04/17/2026 OC Today-Dispatch

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Bike lane test pulled to curb for now in OC

Ocean City government’s protests heard by state highway officials, who agree not to swap buses for bikes on Philadelphia Avenue ... at least not this summer. — PAGE 3

Tent rules patrol will get trial run through summer

New enforcement division will be on lookout for violations of beach canopy code this summer to relieve Beach Patrol of that duty. — PAGE 12

School exec faces theft charge

State audit of school system’s books finds $118K allegedly embezzled by long-time school system employee. — PAGE 22

DEPARTMENTS, SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAY THEY HAVE LITTLE CONTACT WITH ICE — PAGE 18

State will not proceed with bike lane plans this summer

OC Council says proposal for Coastal Highway would reduce pedestrian safety

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) A state plan to convert a portion of Ocean City’s bus lane into a dedicated bike lane this summer has been suspended.

Mayor Rick Meehan announced Tuesday that the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) will not proceed with a pilot project along Philadelphia Avenue this summer. The decision comes less than a month after the City Council issued a letter opposing the conversion plans.

“All of their intentions were good, there’s no question about it,” Meehan said in a transportation committee meeting this week. “What they were trying to do was figure out ways to make Coastal Highway as safe as possible. I think they recognized some of our immediate concerns.”

issue a letter of opposition to the agency.

“You don’t expect to get off of a public bus and immediately step into a travel lane with motorized vehicles going 20, 30 mph,” Council President Matt James said at the time. “An electric scooter going 20 mph is going to kill a kid … Walking into a travel lane is a disaster waiting to happen.”

This week, Meehan said he and other city officials met with SHA to talk through the city’s concerns. As a result, he said the agency opted to halt its summer pilot project.

When reached for comment this week, SHA Media Relations Manager Shanteé Felix said that the agency remains committed to improving safety for all users. While acknowledging that the Ocean City corridor has been identified as a “high-risk” corridor for pedestrians and bicyclists, she said the agency was postponing its pilot project.

‘You don’t expect to get off of a public bus and immediately step into a travel lane with motorized vehicles going 20, 30 mph’ Council President Matt James

Earlier this year, SHA officials announced they would test having a dedicated bike path in the existing bus lane between 17th and 26th streets this summer.

As proposed, the agency would have moved municipal buses into the slow lane of the highway, where they would pick up riders from a “floating” bus stop located between the slow lane and a dedicated bike pathway.

From the outset, the agency made it clear the goal of the project would be to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety along the roadway. From 2018 to 2023, for example, the agency recorded 49 crashes involving pedestrians, 38 crashes involving bicyclists and four fatalities along the portions of the highway being studied.

However, city officials continued to express their opposition, arguing the conversion project posed safety risks to bicyclists and pedestrians, as well as to motorists and bus users. Last month, during a biannual meeting with SHA representatives, the City Council voted unanimously to

“The Town of Ocean City raised concerns about the pilot and project scope; therefore, SHA has decided to defer the pilot and will continue to coordinate with the Town of Ocean City, the public, and key stakeholders to identify other safety improvement opportunities as part for the MD 528 [Pedestrian Safety Action Plan] project,” she said in a statement.

Meehan said this week that efforts to improve Ocean City’s main roadway will continue, explaining that SHA would be exploring other safety enhancements. Those include increasing signage along the roadway and expanding the median fencing, to name a few.

“Their intentions were all right. It was just a matter of, practically, does what they are proposing work for us,” he said. “Not everything that works in some areas is going to work in other areas, and we asked them to do more monitoring with some of the traffic situations, especially right-hand turns and bicycles and scooters not obeying traffic signals. I still think that’s our number one safety concern.”

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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) Ocean City officials project an increase of more than $900,000 in the city’s advertising budget in fiscal year ahead.

On April 9, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo and Communications and Marketing Director Jessica Waters presented the Ocean City Council with a proposed $12 million tourism budget for fiscal year 2027. Of that, $10.6 million would be allocated to advertising.

“So overall, the advertising increase is $904,987,” Waters told officials last week.

In the coming year, room tax revenues are estimated at $30 million, with a percentage of gross revenue dedicated to both advertising and the development of a sports complex. That formula, officials say, results in $12 million for funding tourism promotions – with $10.6 set aside for advertising – and $1

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

The Ocean City Council heard a presentation on the tourism budget, proposed at $12 million, by Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo and Marketing Director Jessica Waters.

Staff says sports space a need

Continued from Page 6

million dedicated for the sports complex facility.

In addition to the proposed advertising budget, tourism expense would include funding for 11 full-time positions and one part-time position, and a 3% cost-of-living adjustment. The budget also proposes a $110,000 increase in contracted services.

“That includes research, all of our website, all of our departmental tools that help us operate the tourism department,” Waters said.

Perlozzo told the council that several external factors could affect Ocean City’s tourism market in the coming year. Thee include gas prices, inflation, weather, and budget constraints tied to room tax revenues, of which a portion is dedicated to tourism.

He also stressed the importance of developing a sports complex, which he

said would allow the city to become a year-round tourism destination.

“We need a sports complex, guys,” he told the council. “Spring, fall, winter, heads in beds, no Boardwalk Rock. A sports complex would overcome those things for us. So anything we can do to advance that would be highly important for tourism.”

Acknowledging the challenges facing the city, officials said the department plans to remain flexible in how it markets the city. They also said every dollar spent on advertising resulted in a $241 return on investment.

“We need to make sure that you know our advertising is top of mind, and our presence in the marketplace is first and foremost,” Perlozzo said.

Perlozzo last week also joined his team in presenting budgets for the convention center, the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, and special events.

Ocean City looks to create Boardwalk pedicab service

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) Ocean City officials have agreed to pursue legislation creating a pedicab franchise on the Boardwalk, and on Tuesday will conduct the first reading of a draft ordinance to accomplish that.

As proposed, the legislation would set definitions, outline the operational requirements and more.

viewed.

According to the project scope issued in February, the city’s objective in developing a pedicab program is to provide a transportation service to Boardwalk visitors outside of the normal bike hours. The program will feature one company, which would start with at least 20 vehicles, 10% of which having the ability to accommodate strollers, wheelchairs and walkers.

The council’s decision to pursue a pedicab franchise follows pleas from community members and requests from the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) to find a replacement for the Boardwalk tram service.

SpringIn

“An ordinance is needed so that the Boardwalk pedicab franchise can be created …,” Deputy City Manager JR Harmon told city leaders. “Additionally, the ordinance is drafted to create a town franchise for years in the future, but certain matters related to the 2026 operation of this summer –such as start dates, when the first payment comes in, fleet size – they may need to be adjusted in recognition of 2026 being the first year of a new franchise.”

In February, the City Council voted to solicit bids from operators interested in entering into a franchise agreement for Boardwalk pedicab services. The service would replace the Boardwalk trams, which were pulled from operation in 2024 after a police investigation into a tram fatality revealed a series of motor vehicle violations.

Harmon told the council this week that from the initial request for proposals (RFP), the city collected multiple bids, all of which were rejected because of technical errors. However, he said the RFP has since been rewritten, and that staff would be opening up new bids on April 21.

In the meantime, Harmon said he was seeking the council’s approval to move forward with a draft ordinance to establish a pedicab franchise. He added that some of the language in the ordinance might change, depending on the results of the bid solicitation.

In a letter sent to the City Council in December, the OCDC called for an alternative that meets the demands of visitors and businesses, which they report have “felt the difference” of not having the tram carrying patrons up and down the boards.

“We are asking the Mayor and Council to strongly consider alternatives to bring back some kind of service similar to the Boardwalk Tram,” the letter reads.

“We have the infrastructure already built to bring back a smaller, safer, purpose-built tram. We will also continue to have the need for the tram, which include individuals with disabilities, elderly patrons and families; not to mention visitors who simply have nostalgic memories of riding the tram.”

Officials say the program will operate as a demand-response system, and that pedicabs would use the existing tram lane. Operations are expected to begin around Memorial Day and end on or about Labor Day of each year, although the city will reserve the right to allow operations for special events outside of that timeframe.

“So as we go through the initial readings, that may need to be changed after we get all the bids in and accepted and awarded to whatever operator,” he explained.

Harmon noted that the city held a mandatory question-and-answer session last week, which attracted nine interested bidders. There, he said, operators shared their questions and concerns, which included comments about the city’s desires to have a cashless payment system and the requirement that the company start out with 20 vehicles.

“Those questions were answered, as of yesterday, for them,” he said.

After a brief discussion, the council on Tuesday voted 4-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to advance the draft ordinance to first reading. As part of the vote, officials agreed the legislation could be subject to modifications when bids are received and re-

An effort to find a transportation alternative comes months after the city announced it was pulling the plug on the tram service. Up until that point, the service had been suspended since Aug. 20, 2024, when a Boardwalk tram traveling south along the Boardwalk struck and killed a toddler crossing the concrete tram lane near Dorchester Street.

An incident report issued nearly four months later revealed the tram had been operating in violation of various state transportation laws, which apply to the Boardwalk.

The investigation found improper braking systems and towing capabilities played a role in the fatality, according to documents obtained through a Maryland Public Information Act request filed by the OC Today-Dispatch.

The project scope requires that any pedicab operation must have vehicles that comply with federal, state and local regulations.

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An example of Ocean City’s new education attempts to remind beachgoers about new canopy laws is pictured. The graphic was included in the council packet for this week’s Mayor and Council meeting.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

OC creates new division to police beach tent rules

Council argues new hires will take heat off lifeguards

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) The Town of Ocean City will evaluate a new enforcement division on the beach this summer.

On Tuesday, following an hourand-a-half long discussion, the Ocean City Council voted 4-1, with Council President Matt James opposed, to create a new enforcement division that would ensure public compliance with the city’s beach rules, mainly as they pertain to recently enacted tent and canopy regulations.

While those in support say the division’s employees will serve as ambassadors and take on enforcement duties currently shouldered by members of the Beach Patrol, some shared concerns about the optics of the program.

“Over the next 14 months, we are going to spend nearly $190,000 to harass our visitors on the beach because a group of people sitting up here don’t like the type of sun protection those people chose to use,” James said. “And I think that’s not our goal.”

Last year, the Ocean City Council passed legislation to ban all beach tents, with the exception of tents used for babies. The ordinance also prohibits beachgoers from erecting beach canopies before 10 a.m. and then leaving those canopies unattended; prohibits beach canopies larger than 10-by-10 feet; requires a 3-foot separation around a canopy’s perimeter; and requires the anchoring for such canopies to be contained within the canopy’s footprint.

From the outset, officials made it clear that the city would focus its summer season on educating the public on the new regulations. That effort involved members of the Ocean City Beach Patrol talking to violators and hanging tags on attended canopies.

However, Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald and Beach Patrol Captain Butch Arbin told officials this week that while the vast majority of those interactions were positive, it did create some issues on the beach – issues that took lifeguards away from their assigned duties.

“As time went on, it started to become publicly enforced,” Theobald explained. “We had people taking other people’s property – because they knew the ordinance come midsummer, late summer – and throwing it into the ocean. We had to call the police a number of times for behavior. Part of it is the Beach Patrol

Canopy enforcement leads to extended council debate

is there to protect the public. That’s why we have them there. They shouldn’t have to come off stands to be able to intercede with what’s going on.”

Arbin noted that the Beach Patrol had always enforced ordinances on the beach, but that the introduction of tent and canopy restrictions last year created challenges for the agency, which was tasked with educating the public and placing tags on unattended canopies. He argued that under that model, “no learning was taking place,” which precipitated his requests for a beach enforcement division.

“Having to deal with somebody with a beer, or smoking on the beach, the guard can get down and take care of it. But with the tents, it was just overwhelming,” he explained. “We were out there in the morning issuing tags, but there was nobody to make contact with.”

After seeing the tent and canopy ordinance in action last summer, Theobald told city leaders this week he was coming forward with some modifications – the main one being to increase the 10-by-10 canopy footprint to 15-by-15 feet, with all the guidewires, sandbags and personal items kept within that area.

(beginning July 1) to fund wages for the remainder of the season.

“Without adjustments one way or another, we can’t enforce it the way it is today …,” Theobald told the City Council. “If we’re going to do something, time is ticking rather quickly right now.”

Mayor Rick Meehan encouraged his colleagues to support the creation of a beach enforcement division, which he said would help resolve issues on the beach and create a fair environment for all beach users. Both he and Councilman Jake Mitrecic noted that the division accounted for roughly one-tenth of a percentage of the city’s budget.

“It is a very small part of our budget that I think would provide a very well recognized service,” Meehan said.

‘We had people taking other people’s property – because they knew the ordinance come mid-summer, late summer – and throwing it into the ocean.’

Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald

While saying that he supported the rules put in place on the beach, Councilman John Gehrig shared his reservations about the proposed enforcement team. He said he didn’t want Ocean City’s beach to turn into a “police beach.”

“I don’t want over-enforcement on the beach,” he said. “It’s supposed to be fun.”

While he proposed several other changes – including increasing the walkways between canopies and allowing a detachable shade panel –the City Council on Tuesday voted only to increase the canopy footprint, which staff said appeared to be the main issue on the beach.

“The bulk of the questions and comments I got were the Shabumi Shade [canopies], and a lot of discrepancy as to whether they can have that or not have that. This does take care of that,” City Manager Terry McGean said.

“So the purpose of increasing the footprint to 15-by-15, and allowing the guidewires to be in that, it allows the Shabumi Shade and similar types of structures, which were the No. 1 concern we got and confusion that we got.”

Moving on to the proposed beach enforcement division, Theobald said he was proposing to hire six seasonal employees, working in groups of two to cover the 10-mile beach. In an effort to start the program in May, staff put forward a budget request of $108,000 in the current fiscal year to fund wages, new ATVs and new radios, and a budget request of roughly $82,000 in the coming fiscal year

Mitrecic noted that the beach didn’t have a crime problem, but a “manners problem.” He said the proposed division would be trained to have discretion when handing violations and citing people.

“The last thing you want to do is start issuing citations or calling the police department on the beach to take somebody off in bracelets,” Theobald added. “That's not what we’re going to do here.”

After a back-and-forth discussion, a motion to approve the new division as presented failed in a 2-3 vote, with James, Gehrig and Councilwoman Carol Proctor opposed. McGean then asked the council to reconsider the staff's request, even if that included some modifications.

“I think what you are hearing from staff is the way we did it last year with Beach Patrol supervisors did not work. …,” he said. “For us to say, ‘do what you did last year and hope for a different result,’ we’re going to wind up with the same issues we had last year, which is we have a wonderful ordinance that we don’t have anyone out there to enforce.”

A second motion was then made to approve the new division, but to limit its operation to six-hour shifts and to reevaluate the program in the fall. The motion passed 4-1, with James opposed.

School system leaders presented their FY27 budget to the Worcester County Commissioners this week. The county is currently holding budget work sessions.

Schools look to raise teacher pay

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) State-mandated salary requirements for teachers are driving up the budget for Worcester County Public Schools for fiscal year 2027.

School officials came before the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday to present a $157.2 million operating budget that includes a $12.6 million spending increase, the majority of which is fueled by pay raises, health insurance costs, and other benefits.

More than half the increase, or 51.5%, comes from higher salaries.

Rising teacher pay is driven by the state’s landmark 2021 education legislation, called the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, which set a July 1 deadline – the start of fiscal 2027 –for all state school districts to meet a mandatory minimum teacher salary of $60,000.

“We must be clear: The investments outlined here are not optional,” Superintendent Annette Wallace told the commissioners. “If we are to meet the state requirements, remain competitive and deliver the level of education our community expects, and the level of education our students deserve.”

The WCPS budget accounts for a range of rising costs beyond salaries, including special education services, transportation needs, and ongoing technology investments, according to Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert.

He said the budget includes a $305,000 expansion of the dual enrollment program, which the district also must fund under the Blueprint. Health insurance is set to increase by more than 16% – a cost projected to affect all county employees, not just the public schools.

While Tolbert did not present a standalone capital budget, the presentation included $400,000 for con-

BRIAN SHANE/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH

School system presents FY27 spending plan

struction tied to the Berlin Intermediate School rebuild.

The budget also funds bus aides on all elementary school bus routes, which officials said was a safetybased request of contracted school bus drivers.

The spending plan also maintains funding for after-school and summer programs, along with continued support for pre-kindergarten positions in Pocomoke City, where officials said access to early childhood education remains a need.

Expanded student supports also

include a proposed elementary-level program called RISE, aimed at addressing behavioral and mental health needs. The program is already in place at the middle and high school levels, and officials said there is growing demand to extend those services to younger students.

Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, West Ocean City) commended school officials for their detail-oriented budget presentation and expressed appreciation to Wallace for the RISE program.

“That was a big ask from the teach-

ers and I think it's going to make a huge improvement for elementary school-aged children,” he said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) questioned an apparent discrepancy in full-time employee counts compared to the prior year. School officials said the difference likely reflects a reclassification tied to Blueprint funding rather than new hires, and said they would provide a follow-up explanation.

Bertino also asked about internal financial oversight in light of the re-

cent legislative audit.

“Who has authority or access to transfer or make any changes, entries or whatever into the Board of Education's books?” he said. “Is there oversight? And you’re comfortable with the way all of that is operating?”

“We are constantly looking at ways to improve,” Tolbert replied.

School officials said they will continue working with county leaders as the budget process moves forward in the coming weeks. The commissioners are scheduled to approve a finalized budget by June 2.

City removes 12 stops from Coastal Highway bus route

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) Twelve bus stops have been removed from Ocean City’s beach bus route, according to city Transportation Manager Rob Shearman.

Shearman on Tuesday told the city’s Transportation Committee that his department has proceeded with a plan to eliminate the designated dozen of the 125 bus stops located along Coastal Highway.

The locations, officials said, are not heavily used and are close to other stops.

“We have since removed them all.” Public Works Director Hal Adkins said of the stops.

“We felt that a little bit of consolidation would help with the route’s efficiency, the speed for getting up and down Coastal Highway,” Shearman told committee members. “It would be a minor inconvenience for a small number of people. But if they go one block further north or south it would help us overall in terms of speed going up and down the highway, reducing intervals between buses, reducing bus overcrowding, that sort of thing.”

Officials said the proposed reduction was advertised at bus stations and shelters, on the city’s website and in the newspaper. While no public hearing was formally requested, city officials opted to hold one anyway, and a date was set for the April 6 regular meeting of the Ocean City Council.

During a transportation committee meeting in January, officials revealed their plans to revisit a discussion on bus stop reductions, which were originally proposed last year. They said the goal was to eliminate stops from the Beach Bus route, which spans from the South Division Street transit station to the Maryland-Delaware line.

Currently, the route has about one stop every 800 feet. However, the transportation department this spring announced plans to eliminate stops at northbound 4th Street, 76th Street, 98th Street, 121st Street, 124th Street, 128th Street and 137th Street, and southbound 141st Street, 134th Street, 124th Street, 80th Street and 69th Street.

However, with not enough members present, city leaders last week were forced to cancel the meeting. And with no hearing held, Shearman said his department chose to just move forward with the proposed 12stop elimination.

“We ended up not having a quorum at that council meeting,” he said. “However, since the public hearing had not been formally requested anyway, we elected not to reschedule it.”

In addition to the bus stop reduction, committee members this week also revisited a citizen request to offer bus passes to all Ocean City residents, not just those who are ages 60 and older. The committee ultimately agreed to take no action on the matter, arguing that the $4 ride-all-day passes were “a good deal” and helped to fund the city’s bus service.

BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

Members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee, pictured above at Tuesday’s meeting, reviewed reports from the city’s transportation department.

Local police detail ICE interactions

County agencies report little, no involvement with immigration personnel

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) Maryland lawmakers this week approved legislation limiting when local police can share information with federal immigration authorities, though police agencies in Worcester County say they already have little or no involvement with ICE.

In the final hours of the 90-day session Monday, the General Assembly passed the Maryland Community Trust Act, establishing new firewalls on voluntary cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Under the bill, police generally would not be allowed to share information about detainees with ICE unless required by a judicial warrant based on probable cause, a state legislative analysis shows.

Police in Worcester County, however, say communication and coordination with ICE are already limited and inconsistent.

When asked how ICE agents share details of activity in their jurisdictions, police chiefs had mixed reviews of the situation on the ground: sometimes they get advance notice, sometimes they hear about raids after the fact, and sometimes not at all.

Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said his office has never been contacted by ICE and his deputies have never taken part in immigration enforcement. Still, he hears “a couple times per month” about ICE operations in the county.

“Typically, I will hear about these operations after the fact,” Crisafulli said in an email, adding that off-duty officers, residents, and business owners have relayed information to him.

Crisafulli was critical of the new law, calling it “a dangerous piece of political legislation” that “does nothing to protect Maryland communities” and said it could limit correctional facilities from communicating with ICE.

“My office will stand with all of our public safety partners,” he said. “We will have to be creative, moving forward, as Annapolis is trying to limit law enforcement.”

Ocean City Police already follows a 2025 memorandum from the Maryland Attorney General’s Office that restricts sharing a detainee’s name and personal information with ICE –excluding citizenship or immigration status – without a judicial warrant.

When asked whether ICE had conducted any recent operations in Ocean City, department spokeswoman Ashley Miller deferred to

ICE’s field office in Salisbury. That office did not return a request for comment.

OCPD Capt. Dennis Eade told the town’s Police Commission on Jan. 12 that the agency had asked federal authorities to alert them to any operations taking place in the resort, in part so officers can address public concerns if residents witness ICE enforcement activity.

“On some occasions, they have given us a heads up when they are going to be doing work in town, and others, they certainly have not,” he said. “But we are not involved.”

In Berlin, Acting Chief Robert Fisher said his department does not participate in ICE operations but has been notified at times when agents are on their way.

“Each time I have heard reports of ICE being in the area, one of their personnel had called the PD prior to, advising they were going to be working in the area to include the town limits of Berlin. We also received notification when they left the area,” he said via email.

Snow Hill Police Chief Andy McGee said ICE has not informed his department of any operations, and his officers are not involved in ICE patrols in the community.

“Typically, they would only let us know if something didn’t go as

planned or they may be looking for someone who has an outstanding warrant that poses a risk to the community,” he said in an email.

Pocomoke City Police Chief Arthur Hancock also said his officers have no direct involvement with ICE enforcement and would never assist with federal law enforcement actions unless there’s an immediate threat of serious injury or death.

“I asked to receive notifications when they are in our area,” he said via email. “However, I have not yet received any.”

The new law will also require police to adopt written policies that mirror the statute and set penalties for violations. It also allows the Maryland Attorney General to pursue civil action against agencies that don’t comply, and gives individuals the right to sue if police unlawfully share their information.

Because the bill includes an emergency clause, it would take effect immediately upon Gov. Wes Moore’s signature.

Hancock said it’s unclear how the new law will affect local policing.

“It's hard to say with all the constant changes,” he added. “Every day and every week is a continuous struggle in this profession.”

Associate Editor Bethany Hooper contributed

Images from videos posted on social media show masked federal immigration authorities conducting raids in Ocean City.

Council approves 3 new candidates for May election

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) A special election to fill two vacancies on the Ocean City Council will be contested after officials this week voted to accept the names of three additional candidates.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council confirmed John F. Adkins, Anthony “Tony” DeSanctis and William “Bill” Murphy as candidates in next month’s special election. They will now join previous filers Peter Buas and Jeff Heiser on the ballot to fill two vacancies left by the resignations of Tony DeLuca and Larry Yates.

“We certainly encourage everyone to get out and vote and be involved in our election,” Mayor Rick Meehan said during Tuesday’s meeting.

DeLuca resigned from the City Council in February, kicking off a 90day window to fill his seat through a special election, which was subsequently set for April 21. However, last Tuesday, the City Council voted to postpone the special election to May 8 after it was announced that Yates had submitted his resignation the day prior.

The postponement, officials said, would allow both seats to be on the same ballot.

With a new special election date of May 8, the City Council last week also agreed to reopen the candidate filing process through Friday, April 10. This week it was announced that three new candidates had filed prior to the deadline.

This will be the first foray into local politics for Murphy, who built a career in New York City before retiring to the resort more than a decade ago. He now works as a seasonal bus driver for the city’s transportation department.

On the other hand, both DeSanctis and Adkins will be making a second attempt at a council seat.

DeSanctis, a Baltimore native and longtime businessman in the sales, marketing and finance sectors, ran against both DeLuca and Yates in the 2024 election. Adkins, a longtime resident of the city, ran in the 2012 election.

The three candidates now join Buas, an attorney and former city councilman, and Heiser, a former city police officer, in vying for the two open seats. Both Buas and Heiser, who initially filed to fill DeLuca’s seat, were confirmed as council candidates in March.

This year’s special election will be held at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center, Dockside Exhibit Hall, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on May 8. Two candidates will be selected by the city’s electorate to fill the two-year terms left by DeLuca and Yates’ resignations.

Charges filed following state probe

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) A former senior official with Worcester County Public Schools is accused of stealing school funding – including federal grant money intended for low-income students – to buy six figures worth of personal items on Amazon and then falsifying receipts to cover it up.

The Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor, whose months-long investigation included a raid on the West Ocean City home of the accused, on Tuesday charged Denise “Dee” Shorts, 61, with embezzlement, theft, and misconduct in office.

According to charging documents filed Tuesday in Worcester County Circuit Court, the former assistant superintendent, is accused of abusing her work-issued purchasing card, or P-card, by spending $118,742 in school funds.

Over a six-year period from 2019 to 2025, she allegedly bought thousands of dollars’ worth of clothing, shoes, purses, and cosmetics online. Prosecutors said other purchases went to furnish her home and a Florida vacation property.

Examples of purchases mentioned in the April 14 indictment include a robot pool vacuum, a 55-inch television, a queen-sized bed frame, and a

heavy-duty inversion table.

Key to the scheme, prosecutors allege, was that Shorts hid personal purchases by altering invoices to make them appear legitimate.

In one instance cited by prosecutors, Shorts allegedly bought a solarpowered pool skimmer for $899 and had it shipped to her home – but submitted a false receipt indicating it was a classroom rug sent to the school’s central office, according to charging documents.

“Shorts printed her actual Amazon receipt and a fake Amazon receipt. Shorts cut out the item description or shipping address from the fake receipt, and taped it over the actual Amazon receipt, copied the altered receipt, and submitted the altered receipt,” according to a statement from the Office of the State Prosecutor.

P-card holders were also required to indicate which school account or grant should cover each purchase. To that end prosecutors allege Shorts would classify personal purchases as Title I expenses, allowing the charges to be paid with school system funds.

Specifically, Shorts is alleged to have made $84,365 in personal purchases that she classified as Title I materials or services – an amount that would have been deducted from available Title I funds for WCPS, charging documents state.

Shorts in her WCPS role had direct oversight of Title I dollars, prosecutors said. Title I is a federal funding program intended to support students from low-income families.

Prosecutors also allege the purchases extended beyond Shorts’ personal use and into her side business.

Since 2021, Shorts has been the coowner of Sunny Start Learning Center, a daycare facility in Berlin. Court documents allege some items purchased with school funds were diverted there, rather than used in Worcester County classrooms.

Prosecutors said Shorts also used WCPS funds on purchases for Sunny Start, including a children’s area rug, and five Apple iPads distributed to the daycare rather than WCPS students.

The alleged scheme came to light in July 2025 after a school board audit – the first for WCPS since 2017 – identified discrepancies between Amazon purchase data provided by the school system’s bank and receipts submitted by Shorts.

The auditors passed along their findings to the Maryland Office of the State Prosecutor, which handles cases involving public corruption and official misconduct.

On Dec. 13, agents from the state prosecutor’s office raided Shorts’ home in the Oyster Harbor neighborhood. Agents also searched her workspace at the Board of Education in Newark, leading Shorts to be placed on administrative leave.

Prosecutors also charged that

Shorts created a set of false credit card statements in an attempt to claim she’d made the Amazon purchases with her personal credit card instead of the P-card.

“Shorts altered the credit card statements in the same manner she altered the receipts,” the indictment says. “Shorts printed her personal credit card statements and used white out or taped false purchases onto her credit card statements. Shorts copied the false statements and provided the copies” to the finance office.

School officials in a statement Tuesday said they had been made aware of “potential irregularities” through the audit, and that those findings were forwarded to the state prosecutor.

Shorts resigned March 26 and her separation from employment will be finalized at the next Board of Education meeting on April 21, WCPS also said.

“We take our responsibility to safeguard public resources extremely seriously,” WCPS Superintendent Annette Wallace said in a statement. “Any misuse of funds intended to support students and staff is unacceptable, and we are committed to full accountability.”

Board of Education President Todd Ferrante added, “Our community places its trust in us to act with integrity. We are committed to strict oversight, learning from this situation, and implementing stronger safeguards to ensure it does not happen again."

The WCPS finance department has since cracked down on school-related Amazon purchases made by employees, according to spokeswoman Carrie Sterrs.

That includes a new system-wide Amazon business account, where purchases now require invoicing. Anything bought with a P-card on Amazon will be denied and must be reimbursed by the cardholder. Sterrs also said WCPS finance staff now conducts stringent monthly reviews of detailed credit card transaction data – including

Denise “Dee” Shorts

Traffic stop leads to drugs

A motorist’s seatbelt violation led police to heroin in Ocean City.

On April 11, at 1:48 p.m., an Ocean City police officer observed the motorist of a 2004 Ford Explorer driving without a seatbelt on 33rd Street.

The driver, Eric Davis, 56, of Baltimore, told police he had just pulled out of a restaurant parking lot and was planning to put on his seatbelt. Davis spoke to the officer through the window as the driver’s window did not function. Davis provided police with an expired registration card for the vehicle from last December.

While speaking with Davis, police observed a clear plastic bag stuck in the vehicle’s air vent containing vials. Police removed the bag and found the vials contained multiple small capsules containing a brown substance confirmed to be heroin.

Along with the traffic offenses, Davis is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance-not cannabis.

Heroin possession

Failure to stop behind the white line at a stoplight led police to initiate a traffic stop that ended with a heroin possession charge.

On April 4, shortly after midnight, Ocean City police observed a Nissan

Tucson fail to stop behind the marked stop line at a red traffic light. Soon after, police issued the driver, Robert K. Sullivan, 54, of Baltimore, a traffic warning. Sullivan consented to a police search of his vehicle, telling an officer, “There ain’t nothing in here,” according to the statement of probable cause.

Police located a spring assisted knife in the vehicle’s console and a capsule containing heroin under the passenger seat.

Sullivan is charged with possession of a controlled dangerous substance-not cannabis and possession of an assisted opening knife.

Assault, property damage

Charges of assault and malicious destruction were filed against a local resident after a dispute last weekend.

Around 2 in the morning on April 10, Ocean City police were called to investigate an assault by a woman on a man after a night of drinking around town.

The male victim said Kate Stephenson, 40, of Ocean City, kicked him in the face in their bedroom and followed up with blows with her hands, including scratching him with her fingernails. Police observed two minor cuts and blood below his lip and cuts on his neck.

Police also noticed a wooden shoe

rack that was destroyed during the assault.

Stephenson is charged with second-degree assault and malicious destruction of property under $1,000.

Shorts accused of stealing funds

quantity, price, and shipping details –against submitted receipts.

Shorts was a 37-year veteran of WCPS. She was hired in 1989 to teach at Ocean City Elementary. She later served as principal of Buckingham and Snow Hill elementary schools before moving to the central office as coordinator of Title I and Literacy.

In 2019, she was promoted to her most recent position as chief academic officer for grades pre-K to eighth. Her most recent salary was $178,212, the indictment says.

Shorts has been charged with one count each of embezzlement-misappropriation by a fiduciary; theft scheme over $100,000; and misconduct in office.

If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison and up to $25,000 in fines. Shorts has a plea hearing on June 18 before Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Beau Oglesby.

and at least

The

messages appeared in various parts of town and occurred late Monday night. The suspects were seen on

spray painting the Evergreen Lodge and leaving the scene and similar paint was used at the other locations. If you have any information or additional camera footage, contact the Berlin Police Department at 410-641-1333 and speak with an officer.

CERAMIC COATING & PAINT CORRECTION SPECIALIST

Record Store Day, Pig Roast slated for Berlin on April 18

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) Saturday is a busy day for the Town of Berlin with two large events.

• Berlin’s downtown will celebrate Record Store Day on Saturday with lineup of performances, food and drinks, and vendors selling books, clothes and home décor all aligned with the vintage spirit of the vinyl-inspired festival.

Saturday, April 18, marks Record Store Day, an international semi-annual event celebrated by independent vinyl shops. The intent is to bring together fans and small businesses through the release of special and limited-edition records, fostering appreciation for music and vinyl, a more vintage method of play.

For the third year in a row, the Town of Berlin will recognize the celebration with an all-day musical event kicking off at 11 a.m. and winding down around 4 p.m. But this year the plans have expanded.

According to Berlin’s Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, the musical lineup will begin with The Papers, a duo out of Salisbury, followed by JOURNOS featuring Brian Russo.

Next up is Sketchbook, Gavin Hades’ new band. Hades is an Ocean City local and young artist who has played with musicians such as Brett Michaels. The

slate of talent will then wrap up with a performance by national recording artist Brian Sella of The Front Bottoms.

Wells added that this is the first year the festival will be expanded into a “full downtown event.”

“We’re closing the streets, adding beer and drinks and a full day of live music,” she said. “Bringing in a national act like Brian Sella is also new for us, and we were able to do that with support from the Maryland State Arts Council. It just feels like a much bigger experience this year.”

Beer, drinks, and food will be available, and vintage vendors will be set up along Pitts Street with clothing, home decor, books, and other items. Wells added that many of the shops will have sidewalk sales.

“You can spend the whole day downtown and not run out of things to do,” she said.

Parking will be available at the West Street lot and Stephen Decatur Park. While there is no shuttle service this year, everything is within walking distance once attendees arrive downtown.

Wells said that the event celebrates Berlin’s musical and artistic scene. Particularly, the festival recognizes the turntable format, often praised for its authenticity and superior sound quality.

“Music has always been a big part of Berlin, and there’s something special about vinyl; it's how music was meant to

Berlin preps for busy weekend

be heard,” the community development director said.

She maintained that Berlin has multiple shops that sell new vinyl, “which isn’t something every small town can say.”

“For us, it makes sense to celebrate that, support those businesses, and build an event around something people genuinely love,” Wells noted.

The event is free to enter and made possible by a grant from the Maryland State Arts Council and sponsored by the Berlin Main Street Arts and Entertainment District.

Organizers hope that the festival further promotes the spirit of downtown’s artistic scene and supports Berlin’s economic and cultural development.

“[Record Store Day] supports our small businesses, brings new visitors into town, and gives locals something to be proud of,” Wells said. “It’s also an opportunity to highlight our arts and music scene, which continues to grow. When people come for an event like this, they don’t just stay for the music, they shop, they eat, they explore, and they come back again.”

• The Taylor House’s pig roast, set for April 18 at 4 p.m., is held each year in partnership with the Burley Building Company to raise funds for the museum and to offer attendees a traditional barbecue meal.

According to Taylor House Executive Director Melissa Reid, the event is sponsored by the Burley Building Company to secure funding to correct carpentry issues and ensure the structure is cared for,

with a focus on historical preservation.

The building business often completes repairs to the site, including rebuilding shutters and replacing the roof. Most recently, the company mended sections of rotten wood discovered on the outside of the museum.

The pig roast was begun to pay for the restorations. Now, however, the goal is to foster community engagement and bring Berlin residents and visitors into the museum to view its exhibits and refresh themselves on the town’s history.

Part of that effort is to offer locals and tourists an authentic, old-fashioned barbecue.

Burley Building Company owner Nate Reister said that the pig comes from a butcher in Dagsboro. Reid added that volunteers from Burley Building roast the pork overnight and serve it at the event the next day.

“We started this four years ago,” the business owner said. “Initially, we were trying to fill in gaps in funding for the museum to do repairs …When we decided to do the pig roast, we were looking to do an event that would be historic in nature in terms of the type of thing that we would be serving.

“The goal is to raise funding and awareness… we have shifted our understanding to focus on pulling in young families and locals because it’s the beginning of event season. It's locally oriented. We’re trying to get younger families to be involved in what's going on.”

BERLIN LITTLE LEAGUE KICKS OFF SEASON

Hundreds of local youngsters, coaches and parents walked from the Berlin Fire Company to the Berlin Little League fields last Saturday to officially launch the start of the new season. The weather was perfect for the stroll along Main Street. Photos of the parade are pictured above and on the preceding page.

Land deal given 12 month-study extension

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) Efforts to revitalize an abandoned industrial property in Berlin are continuing — for now — after municipal leaders complied with the developer’s request for more time to establish property line details and finalize building permits, environmental procedures and transportation processes.

Developer Palmer Gillis, who formed Coastal Venture Properties LLC with his wife, Sandy, to redevelop the former Tyson Foods property at Heron Park, warned last week that they would abandon the deal with the town if the town refuses to grant him an unconditional extension on its initial study period by April 20.

And on Monday night, Gillis almost made good on that promise.

About a year ago, Coastal Venture Properties entered into an arrangement with the municipality to buy the town-owned site known as parcel 57 for $1.2 million. The idea was Coastal Venture would transform the longblighted property into a usable commercial space for residents and visitors.

Gillis says the endeavor has been stalled due to conflicts between him and the municipality. Gillis, who came before the Berlin Planning Commission last week despite not being listed on the agenda, complained that property lines for parcel 57 have yet to be determined and that his attempts to meet with town leaders and staff to resolve these differences have been denied.

Still, while Gillis threatened to terminate the purchase contract, the redevelopment initiative has, at least for now, been salvaged after the Berlin

Town Council voted unanimously on Monday to grant the developer a yearlong extension.

The extra time will allow Gillis to complete the project’s study period, which will include navigating the Worcester County Soil Conservation processes, working with the Maryland Department of Transportation, and obtaining building permits.

Under the extension, Gillis will have the right to walk away from the purchase and receive his $100,000 deposit back until April 2027.

The town and CVP may also utilize the 12 months to agree upon clear boundary lines, an issue that both parties say has been delaying the project’s timeline.

On Monday, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall explained the town’s side of the administrative holdup. According to

Tyndall, who presented an extensive document to the public, Gillis requested twice to push back parcel 57’s north boundary, which the municipality agreed to accommodate. The developer asked for the most recent property line adjustment in February, which was approved by the Town Council in March.

CVP argues that since the northern line was green-lit, a plat has yet to be recorded. A recognized plat would allow the project to secure a construction loan and move the development further along.

Mark Cropper, Gillis’ legal representative, spoke on the developer’s behalf on Monday. He noted that the construction loan would likely come to $25 million to $30 million.

“He can’t even make an application for a construction loan because there still isn’t a final agreement on what he’s acquiring, what all the property adjustments are going to be,” Cropper said. “We have yet to see a preliminary subdivision plat, even a draft of one, even though you indicated [engineering firm Davis, Bowen & Friedel] is in the process of preparing it.”

Gillis has also requested that the land he acquires include .35 acres of the parcel’s easterly boundary, which currently abuts another portion of the property known as parcel 410.

At this week’s meeting, Councilman Jack Orris made a motion to grant the stretch of land to CVP. The action failed due to a lack of a second.

Tyndall said that the town is willing to negotiate the .35 acres with Gillis, but that the town’s engineering consultants are determining how much of the land could be incorporated into the sellable plat.

“We have the engineers working on making sure whatever we put in documentation and approval, actually can be recorded and is clear and understandable,” the mayor said. “...We now have 12 months, so we will do our best to get it done as quickly as possible.”

For his part, Cropper said that the stalled plat determination could be easily resolved with an in-person meeting between municipal leaders and staff and CVP. However, requests for a sitdown talk have not yet been granted, despite months of attempts, Cropper said.

“[Gillis] has been trying to get a meeting with you, mayor, and your planning staff since Nov. 18,” Cropper said, addressing Tyndall. “As of today, it still hasn’t happened. Not because of [Gillis], not because of his availability or mine, but because of you and your planning staff.”

Cropper added that Gillis' primary reason for the 12-month study extension is that he hopes to settle the boundary-line debate, among other issues and process requirements, through a proper conversation among all parties.

“You want a reason why he wants a

Property sale talks to continue

12-month extension?” Cropper said. “That’s it…[Gillis] didn’t think it would take over six months to get a meeting with you and the planning staff…I could have shown up this evening, probably with 30 pages of emails between [Gillis], you, and the planning staff, where he’s been requesting those meetings and they've never been agreed to…And quite honestly, he doesn't have much confidence that in the next six months, he’ll be further down the line.”

Cropper said that Gillis, who is out of the country for the next few weeks, provided him with a termination letter to submit to the council if the 12-month extension was not granted this week.

Ultimately, the Town Council unanimously voted to move the project forward.

“The bottom line is if he submits that letter, there is no Plan B to what happens to this property,” Councilman Jay Knerr said. Knerr made the motion to offer the unrestricted extension.

Councilman Steve Green, who seconded the motion, added, “I know what we’re looking at right now is pretty firm. It's more important to me that we keep this process moving forward than that letter being delivered tonight.”

Monday night’s meeting included passionate public comments. Berlin residents urged the municipality to remain committed to the sale of parcel 57 and accommodate Gillis in his efforts to revitalize the blighted property.

“This is ludicrous, this is a $1.2 million deal…I don’t care what you do, you get it done,” said Gina Velong.

Citizen Jeff Auxer was also in attendance Monday night, where he maintained that the sale of parcel 57 is in the best interests of the town and its residents.

“Whatever it takes to have this done, it needs to be done, and it needs to be done timely because he’s not going to sit around and wait…I don’t think there is anybody who doesn’t want this to happen,” he noted. “The responsibility [of the council] is to get this done.”

Some expressed concerns that the purchase agreement was entered into without a clear understanding of the boundaries of parcel 57.

“What is plat 57?” Ray Jenkins asked. “You still will not give a definition. You keep on saying ‘an idea’.”

Tyndall responded, arguing that “we know what 57 approximately is.”

“The reason I say that…it’s not just the Town of Berlin that doesn’t know what 57 is. What we are looking to do is mutually agree on what is going to be sold,” he continued.

The mayor also addressed what he believes is the narrative that the Town of Berlin is responsible for the project’s issues.

“There is what’s being painted in the public's mind as the town not wanting to work with the developer, which is not true. We share a mutual goal of seeing this redeveloped…I believe it is

being used as a negotiation tactic by CVP.”

However, Jenkins shot back that that type of rhetoric is “adversarial” and counterproductive to facilitating a smooth deal.

Additionally, Cropper maintained that Gillis is looking to come before the planning commission for preliminary site plan approval. Cropper reiterated that CVP has been unable to present to the body because the mayor will not sign the application.

Tyndall responded that he does not have the authorization “to write my name on a piece of paper that includes something that the Town Council has not agreed to sell.”

Despite the back-and-forth, Cropper expressed Gillis’ desire to come before the planning commission in the near future, “for the planning commission to give general comments that will then

be reflected later once all the details are ironed out.”

Following Monday night’s meeting, Gillis shared a message on Facebook thanking the Town Council for opting to move the project forward.

“Like all of you, we share a common goal—to see this long-vacant property transformed into something truly special that reflects the spirit and charm of Berlin,” the message reads.

“We appreciate the leadership of Mayor Zack Tyndall and the Council in working through a complex process and ultimately coming together in support of moving this project forward… over the next 6-12 months, we look forward to working collaboratively with town leadership and the community to bring this vision to life—creating jobs, new opportunities, and a vibrant destination that everyone can be proud of.”

FY

WORCESTER COUNTY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

2027 REQUESTED OPERATING BUDGETS

The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2027 Operating Budgets as requested by the Agencies and Departments which are funded by the Worcester County Commissioners. If you wish to speak or attend in person, we encourage you to pre-register by calling the County Administration office at 410-632-1194. Speakers will be allowed to address the County Commissioners for up to two (2) minutes. Public Comment may also be submitted in advance by email at wchearing@co.worcester.md.us or in writing received on or before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, May 4, 2026 in the County Commissioners’ Office at Room 1103 Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. Written comments received will be posted on the county website. Anyone not planning to speak may view the public hearing live on the County website at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live. The Public Hearing will be held at:

6:00 P.M., Tuesday, May 5, 2026

WORCESTER COUNTY GOVERNMENT CENTER, SNOW HILL, MD

General Fund requested expenditures exceed available revenues (based upon current tax rates) by $2,956,346. This difference must be reconciled by the County Commissioners either through reductions in expenditures or increases in taxes, fees and/or use of Budget Stabilization Funds. Copies of the requested budgets are available for public inspection on the Worcester County website at www.co.worcester.md.us.

GENERAL FUND ESTIMATED REVENUES

GENERAL FUND REQUESTED EXPENDITURES

County students on dean’s list

(April 17, 2026) A total of 546 Wor-Wic Community College students have been recognized for superior performance by being named to the fall dean’s list.

Berlin: Brigitte Ardis, Ava Ball, Emily Bitner, Raelyn Bonebrake, Morelia Camacho-Arriola, Claire Cutlip, Stephen D'Aguiar, Kayleigh DeMarco, Claire DuChene, Jillian Dysart, James Emm, Tyler Englishmen, Hayden Esworthy, Carter Fannin, Ayleah Gavin-Fields, Nikolay Grigoryev, Anthony Guerriero, Charles Harvey III, Nadeen Hassanein, Brian Herbert, Estefani Hernandez Contreras, Brendan Higgins, Zoe Hinkle, Amy Holland, Jackson Hurst, Shane Kaufer, Cloe Kellogg, Zach Ketterman, Paul Knight, Yuliia Kovzolovych, Sam Krasner, Carleigh Kufchak, Angelina Li, Tiffany Long, Kimberly Mackey, Zav Manuel, Parker Mason, Sydney Mauk, Bella Mays, Nicole Mays, Brittany McTernan, Jake Merritt, Kate Miller-Vail, Brandon O'Brien, Brody Olsen, Reagan O'Meara, Elizabeth Palmer, Julia Park, Shane Parks, Elaina Parsons, Kristin Power, Katherine Reynolds, Tim Robinson, Krista Romersa, Haley Schafer, Hunter Simon, Alayna Spagnola, Nazar Svystun, Jay Trump, Paityn Tyre, Alexandria Urbanski, Sydney Wade, Scott Wainwright, Blake Wallace, Sarah Wasem, Adelaide Weber, Rowan Wilkins and Francis Wolfe. Bishopville: Safaa Alsharaydeh, Michael Butcher, Christy Cooke, Jessica Cropper, Mia Fernandez, Brooke Fitzgerald, Jessica Morris, Chloe Paddack, Chase Ponton, Mary Soghomonian, Charlotte

Wilt, Elliott Windrow and Lilly Zalewski.

Girdletree: Ciara Blake, Evan Lukens and Riley Richardson.

Newark: Blaire Jackson and Phillipe Redmond Jr.

Ocean City: Dimitri Anthony, Sully Auker, Braydon Bell, Amanda Berry, Jack Brady, Ivy Chen, Samantha Colbert, Jamie Consigli, Joey Corbett, Caroline Dallam, Cosmina Dida, Sophia Ferrante, Tyler Green, Kirra Hearn, Mallory Kerrigan, Aly Matha, Robin McConnell, Cameron Merritt, Isabella Milite, Alyssa Moran, Carolina Novelli, Jordyn Pace, Sarah Parypa, Tyler Pursel, Luke Ramina, Sophia Robles, Bruss Saldana, Alexandra Szabo, Maddy Tapley, Gabriel Walas, Alexander Ward, Samantha Whitehead and Alexander Yonyak.

Pocomoke City: Dustin Bratten, Nadia Drummond, Dale Grayson, Fiona Guo, Maxwell Guy, Vanessa Jester, Jessica Liu, Ryleigh Mauzy, Isabella McHenry, Emily Nguyen, Essence Richardson and Abigail Windsor

Snow Hill: Brooklyn Ashcraft, Maddy Baumann, Josie Burkhead, Julia Cope, Levi Goddard, Tatilla Gomes, Jay Hardy, Violet Harris-Blackburn, Kimberly Horst, Sam Hurney, Nosa Idemudia, Isabella Johnson, Elizabeth Lonsdale, Angela Marshall, Melissa Ouellette, Genelle Schoolfield, Chuck Spiker, Natalie Sterling, Jennifer Timmons, Alex Tingle, Eleya Weaver, Savvy Wertz and Johnathan Wharton

Whaleyville: Gabe Failla, Isaiah Failla, Colby Rayne and Sara Wisner

• 250’ of shoreline with private dock

• 2 boat lifts + 2 jet ski lifts

• 4 bedrooms + loft | 3 baths

• Panoramic bay & Ocean City skyline views $1,399,000

Debbie Hileman

OWNER/BROKER, GRI & CRS Licensed in MD, DE Cell: 443-235-5982 DebbieHileman07 @gmail.com

additional bedrooms, all with ample closet space, a laundry room, mud room, flex room, & double garage. Enjoy this award-winning, amenity-filled community!

Tall Tales closes

(April 17, 2026) On June 23, all the brewing equipment at the former Tall Tales Brewing Company is heading to online auction. A&M Auctioneers and Appraisers, based out of Parsonsburg, will be handling the sale of all the personal property located in the facility.

The property is being repurposed into a regional wedding and event center going by the name, The Granary Wedding and Event Center. The name was chosen because of the extensive grain background of the property and the owner. Wedding packages will be two- and threeday only and active first responders will

WATERFRONT CONDO in MARINA VILLAGE!

7710 YACHT CLUB DRIVE UNIT 314 • OCEAN PINES

It's rare to find views of the Water and the Yacht Club Basin Marina at this price! Just steps to Dining, Entertainment, Swimming and Boating! Turn-Key furnished corner end unit condo with outdoor storage & screened porch. Lots of updates including LVP flooring, carpet, water heater and HVAC. The kitchen has stainless steel appliances, pantry, & breakfast bar! Extra-large capacity washer/dryer, crown molding, plantation shutters. Two BRs, 2 Baths.

$445,900

WHAT?! A 4-BEDROOM OCEAN PINES

WATERFRONT HOME FOR UNDER $500,000?

The highly elevated lot includes

receive special pricing.

A first-of-its-kind rainwater recycling system will utilize the original brewingboiler system, which is now obsolete.

The sister company of the Granary, The Groove Restaurant in Delmar is looking to open the facility for “Sundays’ in The Country” to serve the east side of the county. The goal is to have live music, pizza, food trucks and open air gatherings by spring 2027. It is important to note that the Groove and Granary have one thing in common, uniting people through food and music.

On April 25 2021 Cpl. Keith Heacook was murdered in Delmar during the Floyd protests. The trauma of that event

The Boardwalk Hotel Group’s three hotels in Ocean City were recognized with national

Pictured, from left, are Kiana Fisher, general manager of Howard Johnson Inn; Gary Johnson, general manager of Days Inn;

prompted a movement to bring people together in the only way that truly works, music and food.

“Our organization is striving to bring real awareness to the mental health of all first responders. We are 20 years too late bringing the taboo topic that first responders reaching out for counseling is a sign of weakness,” said Doug Marshall, owner of the operation.

Information on the auction can be found at www.amauctions.com

OC hotels honored

The Boardwalk Hotel Group would like to congratulate our 3 hotels for winning their respective brands’ top awards. It is the dedication of the general managers and all their staff that makes this possible.

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Oceanfront Plaza- Best of Howard Johnson 11 years in a row.

Days Inn by Wyndham OceanfrontPresident’s Award years 6 in a row.

Howard Johnson by Wyndham Oceanfront Inn- Best of Howard Johnson 5 years in a row.

Content writer named

The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has announced that Roger A. Follebout, Jr. has joined the organization in the role of Content Writer following his recent retirement from TidalHealth.

Follebout spent more than 27 years at TidalHealth, most recently serving as Director of Strategic Communications, where he created and told the stories of patients, caregivers, and community partnerships across the region, while leading the health system’s communication endeavors.  A former television journalist and anchorman at WMDT in Salisbury, he began his career in broadcast news in Michigan before transitioning to healthcare communications at TidalHealth in 1998.

At the Community Foundation, Follebout will focus on sharing stories that highlight the impact and importance of philanthropy and legacy giving across Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties through writing, video, and donor storytelling.

“Roger has dedicated his career to producing meaningful stories that connect people and strengthen communities,” said Erica Joseph, Community Foundation President. “We are excited to welcome him to our team.”  Follebout said he looks forward to continuing to serve local communities through sharing the impactful stories of its donors.

“The Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore has played a powerful role in improving lives across our region since 1984,” he said. “I’m excited to help share the stories of generosity, legacy giving and contribution impacts happening every day.”

R. Follebout, Jr.

Best Beats On The Beach

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th Street Coastal Hwy. Friday, April 17: TBA

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott

Friday & Saturday, April 17 & 18: Phil Perdue

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, April 17: Shortcut Sunny Saturday, April 18: Beach Bandits

Sunday, April 19: Jack & T

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE

Sunday, April 19: Kevin Poole

Wednesday, April 22: Cup Of Joe

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St., In The Bay

Friday, April 17: Big Machine, DJ Phoenix & DJ Stinson

Saturday, April 18: DJ RobCee, The New Romance, The John Frase Project, DJ Rellew & DJ Cruz

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.

Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, April 18: Full Circle & DJ Harvey Cinco

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Sat., April 18

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

CHARLIE TRAVERS Purple Moose: Sat., April 18

KEVIN POOLE Crabcake Factory Bayside: Sun., April 19

DJ MARY JANE Seacrets: Fri., April 17

EVERETT SPELLS Harborwatch: Sun., April 19

DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fri., April 17

DJ WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays

DJ CONNAIR Seacrets: Sat., April 18 Pickles Pub: Thursdays SHORTCUT SUNNY Coins Pub: Fri., April 17

BIG MACHINE

Fager’s Island: Friday, April 17

UNDER THE COVERS

Purple Moose: Friday & Saturday, April 17 & 18

TURNING THE TIDES

Who’s Where When

Sundays:

Opposite Directions

Thursdays: Dust N Bones

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By DeoGee

BEACH BANDITS

Coins Pub: Saturday, April 18

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS

Seacrets: Friday, April 17 FULL CIRCLE

Harborside: Saturday, April 18

THE JOHN FRASE PROJECT

Fager’s Island: Saturday, April 18

Harborside: Sunday, April 19

JOSH PRYOR BAND

Pickles Pub: Saturday, April 18

Saturday, April 18:

Josh Pryor & The Contraband

Monday, April 20:

Karaoke w/ Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Thursdays: Beats By Connair

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday, April 17:

Cardo & Hades (2pm), Under The Covers & DJ Papi

Saturday, April 18:

Charlie Travers (2pm), Under The Covers & DJ Papi

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, April 17:

Element K Duo, DJ Mary Jane, Line Dancing w/ Kalynn, Turning The Tides & DJ E-State Saturday, April 18: DJ Connair, Tommi Boi, DJ Davie & Screaming Monkeys Thursday, April 23: Carey Twigg & DJ Davie

JUDGE VISITS SCHOOL

On Tuesday, March 31, a group of Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) students participated in a WORX (Work, Observe, Research, Experience) seminar featuring the Honorable Judge Peggy Kent, Worcester County’s first woman to serve as a circuit court judge. Kent, who made history with her appointment to the Worcester County Circuit Court in 2018, shared insights from a distinguished career. Before her appointment, she served for 22 years as a family court magistrate, earning widespread respect for her ability to manage complex and often emotional cases with both authority and compassion.

Many WPS students participated in the WORX seminar featuring Kent. Pictured, front from left, are WPS Director of Student Life Megan Wallace, students Emerson Bofinger, Jack Wells, Sydney Parker, Elena Gjoni, Isha Garg, Honorable Judge Peggy Kent, Jake Campbell, Lena Parker, Marina Farlow, Anisha Batra, Kobe Bouzaglo, Livi Owens and Sydney Todorov. Back, from left, are Nate Freidman, Upper School teacher Paul Cyryca, Preston Adkins, Josh Greulich, Jake Timmons, Ansh Batra, Beckett Green and Stephen Carullo.

SUBMITTED

COUNTY ELECTION

Bingo event to raise money for Lower Shore homeless

(April 17, 2026) The Ocean City Lady Knights Auxiliary has announced its upcoming “Bingo With a Heart” Luncheon & Fundraiser, a community-focused event supporting the Joseph House and its mission to serve the poor and homeless across the Lower Shore.

Event to take place on Wednesday, April 29, at St. Andrew’s Parish Center in Ocean City. Guests will enjoy a delicious luncheon featuring a choice of turkey club or shrimp tacos, served with potato salad, melon salad, and dessert.

Following lunch, attendees will take part in 17 exciting bingo games, with $75 prizes for regular games and $100 prizes for special games, along with gift basket raffles and door prizes.

“This event brings people together for a great time while making a meaningful impact,” said Kimberly Bean, Ocean City Lady Knights Auxiliary chairwoman for the event. “It’s a chance to enjoy a day out with friends while supporting individuals and families in need.”

Tickets are $45 and include lunch, all bingo games, and door prize entries. Guests are encouraged to attend with friends or groups. As an added bonus, attendees who bring three canned goods for the food drive will receive a free raffle ticket for a chance to win a gift basket.

Doors will open at 10 a.m. Lunch will

be served at 11:30 a.m. Bingo will begin at 12:30 p.m.

Proceeds will directly benefit the Joseph House, helping provide food, shelter, and essential services to those experiencing homelessness across the Lower Shore.

Seating is limited, and early reservations are strongly encouraged. Tickets can be purchased online at https://ocladyknights.com

(April 17, 2026) The seventh annual Bay Day event returns to White Horse Park in Ocean Pines on Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bay Day is a collaborative conservation effort between the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) and the Ocean Pines Association to engage the community in local environmental efforts and help improve the health of the waterways that shoulder the residential shores of Ocean Pines. This free, family-friendly event caters to all age groups through hands-on activities, boat tours, live music, live animal exhibits, and more.

“Protecting the Coastal Bays starts with informed and engaged citizens,” says MCBP Board Chair Steve Taylor adding, “Bay Day brings our community together to learn, connect, and take action for clean, beautiful waterways.”

“It’s great to have the opportunity to work with Maryland Coastal Bays again this year,” said Debbie Donahue, Director of Recreation and Parks. “We look forward to this event every year, as it is not only informative and enjoyable, but also marks the start of the summer season here in Ocean Pines.”

“People should feel welcome to come and stay all day,” Liz Wist, MCBP Education Coordinator says. “The idea behind Bay Day is to provide something for everyone- from the person looking for volunteer opportunities, to someone who wants to experience the Coastal Bays from a boat for the first time.”

The event this year will feature more than 25 conservation partners, including the Worcester County Garden Club, the Delmarva Discovery Museum, the National Aquarium, the Art League of Ocean City, and the US Coast Guard Auxiliary. There will be live music, bay boat tours, and food vendors. The first 200 attendees will receive a canvas bag, hand-painted by students from Worcester County Public Schools.

The Passport Book and Scavenger Hunt will be back again this year. Attendees can travel around the event, engaging with the exhibitors, collecting stamps, and using their observation skills to find

around the site.

Delaware

Acadia Landing LEWES, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Mid $400s

ballenger creek HARBESON, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

Bridgewater FRANKFORD, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $500s

deer creek LINCOLN, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

forest landing ELLENDALE, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Villas from the Upper $300s

four winds farm LTTON, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Homes

rttyeast MILLSBORO, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

Newdale acres ELLENDALE, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Toownhomes from the Low $300s

Pelican Point MILLSBORO, DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Low $400s

rtton Chase MILLSBORO, , DE

Now Selling Single Family Homes from the Upper $300s

lakeside at trappe TRAPPE, MD

Now Selling Single Family Homes and Toownhomes from the Upper $200s

SOUTH SHORE

Plantation Lakes ryyClub

Golf & Countr

MILLSBORO, , DE

, and T O

Now Selling Single Family Ho Villas Toownhomes from the Low $300s the oaks GEORGETOWN, Coming Soon Toownhomes vines creek crossing FRANKFORD, DE

Coming Soon Single Family Ho Toownhomes, and Villas

Westwood MILFORD, DE

Coming Soon Single Family H and Villas

Maaryland

Tides at River Marsh CAMBRIDGE, MD

Now Selling Single Family Homes, Villas, and Toownhomes from the Upper $200s

COMMUNITY/SCHOOLS

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

CONTEST WINNERS

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club honored the winners and participants of the “Annual Oratory Contest” for grades 6 through 8 sponsored by Ocean City-Berlin Optimist.  The winners were first place Estelle Damouni from Worcester County Prep, $300; second place Samuel Zollinger from Stephen Decatur Middle School, $200; and third place Hunter Mitchell from Stephen Decatur Middle School, $150. Estelle and Samuel will go on to compete at the District Level where the winner will receive a $2,500 scholarship to college.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

TREE FARMER OF THE YEAR

John and Janice Warren of Snow Hill and Warren Tree Farm were recognized by the Maryland Senate and Senator Mary Beth Carozza for being named the Maryland Outstanding Tree Farm of the Year for 2026. Worcester County Forester Ian McGovern also was on hand for the Senate presentation.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

NEW OPTIMIST CLUB MEMBERS

The Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club welcomed new members at the April dinner meeting at the Lighthouse Sound on St. Martins Neck Road. Pictured, from left, are sponsor Larry Lawrence, new member Doug Bruner, sponsor Kathy Cater, new member Amy Gallagher, new member Chuck Fuller, sponsor Greg Custis and Optimist President Chris Dolomount-Brown.

SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH

K-KIDS CLUB

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City recently partnered with Ocean City Elementary School to establish a KKids Club. The K-Kids Club at Ocean City Elementary School will provide meaningful opportunities for students to grow as leaders, encourage teamwork, and empower students to give back to our school and community through service projects. Pictured celebrating the launch of the club are Jane Chisholm, assistant principal at OCES; Jennifer Fohner, K-Kids Club sponsor; and Janet Wolfing, Kiwanis advisor.

COUNTY MEDIA EXPO

Congratulations to all the hard-working Ocean City Elementary School students whose projects advanced to the county level Media Expo competition this year.

Twelve OCES students earned a silver or gold medal at the award ceremony on March 19. SUBMITTED

Calendar

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

Fri., April 17

PLAY TIME

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

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

BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘THE INDIGO GIRL’ BY NATASHA BOYD

Oaked at The Globe/Tiki Tim’s, 12 Broad St., Berlin, 2 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book at the Berlin Library and then join in for a lively discussion. 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

FRIED FLOUNDER DINNER

Bowen Fellowship Church, 8426 Newark Road, Newark, 4:30 p.m. Fried flounder, green beans, Mac & cheese, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Carry outs available. Cost is $10.

ART SPEAKS: CREATE, SHARE, PERFORM

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 6 p.m. Make a poetry art piece using mixed media and snips of famous poems. An open mic will follow the art session. Light refreshments. 410-957-0878, worcesterlibrary.org

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO

Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6:30 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. At least $1,000 in payouts and a chance for a $1,000 big jackpot at the end of the evening. Light snacks sold. 410-524-7994

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., April 18

VINTAGE & VINYL RECORD STORE DAY

Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring live music,

vintage shopping, and exclusive vinyl releases on Pitts Street. Free event. Free shuttle from Berlin Intermediate School. Rain date is April 19.

5TH ANNUAL OPAC FISHING FLEA MARKET

Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Buy/sell fishing, crabbing, boating items, crafts, etc. Proceeds support Teach Kids to Fish and the Kids Fishing Tournament. Free admission,coffee, donuts, 50/50 raffle. Reserve a table: 918-910-6485.

MEN’S FELLOWSHIP BREAKFAST

St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin, 8 a.m. All men are encouraged to attend. Free event. 410-6410270

DOG MAN PARTY

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 11 a.m. Celebrate Dog Man with games, crafts and plenty of laughs. For ages 6-11 years. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

FISH FRY FUNDRAISER

Jolley Memorial Chapel, 600 Franklin Ave., Berlin, 11 a.m. Fried fish sandwich, chips, bottled water for $10. Delicious baked good fro sale too. Proceeds support the Stephen Decatur High School Class of 1976’s upcoming 50th Class Reunion.

DR. CHARLES ALBERT TINDLEY GOSPEL CELEBRATION & HISTORY

New Bethel United Methodist Church, 10203 Germantown Road, Berlin, 1-3 p.m. Exhibit opens at 12 p.m. Celebrating the music and history of Rev. Charles A. Tindley D.D. Admission is free. All are welcome. Refreshments available. 410-641-0638, germantownschool@gmail.com

PIG ROAST

Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin, 4-8 p.m. Featuring Museum Comes Alive! Live music, beer, food and live action reenactments. www.taylorhousemuseum.org

OCVFC LADIES AUXILIARY CASH BINGO 15th Street Firehouse, 1409 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 6-9:30 p.m. Tickets $35. Doors Open at 5 p.m. Bingo starts at 6 p.m. Door Prizes, 50/50, Chance Auction and food available. 15th Street Firehouse, 2nd Floor. Call or text 443-235-1222 for tickets ($35) in advance.

NIGHT AT THE COLOSSEUM

Residence Inn by Marriott Ocean City, 300 Seabay Lane, 6-9 p.m. Tickets $75. Live music, silent auction, Olympic-style follies, Mediterranean Mezze. Togas and tunics are encouraged. Tickets: https://givebutter.com/NightAtTheColosseum. Proceeds benefit Art League of Ocean City. 410-524-9433

OCEAN PINES FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET

Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Also featuring family-friendly activities, music and unique shopping experiences. Open to the public, year round. 410-6417052,

https://www.oceanpines.org/web/pages /farmers-artisans-market

Sun., April 19

FAMILY GOLF AT OCEAN PINES GOLF COURSE

Ocean Pines Golf Club, 100 Clubhouse Drive. Featuring nine par 3 holes. Registration fee is $40. Juniors play free with a paying adult and $15 for additional juniors. Register: 410-641-6057, mruggiere@oceanpines.org.

VANILLA FUDGE LIVE IN CONCERT

Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, 229 Rehoboth Ave., 3-6 p.m. Tickets $75$150. Vanilla Fudge Live in concert with original members, Carmine Appice, Mark Stein, and Vince Martell, with bassist Pete Bremy. 302-402-3055

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., April 20

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CHECK-OUT CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Pick up a challenge sheet in the kids’ department. Earn a prize by checking out at least three items from the challenge list during the week. For families. 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

BABY TIME

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

STORY TIME: EARTH DAY

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

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

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

BRIDGE

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

DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS

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

OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS

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

Tues., April 21

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CHECK-OUT CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Pick up a challenge sheet in the kids’ department. Earn a prize by checking out at least three items from the challenge list during the week. For families. 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

GENEALOGY WORKSHOP

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research, followed by a Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration required: 410-208-4014.

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

STORY TIME

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. For ages 0-5 years. 410-641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

CALENDAR

STORY TIME: BIRDS AND NESTS

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

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

LET’S MAKE … EARTH DAY BEE HOUSES

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Build small bee houses for pollinators. All materials provided. Register: 410-6410650, worcesterlibrary.org.

WATERCOLOR BASICS

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 2 p.m. Artist Jan Coulbourne teaches this class about creating a piece of watercolor art. Registration required: 410-524-1818. worcesterlibrary.org

EARLY READERS BOOK CLUB - ‘DRAGON’S FAT CAT: AN ACORN BOOK’

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 4 p.m. Enjoy a shared reading experience as a group. Afterwards children will play games or do crafts that relate to the story that was read. Best for ages 6-8 years. 410-9570878, worcesterlibrary.org

SENSORY SENSATION

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Enjoy sensory bins, including Kinetic sand. For families. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS COMMUNITY SUPPER

Columbus Hall, 9901 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Enjoy a wonderful pot roast dinner. Cost is $15. 410-524-7994

CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET

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

BEACH HEROES-OC

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

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING

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

TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY

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

OC KNITTING CLUB

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

ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE

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

ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS

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

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP

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

Wed., April 22

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CHECK-OUT CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Pick up a challenge sheet in the kids’ department. Earn a prize by checking out at least three items from the challenge list during the week. For families. 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

EARTH DAY DOCUMENTARY FEEDING TOMORROW

Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Celebrate Earth Day by joining the Ocean City library for a very special film screening. 410-524-1818, worcesterlibrary.org

PUZZLE SWAP

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-7 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and leave with 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

SELF DEFENSE BASICS

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 2 p.m. Kevin Killian from Gracie Ocean City teaches this class. Registration required: 410641-0650. worcesterlibrary.org

SERVICE SQUAD

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 3:30 p.m. Teens, help out with craft and program prep, or other activities that help the li-

brary to earn service learning hours. Open to students of Worcester County schools. For ages 12-18 years. 410-6410650

EARTH DAY

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Create some Earth Day crafts. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

KIWANIS CLUB MEETING

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

CASH BINGO

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

Thurs., April 23

SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Free live music all day long, food vendors, arts and craft vendors and more. Free admission. https://www.ococean.com/springfest/

STREET PAINTING FESTIVAL AT SPRINGFEST

Hugh T. Cropper Inlet Parking Lot, 809 S. Atlantic Ave., Ocean City, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Incredible chalk art created by talented artists. Stop by the Art League tent for fun “make and take” art activities. https://artleagueofoceancity.org/event/ street-painting-festival-at-springfest/. 410-524-9433

THE FABULOUS HUBCAPS

Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. Bringing a taste of the American music scene from the 50s through 80s. Prices are $25 and $35. Tickets: https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/7194389 4/the-fabulous-hubcaps-ocean-city-ocperforming-arts-center.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK CHECK-OUT CHALLENGE

Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Pick up a challenge sheet in the kids’ department. Earn a prize by checking out at least three items from the challenge list during the week. For families. 410641-0650, worcesterlibrary.org

CHAIR YOGA

Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10 a.m. Join Tidal Health Community Health Educator Bobbi McDonald for a morning of stretching and relaxation. Registration required: 410-957-0878. worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME: ‘CHICKA CHICKA BOOM BOOM’

Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 2-5 years. 410-208-4014, worcesterlibrary.org

STORY TIME ‘SHAKE THE TREE’ Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-5622, worcesterlibrary.org

DRY PANTRY

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

ONGOING EVENTS

ORIOLES VS. ATHLETICS BUS TRIP

Bus trip to Camden Yards, May 10. Cost is $150 and includes transportation, section 288 seating, Picnic Perch food and bathrooms, Family Fun Day Sunday, watch batting practice and Denim Crab Cap Gate Giveaway to first 20,000 fans. Depart from the Ocean Pines Community Center at 9:30 a.m. Game time is 1:35 p.m. Tickets: 410-641-7052.

TEEN TIME: PAINTING POTS

Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, April 6-30, 3:30 p.m. Decorate your own flower pot for a plant. All materials provided. While supplies last. 410-208-4014

BOOKMARK DESIGN CONTEST

Pick up an entry form and template at any Worcester County library branch. This year’s theme is “Unearth a Story.” Submit your design by April 30 for a chance to be featured. Winners announced May 13. For families. 443-235-5597

HISTORY HUNTERS BEANSTACK CHALLENGE

Throughout April, pick up a field guide and your paper mascot from any Worcester County library branch, visit historic sites, read books and snap pictures of your adventures along the way. Return your field guide when you’re finished or log your activities online on beanstack to enter the drawing for a prize. For families. 443-235-5597

Crossword answers from page 72

ASSISTANT MANAGER

Full-Time, Year-Round

Must be available for day, night or weekend shifts. If interested apply in person.

Open daily, 11:00 a.m.

American Legion Post #166, 2308 Philadelphia Avenue For information call 410-289-3166

Airbnb Turnover Cleaner (Seasonal) Dependable, reliable cleaner needed. Every 3-5 days. Must be available for check in/out window, 11am-4pm. Single level house, 4BR, 2 1/2 BA. Turnover linens. Professional level attention to detail. $150 per cleaning. Call 301-437-6369.

ADMIN. ASST. / BOOKKEEPER

Needed for WOC company with excellent organization, written, verbal, and computer skills. Real estate exp. preferred. 20-30 hours per week. Send resume to: kclark@monogrambuilders.com

HIGH POINT NORTH CONDOMINIUMS

11400 Coastal Highway, OCMD

NOW HIRING

FT/YR CUSTODIAN/ MAINTENANCE ASSISTANT

Hours 8am-4pm, must work summer weekends, off Tuesday/Wednesday. Call Tom 410-524-1761 or fax resume to 410-524-0030

Hiring Pool Deck Attendant 9400 Condominium Building Full Time, Seasonal May to September. Hours 10-6. $16 per hour. Duties: Keep Pool Area Clean - Check for Wrist Bands - Sell Ice Cream, Other Duties as Needed. Call 410-524-9400.

HELP WANTEDRECEPTIONIST

Plaza Condominium in Ocean City is seeking a full-time Receptionist/Front Desk Administrator. Friendly, professional customer service skills required. Duties include answering phones, greeting residents and guests, handling front desk operations, maintaining records, and providing office support. Receptionist or administrative experience preferred. Call 410-723-3300 or email resume to jobs.plazaoc@gmail.com

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL

Now Hiring

• FT NIGHT AUDITOR

RoomMaster exp. pref. Weekends required. Apply in person 9am-4pm 32nd St., Baltimore Ave.

HELPWANTED

Join our team for the busy Summer Season (May-Sept.) and help insure our properties are guest ready!

HIRING for Supervisors, Inspectors and Cleaners for Vacation Rentals in Ocean City, Maryland.

SUPERVISORS: Oversee daily operations for multiple locations, Guest issue resolutions. Requirements: Eye for detail and previous inspection experience.

CLEANERS: Perform exceptional cleaning of Vacation rentals.

Requirements: Experience in cleaning, stamina and dependable.

Text or Call Jay OC Purifiers 443-523-2838

BUILDING MAINTENANCE

HELP WANTEDFULL AND PART-TIME positions available at The Irene Condominium, 11100 Coastal Highway. Great work environment, friendly beachfront building, competitive hourly wage. Duties include routine maintenance, minor repairs, light painting, cleaning and grounds keeping. Light physical labor is required.

Text or call Ed at 443-415-8000 or email irene11100@comcast.net

HOUSEKEEPING/ JANITORIAL POSITION

The Plaza Condominium in Ocean City, MD is seeking a dependable Housekeeping/ Janitorial team member to help keep our oceanfront high-rise clean, safe, and well maintained. Duties include cleaning common areas, hallways, restrooms, elevators, amenity spaces, and other assigned areas, while reporting maintenance or safety concerns promptly. Applicants should be reliable, detail-oriented, able to work independently, and able to lift, carry, bend, and stand for extended periods. To apply, please contact The Plaza Condominium at 410-723-3300 or submit a resume to jobs.plazaoc@gmail.com.

YR

For condo located on 47th St., Bayside, OC, MD. Must work weekends during summer months, off Tues. & Wed. Duties include painting, power washing, light clean up, light maintenance. Pay $18-$22/hr. Benefits include 100% paid health & life insurance. Call 443-523-5739

The Breakers Hotel FRONT

DESK CLERKS

The Breakers Hotel is currently looking for Full or Part-time seasonal front desk clerks available during the evening hours, 3-11 p.m. Experience in Room Maser is not required; however, basic computer skills are necessary. Please send your resume to info@ocbreakers.com or contact us directly, 410-289-9165 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

The Plaza Condominium is seeking Housekeepers and a detail-oriented Security/Property Preservation Officer to conduct vigilant patrols of our parking decks, pool areas, and building perimeter to ensure guest safety and site integrity. You will be responsible for adhering to facility standards, monitoring equipment like the handicap lift, and maintaining a pristine, hazard-free environment through proactive inspections. Application in person 9800 Coastal Hwy, OCMD Send resume to: Jlentz.plazaoc@gmail.com For more information: Josh Lentz, 410-723-3300.

15 Passenger Bus Driver for school drop-offs and pickups. Background check required. Mon.-Fri. Part-time during school year, mornings and afternoons. $20/hour. Call 410-629-0878, ask for Aubrey.

JOLLY ROGER

Small Engine Mechanic & Ride Maintenance. (Must have mechanical knowledge) Technical Support & Installation (Entry level with knowledge of network systems) SEASONAL HELP: Cashiers, Waterpark Attendants, Lifeguards, Ride Operators Wage based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902

BERLIN - 2 Bedroom, 1.5 Bath. Very clean Apartment. County setting, furnished or unfurnished, paver patio with firepit. $1800/month plus utilities. No pets, no smoking. Call 301-748-1977.

Seasonal WEEKLY RENTAL only. Single family home, Berlin, 4Br, 3Ba. $725/night. Call 484-319-7188 for details. Seeking Year-Round Rentals! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.

YEARLY RENTAL

Available Immediately

2 UNITS - Robin Dr. (1 furn., 1 unfurn.) 2BR, 1BA. Dog friendly only. Ideal for 2 mature adults. $2,000/mo. + electric. Call/text 703-819-7400

Yearly & Seasonal Rentals

We Welcome Pets 7700 Coastal Hwy 410-524-7700

www.holidayoc.com

———————————

Mention this ad for $10 OFF Application Fee!

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

$120,000

BUYS YOU A BEAUTIFUL 2024 MOBILE HOME! Minutes to the beach and next door to county boat ramp. $700/mo. Lot Rent pays for water/sewer/ trash/taxes. Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555

COMMERCIAL

FOR LEASE

Commercial Retail/Office Space 760 sq. ft. Village of Fenwick, Fenwick Island, DE. Call Melissa, 410-641-1101 or Email Melissa@bergeycpa.com

Commercial Impound Lots For Lease 50 x 75 sq.ft. $1,000 per month. Wor. Cty. Approved. MSP Approved. Call Steve 410-251-3412 Leave Message

REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE OR RENT West

OC Salt Life Community.

2BR, 1BA Model Mobile Home. Fully furnished. New Pool & Community BBQ Area. Close to beaches, restaurants, nightlife and fishing. Will co-op w/realtor. Call 410-807-2515 for more info.

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

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT

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

Commercial Space for Lease ONLY 1 UNIT LEFT!

2-3 Units available, can be divided or joined. Approx. 1000 sq. ft. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885 for more information.

SERVICES

LARRY’S HANDYMAN

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

PETS

TINY YORKIE PUPPIES

Home Raised. Males and Females. Mother and Father on premises. 302-934-8913

YARD SALE

YARD SALE

Sat., 4/18 & Sun., 4/19 8am-2pm 10002 Hayes Landing Rd., Berlin

YARD SALE

Sat., 4/18, 8am-2pm.

Tools, Motorcycle, Boat, Canoe, Furniture, etc. Lots of men’s stuff!

10022 Blue Marlin Dr., OC, MD. (4 houses behind Fisher’s Popcorn) Oyster Harbor Community Wide Yard Sale. Whisper Trace Drive, May 9, 2026, 8am-1pm. Rain Date May 16, 2026.

BOATS/PWC

BOAT SLIP RENTAL

Hidden Harbour II $2,000/season. Call for details 443-306-3446. Leave a message.

Across from the Casino. $80 per month. Call Steve, leave message 410-251-3412

Company. Coverage for 400 plus procedures. Real dental insurance - NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-337-5228 www.dental50plus.com/ MDDC #6258

Get Boost Infinite! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 855-977-5719 MISC. FOR SALE Get

MISC. FOR SALE

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ.

108 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE

SALE

14 38th Street, #302

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-26-000070, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 14 38th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on

MONDAY, MAY 4, 2026 AT 10:00 AM

ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, designated as Unit No. 302 in the Condesa Condominium, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, in Liber No. 441, folio 201.

The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees. The property is free and clear of Mortgages. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier=s or bank check, with the balance to be paid in wired funds at the time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater charges, and condominium dues will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney=s fee of $350.00 for review of any motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the purchaser=s sole

remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.

For more information, call:

James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee

410-289-2323

OCD-4/16/3t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 8th Street Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE SALE

200 59th Street, #202 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-26-000047, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 200 59th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on

TUESDAY, APRIL 28, 2026 AT 10:00 AM

ALL that property located in the Town of Ocean City designated as Unit No. 202 in the Coconut Malorie Resort Condominium, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and By-Laws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 2524, folio 143, and pursuant also to the plats recorded therewith in Plat Book No. 154, folio 26.

The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 8361, folio 234, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $102,900.00 on April 8, 2022. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Thirty Five Thousand Dollars ($35,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier=s or bank check, with the balance to be paid in wired funds at the time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater charges, and condominium dues will be adjusted to the date of sale and

thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney=s fee of $350.00 for review of any motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the purchaser=s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.

For more information, call:

James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323

OCD-4/9/3t

TRUSTEE’S SALE OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT

In accordance with the Order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000026 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., at the front door of Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, 16 64th Street, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Oceanscape Condominium Unit No. 402, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and ByLaws, as amended, dated September 12, 2001, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 3122, Folio 573, 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. 171, Folio 28, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 8417, Page 180, 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 Pur-

chaser.

For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400.

OCD-4/16/3t

JAMES E. CLUBB, JR., ESQ. 108 8th Street

Ocean City, Maryland 21842

FORECLOSURE

SALE

12605 Assawoman Drive, #101 OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND

By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-26-000036, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the condominium building located at 12605 Assawoman Drive, Ocean City, Maryland 21842, on

MONDAY, APRIL 20, 2026 AT 10:00 AM

ALL that property lying and being situate in the Town of Ocean City, in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, more particularly designated and distinguished as Unit No. 101 in the Starfish V Building, STARFISH III, IV & V CONDOMINIUM, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements thereof, as established pursuant to a Condominium Declaration and ByLaws recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 470, folio 383, et seq., and subject to the Condominium Plats recorded therewith in Plat Book No. 48, folio 40, et seq.

The property will be sold in an AS IS condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 7897, folio 97, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $260,000.00 on January 4, 2021. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.

Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Fifteen Thousand Dollars ($15,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier=s or bank check, with the balance to be paid in wired funds at the time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Statement of Lien. Real property taxes, wastewater

charges, and condominium dues will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession of the property. Purchaser agrees to pay to the Seller an Attorney’s fee of $350.00 for review of any motion which may be filed with the Court to substitute a purchaser herein. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the purchaser=s sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.

For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323 OCD-4/2/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

PROPOSAL SOLICITATION

P06-26 – Non-Cash Bus Fare Payment System

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Non-Cash Bus Fare Payment System and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.

Proposal Documents for the NonCash Bus Fare Payment System 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, APRIL 14TH, 2026 AT 11:00AM EST, AT THE PROCUREMENT CONFERENCE ROOM, 214 65TH STREET, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. Pre-Proposal Meeting attendance is mandatory for Vendors intending to submit Proposals for consideration. The Town of Ocean City will additionally provide a virtual attendance option, via Zoom, upon formal request in writing to the Procurement Manager, for Vendors unable to attend the Pre-Proposal Meeting in person. The Last Day for Questions will be on THURSDAY, APRIL 30TH, 2026, AT 4:00PM

EST. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, MAY 1ST, 2026. Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than THURSDAY, MAY 14TH, 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, MAY 15TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM 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 (P06-26 – Non-Cash Bus Fare Payment System) 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-3/26/7t

THE GELLER LAW GROUP, PLLC

JANELL F. WHEELER

4000 LEGATO RD, STE. 1100 PMB 6084

FAIRFAX, VA 22033-2893

NOTICE

TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

ESTATE NO. 21075

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Arlington County, Virginia appointed (1) Matthew Patrick Harrington, 14160 Roller Coaster Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 809212029; and (2) Paul Herbert Harrington III, 1901 N. Cameron St., Arlington, VA 22207-2018 as the CoExecutor of the Estate of Paul H. Harrington Jr., AKA: Paul Herbert Harrington Jr. who died on July 21, 2025 domiciled in Virginia, USA.

The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) Debbie Kivitz, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 1350, Bethesda, MD 20814-7069; and (2) Debbie Kivitz, Hamelburg Law, 7910 Woodmont Ave., Ste. 1350, Bethesda, MD 20814-7069.

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

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

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

(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.

(1) Matthew Patrick Harrington

(2) Paul Herbert Harrington III Foreign Personal Representatives

Terri Westcott Register of Wills

One W. Market Street

Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074

Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest

Date of first publication: April 02, 2026

OCD-4/2/3t

Ralph J. DiPietro, Esquire Hofmeister Robinson & DiPietro Executive Plaza II, Suite 601 11350 McCormick Road Hunt Valley, MD 21031 410-832-8822, ext. 5

RALPH J. DIPIETRO, ET AL.

Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs v.

CABM CONTRACTOR LLC

AKA CABM CONTRACTORS, LLC Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY Case No. C-23-CV-25-000363

NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given this 24th day of March, 2026, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings and described as 309 Purnell Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863 will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 27th day of April, 2026, next, provided a copy of this NOTICE be published at least once a week in each of three successive weeks in some newspaper of general circulation published in said County before the 20th day of April, 2026, next. The report states the amount of sale to be $80,000.00 and sold to GSJ Consulting, Inc.

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-4/2/3t

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 will be held on MONDAY, APRIL 6TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST at the Procurement Conference Room, 214 65th Street, Ocean City, Maryland 21842 for this Request for Proposal. The Town of Ocean City will additionally provide a virtual attendance option, via Zoom, upon formal request in writing to the Procurement Manager, for Vendors unable to attend the Pre-Proposal Meeting in person. The Last Day for Questions will be on FRIDAY, APRIL 10TH, 2026, AT 4:00PM EST, for any questions concerning the Proposal Documents. Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, APRIL 13TH, 2026

Sealed Proposal Documents are due no later than MONDAY, APRIL 20TH, 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 TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST, 2026, AT 10:00AM 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 (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.

OCD-4/2/3t

DONNA P. BROWN THE BROWN LAW FIRM, LLC 5000 THAYER CTR., STE. C OAKLAND, MD 21550-1139

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21072 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF OLIVER W. CORBIN Notice is given that Rhoda E. Corbin, 123 Bookdale Ave., New Rochelle, NY 10801-2818, was on March 30, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Oliver W. Corbin 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 30th day of September, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of September, 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.

Rhoda E. Corbin 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: April 02, 2026

OCD-4/2/3t

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21069 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF THERESA J. ALBRIGHT

AKA: THERESA JOAN ALBRIGHT

Notice is given that Tammy Donnelly, PO Box 7105, Arlington, VA 22207-0105, was on March 20, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Theresa J. Albright who died on February 28, 2026, with a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th day of September, 2026. All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 20th day of September, 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.

Tammy Donnelly 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: April 02, 2026

OCD-4/2/3t

NOMIKI B. WEITZEL ESQ. LAW OFFICE OF NOMIKI

BOULOUBASSIS WEITZEL & ASSOC. 7652 BELAIR RD. BALTIMORE, MD 21236-4088

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21079 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JASON W. HAHN

AKA: JASON WARREN HAHN

Notice is given that Kelly A. Kunze, 101 Theodora Ct., Forest Hill, MD 21050-3250, was on March 30, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Jason W. Hahn who died on February 05, 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 30th day of September, 2026.

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 30th day of September, 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.

Kelly A. Kunze

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: April 02, 2026

OCD-4/2/3t

DAVID C. MAJORS THE MAJORS LAW FIRM 1750 TYSONS BLVD. STE. 1500 MCLEAN, VA 22102-4200

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21080 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JOAN T. DONNELLY

Notice is given that Gary W. Donnelly, 6133 Mountain Springs Ln., Clifton, VA 20124-2340, was on April 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Joan T. Donnelly who died on March 14, 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 1st day of October, 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 1st day of October, 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.

Gary W. Donnelly 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: April 09, 2026

OCD-4/9/3t

Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland

B13-26 – Ocean City Fire Station #4 Apron

The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking BID’s from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Ocean City Fire Station #4 and for said work to conform with the BID Documents.

BID Documents for the Ocean City Fire Station #4 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 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 THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH, 2026 AT 10:00AM EST, AT THE FIRE STATION #4, 12925 COASTAL HIGHWAY, OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND 21842. The Last Day for Questions will be on MONDAY, APRIL 20TH, 2026 AT 4:00PM EST Addendum will be posted by close of business on TUESDAY, APRIL 21ST, 2026

Sealed BID Documents are due no later than MONDAY, APRIL 27TH, 2026, BY 10:00AM EST. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION, ON TUESDAY, APRIL 28TH, 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 (Ocean City Fire Station #4 Apron) must be noted on the outside of the package. Late BID Documents will not be accepted.

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

Matt Perry Procurement Manager

Town of Ocean City, Maryland OCD-4/9/3t

JAMES W. ALMAND, ESQ. AYRES JENKINS GORDY & ALMAND, PA

6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200

OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21086 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF MARK WIESAND

Notice is given that Deborah Lynn Wiesand, 3801 Atlantic Ave., Unit 206, Ocean City, MD 218423386, was on April 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Mark Wiesand who died on March 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 1st day of October, 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 1st day of October, 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.

Deborah Lynn Wiesand 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: April 09, 2026

OCD-4/9/3t

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. 21084 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF NIVLYS ANNE KITZIG

AKA: NIVLYS A. KITZIG

Notice is given that Mary Kitzig, P.O. Box 990, 1551 Kaufman Road, Buena Vista, CO 81211-0990, was on April 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Nivlys Anne Kitzig who died on December 30, 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 1st day of October, 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 1st day of October, 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.

Mary Kitzig

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: April 09, 2026

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, April 23, 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(2)(b) has been filed to request (1) a special parking exception to the design standards to allow tandem parking of 132 parking spaces for 66 multi-family proposed condominium units, which said parking spaces will be conveyed together with the individual units as reserved parking; and (2) a special parking exception from design standards to reduce the minimum dimensions of one (1) tandem parking space per each of the 66 proposed units to be 9’ X 36’ instead of 9’ X 40’ (42’) as required by Code. The Property is described as Lots 1 through 8, and Lots 12 through 16, Block 45 of the revised Fenwick, MD plat, Town of Ocean City, Maryland. The Property is located north of 145th Street, west of Coastal Highway MD528, and is locally known as 14501 Coastal Highway, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: REGAN SMITH ESQ. FOR OC 107 146TH STREET, LLC and OC BOAT HOLDING CO. INC. (BZA 2737, #26-09400005) AT 6:15 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(2) and 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application related to Sections 110-94(2)(b) and 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request (1) an after-the-fact special parking exception to reduce the depth of two (2) required parking spaces to 19.14 feet rather than 20 feet as required by Code; (2) an after-the-fact variance of 0.68 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback for an existing covered porch to be 4.32 feet from a side lot line; (3) an after-the-fact variance of 0.62 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback for an existing dwelling to be 4.38 feet from a side lot line; and (4) an after-the-fact variance of 0.39 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback for an existing dwelling to be 4.61 feet from the side lot line. The Property is described as Lot 1135, Section 3, of the Montego Bay Mobile Home Park Plat. It is further described as being located on the southwest side of Beachcomber Lane and is locally

known as 179 Beachcomber Lane in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: SEAN AND PATRICIA CHENWORTH (BZA 2738, #26-09500001) AT 6:30 PM

Pursuant to the provisions of Section 110-93(3), Powers of the Code, an application related to Section 110-95(1)(a) has been filed to request a variance of 1.9 feet from the 5-foot side yard setback requirement for a proposed staircase required for fire safety to be 3.1 feet from the side lot line. The Property is described as Tax Map 110, Parcel 3791, Lot B, Block 35 of the J.E. Evans Plat. It is further described as being located on the north side of 8th Street and is locally known as 202 8th Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.

APPLICANT: PETER BUAS, ESQ. FOR 202 8TH STREET, LLC (BZA 2739, #26-09500002)

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

Christopher Rudolf, Chairman Maureen Howarth, Attorney OCD-4/9/2t

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

To all persons interested in the estate of DOROTHY E. DAILEY Estate No. 21085 Notice is given that ALBERT JOHN DAILEY whose address is 106 SPRING PLACE WAY, ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-7294 was on APRIL 01, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DOROTHY E. DAILEY who died on AUGUST 03, 2004 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 1st day of OCTOBER, 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 1st day of OCTOBER, 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 cred-

itor 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-4/9/3t

WORCESTER COUNTY MARYLAND OFFICE OF THE TREASURER GOVERNMENT CENTER 1 WEST MARKET STREET, ROOM 1105 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

TAX SALE

OF PROPERTIES LOCATED IN WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

State and County taxes for the 2024 tax levy (and prior years) by the County Commissioners of Worcester County and/or delinquent water, sewer, and assessment charges and/or delinquent nuisance abatements on the properties hereinafter described being due and in arrears and unpaid, and in order to compel the payment of the same, together with interest thereon and costs attending the proceeding, as provided by law, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Treasurer, Finance Officer, and Collector of State and County taxes for Worcester County, Maryland, as provided by the Acts of the General Assembly of Maryland, the undersigned Treasurer, Finance Officer and Collector, aforesaid, will sell at public auction to the highest bidder the following properties. This public auction will be held with Real Auction.com. The link is https://worcester.marylandtaxsale.co m

STARTING WEDNESDAY, MAY 13, 2026 @ 10:00 A.M. CLOSING FRIDAY, MAY 15, 2026 AT THE HOUR OF 1:00 P.M. LIST OF PROPERTIES

Acct# 10359449 Assessed To 113 Ocean City Md LLC. Located At 113 79th St 0006 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 6 S Side 79th St The Ritz CM. Assessment $321,000. Total Due $9,350.65.

Acct# 01000578 Assessed To A J Builders LLC. Located At Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 83' X 328' Nw Side R-113 Willow Grove. Assessment $18,500. Total Due $490.68.

Acct# 10140137 Assessed To Adler Tracy Field Adler Robert. Located At 11500 Coastal Hwy 0804 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 804 Beach Hwy Sea Watch CM. Assessment $395,400. Total Due $12,214.64.

Acct# 01017667 Assessed To ALC Properties LLC. Located At 130 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 22 1/2' X 78' S Side Market St & Clarke Ave. Assessment $38,800. Total Due $1,872.19.

Acct# 01020110 Assessed To Allen Bertha R For Life. Located At 709 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 39' X 100' E Side 709 Fourth St Pocomoke. Assessment $148,200. Total Due $3,458.94.

Acct# 10295653 Assessed To Althoff Donald & Schwartz Deanna. Located At 307 B 13th St 6 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U66B 311 North Court Royal Palm Th CM. Assessment $144,667. Total Due $4,406.71.

Acct# 03001504 Assessed To Aydelotte Donna M Aydelotte Neil W. Located At 11518 Longridge Ln Whaleyville, Md 21872. Described As 4.99 Acs Near N Side R 346 W Of Whaleyville. Assessment $326,167. Total Due $6,895.67.

Acct# 02021854 Assessed To Aydelotte Roland Jay & Joan E. Located At 509 Church St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 24,483 Sq Ft 509 Church St Snow Hill Lot Adj Lds Aydelotte Pl. Assessment $164,100. Total Due $8,500.92.

Acct# 08001219 Assessed To Baine David Lee. Located At 5806 Onley Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As 0.39 Acs S Side Onley Road Pl Survey Carl M Bondy. Assessment $113,500. Total Due $2,467.06.

Acct# 03018911 Assessed To Baker Joseph E Sr. Located At 7424 Libertytown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 4 47 Acs South Side R 374 Libertytown Road. Assessment $124,867. Total Due $1,844.10.

Acct# 10395380 Assessed To Ball Family Trust The. Located At 10117 Fast Colors Ln Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 393 10000 Sq Ft Fast Colors Ln Riddle Farm Subdiv Ph 16. Assessment $562,800. Total Due $11,341.05.

Acct# 02006936 Assessed To Ballard Artie H & Elizabeth W. Located At 4239 Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 18 Blk 1 Sec 1 W/S Market St 35184 Sq Ft Pl Castle Hill Ests. Assessment $111,400. Total Due $2,526.80.

Acct# 10769600 Assessed To Bartee Tammie Marie. Located At 5 Bridge Point CM Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #5 Rusty Anchor Rd Bridge Point CM. Assessment $20,000. Total Due $724.73.

Acct# 10269229 Assessed To Bateman Farms Inc. Located At 10002 Coastal Hwy 0609 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 609 Z Coastal Hwy Marigot Beach CM. Assessment $426,200. Total Due $12,645.02.

Acct# 10036941 Assessed To Bateman Farms Inc. Located At 1201 Atlantic Ave 0207 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 207 12th St & Boardwalk Decatur House CM. Assessment $285,267. Total Due $8,256.64.

Acct# 10225590 Assessed To BB

Capital And Consulting LLC. Located At 103 123rd St 0319a Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 319 B A P 1 123rd St Jockey Beach Club CM. Assessment $190,733. Total Due $5,511.93.

Acct# 10200016 Assessed To BB

Capital And Consulting LLC. Located At 13324 Nantucket Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 1608 Sec 4B Nantucket Rd Pl Mon-

tego Bay Mob Hm Pk. Assessment $187,967. Total Due $5,505.70.

Acct# 10205948 Assessed To BB

Capital And Consulting LLC. Located At 423 Yawl Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 321 Sec 6-B Yawl Drive Pl Montego Bay Mobile Home Park. Assessment $301,400. Total Due $8,639.18.

Acct# 10221064 Assessed To Bealefeld Shirley W Leaf Coughlin Valerie C. Located At 11 134th St 0307 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 307 134th St Ocean Princess CM. Assessment $200,200. Total Due $5,970.33.

Acct# 01023063 Assessed To Beckwith Hattie M. Located At 413 Oxford St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 40' X 125' N Side 413 Oxford St Pocomoke. Assessment $29,800. Total Due $1,475.36.

Acct# 01015109 Assessed To Beckwith Richard W Jr. Located At 1011 Clarke Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 9 Blk K 55' X 133.1' E Side 1011 Clarke Ave. Assessment $43,200. Total Due $2,084.76.

Acct# 10120586 Assessed To Bellosi-Mitchell Grace M & BellosiSiebert Jessica. Located At 10900 Coastal Hwy 0202 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 202 Beach Hwy Golden Sands Club CM. Assessment $447,667. Total Due $13,225.12.

Acct# 02016680 Assessed To Benavides Investments LLC. Located At 102 W Green St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 20.2 X 52 102 W Green St Snow Hill. Assessment $226,700. Total Due $8,610.09.

Acct# 10722136 Assessed To Bernetta A Vaughan Revocable Livin Vaughan Bernetta A Trustee. Located At Dawn's Cove Th CM F Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #F Osprey Rd Dawn's Cove Th CM. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $845.90.

Acct# 10328640 Assessed To Bernoski Mary M. Located At 12313 Rumrunner Dr Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 83 3001 Sq Ft Rumrunner Drive Assateague Pt Resort P 1. Assessment $154,600. Total Due $3,281.08.

Acct# 10183162 Assessed To Berrett Rebecca Ann. Located At 607 Twin Tree Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 4 Blk 13 Sec 1D Twin Tree Road Pl Caine Woods. Assessment $369,900. Total Due $7,765.32.

Acct# 03163377 Assessed To Berzonski Derrick J & Shawnee J Berzonski. Located At 201 Flagship Cir Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 42 Ph 1S 21781 SF Flagship Cir Decatur Farms Pl. Assessment $384,267. Total Due $10,383.47.

Acct# 05000068 Assessed To Bivens Letitia Rodnay. Located At 9425 Morris Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 17.19 Acs N Side Morris Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $96,533. Total Due $2,266.56.

Acct# 05000254 Assessed To Blake Quincy & Irene For Life. Located At Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 60 X 259 75 N Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $37,267. Total Due $869.20.

Acct# 01020536 Assessed To

Blount Allen B Jr. Located At 523 Young St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 47.6' X 108.6' 523 Young Street Pocomoke. Assessment $18,000. Total Due $2,567.84.

Acct# 01001280 Assessed To Blount Allen B Jr & Mirian B Golden. Located At Cypress Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 105' X 105' W Side UnionvilleCedar Hall Road. Assessment $8,900. Total Due $519.42.

Acct# 01020013 Assessed To Borden Estelle. Located At 707 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 34' X 100' E Side 707 Fourth St Pocomoke. Assessment $3,000. Total Due $505.46.

Acct# 10402557 Assessed To Bowers Jason S. Located At 11 Seascape CM 11 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #11 Heron Drive Seascape CM. Assessment $17,667. Total Due $628.64. Acct# 10352940 Assessed To Bowman Brady S. Located At 12542 Old Bridge Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Par A .716 Acs S Side Old Ocean City Rd Edward B Gray Sub. Assessment $208,500. Total Due $3,251.61.

Acct# 10232252 Assessed To Braun Robert J & Braun Silja B. Located At 2802 B Plover Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 332B Plover Drive Plat Outrigger II Bay Sho Est. Assessment $305,100. Total Due $9,149.06.

Acct# 02009277 Assessed To Brewington Lawrence K & Kelly C. Located At 6758 Mccabes Corner Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 0.56 Ac S/W Side Mccabes Corner Rd Loc Sur L Reithmuller. Assessment $204,600. Total Due $4,440.98.

Acct# 02011891 Assessed To Brittingham Lynette. Located At 4119 Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 1.45 Acs Sw/Sd Market St Rev/ Lds Waters Et Al. Assessment $44,400. Total Due $1,159.32.

Acct# 10768889 Assessed To Burke Edward A Trustee & Burke Kathryn D Trustee Etal. Located At Baltimore Ave Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Parcel A 1704 SF Baltimore Ave Resub Of Lts 6 & 7 Into. Assessment $103,067. Total Due $3,150.41.

Acct# 04000439 Assessed To Burkett Edwina L. Located At 7454 Queponco Rd Newark, Md 21841. Described As 1.094 Acs Sw Side Queponco Rd W Of Newark. Assessment $77,200. Total Due $1,799.03.

Acct# 10002265 Assessed To Burton Jeffrey Burton Julilyn. Located At 10409 Exeter Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 26A Blk 8 Sec A Exeter Road Resub Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $519,200. Total Due $9,960.52.

Acct# 01021427 Assessed To Butler Kenneth D & Marvin Dinky Parker Jr. Located At 513 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 74' X 60' N Side 513 & 515 Laurel St. Assessment $66,000. Total Due $2,963.21.

Acct# 10083400 Assessed To C1 Holdings LLC. Located At 12 72nd St 0101 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 101 72nd St Atlantic Court CM. Assessment $215,367. Total Due $6,324.16.

Acct# 10337070 Assessed To C1

Holdings LLC. Located At 12626 Sunset Ave 0068J Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 68 B J S 2-O Sunset Ave Sunset Village CM. Assessment $204,000. Total Due $1,221.44.

Acct# 10722829 Assessed To Campbell Jill C Stewart Robert Scot. Located At Harbor Place CM C Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #C Windward Dr Harbor Place CM. Assessment $15,000. Total Due $566.80.

Acct# 01003143 Assessed To Carter Melinda. Located At 1523 Unionville Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 100' X 200' N Side Unionville Rd SW Of Pocomoke. Assessment $101,100. Total Due $2,295.84.

Acct# 10165822 Assessed To Carter Richard D Frances M Tenants In Common. Located At 13400 Coastal Hwy S208 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U As-208 Btw 134th & 135th Sts Bluewater East A CM. Assessment $203,333. Total Due $5,975.42.

Acct# 01019511 Assessed To Charles Edmane. Located At 103 Linden Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Item 1 40' X 155' Item 2 26' X 155' N Side 103 Linden Ave. Assessment $337,800. Total Due $15,100.26.

Acct# 01029495 Assessed To Clabaugh Daniel G. Located At 1301 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Revsd Par 207 1.12 A N Side Market St Subdv & Bndy Ln Adj Dani. Assessment $69,300. Total Due $3,326.74.

Acct# 03034321 Assessed To Collick Beatrice Pitts Reginald T. Located At 114 Railroad Ave Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 69 3 X 591 36 N Side Railroad Avenue Berlin. Assessment $54,933. Total Due $2,303.10.

Acct# 03029123 Assessed To Corbin Leslie H. Located At 104 South Main St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot W Side 104 S Main X Washington Sts. Assessment $298,367. Total Due $8,640.29.

Acct# 10336651 Assessed To Cuart James A. Located At 201 S Heron Dr 0009F Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 9 B F P 3 Edward Taylor Rd Harbour Club CM. Assessment $318,700. Total Due $9,377.09.

Acct# 10215986 Assessed To Cubler Angela Reese Susan Etal. Located At 20 St Louis Ave 0004 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 4 St Louis Ave Bay Haven CM. Assessment $133,300. Total Due $3,253.35.

Acct# 07007876 Assessed To Culver Eric C Culver Rebecca L. Located At 8080 Stevens Rd Salisbury, Md 21804. Described As Lot 1 2.109 Acs E Side Stevens Road Donald Culver Min Sub. Assessment $254,500. Total Due $5,520.00.

Acct# 07000227 Assessed To Culver Eric C Culver Rebecca Lynn. Located At 8124 Stevens Rd Salisbury, Md 21804. Described As 37.891 Acs E Side Stevens Road W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $282,700. Total Due $6,324.58.

Acct# 03083101 Assessed To Curry Greg Curry Judith. Located At 3 Ivy Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-03-035 11146 Sq Ft Ivy Lane Pl Ocean Pines Sec 3.

Assessment $286,733. Total Due $5,758.90.

Acct# 03097323 Assessed To Dahl John & Dahl Susan. Located At 1 Maid Marion Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-543 11425 Sq Ft Castle Dr Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $257,967. Total Due $2,746.55.

Acct# 02018705 Assessed To Demarr Derek. Located At 115 Collins St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 57.5 X 116.5 X 57.5 X 118.1 115 N Collins St Snow Hill. Assessment $155,900. Total Due $6,291.55.

Acct# 01007173 Assessed To Denney Jeffery A. Located At 4417 Stockton Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 125' X 317' N Side Stockton Rd E Of Pocomoke. Assessment $54,400. Total Due $1,350.55.

Acct# 01040049 Assessed To Dewey Bay Limited Liability Compan. Located At 2145 Old Snow Hill Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 2A Ph 4 2.11 Acs N Side Old Snow Hill Rd Lt Ln Aband Newtowne Squ. Assessment $521,300. Total Due $24,189.85.

Acct# 01030582 Assessed To Dewey Bay Limited Liability Company. Located At 9 Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 80' X 195' X 102' X 103' X 213.96' E Side 9 Sixth St. Assessment $37,800. Total Due $1,856.86.

Acct# 01029533 Assessed To Dewey Bay LLC. Located At Dorchester St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 115' X 49 1/2' SW Side Dorchester Ave Pocomoke. Assessment $29,000. Total Due $1,464.26.

Acct# 01030698 Assessed To Dewey Bay LLC. Located At Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 1 - 37897 Sq Ft 6th St Car Wash Age Associates Plat. Assessment $221,900. Total Due $10,425.20.

Acct# 01029525 Assessed To Dewey Bay LLC. Located At 1105 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 135' X 311' N Side Market St Pocomoke. Assessment $192,400. Total Due $8,922.46.

Acct# 10338530 Assessed To Dickey Kate A. Located At 8527 North Longboat Way Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 236 North Longboat Way Assateague Pt Resort P 2. Assessment $173,500. Total Due $3,653.46.

Acct# 03769108 Assessed To Diehl Gregory John. Located At 10155 Harrison Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 2 19.26 Acs W Side Harrison Rd Min Sub David & Bonnie D. Assessment $451,733. Total Due $9,197.38.

Acct# 04005546 Assessed To Donaway George William Sr & Donaway Brenda A. Located At 6262 Basket Switch Rd Newark, Md 21841. Described As Lot 1 1.15 Acs E Side Basket Switch Rd Plat Oak Hill Estates. Assessment $181,800. Total Due $3,864.42.

Acct# 01001019 Assessed To Donaway Rita Elizabeth. Located At 2514 Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 190' X 190' X 190' X 143' Near E Side R-113 NE Of Pocomoke. Assessment $68,100. Total Due $1,659.20.

Acct# 03054896 Assessed To Doria Allison. Located At 2 White Sail Cir Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-01-694 7500 Sq Ft

White Sail Cr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 1. Assessment $264,633. Total Due $4,801.75.

Acct# 10006430 Assessed To Dougherty Edwin J. Located At 12654 Balte Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 24 Blk 6 Sec A E Side Balte Road Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $422,100. Total Due $6,757.13.

Acct# 03050408 Assessed To Dowd Martin M & Jone M. Located At 29 Harborview Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot C-01393 5000 Sq Ft Harborview Dr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 1-B. Assessment $499,067. Total Due $22,830.84.

Acct# 10010292 Assessed To Drummond Sylvia V & Ruth J Williams & Others. Located At Sinepuxent Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 2 Acs S Side Sinepuxent Rd W Of Ocean City. Assessment $13,900. Total Due $391.80.

Acct# 10010306 Assessed To Drummond Sylvia V & Ruth J Williams & Others. Located At Sinepuxent Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot S Side Sinepuxent Road West Of Ocean City. Assessment $11,400. Total Due $338.05.

Acct# 08009961 Assessed To Dukes Harvey Dukes John Clayton Etal. Located At Dukes Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 10 Acs Near Kellys Mill Near R-112 S Of Snow Hill. Assessment $10,000. Total Due $307.96.

Acct# 07000278 Assessed To Dykes Judith A. Located At 445 McGrath Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 55 Acs Marcellus Brown Tract McGrath Road. Assessment $156,600. Total Due $3,815.04.

Acct# 10265258 Assessed To East Of The Sun Association Of Owners Inc. Located At State Line Ave Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As .83 Ac Escaped Prop Coastal Highway To Dukes Avenue Ocean City. Assessment $9,100. Total Due $549.79.

Acct# 10030188 Assessed To Elliott Evan G Newell Elizabeth K. Located At 203 2nd St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Part Lots 28, 29 Pt Lot 12 Blk 28 Div 203 Second St. Assessment $313,700. Total Due $9,045.57.

Acct# 03018601 Assessed To Elliott John Walter Jr. Located At 9236 Mary Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 52.6236 Acs North Side Mary Road East Of Berlin. Assessment $468,967. Total Due $9,827.04.

Acct# 10032261 Assessed To Elliott Pauline J For Life. Located At 300 4th St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot A Blk 43 N Side 300 Fourth St Pl Bay Heights. Assessment $335,100. Total Due $7,806.44.

Acct# 10019907 Assessed To Elliott Ralph H & Pauline J Elliott. Located At 12249 Snug Harbor Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 49 Sec A N Side Hastings Drive Pl Snug Harbor. Assessment $377,200. Total Due $10,132.80.

Acct# 10341531 Assessed To Emperador Francisco Javier Cermeno Candy R. Located At 6 127th St 0406 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 406 127th St Marylander Hotel CM. Assessment $160,367. Total Due $4,858.96.

Acct# 10004438 Assessed To

Engh Darin M & Elizabeth DewildeEngh. Located At 10335 Walthan Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 5 Blk 25 Sec C W Side Walthan Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $309,400. Total Due $1,296.57.

Acct# 10115299 Assessed To English Towers LLC. Located At 10000 Coastal Hwy 1207 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1207 Beach Hwy English Towers CM. Assessment $442,733. Total Due $13,083.85.

Acct# 10122937 Assessed To EVP MD LLC. Located At 10300 Coastal Hwy 409 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 409 Coastal Hwy Atlantis CM. Assessment $328,400. Total Due $9,696.08.

Acct# 02003457 Assessed To Ewell Lillie Mae & Betty Ann Ewell & Phyllis Ann Ewell. Located At 5428 Sweet Spire Ln Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 6.6202 Acs N/E Side Forest Lane Road N W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $99,900. Total Due $2,209.13.

Acct# 03004848 Assessed To Fiedler George D. Located At 11104 Worcester Hwy Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 1 2.13 Acs E Side Worcester Hwy Bluewater Botanical. Assessment $250,700. Total Due $5,394.80.

Acct# 01023071 Assessed To Fleming Tammie Sue. Located At 503 Market St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 43' X 205.5' N Side 503 Market St Pocomoke. Assessment $161,300. Total Due $6,367.08.

Acct# 10138523 Assessed To Frey Connie J For Life. Located At 11500 Coastal Hwy 1209 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1209 Beach Hwy Sea Watch CM. Assessment $395,400. Total Due $8,348.47.

Acct# 01006592 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At Bypass Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot E Side Md 359 NE Of Pocomoke. Assessment $28,900. Total Due $714.23.

Acct# 01000411 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At Worcester Hwy Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 105' X 105' N Side R-113 Willow Grove. Assessment $14,400. Total Due $402.55.

Acct# 01023381 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At 415 Oxford St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 55' X 147' N Side 415 Oxford St Pocomoke. Assessment $18,200. Total Due $953.58.

Acct# 01016660 Assessed To FS Enterprises LLC. Located At 618 Clarke Ave Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 58' X 80' 618 Clarke Ave X Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $20,800. Total Due $1,074.02.

Acct# 10327431 Assessed To Garfield Craig L Jr. Located At 14305 Light House Ave 000B Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U B Lighthouse Ave Lighthouse Cove CM. Assessment $214,200. Total Due $4,837.83.

Acct# 05007291 Assessed To Garzanit Nancy For Life. Located At 11623 Back Creek Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 200' X 223.82' NE Side Back Creek Rd E Of Bishopville. Assessment $250,633.

Total Due $5,549.17.

Acct# 03049159 Assessed To Gayle Hazel M & Gayle Laverne. Located At 5 Salty Way Rd Ocean

Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-02-203 8483 Sq Ft Salty Way Pl Ocean Pines Sec 2. Assessment $289,300. Total Due $6,021.14.

Acct# 10425859 Assessed To GCR Development LLC. Located At 9723 Golf Course Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 2 Blk G 3.45 Acs Golf Course Rd. Assessment $755,167. Total Due $31,815.38.

Acct# 10742293 Assessed To Ghosh Kumkum Ghosh Pradip. Located At 6 Hidden Cove Way Lug-B Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U-Lug-BF-3A Hidden Cove Way The Garden CM II Ph 1. Assessment $479,233. Total Due $14,312.36.

Acct# 01021028 Assessed To Gibbs Fiona. Located At 723 Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 38' X 100' E Side 723 Sixth St & Fifth Avenue. Assessment $65,700. Total Due $2,370.19.

Acct# 03098699 Assessed To Gleeson Gerard J Jr & Carol Susan. Located At 39 Robin Hood Trl Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-1161 7667 Sq Ft Robin Hood Trail Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $75,333. Total Due $1,729.23.

Acct# 03034518 Assessed To Gortman Sheila F. Located At 102 Flower St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 6.073 Sq Ft Easterly Side Flower St Berlin. Assessment $85,100. Total Due $3,457.20.

Acct# 02008300 Assessed To Grace Full Gospel Fellowship Inc. Located At 5349 Snow Hill Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 80' X 408' S W Side R-12 W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $191,100. Total Due $309.00.

Acct# 03046095 Assessed To Green Janis & Jenkins Janeen. Located At 6 Southwind Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-09-209 10705 Sq Ft Southwind Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec Nine. Assessment $317,600. Total Due $6,605.34.

Acct# 10258669 Assessed To Green Michael O. Located At 504 Yawl Dr Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 339 3600 Sq Ft E S Yawl Dr Pl Montego Bay Sec 6 C. Assessment $232,000. Total Due $6,688.89.

Acct# 05004446 Assessed To Greenridge Enterprises LLC. Located At 12531 Worcester Hwy Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 17.79 Acs W Side R-113 E Of Bishop. Assessment $1,217,300. Total Due $25,313.37.

Acct# 03021246 Assessed To Hall Randolph Freddie Jr For Life. Located At 10209 Germantown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot X E Side Germantown Road SE Of Berlin. Assessment $93,933. Total Due $2,216.41.

Acct# 10226821 Assessed To Harmon Barbara J. Located At 14 136th St 0301 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 301 136th St Sunspot CM. Assessment $326,133. Total Due $9,452.89.

Acct# 03042294 Assessed To Haskell Elnathan Haskell Angela T. Located At 25 Sandyhook Rd Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-06-202 11319 Sq Ft Sandyhook Rd Plat Ocean Pines Sec 6. Assessment $411,300. Total Due $8,492.02.

Acct# 10366216 Assessed To Hauser Sheila D. Located At 12506 Deer Point Cir Berlin, Md 21811. De-

scribed As Lot 10 14251 Sq Ft Deer Point Circle Deer Point Subdiv. Assessment $412,700. Total Due $7,262.77.

Acct# 03126013 Assessed To Haynie Mark W & Evelyn M. Located At Timberline Cir Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 397 Timberline Circle White Horse Park Phase 3. Assessment $118,100. Total Due $2,450.20.

Acct# 10113679 Assessed To Hicks John D. Located At 9500 Coastal Hwy 006F Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 6F Beach Hwy Pyramid CM. Assessment $312,433. Total Due $8,956.33.

Acct# 08004285 Assessed To Hilliard Glenn M. Located At 1542 Grant Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As Lot On Private Road Nr Pocomoke Road. Assessment $161,300. Total Due $3,164.42.

Acct# 02022079 Assessed To Hillman Emily Dawn. Located At 232 Washington St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 117' X 191' X 162' X 81' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $116,500. Total Due $4,760.59.

Acct# 10343844 Assessed To Hinkle Gary & Marcia D & Alan E Bell. Located At 8343 South Longboat Way Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 366 3000 Sq Ft South Longboat Drive Assateague Pt Resort P 3. Assessment $180,500. Total Due $3,748.99.

Acct# 01021400 Assessed To Holden Gregory T & Vera L. Located At 509 Cedar St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 60' X 120.4' 509 Cedar St Pocomoke. Assessment $87,300. Total Due $2,539.61.

Acct# 10236355 Assessed To Hudson Christopher R & Hudson Kimberly. Located At 9 41st St 0232 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 232 41st St Ocean Point No 3 CM. Assessment $177,767. Total Due $5,228.87.

Acct# 03112020 Assessed To Hund Judith A Hund Ann. Located At 807 Ocean Pkwy Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11-255 7650 Sq Ft Ocean Parkway Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $288,667. Total Due $4,401.28.

Acct# 10355508 Assessed To J And R Properties LLC. Located At 9601 Ocean View Ln Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 1 Ph 1 15622 Sq Ft Ocean View Lane Seapointe Subdiv. Assessment $1,747,100. Total Due $36,196.02.

Acct# 02018136 Assessed To Jackson Pearl. Located At 103 Gunby St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 73' X 112' 103 West Gunby St Snow Hill. Assessment $72,400. Total Due $1,822.58.

Acct# 02009897 Assessed To Jackson Willie Joe Jr & Mary A & Jackson Vandella A. Located At Public Landing Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 14.35 Acs Mt Wesley E Side Public Landing Rd E Of Snow Hill. Assessment $58,200. Total Due $1,330.65.

Acct# 10230136 Assessed To James Paula & Nina Fernandez & Yurcisin Lindy & Kimberly Garrison. Located At 4000 Coastal Hwy 0211 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 211 Btw 40th & 41st Sts Ocean Point No 2 CM. Assessment $177,133. Total Due $5,198.21.

Acct# 05769378 Assessed To Jenkins Tyler M. Located At 12516 Daye Girls Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 4 6.68 Acs E Side Daye Girls Rd Min Sub Keith A Coffin E. Assessment $257,033. Total Due $4,360.58.

Acct# 02009013 Assessed To Jones Clarence. Located At Public Landing Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 10 Acs Cor Public Landing & McCabe Corner Roads. Assessment $62,000. Total Due $3,784.16.

Acct# 10741165 Assessed To Joseph G Dooley Trust Dooley H Kathleen Trustee. Located At 44 Canal Walk Ln 44CP Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Unit 44CP Ph 1 Canal Walk Ln Port Astor Sunset Is 111. Assessment $692,067. Total Due $20,595.63.

Acct# 03107361 Assessed To Justice Tina Louise. Located At 26 Nottingham Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-028 7500 Sq Ft Nottingham Ln Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $240,000. Total Due $3,999.39.

Acct# 10338387 Assessed To Kavoossi Saiid & Annette M & Thompson Cristina N & Jeffrey M. Located At 12116 W Cannonball Dr Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 222 North Longboat Way Assateague Pt Resort P 2. Assessment $176,000. Total Due $5,144.04.

Acct# 01021125 Assessed To Keefer Ronald Jr. Located At 501 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 39' X 62' N Side 501 Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $12,000. Total Due $1,742.88.

Acct# 01021664 Assessed To Keiffer James W. Located At Cedar St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 47' X 134' N Side Cedar St Pocomoke. Assessment $10,100. Total Due $570.58.

Acct# 01021656 Assessed To Keiffer James W. Located At 610 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 50' X 155' E Side 610 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $123,100. Total Due $4,505.18.

Acct# 03119866 Assessed To Kelly Patricia Jo. Located At 289 Woodhaven Ct Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 289 Ph 1 Sec 3 Woodhaven Court Pl White Horse Park. Assessment $66,667. Total Due $1,483.94.

Acct# 03136043 Assessed To Kelly Patricia Jo. Located At 943 Yacht Club Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot 37 3295 Sq Ft Yacht Club Drive Sec 1 Marina Village Ths Sc 18. Assessment $374,700. Total Due $7,633.25.

Acct# 01012444 Assessed To Knox Levi Rubben For Life. Located At Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 105' X 195' N Side Colona Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $19,300. Total Due $1,281.01.

Acct# 10210976 Assessed To Leblanc Aida L & Hitch John A & Dayna L Hitch. Located At 143 Jamestown Rd 0003 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 3 Jamestown Rd Jamestown Inlet CM. Assessment $277,133. Total Due $8,321.65.

Acct# 10128595 Assessed To Leventer Debra S. Located At 11000 Coastal Hwy 1701 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1701 Beach Hwy Capri CM. Assessment

$383,300. Total Due $11,388.01.

Acct# 01012517 Assessed To Long Benjamin Heirs. Located At Colona Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 10 Acs S Side Colona Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $24,700. Total Due $623.93.

Acct# 10383676 Assessed To Lynch Craig R. Located At 9925 Stephen Decatur Hwy E4 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 4 BE P2 N/S Rt 611 Teal Marsh CM. Assessment $254,467. Total Due $5,202.22.

Acct# 03091961 Assessed To Mareno Damien. Located At 44 Ocean Pkwy Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-03-298 9000 Sq Ft Ocean Pkway Pl Ocean Pines Sec 3. Assessment $346,333. Total Due $3,955.83.

Acct# 03013936 Assessed To Maricle Daniel L. Located At 7922 Libertytown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 6.3764 Acs Southeasterly Side Libertytown Rd R-374. Assessment $176,000. Total Due $3,952.17.

Acct# 05014603 Assessed To Marie E Altese Trust Altese Marie E Trustee. Located At 10216 Hammond Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 1B 2.65 Acs South Side Hammond Road Resub Lot 1 A Altese Ld. Assessment $126,900. Total Due $2,824.99.

Acct# 10307767 Assessed To Martini Paul R. Located At 12 63rd St 0402 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 402 63rd St Sun Rise Sea CM. Assessment $351,233. Total Due $10,060.95.

Acct# 08000794 Assessed To Mattaponi Bottoms Farm LLC. Located At 3002 Betheden Church Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As 52.45 Acs E/S Betheden Church Rd Bdy Sur Porter Mill Prop. Assessment $19,600. Total Due $514.31.

Acct# 08000697 Assessed To Mattaponi Bottoms Farm LLC. Located At 4437 Onley Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 129.76 Ac SVH 195/73 E/S Betheden Church Rd Pl Rural Int Ld LLC. Assessment $24,300. Total Due $615.36.

Acct# 10172586 Assessed To Mcgrath Living Trust Mcgrath Michael P & Sara M Trustee. Located At 14001 Coastal Hwy 204 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 53 140th St Orleans Court CM. Assessment $144,333. Total Due $4,320.05.

Acct# 10179130 Assessed To Mckenzie Robin Jo Robinson. Located At 13603 Sea Captain Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 1 Blk 11 Twin Tree Road Pl Caine Woods Sec 3. Assessment $356,567. Total Due $10,296.19.

Acct# 10032296 Assessed To Md Group Corp. Located At 308 4th St Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot D Blk 43 Bloxom Apts Pl J E Evans Dev. Assessment $470,367. Total Due $13,597.73.

Acct# 05005574 Assessed To Meehan Thomas Joseph & Elizabeth Ann Bertrand. Located At 9937 Bishopville Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 148 X 467.85 X 432.90 N S County Rd Near Bishopville. Assessment $95,367. Total Due $1,700.19.

Acct# 02025736 Assessed To Merritt Michele Jones Robert F. Located At 422 S Church St Snow Hill,

Md 21863. Described As 150' X 400 420 X 422 S Church St Snow Hill. Assessment $168,600. Total Due $6,302.69.

Acct# 10387620 Assessed To Metzbower Curt E & Metzbower Gail L. Located At 3 Baywatch II CM Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #3 S Heron Dr Baywatch II CM. Assessment $5,000. Total Due $343.97.

Acct# 02023555 Assessed To Milbourne Oliver. Located At 106 Collins St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 50' X 180' 106 N Collins Street Snow Hill. Assessment $85,700. Total Due $1,656.73.

Acct# 01022954 Assessed To Mills Steven Jr. Located At 4 Gray St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 46 X 87 West Side 4 Gray St Pocomoke. Assessment $20,500. Total Due $2,243.84.

Acct# 03768927 Assessed To Mitchell Eric Brian Sr Mitchell Erica Womack. Located At 10407 Trappe Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Imps Itm 1 1 Ac N Side Trappe Rd SE Of Berlin. Assessment $84,967. Total Due $2,006.49.

Acct# 03007413 Assessed To Mojoind LLC. Located At 8525 Logtown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 16.57 Acs N/S Logtown Rd Forest Co Easement Pl D & L Lilley. Assessment $71,500. Total Due $1,743.96.

Acct# 03007421 Assessed To Mojoind LLC. Located At 8525 Logtown Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 5.23 Acs N/S Logtown Rd Forest Conv E D & L Lilley Pl. Assessment $389,467. Total Due $8,347.38.

Acct# 01015958 Assessed To Molock Group Inc The. Located At 708 Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 76' X 136' W Side 708 Second St Pocomoke. Assessment $20,300. Total Due $3,012.60.

Acct# 01009192 Assessed To MS Shore Properties LLC. Located At 1705 Cypress Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 5A W Side Unionville Rd Pl Of Israel Gale. Assessment $115,800. Total Due $2,596.49.

Acct# 01017241 Assessed To Mt Vernon Group LLC. Located At 205 Laurel St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 65' X 105' N Side 205 Laurel St Pocomoke. Assessment $188,700. Total Due $4,853.62.

Acct# 10315476 Assessed To Murray Shawn M. Located At 802 Bahia Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 123 3600 Sq Ft Bahia Road Montego Bay Mobile Hm Pk Sec 8B. Assessment $334,467. Total Due $6,334.47.

Acct# 01024612 Assessed To Navarro Tracy. Located At 902 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 25 52.5 X 145 S Side 902 Walnut St Pl Dixie Realty Co. Assessment $147,000. Total Due $5,435.68.

Acct# 02014106 Assessed To Palmer Jeffrey Mark & Vicki Palmer. Located At 6245 Taylor Landing Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 5.09 Acs E Side Taylors Lding Rd Leroy Burkett Addt Lds. Assessment $189,900. Total Due $4,024.92.

Acct# 03069397 Assessed To Parry Robin L. Located At 31 Concord Ln Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11-212 9559 Sq Ft Concord Lane Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11.

Assessment $261,333. Total Due $5,440.26.

Acct# 03003159 Assessed To Pep Maxwell LLC. Located At 11280 Hall Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 12.04 Acs E/S Hall Rd Alta/Acsm Ld Sur Lease Area Clearview. Assessment $301,500. Total Due $6,625.53.

Acct# 03121224 Assessed To Perreault Peter. Located At 220 West St Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 9-21922 Sq Ft West St Subdiv Of Carroll W Hynes. Assessment $321,333. Total Due $10,447.11.

Acct# 10341442 Assessed To Phengsavath Phanomkone Phengsavath Souchitta. Located At 6 127th St 0306 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 306 127th St Marylander Hotel CM. Assessment $160,367. Total Due $4,858.96.

Acct# 03081575 Assessed To Pillsbury Duwayne Edward. Located At 1 Briarcrest Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-07-123 12616 Sq Ft Bramblewood Dr Pl Ocean Pines Sec 7. Assessment $251,200. Total Due $5,150.67.

Acct# 01028057 Assessed To Powell Alice Mae. Located At 709 Eighth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 40' X 100' S Side Eighth St Pocomoke. Assessment $64,700. Total Due $2,988.63.

Acct# 10084717 Assessed To Powell Diana Barbara & Powell Carl M E & Helen E Powell. Located At 7301 Atlantic Ave 001D Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 1-D Btw 73rd & 74th Sts Beachmark CM. Assessment $260,033. Total Due $7,976.33.

Acct# 10442753 Assessed To Prender Christopher Allen Schoelkopf Michael. Located At 12129 Snug Harbor Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 95 6749 Sq Ft E/S Rt 611 Snug Harbor Bayside At The Landings. Assessment $465,500. Total Due $6,442.61.

Acct# 05013836 Assessed To Prokapus John D & Prokapus Karen M. Located At 12106 Salt Point Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 4 Blk 8 20166 Sq Ft Salt Point Pl Bay View Estates. Assessment $363,367. Total Due $7,723.82.

Acct# 02017822 Assessed To Raebeck Heidi. Located At 304 Federal St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 140' X 137' 304 306 308 Fed St. Assessment $205,000. Total Due $11,399.99.

Acct# 05005116 Assessed To Revocable Trust Agreement Of Barba Hudson Barbara Ann Trustee. Located At Bishopville Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 35 Acs S Side Bishopville Rd W Of Bishopville. Assessment $12,400. Total Due $516.19.

Acct# 05005019 Assessed To Revocable Trust Agreement Of Barba Hudson Barbara Ann Trustee. Located At St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 20 1/2 Acs N Side St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville. Assessment $7,100. Total Due $335.32.

Acct# 03099679 Assessed To Rice Timothy A. Located At 81 Robin Hood Trl Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-10-1231 7920 Sq Ft Robin Hood Trail Pl Ocean Pines Sec 10. Assessment $278,900. Total Due $5,502.31.

Acct# 10019095 Assessed To Rindal Eric A. Located At 8305 Stephen Decatur Hwy Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As App 100 X 200 W Side Stephen Decatur Road. Assessment $160,400. Total Due $3,469.84.

Acct# 10261651 Assessed To Rose Aubrey E Rose Darlene B. Located At 206 8th St 0026 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 26 8th St Surfside 8 CM. Assessment $139,833. Total Due $3,915.90.

Acct# 10248701 Assessed To Rose Aubrey E Rose Darlene B. Located At 711 Edgewater Ave 711 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 711 Edgewater Ave Pier Seven CM. Assessment $191,633. Total Due $5,773.80.

Acct# 01018485 Assessed To Rose Paul F II. Located At 104 Front St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Parcel 4 W Side 104 Front Street Pocomoke. Assessment $121,400. Total Due $5,483.37.

Acct# 01009338 Assessed To Rose Paul F II. Located At 869 Cedar Hall Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 41817 Sq Ft W Side Cedar Hall Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $63,500. Total Due $1,532.76.

Acct# 10441188 Assessed To Russo Anthony Frederick & Russo Antonio B. Located At 8142 Timberneck Dr Berlin, Md 21811. Described As L-31 & SRA 31 5.25ac Timberneck Dr Winding Creek Estates. Assessment $237,200. Total Due $5,191.74.

Acct# 10746507 Assessed To Sami Mike Mehrzad Sami Sharareh. Located At 25 Bahia Vista CM 25 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Boat Slip #25 Edgewater Ave Bahia Vista CM. Assessment $30,000. Total Due $1,040.61.

Acct# 05014433 Assessed To Sanchez Bianey Cordoba. Located At 9836 Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 2.67 Acs S Side Line Hotel Rd S Of Selbyville. Assessment $159,867. Total Due $3,529.95.

Acct# 10263441 Assessed To Sauler Katherine A & Sauler Clifford W. Located At 9 37th St 0108 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 108 37th St Sovereign Sea CM. Assessment $372,067. Total Due $10,838.84.

Acct# 03025241 Assessed To Schrider Raymond Scot & Schrider Angela Margaret Clark. Located At 9125 Old Ocean City Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 1 5.08 Acs Old Ocean City Rd Div Of Lds R Hudson. Assessment $208,433. Total Due $4,598.73.

Acct# 10341426 Assessed To Seeking Alpha LLC. Located At 6 127th St 0304 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 304 127th St Marylander Hotel CM. Assessment $160,367. Total Due $4,858.96.

Acct# 10239397 Assessed To Shaughnessy Marilyn C For Life. Located At 10 143rd St 204 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 204 143rd St Le Lisa CM. Assessment $317,233. Total Due $9,539.58.

Acct# 03011445 Assessed To Shea William. Located At 11311 Gum Point Rd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As 100 X 300 N Side Gum Point Road East Of Berlin. Assess-

ment $323,833. Total Due $7,029.72.

Acct# 10251818 Assessed To Sherwood Heather Reeves Timothy G Jr. Located At 11618 Seaward Rd 00210 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 21 P 4 Seaward Road Harbour Bay CM. Assessment $278,300. Total Due $6,113.30.

Acct# 02029162 Assessed To Shockley Ralph Estes Jr. Located At 7750 Shockley Rd Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As Lot 2A 5.05 Acs E/S Shockley Rd Bndry Ln Adjus Ralph Shockley Jr. Assessment $258,000. Total Due $5,501.28.

Acct# 02011662 Assessed To Skidmore Lillie E. Located At Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 6 Acs N W Side R-394 S Of Snow Hill. Assessment $39,500. Total Due $2,308.85.

Acct# 03091570 Assessed To Snyder Claude & Snyder Deborah A. Located At 73 Boston Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-11-161 10343 Sq Ft Gloucester Rd Pl Ocean Pines Sec 11. Assessment $315,633. Total Due $6,442.27.

Acct# 01017950 Assessed To Soghomonian John. Located At 406 Second St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 82' X 140' 406 Second St & Walnut St. Assessment $84,400. Total Due $4,042.05.

Acct# 05021650 Assessed To Sovereign Edwin P III. Located At 12012 St Martins Neck Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As Lot 4-3.00 Acs S/S St Martins Neck Rd For Consv Pl G Marvin Steen. Assessment $161,900. Total Due $3,588.19.

Acct# 02018691 Assessed To Spain Shane C II & Spain Shannon N. Located At 104 E Market St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 102.5' X 100' 104 E Market St Snow Hill. Assessment $234,200. Total Due $9,169.10.

Acct# 01011065 Assessed To Spivey Lisa Wise & Barry Wise Tennell Tina & Ruth Leatherbury. Located At 1339 Buck Harbor Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As App 1 Ac Buck Harbor Rd S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $24,800. Total Due $621.12.

Acct# 08005249 Assessed To Stockton Community Center Inc. Located At 1550 St Paul's Rd Stockton, Md 21864. Described As 151' X 120' X 192' X 120' Little Red School Nr Pocomoke Rd. Assessment $28,600. Total Due $309.00.

Acct# 10098521 Assessed To Stotler Stacy L. Located At 718 Mooring Rd B104 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U B104 Mooring Rd The Chateau CM. Assessment $312,867. Total Due $8,942.01.

Acct# 10356636 Assessed To Struble Lester J Struble Ann C. Located At 31 Mystic Harbour Blvd Berlin, Md 21811. Described As Lot 246 Blk J 6753 Sq Ft Mystic Harb Blvd Mystic Harbour Sec 3B. Assessment $219,700. Total Due $3,135.72.

Acct# 10052009 Assessed To Symanski Raymond H Jr & Symanski Katherine Lassetter. Located At 15 35th St 0204 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 204 35th St Seven Seas CM. Assessment $199,167. Total Due $5,849.40.

Acct# 03062317 Assessed To Szczybor Anthony L. Located At 152 Sandyhook Rd Ocean Pines, Md

21811. Described As Lot B-03-060 11129 Sq Ft Pinehurst Road Pl Ocean Pines Sec 3. Assessment $220,233. Total Due $4,617.65.

Acct# 08000905 Assessed To Taylor Alfred C Taylor Doretha C. Located At 4206 Betheden Ct Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 4 1.03 Acs Betheden Church Road Pl Betheden Court. Assessment $130,500. Total Due $2,784.14.

Acct# 01035258 Assessed To Thornton Justin Francois Samantha. Located At Acorn Cir Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As Lot 4 Acorn Circle White Oaks Subdiv. Assessment $32,100. Total Due $1,610.85.

Acct# 05001250 Assessed To Tingle Norman B & Tingle George & Others. Located At 9506 Morris Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 21.07 Acs South Side Morris Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $142,033. Total Due $3,225.10.

Acct# 01022717 Assessed To Titus Properties LLC. Located At 101 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 77.5' X 158.5' X 75.5 X 150.5 E Side 101 Fourth & Oxford Sts. Assessment $24,600. Total Due $1,256.19.

Acct# 01016474 Assessed To Titus Properties LLC. Located At 704 Fourth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 7756.5 Sq Ft 704 Fourth St Add't To James Robinson Lot. Assessment $20,100. Total Due $1,043.43.

Acct# 01020854 Assessed To Titus Properties LLC. Located At 705 Fifth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 66' X 65'10'' X 67' X 70' E Side Fifth & Young Sts Pocomoke. Assessment $18,000. Total Due $944.13.

Acct# 01020153 Assessed To Titus Properties LLC. Located At 708 & 710 Fifth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 9282 Sq Ft 708 & 710 5th St Pocomoke. Assessment

$18,200. Total Due $953.58.

Acct# 01032844 Assessed To Titus Properties LLC. Located At 713 Sixth St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 85' X 100' E Side 713 Sixth St Pocomoke. Assessment

$18,200. Total Due $953.58.

Acct# 10003024 Assessed To Todd William Bryan Jr & Elizabeth Ann & William B Sr & Sarah F Todd. Located At 12528 Salisbury Rd Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As Lot 7 & Pt Lot 8 Blk 20 Sec B N/S Salisbury Rd Pl Cape Isle Of Wight. Assessment $243,500. Total Due $4,866.36.

Acct# 01023586 Assessed To Topping Shawntay D. Located At 413 Bank St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 63 X 92 X 54 X 119 N Side 413 Bank St Pocomoke. Assessment $34,200. Total Due $1,513.11.

Acct# 02003449 Assessed To Townsend Charles & Tokysha P. Located At 5414 Sweet Spire Ln Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 3.8615 Acs N/E Side Forest Lane Road N W Of Snow Hill. Assessment $82,700. Total Due $1,860.12.

Acct# 02021862 Assessed To Travers Alan. Located At 511 Church St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 7,143 Sq Ft 511 Church St Snow Hill Lot Adj Ld Aydelotte Pl. Assessment $119,900. Total Due $3,340.43.

Acct# 02022729 Assessed To Truitt Karen L. Located At Belt St Snow

Hill, Md 21863. Described As 68' X 160' 212 Purnell & Belt Sts Snow Hill. Assessment $3,900. Total Due $455.42.

Acct# 01021923 Assessed To Turner Donald. Located At 409 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 50' X 152' 409 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $24,200. Total Due $1,237.30.

Acct# 01013734 Assessed To Turner Lena Edith For Life. Located At Payne Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 3/4 Ac NE Side Critcher Road S Of Pocomoke. Assessment $19,800. Total Due $768.75.

Acct# 08001472 Assessed To Tyndall William Jackson. Located At 2816 Snow Hill Rd Girdletree, Md 21829. Described As Lot X E Side R 12 Girdletree. Assessment $26,200. Total Due $55,853.99.

Acct# 02023040 Assessed To Walterhoefer Taryn. Located At 208 Federal St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 80' X 120' X 77' X 208 E Federal & Purnell Sts Snow Hill. Assessment $234,700. Total Due $6,287.92.

Acct# 10264766 Assessed To Watson Roger C & Brenda L. Located At 107 Convention Center Dr 00620 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 62 P B Convention Center Drive Thunder Island CM. Assessment $398,767. Total Due $11,568.02.

Acct# 02026716 Assessed To Whaley Raye Gillette. Located At 100 Washington St Snow Hill, Md 21863. Described As 57' X 89.5' S Washington St Snow Hill. Assessment $122,700. Total Due $4,958.38.

Acct# 03056465 Assessed To Wienhold Jonathan Christian. Located At 78 Birdnest Dr Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-06-173 11672 Sq Ft Birdnest Dr Plat Ocean Pines Sec 6. Assessment $328,800. Total Due $5,338.12.

Acct# 05001471 Assessed To Willey James Douglas & Willey Tina Marie Reaves. Located At 10207 Hotel Rd Bishopville, Md 21813. Described As 11 Acs S Side Line Hotel Road S Of Selbyville. Assessment $406,500. Total Due $8,614.75.

Acct# 01021729 Assessed To Willey Joshua Charles. Located At 608 Walnut St Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 51.48' X 154.68' X 48 X 150.46 Walnut St Pocomoke. Assessment $117,000. Total Due $3,609.98.

Acct# 03088146 Assessed To Willman David M. Located At 438 Ocean Pkwy 13 Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Unit Am Borderlinks Dr Pl Borderlinks I. Assessment $218,833. Total Due $4,700.11.

Acct# 10019451 Assessed To Wooden Maryellen. Located At 8209 Stephen Decatur Hwy Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As 100' X 300' Nw Side Stephen Decatur Road. Assessment $127,500. Total Due $2,931.06.

Acct# 03084302 Assessed To Wright Cinnamon. Located At 9 Twilight Ct Ocean Pines, Md 21811. Described As Lot B-09-625 9750 Sq Ft Twillight Ct Pl Ocean Pines Sec 9. Assessment $322,533. Total Due $6,605.66.

Acct# 01029207 Assessed To Young George Edwin III & Brenda Ann. Located At 1504 Market St

Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 16,283 Sq Ft S Side Market St Bndy Ln Adj Eastrn Shore Poultr. Assessment $96,300. Total Due $4,516.53.

Acct# 01007157 Assessed To Young John W & Helen F. Located At Stockton Rd Pocomoke, Md 21851. Described As 58' X 75' Mason Lot S Side Stockton Rd. Assessment $6,300. Total Due $308.04.

Acct# 10230268 Assessed To Yurcisin Paula E. Located At 4000 Coastal Hwy 0311 Ocean City, Md 21842. Described As U 311 Btw 40th & 41st Sts Ocean Point No 2 CM. Assessment $177,133. Total Due $5,198.21.

TERMS OF SALE

All bidders must register. Registration for the sale begins at 10:00 a.m. April 17th and ends promptly at 4:00 p.m. May 1st. Proper identification for individuals and proof of existence for legal entities shall be required by RealAuction for all registrants. In order to bid, an individual or entity must be registered.

ACH will need to be tendered by 4:00 p.m. FRIDAY, MAY 15th on the final date of sale. It shall be in the amount of taxes due including expenses of sale (attorney, auctioneer, advertising and miscellaneous). A receipt will then be issued by RealAuction. A tax sale certificate will be provided by mail to the tax sale purchaser within thirty days of the date of the sale.

These properties are offered for sale “AS IS”, at the risk of the purchasers and neither the undersigned nor any other party makes any warranties or representations whatsoever either expressed or implied, of any kind or character, with respect to the properties or the title thereto. In the event a tax sale certificate is issued and then voided by the Treasurer, through no fault of the buyer, only a refund of amounts actually paid on day of sale shall be made and shall be the Treasurer’s sole liability and limit thereon. Properties are listed and sold based upon information provided by the State Department of Assessments and Taxation, which is in no way represented to be accurate or correct. The sale, the premises, and the properties are, to the extent provided by law, subject to any and all title defects, claims, liens, encumbrances, covenants, conditions, restrictions, easements, rights-of-way and matters of records. In the event of mistake, defective title, description or nonexistence of property, no refund shall be given.

Bidders should be well versed in the law regarding tax sales and should investigate the properties and titles thereto prior to purchase or bid.

Competent legal advice should be sought by prospective bidders prior to the sale. No legal advice shall be given by the County Attorney, Treasurer, or staff.

Bidders representing legal entities are limited to one bidder per property sold. Bidding shall be conducted in accordance with procedures determined by the Treasurer or his agent at the sale.

All costs in connection with the foreclosure of the right of redemp-

tion and all other title costs are at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. All taxes and fees and other impositions including, without limitation, the following: transfer tax, agricultural transfer tax, recordation tax, and recording costs required will likewise be at the expense of the purchaser or purchasers. Terms of sale shall be complied with as determined by the Treasurer, who shall be the sole judge of such.

These requirements are directory as to the Treasurer and not mandatory. They may be altered by the Treasurer at his sole discretion in the interests of justice, fairness, and efficiency or other good and valid reason.

PROPERTIES LISTED HEREIN, ON WHICH TAXES ARE PAID PRIOR TO DATE OF SALE WILL NOT BE SOLD.

ONDREA STARZHEVSKIY TREASURER AND FINANCE OFFICER FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND AND COLLECTOR OF STATE AND COUNTY TAXES FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of RICHARD ARNOLD MAXIMOWICZ SR. Estate No. 21088 Notice is given that LINDA SIMON whose address is 26 N. PINTAIL DR., BERLIN, MD 21811-1736 was on APRIL 07, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RICHARD ARNOLD MAXIMOWICZ SR. who died on FEBRUARY 26, 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 7th day of OCTOBER, 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 7th day of OCTOBER, 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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WORCESTER COUNTY COMMUNITY MEETING

Old Virginia Road Solar Project CleanCapital invites residents of Worcester County to an open house, public community meeting regarding the Old Virginia Road Solar Project located off Old Virginia Road in Pocomoke City, MD.

Date: Tuesday, April 28th

Time: 5:00 – 6:00pm

Location: Pocomoke City Community Center – 1410 Market St., Pocomoke City, MD 21851

This meeting will provide an opportunity to learn more about the project, its local benefits, and to ask our team any questions! We look forward to seeing you there!

Sincerely,

Raajan Raj Project Manager | CleanCapital

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NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of VICTORIA KATHLEEN

JOHNSON Estate No. 21087 Notice is given that JACQUELINE REID PLOOF whose address is 183 GREEN ST., ANNAPOLIS, MD 21401-2501; DONNA BUSH whose address is 5804 ARGYLE DR., PARSONSBURG, MD 21849-2075 were on APRIL 06, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of VICTORIA KATHLEEN JOHNSON who died on JANUARY 17, 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 OCTOBER, 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 OCTOBER, 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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ARLETTE K BRIGHT ESQ

THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B

SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of LOTTA MAE WIMBROW

Estate No. 13825 Notice is given that on APRIL 13, 2026 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LOTTA MAE WIMBROW who died on OCTOBER 16, 2009 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 rep-

resentative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of OCTOBER, 2026

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of on or before the 13th day of OCTOBER, 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-4/16/3t

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 21091 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PHILIP MICHAEL SCRUGGS

Notice is given that Cynthia Ciresi, 11 Locust Path Ct., Nottingham, MD 21236-5555, was on April 09, 2026 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Philip Michael Scruggs who died on January 03, 2026, without a will.

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

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

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

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

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the cred-

itor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Cynthia Ciresi 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: April 16, 2026

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NOTICE

OF PUBLIC HEARING

MAY 4, 2026, AT 6:00 PM TOWN OF OCEAN CITY RE: FISCAL YEAR 2027 OPERATING BUDGET

A Public Hearing is scheduled on Monday, May 4, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Regular Meeting of the Mayor and City Council, in the Council Chambers of City Hall located at 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842. The purpose of the public hearing is to consider the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Operating Budget as presented during multiple budget meetings held April 7 through April 10. The Fiscal Year 2027 Proposed Operating Budget sets the tax rate at .4326 per $100 of assessed value which is one cent lower than the FY 2026 rate. Real property tax revenues will increase by $4,582,889. The proposed budget and budget meeting audio recordings are available online at https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/meetingportal/. Proposed budget details will be published for two weeks prior to its scheduled adoption on second reading at the May 18 Mayor and Council Regular Meeting.

OCD-4/16/1t

ARLETTE K BRIGHT ESQ THE LAW OFFICES OF ARLETTE K. BRIGHT, PC 1002 EASTERN SHORE DRIVE, #B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS

To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN WILLIAM WIMBROW Estate No. 20095 Notice is given that JOHN J WIMBROW whose address is 301 S CHURCH STREET, SNOW HILL, MD 21863 was on FEBRUARY 29, 2024 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN WILLIAM WIMBROW who died on FEBRUARY 04, 2024 without a will.

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

All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of AUGUST, 2024

All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 29th day of AUGUST, 2024

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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TOWN OF BERLIN PUBLIC MEETING

NOTICE

HUDSON BRANCH RESTORATION PROJECT

The Town of Berlin and the Maryland Coastal Bays Program will host a public meeting to discuss the design of the Hudson Branch Stream Restoration along Bottle Branch Road. This project aims to reduce flooding in the Flower and Bay Street neighborhoods and improve water quality in the Newport Bay watershed.

WHEN: April 29, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Berlin Library, 13 Harrison Ave, Berlin, MD 21811

VIRTUAL: www.facebook.com/townofberlinmd/

The meeting will include presentations on project design, construction activities, and next steps, followed by a question-and-answer session. Funding for this project is provided by the State of Maryland through the Whole Watershed Act. Questions? Contact Kate Daub, kdaub@berlinmd.gov

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Fees increased at 100th Street lot

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) Ocean City officials this week agreed to change the parking rates for the 100th Street municipal lot and to update the city’s rules on dismissing certain parking citations.

The Ocean City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to update the fee structure for the 100th Street parking lot, making it a pay-by-day lot once more. While the parking lot has historically been a pay-by-day lot, officials say a resolution passed last year inadvertently made it a pay-by-hour lot.

“Historically, that lot is not intended to be an hourly lot,” Parking Manager Jon Anthony told officials this week. “It’s intended to be a pay-by-day lot for the condos across the street. So this is going to fix that. It’s going to make that a pay-by-day lot again.”

In addition to the pay-by-day structure, Anthony told the council this week he was seeking approval to update daily rates for the 100th Street lot.

While fees have historically been set at $10/day for cars and trailers, $40 a week for cars and $50 a week for trailers, he said he was seeking an increase.

“That is an 88% discount on parking at $3.50 an hour, which is not a great business decision to make,” he said of the current rates. “So we have proposed $28 per day for cars, $32 per day for trailers, and $140 per week for cars and $160 per week for trailers.”

While on the subject of parking, Anthony said he was also seeking the council’s consideration to update city rules on dismissing certain parking citations. He noted the change goes hand in hand with the city’s conversion to an app-based payment

method.

“We had a grace period for vehicles. When somebody paid the meter and the meter ran out, they had one hour to pay the meter again and have a ticket dismissed if they got a ticket in that hour …,” he explained. “Now that it is app only, you get a notification on your phone and you can pay anywhere. You don’t have to run back to the meter … It’s not necessary anymore.”

The council ultimately voted to approve the three changes as presented. While Councilman John Gehrig said he wanted to see both an hourly and daily rate implemented at the 100th Street lot, he said he would follow the council’s direction.

“I prefer the hourly [rate] with a nightly [rate], but I’m not going to die on that hill,” he said.

$1.28 million project bid awarded

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) City officials this week selected a contractor to complete renovations at the 65th Street service center.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to award a construction bid totaling $1.28 million to Apex Business Solutions LLC, which submitted the lowest price for an extensive renovation project at the service center, a building located within the city’s public works complex at 65th Street.

Procurement Manager Matt Perry said the company was one of six businesses competing for the contract.

“As a result of the evaluation, the procurement department’s formal recommendation to the Mayor and City Council is to award Apex Business Solu-

tions for a total valuation of $1,285,600 with a request to the Mayor and City Council for consideration of approval to maintain the original budgeted allocation of $1,465,800,” he told the council this week. “Funding at this level addresses the completion of the entire project scope while providing Town of Ocean City staff with contingent funding for unknowns that may be identified during its completion.”

A project to renovate the city’s public works complex began in 2018 and wrapped up in early 2021. A decade in the making, the project transformed the campus and its buildings, which had become too small and antiquated for the city’s operations.

However, one facility – the service center – had been left untouched. To that end, the Ocean City Council sought

bids from contractors to complete the renovation project, which calls for replacing the metal roof, overhead doors and two walls, and making some interior cosmetic improvements.

In March, the City Council opened the six bids it had received, with proposals ranging from $1,285,650 to $1,886,879. Apex submitted the lowest bid by roughly $251,000.

With an estimated budget of $1,465,800, the City Council on Tuesday awarded the construction bid to Apex. As part of that vote, the City Council agreed to maintain expenditure approval at the original budgeted amount.

“Any project balance at the conclusion of the project effort would be returned to the city manager, finance director, and budget director for reassignment as appropriate,” Perry said.

OC looks to clarify right-of-way sign policies

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) Ocean City officials say they will explore changes in the city code of ordinances regarding signs located in the city’s right-of-way.

Last month, representatives for Harrison Hotel Inc. came before the Ocean City Council with a request to replace a pylon sign, located within the public right-of-way along Baltimore Avenue, after it was blown down in a windstorm.

While the city code states that any nonconforming sign damaged by more than 50% of its value must be removed or brought into compliance, city officials voted unanimously to allow the reconstruction of the sign near its original location within the right-of-way.

As part of that discussion, city leaders directed staff to prepare revisions to the city code, which would allow existing nonconforming signs to remain in the public right-of-way without council approval. Back on the agenda Tuesday, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler presented council members with several

changes.

“This issue was brought up when we had the Harrison Hall sign that came down in the storm. We had to bring them in front of the mayor and council to get approval to put the sign exactly back where it was,” he explained. “What we’re seeking is to allow that to be done, not at a mayor and council level.”

In addition to the administrative change, Bendler said the code amendment would address a current provision regarding signs that block “water vistas” on the Boardwalk and at bayside street ends. While such signs can be placed through agreements with the City Council, officials say they are proposing to do away with the provision altogether.

“We don’t want to continue that practice,” he said.

For his part, City Manager Terry McGean said such signs could be found at de Lazy Lizard and at other areas downtown. However, he said it remained unclear why the provision was included in the code.

“What we’re proposing is signs in the right-of-way are not permitted, but existing signs can stay but they can’t get

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any bigger,” he said. “And if the property is fully redeveloped, then they have to remove that.”

Simply put, McGean said that so long as the use remains, the nonconforming sign could too. However, Bendler said if the sign does come down and needs to be replaced, the owner would need to enter into an encroachment agreement with the city.

“... That says if we, at any time, request to remove it because of a con-

struction project or such, they would have to remove it and recognize it is in the city right-of-way,” he said.

With that said, the City Council on Tuesday voted 4-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to accept the code amendments and prepare a public hearing at a future planning commission meeting.

“So we’re not going to take anything away from anybody that has it today,” Mayor Rick Meehan said.

Berlin scores state grant for town hall roof solar array

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) The Town of Berlin has been awarded more than half a million dollars in state funding to advance energy efficiency and solar initiatives at municipal facilities, town officials announced this week.

Sara Gorfinkel, executive assistant to Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, told officials at Monday night’s Town Council meeting that the municipality received $554,211 through the Maryland Energy Administration’s Local Government Energy Modernization program, a onetime funding opportunity aimed at helping local governments reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions.

Of the total award, $50,000 will go toward LED lighting upgrades at the town’s wastewater treatment plant, while the remaining $504,000 will fund solar installations at Berlin Town Hall and the treatment facility. Gorfinkel noted that while one array will be installed on the Town Hall rooftop, the second may be placed on the treatment plant property.

“The funding supports local govern-

April 16 - 23

ments to engage in sustainable longterm clean energy and energy efficient projects that lead to reduced energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions, increase cost savings and robust clean energy and economic development,” Gorfinkel said.

Mayor Zack Tyndall praised town staff for their work securing the grant.

“It should make Town Hall net zero, so it will lower our utility bill,” he said.

In a Facebook post earlier this week, Tyndall said the grant would support both the ongoing Town Hall renovation project and upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant, adding that the solar investment brings Berlin “one step closer” to achieving net-zero energy use at Town Hall.

According to the Maryland Energy Administration, the Local Government Energy Modernization program is designed to help municipalities implement sustainable infrastructure projects while pushing for continued community adoption of clean energy. For fiscal year 2026, the agency offered $64 million in one-time funding to accelerate clean energy initiatives statewide.

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Lower Shore legislation makes cut

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) Lower Shore lawmakers have passed legislation that expands scholarship opportunities, makes gold bullion tax-free, and lets you walk around some special events in Worcester County with a drink in your hand.

The Maryland General Assembly’s 90-day legislative session ended midnight Monday in Annapolis. Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (R-38) saw 10 of 22 sponsored bills pass, while the Lower Shore’s two House of Delegates members had a more modest outcome.

One high-profile agricultural bill (Senate Bill 371) repeals the requirement that farmers must have an environmental permit in hand before building new livestock housing. Farmers may now build chicken houses, or concentrated animal feeding operations, while the state finalizes a broader permitting framework.

“This has been, in effect, an unlegislated moratorium on new CAFO permits in Maryland, hurting our poultry growers and overall poultry industry, which contribute more than $5.4 billion to Maryland’s economy and pays more than $254 million in state and local taxes,” Carozza said in a statement.

One of Carozza’s winning local bills (Senate Bill 846) is a tourism-related measure intended to drive foot traffic

during street fairs and festivals. It permits the towns of Berlin, Pocomoke City, and Snow Hill to allow attendees to carry open alcoholic beverages in approved to-go cups within an event footprint.

Another hotly debated bill from Carozza that would permit only biological females to play high school sports on girls-only teams (Senate Bill 50), the Fairness in Girls Sports Act, did not make it out of a Senate committee.

Five more bills sponsored by Carozza that passed will expand educational and scholarship opportunities for various groups, including correctional officers and Delmar High School grads.

On the House side, one bill from Del. Wayne Hartman (R-38C) squeaked through on the session’s final day. A proposed sales tax exemption on sales of gold and silver coins and bullion, HB 500, came out of a Senate committee with a favorable vote and was approved by both the Senate and the House. Senators voted unanimously, 45-0.

Hartman also successfully passed a local measure (House Bill 914), which was paired with a companion Carozza bill, to expand Worcester County’s liquor board from three to five members. It also staggers board members’ terms and increases pay from $2,100 to $4,200.

Bills sponsored by Hartman that did not cross over to the Senate included a

plan to lower the state’s corporate income tax (House Bill 690) and a proposed repeal of greenhouse gas emission mandates for large buildings (House Bill 988).

District 38A Del. Kevin Anderson passed one piece of legislation (House Bill 1428). The bill adds student members to the Somerset County Board of Education and shifts vacancy appointments from the governor to the county commissioners. Also sponsored on the Senate side by Carozza, Gov. Wes Moore signed the bill into law Tuesday.

Anderson succeeded the late Del. Charles Otto in District 38A last year and is not running for a second term. Otto, 61, was a farmer from Princess Anne who represented his district for 14 years. He died last October.

Lawmakers also passed a separate measure, House Bill 972, named to memorialize Otto’s legacy of farming. The bill establishes a fund to support agricultural events and education by earmarking $1.45 million annually from lottery proceeds.

“More than anyone, Charles Otto understood that if you want to ensure food security for our state, innovation in agriculture, and maintain the $8.25 billion economic impact of Maryland agriculture, we must engage our youth,” Carozza said in a statement. “That’s the purpose of the Charles J. Otto Agricultural Education Promise Act.”

Dining Guide

■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$

■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted

DOWNTOWN

South end to 28th Street

■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON

DRY DOCK 28

28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com

Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.

■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT

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

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR

17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

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

■ DISTRICT 24: BLUE CRABHOUSE& RAW BAR, JAY’S CAFÉ, CRAFT BEER & 1945 STEAK & SEAFOOD HOUSE

2305 Philadelphia Ave, Ocean City 410289-3322, district24oc.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Nestled on 24th Street Bayside in Ocean City, Maryland, District 24 stands as one destination brimming with endless possibilities. On the first floor, Blu Crabhouse & Raw Bar invites you to indulge in all-you-can-eat blue crabs, easy-peel shrimp, golden fried chicken, and so much more, while Jay’s Café serves breakfast sandwiches all day alongside La Colombe coffee, fresh pastries, and delicious lunch creations. Just steps away, CRAFT Bar delivers smash burgers, crispy wings, craft pizzas, an impressive selection of craft beer, handcrafted cocktails, and more. Rising above it all on the third floor, the stunning new 1945 Steak & Seafood offers breathtaking rooftop views, in-house hand-cut chops, exceptional seafood favorites, vibrant Mediterranean cuisine, and thoughtful bourbon and wine pairings. Let’s face it—there’s simply more at District 24.

■ HARBOR WATCH

806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410289-5121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com

$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar

Celebrating our 42nd year with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open all March, Thursday through Sunday. Sunday

Brunch, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (excluding Easter), $29 for adults, $16 for children 6-12 years. Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $4 all beer, $8 crushes, $10 select apps, $6 glass of select wine. Call for banquet and large-party details.

■ PICKLES PUB

706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410289-4891, picklesoc.com

$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar

Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment yearround and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2 a.m., seven days a week.

■ PIT & PUB

2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com

Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.

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.

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.

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

$$ | Full bar

■ 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.

■ DIRTY HARRY’S

100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE,

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, 410-213-1500

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.

UPTOWN 91st to 146th streets

WEST OCEAN CITY

Ocean City budget advances to first reading

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) Following days of budget discussions, Ocean City government officials agreed to advance the coming year’s spending plan for approval.

On April 10, the Ocean City Council voted to bring the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget to a first reading on May 4. While city leaders agreed to most funding requests, some hesitated when the topic turned to the proposed beach enforcement division, which was scheduled for discussion at an April 14 work session.

“I’ll vote for this today, but I do not intend to vote for this on first reading if it includes funding for beach labor,” Council President Matt James said.

Over the course of four days last week, the City Council met with department heads to review their proposed budgets for the coming fiscal year. Those discussions wrapped up in last Friday’s meeting, during which officials revisited a handful of budgetary items before agreeing to advance the spending plan to a first reading.

Funding for beach enforcement questioned

After the council passed an ordinance last year to ban beach tents and regulate beach canopies, officials began evaluating ways to take the enforcement burden away from the Beach Patrol. The result — a beach enforcement division the city plans to launch this summer.

In FY27, which begins July 1, the city proposes to set aside roughly $82,000 for personnel costs. However, staff last Friday said they were also requesting nearly $108,000 in funding from the current year’s budget to begin the program in May.

“It was presented to you with staffing that will start after July 1, but if you want to move forward with this then they would prefer to start in May,” Budget Manager Jennie Knapp told council members. “And there’s a list of equipment and funding for personnel beginning in May that’s about $108,000 as well.”

A cost analysis of the new beach enforcement division shows an estimated $107,738 in funding for the current fiscal year. That money, Knapp explained, would not only cover personnel costs through May and June, but would fund the purchase of radios, ATVs, uniforms and more.

However, James said he had concerns about spending nearly $200,000 on a program that could

potentially anger Ocean City’s visitors. Because of that, he said he would not support the coming year’s budget if it included funding for beach enforcement.

“I’m not sure the issue on the beach warrants almost $190,000 to make our guests unhappy,” he said.

Mayor Rick Meehan disagreed, noting the importance of taking the enforcement burden away from the Beach Patrol. He argued not having the division would make the city’s visitors unhappy.

“I think we’ve talked about having something on the beach and some other form of patrol out there to remove the distractions from the Beach Patrol and shift any type of infractions or concerns away from the Beach Patrol, because their major job is to protect the beach and protect the people in the water,” he said. “And as a public relations ambassador out there, I think it has a significant impact and importance.”

City officials ultimately agreed to discuss the issue further at the April 14 council work session, which included a report on tent and canopy restrictions.

“For me, I think it’s premature to approve this without seeing the presentation on Tuesday,” Councilman Will Savage told his colleagues last week.

City approves nonprofit grants

As part of last Friday’s budget deliberations, the council voted to help support various nonprofits serving Ocean City and surrounding areas. The budget included $50,000 for the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center, $20,000 for the Worcester County Humane Society, $10,000 for Wor-Wic Community College and $750 for Stephen Decatur High School’s after-prom.

While the city’s proposed spending plan funds five nonprofits at their requested levels, Knapp told council members last week that she was seeking guidance on funding requests from two organizations – Diakonia and the Life Crisis Center. Diakonia, she explained, was seeking a $15,000 funding increase, while Life Crisis was seeking a $10,000 contribution.

“They have requested $10,000,” she told the council. “The last time we funded them was in 2019. Last year they requested funding, but they did not submit any of the required paperwork. This year, they did submit everything they were supposed to submit.”

The council agreed to increase Diakonia’s funding from $60,000 to the requested $75,000, and to provide no funding to Life Crisis, even though the

Notice of Public Hearing

Worcester County Water and Wastewater Enterprise Funds FY 2027 Requested Budgets and Assessments

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed operating budgets, assessments, user charges and other charges for each of the 11 sanitary service areas operated by the Worcester County Department of Public Works, Water & Wastewater Division. If you wish to speak or attend in person, we encourage you to pre-register by calling the County Administration office at 410-632-1194. Speakers will be allowed to address the County Commissioners for up to two (2) minutes. Public Comment may also be submitted in advance by email at wchearing@worcestermd.gov on or before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, May 4, 2026. Anyone not planning to speak may view the public hearing live on the County website at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live. The Public Hearing will be held at:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:00 P.M.

in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101, Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

Copies of the proposed operating budgets for the 11 sanitary service areas are available for public inspection in the County Treasurers’ Office in Room 1105 of the County Government Center in Snow Hill and online at www.co.worcester.md.us.

Water and Wastewater Estimated Revenues and Requested Expenditures

Assateague Pointe

$579,258

$345,536

$1,070,215

$2,491,807

$1,466,351

$3,547,569 Total $22,357,147

The 11 sanitary service areas and proposed changes to the user charges are as follows:

Notice of Public Hearing Worcester County Solid Waste Enterprise Fund FY 2027 Requested Budgets and Assessments

The Worcester County Commissioners will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the proposed operating budget, assessments, user charges and other charges for the Worcester County Solid Waste Division operated by the Worcester County Department of Public Works. If you wish to speak or attend in person, we encourage you to pre-register by calling the County Administration office at 410-632-1194. Speakers will be allowed to address the County Commissioners for up t o two (2) minutes. Public Comment may also be submitted in advance by email at wchearing@worcestermd.gov on or before 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time on Monday, May 4, 2026. Anyone not planning to speak may view the public hearing live on the County website at https://worcestercountymd.swagit.com/live. The Public Hearing will be held at:

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. in the County Commissioners’ Meeting Room, Room 1101, Government Center, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863

The Proposed Solid Waste Budget maintains the current solid waste tipping fee of $80 per ton for municipal waste and $80 per ton for construction and demolition debris. Copies of the detailed budget are available for public inspection at the County Treasurers’ Office in Room 1105 of the County Government Center in Snow Hill or online at www.co.worcester.md.us. For additional information, contact the Worcester County Treasurer’s Office at 410-632-9309.

Worcester to address billing errors

By Brian Shane Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) A flaw in Worcester County’s water-sewer billing system may have overcharged some customers, and officials are now weighing whether to issue refunds or credits.

“I’d like to see a path forward that those businesses that were negatively impacted are reimbursed, compensated, credited in some form or fashion,” Commissioner Chip Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) said during a budget work session Tuesday. “I don’t think that the formula that was in place this current year was fair to them.”

The issue was raised during departmental budget hearings Tuesday. County staff outlined another year of rate increases aimed at stabilizing the utility system, which continues to operate at a financial deficit despite an across-theboard rate hike last year.

At issue is how Worcester County structured its usage-based billing tiers, particularly for commercial and domestic customers with multiple equivalent dwelling units, or EDUs.

What is an EDU? Consider the output of 24 hours of your home’s laundry loads, showers, flushed toilets, and dishwasher runs – your estimated daily output into the water-sewer treatment system that services your address.

That’s basically one domestic EDU, which Worcester County calculates at

250 gallons. It represents a sliver of what a treatment plant can process.

With multiple EDUs, a property owner gets access to greater sewerage treatment capacity in the system – making them valuable to developers.

Under the current billing system, the county charges water-sewer customers at a lower rate – $5 per 1,000 gallons –for the first 22,500 gallons of water, a household’s expected quarterly usage.

Beyond that threshold, a higher usage rate takes effect of $15 per 1,000 gallons.

“The thought being, if you’re using more than you’re expected to use, you’ll be charged a higher tier,” enterprise fund Controller Quinn Dittrich told commissioners Tuesday.

But officials reported that customers with multiple EDUs have been reaching the 22,500-gallon benchmark more quickly, flipping them into the more expensive rate tier, even when their overall usage was in line with their size.

Commissioners signaled that correcting past billing errors and determining whether customers are owed money back will be a priority as the budget process continues.

“I can say it wasn’t the intention of myself to be charging these commercial users overage fees when they have additional EDUs,” said Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, West Ocean City), who noted that customers in West Ocean City and Ocean Pines felt the brunt of the

billing error.

County staff said they are now working to identify affected customers and calculate how their bills would have differed under a corrected system. Officials expect to return with options for issuing credits or refunds, though no timeline has been set. The billing issue comes as Worcester County continues to grapple with longstanding financial problems in its water and sewer enterprise funds, which are intended to be self-supporting through user fees.

Officials discovered in recent years that several of the county’s 11 service areas were operating in the red, partly the result of going a dozen years without rate increases and continuing to rack up maintenance and infrastructure costs.

To generate new revenue, the county last year implemented across-the-board rate hikes and other billing changes, including the tiered usage system now under scrutiny. Commissioners have said they hope to eventually lower rates once the system is financially stable.

Even with those adjustments, the proposed fiscal year 2027 budget calls for a 5% increase in base rates for 10 of the 11 service areas, and more than $1.1 million in general fund subsidies to support districts that remain in deficit.

“You’re outweighing your expenses, but you’re still operating at deficits,” Dittrich said. “We kept it as lean as possible while being as efficient as possible.”

Officials review budget requests

Continued from Page 65

organization had requested $10,000. While acknowledging the work Diakonia did in the community, officials said they wanted to know more about the Life Crisis Center’s services.

“I would prefer holding off on this nonprofit and asking them to come in and present what services they provide,” James said. “I think that could be beneficial to the council. After that, I may be interested in contributing.”

Capital improvements eyed, legal fees increased

City officials last Friday also voted to approve $2.33 million in capital improvement projects for the coming fiscal year. Those projects include $1.2 million for street paving, $400,000 for canal dredging, and $570,000 for improvements to Northside Park. The budget also includes $100,000 to harden the Caroline Street access point at the Boardwalk and $50,000 for City Watch surveillance cameras.

In addition to the capital improvement projects, the City Council voted unanimously to increase the hourly rate paid to its attorneys from $175 per hour to $205 per hour. Knapp said last week that the requested increase was the first in 10 years.

“It’s still significantly cheaper than the market rate for that type of work,” James said last Friday.

by Steve Green

WThe Adventures of Fatherhood

hen it comes to special needs students, inclusion is an important concept.

During Autism Awareness Month in April, it’s a discussion worth having.

As a father to a special needs 10th grade student in the local public school system, inclusion is forefront in my mind when I think about school and my kid.

For Carson, who is nonverbal with Autism, inclusion provides him a chance to be in the general education classroom being taught the same as others, while also providing opportunities to socialize with other students. Though his differences are many, especially not being able to communicate, it’s important for him to feel like a normal student.

Carson is aware he’s different than his peers, but we are blessed he has significant cognitive abilities and can work his way through the curriculum. While adjustments and modifications are made by the teachers, Carson has shown an aptitude to succeed. He has always been a hard worker in school and loves a task or job. His work ethic will serve him well throughout his life.

When it comes to school, there are laws under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requiring least restrictive environments being provided to students with Individualized Education Plan (IEPs). The concept is kids with special needs should be in the same general education classroom as neurotypical kids as much as possible. For Carson to function well, he requires the assistance of a oneon-one educational assistant. This has been the case since he entered school at 3 years old.

Our 16-year-old needs an educational assistant to guide him through the day. These one-on-one men and women become and remain like family members to us. We can remember every single one’s name, and they

will forever hold special places in our heart. These folks – along with the leaders and teachers in special education - possess the best qualities humanity has to offer, and we have been blessed by their sincerity and understanding of our son. We have always tried to support them and do whatever we can to hand over a happy, ready to learn and work student at school drop off each morning.

A friendly conversation with another curious parent about what school looks like for Carson got me thinking on a deeper level about my kid’s life. The mom’s son was often in Carson’s classes in elementary school, and they were curious what school was like for him now. It struck me some of the comments she made. She referenced everyone knowing Carson. It was almost as if he was a celebrity. I assume it’s because he's so different and wears a hooded sweatshirt every day no matter the heat. She hit my heart when she said everybody recognizes Carson’s special needs but supports him. She said all the kids are impressed by him.

Our Carson requires many things, starting with just the general concept of a lot of support. He’s the most inspirational person in my life but there are daily challenges in our journey. He has made me a better person because he has taught me about key life components like patience, empathy and perspective.

Carson’s growth through his life has been amazing. I know it’s because of the support he receives at home, at school and in our community. It’s all about inclusion. Life would be so different now if we had taken the advice of a professional who once told us we should move to a school for the deaf to provide him his best life. We were appalled at it at the time, but had doubt on whether we were doing the right thing keeping him mainstreamed. Without a commitment to inclusion, he would have missed out so many opportunities

that have brought him happiness and confidence.

Though inclusion may be a controversial topic for some, it means everything to us. During our years in the public school system, we have found the teachers, administrators and staff embrace and encourage inclusion. An Education Week article hit home as to why it’s important. The headline read, “Students With Disabilities Deserve Inclusion. It’s Also the Best Way to Teach.” The 2019 piece was by Hannah Grieco, a certified teacher and freelance writer.

“Empathy — which cannot be measured quantitatively — matters, too. How children view peers who look and learn differently from themselves is also a consideration as they grow to adulthood and become members of their communities, and as they live and work alongside a diverse array of citizens. It’s a critical factor in whether communities and workplaces are able to function and thrive.

… disabled students can achieve. Their talents and gifts are varied, as are the talents and gifts of all students. They are legally entitled to an appropriate public education, but they also have so much to offer their nondisabled peers, teachers, and schools.

Inclusion works when educators collaborate, get the support they need, and believe in the value of all students. … Inclusion is the least expensive, most effective method of teaching students. It starts from the top, with administrators making this a priority. When administrators model inclusivity and support teachers in its implementation, the entire school (and school system) culture changes. … More importantly, children become better citizens.”

(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.)

Weather plays key role in the quality of surf conditions

By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer

(April 17, 2026) Ah, April. It’s a sort of roller coaster here at the beach. One day it can be 50 and sunny and the next it’s 65 and sunny, if you’re lucky. If it’s raining the temperature might not get out of the 40’s. Meanwhile, inland air temps are routinely reaching the 70’s and beyond.

So why do I say this? A lot of these columns talk about the weather. After all, this is suppose to be a surf report. But the weather has much to do with the surf and a surfer’s emotional and psychological outlook.

Generally speaking, most surfers, at least those most dedicated, care mainly about the waves and their quality. Swell, direction of swell, local winds, bottom contours, and tides will all play a part in this recipe. Oh, and water temperature as well. An ocean that is still in the 40’s explains a lot and this is why there is such a difference between coastal areas and inland areas, regarding the air temps.

Maybe I’ve seen too many folks out and about in shorts and T-shirts. It doesn’t seem too understandable, though I sort of get it. They come from near 80-degree climates and expect the same at the beach. C’mon, put on a jacket, or sweater, or at least a hoodie and try a pair of long pants while you’re at it. Dress for the weather that you’re going to, not where you’re coming from.

The surf rolls on. It’s been running the gamut from knee to waist high to overhead at times. Keep an eye on the surf because it’s always changing.

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

58th anniversary of Fair Housing legislation

By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer

April marks the 58th anniversary of the passage of the Fair Housing Act, the landmark civil rights law signed by President Lyndon B. Johnson on April 11, 1968, that made discrimination in housing transactions unlawful.

All counties in Maryland abide by federal and state definitions of protected classes listed below. There are several counties and cities that have additional protected classes (Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset do not have

any additional protected classes).

FEDERAL : Color, Familial Status, National Origin, Physical or Mental Disability, Race, Religion and Sex (i.e., gender)

STATE : Marital Status, Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Source of Income

Under the Fair Housing Act it is illegal to:

• Refuse to rent to you or sell you housing because of your race, national origin, or any of the other federal protected classes

• Set different terms, conditions, or privileges for sale or rental of a dwelling

• Fail to design and construct housing in an accessible manner

• Refuse to make reasonable accommodations for persons with a disability if the accommodation may be necessary to afford such person a reasonable and equal opportunity to use and enjoy a dwelling

• Tell you housing is unavailable when in fact it is available

• Provide different housing services or facilities

• Deny you property insurance in a discriminatory manner

• Refuse to provide you with information regarding mortgage loans, deny you a mortgage loan, or impose different terms or conditions on a mortgage loan

• Show you apartments or homes

Berlin OK’s $1.9M bid to replace

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) The Berlin Town Council has agreed to a $1.9 million contract to replace aging lead water lines along Williams Street. The body also agreed to transfer funds from another town project to cover the initiative’s budgetary shortfall.

Nicholas Bradley from the town’s engineering consultant Davis, Bowen & Friedel reported receiving a single bid for the project from Teal Construction, with a base bid of $1.9 million and an alternative add-on bid of $1.4 million. The base bid would fund full lead water line replacements for homes along Williams Street.

The base bid with the additional work would cost the town a hefty $3.38 million. As the town has only budgeted $1.47 million for the project, DBF recommended that the municipality only approve the base bid, which is ultimately what the council passed this week.

“The way this project is set up is there is a base bid with a bid alterna-

only in certain neighborhoods

• Advertise housing to preferred groups of people only

• Conduct property appraisals in a discriminatory manner

• Harass, coerce, intimidate, or interfere with anyone exercising or assisting someone else with their fair housing rights

If you believe your rights have been violated, you can call the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights at (410) 767-8600 or to initiate an inquiry, visit www.mccr.maryland.gov.

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

water lines

tive,” Bradley said. “...The budgeted funds are $1.47 million which includes a budget shortfall, in which case we only recommend the award of the base bid. This reduces the shortfall to $463,000.”

To cover the $463,000 gap, town leaders agreed to transfer $500,000 from the Elizabeth, Maple, Schoolfield,

See PROJECT Page 71

vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY

WitH Bunk Mann

Surf mats were popular in Ocean City from the 1950s through the late 1970s and many a “baby boomer” learned to ride the waves on the canvas covered inflatables. In the years before beach replenishment there was a sandbar about 40 yards offshore and no strong shore break. The biggest danger was hitting a barnacle covered jetty on the ride to the beach.

Called “rafts” by the tourists, locals always referred to them as surf mats. Some became quite adept to riding them while kneeling or, in rare cases, even standing up. The commercial style was the ride of choice and beach stands did a lively business renting surf mats to kids and teenagers in the post WWII era.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green

The feeling after a yard project is done

Mobile order pickups

Standing in line at a church dinner

Laughing with old friends

Biking the boards with the wind

Computer updates that go unnoticed

A freshly striped parking lot

Short meetings with results

Reporting on breaking news

Not using a stamp to pay a bill

Quiet weekends

courtesy John Hurlock

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

Photo

Post office relocation nears, demolition eyed

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) With plans to relocate the downtown post office in early May, Ocean City Public Works Director Hal Adkins said materials from the old 5th Street facility will be “recycled,” with the building’s brick and concrete to be used for a taxiway project at the municipal airport this fall.

During a meeting Tuesday, Adkins told members of the Ocean City Transportation Committee that the U.S. Postal Service is on track to move its operations from a city-owned facility at 5th Street to a property owned by the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) at Worcester Street on or about May 1.

He said bids for the 5th Street facility’s demolition will be opened on April 17, with plans to convert the

Project to occur before paving

East Branch and Railroad initiative into the lead service line effort. Council members maintained that the reallocation would not cancel the other project but rather delay it.

“I want to make sure that everyone understands the other project is not not happening,” Councilmember Shaneka Nichols said. “It is happening in the FY27 budget, so it’s not not happening, the funds are going to come from somewhere come hell or high water…”

Timing remains a concern, as the Williams Street work must be completed ahead of a planned paving project by the Maryland State Highway Administration.

“This is contingent on the State

Highway because they want to pave this road this fall, so it’s going to be a short deadline” said Jamey Latchum, the town’s director of water resources. “We likely won't start until August, and the state wants to have this road paved by November.”

Town Administrator Mary Bohlen added that once paving is completed, the town would be restricted from disturbing the roadway for two years except in emergencies.

“Their requirement is once they pave, we can’t break the pavement for two years unless it’s an emergency,” she said. “This is a project we are required by law to undertake, and we will be seeking additional funds to make up for that shortfall.”

property into a paid parking lot before the OC Air Show in June.

“We’re going to recycle that building,” Adkins explained. “The majority of that building will be torn down and taken to the airport. We have a crushing operation that’s about to start up, which we do annually. So that building will end up underneath the taxiway in about nine or 10 months.”

Last year, it was announced that the post office’s lease for a city-owned facility at 5th Street and Philadelphia Avenue would not be renewed. To that end, the postal service began working with OCDC to relocate its operations to the organization’s property at 102 Worcester Street.

At the city level, plans are underway to demolish the 5th Street site for additional paid parking, which Adkins said the city will have running this summer. Once demolished, he said, building material will be moved to the municipal airport, where it will be crushed and used for the taxiway project.

“Considering the fact that the majority of the post office is constructed of brick, block and concrete, it is the

town's intention to recycle/reclaim the majority of the demolition debris,” he told the OC Today-Dispatch this week. “It will be transported to the town crushing site located at the Ocean City Airport and combined with thousands of tons of concrete rubble that is generated annually as part of the town's overall Street Improvement Program that includes sidewalk replacement.”

He said the pile of demolished sidewalk material, combined with the post office building material, will then be crushed and repurposed as sub-base material for the second phase of a taxiway project this fall.

At 5th Street, he added, the property will be converted to a gravel lot this summer, with plans to pave and landscape after the fall special events have concluded.

“Bids will be opened this Friday, April 17th for the demolition of the facility,” he said. “If all goes as planned, demolition will commence on or about the week of May 25 in hopes of having the parking lot open by June 12, just prior to the air show.”

Salisbury group to study Berlin impact fees

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) Town officials have taken a step toward updating Berlin’s outdated impact fees this week by approving a proposal from a Salisbury University team to conduct a comprehensive study.

During a recent mayor and Town Council meeting, Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said the issue has been on the minds of municipal leaders for some time. When officials adopted the fiscal year 2026 budget, they acknowledged the town’s current impact fees — a charge levied on a new residential unit or commercial property — are “behind the times” and are not fully capturing the true cost of development.

According to the town’s website, the one-time residential impact fees are $2,000 per residential dwelling unit and commercial impact fees are $1 per square foot of building.

Tyndall added that besides the outof-date impact rates, complicating matters is the town’s inability to justify how its existing fees were originally calculated.

“Math was conducted at some point, we don’t know when, to derive the fees… however we can’t find the justification for that math,” he said.

To address the issue, Berlin set aside $50,000 in its FY26 budget for a formal study. The town put out a request for

proposals last year, which indicated that the municipality has not undertaken a Development Impact Fee Study since at least 2005.

When the RFP did not yield any responses, officials turned to The Business Economic and Community Outreach Network (BEACON) of the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business, a Salisbury University-based group, which submitted a proposal to complete the work.

John Hickman, director of BEACON, outlined a three-phase approach expected to take roughly five and a half to six months.

The first phase would focus on data collection, including a review of Berlin’s current fee structure and comparisons with similar jurisdictions across Worcester County and Maryland. The second phase would involve determining potential impact fees based on cost calculation and gathering input from stakeholders. A draft report would then be prepared for council review.

While the original proposal included both an impact fee study and a review of the town’s general fee schedule, council members ultimately agreed to narrow the project’s focus.

Councilman Steve Green argued that staff had already done significant work in recent years to evaluate and adjust general fees, including increases to business licenses and short-term rental rates.

“Coming off a budget meeting a week ago where we have a deficit, I am looking at every dollar,” he said. “And that is one that I would like to see the group striking, the $12,000 for the general fee schedule review because I think it’s already been done.”

Town staff agreed. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the municipality had already conducted comparisons with similar communities and arrived at reasonable general fees and emphasized that impact fees remain a priority.

“The impact fees are really the important thing that we need to get nailed

CROSSWORD

down,” she said. “The general fee schedule could be looked at another time.”

Bohlen added that “it is very important that these fees are intended to be paid by the user of the service, not subsidized by the taxpayer in general.”

The council voted unanimously to remove the general fee schedule review from the proposal, reducing the contract cost by $12,442 and allowing the consultant to focus solely on impact fees.

The move to reduce the scope brings the project’s price tag of $49,766 down to $37,325 and shortens the initiative’s timeline.

ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20

Aries, you have a certain energy that is building this week. Momentum increases the second you stop overthinking, so jump into whatever you were planning to do with two feet.

TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21

Something cozy, such as a hobby, recipe or routine could turn into something surprisingly productive, Taurus. Don’t dismiss passion projects this week when comfort meets opportunity.

GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21

Gemini, your words equal magic this week. Conversations open doors and can help clear up confusion about important topics, even about budding relationships.

CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22

Peace will look good on you this week, Cancer. You will be exuding quiet confidence. It is a good time to organize your space or schedule a spa session. Relax as stress levels drop.

LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23

The spotlight is yours, Leo, even when you are not trying to be in it. This is a great week to share ideas, pitch something creative or post fun content on social media.

VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22

A small, healthy habit or tweak to your lifestyle can change your whole week, Virgo. Tiny improvements will produce a huge payoff that you will enjoy.

LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23

A random invite or chat leads to a helpful connection, Libra. Say yes to invitations to go out, as it is time to be a social butterfly for the foreseeable future.

SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22

Scorpio, you are giving off quiet power vibes this week. Your focus and follow-through is all based on trusting your instincts. Someone in your circle is noticing your efforts.

SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21

Sagittarius, going on an adventure doesn’t have to necessarily mean traveling. This is a good time to try a new class, go to a show or experiment with new cuisine.

CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20

Capricorn, you are building something solid behind the scenes. It may take a lot of time, but steady effort now will likely lead to bragging rights.

AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18

Collaborations sparkle for you this week, Aquarius. All of those ideas that you think are unusual will turn out to be genius. It’s all about perspective and looking at things the right way.

PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20

Your inner world could intersect with the outside world this week, Pisces. Expect a few days of creative, dreamy and intuitive moments where you daydream on purpose.

Berlin secures $1.4M USDA grant

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer

(April 17, 2026) The Berlin Town Council this week advanced its long-anticipated community center project, approving a local funding match of $7,000 needed to secure $1.4 million in federal support.

According to Sara Gorfinkel, executive assistant to Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall, the municipality must contribute $7,000 to access the congressionally directed spending awarded earlier this year. The money will support the project’s current preconstruction design phase, being conducted with Haley Architecture.

“Our community center is moving forward with $1.4 million of congressionally directed spending funds that we received,” Gorfinkel said. “We are required to match a portion of it. There isn’t a minimum or maximum, just the town has to contribute some funds to the project in order to kickstart the project.”

Tyndall confirmed the contribution would come from the town’s community center fund, which currently holds about $400,000.

“So $7,000 shouldn’t impact things very much at all,” Tyndall said.

The $1.4 million comes by way of the United States Department of Agricultural Rural Development.

Discussion of the project also raised

citizen concerns about operating costs tied to the proposed facility.

Berlin resident Sara Hambury questioned the accuracy of personnel projections included in the project’s feasibility study, which estimates roughly $898,000 in staffing costs.

According to Hambury, the study has the building open seven days a week for 12 hours a day. She argued that current proposed staffing levels are not adequate to accommodate the planned operating hours.

“Seven days a week, 12 hours a day,” she said. “It says we will need two people at the front desk for seven days a week, 12 hours a day. Two lifeguards. It’s just not feasible.”

Hanbury said she was concerned the document, which has been used to seek support from state and federal officials, likely underestimates how much it will truly cost to operate the facility.

“That is my problem with this document that has been handed to other people to get support for this project,” she added. “If we’re going to ask for support from people, congress, senators, county commissioners, I would just like to know why the document is saying personnel costs will be $898,000 when it can’t be operated with just 15 people. It’s going to need a lot more people to have something open 12 hours a day, seven days a week…I just feel like maybe these per-

sonnel costs should be revised to be a bit more accurate.”

Resident Gina Velong suggested the town consult similar facilities, such as local YMCAs, to develop more accurate staffing estimates.

Gorfinkel responded that the feasibility study already drew from comparable regional locations, including the Worcester County Recreation Center in Snow Hill, Ocean Pines, and Northside Park in Ocean City.

In addition to funding discussions, Gorfinkel provided updates on efforts to clear the Flower Street site where the community center is planned.

Last month, the council approved a $121,436 contract with Bennett Construction to demolish the existing multipurpose building at 130 Flower Street, using Community Development Block Grant funding aimed at eliminating blight.

This week, Gorfinkel said the town is exploring whether remaining grant funds could also be used to remove three nearby trailers used by SHOREUP! Inc.

“We are awaiting asbestos testing to come back this week,” she said. “That would be the largest cost for demolishing it.”

She added that the town expects test results by the end of the week which will determine if the expanded demolition scope is feasible.

Opinions

Beach rules crew will get trial run

As someone’s grandmother used to say, it’s a damn thin thing that doesn’t have two sides.

Such would be the situation that has led a reluctant City Council to agree to create a beach canopy corps or tent trooper division to enforce the city’s restrictions on the size and placement of shade-giving structures on the beach this summer.

Proponents and opponents of creating the six-member beach rules enforcement team have solid arguments to back up their viewpoints on whether this approach is the right way to go.

Council President Matt James, for instance, believes the city’s interests will not be well served by sending out a crew to “harass our visitors on the beach because a group of people sitting up here don’t like the type of sun protection those people chose to use.”

He’s right about that as far as it goes. But another contingent of beachgoers will be just as annoyed with the council if they have to sit behind a sun-blocking installation that also obstructs their view or takes up an inordinate amount of beach space.

As Councilman Jake Mitrecic observed, the real cause of this conflict is a “manners problem,” which is exacerbated by the give-an-inch syndrome.

It’s unfortunate, but many people tend to push boundaries because it suits them, regardless of what the effect might be on their neighbors, and inevitably local government is called on to intervene.

Because there’s no such thing as a solution that keeps everyone happy, the best the city can do is employ the one that makes the fewest people unhappy.

If that’s the group sitting under the huge canopy that’s affecting other beachgoers’ enjoyment of their surroundings, then that’s just too bad.

This is one instance where the right side to be on is the one with the most people.

Ingredients matter

I can’t remember whether the television commercial I saw recently involved food for kids or dogs, although the look of the stuff suggested it might be suitable for either.

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By Stewart Dobson

But I do know this, the headline the commercial closed with informed viewers that this was not just any kind of food (for dogs or kids, possibly). No, this was food “Made With Real Ingredients!”

Well, that is certainly good to know. After all, the discerning consumer might be disinclined to buy food that happened to be “Made With Imaginary Ingredients!”

And this would be before they read the contents label, which, because the ingredients are not real, could be just about anything.

This product contains the following unreal ingredients: Tibetan mountain potatoes harvested by a Yeti; three-toed sloth lips, rosemary grown by elves; xanthan gums (from free-range xanthans) chipped hamsters; and imaginary flavoring.

Given the fictitious nature of this particular product, I’m sure you could make (or unmake) it yourself by checking out the recipe in the classic cookbook, “The Joy of Imaginary Cooking.”

Here’s the thing: there are good ingredi-

ents and bad ingredients, but the is no such thing as an ingredient that does not exist.

The advertising company was simply (and poorly) trying to push home the point that its product contained no artificial fillers or anything that just doesn’t belong, like, for instance: “Miss Betty’s Corned Beef Hash. Ingredients — beef, potatoes, onions, water, salt, spices, sodium nitrite and two half-inch deck screws.”

Most of us would notice right off that the last ingredient, real though it may be, did not necessarily fit in with the others.

My guess is that the advertising copy writer thinks most people are too dumb to realize that calling an ingredient a “real ingredient” automatically makes it a good ingredient in the mind of the consumer. It does not.

A recipe for disaster also consists of real ingredients, but they’re real bad ingredients.

Such as:

An erroneous order from the Department of Defense has sent Spam futures into a tailspin and American families scurrying to stock up on Armour Treet meat (which contains real ingredients) as Spam stocks have all but disappeared from grocery store shelves.

According to sources who wish not to be identified for fear of retaliation, a conversation in the upper echelons of the defense department went like this: “No sir, you’re mistaken. That’s right, sir. We should be imposing a blockade around the Strait of Hormuz, not a blockade around the Strait of Hormel.”

(Incidentally, in addition to Spam, Hormel has 39 other brands, from Skippy peanut butter to Herdez salsa ... and get this: every one of those is made with real ingredients).

Between the Lines

By Steve Green

Tuesday was a sad day for the public school system. There’s no way around the shame many felt as the news broke that a former chief academic officer and long-time principal, Denise Shorts, was charged with embezzlement and theft. Records show she used public school funding to buy things for herself and her own day care center. Most egregious is the majority of the $118,742 pilfered was intended for impoverished students through federal Title I funding and used for frivolous personal expenses. A plea hearing is now set for June 18.

This is about as bad as an indictment of Shorts as it gets as well as the oversight intended to thwart such misconduct. Knowing the system and exposing purchasing loopholes for a television, pool skimmer and inversion table, Shorts exercised deliberate deception over the course of six years for her own personal gain. She falsified credit card receipts to fool the finance department on personal purchases including items for her Florida vacation home. The level of greed is disgusting, particularly in light of her $178,000 annual salary.

In my travels through the week, the word “betrayed” was often used with the spotlight clearly shined on the school system’s former administrator and how the finance department could be duped to such a degree. Through public statements, the school system did what it must do – own it. It was “unacceptable … misuse of funds intended to support students,” according to Superintendent Annette Wallace. Acknowledging the trust placed in the school system, Board of Education President Todd Ferrante pledged, “strict oversight, learning from this situation, and implementing stronger safeguards to ensure it does not happen again."

County residents, teachers and parents have a reason to be upset. It’s a morale blow, but it’s important to remember this malfeasance and abuse of power by an immoral individual is not a reflection of the entire school system and the people who work in the classrooms. It’s a breakdown of checks and balances, and we should all be appalled how it could happen. Moving forward, restoring the faith and confidence will take time while better oversight measures are put in place and safeguarded.

***

Another hit for many Worcester County residents this week is news another increase in water and wastewater rates seems likely to be included in the next budget. The new hike is needed after utility accounts were “underfunded for years,” according to a county press release last year. If the proposed budget move advances, residents in the 10 of the 11 service areas will see a 5% increase. The hike would have been much higher without a general fund transfer of $1.1 million. While it pales in comparison to the exorbitant increases that led to public upheaval last year, it’s an incremental hike that worries residents who fear increases will become an annual thing for the foreseeable future.

During this week’s budget review, the county reviewed an internal billing error that led to many commercial customers being overcharged last year. There were several extreme examples that made headlines last year. Commercial property owners shared single-year increases of more than $20,000. As a result, the county is now considering offering a refund or credit for the overcharge, but the final decision has not been made. Future budget meetings will decide the official direction on righting that wrong and the overall increase coming.

***

How tough the new beach enforcement division should be on infractions is an interesting situation. On one hand, there’s no reason to have rules in place if there’s no enforcement mechanism to curb the behavior. Conversely, at a time when tourism competition is running higher than ever, Ocean City should wade carefully into how aggressive to be.

Council President Matt James, the lone dissenter on creating the new beach enforcement division, had a strong position on the enforcement division. He said the city is planning to spend $190,000 over 14 months to “harass our visitors on the beach because of a group of people sitting up here don’t like the type of sun protection those people chose to use. And I think that’s not our goal.” James was referring to canopy rule enforcement. Mayor Rick Meehan pushed back, saying it’s imperative the responsibility for enforcement be shifted from the lifeguards to other employees, saying, “It’s a very small part of our budget that I think would provide a very well recognized service.” Councilman Jake Mitrecic views the new division as working with beach-goers on a “manners problem,” and Councilman John Gehrig cautioned against the resort becoming a “police beach.” The discretion used over the coming summer is worth monitoring. Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald acknowledged the dance involved, saying, “The last thing you want to do is start issuing citations or calling the police department on the beach to take somebody off in bracelets. That's not what we’re going to do here.”

Eagle’s Landing to operate as 12-hole course this fall

By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor

(April 17, 2026) Six holes at the cityowned Eagle’s Landing golf course will be closed this fall for a flood remediation project, Ocean City officials said last week.

During a budget work session at City Hall, golf course Superintendent Joel McTavish and council Manager Bob Croll, told the City Council to expect a decrease in projected revenues at the golf course for the coming fiscal year.

Beginning in November, a portion of the Eagle’s Landing course will be closed for a tidal flood remediation project they say will affect the number of rounds played at the facility.

“Long story short, November 1 we’re going to close six holes that experience this tidal flooding,” McTavish said, “and some holes we’re actually going to completely redo.”

Last June, the City Council agreed to solicit bids for remediation work at the course, where tidal flooding has affected play at several holes. Three months later, however, the city received three bids, all of which came in over the $2.3 million budget.

Ultimately, the City Council voted to move forward with the project by awarding a contract to McDonald & Sons, which ultimately revised its cost estimate down to $1.49 million. Officials last week confirmed that work will commence this fall, taking Eagle’s Landing down from an 18-hole course to a 12-hole course.

“We’re going to be operating a 12hole golf course from November into the spring of 2027,” Croll said. “Transfers from the reserves will be used to make up the difference in a projected rounds decrease with the project as well.”

McTavish said the number of tidal flooding events continued to increase at the course. Last year, he noted that four such occurrences covered the grass at certain holes.

“There’s certain holes you can’t even get to, let alone play,” he said.

The superintendent said the project will attempt to mitigate that flooding. One hole in particular, he added, would be raised three or four feet, while others would be bermed and drained.

The goal is to complete work by May 1.

“The sooner we can get it open, the better,” he said.

Croll noted that the remaining 12 holes will stay open throughout the fall and winter months, with golfers having the option to play six-hole rounds, 12hole rounds and 18-hole rounds (with six holes being repeated). However, he said he projects a loss in revenue because of the changes.

“I don’t know what the demand will be for golfers to want to play …,” he said. “There will be golfers who chose not to play because you could play six holes twice.”

However, officials say those losses have been accounted for in the coming year’s budget and would be covered using prior year reserves.

“We were very intentional in the timing of the project,” Recreation and Parks Director Kate Gaddis told the council last week.

Cheesecake cones perfect for summer treat

By Deborah Lee Walker

Contributing Writer

(April 17, 2026) Whether by chance or by choice, we have become a society where convenience and mass production has become the “norm.”

Modernization can be a good thing, but at the same time we need to preserve our culture and continue the tradition of our forefathers.

Cooking is no exception. In fact, home cooks face this challenge all the time. Balancing work and raising a family is demanding, so how much time one has to prepare a meal is relative.

Today we will turn our attention to creamy cheesecake. Cheesecake is not complicated and when one understands the basic principles, confidence flourishes.

In addition, we will also discuss an innovative and fast way to present storebought cheesecake that will have your family and guests giving you the “thumbs up.”

So, let’s begin with making a homemade cheesecake. First and foremost, your oven is a consideration. Some ovens can take a significant amount of

time for the temperature to fall depending on their insulation levels.

Professional pastry chefs may adjust the cooking time or reverse the traditional high-to-low to low-to-high technique to avoid this issue.

Room temperature cream cheese is a must; it blends better with the other ingredients. If the cream cheese is too cold, the consistency will be lumpy and so will your finished cake.

If time is of the essence, no worries. Remove foil wrapping from the blocks of cheese and place them in a microwavable-safe bowl and heat just until the cheese gets soft.

Sometimes the smallest details can make the biggest difference; add a touch of cornstarch or flour to your recipe. This simple step causes the starch to interact with the egg proteins and prevents them from over-coagulating. In other words, your cheesecake will have a creamier texture and less likely to crack.

Mixing the cheesecake batter believe it or not is a delicate balance of mixing and timing. You have to mix the cream cheese enough to avoid lumps, but be careful not to overmix because the batter will absorb too much air. The end result – your cheesecake will rise too rapidly which causes it to collapse as it cools and increases your chances for

cracks. There is nothing worse than presenting a homemade cheesecake with a big crack in it.

While we are on the subject of mixing the batter, a good quality stand mixer is highly suggested. They are pricey but will last you a long time. There are times to cut costs and this is not one of them.

Strain your cheesecake filling through a fine-mesh strainer and use a silicone spatula to help the filling

pass through the strainer. This step ensures a silky, smooth filling that cheesecake is notorious for.

Another perennial problem with homemade cheesecake is the porous crumb crust can become soggy with the long baking time. To keep that must-have graham cracker flavor and texture, simply add a touch of flour to the crushed graham cracker crust.

Continued Page 77

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OBITUARIES

DANIEL EDWARD BARNHART

Berlin

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel Edward Barnhart 66, of Berlin, who departed this life on March 31, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 22, 1959, in Gettysburg, PA to the late Daniel Webster Barnhart and Mildred Jane (Strait) Barnhart. Dan retired from Waste Management of Greencastle, PA where he was employed for more than 30 years. Dan was known for finding trash treasures and one of his most memorable acquisitions was a little black shiatzu he named Susie (after his mother-in law.) Despite his wife’s initial objections, Susie quickly became the apple of Dan’s eye, and it wasn’t long before the whole family was in love. He was a longstanding member of the American Legion Post 262 in Biglerville, PA, and the Gettysburg Eagles Aerie #1562 of Gettysburg, Pa.

After his retirement Dan and his family relocated to the Eastern Shore of Maryland. There Dan owned and operated DJ Lawncare and held a part-time position as a porter with Oceans East Apartments in Berlin. During his downtime, Dan loved spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, Aaliyah and traveling to some of country music’s most famous places.

Dan is survived by his loving wife, Jill Barnhart who cared for him until his death; his children, Erin Barnhart of Berlin, MD, Taylor Kinser of Oakdale, PA, Ashley Kinser of Burbank, CA, granddaughter, Aaliyah Barnhart of Berlin, MD; three brothers, Roger Strait of Sunset Beach, North Carolina, Ernest Strait of Biglerville, PA and John Barnhart of Aspers, PA as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service in Dan’s honor will be held at St. Peter's Lutheran Church 10301 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md. 21842 on May 9, 2026 at 10 a.m.

A Celebration of Life will be held at The Legion Woods Pavilion located at 3030 Tablerock Rd Biglerville, Pa. 17307 on July 11, 2026, from 1-4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Hope Lodge 636 W. Lexington St. Baltimore, Md. 21201 or St. Peters Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, Md. 21842.

Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com

TERRY HOKANSON

Berlin

Terry Hokanson, age 72, passed away peacefully on March 19, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born September 9, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland, Terry lived a life defined by kindness, curiosity, humor and quiet strength. Whether tending in her garden, sharing stories, or offering a helping hand, Terry had a way of making others feel seen and valued.

Terry found joy in life's simple pleasures- she loved working in her garden, knitting, and the company of family and friends. Her laughter was contagious, her advice steady and her love unwavering. Terry was an experienced quilter and had a degree in Horticulture. While living in Illinois, she started her own successful garden design and installation business. She returned to Maryland in 2018, and was excited to live on the Eastern Shore, or as she put it "the land of my people" where her father was born and raised.

Terry is survived by her husband Rolfe Hokanson, her son Tim Kaminsky, her sister Jana Moss, her brother-in-law Dr. Kim Moss, her grandsons Connor Newbury and Noah Kaminsky, and her nephews Corey and Eric Moss, who will all carry forward her legacy of compassion and resilience.

Terry was predeceased by a daughter, Shelby Kaminsky.

A Celebration of Life will be held Continued on Page 78

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Continued from Page 76

The type of pan you cook your cheesecake is extremely important. With that being said, a springform pan is well-worth the extra money. The removeable sides make the task of removing the cheesecake from the pan to the serving plate a breeze.

Cooking a cheesecake in a water bath is imperative for a successful dish. A water bath is a technique of putting your cake pan in a container of water while baking. The water helps the heat disperse evenly, which again helps avoid cracks.

Lastly, it is important to allow the cheesecake to cool gradually. After the cheesecake has finished cooking, turn off the stove and keep the door closed for a period of time. Resist the temptation to open the door and peak at your finished dessert.

If making a homemade cheesecake is not an option, and you want to serve the cheesecake in an innovative way

that will wow adults and children alike, consider serving cheesecake cones. Mini cake cones with a tiny scoop of store-bought cheesecake and a dusting of sprinkles are fun and a great way to get the kids involved. There is only one dilemma. How to get the pointed cone to stand up. Simply take a serving dish, fill it with uncooked rice, and then place the individual cones accordingly.

The next question is where do I purchase the three-inch cones? The internet is wonderful and before you know it, they are delivered to your doorstep.

Summer is around the corner, and cheesecake cones will be a hit at children’s activities. Tasty, adorable, and very little time to make is a recipe every mother and chef love. Enjoy?

Secret Ingredient – New Beginnings

The beginning is always today.

Mary Wollstonecraft

Shelley

Daniel Barnhart

Terry Hokanson

OBITUARIES

on April 25, 2026 at Ocean Pines Golf Club, 100 Clubhouse Dr. Ocean Pines, Md. 21811, where stories, laughter, and memories will be shared in honor of a life beautifully lived.

EDMUND BURKE CONNER

Bishopville

Ed Conner, of Bishopville, began his eternal rest on April 7, 2026, after 77 years of life filled with hard work, laughter, and love.

A “New Year’s Baby,” he was born Jan. 1, 1949 in Cleveland, Ohio in 1949 to parents George Brinton Conner II of Ocean City, Maryland and Elizabeth Fern Conner (Denton) of Broomes Island, Md.

After growing up in Cleveland,

where he graduated from South High School in 1967, he enrolled at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio to study Engineering. After spotting an attractive brunette across the crowded room at orientation the summer before classes were due to begin, the shy young man proclaimed to his mother, “Hold my spot – I think I see the girl I’m going to marry one day.”

While his mother and sister looked on in astonishment, Edmund strode across the room, introduced himself to Miss Bonnelynn Lee “Bonnie” Simon, asked her on a date, and romance blossomed.

Even after a college transfer on each of the young lovers’ part – for a brief period Edmund attended community college in Florida – fate won out and the two wed in September of 1971. They had celebrated 55 years of marriage at the time of his death, and were true partners in all things.

In addition to Bonnie, Edmund is survived by two children, Amy Beth Conner VanHoose and Robert Burke Conner; two grandsons, Caleb Burke Conner and Gavin James Conner, his mother, Elizabeth Fern Conner (Denton); sister Lauren Conner Taylor Demers (Fred); nephews and nieces Daniel Taylor (Kelly), Bradford Taylor (Rebecca), Garrett Conner, Bonita Conner, and Morgan Conner (Michael Snyder); and several greatnieces and nephews and close cousins and second cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, George Brinton Conner II, and older brother, George Brinton Conner III.

His legacy also lives on in the thousands of lives he touched through the family’s hospitality ventures in Ocean City – primarily the Santa Maria Motel and Captain’s Table Restaurant on 15th Street in Ocean City, which would later become the Courtyard by Marriott, housing the restaurant of the same name. He and his brother George also briefly owned and operated the Candlelight Motor Lodge on 81st Street in Ocean City before reorganizing the business.

He started off in hospitality working summers in college for his grandmother, Willye Jones Conner Ludlam, at the Hastings Hotel on Second Street and the Boardwalk, and later at the Santa Maria and Cap-

tain’s Table. When Mrs. Ludlam passed in 1971 and her three sons, William (Bill), Milton and George, divided up her estate, Edmund and George III took over the active running of the Santa Maria property, shortly after Ed and Bonnie married, carrying on the family tradition of hospitality.

Since his late grandfather, George Conner I, had opened the first restaurant in Ocean City, the calling may have been fate. Ed may never have made it back to OSU to finish that engineering degree, but he put his talents to good use over the years and became known as “Mr. Fix It” to neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family alike. It would be a rare piece of machinery or equipment that he could not install or repair or a surface in a family home that he hasn’t wallpapered, painted, RE-painted, UNwallpapered, or in some way improved over the years.

Edmund was also a proud member of the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association (a.k.a. “Fish Club”), and enjoyed both inshore and offshore fishing, as well as hunting for deer and the occasional goose. He often assisted neighbors and friends with turning their game into venison to feed their families, and with supplying family and friends alike with crabs from dockside crab pots. He joined his daughter and dear friend

Edmund Conner

OBITUARIES

Ron Smith annually for the Maryland Coastal Bays Program’s “Marine Debris Plunder” to help keep our waterways trash-free.

Whether you knew him as a welcoming host at the restaurant, sharing freshly caught, personally smoked Spanish mackerel, or a perfectly mixed cocktail, or as a down-to earth boss who never hesitated to work as hard as you did to provide great service, as a father full of wisdom, love and advice, as a loving and devoted husband ready to do whatever you desired, as a neighbor always out walking the family dog, full of advice on anything you could ask about – usually with a good dad joke thrown inEdmund touched the lives of everyone he met. His legacy is one of love, strength, and integrity, and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Always generous and curious, even in death, Edmund donated his body to science, so a Celebration of Life was held on Tuesday, April 14 at the Courtyard by Marriott hotel on 15th Street in Ocean City from 3 to 5 p.m. in the Spinnaker Room event space behind the Captain’s Table Restaurant. When the family receives his cremains at a later date, they will be incorporated into an Eternal Reef, to nurture the offshore fishing grounds that he loved. Anyone who wishes to participate in that ceremony in 2027 or 2028 can contact the family.

Though he is no longer with us here on Earth, his spirit will remain in our hearts and continue to inspire us every day. We will honor his memory by carrying forward the values he instilled in us, and by keeping his love alive within our family and community.

HEATHER HOLLY BRUNNING

Berlin

Heather Holly Brunning passed away peacefully at Tidal Health Atlantic on April 7, 2026 at the age of 52. Born on November 3, 1973 to Bobbie J. Brunning and Elizabeth A. Cox Brunning in Alexandria Va., Heather grew up in Alexandria and was a graduate of Mount Vernon High School. She moved to Ocean City at the age of 18 where she spent the majority of her life building meaningful relationships and leaving a lasting impact on her community.

Heather dedicated 32 years of her life as General Manager of the Francis Scott Key Family Resort in West Ocean City. Over the decades she was the cornerstone of the business, and became far more than a leader. She became a guiding presence, mentor and mother figure to countless employees and guests. She was always the first to step in, the first to offer support and the last to ask for anything in return.

Above all else, Heather was a devoted and loving mother. To her son, Tucker Birch, she was everything a mother could be and more. Always there to lend a helping hand or needed advice. She was always there growing up in every situation. She was at every single baseball practice and game. Always showing up with snacks, encouragement, and unwavering support, not only for Tucker, but for any child who needed it. She believed deeply that every person should feel included, she lived that belief daily. Whether it was volunteering, offering rides, or making sure every child had a snack and souvenir, she made people feel seen, valued and loved.

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Heather had a deep love for animals, music and the beach. She enjoyed attending concerts and was especially fond of Guns N’ Roses and Stevie Knicks. She also had a gift for figuring things out. No matter the challenge she faced it with strength, determination and resilience that inspired everyone around her.

She will be remembered as one of the toughest and most selfless people many have ever known. A deeply compassionate person who made a lasting difference in the lives of so many

Heather is survived by her loving son, Tucker Birch (Julyette); her mother Elizabeth Cox Brunning; her brother Clayton Brunning (Carolyn); her sister Ashley Brunning Furbay (Don); and her nephew, Dalton Warren. She was proceeded in death by her father Bobbie Brunning.

Her memory will live on through the countless people she helped, supported and loved throughout her life.

A celebration of Heather’s life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 2pm at 10948 Assateague Rd, Berlin, MD 21811. All are invited to attend and casual attire encouraged.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Heather’s memory to Brandywine Valley SPCA, Georgetown, or your local humane society in honor of Heather’s deep love for animals.

H. Brunning

Prep flying high on 5-game winning streak

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 17, 2026) After an opening loss to Parkside, Worcester Prep’s boys lacrosse team has bounced back and won five straight.

On April 8, Worcester Prep boys’ varsity lacrosse chalked up its fourth straight victory against Easton, 12-4. On April 10, the Mallards defeated Indian Creek, 12-7, on the road.

In the home win over Easton, eight

of those goals came from junior midfielder Danny Kirwan, who added an assist. The Fighting Mallards came out strong leading 6-1 with 5:18 to go in the second period.

In the second half, Easton scored three goals to Prep’s six, resulting in a final score of 12-4. Also scoring were Karrigan Russell-Wood, Abraxas Giardina, John Parker and Remington Leverage-Frye.

After the game, Head Coach Drew

Mallards claim two straight over Cambridge, Salisbury

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 17, 2026) After dropping three straight to start the season, Worcester Prep girls’ varsity lacrosse team has rebounded, winning two in a row.

The team consists of 19 players and a new head coach, former collegiate player Alexis Absher. Worcester lost

to Parkside (11-10), Bennett (19-6) and Caravel Academy (14-4) to start the year, but has notched back-toback wins against Cambridge (10-3) and The Salisbury School (8-6).

During the game against Cambridge-South Dorchester, the Mallards scored three goals during the first half by Hannah Coyle, Anisha Batra and Harper Hertrich.

Hauge said, “we did well today, we got to an early start we got off quick and then, we really managed the game in the second half we wanted to make sure we got enough of the lead. We got everybody in to play and it’s always important to try to get everybody in.It’s nice to get a win against them this year. We lost to them last year.

“We want everybody to be more into the game not just the guys on the field, but the guys on the sideline. I

just want to clean up a few things that’s all. We just want to be a little bit better each time each day. We want to have a better practice tomorrow and the goal was to just get a little bit better each game hopefully we will be. We can be better than we are, than we were today.”

After an entire week off, Prep next plays on Monday at Indian River High before returning home on April 22 against Delmar High School.

In the second half, things started clicking for the Mallards. Prep was able to score a goal every two minutes while Cambridge-South Dorchester scored just one. Prep was ahead 7-1 entering the fourth quarter and maintained for a 10-3 win.

Scoring single goals in the second half were Gracie Holloway, Batra, Hertrich, Haviland Russell-Wood and scoring three was Cora McClanahan.

New Coach Absher said, “It was a great game. It was great to see these girls come out and get a win. They have worked really hard this season, we’re working on a lot. I’m a new coach a lot of new players so it’s great to see the things we’re doing at practice come together we have 10 returning players and some freshman and then some girls who came out for the first time as seniors which is really cool.”

The next home game is on April 23 against Gunston School and this will be senior night for Worcester Prep.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Senior Sydney Mize had two assists for the Mallards in the win over Cambridge South Dorchester at home.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Freshman Hannah Coyle, who had a goal during the game against Cambridge South Dorchester, is pictured scooping a ground ball.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior Danny Kirwan, who has committed to Bucknell to continue his lacrosse career, tallied eight goals and an assist to power the Mallards over Easton.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Freshman Abraxas Giardina has been an immediate contributor on the attack for the Mallards. He scored a goal against Easton.

Decatur girls team stays hot with sixth straight victory

By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer

(April 17, 2026) Stephen Decatur girls’ varsity lacrosse team is hot again this year.

Last year the squad won the 2A Region II finals against James M Bennett 15-7, but saw the season end in the 2A State quarterfinals with a 16-5 loss to Kent Island.

Decatur is off to a hot start this year at 6-0 after the April 10 game against James M. Bennett 12-5 and the April 15 win over Easton, 13-8.

Against Bennett, the game’s high scorer was senior Laila Pascucci with four goals. Junior Kennedy Kirby scored three, senior Jillian Burton added two to the books. Junior Halle Marshall, junior Betsey Mihaley and senior Lo Malinowski each put one in the net.

The Seahawks showed their skill by working the arc to shift James M Bennett’s defense and creating opportuni-

ties which they took advantage of for the win.

After the game, Coach Lindsay Owens said, “I thought it was an awesome game all around. I think Bennett was one of the hardest competitions that we faced so far; so major credit to them they gave us a hard-fought game, and we really had to earn every single draw, ground ball, 50-50 ball. We had to really make sure we played our best. They are a great team so we’re very excited about this win and how we played.

“We need to have a little bit more composure and work on transitions going up to our attack but other than that, I’m super proud of how the team played and came together and how they didn’t back down. They had to kind of reset themselves after some big hits …”

Decatur’s next home game is Friday, April 17 at 6 p.m. against Queen Anne’s.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

After gaining a draw control, junior Betsey Mihaly is pictured sprinting toward the offensive end.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS

Junior Kennedy Kirby works through a seam in the defense before finding an open teammate in last week’s victory.