Program’s annual survey of conditions in five inland bodies of water results in highest score yet for environmental health. — PAGE 13
Sign up now for our new, Monday-Friday newsletter. — Page 53
No more bus lane big pain?
It’s just an idea, state highway officials said at workshop Monday, but proposal to move buses over to create bike lanes on Coastal Highway has led to numerous public objections. — PAGE 3
Bridge light switch gets OK
Bridge lighting goes vertical, to be paid for out of special event revenue.
— PAGE 18
STEWART DOBSON/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
MERRY PARADE
Ocean City Elementary School first-grader Ruby Raynor waves to onlookers during last Saturday’s Ocean City Christmas Parade. See page 30 for more photos from the parade and results.
SHA pitches idea to convert bus lane into new bike path
Repurposing among several concepts presented during public workshop this week
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) Concerns about a proposal to convert the Coastal Highway shared bus lane into a dedicated bike lane dominated discussions at a State Highway Administration workshop in Ocean City Monday.
With maps and poster boards spread around the convention center room, representatives of the State Highway Administration (SHA) made their pitch this week for several proposed improvements along the Coastal Highway corridor between 15th and 67th streets. Among them was a proposal to create a dedicated bike lane in what is currently the shared bus lane.
The goal of that proposal, according to SHA Deputy Chief Engineer Raymond Moravec, is to improve bicycle and pedestrian safety along the corridor. From 2018 to 2023, the agency recorded 49 crashes involving pedestrians, 38 crashes involving bicyclists and four fatalities along the portion of Coastal Highway being studied.
“The point of today is really what you are seeing here – to get public input and feedback, from ‘Hey, this is great’ to ‘What were you thinking?’” he said in an interview Monday. “It doesn’t mean it’s a done deal. We are early in the design phase.”
While SHA representatives this week sought public comment on several proposed improvements – which include reducing the speed limit, adjusting traffic signals and lighting and extending the median barrier – numerous community members, including bus drivers with the city’s transportation department, came out Monday to share their questions and concerns about the bus lane repurposing.
As proposed, buses would be moved into the slow lane of Coastal Highway to make room for a dedicated bike lane. Buses would then pick up riders from a “floating” bus stop located between the slow lane and the dedicated bike lane.
“Now the problem you are going to have is like being behind a school bus for 145 blocks,” Steve Kaeufer, a seasonal bus driver, said following Monday’s workshop. “When that bus stops, everything behind it, for blocks, is going to stop. Then he’s going to go two blocks and stop again … Nothing is going to move in that lane.”
Kaeufer said he has a unique perspective, as he’s been a lifelong resident of Ocean City who has biked in town. As a bicyclist, he said he never
feared the buses, but the cars coming on and off of Coastal Highway. He said the plan presented by SHA this week did not solve that problem.
“Most of your bicycle-vehicle collisions are from cars entering and exiting Coastal Highway, not necessarily at intersections but coming in and out of parking lots at businesses,” he said. “That’s not going to change … I think it may even worsen the effect because now there’s something dividing them, and they won’t see as easily.”
“I think what I saw in there was better than what I walked in expecting to see,” he added. “But I still don’t think it’s going to work.”
Lori Batts, a veteran bus driver with the Town of Ocean City, said she also had concerns about moving the buses into what she believed to be the busiest lane on Coastal Highway. She expressed her desire for SHA to consider other, low-impact solutions –such as improved bike signage, additional lighting and educational programming for bike and scooter users – before repurposing the shared bus lane.
“I don’t see how moving us into the slow lane of traffic is going to benefit Ocean City or anything else …,” she said.
Batts also shared her frustration that SHA representatives had presented their proposal before talking to bus drivers or taking time to understand bus operations. She argued the plan as presented could potentially increase the number of accidents along Coastal Highway, as it could cause more interactions between cars and bikes.
“You’re solving a problem we don’t have,” she said. “What you are going to do is cause more problems.”
But for resident Palmer Gillis, an avid bike rider, he said he was happy to see a proposal for a dedicated bike lane. If the plan moves forward, he said Ocean City “could have all the ingredients” to encourage bicycle use.
“Personally, I think that if there are better pathways and better access for bicycles, that we would reduce vehicular traffic and have more pedestrian and scooter and bicycle, multi-model type transportation,” he said during this week’s workshop.
Gillis noted that his travels to various cities and countries have shown him just how a dedicated bike lane could be achieved in Ocean City. He also pointed to the uptick in bike and scooter use, and the bike and pedestrian issues that have appeared along Coastal Highway in recent years.
“If we don’t address this in the next five years, we’re going to have a bigger problem,” he said.
Overall, Gillis said he supported plans that improve bicycle access. He
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THURSDAY:
ects aimed at improving bike and pedestrian safety along a portion of Coastal Highway. Among the concepts is a plan to repurpose the shared bus lane into a dedicated bike lane. BETHANY HOOPER/ OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Public responds to SHA concepts
Continued from Page 3
said he gets frustrated when he hears people in Ocean City say a dedicated bike lane can’t be done.
“I think the evidence is clear. When you look at the Oceans Calling and Country Calling, there are thousands and thousands of bikes that are parked there. People want to ride their bikes,” he said. “The beautiful thing about Ocean City is that the demand for bike access is highest in the summer months when the weather cooperates. With that said, we should encourage more bicycle use, particularly on the south half of the island.”
Moravec said concepts presented on Monday are based on community feedback that SHA received at an informational workshop held in January. He said the projects that are being considered for Coastal Highway can be completed without rebuilding portions of a roadway.
“The intent of these projects are meant to be something we can do quickly …,” he said. “How can we repurpose what’s out there today to make it a little safer?”
Moravec said SHA will review comments from Monday’s meeting and meet with the city’s transportation department in the coming weeks to get a better understanding of bus operations. He said concepts presented at this week’s meeting would likely be decided on by next spring or early summer.
“That’s the point of the workshop,” he said. “We don’t want to get too far along and then get massive feedback against it. But we also want to use this as an educational process. If you don’t like it, what would you like to see? What do you see as a user that we could do to make it safer or better?”
SHA officials say display boards and plans from Monday’s workshop can be viewed on the agency’s Project Portal webpage. They said they will continue to accept comments throughout all phases of the Coastal Highway project.
Berlin eyed for next year’s firemen’s parade
He attributed that to the parade’s summertime Wednesday timeslot and the traffic that generates along the route.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) The Maryland State Firefighters’ Association wants to relocate its annual June parade from Ocean City to Berlin; and intends to make a formal presentation to the mayor and Town Council in January.
Mayor Zack Tyndall advised the council that the association’s request was brought to the mayor’s attention by Berlin Fire Company President David Fitzgerald, who said the association had seen declining participation in its annual Ocean City procession.
After surveying members, the association found many would attend more readily if the parade were held on a weekend.
However, as the event is scheduled for June, Ocean City’s prime tourist season, a Saturday parade on June 20 would pose logistical challenges that are not easily manageable for the resort destination.
“Taking that feedback, the [Maryland State Firefighters’ Association] engaged in some dialogue with the Town of Ocean City about shifting that to a Saturday. I think logistically at the beach that just wasn’t doable,” Tyndall said. “They started to look at the periphery of Ocean City, Berlin
being one of those and the one that rose to the top.”
Tyndall outlined a preliminary plan: an afternoon parade running roughly from 2 to 4 p.m., with fire apparatus queuing at the Worcester County Athletic Fields and a procession down Main Street.
However, some adjustments would have to be made.
The Ocean City event would typically conclude at the convention center for an afterparty. As Berlin doesn't have a facility to accommodate such a gathering, following the parade, the trucks would continue north to Route 50 to a reception at Ocean Downs Casino.
While Tyndall said the firefighter’s parade fits within the Town of Berlin's mission, some hurdles would need to be addressed to make it feasible.
For instance, the event will likely be scheduled for the day after the Juneteenth holiday. As such, numerous staff members may not be available to oversee the festivities.
Ocean City in recent years; last year, it took only 40 minutes, whereas in the past it was three hours long. However, the councilman requested more details on how the event would drive additional business to downtown, as the firefighters would head to the casino, away from independent restaurants and retailers.
“They’re looking for a new lease on life, which I think is exciting that Berlin was on the radar,” he said. “I would like to hear more from them when they present before us about how they plan to support the businesses.”
‘They’re looking for a new lease on life, which I think is exciting that Berlin was on the radar.’
Councilman Steve Green
Tyndall said he’s discussed possible approaches, including encouraging firefighters to queue their apparatus early and offering a shuttle to transport drivers and crews downtown so they can patronize restaurants before the procession.
“I noted that staffing the event would be one of the harder things, or the heavier lift we would have on the forefront of our minds as we explored this,” Tyndall said. “... It is a town holiday, so if folks have plans, we want to honor those.”
However, according to the mayor, the firefighters' association brings in a group of volunteers to assist with the procession.
“Hopefully, staffing the event would fall more on the applicant, which would be the [Maryland State Firefighters’ Association],” Tyndall added.
The council also discussed how the event could benefit the town’s shops and eateries.
Councilman Steve Green noted that it's an honor for Berlin to be considered for the fire parade's new home. Green stated that he has been following the parade's decline in
“Let's see if we can get them to queue up, get their apparatus there, and then maybe we can work with the shuttles to bring them downtown to get lunch before the parade starts,” he said.
Tyndall added that while the firefighters may not stay after the event to shop or get dinner, the attendees who came out to watch the parade will, particularly beforehand.
Tyndall said the Maryland State Firefighters’ Association will appear at Berlin’s council meeting on Monday, Jan. 12, to make a formal presentation and answer questions about staffing, traffic control, business engagement, and other logistics.
The association’s parade welcomes fire equipment and firefighters from throughout the State of Maryland. Now, that event may get a new home in the Town of Berlin. While the council ultimately still has to approve the procession, officials said that they are open to the idea.
“I think it's cool for the kids, and the kids at heart,” Tyndall said.
OC brings in 2nd pay-to-park app
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) Visitors will have another option when paying for parking in Ocean City, as officials this week agreed to add Passport Parking as a provider.
In an effort to enhance payment options for paid parking users, the City Council on Tuesday voted to contract with Passport Parking. The company will now join ParkMobile as another pay-by-phone vendor.
“Essentially, we went to app pay only, so the only option people have to pay on the street right now is ParkMobile,” Parking Manager Jon Anthony said during a presentation this week. “When we did that, we limited people’s choice of how to pay. So we would like to add a payment option for them.”
In 2015, the Town of Ocean City sought proposals from vendors inter-
ested in providing a mobile application for paid parking. The city awarded its current contract to ParkMobile.
For the last decade, those visiting Ocean City and choosing to pay through a mobile device have been using ParkMobile applications. This week, however, staff presented the City Council with a proposal to add a second vendor – Passport Parking.
“We would add them, in addition to ParkMobile, not instead of ParkMobile,” Anthony explained. “There would be two different options for you to pay on the same sign.”
Staff report the Passport Parking mobile application is used at numerous locations throughout the mid-Atlantic region and that the company was willing to match the terms of the city’s current contract with ParkMobile. They added that ParkMobile was aware of the city’s desire to expand payment options and would support a
joint effort with Passport Parking.
“ParkMobile, our current operator, we spoke with them, and they are actually in favor of this. They think it’s a good idea to have competition. I don’t know why …,” Anthony said. “It was actually their idea, about a year ago.”
Mayor Rick Meehan asked if the additional payment option would cause problems when it came to parking complaints. Anthony said it would not.
“No, they will know what system they used,” he responded. “And if they don’t, we can look up the transaction. The two companies agreed to share data between each other, so that we can use one of them or the other to search for transactions on both systems.”
In a 6-0 vote, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent, the council voted to contract with Passport Parking under the same terms as ParkMobile. Passport Parking will provide new signage – at their expense – for the city’s installation.
The new payment platform comes as the city transitions to a meterless system. Last winter, the City Council agreed to do away with parking kiosks ahead of the 2025 summer season, and to gradually phase out kiosks at the inlet lot by 2026.
As part of the meterless system, those parking in paid parking spots will be asked to pay through a mobile application. Those without a smartphone can pay by calling a number listed on the street sign.
Maryland coastal bays get highest report card to date
While coastal waters show improvements, marsh and bird decline are prevalent
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) After years of middling grades, Maryland’s coastal bays just brought home one of their bestever report cards.
The nonprofit Maryland Coastal Bays Program says six local bodies of water in Worcester County showed marked improvements in water quality and biological indicators. Those results helped the coastal bays land an overall “Report Card” score of 67%, or “B” – the highest grade ever achieved on the scorecard.
Based on 2024 data, waterways measured in the study include the St. Martin River, Newport Bay, Assawoman Bay, Isle of Wight Bay, Sinepuxent Bay, and Chincoteague Bay.
Sinepuxent and Chincoteague’s higher scores buoyed the overall results. Both are in the best overall health, scoring a B+ and B respectively, because of improved scores for total phosphorus and dissolved oxygen—an indicator of biological life re-
bounding.
Assawoman Bay scored lower than last year with a C+ score. Its nitrogen and dissolved oxygen scores declined despite an increase in hard clams.
Isle of Wight also saw declining hard clams and earned C+. The St. Martin River saw improvements in total nitrogen and scored a C. Newport Bay scored the worst, a C-, which was a slight improvement over last year because of improvements in hard clams and seagrass conditions.
Letter grades are scored as “very good” (A, 81-100%), “good” (B, 6180%), “moderate” (C, 41-60%), and “poor” (D, 21-40%). Anything under 21% is an F, or “very poor.”
The annual checkup weighs several ecological metrics of the coastal bays: The amount of total nitrogen and phosphorus in each waterway is an indicator of plant health and the possibility of seeing algal blooms.
Chlorophyll is an indicator of algae growth, and the amount of dissolved oxygen and seagrass is an indicator of the health of sea life. The amount of hard clams is an indicator of waterway health because hard clams are filter feeders and more of them reflects a hardier ecosystem.
See BAYS Page 14
Bays program director resigns
Continued from Page 13
The report was not all positive. Scientists caution that tidal marsh loss and a “drastic” decline in bird populations like black skimmers and royal terns paint a more complicated picture.
Tidal salt marshes are migrating inland as sea levels rise. As the water’s edge shifts, salt marshes are “eroding around the edges and dying in the interiors,” the report states, and “drowned marshes are less able to store carbon, buffer storms, or provide habitat for fishes, shellfish, or birds.”
Study results also show a measurable drop in the number of birds nesting in marshes and on islands –itself an “early warning sign” for threatened marshes, the report also says.
Last year’s overall Report Card gave a score of 64%, representing 2023 data, the highest ever at the time. Before that, data from 2022 came in at a B- with no percentage reported. Prior year studies from 20082016 all reported scores in the range of a C to a C+.
This year’s report card was com-
pleted in conjunction with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.
Volunteers and field crews from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the National Park Service, and Virginia Institute for Marine Science collected data and monitored water quality monitors.
MCBP director departs
The report card wasn’t the only news out of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program this month. The nonprofit’s executive director, Kevin Smith, announced his resignation Dec. 3 after nearly six years at the helm.
“The Coastal Bays are a uniquely beautiful and valued treasure that will always hold a very special place in my heart – as I know they do for so many of you. I have been honored to work alongside and learn from so many of you,” Smith wrote in a farewell posted to the MCBP Facebook page.
A search is now ongoing for his replacement, as well as for a new program coordinator.
Baltimore Ave. utilities to be buried, until money dries up
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) Shocked by the cost estimates for a scaled-down project, Ocean City officials this week agreed to use a $20 million federal grant and a $5 million local match to go as far as they can with burying utilities on Baltimore Avenue.
Earlier this fall, the City Council directed staff to develop cost estimates for a project that solely focused on burying utilities on Baltimore Avenue in the area between North Division and 15th Streets.
However, when Public Works Director Hal Adkins presented estimates this week, council members were surprised to learn the revised version would cost $44.8 million, or nearly $5 million more than what was initially estimated for a project that also included reconfiguring the roadway, widening sidewalks, and redoing the storm drain system.
“We need to change the name of this version from ‘scaled down’ to something else,” Councilman John Gehrig said. “It’s more expensive than our last quote for the full version.”
For years, city officials had set their sights on a phased project to bury utilities, widen sidewalks, and improve the
overall look of Baltimore Avenue from North Division to 15th Street. Other sections of the corridor, including areas south of North Division and north of 15th Street have already had that work done.
However, the project has hit a few roadblocks, the most significant of which was the estimated $40 million price tag the council received back in 2022. A solution came two years later, when then President Joe Biden signed a bill that included a $20 million federal grant for Baltimore Avenue.
Knowing that federal grant funding had been secured, Ocean City Development Corporation representatives and nearby residents encouraged the council in October to complete the project. But city officials, fearing an updated cost estimate would take the total price tag beyond $40 million, decided instead to pursue a scaled-down version they argued would address cost concerns and time constraints.
Back before the council on Tuesday, Adkins confirmed that the new plan to bury utilities would still be eligible for the $20 million earmark the city received last year, so long as the city provided a minimum local match of 20%, or $5 million. But he noted that the full
See MEEHAN Page 16
Meehan pushes for $45M project
Continued from Page 15
cost of the scaled-down project is now estimated at $44.8 million.
“I want you to realize I have a hard time digesting that price,” he said when asked for his honest opinion of the project.
The cost sheet provided to the council this week included a $15 million estimate from Delmarva Power, a $1 million estimate from Verizon and a $500,000 estimate from Comcast to bury utilities. Adkins added that the city must still go through several state approval processes to have a shovel-ready project by Sept. 30, 2027, or the deadline to obligate federal funds.
“What I’m really telling you is I’m about out of time,” he said. “If I’m not rolling starting next month, I’m dead.”
While he acknowledged the benefits the Baltimore Avenue project would
bring to the downtown area – notably aesthetics, walkability and resiliency –he questioned if it was worth the $45 million price tag. He said even with the $20 million grant, the city would be on the hook for $25 million, which would increase its annual debt service by 32%.
“For each $1 million bonded, the annual debt service is $73,000,” Finance Director Chuck Bireley added. “So if you are talking about $25 million, the annual debt service is $1,825,000 for 20 years.”
With those numbers in mind, Gehrig moved to take the $20 million grant and $5 million in matching funds and bury utilities until the funding runs out. As part of his motion, he asked that the city begin at North Division Street and work north to 15th Street.
“This is a phase, and phase one is $25M,” he explained. “We utilize the
grant, and we handle the entrance into Ocean City. It’s going to look great, it will handle the walkability on the further south end of the project, and I think it's a good compromise without it really blowing up our debt.”
Council President Matt James agreed.
“I think $45 million for the total cost right now would be irresponsible,” he said. “I think if we’ve got the earmark opportunity, and we need to spend the 5 [million] to get the 20 [million], I think it’s the right move.”
Mayor Rick Meehan said he appreciated that council members wanted to move forward with improvements but shared his disappointment in their lack of support for the $45 million project. He noted that the cost to bury utilities would only increase in future years.
“I think we have an opportunity to move forward with a project that’s been discussed for a long time,” he said. “And what's being proposed is at least a start, it’s a phase, but I’m not sure how long it will be until you go to phase two.”
Meehan said he viewed the Baltimore Avenue improvements as a gateway project that benefited the entire corridor. He said not moving all overhead utility lines below ground now would create a “dead zone,” where utilities are buried in some sections of Baltimore Avenue, but not others.
“I understand the concern,” he said, “but I think it is a project we can afford, and I think the benefits far exceed what we will gain by waiting and only doing a portion of the project.”
Gehrig, however, said that while a $25 million project would not give city officials and property owners everything they wanted, it would give them a better corridor than the one that currently exists. He said his motion did not kill the full-scale project but allowed the city to utilize grant funding for the first phase.
“This group doesn’t need to do everything, especially when we are talking about a $45 million project,” he said. “We came back and asked for a scaled-down version ‘because it was a $40 million project to do the whole thing.’ Now we’re at a $45 million project to do a scaled-down version. So I’m right back where I was before with the same concerns.”
In a 6-0 vote, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent, the City Council agreed to use the $20 million grant and $5 million match to begin burying utilities starting at North Division Street and moving north toward 15th Street. The project, they added, would also address side streets leading to the Boardwalk, if funding is available to do so. For his part, Adkins said he would contact state partners to ensure the project agreed upon would still be eligible for the $20 million earmark. He added the council would also need to approve a resolution next week that
$2 million
for
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Public Works Director is pictured before the Mayor and City Council at Tuesday’s work session.
Gourmet K
Bridge lights for $125K approved
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) Ocean City will proceed with a lighting project on the Route 50 bridge following City Council approval this week.
In a 6-0 vote Tuesday, the council Council agreed to the installation of 36 light poles on the Route 50 bridge. Officials estimate the materials and installation will cost roughly $125,000, which will be paid for using revenue generated from special event ticket fees.
“Funds for the project are generated through the concert ticket revenues, earmarked for tourism and economic development,” Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo explained.
During a presentation this week, Perlozzo told council members he was requesting approval for a bridge lighting
project, which would match lighting at both the Boardwalk Arch at North Division Street and at the Ocean City convention center. While the city would bid out the installation work, he said the lighting itself would be sole-sourced, as it was the only product with a 10-year warranty.
Rather than using general fund money, funding for the project would come from revenue the city generated from special event ticket fees. Those fees are dedicated to projects that support tourism and economic development.
Officials estimate costs will total $90,000 for the lighting material and $35,000 for installation. They added that the Maryland State Highway Administration had approved the project, so long as the city complies with its requirements.
“After about six months of discussions and final approval with Maryland State Highway [Administration], we
would like to request or at least give approval for the concept of installing decorative lights on 36 light poles on the Route 50 bridge,” he summarized.
Councilman John Gehrig made it clear this week that the funding would only come from revenue generated by special events.
“So when we bring concerts to town, that kind of thing, it’s not coming from property tax,” he said. “It's coming from tourism.”
Hotel developer prevails in case hitting high court
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) With the appellate court affirming a Worcester County Circuit Court ruling, opponents of the site plan approval for a 230-room oceanfront hotel are now evaluating their options.
In November, the Appellate Court of Maryland issued its opinion in a case involving the site plan for a proposed Ocean City hotel, formerly known as the Margaritaville project.
With appellate judges upholding the lower court’s decision to dismiss the legal challenge, Harrison Hall Hotel and several surrounding property owners are faced with two options – adhere to the court’s ruling and file an appeal with the Ocean City Board of Zoning Appeals, or petition the Supreme Court of Maryland to review their case.
“Our view with regards to the law regarding administrative exhaustion is that it is a creature of statute …,” Grant Amadeus Giel, attorney for the appellants, said in an interview last week. “It must be written explicitly in the ordinance. In Ocean City’s case, that isn’t the case.”
In September 2023, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved the site plan for the proposed Boardwalk hotel. The project included the same number of rooms as previously proposed for a Margaritaville project in 2021, but with less square footage and fewer amenities.
During a council meeting two weeks later, however, Harrison Hall Hotel’s G. Hale Harrison and his attorney shared their concerns about the development’s parking nonconformity and accessory uses. And later that month, the company and nearby property owners filed an administrative appeal in circuit court.
The court case continued through June 2024, when a circuit court judge granted motions to dismiss the case, ruling that the surrounding property owners should have first appealed the decision to the city’s board of zoning appeals. Days later, the case was appealed to the Appellate Court of Maryland.
During oral arguments this fall, the appellants’ attorney said the case in question did not conform to the requirements of the
BETHANY HOOPER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
City officials this week agreed to install decorative lighting, similar to the light display pictured above, on poles located along the Route 50 bridge. The decorative lighting will be placed higher on the pole, close to the light fixture.
Arguments heard in county rezoning case
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) A zoning debate over an old concrete warehouse in the middle of Snow Hill farmland came before Maryland’s second-highest court this week, with a small business owner’s dream of opening an antique shop at stake.
At issue is whether Worcester County planners, during a 1992 rezoning, made a mistake when they declared the building agricultural in use. The current owner wants to turn the Market Street property into an antique shop, but she can’t proceed until the zoning is changed from agricultural to commercial.
Roscoe Leslie, attorney for Worcester County, said county planners at the time had intentionally zoned the entire area for agricultural use, including the warehouse in question, to preserve an agricultural block. He argued it’s normal to
broadly zone a larger swath into one zoning category, even if it contains a few nonconforming properties.
“The idea is that that use will eventually wither and die,” Leslie said in oral arguments Tuesday before the Appellate Court of Maryland. “We're not ossifying the use forever when we're doing zoning. We're planning for the future. So we're saying we want this area to be ag, to stay ag. Therefore, we are zoning it all ag.”
Under state law, a property owner is entitled to a rezoning if they can prove that a mistake informed the original zoning. However, such a mistake has to be based on fact, not a hindsight judgement call.
“Bad information has to go into the decision-making process,” Leslie told the three-judge panel.
Attorney Hugh Cropper, appearing on behalf of petitioner Black Water Relics LLC, argued that the “mistake” was made
when county planners in 1992 mistakenly assumed the warehouse building was an agricultural storage shed.
However, according to Cropper, the 75-year-old building has never been used for farm storage. Instead, it operated for years as a wholesale produce distribution hub. He said the building’s four street-facing bay doors were where trucks once hauled potatoes and tomatoes to market.
Cropper also argued that the property, on less than an acre of land, has always been too small to be a farm or qualify for other agricultural uses. County code says farmland is technically five acres at minimum.
Leslie countered that no such mistake was ever made. He said while everyone knew the building was used commercially, county leaders still zoned the entire swath south of downtown Snow Hill
as agricultural with the expectation that quirky commercial uses would fade over time – a conclusion Cropper called “complete speculation.”
Furthermore, because there’s no hard documentation to show the county commissioners in 1992 were misinformed, Leslie also said that means there’s no proof of a mistake. In that case, the law requires the court to defer to the original zoning decision.
Property owner Amy Kelly acquired the land in February 2023 for $225,000. She already ran an antique shop in Pocomoke City, Black Water Relics, and wanted to open a second location in Snow Hill. Her plan drew support and eager acclaim from town officials and the Snow Hill business community.
The county’s planning commission agreed with her bid for a C-2 General Commercial zoning designation, but the Worcester County Commissioners, who have final say, denied her request – and never offered any reasoning during a public hearing as to why.
That lack of any explanation came back to haunt the commissioners, whose denial was vacated and remanded on appeal in Worcester County Circuit Court. Judge Brian Shockley chided the commissioners in a 12-page opinion for not offering any “further discussion, questions, or debate” when voting to deny.
Moving forward, the appeals court typically takes 9-12 months to issue its opinion. Oral arguments were heard Dec. 9 in Annapolis by appellate judges Donald Beachley, Stuart Berger, and J. Frederick Sharer.
Ruling upholds lower court call
Continued from Page 18
law, as the city ordinance didn’t specifically address how one can challenge a planning commission approval of site plans. He argued the ordinance stated a person could make appeals decided by an administrator – which he read to be the zoning administrator – but that the site plan had been approved by the planning commission.
From the outset, however, attorneys for both the developer and the city have argued the city charter made it clear –appeals should first be made to the board of zoning appeals. They added that state statute also defined a planning commission as an administrative officer.
“The [appellate] court ruled that if there is an appeal, it’s not to the circuit court which is where the appellants took their appeal …,” Hugh Cropper, attorney for the developer, said in an interview last week. “We were upheld, our position was confirmed, and we won.”
With the court’s opinion in hand, Giel said his clients have yet to make a decision on which course of action they will take.
“We are, of course, disappointed by the Appellate Court ruling,” he said. “We don’t think it was correct.”
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WEDNESDAY~4 P.M.: ITALIAN NIGHT Lasagna & Build Your Own Pasta
THURSDAY~3 P.M.:
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FRIDAY~ALL DAY: Oyster Frenzy
ENTERTAINMENT
Sprinkler system keeps commercial fire in check
Agency stresses value of fire alarms, sprinklers in early morning incident
(Dec. 12, 2025) Investigators believe an early morning commercial business fire could have been more destructive without functioning sprinklers.
On Tuesday, Dec. 9, at approximately 5 a.m., the Showell Volunteer Fire Company was alerted for a fire alarm activation with water flow at a commercial business in the 11900 block of Worcester Highway.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered the building was charged with smoke and immediately upgraded the incident to a commercial struc-
ture fire. Fire units from Bishopville, Berlin, Ocean Pines, and Selbyville responded to assist.
Firefighters quickly located a small fire on the west end of the building which had been effectively controlled by the activation of a single automatic fire sprinkler head.
Deputies from the Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office conducted an origin and cause investigation and determined a fire began inside a “grow room”. The cause was ruled accidental and electrical in nature.
“This incident is an excellent example of how early detection and automatic fire protection systems work hand-in-hand to prevent a much larger disaster,” said Fire
Marshal Matthew Owens. “The automatic fire alarm provided immediate notification to first responders, and the single sprinkler head activated exactly as designed, holding the fire in check until crews arrived.
“Because of these systems, damage was significantly limited, no one was injured, and the business was able to return to normal operations within hours.
“This is precisely why codecompliant fire protection systems are so critical in commercial facilities.”
Firefighters remained on scene for approximately two hours assisting with fire suppression and smoke removal. No injuries were reported.
Interim chief named during Downing’s final meeting
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) Berlin’s elected officials Monday night honored Police Chief Arnold Downing as he prepares to retire after more than three decades of service to the town. The mayor and council also announced that current department member Lt. Robert Fisher will serve as interim chief.
At the Town Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 8, Mayor Zack Tyndall recognized Downing’s decades of dedication to the department. Tyndall noted that he had the privilege of working with Downing in many capacities, including as a paramedic, a councilmember, and finally as mayor. The departing police chief is stepping down after more than 34 years with the department, with an official end date of March 1, 2026.
While Downing’s retirement was announced in November, the mayor and council expressed their gratitude to him this week.
“On behalf of all of us, I do want to say thank you for your service,” Tyndall said. “Decades of service to the Town of Berlin and to the citizens, capstoning a fundamental career as the chief of police. We couldn’t have asked for a better person to serve in that capacity.” Downing began his career with the
Berlin Police Department on Aug. 26, 1991. He was appointed acting chief of police on Feb. 17, 2000. He was officially appointed chief of police on Dec. 1, 2002, becoming both the first African American administrator and the first African American chief of police in the department’s history.
On Monday, Downing reflected on the support he has received over his 34and-a-half years in law enforcement.
“You can’t make it this long without the support of so many council members, so many mayors and administrators,” he said. “During that whole time, I have felt the support of a wonderful town, and I couldn’t ask for anything more. I think that when you talk about the coolest small town, we can take that title and run around with it. We have some of the best guys in law enforcement. I am retiring from the position, but not the community.”
Under his leadership, the department launched specialized units including SWAT, a traffic reconstruction unit, five K9 teams, a drone unit, a Defensive Tactics Instruction Team, and a Firearms Training Unit.
He also championed officer wellness and professional development, leading initiatives including enrollment in the Law Enforcement Officers Pension Sys-
WEST OCEAN CITY PROFESSIONAL
tem (LEOPS), the Take-Home Car Program, and specialized pay incentives.
One of the achievements of Downing’s administration was the opening of the new Berlin Police Station in 2018, modernizing the department’s public safety infrastructure and paving the way for future growth.
Furthermore, Downing is also a founding member of the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center (CAC), formerly known as the C.R.I.C.K.E.T. Center. The facility serves as a vital community resource for abused and neglected children on the Eastern Shore.
His community involvement also included service with Lower Shore CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.
Downing’s dedicated service has
been recognized with various awards, including the Alcohol and Other Drug Task Force Award in 1993, the “Charitable Soul” honor from The Dispatch’s Shore Stars Awards in 2012, the Sun Award from Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services in 2014, the Coastal Style Magazine Public Safety Official of the Year Award in 2020, and the Tri-County Martin Luther King Jr. Coalition Worcester County Award in 2023.
In announcing Fisher’s appointment as interim chief, Tyndall said, “Lt. Robert Fisher is not a new name to anyone who’s been in town for a while. He will be taking over in the interim capacity. We are still in good hands, even though the chief of police will be retiring. Lt. Fisher, we appreciate your service to the Town of Berlin as well.”
TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
With retiring Police Chief Arnold Downing, center, at his final Mayor and Council meeting were Council members Steve Green, Jack Orris and Dean Burrell, Mayor Zack Tyndall, Council member Jay Knerr and Town Administrator Mary Bohlen.
Penguin Swim in Ocean City plans now underway
(Dec. 12, 2025) The 32nd Annual Penguin Swim is set for Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026, and will take place once again on the beach at the Princess Royale Oceanfront Hotel at 91st Street and the ocean in Ocean City, Maryland.
The Penguin Swim is an annual event where “penguins” come together to raise funds to help Atlantic General Hospital provide the quality care our community depends on.
Event day check-in and registration will run from 9 to 11:30 am. The swim will take place at noon on the beach. All participants must register either online or in person and check in with event staff to receive a wristband to access the swim area.
Individuals and teams are invited to join in the fundraising in categories for adults, youth, families, business and community groups. Participants who register after Dec. 10 will receive an official 2026 AGH Penguin Swim shortsleeve t-shirt for their $30 registration fee while supplies last. The registration fee will increase to $35 on Dec. 31. Learn more and register at www.aghpenguinswim.org.
Individual participants who raise or donate $100 or more will also be eligible to receive an official 2026 AGH Penguin Swim long-sleeve t-shirt while supplies last. First, second, and third place trophies will be awarded to those who raise the most money.
Unable to attend? Participate in the “cyber swim” to take a dip wherever you are and post a photo or video on social media using #OCPenguinSwim.
The Atlantic General Hospital Foundation invites you to become a sponsor of the 32nd annual Penguin Swim. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Laura Powell at laura.powell@tidalhealth.org or 410641-9858. All proceeds benefit Atlantic General Hospital Foundation. AGH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and contributions to the Penguin Swim are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
The logo for this year’s Penguin Swim was recently unveiled.
Best Beats On The Beach
Who’s Where When
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy. Saturday, December 13: DJ BK
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott
Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Friday, December 12: John Schwartz Band Saturday, December 13: Santacon w/ DJ Giddy Up Sunday, December 14: Christmas Party w/ DJ Wax
CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE Friday, December 12: Dawn Williams Wednesday, December 17: Hurricane Kevin
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, December 12: The Luck Stars
Saturday, December 13: Mercury Agenda & DJ Magellan
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay Friday, December 12: Deviation By Design & DJ Groove
Saturday, December 13: Big Machine & DJ Cruz Monday, December 15: Bryan Clark
DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Friday, December 12
DJ BK Buxy’s Salty Dog: Saturday, December 13
DJ BILLY T Harborside: Fridays
JOHN CARDO Greene Turtle West: Thursday, December 18
DJ BIGLER Harborside: Saturday, December 13
DJ WAX Greene Turtle West: Sunday, December 14 Coins Pub: Sunday, December 14 Pickles Pub: Tuesdays
DAWN WILLIAMS Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, December 17
DJ GIDDY UP Coins Pub: Saturday, December 13
UNDER THE COVERS
Purple Moose: Saturday, December 13
BIG MACHINE
Fager’s Island: Saturday, December 13
ROGUE CITIZENS
Harborside: Saturday, December 13 • 1pm
Pickles Pub: Saturday, December 13 • 9pm
THE WHISKEYHICKON BOYS
Seacrets: Saturday, December 13
JOHN SCHWARTZ BAND
Coins Pub: Friday, December 12
THE GAB CINQUE
Seacrets: Friday, December 12
DEVIATION BY DESIGN
Fager’s Island: Friday, December 12
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Seacrets: Friday, December 12
Harborside: Sunday, December 14
Who’s Where When
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Sunday, December 14: DJ Wax
Thursday, December 18: John Cardo
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Friday, December 12: DJ Billy T
Saturday, December 13:
Rogue Citizens & DJ Bigler
Sunday, December 14:
Opposite Directions
Thursdays: Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, December 13:
Rogue Citizens
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Thursdays: Beats By Connair
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, December 12:
Opposite Directions, The Gab Cinque Band & DJ Mary Jane Saturday, December 13:
The WhiskeyHickon Boys, DJ E-State, DJ Connair & Black Hole Sons Thursday, December 18: Carley Twigg
CHRISTMAS PARADES HELD
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Featured in last Saturday’s 43rd Annual Ocean City Christmas Parade was Stephen Decatur’s state champion boys soccer team, above left. The Snow Hill Marching Band, above right, was named the top school band with North Hampton and Pocomoke taking second and third places, respectively.
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Jolly Roger Amusements Parks’s entry in the parade is pictured above left. Above right, the Bearded Men’s Society float is pictured including Santa Claus. This year’s Carousel Award was presented to the Ocean City Jeep Club. The Mayor’s Choice Award went to Relay for Life. The top marching units category was won by Pocomoke High Marine Corps JROTC followed by Stephen Decatur High Navy JROTC and Snow Hill Marine Corps JROTC.
BRIAN SHANE/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Above left, miniature vehicles highlighted the entry from Tall Cedars of Lebanon. Top honors in the motorized division went to Byrne Metal Works, Ocean City Local Jeep Society and Worcester County Library. Above right, winners of the Coca Cola Award was the OC Stars from Ocean City Elementary. The OC Elementary PTA took home second place in the top float category behind the Harrison Group.
TARA FISCHER/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Above are scenes from Berlin’s 54th annual Christmas Parade last Thursday. Parade winners included Showell Elementary, Maryland Natural Resources Police, OC Stars, Buckingham Presbyterian Church, Snow Hill Marching Band, Elliott’s Seafood, Ocean City Jeep Society, Pocomoke High School and Berlin Fire Company.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
TROOP PACKAGES
The American Legion Auxiliary Synepuxent Unit 166 partnered last month with Operation We Care to pack 210 boxes for deployed troops. The Stephen Decatur High School and Middle School collected many donations for this effort. Students from the middle and high school came to assist with packing the boxes, along with members of the American Legion Family. Many of the boxes are being sent to local soldier, Michael Boyle's deployed unit. His wife, Michelle, and their four children were on hand to pack the boxes. on ®
withPRP/PDRN
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, this week is all about momentum. Your boldness helps you break through obstacles like a professional. A surprise opportunity might crop up. Embrace this chance.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
The week starts off slow and steady, but then a sprinkle of excitement is added to your routine. A sweet surprise from a loved one could make your week even better.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
Your social butterfly wings are flapping, Gemini. Engage in fun conversations with all of the people who come your way. Who knows, even a spontaneous adventure might present itself.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, your nurturing side shines through this week. You might find yourself acting as the go-to person for support or advice. Just be sure to tend to your own needs as well.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, you are ready for action even if everyone else isn’t. They will look to you as a leader, but you probably won’t mind having a few chances to lead over the next several days.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Clarity and calm are the words of the week for you, Virgo. Those little details that you’ve been puzzling over for a bit finally click into place, leaving you feeling amazing.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, this week is all about harmony and how you can organize things to achieve it. You may be in the mood to connect and collaborate, helping to bring people together.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
People may be drawn to your playful and magnetic side this week, Scorpio. Make time for socialization, but don’t hesitate to book some alone time if you think you need it.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Sagittarius, your adventurous side is unstoppable right now. You are still being fueled by discovery and others want to join in the fun. Remember to slow down and recharge.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Hard work pays off in little victories this week, Capricorn. While you love being productive, remember to celebrate every success, even if it is a small one.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
A change of scenery could be good for you, Aquarius. If work had you feeling tired and worn out, book a short trip somewhere to enjoy some muchneeded rest and relaxation.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Don’t brush aside the creative sparks that seem to be popping into your brain one after another, Pisces. Trust your intuition, as it’s guiding you toward fun things ahead.
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., Dec. 12
TOWN OF OCEAN CITY
150TH ANNIVERSARY GALA
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 610:30 p.m. Black tie optional. Cost is $150, benefiting “Stop Offshore Wind Project.”
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 5-8 p.m. Kids ages 6-13 years can enjoy a light dinner and a variety of crafts and activities. Parents may drop-off their children. Register: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org /classes/2638. 410-524-9433
STEVENSON’S CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Stevenson United Methodist Church, 123 N. Main St., Berlin, 6-8 p.m. The Christmas Concert benefits the Stevenson Spirit Kitchen, due to the need for food in the area. 410-641-1137
JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM
Beacon Baptist Church, 32263 Beacon Baptist Road, Millville, 6 p.m.- Dec. 14, 8 p.m. Join us for a Free Family walkthrough Journey featuring a live nativity scene, complete with animals. Enjoy an old fashioned hayride and sipping hot cocoa and savoring delicious cookies. 302-539-1216
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. An opportunity for babies (0-2 years) and their caregivers to socialize, play, read and explore in the bright play space. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK DISCUSSION: ‘OONA OUT OF ORDER’ BY MARGARITA MONTIMORE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Pick up a copy of the book at the Ocean Pines branch circulation desk and join in for a lively discussion. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
A ROUNDTABLE DICKENS’ CHRISTMAS MYSTERY
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 5:30 p.m. Character profiles will be available by email or
pick up one week prior to the event. Costumes optional. Refreshments served. Reservations: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
TOYS FOR TOTS TOY DRIVE
Ocean Pines Yacht Club, 1 Mumford’s Landing Road, 6-9 p.m. Live music with Randy Lee Ashcraft, free buffet and cash bar. Bring an unwrapped toy to donate.
‘THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS’ CONCERT
Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, 7:30 p.m. Featuring The Pine Tones Chorus under the direction of Jenny Anderson.
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901 Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994
Sat., Dec. 13
OCEAN CITY COMIC CON
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets $20. Featuring 300+ booths, guests celebrities, anime screenings, panels, tournaments and more. Discounts: $1 off if in costume, $1 off with a non-perishable food item. http://www.oceancitycomiccon.com
WHO-HILL CELEBRATION
Downtown Snow Hill, 112 W. Green St., 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Grinch-themed events in downtown Snow Hill. Schedule: https://www.facebook.com/events/108 8791773161964/?rdid=MN1yBgTg9PXa GoKs&share_url=https%3A%2F% 2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17X DEgpDcY%2F.
HOMETOWN HOLIDAY MARKET
White Horse Park Marketplace, 239 Ocean Parkway, Ocean Pines, 9 a.m.noon. Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisan Market featuring festive baked goods, artisan jams and candies, homemade gifts, seasonal decor and fresh winter produce. 410-641-7717
BERLIN’S MERRY MARKETPLACE
Berlin Main St. & Maryland Welcome Center, 14 S. Main St., Berlin. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Holiday market. ocberlinrotary@gmail.com
MEET SANTA
Kringle Kottage on Artisans Green, 12
Artisans Way, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Artisans Green is located behind the main Berlin parking lot, next to Honey Water Candles, behind the Sterling Tavern. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/
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 welcome. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
2ND ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin, 3 p.m. Berlin and Ocean City area
United Methodist Churches present carols, hymns and traditions to celebrate the season. All are welcome. Refreshments to follow. 410-641-2186, bethany21811@gmail.com
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET — LSPAC PERFORMANCE — SATURDAY
Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 7-9 p.m. Join in for a radio theater performance of the classic holiday tale, Miracle on 34th Street! Cost is $25. Tickets: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org /classes/2703. 410-524-9433
PATRICK HENRY MURAL RIBBON CUTTING AND HOLIDAY RECEPTION
Germantown School Community Heritage Center, 10223 Trappe Road, Berlin, 10 a.m. Free and open to the public. 410-641-0638, germantownschool@gmail.com
Come see a special slide and video presentation of the year in review, the Walt Boge 202 tournament winner and all things fishing. All are welcome. Jack Barnes, 410-641-7662
Sun., Dec. 14
OCEAN CITY COMIC CON
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets $20. Featuring 300+ booths, guests celebrities, anime screenings, panels, tournaments and more. Discounts: $1 off if in costume, $1 off with a non-perishable food item. http://www.oceancitycomiccon.com
MEET SANTA
Kringle Kottage on Artisans Green, 12 Artisans Way, Berlin, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Artisans Green is located behind the main Berlin parking lot, next to Honey Water Candles, behind the Sterling Tavern. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlinholiday-events/
CHILDREN’S TOURS
Calvin B. Taylor House, 208 N. Main St., Berlin. Tours beginning at 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. www.taylorhousemuseum.org
FREE CARRIAGE RIDES
Historic Downtown Berlin, 124 N. Main St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Take a horse-drawn drive around town. https://berlinmainstreet.com/berlin-holiday-events/
MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET — PERFORMED BY THE LOWER SHORE PERFORMING ARTS COMPANY — SUNDAY Art League of Ocean City, 502 94th St., 4-6 p.m. Join in for a radio theater performance of the classic holiday tale, Miracle on 34th Street! Cost is $25. Tickets: https://canvas.artleagueofoceancity.org /classes/2704. 410-524-9433
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA FUNDRAISER
Marlin Moon Restaurant at Double Tree, 33rd Street, Ocean City, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bring an unwrapped toy and receive discounted breakfast purchase for $10. Proceeds benefit Diakonia. Reservations: 410-289-1201.
BLUE HOLIDAY SERVICE
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 3 Church Street, Berlin, 4 p.m. A service of remembrance, hope and light for those who are “blue” or along and struggling during the holidays.
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., Dec. 15
WINTERFEST ENCHANTED EVENINGS
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5-8:30 p.m. Hop aboard a buggy for a horse-drawn carriage ride through the Winterfest of Lights. Reserve 2 or 6 person carriages or individual seats on the 12 seat carriage. https://www.ococean.com/winterfest/
STORY TIME: DRAGONS
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, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SCREEN PAINTING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. John Iampieri teaches how to paint in this unique art form. Registration required: 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org
Continued on Page 38
Town staff report Christmas Parade went smoothly
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 11, 2025) Berlin’s annual Christmas Parade last week went off without a hitch, with staff giving positive reports on the new chair placement restrictions, favorable weather, and the new parking lot at the corner of West and Washington streets.
That was the assessment presented to the Berlin mayor and council Monday, Dec. 8 during an event review. The procession took place on Thursday, Dec. 4, beginning at 7 p.m., featuring performances by local high school and middle school bands and choirs, along with floats.
Last week was the 54th year of the popular parade, and Berlin leaders maintained that it was one of the smoothest the town has seen.
“Every year it gets better and better and I think this year just from the planning standpoint, the day of, the after reports, just talking to other staff, talking to the community, talking with police, it was completely uneventful with the exception of the event,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.
Part of the reason for that success, staff said, was the enforcement of the new policy that restricted when residents and visitors could place chairs and blankets along Main Street to reserve their seats.
In previous years, it wasn’t uncommon for the pedestrian paths to be lined with chairs by 6 a.m. the day of the Christmas Parade by those looking to ensure a front row viewing position. However, this year, the municipality announced that seats could not be set up until the road was officially closed for the event, about two hours before the start time.
Town staff and elected officials said that the decision was made to enforce this restriction to maintain safety. Wind would often blow chairs onto the road, creating traffic hazards, and the sidewalks would be too crammed for shoppers, especially those with disabilities, to conveniently navigate.
The chair policy will be enforced for other popular events, including the summertime Bathtub Races. Last week’s festivity was the first time the new standard was set, and, per Monday’s post-parade discussions, citizens and visitors complied, enhancing the Christmas procession.
“Not one single chair was removed from Main Street all day,” Wells said. “Our department did not receive any calls about chairs all day.”
Town Administrator Mary Bohlen added that Town Hall got just two calls from eventgoers, and they were confirming the time when chairs were allowed on the sidewalks.
Leading to event, Berlin criticized for new chair rule
Town of Berlin Public Works Director Jimmy Charles said that without the chairs taking up space, pedestrians could easily stroll downtown, shop, and patronize establishments.
“We’re an active tourist destination,” he said. “Retail stores are open during the day…there were groups of people going into stores, out of stores, to the restaurants, all throughout the day. And the chairs not being there doesn’t create a safety issue…
“And, it keeps our clean appearance, our unique appearance, of what we are. There are no chairs on the streets. People are here to see. There were a lot of people here during the day who didn’t go to the parade. Travelers are coming through. We had groups of people here shopping.”
Wells concurred, noting the downtown businesses “had one of the busiest Thursday parade days they had in years.”
Staff and officials also credited the smooth Christmas Parade to the new carpark on the corner of West and Washington streets. The lot opened earlier this year and on Thursday night, alleviated traffic and overcrowded parking.
Charles said his crew was on-site, helping park cars, and that the lot was packed all the way back to the railroad tracks. He maintained that the spots were filled by around 6 p.m. or 6:30 p.m.
“It appeared that the side streets were less congested because people knew they could go to that parking lot, and that was a designated area,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said. “Historically, it is a bottleneck after bottleneck on our tight side streets. I felt like it was lighter this year because we had that [lot].”
Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing added that the extra lot allows cars to spread out among all the parking areas in town, reducing overcrowding.
Additionally, a few lucky parade goers were able to secure prime parking spots in the War Memorial Parking Lot downtown. Sara Gorfinkel, the mayor’s executive administrative assistant, spearheaded an auction ahead of the event, giving visitors the chance to bid on one of 11 spaces to raise funds for a proposed $30 million community center in Berlin.
Each parking spot was sold. The effort raised almost $1,000 for the facility.
“A number of people told me they would have paid more for [the parking spots] if they had to,” she said. Charles added that clear skies and not yet bitterly cold weather also
CALENDAR
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., Dec. 16
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. Group meets every Tuesday. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. This 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. www.worcesterlibrary.org
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.
STORY TIME: SHAPES
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MINECRAFT SELF-PORTRAITS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Learn how to create a picture of yourself
in Minecraft style. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014. www.worcesterlibrary.org
WACKY WEATHER STEM
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 4:30 p.m. Explore the science behind wild weather with fun hands-on activities. For ages 6-11 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CROSS FARMS POP-UP FARMERS MARKET
Tuesdays - Flower Street Field across from Henry Park, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepting Maryland Department of Agriculture FMNP (WIC & Seniors) Checks and Maryland WIC Fruit & Vegetable Checks. Also offering a "Produce Bucks" program, which doubles purchases for eligible residents. https://www.facebook.com/theberlinfarmersmarket.
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
Wed., Dec. 17
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 boxes. 410-641-0650
EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org.
BACKGAMMON CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of backgammon, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SENSORY STAY AND PLAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
JANE AUSTEN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION!
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Celebrate the 250th Birthday of one of history’s greatest literary figures - Jane Austen. Trivia, games, festivities, tea and refreshments. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FAMILY FUN NIGHTS
Wednesdays (through Aug. 20) - Ocean Pines Yacht Club Pool, 1 Mumford's Landing Road, 6-8 p.m. DJ, games and prizes. Food available for purchase. Admission is $3 for OP swim members, $5 for OP residents, $7 for non-residents and free for non-swimmers. Cash only. 410-641-7052, oceanpines.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., Dec. 18
HANUKKAH CELEBRATION
The Inn Berlin, 15 Harrison Ave., Berlin. Kids crafts and live music beginning at 4 p.m. Lighting the Menorah at 5 p.m.
STORY TIME: CHRISTMAS
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, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME ‘DOG’S COLORFUL DAY’
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Stories, songs and rhymes. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
COLONIAL CRAFTS: POMANDERS
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 401 Fifth St., 2 p.m. Decorate an orange with cloves to celebrate the holidays colonial style. Registration required: 410-957-0878. www.worcesterlibrary.org
SILENT BOOK CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 3-4 p.m. Bring your current read or borrow one. The first 50 minutes will be spent silently reading, the last 10 minutes can be used to mingle and discuss your read. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK BEDAZZLE
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Bring your favorite book to decorate with tiny gems and glue. Best for ages 10 years and older. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
HAPPY HOUR COZY COLORING
Worcester County Tourism, 107 W. Green Street, Snow Hill, 4:30-5:30 p.m. A cozy coloring program for adults to relax and enjoy holiday themed designs while listening to seasonal tunes and enjoying light refreshments. 410-6323495, www.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 EVENT
3RD ANNUAL TRAIN DISPLAY
Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department, North Station, 249 Ocean Parkway, Nov. 23 to Jan. 5. Free entry; donations appreciated. Hours are Fridays, 6-9 p.m.; Saturdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 6-9 p.m.; and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. www.OPVFD.com
Crossword answers from page 58
DECEMBER 12, 2025 OC Today-Dispatch 39
NEEDED IMMEDIATELY
Help live streaming on TikTok Live® $50+ per hour.
Serious Inquires Only!
410-206-6590
JOLLY ROGER
Small Engine Mechanic.
Ride Maintenance. Year Round.
Wage starts at $15/hour & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902
YR OCEAN PINES
Available immediately!
3BR, 2BA, Central HVAC. All Appliances Incl. No Pets.
$2,300 per month +
$2,300 sec. dep. 410-404-8851
YR OCEAN PINES
Avail. Immediately
South Gate Cul de Sac
Recently renovated. Unfurnished. 4BR, 2BA Screened in porch, Central HVAC. No smoking/pets.
$2,600 per mo. + utils. & sec. dep. 410-404-8851
Seeking Year-Round Rentals!
Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
YR APARTMENT
8th ST.
1 BR, Fully remodeled. 3rd Floor, No elevator
$1,850 per mo. Includes Cable, Elec. & Water 410-430-7675
YEARLY RENTAL
2BR, 1BA Unfurnished 319 Robin Drive
Available immediately
Dog friendly, ground floor. Ideal 2 mature adults w/strong work history.
$2,000/mo + electric Call/text 703-819-7400
2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200
COMMERCIAL SPACE
Rt. 611, Stephen Decatur Business Center.
Large unit with 5 individual office spaces within.
$2,400 per mo. 410-430-7675
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
Property Wellness Check! Don’t let your property sit for months without someone checking on it. Management companies can’t keep up with inspections. Let us send you photos so you can feel comfortable. 443-234-5561
B and B Property Care since 2019
REAL ESTATE
FOR SALE BISHOPVILLE
2BR, 2BA Mobile Home. In great shape. Min.’s to beach.
$38,000 Cash + $700 per mo. ground rent. Park is open YR! Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
Do you have an old bicycle not being used? It could mean a world of difference to a hard-working international student. We are looking to get as many bikes as possible. Your donation will be tax-deductible. Contact Gary at 443-975-3065.
PETS
FREE BEAGLE To Good Home! Female, All shots up to date. Chipped and spayed. 20 months old. Very loving and friendly. “In-Door” dog & house broken. Please call 443-513-4678.
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. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR 17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-2894891, picklesoc.com
$$ | 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.
■ 32 PALM
MIDTOWN
29th to 90th streets
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410289-2525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open yearround for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410524-7171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating more than 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | 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, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and wellmade food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | 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
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410250-2000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS
118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410250-3337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410250-4900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m.
New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
FENWICK ISLAND
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-9885000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for
lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
Reservations | Kids’ Menu “A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
WEST OCEAN CITY
■ ASSATEAGUE BAR AND GRILL
9636 Stephen Decatur Highway, West Ocean City 443-664-8158, abarngrill.com
$$ | Full bar
Full service, family friendly, casual dining to please everyone. Offering breakfast lunch and dinner with breakfast being served all day. Classic American cuisine with a selection of delicious Maryland favorites. Happy hour everyday from 1-6 p.m. with bar specials and tasty bites. Daily specials Monday through Friday. Dine-in and carry-out.
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL
12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410-390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar
Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open everyday, 12 noon to 9 p.m., kitchen and bar.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND
West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40sstyle décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 123rd Street location offers lunch and dinner menus in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST
Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500
Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80-seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410213-1846, weocharborside.com
$$ | 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.
TRUSTEE'S SALE
OF CONDOMINIUM UNIT
In accordance with the order in Case no. C-23-CV-25-000192 in the Circuit Court for Worcester County, the Trustee named below will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 4:00 p.m., at the front door of Golden Sands Club Condominium Unit No. 1908, 10900 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, MD, all that property designated as Golden Sands Club Condominium Unit 1908, together with an undivided percentage interest in the common elements, as established pursuant to a Condominium Master Deed and By-Laws, as amended, dated July 2, 1975, and recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Liber No. 479, Folio 548, el 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. 481, Folio 254, et. seq., as further described in a deed recorded at Book 51, Page 14, el seq., in "AS IS" condition, SUBJECT to all the liens, covenants, agreements, conditions, easements and restrictions as may appear among the land records of Worcester County, Maryland. A deposit of $25,000.00 in cash or certified check will be required of the Purchaser at the auction. (A deposit will not be required if the successful bidder is the Plaintiff/secured party in this foreclosure action.) The balance in cash or cashier's or certified check shall be paid within 20 days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, said balance to bear interest at the rate of ten percent ( 10%) per annum from the date of sale to the date of payment. Time is of the essence for the Purchaser. All real estate taxes, wastewater and water charges, and condominium assessments shall be adjusted as of the date of sale and assumed thereafter by the Purchaser. All settlement costs, including recordation and transfer taxes and recording fees, shall be paid by the Purchaser. Possession will be given upon payment in full of the purchase price. If Purchaser fails to pay the balance of the purchase price when due, the deposit shall be forfeited and the property resold at the risk and cost of the defaulting Purchaser.
For further information, you may contact Spencer Ayres Cropper, Trustee, 410-723-1400. OCD-11/27/3t
Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements II and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements II may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A Pre-Proposal Meeting will be held on WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2025 AT 8:00AM, IN THE EAGLES LANDING GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE PARKING LOT, 12367 EAGLES NEST ROAD, BERLIN, MARYLAND 21811. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2025, AT 3:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on FRIDAY, OCTOBER 19TH, 2025
Sealed BID Documents are due no later than TUESDAY, JANUARY 6TH, 2026, BY 3:00 PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the PROCUREMENT OFFICE CONFERENCE ROOM, ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 9TH, 2026, AT 10:00AM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Procurement Office located at 214 65th Street, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Eagles Landing Golf Course Improvements II) 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-11/20/8t
COATES, COATES & COATES, P.A.
RAYMOND D. COATES JR., ESQ.
6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 300
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE
ESTATE NO. 20916
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Register of Wills court of Lehigh County, Pennsylvania appointed Zachary Douglas Myers, 4113 Bunker Hill Dr., S., Coopersburg, PA 18036-8815 as the Executor of the Estate of Joseph Douglas Myers who died on February 01, 2025 domiciled in
Pennsylvania, USA.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is Raymond D. Coates Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 300, Ocean City, MD 21842-6698.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Zachary Douglas Myers
Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest Date of first publication: November 27, 2025 OCD-11/27/3t
STEPHANIE SCALES SHERRIN ESQ. SCALES LAW GROUP 12417 OCEAN GTWY STE 11 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9525
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of DARA G MURRAY Estate No. 20917 Notice is given that ALEXANDRA TATE whose address is 831 MITCHELL AVE MORTON, PA 19070-1807 was on NOVEMBER 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DARA G MURRAY who died on SEPTEMBER 26, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of MAY, 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 19th day of MAY, 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-11/27/3t
Rosenberg & Associates, LLC 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (301) 907-8000
Diane S. Rosenberg
Mark D. Meyer
Sara Tussey
Andrew Higgins
Patrick Clowney, Jr. 4340 East West Highway, Suite 600 Bethesda, MD 20814
Substitute Trustees Plaintiff(s) v. Khalid A. Hindi 5719 George Island Landing Road Stockton, MD 21864
Defendant(s) IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND Case No. C-23-CV-25-000131
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given this 21st day of November, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, that the sale of 5719 George Island Landing Road, Stockton, MD 21864, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 22nd day of December, 2025, provided a copy of this notice be inserted in Ocean City Digest a weekly newspaper printed in said County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 15th day of December, 2025. The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $164,650.00. Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County, MD True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
OCD-11/27/3t _________________________________
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS To all persons interested in the estate of MURIEL MATTHIAS HARRIS AKA: MURIEL MATTHIAS MORGAN Estate No. 20919 Notice is given that AMY ANNE MORGAN whose address is 103 HENRYS MILL DR., BERLIN, MD 218111459 was on NOVEMBER 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representative
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
The Mayor
of the estate of MURIEL
MATTHIAS HARRIS who died on OCTOBER 27, 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 19th day of May, 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 19th day of MAY, 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-11/27/3t
Mayor & City Council Ocean City, Maryland
PROPOSAL SOLICITATION
B07-26 – Ocean City Boardwalk Wayfinding & Signage
The Mayor & City Council of Ocean City is seeking Proposals from qualified and experienced Vendors to provide for the Ocean City Boardwalk Wayfinding & Signage and for said work to conform with the Proposal Documents.
BID Documents for the Ocean City Wayfinding & Signage may be obtained from the Town’s Procurement Department by either e-mailing the Procurement Manager, Matt Perry, at mperry@oceancitymd.gov or Dawn Leonard at dleonard@oceancitymd.gov, or by calling (410) 723-6643 during regular business hours, or via the Solicitations tab on the Town’s (https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/procurement-bids/) website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website
for Addenda before submitting their BID’s. The Town is not responsible for the content of any Proposal Document received through any thirdparty service. Vendors are responsible for ensuring the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Proposal Documents.
A Pre-BID Meeting is not applicable for this Invitation to BID. The last day for questions will be on THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2025 AT 4:00PM. Addendum will be posted by close of business on MONDAY, DECEMBER 22ND, 2025. Sealed BID Documents are due no later than FRIDAY, JANUARY 2ND, 2026, BY 3:00PM. BID submissions will be opened, read aloud, and then remanded back to staff for further review at the MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL REGULAR SESSION, ON MONDAY, JANUARY 5TH, 2026, AT 6:00PM. BID’s are to be submitted to the Mayor and City Council, Attention: City Clerk; Room 230, 301 North Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842, and the name of the Solicitation (Ocean City Boardwalk Wayfinding & Signage) must be noted on the outside of the package.
Late BID Documents will not be accepted.
Minority Vendors are encouraged to compete for the Award of the Solicitation.
OCD-11/27/5t
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, December 18, 2025 AT 6:00 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 110-93(1), Powers of the Code, an application has been filed by Peter Buas, Esquire, on behalf of Kozmas, Inc., to appeal the Zoning Administrator’s determination of legal nonconformity related to the Sea Cove Motel which is dated September 9, 2025 and revised on October 27, 2025. The property is described as Lots 1 and 12, Block 78N, of the Sinepuxent Beach Plat. It is further described as being located on the southwest corner of Baltimore Avenue and 27th Street and is locally known as the Sea Cove Motel located at 105 27th Street and 2611 Baltimore Avenue, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland.
APPLICANT: PETER BUAS,
ESQUIRE, ON BEHALF OF KOZMAS, INC. (BZA 2729 #25-09300003)
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-12/4/2t
Scully Properties, LLC 5227 Thunder Hill Road Columbia, MD 21045 v.
Elaine M. Briggs 915 Grantnam Road, PO BOX 168 Grantham, PA 17027
Frederick L Briggs
915 Grantnam Road, PO BOX 168 Grantham, PA 17027
Worcester County, Maryland 1 W. Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863
Unknown owner of property described as Item No. 8, Account No. 03-072592, Property description LOT B-07-082 10971 SQ FT AMBELSIDE CT PL OCEAN PINES SEC 7, Deed Reference: 6842/00006, Assessed to Elaine M Briggs & Frederick L Briggs, The Unknown Owner's heirs, devisees, and personal Representatives and their or any of their heirs, devisees, executors, administrators, grantees, assigns, or successors in right title and interest
All persons that have or claim to have any interest in the property described as Item No. 8, Account No. 03-072592, Property description LOT B-07-082 10971 SQ FT AMBELSIDE CT PL OCEAN PINES SEC 7, Deed Reference: 6842/00006, Assessed to Elaine M Briggs & Frederick L Briggs In the Circuit Court For Worcester County State of Maryland Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000331
ORDER OF PUBLICATION
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in and to the following property, lying and being situate in Worcester County, Maryland, sold by the Collector of Taxes for Worcester County and State of Maryland, to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No.: 03-072592
Assessed Owners: Elaine M Briggs & Frederick L Briggs
Brief Legal Address: LOT B-07-082 10971 SQ FT AMBELSIDE CT PL OCEAN PINES SEC 7
Deed Reference: 6842/00006
Full Legal Description: ALL THAT CERTAIN LOT of land lying and being situate in the Section called "Bramblewood" of the Development known as "Ocean Pines" in the Third Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, described as follows: Lot No. B-07-082, as designated and distinguished on the Plat entitled "Ocean Pines - Section Seven" made by B. Calvin Bums, Registered Professional Engineer
No. 2583 of the State of Maryland, which said Plat is duly recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Plat Book F.W.H. No. 12, folio 43, et seq.
The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for the redemption if the property have not been paid. lt is thereupon this 23rd of November, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, ORDERED, That notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 23rd day of January, 2026, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances. Brian D. Shockley Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-11/27/3t
NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP
M. DAVID STALLINGS ESQ. 12417 OCEAN GTWY., STE. B13 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9521
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20925 NOTICE IS GIVEN that the SURROGATE’S court of Camden County, New Jersey appointed Susan Siegmund Roswell, 606 Somerset Rd., Baltimore, MD 212102711 as the Personal Representative of the Estate of Barbara L. Siegmund AKA: Barbara Lee Siegmund who died on August 03, 2025 domiciled in New Jersey, United States.
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.
Susan Siegmund Roswell Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper:
Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication:
December 04, 2025
OCD-12/4/3t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Class: "B" BEERWINE License: 7 Day, By: Yu Lin, 2306 Woodland Court, Pocomoke, Maryland 21851.
For: Sue Lin Asian Cuisine, Inc.
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Asian Cuisine 11007 Manklin Creek Road Berlin, Maryland 21811
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 17, 2025 @ 1:05 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us
OCD-12/4/2t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Upgrade in Type from Beer-Wine to a Class: "B"
BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7
Day, By: Jennifer A. Sandt, 2 Laport Court, Berlin, MD 21811; and Deborah Casey-Powell, 6070 Tarrytown Road, Salisbury, MD 21801.
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 17, 2025 @ 1:15 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us
OCD-12/4/2t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Upgrade in Type from Beer-Wine to a Class: "A" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Dillon G. Harrington, 10117 Orchard Road, Berlin, MD 21811. For: West Bend, Inc.
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Wine Rack West O 12827 Ocean Gateway Ocean City, Maryland 21842
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester
County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 17, 2025 @ 1:25 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us
OCD-12/4/2t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR
License: 7 Day, By: Ann JohnsonKellington, 9B Mallard Drive East, Ocean Pines, MD 21811; and Charles W. Mitchell, 13118 Manor Drive, Mt. Airy, MD 21771. For: CWMAMK, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Taylor's Neighborhood Restaurant 11021 Nicholas Lane Berlin, Maryland 21811
Formerly: Taylor's Taphouse, LLC
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 17, 2025 @ 1:40 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us
OCD-12/4/2t
NOTICE
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Request for acoustic music with a maximum of three pieces from the time the business opens until 11 p.m. inside and 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. outside, but not at the same time, Request for ambient music with four speakers outside from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., Request for disc jockey inside from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. – only during private event rentals, Request for inside games during all business hours – which include one shuffleboard, two arcade games, one dart board, and ring & string game, Request for outside games allowed from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. – two cornhole games, ring & string games and connect four games
CLASS: “B” BEER-WINELIQUOR LICENSE: 7 Day, By: Adam R. Davis, 115 Broad Street, Berlin, MD 21811. For: Berlin Beverage Company, LLC
For the premises known as and located at: T/A: Berlin Beer Company 115 Broad Street Berlin, Maryland 21851
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: December 17, 2025 @ 2:25 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us OCD-12/4/2t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of NATHAN BAUDRY CALES Estate No. 20931 Notice is given that MELISSA D. BECK whose address is 4901 HARKNESS AVE., KANSAS CITY, MO 64136-1326 was on DECEMBER 02, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of NATHAN BAUDRY CALES who died on NOVEMBER 17, 2025 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of JUNE, 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 2nd day of JUNE, 2026
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/11/3t
CHARLES T. CAPUTE ESQ. MCALLISTER, DE TAR, SHOWALTER & WALKER LLC 100 N. WEST STREET EASTON, MD 21601-2710
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20926 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JANICE MCCABE SMITH
Notice is given that Brian Smith, 9407 Shockley Rd., Bishopville, MD 21813-1410, was on December 01,
2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Janice McCabe Smith who died on October 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 June, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of June, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Brian Smith 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: December 04, 2025
OCD-12/4/3t
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of CHARLES ALLEN JOHNS Estate No. 20907 Notice is given that DANIEL JOHNS whose address is 204 GLENBROOK DR., WESTMINSTER, MD 21158-4266 was on DECEMBER 01, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CHARLES ALLEN JOHNS who died on SEPTEMBER 14, 2025 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 1st day of JUNE, 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 JUNE, 2026
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/11/3t
NOTICE
TO CREDITORS
OF APPOINTMENT
OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20928
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Orphans’ Court of Bucks County, Pennsylvania appointed (1) Paul J. Matthews, 230 Brittany Dr., Langhorne, PA 19047-5155 and (2) Patrice R. Matthews, 2411 Brownsville Rd., Langhorne, PA 19053-3201 as the Personal Representatives of the Estate of Herbert G. Matthews who died on February 20, 2025 domiciled in Pennsylvania, America.
The name and address of the Maryland resident agent for service of process is (1) Bethann McIntosh, 12455 2 Sea Oaks Lane, Berlin, MD 21811 and (2) Bethann McIntosh, 12455 2 Sea Oaks Lane, Berlin, MD 21811.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester.
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) Paul J. Matthews
(2) Patrice R. Matthews Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott
Register of Wills
One W. Market Street
Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper:
Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: December 11, 2025
OCD-12/11/3t
BID
SOLICITATION
Replacement of Digital SignOcean City Library
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified vendors to provide and install a new digital sign at the Ocean City Branch, in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
The last day for questions will be noon on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, December 22, 2025, at 2:30 pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Replacement of Digital Sign-Ocean City Library” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.
OCD-12/11/1t
BID
SOLICITATION
Crushed Aggregate
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified vendors to contract for the Purchase of Crushed Aggregate in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the
content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
The last day for questions will be 12:00 pm, Monday, December 29, 2025. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Monday, January 5, 2026, at 2:30 pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Crushed Aggregate” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for award of the solicitation.
OCD-12/11/1t
WILLIAM C. HUDSON ESQ. 9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., SUITE 111
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20933 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF JAMES ESTESS MASON Notice is given that Ellen Passwaters Mason, 315 Winter Quarters Dr., Pocomoke City, MD 21851-1044, was on December 02, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of James Estess Mason who died on October 19, 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 2nd day of June, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 2nd day of June, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Ellen Passwaters Mason Personal Representative
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: December 11, 2025
BID
OCD-12/11/3t
SOLICITATION
Supply & Delivery of Water & Wastewater Treatment Chemicals
Worcester County is seeking Bids from qualified vendors to furnish and deliver various water and wastewater treatment chemicals to multiple County-operated facilities in conformity with the requirements contained herein Bid Documents.
Bid Documents for the above referenced project may be obtained from the Worcester County Commissioner’s Office by either e-mailing the Procurement Officer at purchasing@worcestermd.gov or by calling 410-632-1194 during normal business hours, or via the County’s Bids page on the County’s website. Vendors are responsible for checking this website for addenda prior to submitting their bids. Worcester County is not responsible for the content of any Bid Document received through any third party bid service. It is the sole responsibility of the vendor to ensure the completeness and accuracy of their Completed Bid Documents.
The last day for questions will be 4:00 pm on Tuesday, January 6, 2026. Sealed Bid Documents are due no later than Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 2:00 pm and will be opened and read aloud in the Office of the County Commissioners, Worcester County Government Center – Room 1103, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.
Late Bid Documents will not be accepted.
Envelopes shall be marked " Bid Solicitation – Supply & Delivery of Water & Wastewater Treatment Chemicals” in the lower left-hand corner.
Minority vendors are encouraged to compete for the award of the solicitation.
OCD-12/11/1t
SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20924 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF PAUL DOUGLAS AIKMAN
Notice is given that Carole Aikman, 24 Carnegie Pl., Berlin, MD 21811-2494, was on November 25, 2025 appointed personal representative of the small estate of Paul Douglas Aikman who died on November 04, 2025, without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
Carole Aikman
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: December 11, 2025
OCD-12/11/1t
NOTICE
TO HOLDERS OF CLASS "B", "C" AND "D" ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSES
ISSUED BY WORCESTER COUNTY
Pursuant to the Alcoholic Beverages Article, Section 33-2006 of the Annotated Code of Maryland, the Board of License Commissioners for Worcester County has determined that all premises holding a Class "B", "C", and "D" Alcoholic Beverage Licenses shall be permitted to sell alcoholic beverages for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ONLY until 4:00 a.m. on January 1, 2026. This notice shall not be construed as enlarging or broadening any other privilege conferred under said license except the (2) two additional hours of sale for ON PREMISES CONSUMPTION ON NEW YEAR'S EVE
BOARD OF LICENSE COMMISSIONERS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, R. Charles Nichols, Chairman Marty W. Pusey, Member Reese F. Cropper III, Member
April R. Payne,
License Administrator
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IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND IN THE ESTATE OF: MISTY NOEL HORNEY ESTATE NO. 20932
NOTICE
OF JUDICIAL PROBATE
To all Persons Interested in the above estate:
You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by Erica T. Davis/MidFirst Bank, 1401 Rockville Pike, Ste. 650, Rockville, MD 20852 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on January 13, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Phone: (410) 632-1529
Newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Publication Date: December 11, 2025
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GINA D. SHAFFER, ESQ. SHAFFER LAW OFFICE 11033 CATHELL RD. BERLIN, MD 21811-9328
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20935 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SUSAN D. BEALL
AKA: SUSAN DOLORES BEALL
Notice is given that Clarence W. Beall, 12 Easton Ave., Berlin, MD 21811-3350, was on December 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Susan D. Beall who died on November 10, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of June, 2026.
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 4th day of June, 2026.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the ear-
lier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Clarence W. Beall 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: December 11, 2025
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COHN, GOLDBERG & DEUTSCH, LLC ATTORNEYS AT LAW 1099 WINTERSON ROAD, SUITE 301 LINTHICUM HEIGHTS, MARYLAND 21090 410-296-2550 File #: 460586
Richard E. Solomon
Richard J. Rogers Michael McKeefery Christianna Kersey Kevin Hildebeidel
Kyle Blackstone
Kathleen Young 1099 Winterson Road, Suite 301 Linthicum Heights, MD 21090
Substitute Trustees Plaintiffs
v.
Ronald Cox, a/k/a Ronald E. Cox 808 & 810 2nd Street Pocomoke City, MD 21851
Defendant IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No. C-23-CV-24-000113
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given this 4th day of December, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, that the sale of the property mentioned in these proceedings, made and reported, will be ratified and confirmed, unless cause to the contrary thereof be shown on or before the 5th day of January, 2026, provided a copy of this notice be published in a newspaper of general circulation in Worcester County, once in each of three successive weeks before the 29th day of December, 2025.
The Report of Sale states the amount of the foreclosure sale price to be $197,177.84. The property sold herein is known as 808 & 810 2nd Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851. Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court
Worcester County, Maryland
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-12/11/3t
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING MAYOR & COUNCIL OF SNOW HILL, MARYLAND
Tuesday, January 20th, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Pursuant to the provisions of the Local Government Article Section 4406 of the Annotated Code of Maryland notice is hereby given that a PUBLIC HEARING is scheduled on Tuesday, January 20th, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the meeting of the Mayor and Council of Snow Hill at Worcester County Government Center, Boardroom, Room 1102, One West Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863. The purpose of the hearing is to consider a resolution to:
ANNEX CERTAIN LAND DESCRIBED HEREIN AND TO AMEND THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL CHARTER SECTION 3 ENTITLED “DESCRIPTION OF CORPORATE BOUNDARIES” BY ADDING SAID CERTAIN LANDS TO THE CORPORATE BOUNDARIES OF THE TOWN OF SNOW HILL, specifically the Town of Snow Hill’s water well located on Coulbourne Lane, Tax Map 63, Parcel 177; the Snow Hill Middle School and Cedar Chapel School (Tax Map 201, Parcel 1708); Snow Hill Elementary School (Tax Map 63, Parcel 144); 410 Coulbourne Lane (Tax Map 201, Parcel 1711, Part of Lot 1, approximately .027 acres) to correct specifically that the entirety of Lot 1 located at 410 Coulbourne Lane be located in the Town of Snow Hill municipal limits, and Coulbourne Lane between Market Street and the Town of Snow Hill municipal limits.
The proposed zoning for the properties is as follows:
1. Tax Map 201, Parcel 708- R-1
2, Tax Map 63, Parcel 144- R-1
3. Tax Map 301, Parcel 711, Lot 1R-2 as it is today
4. Tax Map 63, Parcel 177 (Town well)- R-1
All properties owners have consented to the annexation. All properties are already served by Town of Snow Hill water and wastewater
The public is cordially invited to attend and offer comments. For further information concerning this public hearing, for a copy of the annexation resolution or the annexation plan please contact the Town Manager’s Office, 103 Bank Street, Snow Hill, Maryland, 21863, #410632-2080.
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M. DAVID STALLINGS ESQ
NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP
12417 OCEAN GTWY STE B13
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9521
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of RODDIE W TULL AKA: RODNEY W TULL Estate No. 20937
Notice is given that MARSHA A TULL whose address is 12313 SHEPPARDS CROSSING RD WHALEYVILLE, MD 21872-2070 was on DECEMBER 08, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of RODDIE W TULL who died on OCTOBER 31, 2025 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All interested persons or unpaid claimants having any objection to the appointment of the personal representative shall file their objection with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of JUNE, 2026
All persons having any objection to the probate of the will of the decedent shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 8th day of JUNE, 2026
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to
the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ROBERT HAROLD DOLBY SR. Estate No. 20934 Notice is given that STACY D. VICKERS whose address is 3964 JOHNSON NECK RD., POCOMOKE CITY, MD 218512600 was on DECEMBER 04, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT HAROLD DOLBY SR. who died on OCTOBER 05, 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 4th day of JUNE, 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 4th day of JUNE, 2026
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-12/11/3t
Foundation presents annual teacher grants
classroom engagement, and expand access to meaningful learning opportunities across the county, all while supporting the mission of WCEF.
(Dec. 12, 2025) The Worcester County Education Foundation (WCEF) announced its newest round of teacher grant recipients, whose innovative projects will collectively benefit approximately 950 Worcester County Public Schools students each year.
These grants support creative instructional approaches, strengthen
Marketing IMP – Worcester Technical High School; Recipient: Alex Sousa. This grant will enhance the school’s marketing program by providing students with tools to showcase their work more broadly. The upgraded resources will help celebrate student accomplishments and attract new participants to the program.
Building Thinking Social Studies
Classroom – Pocomoke High School; Recipient: Megan Hutchinson. With this grant, students will engage in dynamic discussions, collaborative group work, and interactive learning experiences. The project reimagines traditional social studies instruction, empowering students to take a more active role in their learning.
Drawn to Reading – Buckingham Elementary School; Recipient: Laura Arenella. This funding expands BES’s beloved book vending machine program. Students earn tokens throughout the year to “pur-
chase” books—a system that fosters a love of reading. The grant will add a greater selection of graphic novels, a genre especially popular among students.
Wood & Shop Supplies –Pocomoke High School; Recipients: SC Whitaker & Paul Becker. This grant provides essential materials to support both the Tech Arts and Performing Arts programs. Students will use the supplies for set design, furniture building, and a variety of handson projects throughout the school year.
Debbie Hileman
OWNER/BROKER,
DebbieHileman07 @gmail.com
prestigious gated community of Glen Riddle. Extra-large front porch, breathtaking views of the War Admiral 1st hole and pond. Every conceivable upgrade has been integrated into this stunning coastal home such as Generac whole house generator, new roof in 2023, central vacuum. The gourmet kitchen boasts upgraded maple cabinetry with molding, & Silestone countertops. The primary retreat includes a 2-sided gas fireplace, walk-in closet, vaulted tray ceiling & attached sitting room. The living room has two-story views and a gas fireplace. The garage is an organized dream. Glen Riddle isn't just a community; it's a lifestyle.
ONE LEVEL HOME on QUIET STREET
100 WHITE HORSE DRIVE
Well-kept one-level home with bright and open great room, Vaulted Ceilings, Gas Fireplace, Recessed Lighting, Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring & Central Stereo. Kitchen includes a spacious pantry, gas range w/griddle, & a pass-through to the 16x12 Florida room with rear deck access. The sizable Primary Bedroom is 14x14. An extra wide driveway leads to an oversized one car garage with automatic opener. Located on a quiet street in the award-winning Ocean Pines community!
$419,900
French Onion Soup with a Twist
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
French onion soup is easy to make, but superlative French onion soup is another matter. The three main components of the soup are onions, broth, and cheese. Much attention to detail is necessary for exceptional results. Let us start from the very beginning and discuss the proper way to cut an onion.
One can slice an onion along the equator or pole to pole. Imagine an onion as a globe with the stem at the North Pole and the root at the South. Onions sliced along the equator (horizontally) are rarely used in cooking applications. Onions cut in this manner are limited mostly to raw applications like salads, sandwiches, as well as dishes that require a round shape such as onion rings.
When a recipe calls for sauteed or caramelized onions; it is typically
looking for onions to be sliced pole to pole (vertically) unless it specifies a different cut. Onions cut in this particular fashion break down more evenly while cooking which produces a better texture and taste.
Onions, garlic, shallots, and leeks are part of the Allium family. Among the members of this botanical family, onions have a tendency to have very strong taste. Red onions will overpower the soup. Sweet onions will produce an overly sweet taste. A combination of mostly yellow onions with a few sweet onions is the perfect pairing. It takes more time to caramelize onions but the end result is well worth the efforts.
Stock is the next issue at hand. A combination of beef, veal, and chicken ensures a rich foundation and delightful piquancy. But veal stock is very pricy and this step is optional.
The gooey, crusty cheese is the final phase and piece de resistance. Some recipes call for mozzarella cheese. There is nothing worse than trying to
act like a refined lady and have to pull on an infinite strand of cheese. In addition, when mozzarella starts to cool, it turns into a hard glob and has lost its pliable charm. Gruyere is expensive but it is packed with flavor. A combination of both is a winning combination.
Garlic is not a traditional element in French Onion soup but roasted garlic blended into the broth enriches it to another level. It is a wonderful enhancement and does not overpower the delicate, caramelized onions. This step is also optional.
In closing, originality and creativity distinguish one host from another. Following is a fabulous French onion soup recipe. Enjoy!
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
4 large yellow onions
2 large sweet onions
3 large cloves garlic, plus olive oil for drizzling
¼ cup dry sherry, plus 1 tablespoon
4 cups chicken stock
3 cups veal stock
2 cups beef stock
1 large bay leaf
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried Herbs de Province
kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Cheese Croutons
1 small baguette, cut into ½-inch slices
6 ounces shredded Gruyere cheese
2 ounces grated mozzarella cheese
1. Preheat toaster to 300 degrees. Place garlic with skin in an oven proof small bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until very soft. Remove from toaster and when cooled, remove skin. Set aside.
2. In a large iron skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add sliced onions and saute until caramelized and golden brown.
3. In a medium pot, add caramelized onions, roasted garlic, sherry, stocks, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. Remove by leaf and garlic, and readjust seasonings if necessary.
5. For the croutons: While soup simmers, arrange baguette slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in a 350-degree oven until bread is crisp and golden brown, about 12 minutes.
6. To serve: Heat broiler. Set individual broiler-safe crocks on baking sheet and fill each bowl with 1 ¾ cups soup. Top each bowl with 1 to 2 baguette slices (do not overlap) and sprinkle with cheese mixture. Broil until cheese has melted and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Serve immediately.
* If you do not have any veal stock, replace with beef stock.
Secret Ingredient – Creativity
Creativity requires the courage to let go of certainty.
- Erich Fromm
New car chargers planned for OC
City contracts with firm to replace non-operational stations ahead of summer
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) An agreement with a new vendor will provide Ocean City with new electric vehicle charging stations, as well as a share of the revenue they will generate.
On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted 6-0, with Council Secretary Tony DeLuca absent, to end its working relationship with the Electric Vehicle Institute and to execute a new contract with ezVoltz. As part of the agreement, the city will receive 16 new electric vehicle charging stations – installed and maintained by the company – and 20% of the net revenue.
“There’s no cost to us at all. They are doing everything,” Parking Manager Jon Anthony told the council this week. “They are just taking a portion of their electrical fee out of it for themselves. We get 20% out of that, and we get all of the parking revenue. They are not touching our parking revenue.”
About a decade ago, the Town of Ocean City contracted with the Electric Vehicle Institute, a firm located in the greater Baltimore area, to provide charging stations at specific lo-
cations on city-owned property. And in 2021, the city amended its agreement and expanded the number of locations.
However, officials report those agreements have now expired, and that a portion of the charging stations are non-functional. Citing the company’s lack of response to the city’s needs, and the bad “optics” associated with non-functioning devices on city-owned property, they said they began exploring options to replace the existing equipment without any additional capital costs for the city.
“Currently, right now, four of our high profile VFC charging stations do not work,” Anthony explained. “They have not worked in roughly two-anda-half years. We have tried repeatedly to get them fixed and changed. That has not happened so far, so we started researching other companies.”
The solution, presented to the City Council on Tuesday, is a new contract with ezVoltz, which has agreed to remove the existing equipment and install all new charging stations – four at the 100th Street lot, eight at the convention center, two at the Worcester Street lot, and two on 125th Street, adjacent to Northside Park’s west gym.
Anthony noted that the charging stations would be a combination of fast charging units, which can charge
a car in roughly 20 to 30 minutes, and Level 2 units, which can charge a car in about an hour.
As part of the agreement, the company has proposed an 80/20 revenue split, with 20% being provided to the town. The company estimates that the city’s portion of annual revenue could range between $28,000 and $36,000.
“That’s all depending on the amount of EV cars that come to town,” Anthony said. “It could be more, it could be less.”
As an added benefit to the city, ezVoltz has agreed to monitor and maintain their charging stations at no additional cost. The company has also agreed to provide all associated signage, so long as the city installs them.
When asked if staff felt confident the new company would be responsive to any issues, Anthony said they were. He said staff had made it clear to ezVoltz that it would be expected of them.
“This was our best priced one that came to us,” he replied, “with the promise they would be here within 24 hours.”
Following a brief discussion, the council agreed to contract with ezVoltz, with a goal of installing the new charging stations ahead of the 2026 summer season.
Facade improvements planned for Town Hall
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) As part of Berlin’s upcoming Town Hall renovations, the municipality’s Historic District Commission last week approved facade improvements to the structure, including a new double entry door, cornice work, enhanced signage, and an elongated, updated canopy.
Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall and Daniele Haley of Haley Architecture, the West Ocean City firm handling the initiative’s design and engineering, appeared before Berlin’s Historic District Commission on Dec. 3 seeking approval for the exterior changes. These modifications will be made as part of the overall renovations to Town Hall, provided the roughly $3 million budget allows.
Tyndall said that the Town Hall project prioritizes safety and accessibility. The work will include a new elevator, fire sprinklers, repaired HVAC units (seven of the eight existing units are not operating correctly), asbestos and lead remediation, network, security, and fire alarm upgrades, as well as rework of entrances to improve ease of access during public meetings.
And then, if the budget allows, town officials hope to modify the outside of the structure by enhancing the signage, adding a cornice, and constructing an enhanced canopy.
“We’re working to try to bring [Town
Hall] back to its historic nature, particularly making it fit well with the downtown,” Tyndall said.
Other exterior upgrades include replacing the existing double windows with new double doors and installing a new window in place of the existing front door. These adjustments are essential to comply with internal modifications and will be completed regardless, even if the funds don’t allow for decorative add-ons like the cornice, signage, and canopy.
Haley said the construction will include major interior renovations, such as office reconfiguration, which will affect the facade and require a reform of the building entry. As such, the main entryway, currently located on the front left, will be moved to the center and changed from a single door to double doors. A window will then go in place of the original door.
Haley added that the “nice-to-haves” elements — cornice, signage, and canopy — are “certainly not necessary as a part of the renovation, but something that would improve the overall facade of Town Hall.” If the safety and accessibility work is financially accounted for and there are funds left over, project leaders will take on the aesthetic items.
If the money doesn’t shake out as the municipality hopes, then none of the exterior work would take place, sans what is necessary to accommodate the interior renovations.
“The doors and windows would switch but … the canopy would stay [as is], the cornice wouldn’t happen, and the signage would stay [as is],” Haley said. Haley’s facade presentation also included a trim around the proposed double doors. However, the district commission opted to approve the proposal without this addition, saying the
molding is more reminiscent of a Georgian architectural style than Victorian.
“The trim work you have around here ... it’s not what you would find downtown — the downtown as we see it — is either 99% Victorian on the downtown or federal architecture,” said commission member Carol Rose.
The Berlin Town Hall facade will be updated as part of a renovation project, so long as funding allows. The rendering above shows how the front will look, but with a longer awning and no trim work.
Project expected to begin in 2026
Continued from Page 52
The commission also asked that the updated canopy span the entire length of the building’s front as the current one does, hanging over all doors and windows. Initially, Haley’s drawings showed the awning covering only the main entrance.
Commission member Mary Moore said the extended structure appears larger and can be used for practical purposes, such as allowing walkers to take cover when it’s raining.
The signage will be updated as part of the work. The text will remain the same, reading “Founded in 1868,” “Welcome to Berlin,” and “America’s Coolest Small Town,” but will be made of printed aluminum lettering rather than the existing vinyl.
“We want to make sure [Town Hall] gets back to its historical prominence,” Tyndall said. “The signage, getting away from the vinyl. It needs to look like a historic building.”
While now serving as a Town Hall, the William Street building has lived many lives. According to the mayor, the facility was at different points a police station, a fire station, a library, and a dance studio.
The commission approved the facade requests unanimously, and amended the plans to remove the Georgian-style front door trim and change the shorter awning.
While the window and entryway work will be constructed regardless, the other outside adjustments will only be made if the money works out, Tyndall and Haley said.
Berlin’s Town Hall renovation project is set to begin in 2026. The tentative schedule calls for putting the work out to bid this month, awarding a contract in January, and finalizing construction by next September.
Tyndall said the town initially estimated it would need a budget of about $2.5 million to complete the Town Hall improvements.
However, the mayor said last week that the figure may be “a little light,” and staff are exploring other funding sources and grants to bring the available funds to around $3 million.
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Tips for selling in winter months
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) December can be a tough time to list and sell your home due to not only the colder weather, but also the hustle and bustle of the holidays. But if you need to sell your home during winter, there are some advantages you can capitalize on. For example, winter buyers are typically motivated and have a specific reason why they need to purchase, such as a work relocation or expanding family or other life change that results in the need to buy a house.
The National Association of REALTOR’s Consumer Guide series provided
the following ways to maximize the appeal of your home during the winter: Focus on curb appeal: Clean up fallen leaves and dead branches. Make the front door inviting with planted topiaries, a festive door wreath and a fresh welcome mat.
Make the exterior safe: If you’re in an area with ice and snow, clear the driveway and walking paths. Spread rock salt or sand to prevent slips and falls.
Spruce up the interior: Declutter and clean all the rooms. Then, add warmth with fuzzy throw pillows and blankets. Use seasonal decorations sparingly.
Add potted indoor plants: Flowering plants or an indoor herb garden can add additional warmth and liven up the interior of your home.
Light it up: Clean windows to allow
more natural light to shine through. Replace burned out lightbulbs, make sure all the bulbs match, and turn on all the lights for showings.
Warm it up: Keep the temperature at a comfortable level for showings. Turning down the thermostat will make your home feel cold and uninviting.
Accommodate showing requests: Allowing showings during the holiday season can be difficult, but the answer to showing requests should almost always be yes.
Pay attention to the senses: Buyers may be sensitive to strong perfumes and scented candles. Opt first for a “clean” smell.
Lauren Bunting is the Broker of Record for Keller Williams Realty Delmarva in Ocean City, Maryland.
Bishopville desperate for updated firehouse
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) Every year, Chief David Collins of the Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department climbs onto the roof of his old firehouse to patch the leaks on a building that can’t even fit his fire engine.
The low-slung, brick-façade building that serve this unincorporated community of 550 people turned 60 this year. It has no air conditioning, electrical issues that can’t support modern tech, moisture infiltration, and is effectively a dead zone for cell phones. They can’t even wash firetrucks out front because the concrete pad is too short.
Volunteers and their families have diligently been trying to pull together roughly $5 million to replace their aging headquarters before the old hall quite literally falls apart.
“It’s been added on, it’s been patched, it’s been repaired,” said Kathy Drew, a life member of the ladies auxiliary. “A lot of our frontline equipment can’t go in the front bays of this old firehouse because they’re too tall.”
Project blueprints drawn by the firm Davis Bowen & Friedel were reviewed this week by the Worcester County Technical Review Committee. At 12,518 square feet, a new facility
would be constructed on the same 4plus acre footprint as the current station.
Plans calls for a bigger space out front for apparatus to double-park, spacious engine bays, ADA-compliant restrooms, and a 3,000 square foot community room that could double as a disaster shelter. It’ll also have a 40x40 tank on-site for static water storage.
Even though funding isn’t secure, Chief Collins said it’s important to get paperwork in motion now with Worcester County officials, just in case the money should fall into their laps and they can move forward with the project. “If they say we got the money here, we need to be able to go right away,” he said.
They also need to prepare for growth, because the Bishopville volunteers also service the burgeoning Route 54 corridor in Selbyville, where generational corn and soybean fields continue to give way to housing sprawl.
One major goal of the project, now three years into planning, is to provide housing quarters for paramedics. For now, their EMTs bunk out of a substation on St. Martins Neck Road, which is where the fire company would temporarily relocate to after breaking ground.
Drew has been taking a lead in fundraising by reaching out to state and federal elected officials for the last two years, including Sen. Chris Van Hollen and Congressman Andy Harris. Despite their verbal support, she’s not made much headway but is hoping for better news after the New Year.
“I’ve got the ‘Dear Jane’ letter that says, ‘I’m really sorry, but, you know, there has been too many requests and your project is not being picked or funded this year,’” she said. “The problem is there’s always so many applications that – it’s whatever’s screaming the loudest.”
So far, the fire company has $1 million on hand. It’s taken them a decade to raise it, and that’s not getting any easier.
Bishopville doesn’t have a municipal general fund to draw from, and the fire company gets by mostly from an annual grant provided by the county. A bank loan is an option, Collins admits, but the monthly interest payments would be crushing.
Fried chicken dinner fundraisers, advertised for decades on the marquee along Bishopville Road, used to draw upwards of 1,200 people.
“Now, nobody comes out on Sundays to eat fried chicken and ham anymore,” Collins said. “The ladies auxiliary does smaller events like carry
outs and stuff like that. But again, raising money through food and stuff like, you’re not gonna get rich on that.”
One outside-the-box possibility to raise money could come from solar power.
Drew said the fire company has been gifted a piece of unimproved property just down the road, across from a county park, one they believe would be a prime spot for a solar farm. It’s a longshot idea and would take years to complete, but it could generate long-term revenue to subsidize payments or expenses.
Manpower is an issue, too. They have 35 volunteers on the rolls, but less than half are truly active. What’s more, the younger generation hasn’t signed up to join the volunteer fire company like their parents and grandparents did.
It’s a stark contrast from life members like Collins and Drew’s husband Mark, each of whom have spent decades in the fire service. Kathy Drew herself, a retired bank investigator, has been involved for 25 years.
“We have a few younger, but sometimes those are the ones that don’t wanna get out of bed at middle of the night because they have families,” she said. “They got their jobs to go to. The world’s changed a lot with regards to that.”
Army Corps wraps dredging project for Ocean City Inlet
Dredge yields twice amount expected, spoils dumped off Assateague Island coast
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removed roughly 13,000 cubic yards of material from the Ocean City Inlet during its latest round of dredging.
On Monday, the agency’s Baltimore district announced dredging operations are now complete at the inlet. The corps reports it was able to dredge more than twice what it had initially planned.
“Dredging operations are complete for this round of operations in Ocean City, Maryland, where we engaged Wilmington District’s dredge Murden to remove approximately 13,000 cubic yards of dredged material from the Ocean City Inlet, significantly higher than our original goal,” a Facebook post reads.
In July, the corps sent its sidecaster dredge Merritt to remove nearly 8,000 cubic yards of material from the Ocean City Inlet in advance of this year’s White Marlin Open tournament. The vessel was sent from the agency’s Wilmington, N.C., district, as its usual dredges – the Murden and Currituck for this region– were unavailable.
However, unlike the Murden and Currituck, which takes dredged spoils away, the Merritt casts the material approximately 85 feet from the vessel, where it settles at the bottom of the waterway. Just days after the Army Corps concluded its emergency dredge work, boaters began alerting the public of increased shoaling in the channel.
“We appreciate the work, but it doesn’t do the job the Murden does,” Sonny Gwin of the Waterman’s Association of Worcester County said earlier this year.
From the outset, officials said the issue would be temporary, as the Army Corps had plans to return to Ocean City once repairs on the Murden were complete. Back in the area late last month, the Army Corps focused its efforts on “Priority Area #1,” which includes the entrance to the Sinepuxent Channel.
“The Murden can carry the equivalent of up to 50 dump truck loads of material and then releases that material by splitting its hull in an authorized area,” the Baltimore district said this week. “In this case, material was placed south of the inlet offshore of Assateague Island to mitigate the im-
pacts of sediment transport and erosion. Dredging ensures local waterways remain accessible to our U.S. Coast Guard partners as well as commercial and recreational users.”
In addition to dredge work at the Ocean City Inlet, the Army Corps plans to conduct a beach replenishment in Ocean City late next year.
As part of that proposed project, the Army Corps – in conjunction with the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management – conducted a supplemental environmental analysis of Weaver Shoal, a borrow area where sand is taken for replenishment.
The plan consists of proceeding with a renourishment project in the winter of 2026-2027, and dredging sand from Weaver Shoal.
PHOTO COURTESY U.S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS, BALTIMORE DISTRICT
The dredge vessel Murden is pictured during a dredging project at the Ocean City Inlet late last month.
vanishing vanishing OCEAN CITY
With Bunk Mann
The Ocean City Beach Patrol was formed in 1930 with two lifeguards that followed the crowds on weekends and protected the most populated beaches. On July 1 of that year five additional full-time guards were added and Edward Lee Carey was appointed captain. As the town expanded northward the Beach Patrol continued to grow; in 1946 Bob Craig became captain and would hold that position for the next 41 years.
In 1965, the Town of Ocean City annexed the land all the way to the Delaware line and the OCBP tripled in size. George Schoepf became captain in 1986 and served until his death in June 1997. He was followed by Butch Arbin who continues in that position today. A remarkable achievement, Ocean City has only had three captains of their Beach Patrol in the past 80 years.
During the summer season of 2025, the OCBP recorded 2,075 rescues and no drownings while the lifeguards (known today as Surf Rescue Technicians) were on duty.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Photo of the OCBP in 1951 courtesy of the OC Museum Society
Things I Like...
By Steve Green
Watching locals play sports in college
Offshore fishing while on vacation
Smell of surf wax in a rental house
Being truly surprised
Before-and-after project photos
A dog sprinting to the beach from a car
Freshly mulched flower beds in winter
Weekend mornings with no one else is awake
Walking to dinner in Berlin
A quiet dishwasher
An old dog’s kind soul
Short-term boat restrictions in place after whale sighting
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(Dec. 12, 2025) New restrictions have been placed on boaters after another right whale sighting in the mid-Atlantic.
The Maryland Department of Natural Resources Fisheries reports a slow zone will remain in effect through Dec. 20 after an endangered right whale was detected off Ocean City. The agency is asking all boaters to reduce their speed when traversing the area.
“Mariners are requested to avoid or transit at 10 knots or less inside the areas where right whales have been detected to reduce the risk of vessel strikes,” a Facebook post reads.
The right whale sighting is not the first to occur this fall. In late October, DNR Fisheries enacted a slow zone after a right whale was detected off the coast. That restriction continued through Nov. 20.
Endangered North Atlantic right whales are at heightened risk for vessel strikes because they spend much of their time at or close to the water’s surface, according to NOAA Fisheries. As such, vessel strikes are a primary threat to the species.
In addition, right whales can be difficult to spot from a boat because of their dark color and lack of a dorsal fin. Environmental conditions like bad weather, murky water, and low light can affect
boaters’ ability to see these whales.
To rebuild the North Atlantic right whale population, NOAA Fisheries is enacting management measures to help reduce the risk of vessel strikes. That includes speed restrictions on marine vessels in certain areas where right whales are found.
The current slow zone applies to all vessels underway off the coast of Ocean City. However, NOAA Fisheries also maintains Seasonal Management Areas, the closest of which being located at the entrance of the Chesapeake Bay and to the east of Sussex County, Delaware. In those areas, vessels 65 feet or longer must travel 10 knots or less at certain times of the year.
Trial of Japanese Gen. Masaharu Homma
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III
Contributing Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, five generals — four Americans and one Filipino — were selected as judges for the trial of Gen. Masaharu Homma — “the Beast of Bataan.” Gen. Douglas MacArthur had arranged the trial to precede Gen. Homma’s execution.
Brig. Gens. Arthur Trudeau, Warren McNaught and Robert Gard were appointed by MacArthur, to the commission which would preside over the proceedings, find Homma “guilty,” and sentence him to death. MacArthur also appointed Maj. Gen. Dr. Basilio Valdes, former chief-of-staff of the Philippine Army to the commission and Maj. Gen. Leo Donovan to chair it.
Major John (“Jack”) H. Skeen Jr., Esq., from Baltimore, was appointed, by MacArthur to defend Homma. Trial would begin within two weeks in Manila. Skeen had yet to see the 48-count indictment. The defendant’s postponement motion, so that Skeen and his team would have adequate time to prepare, was denied.
Upon being appointed, the major wrote his wife, Dorothy, “After a few days I will recover from the shock and will give the SOB everything possible in the way of defense. They tell me he
speaks fluent English which will help.”
And that’s just what Jack Skeen and his team did! They provided, against impossible odds and a stacked deck, Homma with a firstclass defense, worthy of the finest American legal tradition.
MacArthur also appointed Capts. George Furness, Frank Coder, and George Ott, and Lts. Robert Pelz and Leonard Nautapsky to assist Skeen. The major was a 27-year-old admiralty lawyer and had never tried a case.
Furness was a real estate lawyer from Boston. The other two captains had never tried a criminal case. Lt. Pelz had only recently passed the bar. Nautapsky had only recently graduated from law school.
To lead the prosecution team, MacArthur appointed an experienced Navy prosecutor, Benjamin F. Schwartz, who was 45, and Lt. Col. Frank Meek.
The defendant was a very intelligent, cultured and well-traveled man. He had served in the Japanese Embassy in London, and, as Skeen noted, was fluent in English. During the Great War, he served with the British Expeditionary Force on the Western Front and was awarded, by
the British, the Military Cross for “...exemplary gallantry....” He had lived in India and toured the U.S. and Europe. During the first few years of the war with China, he commanded the 27th Division. He became commander of the Taiwan Army District in 1940.
On Nov. 6, 1941, Homma was given command of the newly formed, 43,110-man Fourteenth Army. This army was created specifically to invade the Philippines. The Allied Amer-
CROSSWORD
ican and Filipino troops, commanded by MacArthur, outnumbered Gen. Homma’s forces by more than 2-1.
The initial landings occurred on Dec. 8 on Bataan Island, 120 miles off the north coast of Luzon. Another landing occurred on Dec. 12, on southern Luzon. The bulk of the Fourteenth Army came ashore on Luzon, on the east coast of Lingayen Gulf, 10 days later.
Due to inept leadership, poor planning and inadequate training on the
Answers on page 38
part of the Allies, the defense force was trapped and besieged on the Bataan Peninsula of Luzon Island by Gen. Homma’s numerically inferior Japanese Fourteenth Army.
With inadequate food and water supplies, the outcome was not in doubt, once the defenders withdrew to the Peninsula. On March 11, 1942, MacArthur made his escape, leaving Gen. Jonathan M. Wainwright IV holding the bag and headed to a Japanese POW camp. The commander of the 70,000 Allied troops on Bataan, Maj. Gen. Edward P. King, surrendered them on April 9, 1942.
Then began the infamous 60-mile “Bataan Death March,” during which, between 2,500 - 10,000 Filipino and 100 - 650 American soldiers were murdered by the Japanese under Gen. Homma’s command. Once the survivors arrived at the POW camps, their lot did not improve. Many more died before war’s end.
Shortly after the fall of Corregidor on May 6, Homma was relieved of active command. His superiors felt that he had taken too long — five months, when two were allotted — to accomplish Fourteenth Army’s objectives, and was too lenient with the Filipinos.
By August 1943, he was completely out of the military and living in semiseclusion.
In mid-September 1945, American forces transported the general to Manila. On Dec. 16, his legal team met him for the first time, in the office of the High Commissioner, in Manila.
That was the building occupied by the American administrator in the Philippines prior to the war. It now serves as the American Embassy.
Homma had used it as his headquarters after his Fourteenth Army had occupied the Philippine capital. It was also the building where his trial would be held, in the grand ballroom. His arraignment would be three days hence.
The first order of business for the defense team was the preparation of a motion to dismiss, which was drafted by Capt. Furness and Lt. Pelz. Meanwhile, Capt. Coder and Lt. Nautapsky traveled to Tokyo to find witnesses.
The motion challenged the authority of the commission to try the general. The defense argued that it was inappropriate and unjust for MacArthur, who had, in essence, been defeated in the field by Homma, to now select he tribunal which was to try him, the prosecution team, defense counsel and the venue. That caused a stir!
Skeen and Pelz were “reamed” by a superior officer, who, “... proceeded to tell us what the Army can do to us; how it never forgets and that it is the most powerful organization in the country.”
A hearing on New Year’s Day before the commission resulted in a compromise, with the defense agreeing, according to Pelz, “ . . . to delete
the words Gen. MacArthur ‘had been defeated by’ Gen. Homma ...” and to replace that with, “ . . . had unsuccessfully opposed Gen. Homma.”
After the change in the language of the motion, it was denied.
The trial began, as scheduled, on Jan. 3, 1946. The prosecution produced many witnesses to the atrocities inflicted upon the Allied troops by the Japanese soldiers.
It also produced evidence that Gen. Homma’s headquarters was a mere 500 yards from the “Bataan Death March,” undercutting his contention that he did not know of the atrocities. Evidence was also produced that the general, “...had issued
Continued on Page 61
Homma testifies on his own defense during his War Crimes Trial, Feb. 6, 1946.
by Steve Green
The Adventures of Fatherhood
(Editor’s Note: The following column is a reprint from December of 2009.)
Nineteen months ago, life, as I knew it, changed forever when my son Beckett was born, and it gives me great pleasure to report the birth of our second son last month.
On Nov. 5, 2009, Carson Harper was born, bringing the total number of males living in my house to five. With the two dogs, his big brother and myself, my poor wife is now outnumbered five to one by males. Like Beckett, Carson is adopted.
In the months leading up to Carson’s birth, we tried our best to prepare for the inevitable changes coming our way once we brought our newborn into Beckett’s house.
After one month, I can safely say all that was futile. There’s really no way to adequately get ready for what happens when you bring another child into the house, particularly one currently dominated by a toddler. You just wing it and adjust as you go through the motions.
Having two kids under the age of 2 years old (separated specifically by a little less than 18 months) has proven to be quite the experience, one Pam and I are charting under exhausted conditions.
Along with feeling blessed with another new life, and honestly there’s been few spare moments to reflects on this, our emotions and well-being have basically been linked to coping with the inevitable adjustment that comes with having a baby in the same house as a 19-month-old bruiser.
Throughout the course of this column, I try to be honest with my feelings and emotions, perhaps to a fault, as some surely say I take the proud, doting daddy to new extremes. That’s probably true but I can only be who I am. With that approach in mind, I have to admit the early stages of this period of my life have been quite overwhelming and stressful.
I thought my life took a crazy turn
when Beckett was born in May of 2008, but the arrival of Carson has rocked my world.
I look back on the early days with Beckett now and realize how simple it was because we could focus entirely on him. We were fine with waking up at 4 a.m. for a feeding or to change a diaper because it was so new. It was all tremendously wonderful and such a blessing.
Nowadays, that 3 a.m. crying fit is not viewed the same way. We simply get through it. It’s a profoundly different feeling and experience than it was the first time around. This is just one of the many different approaches with the second child.
I presume these changes are simply a result of experience. For instance, a cry no longer sends us hurdling furniture in an attempt to soothe the baby. My wife does not always sit in the car’s backseat with the kids now. A bout of gas does not send me on a late-night search for Mylicon drops. A reluctance to finish an entire bottle is not a cause for concern. An inability to sleep through the night does not lead me to consult a book to see if it’s normal. A spit up does not cause heart palpitations. A long nap does not lead my wife to put her head down to his chest (at least as much as it did previously). A day without a bath is not a big deal.
Off all the changes between the first and second child, I am most amazed at how I have now begun hearing voices, which I blame on a loss of sleep.
I was told this might happen by some other experienced parents, but I didn’t take them seriously. I am a believer now, as I am hearing the voices, screams and cries of both my kids when they are actually not there.
On the rare instances that both my boys are asleep at the same time, I seem to find myself questioning my sanity. In the shower on a couple of occasions, I have rushed to get out, only to find I have been in only a few minutes and that the house is silent, as it was when I jumped in.
I also have begun hearing my kids’ voices while I am at work. At one point this week, I convinced myself that my wife must have brought the boys to work to surprise me because I heard Beckett’s squeals and Carson’s dirty diaper cry, only to find out later everyone was home.
Yes, I think I am going a little crazy with these two little guys in my house, but I keep telling myself it’s normal. Aside from this strange turn of events, I adore life with my boys and the adjustment seems to get easier with every passing day as we figure out our new routines. However, that’s not to say there are not some moments of craziness.
The other night, while my wife was at work, I was home with the boys. At this particular time, I was giving Carson a bottle and Beckett was being a typical active toddler. I was in the living room and he had haphazardly sprinted to the kitchen and began emptying a cupboard, as he is prone to do. After a series of familiar clangs and bangs, there were a few moments of silence, which made me extremely uncomfortable. I would always rather hear noise than not. Silence sparks the fear of uncertainty.
With baby in hand, I quickly headed to the kitchen to find Beckett’s body almost entirely in the cupboard. I could only see a portion of his chunky calf and his chubby foot, which had lost the sock that donned it a few minutes before (it’s still missing today, by the way).
One year ago, I would have hastily pulled him out of the cabinet, fearing something silly would happen. Now, I laughed and shrugged, wondering, ‘he can’t really hurt himself in there.’
Yes, my life is plenty different these days, but it’s worth mentioning it’s also better.
(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.)
Wave pools: going against the nature of ocean surfing
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) Recently I had a great conversation with local surfer, promoter, and all around good guy Brad Hoffman. Nicknames seem to be common in the surf world and Brad is frequently referred to as B-Rad. Our discussion revolved around artificial wave pools and their pros and cons.
The incentive came from a newly opened wave pool in Virginia Beach, Virginia. “VA Beach” has always been known as a “surf town” although the waves there aren’t particularly outstanding. One of its greatest assets is that it’s relatively close to the Outer Banks of North Carolina.
The VA Beach wave pool is called Atlantic Park Surf and is part of a large complex featuring shopping, housing and entertainment venues. It’s backed by a company called Wavegarden that has also backed other venues around the world. Virginia Beach native Pharrell Williams, who is a musician and song writer, has also been a backer.
The crux of the discussion with Brad centered around the natural part of surfing verses the artificial aspect of a wave pool. One of the greatest features of surfing is that it is done in natural surroundings, namely the ocean and even the great lakes. Aside from initial equipment it is basically free.
Surfing holds a unique characteristic. It’s governed by weather and quality of waves though this detail can be part of its appeal. Wave pools could be considered counter to the natural facet of surfing, with a cost every time one goes.
Maybe it’s just part of a sport moving forward or maturing, but as time goes on that will most likely be determined. It happens in other sports/activities. Is surfing any different?
Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City.
written orders that prisoners were to be treated in accordance with international law.”
During the trial, the defense objected to the admission of witness statements obtained by the prosecution.
Their argument was that it was rank hearsay and denied the accused the right to confront the witnesses and denied his lawyers the right to cross-examine them.
These are basic American rights, and we decry these types of procedures when applied to our citizens in other countries. The objection was overruled.
The defense filed Petitions for writs of Habeas Corpus & Prohibition in the Supreme Court of the Philippines, on Jan. 16, 1946, which were denied on Jan. 23, 1946. The defense then Petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court for a Writ of Certiorari on Feb. 7, 1946.
Closing arguments were delivered on Saturday, Feb. 9, 1946. On Monday Feb. 11, 1946, the commission reconvened and announced its verdict. Homma was, of course, convicted, and sentenced to be shot by a firing squad.
The defense team considered death by firing squad to be a victory, as compared to Gen. Yamashita, who was hung. Hanging, for a soldier, was ignoble, and, if done wrong, can be
barbaric, cruel and painful.
That same day, the Supreme Court of the United States denied Homma’s Petition for Writ of Certiorari on the basis of its holding in Application of Yamashita, 327 U.S. 1(1946). However, Justices Frank Murphy (who had served as high commissioner to the Philippines) and Wiley Rutledge dissented and protested the unfair procedures used to obtain the verdict.
The verdict and sentence were then reviewed by Gen. MacArthur, who issued the following statement, on March 20, 1946:
“I have concluded that no Trial could have been fairer than this one. No accused was ever given a more complete opportunity for defense. No judicial process was ever freer from prejudice. The proceedings show that the Defendant lacked the basic firmness of character essential to officers charged with high command. [His crimes] have become synonyms of horror and marked the lowest ebb of depravity of modern times. I have approved the findings of guilt and direct the Commanding Gen. of the United States Forces of the Western Pacific to execute the sentence.”
Following Gen. MacArthur’s decision, Homma was moved from Manila to Los Baños where, pursuant to the verdict of the commission and Gen. MacArthur’s directive, he was executed in the early morning hours of April 13, 1946 by a 12-man firing squad. Four of
the rifles contained blanks.
In essence, Gens. Homma and Yamashita were convicted under a new theory, “command responsibility,” which made them criminally liable for crimes committed by troops under their command, even if they had no knowledge of the criminal activity. When the tables were turned, such as Abu Ghraib, that line of reasoning was not pursued by the U.S. military.
After his service, Skeen returned to Baltimore and joined his father, John Henry Skeen Sr., in the law firm of Frank, Skeen & Oppenheimer, where he practiced admiralty law. Upon his father’s death, in 1951, the major and his brother, William, began their own firm, which is now Wright, Constable & Skeen, LLP.
The Skeen family continued its association with the firm through David W. Skeen (now retired), the son of William and nephew of the major, who died in 1987. David was the source of much of the information about his uncle and the defense of Gen. Homma.
Next week: The End
Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. Mr. Wimbrow can be contacted at wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.
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Opinions
Let’s be realistic about Balt. Ave.
Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. That’s how the City Council saw it Tuesday, when members put the kibosh on the over-priced Baltimore Avenue makeover.
It took them four years to get to this point, but they finally admitted the price was too high for the return: a better looking downtown.
Granted, burying those ugly overhead utility lines, installing more attractive streetlights, and dressing up the sidewalks would have made Ocean City’s downtown an aesthetic oasis in a town whose development style isn’t exactly cohesive.
But spending $44.8 million —$25 million in local share and $20 million in a federal grant — for the sake of appearances? That’s going to require more justification than,“But it looks great, doesn’t it?”
As Public Works Director Hal Adkins and Finance Director Chuck Bireley advised the council, the $1.8 million the city would have to pay in debt service on its $25 million contribution outstrips the benefits of a better looking downtown.
Councilman John Gehrig’s idea of committing just enough to the job to keep that federal grant is the reasonable thing to do. It might only cover less than half the project by the time the money runs out, but that counts for something without breaking the bank. And you never know what might happen in the future.
Mayor Rick Meehan is also correct, however, when he says failing to go all the way with the Baltimore Avenue overhaul now means future councils will be looking at even higher estimates in the years ahead.
Still, considering the financial pressure the city is likely to face sooner rather than later — sports complex land acquisition, sports complex development and constantly rising public safety spending — taking the prudent course on Baltimore Avenue makes the most sense ... even if it means those overhead utility lines remain up in the air a long, long time.
PUBLIC EYE
I’ll stay where I am
It took them long enough, but I have finally been recognized for having talents in areas besides “newspapering.”
I say “newspapering” instead of “journalism” because I never considered myself to be a “journalist.”
NEWS
EDITOR STEWART DOBSON; EXECUTIVE EDITOR STEVE GREEN
OC Today-Dispatch is published Fridays by FLAG Publications, Inc. 11934 Ocean Gateway, Suite 6, Ocean City, Md. 21842 410-723-6397 All content copyright 2025
By Stewart Dobson
Neither did a vast number of other people, according to 50-some years of letters to the editor noting that I was (A) An idiot; (B) A biased idiot; (C) A commie idiot; (D) A crayon-eatin’ ...
Anyway, I’ve never called myself a journalist because it sounds selfimportant, like an elevator operator telling people he is a vertical transportation technician, or a cowboy describing his occupation as “bovinologist, mounted division.”
If nothing else, that would ruin quite a few songs. I can’t imagine that Waylon and Willy would have sold many songs that went like this: “Mama, don’t let your babies grow up to be mounted bovinologists.”
The way I see it, a cowboy is a cowboy and a newspaperman is a newspaperman unless he has other previously undisclosed skills, as I apparently do.
That’s according to one of the deans of Purdue University, who was kind enough to
Have an opinion?
reach out to me earlier this week as I was going through my email.
Apparently, the dean has been following my career with some interest, otherwise she would not have written (really):
“Dear Stewart,
“Are you ready to take the next step in your nursing career?
“ Come back stronger with the power of Purdue behind you. Our CCNE-accredited online master’s in nursing degree is designed to help you balance your busy life with work and school — without sacrificing the rigor of a quality nursing education.”
Well, I’ve always liked nurses, rigorous or otherwise, and I’ve always wanted to balance my busy life with work and school. Besides, who am I to question the dean of the school of nursing of the global division of Purdue?
Obviously she knows more about me than I do. Otherwise she would not have invited me to “learn from experienced nursing faculty, sharing real-world expertise as you prepare for advanced practice roles.”
I think what this means is that I’ll reach a point in my nursing education where I’ll be able to look at human parts and innards without saying, “Whoooooaaaaa! What is THAT?”
On the other hand, I may skip nursing school and stick with the newspaper business, where you don’t have to know anything to have a successful career.
Think I’m kidding? I have 50-some years of letters to the editor attesting to that fact.
Between the Lines
By Steve Green
The divide between Ocean City and Maryland on offshore wind continues to widen. The state has always favored the offshore wind project off Ocean City’s coast, and the regulatory track was greased every step of the way. On the local front, a great majority of local folks most impacted vehemently oppose it. Ocean City’s concerns have led to a lawsuit to stop the project. President Trump has been Ocean City’s biggest ally due to his vehement opposition to offshore wind.
This week, the state celebrated a victory on the wind legal battle. On Wednesday, a press release issued by Maryland government had this headline, “Attorney General Brown Secures Court Victory Preventing Trump Administration from Halting Federal Wind Energy Permitting.” The presser was in reference to a federal judge in Massachusetts saying Trump’s administration cannot halt all permits and approvals for offshore wind developments. After the ruling, Brown said, “This decision is a win for Maryland families struggling to afford their utility bills and for the workers paid to build our State’s renewable energy infrastructure. Our lawsuit safeguards wind energy development ...” Gov. Wes Moore added, “This decision is a clear victory for Marylanders. Despite the president’s unlawful actions … Maryland is moving forward by cutting red tape and advancing the infrastructure that strengthens our economy.”
Strong talk by state officials that met a blunt response from Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan. While expressing disappointment in the ruling, Meehan said, “… the ruling does not impact the US Wind project because that project already had federal approval. In fact, we question why Attorney General Anthony Brown felt the need to spend Maryland taxpayer dollars on this lawsuit at all … we would encourage Attorney General Anthony Brown to focus on working toward developing responsible, cost-effective energy solutions that benefit Marylanders … not foreign corporations and hedge funds.”
It’s worth noting proceeds from Friday night’s 150th anniversary gala event in Ocean City are being directed to the current effort to stop offshore wind. ***
I love stories of local residents scoring success at any level in any field. Some situations are just higher profile than others. In the case of Decatur graduate Luke Mergott, it was on a national level last weekend.
Back in December of 2022, Mergott of Berlin committed to Duke University to play Division I football and enrolled in class that spring so he could play spring football. It meant leaving his high school early and giving up a part of his senior year. During the signing ceremony, all the speakers, including Principal Tom Sites and Coach Jake Coleman, hit on Mergott’s dedication and work ethic as a complete student-athlete. Coleman said, “he would come running up to me after practice and ask, ‘what can I do better?’ That was repeated every day. When your best player is a kid like Luke, it makes coaching easy.”
At that presser in December of 2022, Mergott said, “I have cried about three times in my life and this is one of those times. I just know Decatur is going to keep having days like this.” Mergott was right and just this month quarterback Johnny Hobgood committed to Sacred Heart University. Mergott’s former Decatur teammate, Brycen Coleman, plays at Vanderbilt. Several other studentathletes are on college rosters today for football. Mergott was right.
Last Saturday, on national television, Mergott, a sophomore linebacker for Duke University, dropped into coverage and intercepted a Virginia pass, sealing the overtime win and the team’s first ACC Championship in football in 50 years. It was his first career interception and an amazing play. Equally as impressive as the athletic feat was the humble way Mergott spoke after. I recall watching his signing day ceremony back in 2022 and seeing the same humble approach.
During the ESPN interview after the game, Mergott held the ball the entire time. In the interview, he said, “I want to start with all glory to God. He brought me here to this moment. He brought our entire team here. I am so thankful for him, he blesses all of us. … I love these boys to death. We are playing for each other, we don’t play for ourselves. We always play for each other, the man next to you. We love each other. … These are my brothers, that’s all it is, it’s just love …” A teammate passed by, saying, “He’s too humble, he’s too humble.” Duke Coach Manny Diaz spoke of the Berlin native in another postgame interview, saying, “Luke Mergott sums up the whole team. A guy who thought he was going to be back up. We have an injury … he’s played at a high level. He made the play of the season, what a play.”
Preservation alert: Save old Majestic Hotel sign in OC
By Robert M. Craig, Ph.D. Contributing Writer
Historic Preservation is not a term widely used in Ocean City. The town’s disinclination to preserve its historic buildings is too often the result of competing commercial interests, as the annual, off-season demolition of shingle-clad hotels, and the displacement of postwar motels with megachain hotels, and the razing of seaside cottages occupying prime real estate sites, each discloses.
The saving of the Life Saving Station (now museum), moved in December 1977 from its original site on the Boardwalk at Caroline Street to its current inlet site, was followed earlier this year by the praiseworthy opening of the former Bank of Ocean City as an affiliated local museum. Such dedication to the town’s patrimony was lauded as though saving a historic building every half century was commendable as an indication of the community’s noteworthy preservation consciousness.
The reality is that history is too often on the town’s back burner -- or did I miss a citywide celebration this year, with parades, fireworks, and celebratory gatherings, recognizing that 2025 is the 150th birthday of the 1875 founding of Ocean City?
No, the historic preservation news of 2025 was that the Beach Plaza Hotel was gone and the Majestic Hotel, aka Liberty Farms Hotel would celebrate its centennial with a wrecking ball: 1925-2025, RIP. Both hotels would join scores of Ocean City’s historic hotels that have met similar fates: the really early hostelries, the Seaside Hotel, and Congress Hall Hotel (lost to fire) and later the
Mount Pleasant, Rideau, Hastings, George Washington, Royalton, Mayflower, and Stephen Decatur simply razed to make way for concrete boxes with balconies. The 101-yearold Lankford Hotel, no longer family owned, may be next.
It's a small gesture, but a significant “sign of our times,” whenever fragments, or even surrogates, of our town’s past are preserved, while the actual landmark is razed. There are scale models of some of Ocean City’s historic hotels on display at the Life Saving Museum, and no doubt some history buffs have collected a shingle off a demolished hotel, or pasted old hotel postcards into photo albums, cherished as souvenirs.
In the light of our community’s systemic inability to preserve its ac-
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Among the legion of family and friends in attendance at the game in Charlotte, N.C. on Saturday was former coach Coleman, high school teammate Brycen Coleman (who plays at Vanderbilt University) and other Coleman family members, along with the Mergott family. Next up for Mergott is Duke will play Arizona St. on New Year’s Eve in the Tony the Tiger Sun Bowl in Texas. Coleman’s Vanderbilt team will also play on New Year’s Eve in the ReliaQuest Bown against Iowa in Tampa.
Pictured is the Majestic Hotel’s signage, located in Ocean City.
Snow Hill to bring schools and well back into limits
Officials say move will help secure funding and correct old boundary mistake
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) The town of Snow Hill is planning to reabsorb several properties on the edge of town, including three public schools and a municipal well.
Town Manager Rick Pollitt said plans call for a re-annexation of parcels on Coulbourne Lane now occupied by Snow Hill Middle School, Snow Hill Elementary School, and Cedar Chapel Special School.
But it’s not about the schools: a public well for drinking water is the focus of the initiative, and it happens to lie in the re-annexation footprint.
The schools are standing between the well and the existing town border, and the swath of properties must be contiguous to be annexed.
“Our principal motivator is to get the well back in the town limits, and the annexation is the tool that makes it happen,” he said. “It does help us by having that well in town limits and it opens the door
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Preservation encouraged in OC
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tual architectural landmarks, I now call for at least this small effort of historic preservation: Save the Majestic sign!
In the spring 2024 issue of SCA Journal (the scholarly journal of the national Society for Commercial Archaeology), I published an article entitled “Signs of Summer: Ocean City Resort Lodgings” featuring noteworthy signage throughout our town— striking displays of neon and roof-top supergraphics advertising hotels and motels, and described as “period” artefacts of their historic moment, including the Majestic sign.
Also featured in the article was the attention-grabbing but recently lost Alamo Motel neon sign on Route 50, with its tilted sombrero and vertical
lettering, that punctuated the principal highway approach into town.
Overnight, that landmark of roadside advertising suddenly disappeared. Indeed, the entire Alamo Motel, Ocean City’s first (1946), seemed annually in jeopardy. A few years ago the Alamo Motel was repainted in tropical colors, charming and a bit reminiscent of South Beach/Miami’s post-modern recoloring, and admittedly entirely inauthentic, but it appeared to be a new lease on life. When another season passed, under new owners, the pastel surfaces of the motel units were bludgeoned with a Prussian blue repainting of uniform unsightliness worthy of a traveling theatrical set for “Wicked.” The Alamo had gone Goth.
But at least the motel was not razed, history buffs observed, and we may be grateful that paint is reversable. However, the midnight disappearance of the historic Miami Motel sign, alerts us to the opportunity, perhaps urgency, to take steps to save the landmark Majestic Hotel sign, and the Ocean City Life Saving Museum (our repository of local history) should do so.
The Majestic sign is a classic postwar artefact supported by pipe columns, arranging its advertising lettering in four different fonts within a rectangle, ellipse, and trapezoid, and featuring a striking, sharp-edged, blue directional arrow pointing travelers off Baltimore Avenue to the oceanfront hotel. Such classic roadside signage is an art in and of itself, and is worthy of preservation.
Should we not move the Majestic sign to one of the Life Saving Museum sites and preserve it in honor of our town’s sesquicentennial? Majestic Hotel owners, are you listening? Donate to history and take it off your taxes.
(The writer, a Professor Emeritus, College of Design, Georgia Tech, is an architectural historian and Ocean City summer resident. He is also the author of Historic Lodgings of Ocean City: The Fisher Collection.)
Snow Hill eyes well annexation
for state funding opportunities, grants, and low interest loans if we need to beef up the well.”
The Coulbourne Lane well is one of three aquifer-fed drinking water wells located in Snow Hill. Other municipal production wells are on Washington Street and Ross Street, and all water drawn goes into a water treatment system.
Annexation had been completed about 15 years ago for a planned housing development called Summerfield. When that project failed to materialize, the property was de-annexed — but the mapping was not changed to reflect the de-annexation.
It meant that, on paper, the properties were still shown as being within the town’s municipal border. Staffers went on thinking that those properties were still in town limits, according to Pollitt, and had represented the land as such when applying for grants.
The school properties already enjoy public services and are tax-exempt, so adding them back onto town property won’t directly impact the town Pollitt also said.
He added that Worcester County Public Schools may end up saving some money because properties outside the municipal border are sup-
posed to pay double the rates for water access compared to properties located in town.
“It doesn’t change anything but protect our well property and give us access to funds we wouldn’t otherwise have,” Pollitt said.
The final piece of the puzzle is a residential sliver on a corner of a nearby residential parcel, on the middle school side. It will also need to be re-annexed from unincorporated Worcester County and put back into town limits, Pollitt added.
That property owner and leaders from the Worcester County Board of Education have signed off on a petition for annexation, and a pre-annexation resolution is being drawn up ahead of a public hearing. The town will cover the cost of land surveying and legal bills as administrative expense.
While the topic was discussed at the town council’s Dec. 2 work session, town leaders decided last year to make the change, according to Pollitt.
Moving forward, Town Attorney Maureen Howarth said two resolutions are forthcoming: one to adopt the annexation plan, and another formal resolution to annex the property. She also said the annexation plan will require a review by state and county agencies.
OBITUARIES
CATHERINE CLEARY
Ocean City
Catherine Louise “Kittylou” Cleary, 89, of Ocean City, passed away on December 2, 2025.
Born on May 5, 1936, in Tamaqua, Pa., she previously worked at the Pottsville Club, in Pottsville, Pa., before relocating to Ocean City, where she was employed at Ocean Downs Racetrack & Casino for 31 years.
Known for her vibrant personality, love of fashion, and joyful spirit, Kittylou cherished traveling, cooking, dancing, and being surrounded by people. She had a servant’s heart and touched the lives of many through her warmth
and humor. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Eugene Cleary; her daughter, Michelle Schoenfelder; her sister, Maryhelen Hosler; her brother, Kenneth Nace; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her two daughters, Patricia Cleary and Lugena Sasi; one brother, Charles Nace, whom she now joins in eternal rest. She will be remembered by her
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warm smile and pleasant personality. Funeral services will be at Holy Savior Church at 1705 Philadelphia Avenue in Ocean City on Dec. 16, 2025, at 10 a.m.
GRACE B. BOOKHEIMER
Ocean Pines
Grace Belle Bookheimer, 93, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Grace was born on August 4, 1932, in Indian Head, Maryland, to the late Herbert and Marian Miller.
As a young woman, Grace was a talented musician, playing the piano in bands and singing solos at various church functions. She married Paul D. Bookheimer, from Clairton, Pennsylvania, in 1956. Grace and Paul
lived in Washington, D.C., and Indian Head, before moving to Ocean Pines from Severna Park, Maryland, in 1981. She retired from the U.S. Department of Agriculture and had a successful career in real estate in Ocean City, Maryland. She loved family, friends, flowers, travel, books, and dogs.
She is survived by her son Carlton Bookheimer of Ocean Pines, Maryland and daughter Marian Rice of Midlothian, Virginia, two grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
“It’s never too late” was a phrase popular with her. Her smiling face and wit will be severely missed.
Internment will be at Cheltenham Veterans Cemetery in Cheltenham, Maryland on Saturday December 29, 2025 at 1pm following a private service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Coastal Hospice of Mayland’s Lower Eastern Shore. Letters of condolence may be sent to the
family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.
LOUISA HAYES
Ocean City
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Louisa Carroll McCabe Hayes, beloved wife, mother, and friend, who left us on November 30, 2025, at the age of 93. Born on September 7, 1932, in Washington, D.C., to the late Elmer and Sarah (Speakman) Wright, Louisa touched the lives of many with her warmth, kindness, and unwavering spirit.
Louisa will be forever remembered by her devoted husband of many years, John P. Hayes, and her cherished children: Carroll McCabe, Mary "Kathy" Monaco (James), Diane McCabe (Phil Everson), William McCabe, and Eugene McCabe II (Heather); stepchildren; Bonnie Knapp (Michael), Brent
Hayes (Jamie) and Carla Butler (Marvin). In addition, she leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and one great great grandchild. She was a loving matriarch who instilled the values of compassion and hard work in her family, guiding them through life's ups and downs with grace.
An accomplished purchasing agent for Daycon Products, Louisa was known for her keen sense of detail and dedication to her work, traits that served her well throughout her career. In her personal life, she was deeply involved in her community, being an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Landover Hills, St. Luke's Catholic Church in Ocean City, the Elks Lodge #2645 and (1776 Riverdale, MD), the Knights of Columbus, the Hibernians, the VFW and the Ocean City Play It Safe Program. Her commitment to service and community engagement inspired those around her, and her legacy of love and dedication will continue to resonate.
In addition to her parents Louisa was preceded in death by her first husband, Eugene A. McCabe, brother,
Grace Bookheimer
Louisa Hayes HHKKLL!!LL!!OOL
Ronald Wright; two sisters, Eva Whitsell, Doris Phelps.
A mass of Christian burial will be held at noon on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at St. Luke's Catholic Church, 9903 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, MD 21842 with a visitation one hour before the service. A Celebration of Life reception will immediately follow the Mass at Flamingo Coast, N. Division Street and the Boardwalk, Ocean City.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to Restless Leg Foundation 300 Bee Cave Road, Suite D206, Austin, TX. 78746, or the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 840692, Dallas, TX. 75284.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com
HARRY W. HUTCHINSON JR. Ocean City
On November 24, 2025, Harry W. “Woody” Hutchinson Jr. lost his brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Woody passed away at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born in 1947 to Harry W. Hutchinson Sr. and Marguerite L. Hutchinson in Princeton, Kentucky. Both of his parents preceded him in death. Woody attended Greenville High School in Greenville, Kentucky and graduated in 1966. After high school, Woody joined the Navy as an electrician and was assigned to the USS Seattle (AOE-3), a Sacramento-class fast combat support
ship. Following his tour on The Seattle, Woody was stationed at Lewes Naval Radio Station in Lewes, Delaware. He met and married Linda L. Rogers of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware in December of 1969. In June of 1973, they had their daughter, Amy. In 1974, Woody, Linda, and Amy moved to Ocean City. Woody was a lifetime member of the Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company and a member of American Legion Post 166. He worked in condominium maintenance and management and retired in 2014 from the English Towers Condominium where he spent 33 years as the resident manager. Following retirement, Linda and Woody returned to Delaware, settling in Milton,
Delaware. Always one to keep busy, Woody worked part-time at Quillen’s Hardware in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware until his illness in 2023.
Woody was an avid sportsman and hunter and loved the outdoors. While deer and duck hunting were his favorites, he participated in a wide variety of hunting activities. Woody could fix or build just about anything and was a highly skilled electrician, carpenter, and plumber. He loved to tinker in his shed or garage. An active member of the Masons and Tall Cedars of Lebanon International, Woody was active in his community and a dedicated supporter of those serving in the military, veterans, and first responders.
Woody is survived by his loving wife, Linda, and daughter, Amy Hutchinson, of Frederick, Maryland and her partner, Bill Bowbliss, and
three siblings: Donald (Sylvia) Hutchinson of Greenville, Kentucky, Larry (Joan) Hutchinson of Lexington, Kentucky and Karla (Keith) Pryor of Lewisburg, Kentucky. Additionally, he is survived by his father-in-law, Preston L. Rogers of Milton, Delaware, sister-in-law Barbara L. Rogers of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, and brotherin-law, David L. (Beth) Rogers, of North Port, Florida. Woody was blessed with many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Donations may be made in Woody’s honor to a charity of your choosing or to Beebe Healthcare, designate Tunnell Cancer Center, the local hospital that supported him during his cancer fight. A celebration of life memorial will be planned in early 2026.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting the website, www.melsonfuneralservices.com
H. Hutchinson Jr.
Sports & Recreation
Worcester Prep wins thriller at home in overtime, 49-48
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) What a nail biter it was on Tuesday night when Worcester Prep’s Fighting Mallards defeated the Eastern Shore Homeschool Mavericks in overtime, 49-48.
The night’s high scorer was senior Ben Anthony with 21 game points, including a runner in the lane at the buzzer in overtime to send the crowd wild.
The Mallards came out hot in the first quarter, taking a 14-1 lead after a quarter. In the second, the Mavericks regroup, cutting the Mallards lead to 23-16 at the half.
In the third quarter, the Mavericks doubled down taking the quarter, 126. The Mallards’ huge early lead had been cut to 29-28.
The excitement started in the fourth quarter with no more than four points
separating the teams at any time. What made the difference was Maverick C. Brown scoring on foul shots. The end
Mallards fly past Herons in
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team is continuing to shine and mature beating Gunston 51-24 on Tuesday night at home.
Sophomore Carolina Labin the led team with 12 points. She explained her growth, “Honestly, I think this year, I’m learning to share the ball a little better, because last year I was a bit of a ball hog. I’m definitely learn-
ing how to see the court better and know where my players are so I can give them a clean pass and they can be open. … I just love playing. Over the summer, I played with boys a lot more, which definitely helped me with the physicality and to keep my composure when I got fouled. Just be able to play, a little bit more in control.”
The first quarter was a tight 9-8 with the Mallards in the lead. Labin and Addi Walsh both scored three points each Labin a basket and a foul
2nd half, 51-24
shot while Walsh scored one of her two three pointers with the second coming in the third quarter.
The second quarter brought out the fight in the Mallards overwhelming Gunston, 12-2. Going into half time the score was 21-10.
With a full bench, the team was able to use substitutions to allow players to refuel. The third quarter was 149 with three pointers from Walsh and Ayla Yonker. The Mallards were ahead 35-19 entering the fourth quar-
ter. Worcester Prep dominated the fourth, 16-5, to secure the win.
After the game, Head Coach Kelly Roberts said, “We need to work on missed shots, little extra two and three shots with rebounding and then just turnovers, but otherwise, a lot of our stuff in our arsenal, we used and they did really good on. Pressing, man to man. Offense was working, everybody pretty much got to play. So, they all got in.”
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Sophomore Carolina Labin, high scorer for the night, is pictured securing a rebound and looking for an open teammate.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS Guard Addie Walsh heads up the court during the game against Gunston on Tuesday.
PHOTO COURTESY SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Senior Ben Anthony scored the game winner against the Mavericks on Tuesday night.
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Senior forward Jeremy Forman drives to the hoop for a bucket on Tuesday.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLORWALLS
Seahawks jump out to early lead at home, crush Jaguars
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(Dec. 12, 2025) Stephen Decatur’s girls high school varsity basketball team came out strong for their first game of the season, cruising against Washington High School’s Jaguars to an 83-26 win.
‘Big Ben’ scores winner in OT
of the fourth quarter was a tie at 41-41.
Then the real excitement started.
Freshman Benjamin Rafinski hit a three pointer in overtime, senuior Jeremy Forman made a foul shot and Anthony scored four points in the overtime, including the last basket being at the buzzer. The final score was 49-48.
made several full court runs making 7 points. Holland had five third quarter points. Gunther contributed four points with 21 total game points. Decatur led 63-10 after three quarters.
Play in the fourth quarter was a little more even but the rout was secured with the game ending 83-26.
Junior Maliyah Manuel said, “I feel like it was good. We could have done better passes, better on our offense and gotten to our offense more and made easier points.”
“What an exciting game and exciting finish. I mean, we started really strong and played really well first half,” said Head Coach Eddie Rohe. “Unfortunately, foul trouble got us and al-
lowed them to come back in, had to sit my starting guard Paxton (Mault) out, had to sit him most of the second half, he picked up the third foul halfway through the second quarter, and that was a big force.
“But you know our guys, Big Ben he got the last one. A couple things that didn’t go our way tonight, but that’s okay, we got the W and boy it was an exciting one. It’s going to be a great game next time we see them. I know that’s for sure. But we’re going to be ready and we’re going to take care of business.” Continued from Page 68
The first quarter set the pace for the rest of the night with the Seahawks leading the way 14 -1. Maleah Blake scored four points, Maia Holland sank one from the line, Lila Gunther had four points, while Panyn Tyre and Makinley Conway had a point apiece.
In the second quarter Seahawks doubled down with five baskets from Tyre, three from Gunther, two by Maliyah Manuel and one each from Blake and Holland for 24 points in the quarter. Jaguars scored 6 points, resulting in the Seahawks maintaining a 38-7 lead at half.
During the third quarter, Blake scored three of her four three pointers. She was the game high scorer with 22 total game points. Manuel
Head Coach Cory Holland said about the season opener, “I thought it was an excellent game tonight. I thought defensively, we did some things very well. We really need to work on the offensive end of the floor. But overall, I thought the girls were a little bit nervous to start the season off, but they battled themselves back. They did a really good job of moving the basketball in the second half.”
The next home game is Friday at 5:30 pm against Queen Anne’s County High School. This game was postponed due to last Friday’s snow.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Driving down the court for Decatur was Maleah Blake, who scored 22 points in the easy win over the Jaguars.
PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN TAYLOR-WALLS
Maliyah Manuel, who scored 15 game points, is shown driving to the point with authority.
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