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OC Today-Dispatch MAY 15, 2026
STUBBORNLY LOCAL, EQUALLY INDEPENDENT
Sheriff gets all he asks for in major move by officials — Page 6
PRICELESS
County balks at school funding Abbott, Bertino, Elder say audit results must clear system first, as meeting stalls out with a 3-3 vote on full request — PAGE 3 GOOD BUT SMALL RIDE
PHOTO COURTESY OC YACHT SHOTS
The Eastern Surfing Associated hosted the Northeast Regionals last weekend in Ocean City with dozens of surfers of all ages competing in small conditions. Above, Becks Wilson is pictured in a heat. See more photos on page 77.
St. Paul’s not budging Episcopal Church in downtown Ocean City is saying ‘not just no, but heavens no’ after being ordered to cease providing shelter for homeless people in its assembly hall in downtown Ocean City. — PAGE 18
Double stabbing Woman charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking exhusband and girlfriend in her former home. — PAGE 69
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OC Today-Dispatch
MAY 15, 2026
MAY 15, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
Commissioners still divided over education funding level By Brian Shane Staff Writer (May 15, 2026) Reverberations of a public school system embezzlement scandal spilled into budget deliberations Tuesday, leaving the Worcester County Commissioners deadlocked on a vote to approve fiscal year 2027 funding for the board of education. That stalemate means the commissioners will have to come back at their next budget hearing on May 19 to decide on a funding level for the schools, ahead of a scheduled June 2 budget adoption. Some commissioners on Tuesday said they support proposed teacher raises but could not back full funding until an outside forensic audit restores their confidence in the school system’s financial oversight. Others said teachers, students, and staff should not be penalized for a problem they had nothing to do with and supported fully funding the education budget. “Until we get the findings of a clean bill of health from a forensic audit, I’m not interested in investing taxpayer money into the school system,” said Commissioner Chip Bertino. “We don’t know what we don’t know.” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic opened the debate with a motion to fully fund the education budget as requested, which he noted has never occurred during his 12 years in office. He ended up being critical of his colleagues for holding up funding approval with demands for another outside forensic audit, and suggested politics may be shaping the debate. “Must be an election year,” he quipped. Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) added that the board of education is now bidding for a new outside audit, one that could take up to a year, and expects it will show “a clean bill of health.” “They had an issue. This is understandable. Any corporation of that size could have these types of issues moving forward,” he said. While she wasn’t mentioned by name, the disagreement stems from criminal charges filed last month against Denise “Dee” Shorts, a former assistant superintendent with Worcester County Public Schools. State prosecutors say Shorts, 61, used a school credit card to buy six figures worth of personal items on Amazon and then falsified receipts to cover it up. Authorities said she spent more than $118,000 of school funds between 2019 and 2025 on herself and a daycare she co-owns in Berlin. Shorts resigned in March and was indicted in April. She is scheduled for a June 18 plea hearing in Worcester County Circuit Court. “None of the oversight that’s in place currently picked up on the fact
that, over an extended period of time, of six years at least, that embezzlement was going on,” said Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines). School officials are asking for a $157.2 million operating budget that includes a $12.6 million spending increase. More than half the increase is wage-related and stems from a legislative mandate to pay teachers statewide a minimum salary of $60,000. About 82% of proposed FY27 spending is tied to salaries, according to Vince Tolbert, chief financial officer for Worcester County Public Schools. While county officials provide the funding based on budget requests, how that money gets spent is up to the school board, not the commissioners. Mitrecic’s motion to fully fund the budget died in a 3-3 vote, with Commissioners Diana Purnell and Eric Fiori joining a “yes” vote. Commissioners Bertino, Caryn Abbott, and Ted Elder voted no. Commissioner Jim Bunting was absent. No commissioners argued against teacher raises. Instead, several expressed concerns centered on oversight and accountability, not school employees. Commissioner Diana Purnell (District 2, Central) argued the school board had already faced intense scrutiny and “they’ve come to us with a clean budget.” “This is starting to look like a vendetta against the board of education,” she said. Commissioner Caryn Abbott (District 1, Southern) said she had no problem supporting teacher salaries as proposed but would not cast a vote to fully fund the school board “until it’s shown there’s responsibility and there’s processes in place.” “None of this is their fault,” she said of school district employees. Elder, the board president, said he could support some level of increase over flat funding. He also linked years of growing education budgets to the environment in which the embezzlement occurred. “I think some of that problem is that there’s so much money thrown at the board of ed that it created the temptations to do the kind of things that were done,” said Elder (District 4, Western). Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, West Ocean City) said he and other commissioners had combed through the school board’s budget in recent years. While praising the school finance chief for being compliant under scrutiny, he noted that stolen funds amounted to a small fraction of the overall budget. “In reality, to try to catch that from your seat, Mr. Tolbert, is nearly impossible,” he said. “It’s not fair to take this out on the school system ... We can’t stop funding the children’s education.”
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MAY 15, 2026
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10300 COASTAL HWY #1808 ATLANTIS • OCEAN CITY • OFFERED AT $435,000 Experience true beachfront living in this beautifully furnished 2-bedroom, 2-bath direct oceanfront condo located on the 18th floor of the highly desirable Atlantis building. Unit 1808 offers sweeping, unobstructed views of the Atlantic—endless blue water, refreshing ocean breezes, and a front row seat to every sunrise. MLS# MDWO2037926
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Wow—this stunning 2BR/2.5BA waterfront condo with a deeded boat slip #31 in Harbour Club is truly one of a kind. Completely remodeled between 2022 and 2025, this home showcases modern coastal luxury throughout and is one of the largest floor plans in Harbour Club. Deeded Boat Slip #31 conveys with the sale. The condo is being sold furnished, beautifully designed in neutral tones and ready for immediate enjoyment. MDWO2035916
Beautiful 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath Condo with Deeded Boat Slip, lift & Jet Ski Lift in Baywatch II Grand Rarely available for sale, this beautiful second-floor condo in the Grand Baywatch building (with elevator) is now on the market! This spacious unit features one of the larger floor plans and includes a deeded boat slip and jet ski lifts—perfect for the boating enthusiast. MDWO2034514
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105 123RD STREET UNIT B332 JOCKEY BEACH CLUB OCEAN CITY • $258,900 Condo – Canal Views, Community Pool & Prime Location! This upgraded topfloor condo offers the best of both worlds—peaceful canal views and just two blocks from the beach! Sold fully furnished and move-in ready. Featuring open concept living with updated kitchen & bath, stainless appliances and storage galore. Close to Northside Park, the beach, restaurants, shops, and mini golf, this unit is the perfect coastal retreat or investment property. MDWO2033766
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Stop searching—this is the ONE!! Located in the prestigious River Run Golf Club, this stunning 3-bedroom, 3.5-bath single-family home offers the ultimate relaxed lifestyle. All one level (Ranch-style living!) Spacious, modern, and incredible open floor plan! Close to Ocean City Beaches! 11324 River Run Lane Berlin MD MDWO2037276
13307 WIGHT ST #101 • BREAKWATER OCEAN CITY • $435,000
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6803 ATLANTIC AVE #4H OCEAN CITY • $425,000 Beautiful top-floor, direct oceanfront condo just hit the market! This is one of the largest one-bedroom oceanfront condos available, located in a desirable midtown setting. The well-maintained condominium complex features an oceanfront pool, perfect for relaxing beach living. This spacious condo offers a large, private oceanfront balcony—ideal for enjoying breathtaking sunrises and cool summer ocean breezes. MDWO2035292
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Prime Location hits the 32474 LIGHTHOUSE RD MOBILE HOME 10168 RABBIT 201 S HERON DRIVE Market! 2.36 acres on the 42 WOODLAND AVE SELBYVILLE, DE PARKS RIDGE LN UNIT 2D 13905 LIGHTHOUSE S HERON DR #8A SOUTHHAMPTON DR. 10312 THIRTY KNOTS LN corner of RT 54 and W. 201HARBOUR BISHOPVILLE HERON HARBOUR ISLE FENWICK ISLAND, AVE CAINE WOODS CLUB OCEAN VIEW, DE $5,900,000 DE $199,900 OCEAN CITY OCEAN CITY OCEAN CITY LOT 46 • LIGHTHOUSE SOUND GLEN RIDDLE • BERLIN Line Rd in Selbyville DE. Prime commercial location in Selbyville of 8.4 acres. OFFERED AT OWNER FINANCING AVAIABLE!! Build $365,000 $849,900 $499,000 BISHOPVILLE • $449,000 This is a prime location This is a rare commercial development opportunity on This location is directly across from Beautiful 2BR/2.5BA Har- Your Dream Estate on 4+ Acres in Pictur- This stunning coastal cusNOW $1,090,000 Prime Ocean View Opportunity: 0.45 Acres + Updated Garage - 2 Miles to Beach! Unlock esque Bishopville! Discover the perfect blend in sought-after Fenthe potential of this exceptional Ocean View property, perfect for investors, contractors, or those looking to build their dream coastal getaway! Situated on a spacious half-acre lot, this offering includes a detached garage that has been recently updated - ready for your vehicles, workshop, or storage needs. Garage updates include new framing, new roof, new windows and doors. While the property is being sold strictly AS-IS, providing a blank canvas for your vision, the property boasts incredible bones in an unbeatable location. Enjoy the best of Delaware coastal living with public water and public sewer already connected! Unbeatable Location: Only 2 miles to the white sands of Bethany Beach! Convenience: A short walk/golf cart ride to Harbour View Marina for boating enthusiasts. Recreation: Just 1 mile to premium golf courses. Space: Rare half-acre lot in town, offering privacy and room to expand. Bonus: Recently updated, versatile detached garage/workshop. Don't miss out on this rare chance to own a versatile, high-potential property in one of Delaware's most desirable locations. Seller's will finance up to 65% of purchase price. Schedule your viewing.
Build Your Dream Home! A rare opportunity has just become available in the prestigious Lighthouse Sound community! This expansive 20,237.00 sq ft lot - one of the largest in the neighborhood - offers the perfect setting to build your dream home. Ideally situated on the corner of Fox Ridge and Southampton Drive. Enjoy a lifestyle of luxury and leisure in a community recognized by Golf Magazine as one of the Top 100 golf courses in the country. The Links at Lighthouse Sound also features an elegant clubhouse and a highly rated restaurant - perfect for relaxing after a round of golf.
Rare Opportunity: Build Your Dream Home on a Prime Waterfront Lot! Seize the chance to create your ideal residence on this exceptional 0.73-acre waterfront lot, nestled on an expansive sandy beach within the highly sought-after gated community of Glen Riddle. Enjoy panoramic views of the Ocean City skyline, and breathtaking vistas of Turville and Hearing Creek, as well as the Assawoman Bay. Glen Riddle is an amenity-rich community. MDWO2023166
the busy intersection of Lighthouse Sound Rd. (Route 54) and Hudson Rd. There are already many existing new homes surrounding this property and more than 3,200 additional homes are coming soon. This is the perfect location for a shopping center, multiple smaller retail businesses, and/or medical or other professional offices to serve these homes and the entire Selbyville, Bayside, Fenwick, Ocean City area. The Seller will finance up to 70% of the purchase price at 1 percent below the current prime lending rate for up to 5 years. The property is located 8 miles from the beach! DESU2044978
Yellowfins Restaurant and shoppingcenter on heavily traveled Rt 54. The location is approximately 3-4 miles to the beaches of Ocean City & Fenwick Island. It has water and 8' sewer main that will supply a hotel, shopping center, office complex, medical center, professional center, etc. Lot is cleared. Buy it Now Before It's SOLD!!! Owner Financing is available. MLS DESU184528
bour Club condo with deeded boat slip #9, sold fully furnished and movein ready—everything you see conveys. One of the larger floor plans in the community, this coastalstyle unit overlooks the canal with stunning sunset views over the bay and Ocean City skyline. MDWO2036148
of country privacy and coastal convenience with this stunning 4.07-acre parcel in desirable Bishopville, Maryland. Featuring a mix of open, cleared land and serene, wooded areas in the back, this property is the ideal canvas for your custom dream home. Enjoy the tranquility of Eastern Shore living with plenty of room for a pool, and expansive gardens, all just a short, easy drive to Ocean City beaches and West Ocean City amenities. No builder tie-in—bring your own builder and create the life you've always wanted. Don't miss this rare opportunity to own a piece of Worcester County paradise. MDWO2036750
tom home, located just blocks from the beach in Caine Woods, has recently been listed and offers 4 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms. Built by Piney Island Builders, the spacious home features an open floor plan with an abundance of natural light and numerous upgrades throughout. MDWO2037570
Welcome to this 2BR/2BA waterfront condo, filled with upgrades, located in Heron Harbour Isle. You will be wowed by the remodeled chef’s kitchen featuring white cabinetry, stainless appliances and upgraded countertops. The kitchen, dining & family rooms flow seamlessly with an open concept living floor plan leading to a private balcony overlooking the water, bird sanctuary & breathtaking sunsets. Relax in your spacious primary bedroom with a spalike, en-suite. The second bedroom is freshly painted with new carpeting. Enjoy resort-style amenities including tennis courts, a fitness center, clubhouse, sauna, indoor heated pool, lap pool, family pool, and a kiddie pool. This location is close to the beach, restaurants, shops, grocery stores & mini golf. Come experience the very best of coastal living! MDWO2034104
wick Island! This is an extremely rare opportunity to purchase C-1 commercial land in Fenwick Island DE close to the beach and Atlantic Ocean. A salty breeze carries the scent of the Atlantic Ocean as you stand on these 4 commercially zoned C1 parcels in Fenwick Island. DESU2059932
The property information herein is derived from various sources that may include, but not be limited to, county records and the Multiple Listing Service and it may include approximations. Although the information is believed to be accurate, it is not warranted and you should not rely upon it without personal verification. Real estate 2026 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by agents affiliated with Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage are independent contractor agents and are not employees of the Company. ©2015 a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Previews International and the Previews logo are registered and unregistered service marks owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. 10771BALT_07/15
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MAY 15, 2026
County employees will get $4,000 pay raise By Brian Shane Staff Writer (May 15, 2026) The Worcester County Commissioners this week approved a new pay package that replaces a proposed 3% cost-of-living increase with a flat $4,000 raise for county employees while fully funding a $22 million budget request from the sheriff’s office. County officials said the $4,000 raise, once the budget is finalized, would apply to more than 600 full-time employees across county government. The flat-dollar structure would give proportionally larger raises to lower-paid employees than a percentage-based COLA would. Commissioner Eric Fiori made the motion to alter the proposed 3% COLA in favor of the $4,000 across-the-board raise at Tuesday’s budget hearing. The
vote was unanimous, 6-0, with Commissioner Jim Bunting absent. Sheriff Matt Crisafulli called the decision a “landmark” moment for his agency, saying the raises could make Worcester County one of the highestpaying law enforcement agencies on the Eastern Shore. After Tuesday’s budget meeting, the mood was upbeat in the ground-floor offices of the sheriff’s department in Snow Hill. “It feels like we won the Super Bowl,” Crisafulli said. “This is exciting not only for our men and women, but for our community.” Under the new compensation structure, Crisafulli plans to bump starting pay for sheriff’s deputies from $63,128 to more than $70,000 – putting Worcester County even with neighboring Wicomico County, where deputy
pay jumps to $70,000 as of July 1. The sheriff’s successful budget request marks the fourth time in the last year that he’s petitioned the commissioners to budget for deputy pay raises, repeatedly warning that salary competitiveness has become a public safety issue. Law enforcement agencies across Delmarva have increasingly competed for a shrinking pool of qualified recruits by offering higher starting pay and hiring incentives. Crisafulli said his agency had been losing ground in the recruiting battle, with some deputies leaving for higherpaying agencies, while other experienced officers turned down job opportunities in Worcester to work elsewhere for more money. “That was the ultimate goal: we have got to increase our starting salary,” he
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said. “That is going to make us much more marketable.” The sheriff’s proposed budget for fiscal year 2027 totals $22.2 million, a roughly $2.5 million increase over the current year. It includes funding for four new uniformed positions and an internal affairs investigator, bringing his roster from 96 to 101 sworn deputies. Crisafulli is also seeking a one-grade pay increase for all sworn personnel, along with higher starting salaries for lateral transfers from other police departments, which county officials say could improve recruitment and retention. Lateral transfers into the department have been capped at pay commensurate with five years’ experience. Under the new structure, veteran hires could enter at a nine-year baseline. This budgeting move won’t affect the sheriff’s salary, which is set by statute and currently stands at $101,200. After this November’s election, that salary will increase to $116,392 for the 20262030 term. Not everyone will necessarily be affected by Tuesday’s COLA update. Worcester County Public Schools employees were already slated to receive a $4,000 COLA, including certified teachers and support staff, in the department’s proposed operating budget. Last year, for fiscal year 2026, the commissioners approved a $2,500 COLA for all county employees, including county staff, board of education employees, and sheriff’s office personnel. Also at Tuesday’s budget hearing, the county commissioners voted to forgo their own scheduled salary increases. Their annual commissioner pay would have increased, from about $28,000 to roughly $33,700, taking effect at start of the 2026-2030 following the Nov. 5 election. Instead, on a motion from Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, the commissioners voted 5-0 to decline that raise. Commissioner Chip Bertino abstained and Commissioner Jim Bunting was absent. The county will finalize its roughly $300 million operating budget on June 2.
Inside this week Calendar ..............................50 Classifieds ..........................52 Crossword ............................48 Dining Guide ........................40 Editorial/Letters ..................78 Entertainment ......................38 Horoscope ............................49 Obituaries ............................81 Police/Crime........................23 Public Notices ......................56 Sports ..................................84
MAY 15, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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MAY 15, 2026
LUNCH & DINNER AT DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND NORTH, 12305 COASTAL HWY. With Homemade Sodas & Other Soda Fountain Treats
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MAY 15, 2026
OC Today-Dispatch
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