kindergarten
students explore the question, “How do people choose their jobs and careers?” First graders learn about decisionmaking and trade, including goods, services, and bartering. Second graders focus on how consumers make financial decisions, while also learning to count money and apply those skills in real-world scenarios.
In grades three through five, instruction continues through social studies with a personal finance unit in fifth grade. Students learn about savings, borrowing, and taxation, while applying math skills such as adding and subtracting decimal values and discussing opportunity cost.
In middle school, students continue building on economic standards, with a dedicated financial literacy unit in seventh grade. Instruction covers career exploration, wants versus needs, and available resources. These topics are coupled with math, which includes lessons on commissions, discounts, percent increase and decrease, loans, credit versus debit and compound interest of those loans.
Through a partnership with Junior Achievement, sixth graders participate in BizTown, where they simulate running businesses and managing finances.
“That's where they build their entrepreneurial spirit,” McInerney said. Seventh graders attend Finance
Park, where they are assigned a career scenario, calculate net monthly income, create budgets, apply for mortgages and reconcile credit card statements. Eighth graders participate in career exploration activities and meet professionals in a variety of fields.
At the high school level, financial literacy is taught during a 15- to 20-day unit in ninth grade government courses. This segment focuses on career choices and personal income. Algebra I classes expand on financial concepts such as investing, depreciation, exponential growth and compound interest.
Also in high school, students may take electives including consumer and personal finance, economics, and Career and Technical Education pathways such as business marketing, accounting and finance. Opportunities outside of regular school instruction include youth apprenticeship programs and Future Business Leaders of America chapters.
“Financial literacy in Maryland is required grades three through 12, focusing on one time in each grade band,” McInerney said. “In Worcester County, we do this throughout K-12. We are very appreciative of our community partners.”
Board member Jon Andes said McInerney’s presentation stemmed from his request to examine whether
the system should add a financial literacy class as a graduation requirement. Currently, nine of Maryland’s 24 school systems mandate that students earn either a half-credit or full-credit financial literacy course to pass high school.
“There are 22 credits required for graduation,” Andes said, noting students often have room in their schedules for additional courses.
He continued, “I want to make sure our students have a background in financial literacy so if they go to college or technical school, they understand student loan programs, scholarships, grants, and paying them back. If they go work for someone else, that gross pay is not their net pay…plus all the other aspects of dealing with finances in life. I am asking us to start considering whether we should require an additional high school graduation requirement in some class of financial literacy.”
Board president Todd Ferrante added that financial education is vital to real-world success.
“Being successful in life is learning how to manage finances,” he said. “If we don’t teach students this at an early age, then we are doing them a disservice.”
The Worcester County Board of Education indicated it would continue to consider adding a financial literacy course as a graduation requirement.
Car show, St. Patrick’s Day events approved
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 20, 2026) Cruisin’ Ocean City will return this spring with the support of city officials.
As part of the Feb. 17 consent agenda, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve a private event request for the annual Cruisin’ Ocean City classic car rally. The motorized event is scheduled to take place at the inlet and convention center April 30 through May 3.
According to the term sheet presented this week, the Town of Ocean
City will provide the promoter – Special Event Productions Inc. – $100,000 as a sponsor. In return, the city will receive 10% of all revenue collected through gate admissions, participant registration fees and inlet lot vendor fees.
The promoter will also be responsible for selling trailer parking permits, with 100% of revenue paid back to the city. Last year, 139 permits were sold, for a total of $6,950.
This year’s car show will feature music of the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s, automotive vendors and registrant automobiles on exhibit, as well as
morning Boardwalk parades and neon light car shows and exhibits.
As part of the private event, the city has agreed to provide special event fencing and barricades, trash cans and picnic tables, judges stands and road cones. The city will also provide the use of the Inlet parking lot and trailer parking at the West Ocean Park and Ride.
In addition to Cruisin’ OC, city officials on Tuesday approved two other spring events – the St. Patrick’s Day Boardwalk 5K and the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
According to private event applica-
tions, the Boardwalk race, organized by OC Tri-Running Sports, is tentatively scheduled for March 14, from 9 a.m. to noon, while the parade, organized by the Delmarva Irish American Club (DIAC), will take place from noon to 2 p.m.
The St. Patrick’s parade signals the unofficial start of the season for many resort businesses and attracts tens of thousands to the midtown area.
This year’s parade will traverse south from 61st Street to 45th Street, where additional St. Patrick’s Day festivities will take place at the 45th Street Village lot from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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 28: 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 27: Soul Chase
Saturday, February 28: Schizophrenic Boogiemen
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th Street In The Bay Friday, February 27: Schizophrenic Boogiemen & DJ Stinson
Saturday, February 28: Fizz & DJ RobCee
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Saturday, February 28: Rogue Citizens
Wednesdays: Bingo w/ Blake
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Road, West End OC
Friday, February 27: DJ Billy T
DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 28
PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays
DJ WOOD Pickles Pub: Mondays
DJ STINSON Fager’s Island: Friday, February 27
CARLEY TWIGG Seacrets: Saturday, February 28
DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays
DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays
DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, February 28
SCHIZOPHRENIC BOOGIEMEN
Fager’s Island: Friday, February 27
Coins Pub: Saturday, February 28
THE DUNEHOUNDS
Pickles Pub: Saturday, February 28
ROGUE CITIZENS
Greene Turtle West: Saturday, February 28
SOUL CHASE
Coins Pub: Friday, February 27
RADIO STRANGER
Seacrets: Saturday, February 28
CECILIA’S FALL
Harborside: Saturday, February 28
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Seacrets: Friday, February 27
Harborside: Sunday, March 1
FIZZ
Fager’s Island: Saturday, February 28
Who’s Where When
Saturday, February 28:
Cecilia’s Fall & DJ Bigler
Sunday, February 29: Opposite Directions
Thursdays: Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th Street & Philadelphia Avenue
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, February 28: The Dunehounds
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Thursdays: Beats By Connair
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th Street & Coastal Highway
Friday, February 27: Opposite Directions, Dueling Pianos, Trivia w/ Jordan & DJ Davie
Saturday, February 28: Carley Twigg, OC Therapy Dogs Benefit, DJ Connair, DJ E-State & Radio Stranger Sunday, March 1: Best Wing Contest w/ Hot Sauce Band Thursday, March 5: Faith Noel & DJ J-Spin
BLIZZARD: OCEAN PINES AREA
Ocean Pines crews on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday worked on cleanup efforts following this weekend’s blizzard. More than a foot of snow fell over the community, resulting in public works beginning to clear roads at 8 p.m. Sunday, and as of 10 a.m. Tuesday, all roadways were reported to be cleared. Crews worked to address the parking lots at all facilities once the roads were in good shape. Pictured are some scenes from Ocean Pines as well as Cathell Road, below middle, where dozens of trees were downed by the winds.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TARA FISCHER, OPA, RENEE KELLY AND ERIK DOWELL
BLIZZARD: BERLIN
The Town of Berlin received about 16 inches of snow from the blizzard that began Sunday afternoon and continued through Monday morning. Pictured are some scenes from Monday morning around town as residents and town employees began digging out. The entire town was without power for 14 hours with some outages lasting up to 19 hours.
STEVE GREEN/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Calendar
Fri., Feb. 27
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
HISTORY & HIGHBALLS
Julia A. Purnell Museum, 208 W. Market St., Snow Hill, 5-7 p.m. Pairing local history with handcrafted cocktails and delicious hors d’oeuvres — all while supporting the Julia A. Purnell Museum. Samuel Gunn House, 1760-1780. Cost is $40. Tickets: 410-632-0515.
O.P.V.F.D. CASH BINGO
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Food will be available on site from the Grateful Grub Phood Truck. Proceeds benefit the O.P.V.F.D. Advance tickets are $35. Tickets: https://opvfd.com/cash-bingo/. 410-6418272
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. 410524-7994
Sat., Feb. 28
AUCE BREAKFAST BUFFET
Whaleysville United Methodist, 11716 Sheppards Crossing Road, 7-10 a.m. Buffet will include pancakes, bacon, sausage, scrapple, scrambled eggs, chipped beef, hash brown potatoes, toast, fruit and assorted beverages. Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
TOTS-TO-TEENS: FOSSILS
Delmarva Discovery Museum, 2 Market St., Pocomoke City, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn about paleontologists and how fossils are made. Cost is $5 for museum members and $10 for non-members. https://www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.or g/delmarvadiscoveryacademy/totstoteens
GLOBAL GOODIES
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Are all snacks created equal? Let’s find out as we taste test snacks from around the world. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
OYSTER FRITTER SANDWICHES
American Legion #123, 10111 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin. To be held from 2 p.m. until sold out. Cost is $10 for dine-in or carry-out.
SPAGHETTI DINNER
Friendship Church, 10537 Friendship Road, Berlin, 4-7 p.m. The all-you-caneat includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, cake and beverage. Cost is $15. Eat in or carry out. Benefits the Friendship Church of Berlin Men’s Group.
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., March 1
DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR MARCH 7TH
JIGSAW PUZZLE TOURNAMENT
Held on March 7 at the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Winner will be first team to complete a 500-piece puzzle. Entry is $50 per team. Register: 443-880-4944 by March 1.
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., March 2
STORY TIME: TRAINS
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 05 years. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org
GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m.
The group meets once a month to discuss selections from the Great Books Foundation. Featuring “All Quiet on the Western Front” by Erich Maria Remarque. 410208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP
John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3-4 p.m. Held the first Monday of each month. 410-641-2626, nicole.fry@tidalhealth.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, 410-804-3971. 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., March 3
STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Join in for story time featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650
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: ALPHABET
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-5622, worcesterlibrary.org
CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach HeroesOC” for weekly meeting locations. All are
welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410-289-4725
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., March 4
HADESTOWN
Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 7 p.m. Featuring a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that grabs and never lets go. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/57165555 /hadestown-ocean-city-oc-performingarts-center.
PUZZLE SWAP
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring
Continued on Page 36
Crossword answers from page 56
CALENDAR
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.
4-H KIDS POLLINATOR WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 4 p.m. Join 4-H educator Theresa Maggio to learn about pollination and make your own chapstick. For ages 6-11 years. 410524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org
PAINT & SIP
Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Cost is $27 and includes wine and crackers. Must be ages 18 years or older to participate. Register: 410-641-7052.
DIABETES SELF-MANAGEMENT CLASS
Held weekly on Wednesday via virtual meeting, 6-8 p.m. Provider referral, patient pre-assessment, and registration are required. Insurance may cover all or part
of the cost. Register: 410-543-7061.
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., March 5
10TH ANNUAL OCEAN CITY FILM FESTIVAL
Ocean City Art League, 502 94th St., Ocean City. Join us for the 10th annual Ocean City Film Festival, with a wide variety of local, regional, and international films. 410-524-9433
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Join in for a variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-5622, worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME: DR. SEUSS
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
OC CHESS CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Enjoy a relaxing game of chess monthly at the library. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org
PINE TONES CHORUS RECRUITS NEW MEMBERS
Mar 5 — Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines. 610-213-7472. 1-3 p.m., Pine Tones Chorus is holding a first rehearsal to prepare for its spring concert, Pine Tones Goes to the MOVIES. Jenny Anderson, 443-6555636; Dave Holloway, 610-213-7472; pinetoneschorus@gmail.com.
IRISH HERITAGE FILM SCREENING
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Mike Healy hosts this screening with two shorts he created. TRAD is about traditional Irish music and Still Standing explores stone circles, round towers and high crosses. 410-641-0650
POCOMOKE BRANCH BOOK CLUB: ‘THE ORPHAN TRAIN’ BY CHRISTINA BAKER KLINE
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Join in for a
lively discussion each month. Stop by the Pocomoke Branch to pick up a copy in advance. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org
COMIC BOOK CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn about comics and create your own. No experience required. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org
BINGO FOR HOPE SUPPORTING DIAKONIA Ocean Downs Casino, 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 6 p.m. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Your $40 ticket includes $10 in Free Play, dessert and a chance to win incredible prizes. Table sponsorships available for $500. Tickets: diakoniaoc.org.
DRY PANTRY
Thursdays - St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower Street, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. For those in need of resources such as paper products, laundry products, baby items, and personal care items. Limits apply. 410-641-0270
ONGOING EVENTS
TEEN TIME: EGG DECORATING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, March 2-31, 3:30 p.m. Drop in and design an egg. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014
PGN Crab House 29th Street & Coastal Hwy, Now Hiring for
• Waitstaff
• Kitchen Help
Apply within in person after 11:00 am.
In Need Of FULL/PT HOME CARE
OCEAN PINES
Assistance in ADL and light housekeeping. 410-208-6513, please call after 6 p.m.
Hiring
Bus Drivers
2026
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
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.
RENTALS
YR APT FOR RENT WEST OC 3BR, 1BA, BEAUTIFUL! All new appl’s., incl. W/D. Pets considered. $2,300 per mo. + utils. 410-390-13784
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
Apply online at troon.com/careers - company location Sea Colony Assoc East Email bethann.steele@seacolony.com or call 302-541-8831 for an interview YEARLY RENTAL 319 Robin Drive Available Immediately 2BR, 1BA, Unfurnished. Dog friendly, ground floor. Ideal 2 mature adults w/strong work history. $2,000/mo. + electric. Call/text 703-819-7400
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
DONATIONS
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be tax-deductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
Hofmeister, Robinson & DiPietro 11350 McCormick Road, Executive Plaza II, Suite 601 Hunt Valley, Maryland 21031
SUBSTITUTE
TRUSTEES’ SALE OF VALUABLE FEE SIMPLE DWELLING
14 Second Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851, a.k.a. 14 2nd Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851
Under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in a certain Purchase Money Deed of Trust from Arnold W. Jenkins, Sr., dated November 4, 2005, and recorded in Liber 4577, folio 521, 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, March 16, 2026 AT 11:00 AM
All that lot of ground and the improvements thereon SITUATED IN Worcester County, Maryland and more fully described in the aforesaid Purchase Money Deed of Trust.
The property is believed to be improved by a detached three-story single-family residential dwelling currently in use as a multi-family residential dwelling, and believed to contain approximately 3,937 +/square feet of above grade living space, and a covered front porch. The property address is 14 Second Street, Pocomoke, MD 21851, a.k.a. 14 2nd Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851. 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 $20,000.00 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 SubstituteTrustees.
Ralph J. DiPietro and Scott R. Robinson, Substitute Trustees Tidewater Auctions, LLC 410-825-2900 www.tidewaterauctions.com
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McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707 www.mwc-law.com
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’
SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY
209 MAPLE AVENUE BERLIN, MD 21811
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Bruce T. Baldwin, Sr. and Helen R. Baldwin, dated June 19, 1997 and recorded in Liber 2402, folio 147 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, 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, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St.,
Snow Hill, MD 21863, on MARCH 17, 2026 AT 3:55 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE 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 improved by a dwelling. The property, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements, encumbrances and agreements of record affecting the subject property, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $5,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 7.5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said documents at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event settlement is delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and 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 the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. The Sub-
stitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #24-601051).
Laura H. G. O'Sullivan,
et al., Substitute Trustees
TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT
In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000232 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, March 9, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., at the front door of Hidden Harbour III Condominium Unit No. 337, Building K, 12301 Jamaica Avenue, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Hidden Harbour III Condominium Unit No. 337, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and ByLaws, as amended, dated May 17, 1988, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Book No. 1436, Page 155, et seq., and pursuant also to the several plats described in the said Condominium Master Deed and recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Plat Book No. 114, Folio 71, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8136, Page 247, et seq., in “AS IS” condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland.
A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier’s or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent (10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be
adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.
For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.
OCD-2/19/3t
McCabe, Weisberg & Conway, LLC 312 Marshall Avenue, Suite 800 Laurel, MD 20707 www.mwc-law.com
SUBSTITUTE TRUSTEES’ SALE OF IMPROVED REAL PROPERTY
407 MAPLE STREET
POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust from Ronald E. Cox, dated May 16, 2014 and recorded in Liber 6387, folio 180 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, 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, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
MARCH 10, 2026 AT 3:55 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE 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 improved by a dwelling.
The property, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions, easements, encumbrances and agreements of record affecting the subject property, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit in the form of cashier's or certified check, or in such other form as the Substitute Trustees may determine, at their sole discretion, for $9,000 at the time of sale. If the noteholder and/or servicer is the successful bidder, the deposit requirement is waived. Balance of the purchase price is to be paid within ten (10) days of the final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland. Interest is to be paid on the unpaid purchase price at the rate of 5% per annum from date of sale to the date the funds are received in the office of the Substitute Trustees, if the property is purchased by an entity other than the noteholder and/or servicer. If payment of the balance does not occur within ten (10) days of ratification, the deposit will be forfeited as liquidated damages. The purchaser agrees that the
property may be resold pursuant to an order of court, waives personal service upon themselves and/or any principal or corporate designee of any documents filed regarding the failure to pay the purchase price within ten (10) days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail of said documents at the address provided by the purchaser in the Memorandum of Sale. The purchaser will not be entitled to any surplus or profits arising from the resale even if they are the result of improvements made by the purchaser. There will be no abatement of interest due from the purchaser in the event settlement is delayed for any reason. Taxes, ground rent, water rent, and all other public charges and 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 the date of sale, and assumed thereafter by the purchaser. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Cost of all documentary stamps, transfer taxes (including agricultural transfer taxes, if applicable), and all settlement charges shall be borne by the purchaser. The sale is subject to a post sale audit of the loan, including but not limited to an analysis of whether the borrower entered into a loan modification agreement, filed bankruptcy, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. The Substitute Trustees will convey either insurable or marketable title. If the Substitute Trustees are unable to convey insurable or marketable title or, the post sale audit concludes that the sale should not have occurred, or the sale is not ratified by the court for any reason, the purchaser’s sole remedy in law or equity shall be limited to the refund of the deposit without interest even if the purchaser has made improvements to the property. Upon refund of the deposit, the sale shall be void and of no effect, and the purchaser shall have no further claim against the Substitute Trustees. Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property. The purchaser at the foreclosure sale shall assume the risk of loss for the property immediately after the sale. (Matter #16-605854).
Laura H. G. O'Sullivan, et al., Substitute Trustees
OCD-2/19/3t
HUGH CROPPER IV, ESQ 9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE F12
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
Estate No. 21014
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOHN B. LYNCH JR.
Notice is given that William M. Lynch, 6315 South Point Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2632, was on February 05, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of John B. Lynch Jr. who died on January 30, 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 5th day of August, 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 5th day of August, 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.
William M. Lynch 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 12, 2026
OCD-2/12/3t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
PROPOSAL
SOLICITATION
P03-26 – 94th Street Court Fencing Installation
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the 94th Street Court Fencing Installation and for
said work to conform with the Proposal Documents. Proposal Documents for the 94th Street Court Fencing Installation may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their Proposals. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST, AT THE LITTLE SALISBURY PARK, 94TH STREET, BAYSIDE, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last Day for Questions will be on MONDAY, MARCH 2ND, 2026, AT 4:00PM EST. Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD, 2026
Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, MARCH 12TH, 2026, BY 4:00PM EST. Proposal submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, MARCH 13TH, 2026, AT 9:00AM EST. Proposals are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (P03-26 – 94th Street Court Fencing Installation) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
Matt Perry Procurement Manager Town of Ocean City, Maryland OCD-2/12/5t
KURT M MUELLER ESQ
THE LAW OFFICE OF KURT M. MUELLER, ESQ. 600 WASHINGTON AVE STE 301 TOWSON, MD 21204-3916
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of THEODORA ALICE ROZZANO Estate No. 21010 Notice is given that MARK ALLEN RUGGIERI whose address is 14 36TH ST UNIT 11 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-8134 was on FEBRUARY 05, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of THEODORA ALICE ROZZANO who died on SEPTEMBER 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 represen-
tative 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 5th day of AUGUST, 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 5th day of AUGUST, 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-2/12/3t
REENA J. PATEL ESQ.
LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MOUNT HERMON RD., STE. B SALISBURY, MD 21804-5303
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20993 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHRISTINE LORRAINE BIZUKIEWICZ
Notice is given that Stanley Bizukiewicz, 5136 Pine Tree Ln., Pocono Summit, PA 18346-7726, was on January 21, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Christine Lorraine Bizukiewicz who died on December 17, 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.
Stanley Bizukiewicz
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 12, 2026
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of WILLIAM RUSSELL SNYDER Estate No. 21019 Notice is given that WENDY REBECCA SNYDER whose address is 10110 TIPPERARY RD., PARKVILLE, MD 21234-1138 was on FEBRUARY 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of WILLIAM RUSSELL SNYDER who died on DECEMBER 18, 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 6th day of AUGUST, 2026
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of AUGUST, 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-2/12/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of FRANCES VICTORIA CUMBERLAND Estate No. 21018 Notice is given that DANIELLE LORI LONG whose address is 662 FERN ST., WEST PALM BEACH, FL 33401-5712 was on FEBRUARY 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of FRANCES VICTORIA CUMBERLAND who died on FEBRUARY 01, 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 6th day of AUGUST, 2026
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 6th day of AUGUST, 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-2/12/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of SANDRA ANN OHARA Estate No. 20918 Notice is given that LISA ANN LOGIN whose address is 914 MIDWAY LN., SEAFORD, DE 19973-1126 was on FEBRUARY 05, 2026 appointed Personal Repre-
sentative of the estate of SANDRA ANN OHARA who died on NOVEMBER 07, 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 5th day of AUGUST, 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 5th day of AUGUST, 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-2/12/3t _________________________________
DANIEL C. CONKLING, ESQ. 2756 BAYSIDE BEACH ROAD PASADENA, MD 21122
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of LAURA JANE PAYTON Estate No. 21021 Notice is given that DANIEL C CONKLING whose address is 2756 BAYSIDE BEACH RD PASADENA, MD 21122-3601 was on FEBRUARY 09, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LAURA JANE PAYTON who died on JANUARY 02, 2026 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of AUGUST, 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 9th day of AUGUST, 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-2/12/3t
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 LAWRENCE ALLWIN DONOWAY AKA: LAWRENCE ALLWIN DONOWAY JR Estate No. 21015 Notice is given that ROSE RUSSELL DONOWAY whose address is 6846 SENECA DR SNOW HILL, MD 21863-3354 was on FEBRUARY 05, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LAWRENCE ALLWIN DONOWAY who died on JANUARY 22, 2026 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 5th day of AUGUST, 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 5th day of AUGUST, 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-2/12/3t
MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND, NOTICE OF APPROVED CHARTER AMENDMENT RESOLUTION 2025-08
Re: Annexation
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill that Charter Resolution 2025-08, was adopted on February 10, 2025 after holding a public hearing on January 20, 2025. A fair summary of the resolution is as follows:
Charter Amendment Resolution 2025-08 ANNEXED CERTAIN LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN AND amended THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL CHARTER SECTION 3 ENTITLED “DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOUNDARIES” BY ADDING SAID CERTAIN LANDS TO THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL, specifically the Town of Snow Hill’s water well located on Coulbourne Lane, Tax Map 63, Parcel 177; the Snow Hill Middle School and Cedar Chapel School (Tax Map 201, Parcel 1708); Snow Hill Elementary School (Tax Map 63, Parcel 144); 410 Coulbourne Lane (Tax Map 201, Parcel 1711, Part of Lot 1, approximately .027 acres) to correct specifically that the entirety of Lot 1 located at 410 Coulbourne Lane be located in the Town of Snow Hill municipal limits, and Coulbourne Lane between Market Street and the Town of Snow Hill municipal limits.
A complete text of the passed resolution 2025—08 is available for review at Town Hall, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863.
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PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in
the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
TUESDAY, March 3, 2026
At 7:00 PM
To consider amending Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, Section 110-2 entitled Definitions, to add a definition related to the outdoor display of merchandise; and Section 110884, entitled Outdoor Display of Merchandise Standards for Properties Fronting on Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk) to establish regulations for businesses wishing to display merchandise outdoors along properties fronting Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk). Businesses would be required to obtain an annual display permit through an application process. The ordinance addresses general standards for all outdoor displays and specific requirements for f A-Frame signs, banners, ancillary services and restaurants.
APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #25-14100001)
No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.
Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.
For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON
MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-2/12/3t
PLANNING
AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
TUESDAY, March 3, 2026
At 7:00 PM
To consider amending Chapter 66, entitled “Signs,” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, specifically Section 66-2, entitled “Definitions;” Section 66-8, entitled “Size;” Section 66-10, entitled “Obstructions and Traffic Hazards;” Section 66-12, entitled “Temporary Signs;” and Section 66-16, entitled “Exemptions.”
The proposed ordinance clarifies
and updates sign regulations, including definitions for various sign types such as banners, fence signs, ground signs, and roof signs,. The ordinance further updates standards related to maximum sign size, visibility and traffic safety, temporary sign limitations, and exemptions, including provisions applicable to A-frame signs on the Boardwalk.
APPLICANT: PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #25-14100001)
No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.
Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.
For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-2/12/3t
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 JERDEANE S WATERS AKA: JERDEANE K SMITH WATERS Estate No. 21023 Notice is given that NKEMJIKA WATERS whose address is 6161 DUCKWEED CT SALISBURY, MD 218018456 was on FEBRUARY 12, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JERDEANE S WATERS who died on APRIL 11, 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 12th day of AUGUST, 2026
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of AUGUST, 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
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR
& COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND
Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM
Notice is hereby given that the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill, Maryland will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. to provide information on the progress of a project partially funded in FY25 under the Maryland Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. CDBG is a federally funded program designed to assist governments with activities directed toward neighborhood and housing revitalization, economic development, and improved community facilities and services.
Town of Snow Hill-Comprehensive Plan Revisions (MD-25-CD-6) is the grant funded project. The public hearing will be held during the regularly scheduled Mayor and Council meeting held at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863
The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410-632-2080.
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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of CAROL ANN HAFER Estate No. 20314 Notice is given that RICHARD EDWARD HAFER whose address is 9916 GOLF COURSE RD., TRLR. 1, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9516 was on FEBRUARY 10, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROL ANN HAFER who died on JULY 18, 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 of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of AUGUST, 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 10th day of AUGUST, 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-2/19/3t
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:
Elimination of Twelve (12) Underutilized Bus Stops
The goal of this proposal is to enhance the bus service by reducing unnecessary stops, improving both travel times and bus frequency (“headways”). However, if any individual person or entity feels they will be negatively impacted by the removal of any of the listed stops, please provide your feedback to Transportation Manager Robert Shearman, Jr. via the below listed means. All responses will be given due consideration.
Northbound (7): 4th, 76th, 98th, 121st, 124th, 128th, 137th
Southbound (5): 141st, 134th, 124th, 80th, 69th
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, March 23, 2026. Requests for a Public Hearing and/or other written comments should be sent to the following address and clearly marked:
Ocean City Transportation
Attn: Transportation Manager, Robert Shearman, Jr.
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, April 6, 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, March 23, 2026. OCD-2/19/5t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
PROPOSAL
SOLICITATION
P04-26 – Ocean City Boardwalk Pedicab Franchise Services
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Ocean City Boardwalk Pedicab Franchise Services and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
Proposal Documents for the Ocean City Boardwalk Pedicab Franchise Services may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 7236643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their Proposals. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A Pre-Proposal Meeting is not applicable for this Request for Proposal. The Last Day for Questions will be on FRIDAY, MARCH 6TH, 2026, AT 4:00PM EST. Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, MARCH 9TH, 2026
Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than MONDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2026, BY 4:00PM EST. Proposal submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further re-
view at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 17TH, 2026, AT 1:00PM EST. Proposals are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (P04-26 – Ocean City Boardwalk Pedicab Franchise Services) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late Proposal Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
Matt Perry Procurement Manager
Town of Ocean City, Maryland OCD-2/19/4t
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS AND APPEALS
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 2 Administration, Article IV, Division 5 of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland hereinafter referred to as Code, same being the Board of Adjustments and Appeals Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearing will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.
Wednesday, March 4, 2026 At 3:00 PM
BAAV 26-014 - A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) Minimum Elevation Requirements, to reduce the minimum 3’ freeboard elevation requirement above the AE-5 flood zone by approximately 1.0’ for substantial improvement of an existing single-family house, and to match existing the lowest floor elevation of the primary structure. Locally known as 731 LAUREL AVE parcel number 118-07-68B Lot 31 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
Owner: Alison & Michael DeMartin
Applicant: Tamir Ezzat
BAAV 26-016 - A request has been submitted for a variance from TOC Code Section 38-71 (a)(5) Minimum Elevation Requirements, to reduce the minimum 3’ freeboard elevation requirement above the AE-5 flood zone by approximately 1.0’ for substantial improvement of an existing single-family house, and to match existing the lowest floor elevation of the primary structure for a lateral addition. Locally known as 102 WINTER HARBOR DR parcel number 116-20-1567A Lot 65 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland
Owner: William & Eileen Voigt Applicant: Bradley Construction Company, Inc.
CAROL E POIST
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO
CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20879
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF VICTOR HENRY BIRCH
Notice is given that Susan Cropper Birch, 12217 Sinepuxent Rd., Berlin, MD 21811-2612, was on February 09, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Victor Henry Birch who died on September 22, 2025, with a will. There was a prior small estate proceeding.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 9th day of August, 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 9th day of August, 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.
Susan Cropper Birch 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
Notice is given that Lisa Kay Poist Phillips, 11839 Mano War Ln., Berlin, MD21811-3361 was on February 12, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Carol Poist who died on JANUARY 18, 2022 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 12th day of August, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 12th day of August, 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.
Lisa Kay Poist Phillips 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 26, 2026
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Date of publication: February 19, 2026
OCD-2/19/3t
GARY S TOSADORI, ESQ
LAW OFFICES OF PETER G. ANGELOS
100 N CHARLES ST., 22FL BALTIMORE, MD 21201
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 19127
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110, Zoning, of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that a public hearing will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on: TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026
At 6:30 pm
Pursuant to the provisions of Article II, Section 5, Conditional Uses, a request has been filed under the provisions of Section 110-514(22), Uses permitted by Conditional Use in the LC-1, Local Commercial, Zoning District, to permit an interior tenant fit-out with an amusement use that the Mayor and City Council may approve in keeping with uses specifically permitted in the LC-1 district. The site of the request is described as Tax Map 118, Grid 23, Parcel 7625A and as Building 2 of the Bayside Plaza Condo Plat. It is further described as being on the southwest corner of Coastal Highway and 138th Street and is locally known as a unit within the Bayside Plaza Shopping Center located as 13725 Coastal Highway, Unit 12B, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: MAZE GAME, LLC
(PZ FILE #26-12100001)
No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.
Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.
For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON
MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ. ATTORNEY OCD-2/19/3t
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS LANSDALE BERRY Estate No. 20029 Notice is given that HELEN PERKINS BERRY whose address is 21111 ARRINGTON DR UNIT 219 SELBYVILLE, DE 19975-3609 was on FEBRUARY 12, 2026 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of THOMAS LANSDALE BERRY who died on DECEMBER 15, 2023 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 claims 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-2/26/1t
SMALL
ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 21028 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SANDRA LEE TYLOR
Notice is given that Colleen Kaufman, 844 Ocean Pkwy., Berlin, MD 21811-1719 was on February 17, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Sandra Lee Tylor who died on June 15, 2025 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contactingthe 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 claims 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.
Colleen Kaufman 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 26, 2026
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SIDRAH IJAZ
429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff, v.
CLARENCE W. HEATH
32353 Costen Road Westover, MD 21871 Defendant, And
JESSE J. HEATH (Deceased) 32353 Costen Road Westover, MD 21871
Defendant And THE TESTATE AND INTESTATE SUCCESSORS OF JESSE J. HEATH, DECASED, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH, OR UNDER THE DECEDENT
32353 Costen Road Westover, MD 21871
Defendant And THE JUDGMENT GROUP
1003 Butterworth Court Stevensville, MD 21666 Defendant And JOHN HERBECK
D/B/A EASTERN SHORE JUDGMENT RECOVERY
27381 Evans Drive Marion, MD 21838 Defendant And POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND 101 Clarke Ave Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant, And WORCESTER COUNTY
Attn: Ondrea Starzhevskiy 1 West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, And ALL PERSONS THAT HA VE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: LOT 2 3102 SQ FT 504 YOUNG ST L V LAYMAN INC SUBD PL, Pocomoke Tax Account# 01-020587, Defendant. IN THE IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No.: C-23-CV-26-000013
ORDER OF
PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-020587, Property description LOT 2 3102 SQ FT 504 YOUNG ST L V LAYMAN INC SUBD PL, Pocomoke, Assessed to
Heath Clarence and Heath Jesse J, and owned by Clarence W. Heath and Jesse J. Heath. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.
It is, thereupon this 27th of January, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 19th day of April, 2026, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances., and it is further Brian D. Shockley Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
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CAROLYN W NAZELROD ESQ
444 BEAR BRANCH RD
WESTMINSTER, MD 21157-8210
SMALL ESTATE
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
ESTATE NO. 21029
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF ROBERT D. STEINBERG
AKA: ROBERT DAVIS STEINBERG
Notice is given that Robert D. Steinberg Jr., 1048 Harbor Ct., Sykesville, MD 21784-8910 was on February 17, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Robert D. Steinberg who died on December 01, 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 claims 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.
Robert D. Steinberg Jr. 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 26, 2026
BID
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SOLICITATION
FY26 Paving Projects
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for Paving Projects at various locations throughout the County during the current Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov 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 Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday March 11, 2026.
Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Wednesday, March 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents cannot be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked “Bid Solicitation –Paving Projects” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.
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BID
SOLICITATION
Propane Gas Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified Vendors to contract for the purchase and delivery of Propane Gas for County Government buildings and emergency stand-by generators located throughout the County for a period of two years with an option to extend for up to five in conformity with the
requirements contained herein in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov 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 Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
The last day for questions will be noon on April 2, 2026.
Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Thursday, April 9, 2026, at 2 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents cannot be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation –Propane Gas” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.
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BID
SOLICITATION
Refuse Collection
Worcester County are currently accepting bids for Refuse Collection at various County facilities located throughout Worcester County Maryland for a period of two years with an option to extend for up to five years in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov 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 Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
All questions are due by Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at noon.
Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 2 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents cannot be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked
“Refuse Collection Bid” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.
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LEWIS MCDANIELS, LLC
41 N Market St. Frederick, Maryland 21701
Insight Real Estate, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. Louis Costen; Ada L. Costen; The testate and intestate successors of Louis Costen, believed to be deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under the decedent; The testate and intestate successors of Ada L. Costen, believed to be deceased, and all persons claiming by, through, or under the decedent; Marie C. Smith, State Tax Sale Ombudsman; Worcester County, Maryland; any and all unknown owners of the property and premises situate in Worcester County, Maryland, described as APP 55'X165' 113 ROSS STREET SNOW HILL and being identified on the Tax Roll as Parcel ID: 02-017385, and which may be known as 113 Ross St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, 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; and, any and all persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property and premises situate in Worcester County, Maryland, described as APP 55'X165' 113 ROSS STREET SNOW HILL and being identified on the Tax Roll as Parcel ID: 02017385, and which may be known as 113 Ross St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendants.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No. C-23-CV-26-000024 (TAX SALE)
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property situate in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County, Maryland, and the State of Maryland: described as APP 55'X165' 113 ROSS STREET SNOW HILL and being identified on the Tax Roll as Parcel ID: 02-017385, and which may be known as 113 Ross St., Snow Hill, MD 21863.
The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.
It is thereupon this 11th of February, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this Order in some newspaper having general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland, once a week for three (3) successive weeks, the last insertion on or before the 19th day of April, 2026, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in
this Court by the 19th day of April, 2026, and redeem the property and/or answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in and as to the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title free and clear of all encumbrances.
Brian D. Shockley JUDGE, Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-2/26/3t
HEATHER R. KONYAR, ESQ. COCKEY, BRENNAN & MALONEY, P.C. 313 LEMMON HILL LN
SALISBURY, MD 21801-4238
NOTICE
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20882 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARK RAY EPPERSON
Notice is given that Harold Dean Epperson, 1 Meadow St., Apt. 218, Berlin, MD 21811-1367 was on February 10, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mark Ray Epperson who died on June 19, 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 10th day of August, 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 10th day of August, 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.
Harold Dean Epperson 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 26, 2026
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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE
2026-05
RE: Hotel Rental Tax
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-05 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 17, 2026. Second reading is scheduled March 2, 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 17, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance amends the expenditure of certain monies derived from the hotel rental tax to allow advertising funds to also be used for a sports complex.
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TOWN OF OCEAN CITY ORDINANCE
2026-06
RE: Taxicabs
Notice is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Ocean City, that Ordinance 2026-06 was introduced for first reading at their meeting of February 17, 2026. Second reading is scheduled March 2, 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 17, 2026, agenda packet. This ordinance clarifies denial and suspension criteria, drug testing procedures, medical fitness standards and terminology related to convictions and driver eligibility. These changes provide clearer authority and consistency in the permit decision-making process.
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County, State, Federal regulations, and in conformity with the requirements contained in the Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov, by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
A pre-bid conference will be held on site at 6113 Timmons Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 10 a.m.
The last date/time for questions will be Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at noon.
Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at 2 p.m. and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents cannot be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked “Bid Solicitation – Fuel Dispenser Replacement” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.
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B11-26 – 65th Street Service Center Renovations
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking BID’s from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the 65th Street Service Center Renovations and for said work to conform with the BID Documents.
BID
SOLICITATION
Fuel Dispenser Replacement
Worcester County Public Works is accepting proposals from qualified firms experienced in Fuel Dispenser Replacement. The successful vendor shall provide all equipment, labor and materials necessary for replacement of the fuel dispensers. All work shall be performed in a professional manner and be in compliance with all Local,
BID Documents for the 65th Street Service Center Renovations may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their
BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any BID Document received through any third-party service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed BID Documents.
A Pre-BID Meeting will be held on TUESDAY, MARCH 3RD, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST, AT THE PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, 214 65TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last Day for Questions will be on TUESDAY, MARCH 10TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM EST. Addendum will be posted by close of business on WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11TH, 2026. Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, MARCH 30TH, 2026, BY 10:00AM EST. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, MARCH 31ST, 2026, AT 1:00PM EST. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (65th Street Service Center Renovations) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late BID Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
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PROPOSAL SOLICITATION
Water Supply Capacity Management Plans
Worcester County invites qualified engineering consultants to submit proposals to prepare a Water Supply Capacity Management Plan (CMP) for both the Ocean Pines service area and the MD 611 Corridor system, develop a calibrated water model of the Ocean Pines system, including recommendations for water storage and water supply improvements for Ocean Pines and the MD 611 Corridor in conformity with the requirements contained in the Proposal Documents.
Proposal Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer, at purchasing@worcestermd.gov or by calling 410-632-1194 during 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 non-mandatory pre-proposal meeting will be held on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the
Worcester County Department of Public Works - Admin Conf. Room, 6113 Timmons Road, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
The last day for questions will be April 9, 2026, at noon. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 2 p.m. and will be opened and only vendor names will be read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863. Late Proposal Documents cannot be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked "Proposal Solicitation – Water Supply CMPs” in the lower lefthand corner. Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of this solicitation.
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ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS
Sealed bids for Coulbourne Lane Well Backup Power will be received by the Town of Snow Hill, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, until 11:00 A.M., local time, on Friday, March 27, 2026, at which time they will be opened publicly and read aloud.
The proposed project generally consists of installation of a backup power supply at the Town of Snow Hill Coulbourne Lane well facility consisting of a diesel-driven generator and automatic transfer switch.
The Issuing Office for the Bidding Documents is GEORGE, MILES & BUHR, LLC, 206 West Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland, (410) 742-3115. Prospective Bidders may examine the Bidding Documents at the Issuing Office on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and may obtain copies of the Bidding Documents from the Issuing Office as described below.
Bidding Documents may also be examined at the Town of Snow Hill, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863, on Mondays through Fridays between the hours of 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.
Copies of the Contract Documents may be purchased at the office of George, Miles & Buhr, LLC, 206 West Main Street, Salisbury, Maryland 21801, upon payment of Forty Dollars ($40.00) for each flash drive, non-refundable. Hard copies may be purchased for One Hundred Dollars ($100.00). Please email sharrold@gmbnet.com for coordination of purchase. Checks shall be made payable to George, Miles & Buhr, LLC. Neither Owner nor Engineer will be responsible for full or partial sets of Bidding Documents, including Addenda if any, obtained from sources other than the Issuing Office.
A pre-bid conference will be held
at the Snow Hill Town Hall Annex, 309 North Washington Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863 on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at 9:30 A.M. local time to allow Contractors an opportunity to obtain information on the project from the Consulting Engineer and the Owner. A site visit will immediately follow the pre-bid conference. Attendance at the pre-bid conference is encouraged but is not mandatory.
Each bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond payable to the Owner for five percent (5%) of the total amount of the bid. No bidder may withdraw his bid within one hundred (100) days after the actual date of the opening thereof.
Any contract or contracts awarded under this Advertisement for Bids will be funded through a Maryland Department of the Environment’s (MDE) Water Supply Grant. All requirements referenced in the insert dated January 2026 will apply to this project.
The Town of Snow Hill reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and/or waive informalities or irregularities, and/or to accept or reject any items of any bid, as it may deem best for its interest. The bids will be evaluated, and award will be made to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder.
Town of Snow Hill, Maryland Rick Pollitt Town Manager OCD-2/26/2t
NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARING WORCESTER COUNTY BOARD OF ZONING APPEALS AGENDA
THURSDAY MARCH 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. 26-15, on the lands of Mildred and Jacob Gatrell, on the application of Suzanne Specht, requesting an after-the-fact variance to the side yard setback from 8 feet to 6.5 feet (to encroach 1.5 feet) for an existing detached garage in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-116(c)(4), ZS 1206(b)(2) and ZS 1-305, located at 9 Burr Hill Drive, Tax Map 16, Parcel 39, Section 2, Lot 75, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:35 p.m. Case No. 26-14, on the lands of The Lions Den, Inc., on the application of Jack Mumford III, requesting a special exception to replace an existing fraternal lodge building with a new building in the R-2 Suburban Residential District, pursuant to Zoning Code §§ ZS 1-
116(c)(3), ZS 1-122(f), ZS 1-206(c)(8) and ZS 1-305, located at 9039 Worcester Highway, Tax Map 32, Parcel 7, Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.
6:40 p.m. Case No. 26-16, on the lands of KCK-F LLC, on the application of Hugh Cropper IV, requesting a special exception (transient use) to allow a special event in the A-2 Agricultural District, pursuant to Zoning Code ZS 1-105(c)(5), ZS 1-116(c)(3) and ZS 1-337, located at 10639 Griffin Road, Tax Map 20, Parcel 174,Tax District 3, Worcester County, Maryland.
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NOTICE
OF PUBLIC HEARINGS BOARD OF PORT WARDENS
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 106 ”Waterways,” Article II – “Shoreline Development” of the Code of the Town of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Port Wardens Ordinance of Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland.
Thursday, March 12, 2:00 PM
PW 26-018 A request has been submitted to remove one existing piling; install one new boatlift with four associated pilings not to exceed 16’ channelward. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 2808 PLOVER DR UNIT C Parcel # 4800 -327E - in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT/OWNER: Robert Gerald Bathurst
PW 26-019 A request has been submitted to install support pilings in front of existing bulkhead; construct a 2’ x 30’ platform with a 4.5’ x 13’ angled end (total sq.ft = 77); a 17.5’ pier with a varied width of 4’ at bulkhead end and 6’ at water end. Install one boat lift with associated pilings and two 4’ x 12’ PWC floating lifts. All construction maximum channelward extension 17.5’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 301 S HERON GULL CT Parcel # 6071A104 in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: Ken Lefebvre
APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.
PW 26-020 A request has been submitted to construct a 6’ x 25’ shared pier and install one boatlift with associated pilings maximum channelward extension of 31’. The site of the proposed construction is described as being located at 631 GULF STREAM DR Parcel # 8020A1470B- in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
OWNER: August C. Takovich
APPLICANT: J. Stacey Hart & Assoc., Inc.
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, March 12, 2026 AT 6:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(2), 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 enclosed sunroom to be 15 feet from the front property line, rather than 20 feet as required by Code. The Property is described as Lot 21, Block 7, Section K, of the Caine Woods Plat. It is further described as being located on the east side of Sea Captain Road and is locally known as 14000 Sea Captain Road, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: JEFFREY AND
MICHELLE ROSENKILDE (BZA 2734, FILE 26-09400002)
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
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PUBLIC NOTICE
Crown Castle is proposing to install telecommunications antennas & equipment on multiple poles in a geographic cluster in Ocean City, Worchester Co, MD. The deployment includes 2 existing poles at heights ranging from 33.5-35.8-ft at the following individual locations: 322 Philadelphia AVE (38° 20' 06.5" N, 75° 05' 08.1" W); and 30’ W of INT of Wilmington LN and 12th ST (38° 20' 32.3" N, 75° 04' 52.3" W).
Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30-days from the date of this publication to: V. Schaefer, Terracon, 930 Harvest Drive, Suite 430, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 267-512-7035, or Vanessa.schaefer@terracon.com.
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LEGAL
ADVERTISING
Call: 410-723-6397
Fax: 410-723-6511 or E-mail: legals@octodaydispatch.com
314 FRANK VENUE, SUITE 405 (N AV LIN A LAB CORP), BER O NEXT T
vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY
With Bunk Mann
B.B. Bombers opened in 1980 and quickly became one of Ocean City’s most popular surf shops. Boards, T-shirts, wetsuits and clothing, such as shorts and swimsuits, were sold at the small store on 8th Street.
B.B. Bombers (a “bomb” is surfing slang for a big wave) is best remembered for the surf camps it sponsored from 1985 through 1990. As owner Jack Crosby recalls, “Many of the younger kids didn’t know the rules of the road. Our purpose was to teach kids how to surf safely and to respect the rules of surfing.”
The camp was free and held over five continuous days in early August. Over 100 kids – there was no set age as long as they could swim – would participate each summer with members of the Bombers surf team as instructors. Emphasis was on safety and how to read the ocean, spot rips and use ocean currents for better surfing. A mini-competition would be held on Fridays with prizes for the winners.
B.B. Bombers closed in 1993 but will always be remembered. An authentic “Bombers” T-shirt is a prized collectible today by anyone interested in Ocean City memorabilia.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo courtesy of Jack Crosby
Things I Like...
By Steve Green
Filling up on gas when the price is lower than day before
A surprise plow from a friend after a storm
Eating out for the first time after a diet
Taking constructive criticism
Sunday newspaper features
Smiling little ones running to their parents after school
Will Ferrell’s bloopers
Smell of fresh paint in a house
A good prank
Days when I can enjoy the sunrise and sunset
Hearing feedback from my kids on school
Students urged to do sports, arts
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 26, 2026) Last week, Worcester County Public School leaders unveiled a new initiative aimed at shifting school culture to ensure students don’t feel pressured to choose between athletics or the arts.
Tamara Mills, the fine and performing arts coordinator for WCPS, gave a presentation on the campaign at a Worcester County Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 17. Mills said the project’s mission is simple: students can do both.
Mills said the idea grew out of observations she made during and after the COVID-19 crisis. She said that the arts are essential for mental health, expressing creativity, and expanding social skills. However, after the pandemic, when kids were returning to school, enrollment in these programs dropped.
The coordinator noted that, after discussions with kids and folks within the school system, a recurring theme emerged: students felt pressure to choose between a sport they loved and a performing art they also cared about.
“We don’t ever want as a school system to make students have to choose the sport they love to play and the art that gives them voice, creativity, and agency,” Mills said. “If you think about your own children, your nieces and nephews, the kids in your classroom, making them choose between two things they love isn’t
something we want to do.”
Mills researched the benefits of both athletic and artistic outlets.
According to her, students who participate in the arts are five times more likely to graduate high school than those who do not. Additionally, they are often more engaged in school activities and develop stronger critical thinking and creative skills.
From the athletic perspective, Mills noted that student-athletes, on average, have higher GPAs than peers who do not participate in sports. They also demonstrate stronger leadership skills, higher attendance rates, and develop teamwork, discipline, time management, and perseverance.
“The commonalities kept running together,” she said.
Mills also addressed a recurring reason why some students choose sports. She said pursuing athletic scholarships tends to encourage kids to give up their performing arts. While scholarships are an important consideration, she shared statistics indicating that only about 7% of high school athletes go on to play college sports. In Maryland, that number drops to about 2%, and less than 2% of that group ultimately become professional athletes.
In contrast, Mills noted that many adults continue participating in the arts throughout their lives, whether through church choirs, community theater or
local bands. She added that employers often value students who have participated in both athletics and the arts, describing them as well-rounded, resilient and strong leaders.
As a result, Mills has launched a “You Can Do Both” campaign within WCPS. She plans to meet with counselors, school administrators, athletic directors, coaches and music directors to identify and remove barriers that make dual participation difficult.
Part of the effort includes sharing arts performance dates with high schools in advance to help avoid scheduling conflicts with games or away athletic events.
“We want the culture to be that you can do both,” Mills said.
Through an arts grant, Mills hired a WCPS alum and local artist to create promotional materials for the campaign. Students representing a range of sports, grade levels and backgrounds were selected for a photoshoot. The resulting posters feature students in athletic uniforms holding instruments, sheet music, or other symbols highlighting their artistic calling.
The posters will be displayed throughout schools, including counseling offices, gyms, locker rooms, and at sporting events. The idea is that they will reinforce the message that students don’t have to sacrifice one passion for another.
“We are super proud of all of our students who are doing both,” Mills said.
by Steve Green
The Adventures of Fatherhood
(The following column is a reprint from April of 2022.)
Like most folks, my life involves a lot of juggling.
The goal is balance between family, work, professional responsibilities, physical health and spiritual wellness. Some days the goal is not accomplished, as work and professional duties win in a blowout. When this happens, I am usually riddled with guilt.
One night recently I apologized to Beckett, 14, for missing a lacrosse game in Salisbury because of a council meeting. He threw back a line I have used on him multiple times, “you need to get your priorities straight.”
He was kidding and really cracked himself up. I heard the message loud and clear though. It’s why Wednesday I drove an hour to see a game in Frederica and left behind the mound of work that probably should not have waited. Though he only played a little bit, the ride home with him and his friend was certainly worth the ride.
After a few minutes of immature banter, the boys eventually dived into their phones and air pods, and I had some downtime to think about the juggle of life.
Regarding balancing her work career with raising kids, best-selling author Nora Roberts once said, “It's too damn hard to keep everything in the air, and that's a pressure we don't need to put on ourselves. And if you drop a plastic ball, it bounces, no harm done. If you drop a glass ball, it shatters, so you have to know which balls are glass and which are plastic and prioritize catching the glass ones.”
Roberts was not literally referring to her children as balls in this case, of course. She was referring to the responsibilities in life that sometimes don’t get done or fall through in the thick of it all.
There are times when everything piles up and it’s impossible to manage it all. There must be prioritization, delegation and acceptance. The juggle applies to work and family and usually involves both with some other obligations. There are times when the plastic balls – the non-critical things -- Roberts refers to fall. There was a time when I really sweated these sorts of situations. I still don’t like when I forget or can’t manage to meet the demands of a situation, but I have the perspective now to realize not everything is paramount even if there are a couple people – notably a 14-year-old named Beckett and an 13-year-old named Carson – who value it differently.
A well-known essay called The Mayonnaise Jar and 2 Cups of Coffee from an unknown author unknown hit the right mark for me and reminds me to stay centered and keep the right perspective.
When things in your life seem almost too much to handle, when 24 hours in a day is not enough, remember the mayonnaise jar and two cups of coffee.
A professor stood before his philosophy class and had some items in front of him.
When the class began, wordlessly, he picked up a very large and empty mayonnaise jar and fills it with golf balls.
He then asked the students if the jar was full. They agreed that it was.
The professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured it into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles rolled into the open areas between the golf balls.
He then asked the students again if the jar was full. They agreed it was.
The professor next picked up a box of sand and poured it into the jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
He asked once more if the jar was full. The students responded with a
unanimous “YES”.
The professor then produced two cups of coffee from under the table and poured the entire contents into the jar, effectively filling the empty space between the sand. The students laughed.
“Now,” said the professor, as the laughter subsided, “I want you to recognize that this jar represents your life. The golf balls are the important things - God, family, children, health, friends, and favorite passions. Things, that if everything else was lost and only they remained, your life would still be full. The pebbles are the things that matter like your job, house, and car. The sand is everything else -- the small stuff.” he said.
“If you put the sand into the jar first,” he continued, “There is no room for the pebbles or the golf balls. The same goes for life. If you spend all your time and energy on the small stuff, you will never have room for the things that are important to you...” he told them.
“So... pay attention to the things that are critical to your happiness. Worship with your family. Play with your children. Take your partner out to dinner. Spend time with good friends. There will always be time to clean the house and fix the dripping tap. Take care of the golf balls first -- the things that really matter. Set your priorities. The rest is just sand.”
One of the students raised her hand and inquired what the coffee represented.
The professor smiled and said, “I'm glad you asked. It just goes to show you that no matter how full your life may seem, there's always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend.”
Please share this with other "Golf Balls."
(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.)
Winter weather wrap-up: surf as often as you can
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Feb. 27, 2026) As of this writing there’s multiple inches of snow on the ground.
By the time this issue goes to print the snow will hopefully have melted. Thus the up-anddown weather of a Delmarva winter.
This goes for the surf conditions as well. A significant component of this recent stormy weather was the wind, its direction, velocity and surf that it produced.
Multiple surveys of the surf show various conditions and plenty of participants in the water. Is it cold? You bet. It’s in the mid-30’s. But it’s nothing that a thick wetsuit can’t handle.
And so it goes. The surf that is. Conditions will vary and nature will take its course. Nature is one of the prime components of the surf, good or bad.
So what does it take? Consistency is of paramount importance. The more often a surfer can get in the water the better for all concerned. Conditions are not always favorable and this makes it more difficult to maintain consistency.
At any rate, the rising tide of winter is just about coming to a conclusion. Unfortunately, it tends to linger at the beach, taking longer to come to an end. This is due to cold water temperatures staying in the 40’s until around the end of April.
To wrap it up, stay in the water as much as you possibly can. Sure, it’s counterintuitive, but better overall, especially in the long run. Go surfing, as often as you can.
- Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
Town amends comprehensive plan
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) Saying they have heard the public’s concerns, Ocean City officials this week voted to make changes to the draft comprehensive plan.
On Tuesday, the City Council voted to proceed with the first reading of the 2025 comprehensive plan, a long-range policy document that guides the city’s land use, infrastructure investments and legislative updates in the coming decade.
However, council members first made a handful of changes, mainly pertaining to some language challenged by community members at a meeting earlier this month.
“There were some comments and concerns raised from the public,” Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler said. “We took those comments and concerns and re-
viewed them … and we made changes from those concerns.”
On Feb. 2, after months of review by the city’s planning commission, the council held a public hearing on its comprehensive plan update. However, comments collected from that hearing requested some changes to specific sections of the document.
Some objected to the plan associating short-term rentals with “adverse” impacts, while others objected to the plan’s proposal to reduce or eliminate the practice of nonconformity, referring to properties and buildings that were legally established under previous zoning regulations but no longer comply with current ordinances.
With those comments in mind, city staff this week presented the Ocean City Council with several proposed edits, eliminating or softening the language associated with the two topics. For exam-
ple, Bendler noted that language related to short-term rentals remained in the document, but that additional terminology was included.
“It says they are managing adverse impacts, not saying short-term rentals are adverse impacts,” Council President Matt James clarified.
The council this week also agreed to keep some language referring to nonconformity, specifically the town’s desire to encourage the reduction of nonconformity when a property is redeveloped.
“It’s not saying you have to do it,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.
After further discussion, the council voted 6-0 to advance the draft planning document to a first reading.
“Generally I think all of this looks fine. I appreciate what you guys have done,” James said. “I think this probably satisfies the overwhelming majority of those that had any questions or concerns.”
Nonprofit seeks hygiene products
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 27, 2026) Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services is asking county residents to donate to its “Hygiene Drive” to help community members in need. The program runs until the end of February.
According to organizers, the drive aims to raise awareness among neighbors who may be struggling to afford basic necessities. Jennifer Leggour, WYFCS executive director, said efforts like this provide critical supplies that some would otherwise lack access to, while also strengthening community connections.
“A drive like this heightens awareness about our neighbors who are struggling,” she said. “With that, it brings the community together to help one another.”
WYFCS has hosted similar drives for many years when a specific need is identified. Leggour said the organization has historically rotated among collections of food, clothing, and hygiene products, depending on what is most pressing at the time. This year’s focus is on personal care items.
The greatest needs include period products, body wash, underwear, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, and youth hygiene items. WYFCS is also requesting other high-demand products, including diapers, shampoo, conditioner, lotion, hand sanitizer, lip balm, hair combs and brushes, and dental floss.
The official end date for the drive is February 28. However, Leggour said that donations are welcome year-round and will be kept in the organization’s storage pantry for ongoing distribution.
Additionally, WYFCS is also preparing for its largest annual fundraiser, the Luau at Sunset Grille, scheduled for June 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.
The event is $35 per ticket and includes a buffet meal, a signature Teaser’s Bar cocktail, and a party favor.
Donations for the hygiene drive can be dropped off at the WYFCS office at 124 N. Main Street, Suite C, anytime Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.
to 6 p.m., the Berlin Library at 13 Harrison Avenue during its regular hours, or the Ocean Pines Library at 11107 Cathell Rd. during its normal hours of operation. Community members can also contribute through the organization’s Amazon wishlist at bit.ly/givewyfcs.
EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST
DENTAL
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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410250-2000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, ItalianAmerican mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ 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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
FENWICK ISLAND
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-5392607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY
Closed - Reopens March 11 Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-4362305, twiningshanty.com
Reservations | Kids’ Menu
“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
WEST OCEAN CITY
■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL
9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com
$$ | 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.
Taustin family rolling out ‘1945’ rebranding
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) The Embers Restaurant is rebranding to 1945 Steak & Seafood.
Over the past several months, the restaurant’s team has been refreshing the interior design, re-training staff and developing a new menu that better reflects a more refined dining destination.
While the concept has been in the works since ownership opened the redeveloped 23rd Street facility in 2023, the new name will signal the next step in the business’s progression.
“We didn’t yet have the full team in place when we opened up, because of the delays, and the name still carried expectations that no longer reflected who we were,” owner Cole Taustin said. “So we are 100% confident now that we’ve got the right people, we’ve got the right menu and we’ve got the right atmosphere to be able to provide exactly what Ocean City needs.”
The Embers Restaurant is no stranger to evolution. In 1945, the Taustin family opened the restaurant as a fine-dining establishment on the Boardwalk. By the 1960s, the operation had moved to 23rd Street.
“When we came out of the gates when my family opened up in 1945 on the Boardwalk, Ocean City was very white collar,” Taustin said. “Gentlemen wore white jackets to dinner, ladies wore dresses. It was very formal.”
But in 1985, all of that changed when The Embers became an all-youcan eat buffet, making it the first of its kind in Ocean City. The dining concept remained until 2020, when the family opted to shutter in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, the story didn’t end there, as in 2021 the restaurant was demolished to make room for a new three-story complex that combined restaurants, retail and entertainment. The development – named District 24 – opened two years later, with The Embers operating under a new dining concept on the top floor.
“The assumptions just kept getting rolled around that the building is different but The Embers is the same, even though it was nothing like that,” Taustin said. “We totally changed how we operate and our concept.”
Simply put: the concept was right, but the story was unclear. Despite introducing a new concept, confusion tied to the restaurant’s former buffet experience remained.
This season, the restaurant long known as The Embers will relaunch as 1945 Steak & Seafood, a name that harkens back to the restaurant’s origins. The new menu – rooted in American chophouse tradition and inspired by the flavors of Italy, Spain and France – will include hand-cut steaks and chops, fresh, responsibly sourced seafood and Western Mediterranean-inspired entrees and small plates, to name a few items.
“This restaurant has been part of Ocean City for generations,” said Jay Taustin, Cole Taustin’s father, who has stepped back from daily operations but remains connected to the business. “To see it continue evolving while staying true to its roots is incredibly meaningful. 1945 Steak & Seafood represents everything we’ve always believed in – quality, hospitality and pride in what we serve.”
For his part, Cole Taustin said his team wants to provide guests with “top-of-the-line” food and service. Whether guests are seeking a formal night out, or simply a place to eat after a day at the beach, they can find that experience at 1945 Steak & Seafood.
“You can be comfortable coming in in flipflops,” he said. “But if you feel like you want to get yourself dressed up and have a night out on the town – a girl wants to wear a nice dress or a guy wants to put on a jacket – by all means, we want to see you.”
And when patrons visit, Taustin said decades of history will be there to greet them, as old pictures of the restaurant, along with its employees and guests, will now decorate the restaurant.
“When my uncles were starting out, the details mattered. Growing up, my father engrained in me the details matter. And it’s something I want to
carry through,” he said. “So we want to make sure that even though the expectations of the consumers throughout Ocean City have evolved, at the end of the day the details still matter. And we want to make sure that we’re welcoming guests into our home. We want them to feel that.”
Taustin said those interested in learning more about 1945 Steak & Seafood can visit the restaurant’s website, 1945oc.com, or its social media accounts. Reservations will open ahead of the April launch.
The former establishment, The Embers Restaurant, is preparing to rebrand as a more refined eatery, to be known as 1945 Steak & Seafood.
Residents discuss Rt. 113 crossing project
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Feb. 27, 2026) While a pedestrian bridge over Route US 113 could reunite disconnected communities with Berlin services, officials and residents debate whether more grounded solutions could be a better fit than the $15 million skyway.
Last week, Berlin and project leaders invited the community to meetings to learn more about the possibility of a bridge over Route 113, which since its installation in the 1950s has physically divided the town.
The dual highway’s width limits safe pedestrian and bike access between east-side neighborhoods and destinations such as schools, healthcare facilities, downtown, parks, and the town’s sole grocery store, Food Lion.
In an attempt to address the issue, the Town of Berlin has been studying the feasibility of providing a pedestrian bridge for residents cut off from a safe route to key services.
Project representatives attended the information session last Wednesday. They presented possible bridge locations: Old Ocean City Boulevard, Bay Street, and Germantown Road.
Nearby services at the Old Ocean City crossing include Food Lion, medical uses northeast of the intersection, and commercial spots west of the intersection.
At Bay Street, a bridge could improve access to Henry Park and nearby commercial locations like Dollar General. A bridge at the Germantown Road position would allow residents to reach Roadie Joe’s, as well as Worcester County sports fields and churches.
However, there was considerable debate over whether a physical bridge is the most appropriate and realistic approach.
Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall maintained that the initiative does not necessarily need to be a bridge, but could be any kind of endeavor that promotes neighborhood connectivity. He added that if the physical path is chosen, only one of the three possible sites would be selected for construction.
“The focus of the grant was specific to bridging a highway that divides,” he said. “A play on words…it is not saying that a bridge is going to go at all three or any of those places.”
Timothy Connor, senior manager for transportation at Gannett Fleming Inc., added that while his team was contracted with determining the feasibility of a pedestrian bridge, the actual remedy could be a myriad of combinations, even axing the elevated crossing altogether.
Some attendees suggested that a walkable system with sidewalks, crosswalks and flashing lights would provide east-side communities a simpler path to
reach Berlin’s frequented spots.
“All those things are possibilities,” Tyndall said.
Patti Stevens, founder of the Worcester County Bike and Pedestrian Coalition, was also present last Wednesday, where she spoke to the importance of safe, walkable neighborhoods.
Stevens said that actual, physical pedestrian bridges exist across the United States, and that they offer easy ways for walkers and bikers to cross busy highways. While the construction could be configurations of crosswalks
CROSSWORD
rather than an overpass, the WCBPC creator maintained that “these kinds of bridges exist all around the country and there’s no reason why it couldn’t be in Berlin.”
Tyndall added that a bridge across US 113 would be the safest option.
Some participants at last week’s meeting argued that targeting drivers could help reduce roadway hazards. Adding green spaces or murals, for instance, could encourage vehicle operators to slow down as they take in the area’s aesthetics.
The mayor, however, countered that
HOROSCOPE
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TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, you might uncover a previously unnoticed talent or find a fantastic, easy way to increase your income stream. Your instincts about finances are particularly sharp.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
You are stepping into a week of elevated confidence and personal magnetism, Gemini. It’s the perfect time to make a splash, meet new people or launch a personal project.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
This week brings soothing energy, allowing you to find deep comfort and resolution with any lingering personal matters. A moment of quiet reflection will bring a profound realization about your path forward.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Your social connections are bringing incredible joy and opportunity, Leo. A friend or colleague has valuable information that can directly benefit your goals.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
All eyes are on your professional achievements, and recognition is due, Virgo. Expect positive feedback, a nod from an important figure or a chance to take on more responsibility.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
This week ignites your desire for learning and adventure, Libra. If you’ve been putting off a trip or a new course of study, the time to commit is now.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Complex issues feel manageable this week, Scorpio. You have the emotional intelligence to navigate and resolve long-standing challenges in shared resources or relationships.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, your one-on-one relationships, both personal and professional, are reaching a new peak of understanding and support. A shared goal with a key person becomes much clearer.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
You feel a vibrant surge of energy and vitality this week, Capricorn. It’s an ideal time to commit to a new health routine or simply enjoy the ease and flow of your daily tasks.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
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The cosmos is supporting your home and emotional life, Pisces. You feel a wonderful sense of security and belonging. It’s a great time for connecting with your roots.
Berlin to explore funding options
these initiatives wouldn’t reach the root of the problem.
“The best practice is to take the bicycle and pedestrian traffic off where vehicles are,” he said. “We talk about the idea where you can slow folks down, you can make it look beautiful, I don’t disagree, but the fact is it’s not truly the highest level of safety. If you’re going to take children and ask them to cross a crosswalk, can we make it better? Yes. Can we make it truly, truly safe? Not the best.”
There were also some concerns about how those with disabilities could use a potential bridge.
“I am currently one who is walking challenged,” said Dean Burrell, Berlin Town Council vice president. “... I might walk up to the thing and say, ‘I’ll take my chance crossing the highway.’ I would like to have that especially considered.”
Tyndall maintained that project leaders intend to ensure a bridge is usable to all.
“[Burrell] is correct because it’s important that if that is the route that we take, we make it accessible to folks and not overly obstruct it, because we don’t want you to have to walk down to Tripoli Street to be able to obtain a bridge on Bay Street,” he said. “But we do have to be understanding of the engineering side, too.”
Money for the reconnection project has posed some challenges. As Connor stated last Wednesday, if the town opts to construct a physical bridge over US Route 113, the project cost could soar well beyond $15 million.
In August 2025, the municipality announced that nearly $1 million of federal funding previously awarded for the Connecting Neighborhoods initiative had been rescinded. While Berlin received the initial $250,000, Congress eliminated the remaining $950,000 in a budget reconciliation bill passed in July.
Following the cuts, Berlin began working with the Maryland Department of Transportation to identify alternative funding sources. MDOT later let the town know that it had located $643,000 in unspent earmarked federal funds that could be redirected to the Route 113 project. However, the municipality 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 two days to decide whether to claim the dollars.
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 stipulation,
at the end of last summer, Berlin formally asked the Worcester County Commissioners to repurpose the funding for the Route 113 effort.
Ultimately, a commission majority voted to reallocate $24,000 from the Rails and Trails funding pot toward the Route 113 initiative.
Combined with $104,000 already available, the $24,000 brought Berlin to its minimum 20% match of $128,000.
Still, officials maintain that the current balance is nowhere near where the project needs to be. However, when asked last week how the project would be funded, Tyndall said it would likely be a collaboration among the municipality, the state, and the federal government.
“Keep in mind it’s a federal highway system,” he said. “A state highway that helps maintain it, and a municipality. So, there’s probably going to be some form of a partnership. To think we’re going to spend $15 million for a bridge in the Town of Berlin by ourselves, not going to happen. We cannot do that without partnerships.”
The mayor added that, to determine what any potential funding relationship would look like, the town must first have a plan for how best to address the Route 113 issue, whether that is a physical bridge or a crosswalk system.
11530 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE SOUTH POINT BERLIN
For OC, storm’s high winds caused concerns
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Feb. 27, 2026) Ocean City and surrounding communities spent the early part of this week cleaning up from a winter storm that brought high winds and several inches of snow and left thousands of homes without power.
Weather conditions began to deteriorate Sunday afternoon, when rain converted to snow and winds started to pick up along the coast. In Ocean City, the storm reached blizzard-level conditions by around 6:45 p.m., with sustained winds of 35 mph and wind gusts exceeding 50 mph by around 10 p.m.
“The biggest thing we’ve had to deal with is the winds,” Ocean City Public Works Deputy Director Woody Vickers
said in an interview Monday. “The winds have been terrible, with gusts between 50-55 mph, possibly up to 60.”
Worcester County inland recorded significant snowfall, with some areas seeing 12 inches or more of accumulation in less than 24 hours. The heavy, wet snow, combined with the high winds, brought down several trees and power lines, resulting in hours-long outages for many residents.
In Ocean City, for example, city officials shared reports of scattered power outages, particularly in areas south of 40th Street. As a result, some traffic lights were not in operation for several hours as utilities crews worked to restore electricity.
“It was like the Fourth of July here
last night,” Vickers said Monday. “Transformers were popping everywhere.”
In Berlin, the entire municipality lost power around 9 p.m. and remained without electricity through the overnight hours, with power restored in phases through 5 p.m. Monday. Members of the Maryland National Guard were also brought in Monday to help with the restoration efforts.
“I have always been proud of our team at the Town of Berlin but these last 36 hours have been a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our town employees,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said in a Facebook post Tuesday. “Many showed up at 6 p.m. on Sunday and worked through the day
yesterday to help clear the roads and restore power. They worked through freezing temperatures, strong winds, and historic snowfall. Thank you Town of Berlin Public Works, Electric, Water Resources, Police, and Berlin Fire Company for everything you have done and continue to do for our community.”
The cleanup began in earnest early Monday morning, with public works crews working alongside the Maryland State Highway Administration to plow and treat roadways. By 9 a.m., municipal bus service in Ocean City resumed.
However, the snowstorm resulted in several closures, including those for Worcester County Public Schools, Worcester County Government and more.
STEWART DOBSON/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Early Monday morning the photographer had the snow-covered boards all to himself to document.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE AT MALIBU’S
The view from the Boardwalk on Monday morning was one to document, as multiple inches of snow on the boards and beach were the foreground with monster huge waves as the background.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE DETWILER PHOTOGRAPHY
Snow accumulating on the beach and then being washed away by crashing waves was the norm on Monday morning.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRACTURED LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
A snow-covered Ocean City is pictured Monday, thanks to a drone capturing the full scale of the island.
RENEE KELLY/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Massive downed trees were a major problem for property owners along Cathell Road near Ocean Pines on Sunday and Monday.
A local furry resident takes a breather under a tree after frolicking in the snow drifts on Monday.
PHOTO COURTESY OF TAMMY CONSIGLI
A snow-covered beach and pier are pictured Sunday afternoon as the winter storm ramped up, causing conditions to deteriorate rapidly around the area.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRACTURED LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
STEWART DOBSON/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
The playground set at Bayside Park on 4th Street was not particularly inviting on Monday morning after about eight inches of snow fell in Ocean City.
PHOTO COURTESY OF LEE AT MALIBU’S
The winter nor’easter brought some of the largest waves local surfers have seen in many years. Once the worst of the storm conditions cleared, surfers were seen in the ocean.
PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE DETWILER PHOTOGRAPHY
The Boardwalk is pictured Monday morning looking south just north of the Wicomico Street Pier.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRACTURED LENS PHOTOGRAPHY
These sea gulls were standing strong amid gusting winds on Sunday evening at the Inlet facing south toward Assateague Island.
Spring Trade Expo returns to Ocean City for two-day event
(Feb. 27, 2026) The largest hospitality trade show in the Mid-Atlantic, the 52nd Annual Ocean City Spring Trade Expo, will return to the Ocean City convention center on March 8–9.
The event, which is one to the trade only, will bring together nearly 5,000 buyers and sellers for two days of sales, education, and high-impact networking. Designed for hospitality professionals looking to boost profits, streamline operations, and stay ahead of industry trends, the expo continues to be a cornerstone event for the region.
“Over the past 52 years, we’ve worked tirelessly to create a trade show that provides an affordable platform for both small and large vendors to connect with hospitality owners and managers while showcasing their products and services,” said OCMD Hospitality Association Executive Director Susan Jones.
In partnership with the MD Tourism Coalition, this year’s Expo introduces “Industry Insights,” a robust lineup of educational sessions delivering practical, forward-thinking strategies attendees can implement immediately. Highlights include:
• Hospitality Reimagined by Intelligence — A forward-looking panel
featuring leaders from the Delaware Restaurant Association, Henlopen Hospitality, Stonebridge Companies, Atlas Restaurant Group, and the University of Delaware, exploring AI, data intelligence, and workforce trends shaping the future of hospitality.
• Be Found First: Tactics to Win in the AI Era — Spark Hudson CoFounder Will Perry shares the AI Visibility Playbook and essential strategies for staying relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.
• Profit with Purpose — Discover how non-alcoholic beverage programs can drive revenue, enhance guest satisfaction, and reduce liability.
• Margin by Design — Solutions Coach Ryan James reveals proven frameworks for smarter pricing and data-driven menu engineering.
On Monday, March 9 at 10 a.m., keynote speaker Dr. Bryan Deptula will present “Winning Conflict: Finding the ‘Win’ in Every Conflict,” offering leaders actionable strategies to turn workplace conflict into a catalyst for innovation, retention, and performance.
On the show floor, the Spotlight Stage will feature live demonstrations and entertainment, including appearances by “Maverick Mixologist” Dean Serneels, who will showcase the latest
Laurreen Bunting/Keller Wi 01 S Herroon Drive #26B, Ocean City 2BR/2.5BA
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Info sessions, demos planned
cocktail trends and techniques to maximize profitability. Additional sessions will explore robotics in hospitality with RobotLAB, zero-proof beverage innovation with UNDONE and Athletic Brewing Co., and allergen-safe cooking demonstrations from renowned chefs.
New this year, the second floor will feature interactive, hands-on experiences, including The Art of Hospitality, where attendees can create a guided painting with artist Ali Jacobs of T.C. Studios, and the Red Bull Meet-Up Lounge, offering a comfortable space to recharge and connect.
Attendees can also participate in engaging safety demonstrations in partnership with the Maryland Department of Transportation Highway Safety Office and the Ocean City Police Department, featuring Fatal Vision® Impairment Goggles to simulate the effects of impaired, distracted, and drowsy driving.
Culinary competition heats up on
Monday with the Restaurant Association of Maryland World Food Championship Qualifier, where competing chefs will battle for a Golden Ticket to the national stage.
Networking opportunities extend beyond the show floor, beginning with the Welcome Party at Ocean Downs Casino on Saturday, March 7, followed by After-Expo Gatherings at Skye Bar and Buxy’s Salty Dog Saloon.
The expo is not open to the general public and is reserved for hospitality industry buyer professionals. Attendees must provide proof of industry affiliation to register.
Expo hours are Sunday, March 8 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Monday, March 9, with the keynote at 10 a.m. and exhibit hall hours from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. After March 4, on-site registration is $25 per person.
For the full schedule and event details, visit www.oceancitytradeexpo.com or call 410- 289-6733.
Opinions
Electric service must be better protected
There must be a better way, and it must be a way that the public can afford, because otherwise society is completely helpless without it. That would be how to deliver electric service, without which our world ceases to function.
And yet, the distribution of power to consumers is not that much different on a fundamental level from what it was 70 years ago. For the most part, power delivery to our homes, businesses and vital institutions continues to depend on wires overhead and poles in the ground that stretch out from unprotected hubs and substations.
Although the generation and storage of electricity, along with the management of its delivery to society, have seen great advances over the past hundred years, it remains that most homes are connected to these vast grids by overhead wires that are at the mercy of the elements.
These lines break, they fall, they are damaged by high winds, heavy snow, and wildlife. The transformers connected to them blow up after overheating because of surges, overloading and the weather. Poles comes down or are mowed down by errant vehicles.
All our technology, banking, health care, government services and entertainment, lighting, heating, cooling, cooking and appliances can be rendered useless just like that because of the weather and no one — no one — has come up with a way to prevent this potentially disastrous interruption of service from occurring when the weather gets rough ... at least not in a way we can afford.
No one at the moment knows this better than Berlin residents, who were reminded of our vulnerability when they lost their electrical power Sunday night during the early stages of the nor’easter that spent 24 hours or so pounding the coast.
As they can tell you, there’s nothing quite like sitting at home helplessly in the candlelight for an extended period to remind us that we need to do more to protect this one thing that makes us who we are today, and prevents us from slipping back to who we were a century ago.
How smart we aren’t
When the lights flickered and the power went off a few nights ago, the first thing I did was turn to my “smart” television and say, “You’re not so stinkin’ smart now are you?”
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By Stewart Dobson
I didn’t say exactly that, but it’s what AI suggested I write for our general readership, as opposed to a group of individuals you wouldn’t want to play Scrabble with around the kids:
“Oh! Mr. So-and-So just wrote a bad word, Mommy!”
“Yes, he did, dear. And that dumb #@*&^%)* spelled it wrong, too. Hahahahaha.”
Anyway, just to be clear, I did not actually talk to the television, which would be pointless given the number of times I’ve yelled at it without result during sporting events, political speeches and Jeopardy!
Also, I never consult AI on what to say or how to say it, since AI’s answers are based on “accepted” knowledge, as in what everyone thinks is correct rather than what they actually know.
For instance, if AI was based on what society “knew” in ancient times, people would have known the earth was not flat but was hemispherical and held up in the sky by four elephants and a cosmic turtle.
In addition, anyone inclined to try AI for anything important should note that “AI” doesn’t say how intelligent this “Intelligence” is.
For all we know, the AI we’re using might be Artificial (Low) Intelligence instead of Artificial (High) Intelligence or even Artificial (Let’s Just Get Along) Intelligence, which is smart enough to avoid controversy.
Us: “So, is the world flat?”
AI: “Who’s asking?”
Look, I’m not opposed to AI, but I am aware someone is on the other end of it, and that person or persons is gathering intelligence on me.
Sure, that sounds paranoid, but after setting up a new “Smart” TV and a new “Smart” washing machine recently, I think I know what I’m talking about.
As for the TV, I fed it and the cable company so much information in the setup process that I half expected to get a text on my phone that said, “We’re sorry. We’ve decided to accept someone who’s more qualified.”
It was the washing machine that put me over the edge. This particular model has something like 45 settings, from “Extra Persnickety” (Best for Grandma’s Hand-Stitched Lace Doilies” to “Crime Scene Cleanup.”
And, of course, it has an app that connects to the internet so you can operate it with your phone. Why is that a good thing?
As far as I can tell all this feature does for me is allow me to turn on the wash from anywhere, should I forget why I loaded it like five minutes earlier and walked away to talk to the TV or something.
I’ll tell you why, it’s so the machine can record everything and send data on my laundry habits back to the manufacture and whatever marketers bought my information from them.
AI will then do its thing, and I’ll get a text message that says, “We see you don’t separate your lights from your darks, so try our new laundry detergent ... it’s engineered for idiots like you who ignore their wife’s instructions
Between the Lines
By Steve Green
Despite pressure from the governor and other high-ranking members of his party, Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson (a Baltimore City Democrat) effectively killed the state’s attempt to gerrymander congressional districts. Ferguson consistently maintained the legislation would not be introduced in the Senate chamber after passing the House of Delegates because he viewed it as illegal.
Back in October, Ferguson, an attorney, signaled in a letter to Maryland senators he was going to block the redistricting attempt, writing, “mid-cycle redistricting for Maryland presents a reality where the legal risks are too high, the timeline for action is dangerous, the downside risk to Democrats is catastrophic…”
Ferguson deserves praise for standing against robust pressures within his state as well as U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York. Jeffries visited Annapolis earlier this month in a Hail Mary attempt to convince Ferguson to move the legislation out of committee and to the full Senate. Ferguson again said no, as he did repeatedly to Gov. Wes Moore. Jeffries and Moore have both maintained if the bill made it to the Senate floor the measure would easily pass, as it did in the House.
Nonetheless, Ferguson said there were not 16 votes to petition the bill out of committee as required. He was consistent throughout in his opposition to redistricting, saying it would be overturned in courts when challenged. Ferguson is probably right as it was a blatant attempt to redraw state lines to allow Democrats to hold all eight congressional districts (seven are currently held by Democrats with District 1 represented by Republican Andy Harris). District 1 currently contains the entire Eastern Shore and parts of Baltimore and Harford counties.
With the filing deadline passing this week, it’s interesting to note incumbent Harris of Dorchester County is one of only two Republicans who filed as compared to four Democrats. It’s worth noting neither former Salisbury Mayor Jake Day (current secretary of the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development) nor current Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall filed after exploration efforts launched last year.
***
Some Maryland sheriffs, including Worcester County’s Matt Crisafulli and Wicomico County’s Mike Lewis, have made headlines in recent weeks for their opposition to the state’s emergency legislation banning 287 (g) agreements. The legislation forces nine Maryland counties to stop working with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on crackdowns on illegal immigrants and allowing jails to act as holding areas for individuals found to not be legal. While Worcester is not impacted, counties affected include Wicomico, Allegany, Carroll, Cecil, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s and Washington.
Crisafulli took to Facebook recently to answer county residents who he says are inquiring as to why Worcester County was not on the list of jurisdictions impacted by the state move.
“Sheriff’s that have jurisdiction over their county detention facilities, that participated in this program can assure you, how safe and effective this model was. 9 county Sheriff’s in our state, participated in the 287G,” he wrote. “Wicomico County Executive, Ms. Julie Giordano, signed the agreement, as she has direction and control of their detention facility. Job well done, Julie! It’s unfortunate that this was dissolved. That approach minimized risk to the public, minimized risk to law enforcement, and ensured that individuals with outstanding warrants were handled in a secure environment. With the dissolution of this jail-based model, the reality is that federal authorities will now have fewer structured handoff opportunities inside detention facilities. That likely means an increase in street-level enforcement actions to locate individuals who otherwise would have been transferred safely from custody.
“The 287(g) jail model was not about broad enforcement, it was about secure coordination. From a public safety standpoint, it worked! It worked very well!”
Crisafulli made it clear as the county’s sheriff he does not have authority over the Worcester jail. He wrote, “The Sheriffs that had signed this agreement, had control over their detention facilities, we have a Warden. Our Sheriff’s Office does not have direction and control of the detention facility. They separated in 1982 and went to having a Warden. I would have proudly supported having this type of program. My deputies are not affiliated with the detention center. An agreement would have had to have been established with Worcester County Government, such was done in Wicomico County.”
Additionally, Crisafulli and Lewis were in Annapolis this week with Caroline County Sheriff Donnie Baker and Somerset County Sheriff Ronnie Howard testifying against two pieces of proposed legislation dealing with ICE. The bills are expected to pass. Senate Bill 660 says police officers must respond, observe and record ICE activity within their jurisdictions. Senate Bill 791 would limit police actions on immigration enforcement, including not permitting officers to ask about an individual’s immigration status and prohibit police from notifying ICE of an arrest of an illegal immigrant.
Ocean City charter needs amendments
Editor,
Recent events have exposed flaws in the Town Charter and the urgent need for an update.
The eligibility of former Council Member DeLuca to serve received a great deal of attention. His support for a short term rental ban ruffled the feathers of many. It was no big secret that he had sold his long term residence in town and was spending a great deal of time in Annapolis to tend to family matters. A wellfunded and organized group put the question of Mr. DeLuca’s residency in the spotlight, with the goal of finding a way to banish him from serving on the Council.
Mr. DeLuca was always a high vote getter, missed very few meetings, and served honorably during his time on the Council. He did a great deal of good. Sadly, in his deep desire to stay on the Council and to fight those who opposed him, he was exposed for what many would agree for being less than honest. He sunk his own ship while being adamant that the Coconut Malorie was his new permanent residence. Anyone familiar with Ocean City would probably agree that this was not truthful. Mr. DeLuca would eventually resign and save the Council from having to vote on whether or not to kick him off the Council.
In a recent Election, Town resident Leslie Smith made her intention to run for Town Council known. The Town Council would eventually vote to exclude her from running because she was deemed to not be a full time town
resident. Why? Because she rented her residence for a few weeks to make a few extra bucks. This was an unconscionable move by the Town Council. Nobody questioned Ms. Smith’s passion for Ocean City or her intelligence. Instead, the Council played a game of “gotcha” and moved to exclude her because she possessed a rental license.
I think that most everyone would agree that it should be the Voters who elect their Politicians. The idea that the Council determines who is eligible to run for office is a blatant conflict of interest that needs to be addressed. If the current Council might fear a strong Candidate, will they work extra hard to find a loophole to exclude them? If a new Candidate for office is part of the in crowd, might the current Council turn a blind eye to issues not favorable to their Buddy? No matter how one might answer these questions, it should be quite clear that the Town Council should not determine who is qualified to run for office.
There is an easy fix to this situation. In order to vote in the Town elections, you must be registered to vote in the Town of Ocean City. It is clear as a bell and cut and dry. If eligible to vote, you should be eligible to run for office. It takes all the pressure off of the Town Council and makes things fair for perspective candidates and voters. There is not one valid argument that can be made to counter this common sense approach. I call on the Town Council to work to clean up the Charter and to make the qualifications to run for office simply based on a current voter registration status.
M. Scott Chismar Ocean City
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
(Feb. 27, 2026) Just when we thought we were done with the snow and wind, the unthinkable happens. Not only does it snow again but we have a blizzard! Oh well, we can’t change the weather, so it does not do any good to complain.
Since this storm was a doozy, I decided to stock up with a wide variety of foods and vintage wine.
I’m not in the mood for anything heavy, and I am too tired to fix an entrée, so I am leaning towards the idea of a dip such as hummus. But hummus and chips are not exactly exciting my palette.
All of a sudden, I remembered I bought some gorgeous fruit. But fruit and a savory hummus is not the best pairing. For some reason chocolate kept coming to the forefront. Then it dawned on me, chocolate hummus and fresh fruit sounds yummy.
Store bought hummus is so convenient but homemade hummus gives one the opportunity to personalize the
creamy starter to coincide with a particular menu. It also allows one to present more interesting choices which ultimately makes for a more memorable occasion.
If you have never made homemade hummus, you will be surprised how easy it is to prepare. Following are a few tips to facilitate the making of fabulous hummus and understand the science behind the Middle Eastern dish.
First and foremost, chickpeas are the foundation of any hummus. Dried chickpeas will give you more flavor but there is more work involved as opposed to canned chickpeas.
That being said, there is a misconception that brining is just for meats; dried beans will also benefit from this process. Dried beans that have not been brined have a tendency to lose their skins when subjected to heat for a significant period of time. This is not very attractive and affects the texture of the overall dish.
In addition, dried beans that have not been brined have a tendency to cook unevenly and take longer to achieve the desired stage of tenderness.
According to Cook’s Illustrated, “as
the beans soak, the sodium ions replace some of the calcium and magnesium ions in the skins. Because sodium ions are more weakly charged than calcium and magnesium ions, they allow more water to penetrate into the skins leading to a softer texture.”
The brining formula for dried beans is 3 tablespoons of table salt to 4 quarts of cold water for every pound of dried beans.
While we are on the subject of chemistry, add a touch of baking soda to your brining and cooking formulas. The baking soda will raise the pH of the water which will help the cells in the outermost part of the bean to soften. It is these subtle steps that make all the difference in a dish.
Hummus perfectionists insist on peeling the skins after the chickpeas have been cooked. This is a tedious and time-consuming step. Pressing the hummus through a mesh strainer alleviates this problem.
Tahini is a condiment made from toasted ground hulled sesame. It is a key ingredient for hummus and can be found in your local grocery store in the international section.
One might be wondering is tahini necessary for a sweet hummus? Yes, the tahini gives the dish depth of flavor even when one is making a dessert hummus.
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Tahini typically comes in a jar and has a tendency to separate. Therefore, it is imperative to mix the tahini paste and olive oil until it is thoroughly blended.
If you have a hand-held immersion blender, this is the time to use it. It will break down the chickpeas much better and faster than a food processor or standard blender. The smoothness of the hummus is critical for a professional look.
If time is of the essence, and one does not have time to make hummus from dried beans, no worries. Canned chickpeas are perfectly acceptable and save a lot of time and elbow grease.
In closing, if you are a fan of hummus, consider a dessert hummus. Fresh fruit, cookies, pretzels, nuts, and chocolate hummus are a quick, delicious twist on the classic fruit plate. Enjoy!
Chocolate Hummus
Ingredients
1 (15-ounce) can of chickpeas, drained
½ cup tahini
½ cup cocoa powder
¼ cup maple syrup
¼ cup powdered sugar
2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons heavy cream
1. Rinse and drain the chickpeas.
2. Place ingredients in a medium bowl, and using a hand-held immersion blender, puree the mixture until very smooth. If it is not velvety smooth, push it through a mesh strainer by using the back of a big spoon.
3. Serve chocolate hummus with favorite fruits, cookies, and pretzels.
*If the hummus is a little dry, add a touch more maple syrup. If too loose, add a touch more chickpeas.
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top right; 40-year service award to Troy Croom, top left;
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BETTY ROSE KURKA
Ocean City
Betty Rose Kurka was taken by the angels into the arms of Jesus on February 24, 2026, at 4:15 a.m.
She lived a long, wonderful life of 101 years. She was born on February 17, 1925, to White and Eva Tull in Pocomoke City and graduated from Pocomoke High School. She married Carlton “Rip” Kurka, whom she met at the USO in Chincoteague, Va. where he was stationed in the Navy.
She worked at the 5 and 10 cent store in Pocomoke, Moore’s Business Forms in Snow Hill, and is best known for selling tickets for 31 years to ride the boardwalk train in Ocean City. She was a life-long member of the Ocean City Fire Department Women’s Auxiliary, and Atlantic United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her three children, Patty Harman, Glenn (Sandy) Kurka and Brad Kurka. She had five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren.
BARBARA A. MORGAN
Ocean Pines
Barbara A. Morgan, 90, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, in Pompton Plains, NJ. Born on October 27, 1935, she lived a life of faith, dedication, and love.
Barbara shared 59 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Francis Morgan. She is also survived by her sons Thomas Morgan of Ocean Pines, MD, and John Morgan and his wife Freyja of Stamford, CT; as well as her cherished grandchildren Victoria, Aidan, and Alexandra Morgan of Stamford. She was predeceased by her parents John Tracey and Carmela Tracey (Telesca) and her sisters Margaret Cronan and Carole Neumann.
In addition to her professional accomplishments and devotion to fam-
ily, Barbara found joy in worldwide travels, playing bridge, reading widely, and participating actively in social and leisure communities. Her faith was central to her journey; she was a long-time parishioner at St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church in Nanuet before later joining St. John Neumann Catholic Church in Berlin, MD. Barbara’s legacy is one of love, dedication, and a life well-lived.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on March 2, 2026, at noon at the Cedar Crest Interfaith Chapel, located at 1 Cedar Crest Village Drive, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444. A reception will follow the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Malta House of Norwalk, CT (https://secure.lglforms.com/form_en gine/s/FZZo7x_K9IIDhqUIPU5eEw).
KATHLEEN ANNE HARRINGTON-LARUE
Laurel, Del.
Kathleen Anne Harrington-LaRue was born on June 21, 1952, in DC, and passed away on January 17, 2026, at her home in Laurel, DE surrounded by family. She was a wife, mother, sister, aunt and friend. Her love of birds, helping with scouting, her love of the Civil War and Military Supporter is what she
will be remembered most for.
She is preceded in death by her parents James and Anne Harrington, a sister and brother and many pets and birds that she has loved.
She is survived by her husband James LaRue, Laurel, DE, her children Mary (Mark) Lewis of Laurel, Robert Harrington of Laurel, Lloyd Harrington of Harrington, Jimmy (Brandie) LaRue of Gambills, MD and Michael (Jen) LaRue of Odessa, FL. Her grandchildren who called her NANA, Andrew (Grace) McKee, Abigail (Brian) McKee, Dylan Harrington, Savannah Harrington, Ryan DeZarn, Avery LaRue, Morgan LaRue, Madison English, Macyn Lewis, Josephine LaRue, Sophia LaRue and 2 grand dogs Dana and Finn, her beloved Dog Cricket, Nixie and her many birds. She is survived also by her five sisters and five brothers and many nieces and nephews.
Kathy worked for WSSC (designer), Worcester County (inspec-
tor) and the Town of Ocean City (inspector and plan reviewer) where she retired in 2023.
A visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on March 21, 2026 at Centenary United Methodist Church (Fellowship Hall), 200 West Market Street, Laurel, Delaware 19956. A Celebration of Life service will begin at 4pm. The family requests that you wear bright colors to the memorial service to honor her, and would love to receive cards that share stories and memories you have by knowing Kathy.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for anyone to donate to your local bird sanctuaries, Tunnels to Towers, St. Jude, or your local Boy Scout packs/troops in her honor. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.hsdfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home in Laurel, Delaware.
$1,845.
Barbara Morgan
Harrington-LaRue
Betty Kurka
Sports & Recreation
BAYSIDE CHAMPIONS
Ocean Pines swimmers set new team records at States
Nine team members able to qualify to participate in state short course events
(Feb. 27, 2026) The Ocean Pines Swim Team (OPST) sent a record nine swimmers to compete at the Maryland Swimming Senior State Short Course (Yards) Championships in St. Mary’s.
Senior States is the highest level of state competition, requiring swimmers to meet demanding qualifying
standards. Representing OPST were Kendall Bagley (17), Alex Dypsky (17), Emily Fink (15), Nate Fink (17), Macie Groves (15), John Parker (14), Vincent Schicchi (17), Kate Wanner (15), and Jack Wells (16).
Individually, every swimmer had their moment to shine. Kate Wanner became the first OPST swimmer to reach the podium at Senior States finishing in second place with a team record-breaking swim in the 100 breaststroke (1:03.76), earning her second Futures qualifying time.
Parker delivered another standout performance breaking team records in seven of his eight events and placing 10th in the 200 butterfly (1:56.83).
Nate Fink set team records in the 500 freestyle (4:50.00), 1,000 freestyle (10:03.99), and 1,650 freestyle (16:56.97), dropping nearly 30 seconds in that mile.
Groves broke the team record in the 50 butterfly (27.93).
Bagley placed 10th in prelims of the 200 butterfly and broke the 50 backstroke team record (30.11).
Dypsky dropped more than 12 seconds in the 1,000 freestyle.
Emily Fink, Schicchi and Wells each earned new state cuts in the 200 butterfly, 50 backstroke and 100 breastroke, respectively and Wanner broke three additional team records. All the swimmers crushed goals and
came within narrow margins of their next big cuts.
OPST also qualified both girls and boys relay teams for the meet — another first for the club — competing against some of the largest teams in the state.
The girls relay team of Bagley, Emily Fink, Groves and Wanner broke the team record in the 200 medley relay (1:54.13) and set a record in the 400 medley relay (4:10.86).
The boys relay team of Nate Fink, Parker, Schicchi and Wells broke team records in all three of their relays: the 200-medley relay (1:42.70),
400 medley relay (3:44.32), and 400 freestyle relay (3:27.16). Their 400medley performance also earned OPST its first ever boys relay Sectionals qualifying time.
“OPST continues to build one of the most respected small team programs in the region,” Head Coach Scott McIntire said. “Our swimmers are tough, resilient, and prepared to perform in championship environments. This was an outstanding team performance.”
Next up for the team, seven swimmers will represent OPST at the highest state level meet for those ages 9-14.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
For the first time in conference history, a single school’s boys and girls wrestling teams won both Bayside Conference championships. The boys and girls teams from Stephen Decatur High School are pictured above after last week’s Bayside meet. Wrestler Alex Riehl was also recognized for recording his 100th high school win.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Members of the Ocean Pines Swim Team who competed at the Senior States in St. Mary’s are, back from left, Nate Fink, Jack Wells, Alex Dypsky, John Parker and Vincent Schicchi; and, front, from left, Macie Groves, Kendall Bagley, Kate Wanner and Emily Fink.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Kate Wanner is pictured on the podium after winning second place for her team recordbreaking 100 breaststroke swim.
Prep teams lose in ESIAC finals
By Bruce C. Walls
Contributing Writer
(Feb. 27, 2026) The boys and girls basketball teams at Worcester Prep both took home second-place honors after road losses in their respective ESIAC divisions.
The boys team took on Delmarva Christian for the ESIAC crown. For the third time this season, the Royals smoked the Mallards, 6123. The boys team finished the season with an 8-11 record.
Over in Easton on the same night, the girls team squared off against Sts. Peter and Paul in the finals. The Mallards and Sabres each won a game in the season’s matchups.
The championship game was all Sts. Peter and Paul, defeating Worcester 44-23. The Prep girls team had a remarkable season, however, finishing with a 15-4 overall record.
For the boys, Worcester Prep held tight against the talented Delmarva Christian team, trailing only 10-8 behind five points by senior Ben Anthony, who was named the conference player of the year after the game. Anthony was the game high scorer with a total of 15 points.
In the second quarter, the Royals found their groove and scored 25 points while Prep only scored six, making the half time score 35-14.
Delmarva Christian came back after halftime still maintaining their stride scoring 19 more points to Prep’s seven in the third quarter. The Royals would cruise through the fourth quarter for another championship win.
After the game, Head Coach Eddie Rohe said, “I’d like to be first, but you know I feel great. I look around, I see all the smiles on everybody’s faces and a lot of our guys got proper recognition. It’s just a great group of guys. I love them to death, and they gave it their all, all year long. I’m so proud of them. That’s a tough team we ran up against. It’s hard to play a team like that.”
Senior Paxton Mault was named to the allconference team, while senior Ansh Batra was an honorable mention.
PHOTOS COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Both the Worcester Prep girls and boys teams finished as runners-up in the ESIAC after losing last Friday night in the finals. The girls team, top, had an outstanding season, compiling 15 wins against only four losses. For the boys, the season was mixed as the team had an 8-11 season record.
