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January 19, 2024

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Officials To Explore Public Comments

See Page 4 • Photo by Charlene Sharpe

County Eyes $14M In New Tax Revenue

A Beach Dusting:

For a few hours on Monday afternoon, the beach and Boardwalk were coated with snow.

Photos by Chris Parypa

By Tuesday morning, rising temperatures and rain made it all a memory.

See Page 10 • File Photo by Chris Parypa

Museum’s Restoration Project On Track

See Page 18 • Submitted Photo

Arctic Bird Discovered In Ocean City

See Page 14 • Submitted Photo

Page 2

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January 19, 2024

January 19, 2024

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Commissioners Vote To Change No Public Comment Policy

Page 4

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The Worcester County Commissioners this week voted 5-2 to find a way to work public comments into their meetings.

While some expressed interest in one-on-one communication with constituents rather than public comments during meetings, the majority of the commissioners voted to develop a method to accept public comment going forward.

“I think it’s time we institute a vehicle for public comment,” Commissioner Joe Mitrecic said. “I think it’s important our constituency feel they’re being heard.”

When it came time for comments from the commissioners at the end of Tuesday’s meeting, Mitrecic referenced last week’s editorial in The Dispatch that highlighted the fact the commissioners in Worcester County were one of the few bodies that didn’t accept public comment during public meetings. The editorial resulted in an online petition drive to encourage public comments being created by the Worcester United Facebook group, which has more than 650 members. The petition secured more than 260 signatures in three days. Mitrecic said he wanted to see the change and made a motion to find a way to incorporate public comments into meetings.

Commissioner Ted Elder agreed and said that government officials had a duty to listen to their constituents. He said even when the commissioners were required to host public hearings on certain topics it seemed as if their minds were already made up and they didn’t take the comments that were received into account.

“We have people on this board that won’t pay attention to it,” he said. “They have preset notions and that’s the way it’s going to be. I think that’s a disservice to the public.”

Commissioner Diana Purnell echoed Elder’s comments. She pointed out that a decision from earlier in Tuesday’s meeting regarding Diakonia might have been different if the commissioners had heard comments from the public.

“We need the public down here to govern what we’re doing,” she said.

“We’re making life changing decisions

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Officals To Consider Options For Input

in this county.”

Commissioner Caryn Abbott told her peers transparency had been a key campaign issue for her. Nevertheless, she said she’d found success communicating directly with people in her district. She said her phone number was online and she was accessible.

“The people that have been wanting public comment, I’ve asked them to call me and not one has,” she said.

Abbott said she also hosted town hall meetings in her district.

“I don’t know how I could be any more accessible but I’m only speaking for myself,” she said.

Mitrecic said the public comment issue dovetailed on the push he’d made for meeting video to be streamed when he’d first gotten elected. He detailed the way the Town of Ocean City incorporated public comment into meetings and said there could be other options to be explored. He said it was time to allow public comments so that more than county staff and newspaper reporters would be in attendance at commissioners’ meetings.

Commissioner Chip Bertino objected to Elder’s assertion that some minds were made up before public hearings were held.

“I don’t think it’s fair,” he said. “I don’t think it’s accurate.”

Bertino said government worked best when it was effective and that depended on interaction between officials and the public.

“Public comments in my experience, having spent many years as a reporter covering meetings, public comments don’t necessarily provide more effective government,” he said. “Sometimes they can be a stage for theatrics.”

He said the opportunity for elected officials and constituents to engage with each other provided for better discussion.

“My experience with public comments is it’s a one-way street and there isn’t the back and forth, the opportunity to spend more time on a particular sub-

ject and have a back and forth engagement on a particular issue or a particular question,” Bertino said. “It’s one minute, two minutes, three minutes of a oneway dialogue. I don’t know that that makes for a more effective government which I think all of us up here want.”

He said he’d held town hall meetings for years and was typically joined by Commissioner Jim Bunting.

“Those are a heck of a lot more productive,” he said.

Bertino said the issues considered by elected officials were complex and that commissioners benefited from direct conversations with the people in their districts. He added that when constituents brought an issue to their representative, that commissioner brought it to the group as a whole.

“We’ve all brought discussion to this group on issues that have been important to our district, or individuals, “he said.” We certainly all get emails and texts. We’ve brought those to the group.”

Abbott said she’d spoken during the public comment period during Worcester County Board of Education meetings for the past few years.

“I found it very cold,” she said. “You come in, you speak for two minutes to people that may or may not even gesture that they see you. The only thing we’ve been able to get accomplished in the three years is they now livestream the meetings.”

She said that was why she felt oneon-one discussions with citizens were more effective. Commissioner Eric Fiori agreed. He said earlier in Tuesday’s meeting, during a public hearing on a growth allocation request, a citizen had voiced concerns and raised questions.

The commissioners then had staff address those questions.

“That kind of interaction is so much more effective than someone just coming up on an open comment, spouting out their opinion and walking away…,” he said. “I think it’s counterproductive.”

Fiori said he wanted transparency and would support allowing public com-

January 19, 2024

ment if there was a way to do it differently than what is seen at some meetings.

Purnell said public meetings should be public meetings.

“Public meetings,” she said. “That’s the operative word — public. What we have 99% of the time is department heads. Sometimes we need to hear from the public. We need that to help us make our decisions.”

Fiori agreed but said issuing a blanket yes or no on public comment was not the way to go.

“If we put some framework in place that allows effective public comment, I don’t think anyone would be opposed to doing that,” he said. “I think we need to think about this and see a way constituents can come and speak with us in an effective way... I think we need to structure a system that works for both the constituents and for the sake of the meeting and time allowed.”

Mitrecic said that’s what his motion was — to have staff work on finding a way the commissioners could incorporate public comment.

“It was to come up with a mechanism,” he said.

Bertino maintained that the commissioners were accessible. He pointed to an issue on Tuesday’s agenda regarding the need to ask the state for drainage improvements on Route 12.

“That was an email that I received,” he said. “I received it from an individual not even in my district asking that we look into it. It was immediately put on the agenda, and we acted on it accordingly. That’s effective governance.”

Bertino added that regardless of who was president of the board, they granted requests from fellow commissioners to put items on the agenda.

Bunting said he’d been a commissioner for 13 years and had seen the public comment issue come up before. He said that adding public comments to the agenda could take away the commissioners’ ability to control and run the meeting.

“We have public comments on what’s necessary,” he said.

He added that his phone number was available to the public and he was willing to talk to citizens about whatever concerned them.

Campground Expansion Advances

January 19, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County officials approved a growth allocation request this week that is expected to allow a local campground to expand.

The Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously on Tuesday to reclassify 33 acres from Resource Conservation Area (RCA) to Limited Development Area (LDA). The critical area designation change, which was previously given a favorable recommendation by the Worcester County Planning Commission, is expected to allow the Island Resort Campground in Newark to expand.

“Staff looked through the project and we thought it was a good fit based upon the expansion of the existing campground,” said David Bradford, the county’s deputy director of environmental programs.

Island Resort Campground, which is on land that was previously home to a surface mine (borrow pit), got a special exception approval that allowed it to open as a campground in 2005, according to attorney Mark Cropper.

When the zoning code changed in 2009, the campground became a legal non-conforming use. He said the growth allocation request would allow the facility to add 62 more campsites.

According to county staff, Worcester County has 369 acres of growth allocation available in the Atlantic Coastal Bays Critical Area Program. The Island Resort request would use 33 acres of that allocation.

Cropper said the proposal was consistent with the county’s comprehensive plan and would still need to be approved by the Worcester County Board of Zoning Appeals.

During Tuesday’s public hearing, South Point resident Stephen Katsanos voiced opposition to the request. He said there were unresolved zoning issues that needed to be addressed and pointed to provisions in the code that address improvements to habitat and water quality. He said he didn’t think the campground expansion was consistent with the comprehensive plan,

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

as the plan stressed the value of protecting the county’s agricultural and rural heritage.

Katsanos also expressed concerns about water quality in Newport Bay. “You have tidal influences there that will make that area basically a sink for whatever runoff comes off of this site or adjoining sites,” he said. “I think you need to consider the water quality impacts as well as the economic impacts of this proposal.”

A written comment submitted by residents of Cropper Island Road cited traffic concerns.

“The walkability of our road is already limited as there are no sidewalks or shoulders and the rampant disregard of speed limits, primarily by campers,” the email from Judy and Brian Wilbur said. It went on to suggest the campground have a separate entrance on Route 113 instead of access via Cropper Island Road.

The commissioners asked Bob Mitchell, the county’s director of environmental programs, to address the questions raised by Katsanos. Mitchell said staff had reviewed the request thoroughly and pointed out the property was a borrow pit even before it was a campground.

“The agricultural significance of the property is probably minimal,” Mitchell said. “That really goes into the history of what we’re looking at with this site.”

Bradford said the campground would be planting more trees than it was clearing for the expansion. He also mentioned the stormwater management requirements the project would have as well as forest conservation requirements. He added that a recent wetlands delineation had identified all of the sensitive areas on the property.

Bradford said the county’s 369 acres of growth allocation was rarely utilized and should last the county many years.

“We’ve only used 75 acres in the past 20 years,” he said. “A very small amount. We don’t use it that often.”

The commissioners voted unanimously to approve the growth allocation request.

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Page 5

Ocean City Jeep Week Approved For New May Date

Page 6

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Jeep Week will return this year, but on a different weekend.

On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted to approve the return of Ocean City Jeep Week, scheduled for May 9-12, 2024.

Applicant Amanda Cropper, representing OC4WD, said the change of date is just one change meant to boost participation in the yearly event.

“During COVID we did see a huge drop in numbers, dropping down to about 750 participants,” she said. “So we would like to get our numbers back and possibly surpass what we had previously.”

Last year, the town’s special events department received applications for two Jeep-related events on the same week in

August 2024. While one of those events – Ocean City Jeep Fest – was approved by the council last week, Jeep Week organizers opted to move their event to a new weekend, May 9-12.

Jeep Week representative Will Lynch told the council Tuesday the move was made so as not to compete with the Great Smokey Mountain Jeep Invasion. He said the scale of the Tennessee-based event made it difficult to attract vendors and participants to Ocean City.

“That event is drawing 30, 40, 50,000 people,” he explained. “It’s in a huge fairgrounds, and it’s gotten to the point where we can’t compete with that event. We’re losing some of our vendors, we’re losing some of our participants to it. So what we’re after now is a change of dates, moving our event to the spring so we don’t have to compete head to head with an ev-

ent of that size.”

Lynch said this year’s Ocean City Jeep Week would be similar to previous events.

He noted, however, that a request was being made for a different layout.

“We want to move our vendors and our Show and Shine from the convention center to the Inlet parking lot,” he said. “Other than that, we want to do our beach parade, our sand course, everything we’ve done in the past. We just want to move the location and the date.”

Cropper said the north end of the Inlet parking lot closest to the pier would be utilized for Jeep Week activities. Lynch added that the event would continue to feature its traditional sand course, but with a Show and Shine area to the east.

“We did the Show and Shine previously in the convention center parking lot, and that area on the beach we used as a stag-

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January 19, 2024

ing for the sand course,” he said of prior year events. “So it’s not additional area, we’re just using it for a different purpose this year.”

Lynch said that by moving the vendor and Show and Shine area to the Inlet parking lot, participants could take advantage of nearby Boardwalk attractions.

“If we can put our event in the hub of everything else that’s happening, it would be a win-win,” he said.

Officials noted Jeep Week would also feature daily morning Jeep parades, which would move north from the Inlet parking lot to 30th Street. Organizers, however, shared their concerns that the reversal from the traditional south-bound route would create issues.

“My biggest concern going south to north is that we’re worried about creating a bottleneck at the beach crossing at 30th Street where we would come off,” Lynch said. “Right now, we go on at 30th Street and dump them into five or six lanes down to the Inlet parking lot to quickly get people off the beach.”

Lynch said he also shared his concerns that Jeeps would have to traverse the roadways on deflated tires. He noted that air inflation stations were located at the Inlet.

“When they leave 30th Street, they have to drive from 30th street to the Inlet with low air pressure,” he said.

Special Events Coordinator Lisa Mitchell told council members that parade routes in 2023 ran from south to north and that there had been no bottlenecking when leaving the beach. She added that the police department preferred the new route, as it did not require the closure of Coastal Highway and Baltimore Avenue for Jeeps to access the beach.

“According to the police department, switching it and moving north worked very well with them,” she said.

Councilman Will Savage questioned if the Jeep parade could turn around on the beach and return to the Inlet parking lot.

Special Events Director Frank Miller said that both the beach patrol and risk management shared concerns regarding that proposal.

“What their concern was is when you go into a situation where you are turning, you are going to start creating a lot more ruts,” he said. “So there was concerns over those ruts, how many there were and how deep they were for that turning location and what that would do who are walking.”

For his part, Council Secretary Tony DeLuca questioned the new event date.

He asked if organizers were willing to move the event to April. Organizers said that could present another issue.

“April is also one of the biggest Jeep events we would have to compete against, which is Daytona Beach,” Cropper replied.

“And there are a lot of people and a lot of vendors that go there that would not be able to come here. Theirs is a 10-day event.”

After further discussion about the proposed parade route and Inlet parking, the council voted 4-3, with DeLuca and Councilmen Peter Buas and Frank Knight opposed, to approve the request as presented, but to allow the organizers to come back with an alternate parade route if they could mitigate the town’s concerns.

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 7

Divided Commission Votes Against OC’s Sewer Offer To Diakonia

Page 8

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Diakonia will not be able to get sewer capacity from the Town of Ocean City following a decision by county officials this week.

On Tuesday, a motion in front of the Worcester County Commissioners to support the nonprofit Diakonia’s plan to use sewer capacity from Ocean City for a new facility on Route 611 failed with a 3-4 vote.

Opponents of the agreement between Diakonia and the Town of Ocean City said it wasn’t fair to other entities in West Ocean City that have been waiting for sewer capacity.

“I think the question is much larger than Diakonia,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

After the Town of Ocean City advised the county in November that it was willing

to provide Diakonia with the sewer capacity needed for its planned expansion, Diakonia officials said in December the issue still hadn’t been resolved. In order for the connection to take place, the county would need to modify its service area.

Commissioner Joe Mitrecic brought the issue up last month and the Diakonia request was included on Tuesday’s agenda.

Before it came up, however, the commissioners voted unanimously to begin talks with the Town of Ocean City regarding the possibility of the town granting the county sewer capacity since Mystic Harbour service area is at maximum capacity.

“In light of the Mystic Harbour service area reaching maximum sewer capacity, thereby limiting development in that area, staff would like to open conversations with the Town of Ocean City to work out a broader agreement on accessing additional capacity in a mutually beneficial

way,” the memo to the commissioners read.

Following that vote, Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said staff was seeking guidance regarding the Town of Ocean City’s offer to provide sewer capacity to a new Diakonia facility.

“Diakonia does a tremendous service to all of Worcester County,” Mitrecic said.

“The Town of Ocean City recognizes that and wanted to be a partner in helping the citizenry of Worcester County that need the services from Diakonia. That’s why they offered up this sewer flow for nothing basically. It’s the right thing to do. I think it’s the right thing for us to do to move forward with this … to take care of the paperwork to make this happen.”

Mitrecic said the nonprofit had grants and was ready to fundraise for the new facility but needed to acquire EDUs (equivalent dwelling units) to move forward.

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“Right now, we’re holding up something that’s really going to help the people of the county,” he said.

Commissioner Eric Fiori agreed that Diakonia was a great organization.

“All the work they do is really well done.

It improves our county. But we also have to look at how we got in this situation to start with,” Fiori said. “We have inadequate flow on 611, from tons of approvals through the years. The level playing field is something we have to acknowledge as county leadership. We can’t give one project an advantage.”

Fiori said there could be another project waiting for EDUs that would bring hundreds of jobs to the area. He said it shouldn’t be up to the commissioners to decide which project was more important.

“That’s why we’re going to enter talks with the Town of Ocean City,” he said.

Commissioner Ted Elder asked if there was a cost to approving the request.

“On our end it’s just staff time,” Young said. “Not saying that won’t be significant but that’s part of their jobs. There’s no real cost to us here.”

Mitrecic said Diakonia wasn’t asking for anything other than the county’s approval.

“You all may have a lot more faith that Ocean City’s going to open up their sewer to West Ocean City but I don’t have that faith,” he said. “I sat on that council. I remember the days when the county was asked to participate in the upgrade of the sewer plant over there and they said no.

The people in the Town of Ocean City paid for that. Nobody else in Worcester County paid for that upgrade.”

Mitrecic stressed that the town was not going to provide flow to businesses that were outside the resort and would compete with businesses in the Town of Ocean City. He added that Diakonia had taken the initiative to make the request to the Town of Ocean City.

“I imagine anybody else could go ask Ocean City for that flow,” he said.

“You just said they would not give it to anyone else,” Fiori responded. “How is that level?”

Mitrecic said the town made its own decisions.

“You want to give everybody out there flow through OC in order for it to be a level playing field. The county had that chance,” he said, referencing discussions that occurred previously between the president and vice president of the commissioners and Ocean City officials.

“I don’t know where those talks went but they must have gone south at some point,” he said.

Bertino, who with Commissioner Jim Bunting and county staff met with Ocean City leaders, said there had been problematic restrictions that would have been attached to any flow the county could get from Ocean City.

“The conversations really got no further, that’s why we had the conversation a few minutes ago to restart those conversations,” he said.

Bertino said the issue was bigger than Diakonia and its request.

“One of the realities is people who have their businesses or reside within county limits should not have to go to Ocean City SEE PAGE 43

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 9

County Expects $14M In New Tax Revenue From Assessments

Page 10

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – The county will see about $14 million in additional revenue related to the latest property reassessments.

Phil Thompson, the county’s finance officer, provided the Worcester County Commissioners with an update regarding property tax revenues this week. While the state released the information in late December, Thompson said it was important to consider details beyond the 46% increase the county experienced.

“It’s important to point out the percentage increase noted in the headline and

Property Values Soar In Latest Cycle

through the document is the total value increase, which will either be phased in equally over a three-year period or possibly limited for those taxpayers participating in the Homestead Credit program,” Thompson said.

In late December, the Maryland State Department of Assessments and Taxation (SDAT) announced the 2024 reassessment of nearly 800,000 “Group 3” properties. Statewide, the overall value for that group of properties was up 23.4% since

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the last reassessment three years ago.

Here in Worcester County, there was a 46.1% increase in the value of properties reassessed, which were in Ocean City.

“Effectively almost exclusively Ocean City,” Thompson said.

In Worcester Couty, Group 3 residential values increased from $7,837,587,900 in 2021 to $11,576,277,100 in 2024, a 47.7% increase. Commercial values jumped from $926,276,300 in 2021 to $1,227,132,100, a 32.5% increase. Combined, the county’s residential and commercial Group 3 values increased from $8,763,864,200 to $12,803,409,200, or 46.1%.

Thompson said that while the 46.1% figure was a substantial increase, it was going to be phased in over three years. It could also be impacted by the number of property owners who have the Homestead Tax Credit.

“Based on the data and the limiting factors we anticipate the FY25 property tax revenue will increase by about 7.9%,” he said.

He pointed out that Worcester County has the third lowest Homestead Tax Credit Rate in the state at 3% as well as the third lowest property tax rate in the state.

“As for the reassessment process the SDAT uses numerous factors to deter-

January 19, 2024

mine the value of a property, including recent comparable real estate sales data and the estimated cost of construction,” Thompson said. “The robust real estate market we’ve experienced in recent years combined with escalating construction costs were major factors in the reassessment.”

He said that property tax revenue made up the majority of the county’s revenue.

“We’ll continue to monitor this and other revenue items,” he said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino asked if the increase had already been worked into budget projections.

Candace Savage, the county’s deputy chief administrative officer, said the figures had been included in early budget discussions.

“The total increase as Mr. Thompson said is $14 million,” she said. “When we apply that to the overall budget, we’re looking at a total budget increase of about 5.5% just based off of the property tax portion.”

She added that initial SDAT estimates had been provided to the county Nov. 30 so staff had been aware of the pending increase in property tax revenues.

“We are updated twice a year, Nov. 30 and March 31,” Thompson said. “Typically the November one sets the trend or the tone for the upcoming budget.”

He stressed that expenditures were a separate issue.

“We have some additional expenses we’re considering as well,” Savage said.

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 11

OC Council OK’s Powerboat Racing Event For June 7-9

Page 12

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week voted to approve a terms sheet for this year’s Race World Offshore Boat Race, which will be supported by a $110,000 contribution from Ocean City.

On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a terms sheet for the Race World Offshore (RWO) Boat Race, to be held June 7-9. In a presentation this week, Special Events Director Frank Miller said the terms sheet outlines general event information, locations, budget and the responsibilities of both the race organizer and the town.

“As you recall, we brought RWO powerboat race in front of council previously, at which point you had approved our continued effort to move forward with this event opportunity,” he said. “Our goal was

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to bring a terms sheet in front of you, as well as a budget for the elements the town will be producing as part of this effort.”

The terms sheet presented to the council Tuesday describes the boat race event as a Town of Ocean City special event, with the tourism department as the producer and RWO, the race sanctioning body, as the race organizer.

Miller said that while the town would be responsible for things like permits, public viewing sites and producing of non-race public elements, RWO would be responsible for things like race functionality, vessel inspections and helicopter services for video footage. The terms sheet also includes a cancellation policy and proposed dates for years two and three of the event. The RWO powerboat race is anticipated to return June 6-8, 2025 and June 5-7, 2026.

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“This is a one-year event agreement with two date holds looking out to 2025 and 2026,” Miller said. “It includes a general timeline on how days will be laid out and breaks out responsibilities of the town, the host, and RWO, the race organizer.”

Miller said the event would feature an offshore race area – which would span from the Inlet to as far north as 32nd Street – a dry pit area at the convention center and a wet pit area at Sunset Marina. Since the layout spans into West Ocean City, Miller said the event must seek approval from Worcester County.

When asked if the town had reached out to county staff, Miller said he had been in contact with the county’s recreation and parks director. He noted the county had approved similar events in the past, but on a smaller scale.

“They are reviewing an application draft

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January 19, 2024

we’ve given them …,” he said. “We are asking a little more from them, so we will see how it goes.”

Miller told the council the terms sheet also outlines fees and costs. He said the agreement provides RWO with a contribution of $110,000 in the first year.

“That’s $75,000 coming from tourism and the residual amount of $35,000 coming from monies earmarked for use by the air show in the fiscal year 2024 budget,” he said. “As you are aware, the air show, which is normally in June, will be held in August, which pushes it into the fiscal year 2025 budget. So the monies earmarked in 2024 will not be used for the air show.”

Miller added that there would be public viewing areas on the beach for the powerboat races. But unlike the air show, there will be no infrastructure in the sand.

“It will likely be on private property,” he said.

Council President Matt James noted the event called for closures of northbound Baltimore Avenue from 15th to 20th streets for a static boat display and merchandise sales. Miller noted that the plan had the support of both the Ocean City Police Department and Ocean City Fire Department.

Miller explained the event will have emergency, medical and operations plans, as well as insurance coverage. He also outlined the revenues and expenses associated with the RWO event. He said potential revenues totaled $78,000, while expenses – including the $110,000 contribution – totaled $165,000.

“We’re hopefully forecasting we can make a net profit on this event, even in its first year,” he said. “And that’s using conservative attendance numbers in terms of what we will have for revenue streams.”

Mayor Rick Meehan questioned if the $75,000 from the tourism department was a grant. Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said it was the same funds normally used for the former Tourism Advisory Board.

“This is just year one,” Perlozzo said of the contribution. “In years two and three, we’ve got a state grant to cover the cost. It’s just a jumpstart thing.”

Meehan also questioned if there would be a television component to the powerboat races.

Roderick Cox of Cox Group said RWO was hoping to work with local radio stations to offer live coverage.

He said races would also be livestreamed.

“We will livestream it, as we’ve found most people, fans and teams prefer to have content live,” he explained. “That will be broadcast on our Facebook and YouTube channel around the world.”

When asked about the number of boats expected to participate, Cox said he anticipated between 40 and 45. He added that there was no minimum number of boats needed for the event to proceed, as the event was part of a racing series that attracted several participants.

“We look forward to having a good turnout here,” he said.

Following Tuesday’s presentation, the council voted unanimously to approve the event as presented.

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 13

Arctic Bird Found In Ocean City

Page 14

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A recent storm brought a visitor from the Arctic to Ocean City.

Last Wednesday, following the storm that brought strong winds and rain to Delmarva, a Bishopville family pulled a tiny dovekie, a small black and white bird from the Arctic, out of the surf. After being saved from the waves and dried off, the bird returned to the skies, presumably to get back to its pelagic lifestyle.

“I feel lucky to have been in the right place at the right time,” said Caleb Miller, who found the bird. “Simply to have seen it and experienced that with my wife and kids, it was a really neat experience.”

Miller and his family took to the beach in Ocean City last Wednesday, eager to see what the waves had washed up during the previous day’s storm. Around 15th Street, Miller caught sight of something in the surf being bashed around a little bit.

Thinking it was a black and white ball, he walked to the water’s edge to pick it up, only to find that it was a small bird. He brought it onto the beach and sat it down. He and his kids initially thought it was a baby penguin.

“It wasn’t until my wife got some pictures and we were able to pull it up on Google image search that we realized what it was,” he said.

Miller was sure once he sat the bird on dry land it would shake its wings off and fly away. Instead, the seabird just rolled ar-

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ound on the sand. At that point, Miller used his shirt to dry the animal off and placed him in his jacket pocket.

A few minutes later he said the bird’s whole demeanor changed. By the time he sat the bird back down on the ground and started searching his phone for local bird rescues, the bird opened its wings and took off back into the sky.

“He decided to be on his way after we got him warm and dry,” Miller said.

Miller’s dovekie wasn’t the only one spotted on the shore following last week’s storm. Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research Inc. admitted four dovekies, according to its Facebook page.

“We recently admitted four dovekies for care, which is unusual,” a post on the page reads. “Dovekies are a pelagic species, living nearly all their life far from land in the waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean. They nest in the Arctic on rocky cliffs or rocky islands within large glaciers, where they are protected from wind and predators.”

The rescue said that dovekies are sometimes found on the East Coast after strong winds push weakened birds toward land.

“After doing more research, we found out it’s pretty rare for people to see these birds,” Miller said. “They live on the ocean, they don’t live on land.”

He’s convinced that the dovekie he found wouldn’t have survived if it hadn’t been pulled from the waves and given some time to recover.

“It was neat to see an Arctic bird in our

January 19, 2024

Bishopville resident Caleb Miller, above, found a dovekie, a small Arctic bird, on the beach in Ocean City following last Tuesday's storm.

Submitted Photo

area,” he said. “It was interesting because after the bird took off we walked down the beach some more and we found some

huge conch and welch shells. My daughter said that was our payment for helping the bird—the ocean left us some gifts.”

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Congressman To Host Offshore Wind Hearing

January 19, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – A public hearing is expected to give expert witnesses an opportunity to testify on the local impacts of offshore wind.

On Saturday, Jan. 20, Congressman Andy Harris will hold a public hearing on the effects of offshore wind. Harris said he, along with New Jersey Congressmen Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith, will host experts in industries directly impacted from proposed offshore wind projects off Maryland’s coast.

“I think the more people understand the difficulties and problems associated with offshore wind, the less likely it will be that they want to proceed with it,” he said.

Harris said the meeting will give witnesses a chance to talk about the effects offshore wind could have on the fishing industry, the environment, the energy sector and the economy. Their presentations, he said, will be followed by questions from the three congressmen whose districts are directly impacted.

Harris said representatives from US Wind, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have also been invited to participate.

“It’s up to them whether they want to attend …,” he said. “But they are invited to make their case.”

The hearing on offshore wind will be held Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City.

The hearing will be conducted as a normal congressional hearing, including expert testimony and questioning, according to a news release.

Officials add that the event is open to the public, and that those interested in attending can RSVP at https://harris.house.gov/offshore-wind-hearing-rsvp.

Seating will be available, and doors open at 1:30 p.m.

“I hope attendees understand there are serious problems with offshore wind and it’s a very expensive solution to a problem. I believe it also hurts our defense posture as well …,” Harris said.

“It’s not ready for primetime, and it’s certainly not ready off Maryland’s coast.”

As proposed, US Wind plans to construct up to 121 wind turbines, up to four offshore substation platforms and one meteorological tower within an offshore lease area located approximately 8.7 nautical miles from Ocean City’s shoreline and nine nautical miles from Sussex County, Del. If approved, BOEM reports the project could generate between 1,100 and 2,200 megawatts of renewable energy for the Delmarva Peninsula and support up to 2,600 jobs annually throughout the development and construction phases.

BOEM is expected to issue a final environmental impact statement and record of decision on the US Wind project in late 2024.

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WCHD

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New Date, Location For County Fair

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

BY CHARLENE SHARPE

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

A photo from the 2023 Worcester County Fair shows vendors and attendees at Byrd Park.

File Photo

SNOW HILL – Worcester County Recreation and Parks will be taking a lead role in hosting the Worcester County Fair in 2024.

After several years at Byrd Park in Snow Hill, the 2024 Worcester County Fair is expected to take place Aug. 8-11 at John Walter Smith Park. The change in date and location comes as the county’s recreation and parks team takes a leadership role in producing the annual event.

“We really want to put on fair that our citizens are proud of and are excited to attend and showcase the agriculture that Worcester County has to offer,” said Kelly Rados, the county’s director of recreation and parks.

While the idea of the county taking a

January 19, 2024

more active role in the Worcester County Fair has been discussed for some time, Rados and other recreation and parks staff met with the Worcester County Fair Board last week to finalize plans. They agreed that Rados and her department would not only get more involved with the event but would take on the leadership responsibilities.

“The current fair board would then serve in more of an advisory capacity,” Rados said.

She added that fair board officials are excited about having her department’s support and assistance for the event, as it’s been in need of funding, staffing and sponsorship help for some time. The recreation and parks department already puts on several successful events, including Harbor Day at the Docks, Track or Treat and various softball tournaments.

“Our Recreation & Parks Department has experience and good track record with our Special Events and Tournaments that we currently put on,” she said. “While we know how to run events, we agree that we don’t know all the ‘ins and outs’ of running a Fair. This is where the current Fair Board would come in.

We have had meetings with 4H, FFA, and extension office as well and currently have their full support. We plan to continue to include these groups and are open to other groups/organizations that want to get involved. We’ll do an overall rebranding of the event, while keeping the integrity of a county fair in place.”

She said the plan was to move the fair from its recent location to John Walter Smith Park, as that is adjacent to the Worcester County Recreation Center.

“This would give us an indoor component that the fair has not had in years past,” she said. “The fields and park will allow for a better layout, parking, and room to grow in the future.”

The fair will also move from its usual September dates to Aug. 8-11, which is the weekend after Blessing of the Combines.

“The idea is to create an ‘Agricultural Week’ in Worcester County, beginning with the Blessing of the Combines and ending with the County Fair,” Rados said. “We’ll be working closely with our tourism department on this.”

She said members of her team are already working on ideas for ways to increase interest in and attendance to the fair. She pointed out that the plan to increase the involvement of county staff also had the support of the Worcester County Commissioners.

“We have the commissioners’ support and trust in turning the fair around and making it a great event,” she said. “We will be building this into our special events budget to allow for more funding, and will increase the sponsorship opportunities as well.”

Going forward, the event will feature more vendors, food options, entertainment, family activities and educational components.

“These additions, along with increased marketing efforts, will help bring more attendance,” she said.

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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Work Continues On Bank Building

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 19, 2024

OC Museum Eyes Summer Opening

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

An exterior shot, pictured above, and the interior space, pictured below, highlight ongoing construction efforts at the former Bank of Ocean City building, located at the corner of Dorchester Street and South Baltimore Avenue. Officials say the Museum of Ocean City will open at the historic site this summer.

Submitted Photos

OCEAN CITY – Museum officials say the restoration of a former bank building will be completed ahead of the summer season.

Last week, the Ocean City Museum Society announced the construction and restoration of the 1910 Bank of Ocean City building, located at the corner of Dorchester Street and South Baltimore Avenue, will conclude in the coming months. Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum curator Christine Okerblom said the new exhibit space will open to the public this summer.

“This museum is going to function and operate under the same mission,” she said, “to protect and showcase the cultural and natural history of Worcester County.”

In December of 2019, the Bank of Ocean City closed its Dorchester Street branch. But instead of selling the property, it was donated to the Town of Ocean City for the exclusive use of the Ocean City Museum Society.

Since that time, city officials have been working with museum staff to restore the historic site and develop a second museum location, to be known as the Museum of Ocean City.

In an interview this week, Okerblom said construction began in 2021, but that work has progressed in recent months.

She said Oak Contracting LLC is handling both the interior and exterior restoration.

“It’s starting to pick up speed and has seen some more robust turnaround,” she said.

Officials report the building will be restored to its original 1910 appearance,

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which featured a second-floor porch.

Certain architectural details the museum society hopes to keep include the hardwood floors, crown molding and two safes that were installed in 1916 and 1947.

“We hope to bring the building back to its original glory,” Okerblom said.

Inside, the first floor will feature exhibit space – with displays highlighting Native American history and the history of downtown Ocean City, for example – while the second floor will feature office and research space.

“By appointment only, the public will be able to access the second floor for research and can view maps, photos and documents,” Okerblom explained.

Okerblom said construction at the former bank building will be finished in late spring and open to the public this summer. She said exhibits and research space will be introduced in phases.

“So we will offer more as time goes by,” she said.

The land on which the bank building now sits was first deeded in 1875 and continued to sit vacant for decades until local entrepreneur Charles Asher McGregor, purchased the site for the construction of a general store.

Built in 1910, McGregor’s operated for three summer seasons before McGregor was forced to sell the lot and the buildings he constructed on Dorchester Street.

In 1916, the newly formed Bank of Ocean City moved into the building and continued to operate there until 2019, when the branch was closed. During its years of operation, the bank weathered world wars, a Great Depression and a significant renovation project. In 1947, the second-floor porch was removed and replaced with large columns and a brick façade.

When the town took ownership of the building in 2019, city officials and museum staff began an effort to restore the building’s architecture and develop a museum with added exhibit space.

The project, supported by the Town of Ocean City and the Ocean City Museum Society, is made possible through private donations and grant funding, including grant awards from the Department of Housing and Community Development, the Ocean City Development Corporation and the Maryland Heritage Area Program.

The Maryland Museum Society reports it will continue to share construction updates and historical background on the former bank building in the coming months, as well as sneak peaks of exhibits that will be included in the new museum.

A full history of the bank building, as well as a donation link for the restoration project, can be found on the Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum website.

Ocean Pines Board Reviews FY24-25 Spending Plan January 19, 2024

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN PINES – A review of the association’s proposed spending plan highlighted a recent meeting of the Ocean Pines board.

Last Thursday, the Ocean Pines Association (OPA) Board of Directors met with association staff to review the proposed budget for fiscal year 2024-2025. General Manager John Viola said the spending plan was created using input from all department heads.

As proposed, the coming year’s budget totals $18,567,189. The spending plan includes total revenues and operating expenses of $15,313,061, bulkhead replacement expenses of $1,177,212 and capital expenditures of $2,076,916. It also features a $36 assessment reduction for nonwaterfront lots.

“We have an $850 assessment,” said Finance Director Steve Phillips.

Under the bulkheads budget, Viola noted the $1.17 million would finance roughly 2,100 linear feet of bulkhead repairs in the coming fiscal year. When asked about emergency repairs, Viola said the account included a reserve fund. He noted the association had to fund emergency repairs the last two years.

“We’ve had emergency work, but because everything is strategeically planned and reviewed and dated … the ones we usually have emergencies on are scheduled to be done the next year,” he explained.

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The board last week also reviewed the marina’s budget for the coming fiscal year.

Dockmaster Ron Fisher said plan included a 15% increase in slip rates.

“If you look at operating costs, there’s been a substantial increase in operating costs, particularly in salaries, contracted services, credit cards. Fees have gone up substantially, and insurance costs have gone up substantially,” he said. “I did a survey of our competing marinas and found we’re substantially below those marinas in terms of our slip fees. So I’m recommending a 15% increase.”

While she acknowledged the increase, Director Elaine Brady noted that the marina’s net operating had declined in recent years.

“I know a 15% jump, when we are operating pretty efficiently, seems like a big jump,” she said. “But when you look at the net operating over the years, we’re actually getting a lesser return even with that 15% bump just because of the cost.”

Several other departments, including recreation and parks, racquet sports and aquatics, presented budget reviews last Thursday. OPA’s Linda Martin told board members the aquatics department was looking to bring back the snack bar at the Swim and Racquet Club.

“We do not expect the snack bar to be a revenue-driven item,” she said. “It will be less than $10,000. It was just a bold move from the aquatics manager – soon to be aquatics director. She just thought it was something to enhance the customer experience that we put in the strategic plan.”

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Highlighting growing expenses in the aquatics department, Director Steve Jacobs asked about raises in daily aquatics fees. Viola said the association was not yet in a position to do so.

“It’s all about balance,” he replied. “We have to decide when to pay the piper.

When we start cutting costs to pay for things, that’s a flag to me …We haven’t done that, and I’m not going to do that unless instructed.”

Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson also presented his budget for the coming year. He told board members his budget would fund a Lexipol subscription, a new property custodian position and salary in-

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creases, among other things.

“The biggest thing I have taken into consideration is how we are compensating the officers and the civilian staff here to make us competitive in the marketplace,” he said. “With the support of the general manager and the board, we are going to be doing just that in this fiscal year coming up, which will put us in the ballpark with everyone else.”

At the conclusion of last week’s meeting, Association President Rick Farr said the board would follow up on questions before the budget is adopted in February. Viola told board members the association would also schedule a town hall meeting.

Fenwick Group Eyes Assistance For Sign Ordinance

Page 20

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – A funding request is expected to help members of a Fenwick Island committee revise an electronic sign ordinance.

Following a presentation last Thursday, members of the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to seek up to $6,000 from the town council to hire outside assistance in revising an electronic sign ordinance. Mayor Natalie Magdeburger said a technical advisor would be beneficial in creating a draft ordinance that not only follows dark skies initiatives but supports the needs of the business community.

“I would like to take a stab at drafting an ordinance that theoretically would, perhaps, lessen the light burden we have and clearly bring us into the 21st century

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

in terms of what we have in town,” she said.

In October, the Fenwick Island Town Council voted to send an ordinance allowing certain electronic signs to be used in Fenwick Island back to the charter and ordinance committee for revisions. While the proposed ordinance, requested by members of St. Matthews By-The-Sea, would allow electronic signs displaying static written messages, council members expressed concerns that the use of such electronic signs would go against a dark skies initiative protecting the town from light pollution.

Since that time, committee members have been working on revisions to the proposed electronic sign ordinance. And last Thursday, the group invited Rick Utting, vice chair of outdoor lighting standards for the Illuminating Engineering Society, to talk about dark skies initiatives

and electronic signage recommendations.

Following Utting’s presentation, Magdeburger told committee members she wanted to seek technical assistance in drafting an electronic sign ordinance. She said this would allow the group to include certain lighting parameters that would protect residents, motorists and pedestrians while supporting businesses.

“I think I’d like to hire Rick or somebody he recommends to help us with that technology,” she said. “We can do an action plan for council for this coming meeting. I know it’s still delaying things, but I think it would be helpful to see what it would look like and see what it would do, theoretically, to our town.”

Magdeburger said she had concerns about the town’s current ordinance and how it was enforced. She noted, however, that she did not want an ordinance that would allow electronic signs to proliferate.

January 19, 2024

“I think this is an issue that’s very layered,” she said. “There’s a technical aspect, there’s a ‘what I want’ aspect, there’s a ‘what I need’ aspect, there’s a legal aspect, where we need to peel back the layers.”

Magdeburger said developing an electronic sign ordinance with the help of a technical advisor would be a “win-win” for the town, as it would set restrictions on electronic signage while allowing businesses to utilize new technology. She added that the town’s desire for a vibrant business district was also outlined in its comprehensive plan.

“It doesn’t mean we want to be Ocean City, but that we should balance our support for both the businesses and residents so we can live in harmony,” she said.

After further discussion, a motion was made to request up to $6,000 from the Fenwick Island Town Council to seek technical assistance in the drafting of an electronic sign ordinance. Committee member John Nason said he supported the idea.

“I think this possibly presents the most complex task that’s been handed to the C&O committee. There’s so many issues impinging on the creation of this ordinance …,” he said. “I think we can come up with an ordinance that will hopefully be acceptable to the business community, to the residential community and will also take serious consideration of the dark sky initiative. With that being said, I think it’s time we go into the next century.”

Magdeburger agreed, noting that the ordinance would incorporate dark skies initiatives.

“Dark skies is not no light, it’s unnecessary light,” she explained. “And who it is that decides what’s necessary I think has to be the folks who use it. When you take away a property right from the owner of a property, you’ve got to respect how they want to use it and for what purposes.”

Committee member Roy Williams, however, shared his concerns. He said he did not want an electronic sign ordinance that would negatively impact residents.

“I want to make sure we look at how this is going to affect the residents,” he said. “This is a big deal.”

Magdeburger said the ordinance would incorporate language that limits the size of the electronic boards, prohibits certain colors and implements a curfew, among other things.

“The only thing we’re talking about is allowing message boards that we already have in town that are lit up already, illuminated already, letting them basically have the ability to put in an electronic board on there as opposed to a manual board,” she said.

Following public comments, the charter and ordinance committee voted unanimously to forward its recommendation to the Fenwick Island Town Council.

“I don’t mind taking a stab at drafting ordinances, but I would like to have technical assistance …,” Magdeburger said.

“Once we have it drafted and can talk about it, then we have to make a decision if we have the political will to change it at all.”

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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January 19, 2024

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OCEAN CITY – A felony theft charge was filed this month in Ocean City after a Baltimore man took off with a running car without permission.

On Jan. 9 around 2 a.m., Ocean City police officers were alerted to an alleged vehicle theft that had occurred from a hotel. Dispatch advised officers the vehicle stolen was a gray 2011 Chevrolet Traverse. The vehicle’s owner told police he left the vehicle unlocked and running with the keys in the ignition while he went to his room in the hotel to check on his girlfriend and child. When he returned to his vehicle an estimated 30 to 45 minutes later, the vehicle was missing.

Another officer located the vehicle about 12 blocks away and found James Gormly-Rack, 37, of Baltimore, asleep in the driver seat. Gormly-Rack could not provide police with a straight answer as to why he had the vehicle, telling police he was told by a woman at the hotel “the vehicle was ready for him,” according to the statement of charges. GormlyRack said the vehicle began having engine trouble so he pulled over. The vehicle was believed to have a value of $9,000, according to Kelly Blue Book.

The vehicle’s owner told police he saw Gormly-Rack earlier in the night roaming the hotel and mumbling incoherently.

While police were charging Gormly-Rack with theft, a glass smoking device was discovered with “a charred end found in a blue bag,” according to the police report. Officers noted the substance was methamphetamine, a schedule II controlled dangerous substance.

Gormly-Rack was charged with felony theft $1,500 to $25,000, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, unauthorized removal of a vehicle, possession of a controlled dangerous substance (not marijuana) and controlled dangerous substance paraphernalia.

Moore grabbing her ankles and trying to pull her out of bed. The two engaged in a verbal argument and while walking outside Moore allegedly tripped her to the ground with force and began choking her. The victim said similar violence had occurred and was documented with the Arnold Police Department in Pennsylvania.

Moore fled the scene but was charged with first- and second-degree assault. He was served with the warrant on Jan. 9 in the District Court of Maryland in Ocean City.

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BISHOPVILLE – A single-vehicle collision with a tree claimed the life of a man late Friday night.

On Jan. 12, at approximately 10:35 p.m., deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to Selby Road in Bishopville for a single vehicle collision. The Worcester County Sheriff's Office Crash Reconstruction Unit was assisted by the Ocean City Police Department’s Traffic Safety Unit and the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.

Initial investigation revealed that a single vehicle left the roadway during inclement weather and collided with a tree.

The vehicle sustained extensive damage. Responding emergency medical SEE NEXT PAGE

Fatal Crash Reported OCEAN CITY – A Pennsylvania man was apprehended last week after being charged with assault last September.

On Sept. 14, after conducting an investigation about an assault that occurred in Ocean City, an arrest warrant was issued for Devin Moore, 32, of New Kensington, Pa., after he was charged with first- and second-degree assault.

On Sept. 14, around 5:41 a.m., Ocean City police responded to a residence in Ocean City in reference to a domestic assault. The victim told police her boyfriend of 16 months had assaulted and stolen several personal items from her when he left the scene.

The victim said she woke up to

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... COPS & COURTS services pronounced the passenger, Nicholas Charles Schewe, deceased on the scene. The driver, Liam Strum, was transported due to his injuries to TidalHealth.

This crash remains open pursuant to an ongoing investigation. Anyone with information that could aid with the investigation is asked to contact DFC Kenneth Reed at 410-632-1111 ext.

6017 or kreed@co.worcester.md.us.

Peace Disturbance OCEAN CITY – A downtown peace disturbance led to an illegal weapon charge last weekend.

On Jan. 12, around 1:45 a.m., Ocean City police were alerted to a disorderly subject who had been removed from a bar. Police arrived on the scene and found Azam Purnell, 33, of Snow Hill, standing on the sidewalk screaming obscenities after being forced out of a nearby bar due to disruptive behavior inside. Purnell’s cursing could be heard from a distance of 100 feet, a noise ordinance violation, according to a police officer on the scene.

Purnell was placed under arrest and a search found him wearing a spiked ring on a finger that was concealed under a glove. Due to its ability to cause serious injury, the ring is classified as an illegal weapon per Ocean City code.

Purnell was charged with disturbing the peace, public intoxication, two counts of possession of an illegal weapon per municipal code and a noise ordinance violation.

Messy Jail Cell Antics OCEAN CITY – Agitated over several traffic citations being issued against him, a Berlin man created a filthy scene in a jail cell.

On Jan. 12, at 3 p.m., Ocean City police observed a 1996 Dodge Ram enter the 7-Eleven parking lot at North Division Street. A routine wanted and registration check was conducted on the vehicle as the officer was already stationary in the lot. The computer scan revealed the vehicle’s plates were suspended with a “pickup order for failure to comply with an equipment repair order,” according to the statement of charges.

The driver was identified as Josiah Magee, 24, of Berlin, who was driving on a twice suspended license, one suspension active as of Oct. 6, 2023 and another suspension active as of Nov. 22, 2023.

When asked for his license, Magee said his attorney told him not to engage with police and did not provide his license. Magee continued to be noncompliant throughout the stop and did not provide registration or insurance. Magee was placed under arrest for driving on a suspended license and without a license. A search of Magee found a small bottle of Fireball cinnamon whiskey. An inventory of the truck found a 10-pack of Fireball in plastic with eight bottles remaining. An open bottle of the liquor

was found nearby. It was noted Magee was seen by police driving prior to entering the convenience store parking lot.

At the booking facility, Magee was placed into a jail cell. Magee was observed removing his pants and defecating on the floor and then rubbing the brown feces on a sock and writing his first name in large letters along the cell wall. He also used his sock to rub feces on the windows of the cell door as well as the camera monitoring the cell and telephone in the cell.

Magee was charged with maliciously causing an employee of a local correctional facility to come in contact with feces/blood, open container possession and 12 traffic citations, including driving on a suspended license. Magee had previously been arrested on Jan. 7 for obstructing and hindering and was on

probation from a previous arrest.

Judiciary Case Search Redesign ANNAPOLIS – The Maryland Judiciary is redesigning its Case Search website as part of its commitment to stay current with technology trends.

The new design, launching on Feb. 5, will allow for users to navigate the site and search more easily for public case information in a simpler and more efficient manner. The new design eliminates the need to view or complete search fields that may not be applicable to a user’s particular search, eliminating the need for entry of unnecessary data elements. The new design incorporates the most searched fields first, and then allows for the expansion of advanced searching options only if/when

needed. This is the first redesign of Case Search since its launch in January 2006.

“It is our mission to provide fair, efficient, and effective justice to all. Modernizing the design of our publicly accessible Case Search site is one way we honor that mission,” said Supreme Court of Maryland Chief Justice Matthew J. Fader. “The redesign will improve the website’s standards for accessibility with a more modern and colorful design that is user-friendly and welcoming.”

The Case Search redesign only focuses on the website user interface, and not data. The case data available through Case Search remains exactly the same, driven by rules and statues.

There will not be any more or less case data available through the site. The redesign focuses strictly on website usability and modernization.

Page 24

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 19, 2024

Youth Art Show Held: The Art League of Ocean City hosted Dreamfest weekend at the Ocean City Center for the Arts Jan. 13-14 celebrating the legacy of

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The event included a youth art show and descendants of Harriet Tubman. Above left, Peggy Ross and Tonet Cuffee, both direct descendants of Tubman, visited the Arts Center on Saturday. Ross is the model for the Harriet Tubman Beacon of Hope statue now installed in Salisbury. Above right, Berlin Intermediate sixth grader Guy Shannon is shown with his work. At right, Most Blessed Sacrament sixth grader Dylan Gunther is pictured. Right, middle, Berlin Intermediate sixth grader Jeff Ritchie. Bottom right, Berlin Intermediate sixth grader Loralei Donaway is pictured.

Submitted Photos

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 25

Chris Parypa’s Photo Of The Week: Each week staff photographer Chris Parypa is tasked with submitting a photo from his vast library to be featured in this space. Above, the Inlet beach is pictured on a windy day this month. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

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Assateague Island Announces Annual Award Winners

Page 26

BERLIN – The winners of the annual Assateague Island Superintendent’s Award and the Assateague Island Safety Award were recently announced.

The Superintendent’s Award is given to an employee or employees who have performed “above and beyond” during the previous year. The Safety Award is given to an employee who has made a major contribution to the safety program or the safety culture of the park and is chosen from peer nominations.

The 2023 Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent’s Award was presented to Lauren Kramer, who serves as the Geographic Information System (GIS) Specialist for Assateague Island National Seashore.

This work includes developing and managing spatial data sets that are used for creating digital maps and for other environmental research. She also imple-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

ments the seashore’s beach and shoreline change monitoring program, that includes collecting field measurements on beach topography as well as the position of the ocean shoreline. This information greatly contributes to an understanding of how Assateague Island moves and changes over time, which allows officials to plan responsibly for the future.

Following the retirement of a former IT specialist in December 2022, Lauren Kramer, despite the job not being part of her position description, provided reliable parkwide IT support to Assateague Island National Seashore (AINS) from January to October 2023. In addition to her regular job duties as GIS Specialist, according to AINS representatives, Kramer did an excellent job addressing multiple critical IT functions across the park, including password resets, scanner troubleshooting, updating servers and computers to maintain

compliance, re-enabling returning employee’s accounts, responding to emails from NER Regional IT, software installations, remote desktop server and thin client issues, and many others. She worked with Regional IT and neighboring park IT specialists to seek additional guidance to address more complex issues including adding scripts to all four ASIS servers for automatic server reboots for when updates needed to be installed, addressing the fallout from the deployment of security system which resulted in previously approved software and hardware drivers now being blocked from use, worked with Washington IT to get approved software unblocked, worked with Regional and Washington IT to have drivers and software added to NPS Approved Software List, troubleshooting radio system and phone issues, and resuming backups of park data on the HQ Server. Mostly behind the scenes, she ba-

January 19, 2024

sically kept ASIS information technology infrastructure operational so that everyone could do their jobs.

The runner up for the 2023 Superintendent’s award was Bruce D’Alosio. As Park Facility Management Systems Specialist, D’Alosio does much of the behind the scenes work which makes major projects possible. D’Alosio has worked tirelessly for the past several years to clean up and completely re-organize the park asset management system. He is an integral part of the facilities division and is involved in the development and execution of every project that the park has created, submitted, funded and completed. His contributions to cost estimation, project scoping, condition assessment, and acquisitions benefit the entire park. He has also taken on additional responsibilities for requisitioning and reporting when there were vacancies in the division, and acts as an on-site project manager for many construction projects.

The 2023 Assateague Island National Seashore Safety Award goes to Merrit Kramer, a biological science technician and is responsible for monitoring water quality conditions and other aquatic resources throughout Assateague Island. Merrit Kramer collects monthly water samples from fixed sites in Sinepuxent and Chincoteague Bays, as well as weekly ocean water samples during the summer months, to document long-term changes to the ecosystem and to protect public health.

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Salisbury Univ.

Announces New China Partnership

January 19, 2024

SALISBURY – While Salisbury University students and faculty were working on the last final exams of the fall semester last month, SU and Maryland higher education leaders took time to celebrate their strategic partnerships in Anhui Province, China, during a ceremony at the University of Maryland, College Park.

They welcomed a strong delegation from Anhui, led by Anhui Province Vice Governor Li Jinbin and leaders from 10 Anhui higher education institutions.

During the event, Dr. Brian Stiegler, SU assistant provost for international education, signed two ceremonial agreements with Professor Ming Cui, vice chair of the University Council at Anqing Normal University.

The new agreements focused on two areas. The first continues the decadelong tradition of global faculty mobility between the universities by including faculty from Anqing’s Department of Huangmei Opera as visiting scholars at SU. Huangmei is one of five traditional opera forms in China. Anqing Normal is the only university in China that offers degree programs to train professional artists in the tradition.

The second agreement continues the vibrant student global mobility between SU and Anqing by creating opportunities for students from Anhui to study as visiting exchange students in SU’s degree programs in computer science and environmental engineering.

“For 15 years, Anqing Normal University has been SU’s most robust university partner in all of China,” said Stiegler. “The consistent exchange of students and professors, as well as creative online programming during the COVID-19 pandemic, have strengthened understanding of China at SU and of the USA at Anqing Normal.”

Dr. Sanjay Rai, Maryland acting secretary of higher education, recognized SU’s and Anqing Normal’s long collaboration during his welcoming address to the Anhui delegation.

Maryland and Anhui Province have been partnered as sister states through the Sister Cities International Organization beginning since the years following President Richard Nixon’s historic 1972 visit to China. For more information about the partnership, visit www.marylandsisterstates.org.

Expanding Our Reach.

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Page 27

A delegation from China is pictured with Salisbury University and University of Maryland, College Park representatives last month.

Submitted Photo

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 19, 2024

COMMUNITY News In Photos

Hunter and Dylan Simons, founders of Only Positive Stories Inc., and students at Worcester Preparatory School in Berlin, once again supported the local recovery community. They shopped, wrapped and presented Christmas gifts to Tish Ottey, founder of Hope4Recovery and Home4Hope Therapeutic Solutions, Inc. for men in local recovery housing.

The board members of the Republican Women of Worcester County held their holiday luncheon celebration at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin in December.

Submitted Photos

Last month the Pine’eer Craft Club installed new officers, presented thousands in annual donations, and looked ahead to the club’s 50th anniversary in 2024.

Since forming in 1974, the Craft Club has donated almost $200,000 to the Ocean Pines community.

The Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association (ACSA) presented the 2023 Angler of the Year awards for both ocean and bay at their annual year end banquet.

Shown in the photo from left to right are John McFalls, secretary of ACSA, Brian Reynolds, 2023 Ocean Angler of the Year and Shaun Flaherty, 2023 Bay Angler of the Year.

The TidalHealth Foundation recently received a generous donation of $65,000 from the Wilde Charitable Foundation as a contribution to the Graduate Medical Education (GME) campaign to be used in support of TidalHealth’s new Edward Q. Wilgus Community Clinic. Joining Ryan Wilde, second from right, for the donation to TidalHealth’s GME campaign were, from the left, TidalHealth President and CEO Dr. Steve Leonard, Jessica Hales, president, TidalHealth Foundation, and Bryan LeCompte, TidalHealth Foundation board member.

In December Det. Gutkowski, Det. Whitmer and PFC Flower from the Ocean City Police Department presented The CRICKET Center with a generous donation from the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 10.

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 19, 2024

BUSINESS & REAL ESTATE NEWS Hotel Renaming OCEAN CITY – Blue Water, a leader in hospitality, recently unveiled its plans for the transformation of its iconic property, the Atlantic Oceanfront Inn in Ocean City.

The inn, now named the SeaLoft Oceanfront Hotel, is set to emerge as a premier destination following an extensive multi-million-dollar renovation.

The SeaLoft Oceanfront Hotel, a 60room property along the Atlantic coastline, will feature a mix of full ocean-view rooms and partial-view accommodations.

This transformation promises to redefine hospitality for Ocean City vacationers by incorporating Blue Water’s standards for luxury and comfort.

“We are thrilled to announce the transformation of the Atlantic Oceanfront Inn into the SeaLoft Oceanfront Hotel,” said Blue Water President Jack Burbage. “This project, backed by a multi-million-dollar investment, reflects our commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences to our guests. The SeaLoft Oceanfront Hotel not only represents a significant upgrade in our offerings but also signifies our dedication to innovation, quality, and the continued growth of Blue Water in the hospitality industry.”

Blue Water purchased the 58-year-old property in early 2018 and implemented some immediate upgrades. The renovation of the original resort involves a complete overhaul to enhance every aspect of the property creating a retro beach vibe throughout. Sleeping room updates include updated private balcony experience, new 55-inch TV to stream or cast your favorites, microwave and apartmentsized refrigerator, BRU-pod Cuisinart coffeemaker with local coffee from Rise Up, enhanced WiFi, upgraded linens and bath amenities featuring Paya-branded products and much more. The SeaLoft Oceanfront Hotel will showcase modern aesthetics, cutting-edge technology, and a welcoming ambiance, capturing the essence of coastal living.

A distinctive feature of the SeaLoft Oceanfront Hotel is the opportunity for guests to share amenities with nearby Aloft Ocean City, another Blue Water hotel property. This collaboration offers a range of experiences, including capturing selfie moments against the Ocean Citythemed mural, enjoying the seasonal outdoor pool, exploring Ocean City with on-

site bicycle rentals, complimentary beach chairs, a dedicated space for lawn games, and a lobby market with a selection of soft drinks, snacks, and merchandise.

The grand opening of SeaLoft Oceanfront Hotel is anticipated in early summer 2024, with reservations now open via phone at 410-289-6424 and online this month.

Casino Revenues BERLIN – Maryland’s six casinos combined to generate $165,629,163 in revenue from slot machines and table games during December 2023, an increase of $454,064 (0.3%) compared to December 2022.

Casino gaming contributions to the state in December 2023 totaled $70,195,007, an increase of $508,501 (0.7%) compared to December 2022.

Contributions to the Education Trust Fund in December 2023 totaled $50,660,551, up $2,141 compared to December 2022. Casino gaming revenues also support the communities and jurisdictions where the casinos are located, Maryland’s horse racing industry, and small, minority- and women-owned businesses.

Maryland’s six privately owned casinos offer both slot machines and table games: MGM National Harbor in Prince George’s County; Live! Casino & Hotel in Anne Arundel County; Horseshoe Casino Baltimore in Baltimore City; Ocean Downs Casino in Worcester County; Hollywood Casino Perryville in Cecil County; and Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Allegany County.

The gaming revenue totals for December 2023 are as follows: MGM National Harbor (2,266 slot machines, 207 table games), $70,838,343 in December 2023, an increase of $1,466,371 (2.1%) from December 2022.

Live! Casino & Hotel (3,849 slot machines, 179 table games), $60,568,027 in December 2023, an increase of $902,873 (1.5%) from December 2022.

Horseshoe Casino (1,401 slot machines, 122 table games), $15,195,309 in December 2023, a decrease of $1,614,583 (-9.6%) from December 2022.

Ocean Downs Casino (845 slot machines, 19 table games), $7,007,033 in December 2023, a decrease of $195,623 (2.7%) from December 2022.

Hollywood Casino (709 slot machines, 22 table games), $7,593,575 in De-

cember 2023, an increase of $291,723 (4.0%) from December 2022.

Rocky Gap Casino (616 slot machines, 16 table games), $4,426,876 in December 2023, a decrease of $396,697 (8.2%) from December 2022.

Preserve Rebranding FRANKFORD – After years of dedicated commitment to wildlife education and conservation with our sister park in Louisiana, Barn Hill Preserve is thrilled to announce its rebrand to Coastal Wilds.

This exciting transformation better reflects our park's individual identity, local community, and growth over the last few seasons.

Coastal Wilds, formerly known as Barn Hill Preserve, has been a home for over 35 diverse species of animals, including otters, two-toed sloths, red kangaroos, and many more. As we step into this new chapter with the name Coastal Wilds, we remain devoted to providing enriching educational experiences that inspire a passion for wildlife conservation.

Visitors to Coastal Wilds can look forward to hands-on and up-close encounters with our animal ambassadors, creating memorable moments while our knowledgeable educators share insights about each species. Our mission is to not only showcase the beauty of these incredible creatures but also to instill a sense of responsibility and empowerment in our guests to make a positive impact on the environment.

In addition to our Otter Swims and Encounter Tours, Coastal Wilds offers unique seasonal events and tailor-made programs for schools all over the East Coast. Our educational initiatives aim to cultivate a passion for wildlife in future generations, making sure they are equipped with the knowledge and motivation to protect our planet's biodiversity.

Leadership Changes SALISBURY – Perdue Farms, a fourthgeneration, family-owned U.S. food and agricultural products company, has announced senior leadership changes that underscore the company’s commitment to supply chain and operations optimization, talent acquisition and profitable growth.

Gregg Uecker has joined Perdue Foods in the newly created position of chief supply chain and operations officer.

He has responsibility for the entire Perdue Foods supply chain, including live production, plant operations, transportation and warehousing, order fulfillment, customer service, food safety and quality assurance, procurement, and engineering.

“Gregg’s depth of experience and understanding of operations and supply chain agility will help optimize our supply chain efficiencies to meet and exceed the unique needs of our customers and consumers, and drive sustainable growth for the company,” said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms.

Uecker comes to Perdue from CJ Schwan’s, where he was executive vice president of global supply chain. Prior to that, he spent more than 30 years with Tyson Foods in key senior leadership roles such as senior vice president of operations and supply chain for prepared foods, SVP of supply chain strategy, GREGG UECKER SVP/general manager of processed meats, SVP/general manager of animal feed and ingredients and VP of operations.

Julie Katigan has been promoted to executive vice president and chief human resources officer for Perdue Farms.

She will oversee all aspects of Perdue Farms’ people strategies that engage and develop talent, shape culture, and focus on associate well-being through active talent management, organization development, diversity and inclusion and total rewards.

Katigan joined Perdue Foods in May 2022 as SVP of human resources. Prior to joining Perdue, Katigan was chief human resources officer for James Hardie Building Products.

She has also held senior-level leadership roles of increasing responsibility at global business untJULIE il and function levels with KATIGAN such companies as Colfax Corporation, Electrolux, Mead Johnson Nutrition and Ford Motor Company.

“Our associates are the backbone of our company and Julie’s vision and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to provide a positive experience in a safe, inclusive and supportive environment,” said McAdams.

January 19, 2024

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-880-8444.

Every Monday: Bridge Games Are you interested in joining others for a game of Bridge at the Ocean City 50+ Senior Center? If so, please call or text Tish at 410-804-3971.

Every Monday: Overeaters Anonymous Meetings are from 7-8 p.m. at the Ocean Pines Library branch. No dues or fees. Call 410-459-9100.

Every Monday: Acapella Chorus All ladies who love to sing are invited to the Delmarva Woman’s Acapella Chorus, Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6-8 p.m. Contact Mary 410-629-9383 or Carol 302-2427062.

Every Tuesday: TOPS Meeting Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and education group promoting weight loss and a healthy lifestyle.

Meetings are held at the Worcester County Berlin Health Department at 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin from 3:30-4:30 p.m. every Tuesday. 410289-4725.

Every Tuesday: Beach Cleanup Beach Heroes, a volunteer Ocean City group, holds cleanups 9-10 a.m. yearround. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page "Beach Heroes-OC" for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.

Every Wednesday: Bingo Elks Lodge 2645, corner of Sinepuxent Avenue and 138th Street in Ocean City has bingo all year. Doors open 4:30 p.m. with first game sharply at 6:30 p.m. Kitchen open for light fare. 410250-2645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302436-9577 or BeachSingles.org.

2nd and 4th Thursdays: Caregiver Support Meeting The Caregiver Support Group will continue to meet on the second and fourth Thursdays in the Ocean Pines Library.

Meetings will run from 3-4:30 p.m. The meetings are private and confidential.

Jan. 19: Fried Flounder From 4:30 till at Bowen United Methodist Church in Newark, dinner will include flounder, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cornbread, dessert and beverage. Cost is $10. Carryouts available.

Jan. 23, 30, Feb. 6, 13: Diabetes Workshop Learn how to better manage your Type 2 diabetes through MAC’s Living Well Diabetes Self-Management workshop to be held Tuesdays, Jan. 9-Feb. 13, 2024, from 2-4:30 p.m. The free workshops will be held at the Ocean Pines

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Things To Do Library at 11107 Cathell Road in Berlin.

The six-week workshop is beneficial for Type 2 Diabetics, Pre-Diabetics and their caregivers. For more information on this and MAC’s other Living Well classes, or to register, call Jill Kenney at 410-742-0505, ext. 159, or email her at jkenney@macinc.org.

Feb. 6-8: Basic Boating The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering the Maryland Basic Boating Safety Course, virtually from 6-9 p.m. Cost is $20 for all three evenings. Register or get more information by calling Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807, or email CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.

Jan. 24: Bingo Benefit Calling all bingo players to several opportunities to play your game and win at the same time as supporting the Grace Center for Maternal and Women’s Health in Berlin. The Grace Center supports women throughout their

pregnancy and beyond in order to create a safe environment for all concerned. Services are provided to clients free of charge. Throughout the month of January the Knights of Columbus located behind St. Luke Church in Ocean City (9901 Coastal Highway) will be dedicating all profits from their regular Friday night games to “BINGO For Babies” for the Grace Center. You can play every game for the base price of $25. Cash prizes are awarded for every game. A jackpot game at the end of the evening is worth up to $1,000 for a cover-all.

Doors open at 5 p.m. with games beginning at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments are available. In addition, on Wednesday, January 24th, at 6:00 PM, the Sterling Tavern located at 119 Main St. in Berlin will also be holding a Bingo Night to benefit the Grace Center. Cards will sell for $2 each to win some amazing prizes.

Jan. 25: Sip & Science Series A hands-on Winter Seed Sowing Work-

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shop will be held where you'll learn the art of planting and nurturing seeds for vibrant spring wildflowers. This interactive session will be led by Carol Cross, owner of Cross Farms with over 25 years of expertise. Embrace the beauty of winter and sow the seeds for a breathtaking spring filled with pollinatorfriendly wildflowers. Event will consist of the following: Introduction to Winter Seed Sowing: Explore the fascinating world of winter sowing and its impact on pollinator populations Hands-On Planting Techniques: Learn practical tips and techniques for planting, prepping, and sowing seeds in the winter. Discover how these efforts can create a haven for dragonflies, hummingbirds, and butterflies in your own backyard. Feeding and Providing: habitat for pollinators through growing wildflowers. Using recycled materials: Creative use for seed starting. Feeding Wildflowers: Transplantation and the benefits of using compost. How-To: Saving seed for the next season and guidance on watering & sunlight preferences. The workshop will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Assateague Coastal Trust building at 10959 Worcester Hwy. Berlin, Md. 21811 Cost is $15. To register, http://tinyurl.com/3mc8xvs9.

… Assateague Superintendent, Safety Awards Presented

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Assateague Island National Seashore Superintendent Hugh Hawthorne, center is pictured with Safety Award winner Merrit Kramer and Superintendent’s Award winner Lauren Kramer.

Submitted Photo

January 19, 2024

FROM PAGE 26 ber one priority in her daily work at ASIS. Since she was hired, she has maintained her qualifications as a wilderness first responder. These first responder skills have the potential to benefit all ASIS staff and visitors alike and can be applied not only in the developed area, but those techniques are tantamount when faced with any medical emergency in the back country as well. Some of the tasks Merrit Kramer has accomplished to enhance safety in her work group and across the resource management division include purchasing new and updating existing personal locator beacons, as well as the cleaning and inspecting the division PFDs to insure proper use and storage. Not only are these field safety items important for use throughout the busy summer season, but they could also save a life if staff were to go overboard while working from the boat during the winter months.

Kramer has also taken the lead and prioritized safety in the use and function of the aquatics laboratory. She has removed and disposed of old sampling equipment and eliminated various other clutter throughout the lab to ensure proper equipment storage and safe access. This general house-

keeping significantly reduces the probability and risk of common trip/fall hazards.

Kramer addressed recent safety audit findings by ensuring that new Material Safety Data Sheets were printed for all chemicals used in the lab and ensured that the Laboratory Safety Manual was reviewed and updated. Kramer also displayed initiative to inspect and replace outdated supplies in the resource divisions First Aid kits and examined the appropriateness of the size and contents of these kits.

Kramer represents the Resource Management Division on the ASIS Safety Committee and regularly attends and comes prepared to each meeting. In this capacity she took a lead role in planning the 2023 Assateague Island Safety Day. Her hard work helped make the event a major success.

The two runners up for the Safety Award are Steven Braun and John Watson.

Braun is a Lead Fee Collector and Watson is a Maintenance Mechanic in the Virginia District. Both have made major contributions in improving the safety of their respective workplaces, both for fellow employees and visitors.

The two winners received crystal plaques and a time off award.

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 33

Meteorologist Visit:

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Open Tues.-Fri.: 8am-4:30pm Sat.: 8am-1pm 11022 Nicholas Lane, Unit #7 Ocean Pines, MD

410-973-2430

Page 34

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 19, 2024

Best Beats On The Beach Who’s Where When

Great Seafood, Steaks, Burgers & Crab Cakes “No Mumbo All Jumbo” - ENTERTAINMENT -

Beach Bandits Saturday After Ravens Game - OFF SEASON SPECIALS -

Tuesday: Seafood Frenzy 25% Off All Seafood Entrees Fact Trivia at 7 Wednesday: 20 Dolla Make Ya Holla Night Thursday: Shrimp & Lobsta Night Early Bird Special Menu Daily 2-5:30pm

Baltimore Ravens vs Houston Texans at 4:30pm on 26 TVs. The “Seven Nation Army” Will Be Loud & Proud

Go Ravens!

Happy Hour Daily 2-5:30pm Food and Drink Specials

TUES - THURS: 2pm • FRI, SAT & SUN: 11:30am (Closed Monday)

28th St. Plaza • 410-289-3100 • coinspuboc.com

Dine In, Carry Out & Online Ordering Available

CAPTAIN’S TABLE 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

DJ ROBCEE Fager’s Island: Friday, Jan. 19

DJ GROOVE Fager’s Island: Saturday, Jan. 20

COINS PUB 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Jan. 20: DJ Giddy Up, Beach Bandits CORK BAR Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Saturday, Jan. 20: Cultured Swine CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Jan. 19: Monkee Paw Wednesday, Jan. 24: Full Circle Duo CRAWL STREET TAVERN 443-373-2756 Wicomico St., Downtown O.C. Friday, Jan. 19: Pier Pressure Saturday, Jan. 20: Black Dog Alley FAGER’S ISLAND 410-524-5500 60th St. In The Bay Friday, Jan. 19: DJ RobCee Saturday, Jan. 20: DJ Groove

BEATS BY WAX Pickles Pub: Tuesdays & Thursdays

PHIL PERDUE Captain’s Table: Fridays & Saturdays

DJ BIGLER Harborside: Friday & Saturday, Jan. 19 & 20

BINGO W/BLAKE Greene Turtle West: Wednesdays

DJ TUFF Seacrets: Friday, Jan. 19

BEATS BY DEOGEE Pickles Pub: Fridays, Sundays, & Wednesdays

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 35

Who’s Where When

PIER PRESSURE Crawl St. Tavern: Friday, Jan. 19

FULL CIRCLE DUO Crabcake Factory Bayside: Wednesday, Jan. 24

BEACH BANDITS Coins Pub: Saturday, Jan. 20

MONKEE PAW Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, Jan. 19

The Dispatch Can Be Viewed In Its Entirety

ONLINE

ROGUE CITIZENS Greene Turtle West: Saturday, Jan. 20

RISKY BUSINESS Pickles Pub: Saturday, Jan. 20

MERCURY AGENDA Harborside: Saturday, Jan. 20

OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Seacrets: Friday, Jan. 19 Harborside: Sunday, Jan. 21

Zoom In And Out For Easy Viewing

Search, Print And Share Functions At Your Fingertips

HARBORSIDE 410-213-1846 South Harbor Rd., West End O.C. Friday, Jan. 19: DJ Bigler Saturday, Jan. 20: Mercury Agenda DJ Bigler Sunday, Jan. 21: Opposite Directions Thursdays: Dust N Bones Duo PICKLES PUB 410-289-4891 8th St. & Philadelphia Ave. Fridays: Beats By DeoGee Saturday, Jan. 20: Risky Business Sundays: Beats By DeoGee Mondays: Karaoke w/ Wood Tuesdays: Beats By Wax Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee Thursdays: Beats By Wax PURPLE MOOSE SALOON 410-289-6953 Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards Saturday, Jan. 20: TBA SEACRETS 410-524-4900 49th St. & Coastal Hwy. Friday, Jan. 19: DJ Tuff, Opposite Directions Saturday, Jan. 20: DJ Bobby O, South Penn Dixie, The Way Outs

ALL ADS LINKED TO ADVERTISERS’ WEBSITES Updated By Every Monday At www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Easy Navigation Featuring Latest Page-Flip Technology

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 36

Things I Like...

vanishing

OCEAN CITY

January 19, 2024

WITH BUNK MANN

By Steve Green The netting around an indoor soccer court When rain turns over to snow

The warm confines of a car on a windy day Bible verses that hit home

Sports talk radio reactions after a weekend ‘The Valhalla Murders’ on Netflix

Kids laughing together walking into school

Ocean City was a seasonal small town in 1946. The season ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It was said you could fire a cannon down Baltimore Avenue after Labor Day and not hit a single soul.

The Boardwalk ended at 15th Street and Coastal Highway and was only one lane north and one lane south. On windy days, it was often covered in sand. The Commander was the most northern hotel in Ocean City at this time.

The photo shows the beachfront from 8th to 12th streets. The large Boardwalk hotels are the Lankford, the George Washington, the Royalton, the Mayflower and the Stephen Decatur. The road behind the buildings is Philadelphia Avenue. St. Louis Avenue had not extended that far north in 1946. The Ship Café can be seen near the bayside while the undeveloped area in the upper right is today’s residential neighborhood Mallard Island.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishinPhoto courtesy Steve Smethurst goc.com.

HOROSCOPES

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

Upsets in the football playoffs A simple breakfast

Short drives at night

NBA basketball games in person

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): You ing seems to be going nowhere. Close might be hurt by a colleague's harsh it out and move on to a brighter romancriticism, but don't let it shake your con- tic aspect that is just beginning to manANSWERS ON PAGE 46 fidence in what you're trying to achieve. ifest itself.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A more positive aspect starts to appear Things don't go completely as planned by week's end.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): this week, but enjoy the surprises, eYou're torn between your sensible self ven if you have to adjust your schedand the part of you that enjoys acquir- ule. Some of them could be quite deing lovely things. Best advice: Wait lightful.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. for an end-of-month sale, then buy 21): Making choices is usually easy for something wonderful.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): Your straight-shooting Archers, but a new artistic side has practical applications development could deflect your aim. this week, perhaps with redecorating Try to put off major decisions until you your home or redesigning your person- know more.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): al stationery. Whatever you choose to While part of you might prefer taking a do, someone special will like it.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): You more familiar path, let your more daring could be drawn into a problem be- and – admit it – supercurious self see tween friends or family members. what the unexplored has to offer.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): Best bet: Ask the questions that go to the heart of the matter, then get Those nasty types have slithered back under the rocks and will not present them all togeth-er for a group hug.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): As much any more problems. Now's the time to as you love being the center of atten- move ahead on that promising new retion, your big Lion's heart impels you lationship.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): A to share the spotlight with a colleague who helped you with that well-praised new offer could clear up that lingering money problem. Also, a more confident project.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Your attitude on your part might help get that eagerness to act on a challenge is personal situation back on track.

BORN THIS WEEK: You have a way wisely tempered early in the week by a lack of necessary information. Things of turning chaos into order. You're also begin to clear up during the weekend. generous with your help for those who LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): A re- seek it. © 2023 King Features Synd., Inc. lationship you'd hoped would keep go-

ANSWERS ON PAGE 46

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 37

The Dispatch Classifieds $15/Week for Minimum of Five Lines • $2 Thereafter Per Line Display Classified Ads: $20/Week Per Column Inch (Contract Discounts Available) Deadline for Insertions, Cancellations & Payment is 3pm Tuesday Pre-Payment is Required. We Accept Visa & MasterCard

HELP WANTED POOL: General Maintenance, Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects.

Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors, CPO a plus / not required.

Able to pass CPO test. Summer includes weekends & long hours; working alone or with others.

410.289.4902 Ask for Suzanne.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– SMALL ENGINE MECHANIC: Small Engine mechanic, Year round, Competitive Wages. Call 443-754-1047.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––– CHECK HERE FIRST!

AUTOMOTIVE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES Large Automotive Center with Tire and Service center plus.

Auto / Marine Parts & Retail, is now hiring for: - Service & Parts Associates ( Will train )

- Technicians Great Pay & Benefits!

Locations in: Ocean Pines, Clarksville & Long Neck Call: 302-344-9846

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

RENTAL

SEEKING ROOM

CAREGIVER

YR RENTAL, WEST OC: 1BR, 1Den, 1BA. Unfurn. 3rd Floor unit above antique woodworks. Big sundeck, lots of privacy. All Hrdwd. floors & unique woodwork. Laundry facility on 2nd flr. below this unit. $1,450 per mo. + util.’s. Pets extra.

Deposits required. Email John: jscollins111@comcast.net –––––––––––––––––––––––––––

SEEKING ROOM TO RENT: 60 yr old seeking room to rent on annual basis. Ocean Pines or Berlin area. Have own furniture for room. 443-513-1421

CAREGIVER IN YOUR HOME: Honest, dependable, trustworthy & compassionate care. Hospital & home health exp. Exc. Ref.’s Call Debbie Bell 302-339-7162.

SEEKING RENTAL SEEKING TO RENT: Seeking Long term, Year round, Unfurn.

2BR, 2BA, Condo/Apt. Ground floor. Great Ref,’s. OC/OP area. Call 410-726-0169.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

ROOMMATE

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

COMMERCIAL WEST O.C. OFFICE/RETAIL SPACES AVAILABLE: 1 Office or Retail Space for Lease.

1,656. Sq. feet. Plenty of Parking. 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

INDUSTRIAL WAREHOUSE SPACE: 1,500 Sq. Ft., Masonry construction. 18’ high ceilings, large garage door & bathroom. Rt. 90/Bishopville.

Call 443-497-4200.

–––––––––––––––––––––––

OCEAN PINES Year-round Fully furnished Room for rent in a beautiful home, to share, in Ocean Pines. Full house privileges, all utilities included.

Only $800 month No smoking. No pets.

Call 443-880-2486 OFFICE PERSON Local Family Owned Business is looking for a full time office person. Applicant should be computer savvy, have good phone skills, punctual, and willing to work in a small busy office environment.

Applicants should email resume to office@ fireprotectiveservices.com

Dept of Juvenile Services is hiring Summer 2024 •ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST •CASE MANAGER contractual positions for our Ocean City office.

Please apply at: JobApscloud.com/MD by 01/25/2024

Carpenter | Laborer | Painters Stucco & EIFS Mechanics Concrete Work o Experience preferred. o Tools, transportation & valid driver’s license are a plus. o Excellent pay and a competitive benefits package available.

Please Apply Online: https://www.allstatesconst.com/delmarva-renovations-careers

Or Contact Our Office at 410-352-9800

Expanding Our Reach.

Broadening Our Commitment.

The Dispatch Is On Facebook, Instagram & Twitter!

Right from the bottom, Your love lifted the pieces The well deep and cold!

Even teeny ones Lost and forgotten.

THE DISPATCH’S E-DITION ONLINE MDCOASTDISPATCH.COM

FOR SALE WINTER GATHERINGS? DINING ROOM SET FOR SALE Beautiful solid wood dining set.

Table seats 8-10 with two leaves. Lighted China Cabinet with glass shelving. (Chairs not incl’d.)

Selling because moved & too big for dining area.

500

$ Must see! $575.

Berlin. 443-880-8885

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966.

Third Insertion

Currently Hiring Manpower For:

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20008 To all persons interested in the estate of JOAN MARCELLA REINHART, Estate No. 20008. Notice is given that JOSEPH REINHART, whose address is 28 FALCON BRIDGE ROAD, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on DECEMBER 21, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOAN MARCELLA REINHART, who died on SEPTEMBER 3, 2023, 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 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 21st day of JUNE, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

(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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 5, 2024 JOSEPH REINHART

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 3x 1-5, 1-12, 1-19

Third Insertion NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20022 To all persons interested in

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 38

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. the estate of PATRICK F. BROWN, Estate No. 20022.

Notice is given that KAITLIN J. BROWN, whose address is PSC 46, BOX 175, APOAE, AE 09469, was on DECEMBER 29, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICK F. BROWN, who died on DECEMBER 19, 2023, with a will.

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

All 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 29TH day of JUNE, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 5, 2024 KAITLIN J. BROWN 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 3x 1-5, 1-12, 1-19

Third Insertion B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, PA

204 WEST GREEN STREET PO BOX 293 SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20024

To all persons interested in the estate of KENNETH WILLIAM RANTZ, JR, Estate No. 20024. Notice is given that CAROL ANNE RANTZ, whose address is 1718 DUN SWAMP ROAD, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on JANUARY 2, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of KENNETH WILLIAM RANTZ, JR, who died on DECEMBER 17, 2023, with a will.

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

All 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 JULY, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 5, 2024 CAROL ANNE RANTZ 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 3x 1-5, 1-12, 1-19

Second Insertion GINA D. SHAFFER SHAFFER LAW OFFICE 836 S. MAIN STREET SUITE 101 BEL AIR, MD 21014 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20028 To all persons interested in the estate of PATRICIA L. BAISLEY, Estate No. 20028.

Notice is given that WILLIAM A. BAISLEY, whose address is 527 LINCOLN PL, APT 303, BROOKLYN, NY 112386211, was on JANUARY 9, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of PATRICIA L. BAISLEY, who died on OCTOBER 25, 2023, with a will.

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

All 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 9th day of JULY, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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.

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 12, 2024 WILLIAM A. BAISLEY 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 3x 1-12, 1-19, 1-26

First Insertion PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20031 To all persons interested in the estate of MARIE L. BOUNDS, Estate No. 20031.

Notice is given that PRESTON W. BOUNDS, III, 2642 BIRD HILL RD., GIRDLETREE, MD 21829-2744, and JANET BOUNDS MORGAN CARTER, 103 S. BAY ST, SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1303, were on JANUARY 11, 2024, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of MARIE L. BOUNDS, who died on DECEMBER 15, 2023, with a will.

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

All 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 11th day of JULY, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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 pub-

lished 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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 19, 2024 PRESTON W. BOUNDS, III JANET BOUNDS MORGAN CARTER 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 3x 1-19, 1-26, 2-2

First Insertion REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19978 To all persons interested in the estate of MICHELE J SHAFER, Estate No. 19978.

Notice is given that SAMUEL W SHAFER SR, whose address is 13508 SINEPUXENT AVE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-4549, was on JANUARY 16, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MICHELE J SHAFER, who died on SEPTEMBER 10, 2023, 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 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 16th day of JULY,

2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 19, 2024

SAMUEL W SHAFER SR 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 3x 1-19, 1-26, 2-2

First Insertion D KATHLEEN RUS D. KATHLEEN RUS, ATTORNEY 1532 LIBERTY RD STE 109 ELDERSBURG, MD 21784-6580 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20017 To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN RAY YOUNG, Estate No. 20017.

Notice is given that KAYNE THOMAS YOUNG,whose address is 620 S WAYNE ST, MILLEDGEVILLE, GA 310613906, was on JANUARY 16, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the estate

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 39

The Dispatch Legal Notices LEGAL RATES Legal advertising rate is $7 per column inch.

The deadline for all legal advertising is Tuesday at noon.

For more information call 410-641-4563 or fax 410-641-0966. of JOHN RAY YOUNG, who died on DECEMBER 13, 2023, with a will.

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

All 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 16th day of JULY, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 19, 2024

KAYNE THOMAS YOUNG 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 3x 1-19, 1-26, 2-2

First Insertion REENA J PATEL ESQ LAW OFFICE OF MARIANNA BATIE 1321 MT. HERMON ROAD STE B SALISBURY, MD 21804

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 19462 To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGE F. CARROLL, Estate No. 19462. Notice is given that RICHARD A. STANLEY, whose address is 3008 ARUNDEL HL SW, SHALLOTTE, NC 28470-0013. and TENLEY A. CARROLL SELI, whose address is 2205 ALBION RD, MIDLOTHIAN, VA 23113-4154 were on JANUARY 16, 2024, appointed Personal Representatives of the estate of GEORGE F. CARROLL, who died on SEPTEMBER 19, 2017, 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 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 16th day of JULY, 2024.

Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: 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.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 19, 2024

TENLEY A. CARROLL SELI 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 3x 1-19, 1-26, 2-2

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20032 To all persons interested in the estate of SADIE KATHLEEN BROOKS, Estate No. 20032. Notice is given that DONNA BROOKS whose address is 113 WEST ST., BERLIN, MD 21811-1446, was on JANUARY 9, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: SADIE KATHLEEN BROOKS, who died on OCTOBER 20, 2023 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 persons 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 any 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails

CONTACT INFORMATION Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966 Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811 or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 19, 2024 WYN BROWN Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 1-19

jection 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20036 To all persons interested in the estate of LINDA E. BURKHARDT, AKA; LINDA BROWN, Estate No. 20036.

Notice is given that WYN BROWN whose address is 22 CEMETARY LANE, SCHWENKSVILLE, PA 19473-1731, was on JANUARY 11, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: LINDA E. BURKHARDT, who died on JULY 11, 2023 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 persons 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 any ob-

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 19, 2024 DONNA BROOKS Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 1-19

First Insertion SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE NO. 20039

To all persons interested in the estate of SARA DAVIS THOMPSON, Estate No. 20039 . Notice is given that SUSAN THOMPSON HUTCHINSON, whose address is 213 N. MAIN ST.,

BERLIN, MD 21811-1003, was on JANUARY 12, 2024, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL ESTATE of: SARA DAVIS THOMPSON, who died on DECEMBER 15, 2023 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 persons 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 any 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, except if the decedent died before October 1, 1992, nine months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JANUARY 19, 2024 SUSAN THOMPSON HUTCHINSON Personal Representative True Test Copy TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills for Worcester County Room 102 Court House One W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 1x 1-19

Do You Know 9,000 People Get The Dispatch’s Daily Buzz Every Day? Sign Up At www.mdcoastdispatch.com & Get News Each Day. RICHARD A. STANLEY

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Larry Joseph Pizza, Jr. BERLIN – Larry Joseph Pizza, Jr., age 72, of Mystic Harbour, passed away on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury. He was the son of the late Larry J. Pizza, Sr. and Kathryn Mae Pizza.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Pizza, and his beloved dog, Fred.

Larry and Fred both loved walking on the Boardwalk and visiting with people. He is also survived by his sister, Barbara Light; brother-in-law, Paul Light; nephew, Thomas Light; and niece Jennifer Dottellis.

Cremation followed his death. Services will be private for the family. Letters on condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

Paul Dennis Simonetti BERLIN – Paul Dennis Simonetti, age 76, passed away on Monday, January 8, 2024, at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC, surrounded by his loving family. He was the son of the late Angelo Simonetti and Dorothy (Runge) Simonetti.

PAUL SIMONETTI Paul was born on April 6, 1947 and raised in Hudson County, N.J. He lived in Bergen County, apart from a short residence in California, before set-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

OBITUARIES tling down in Berlin for the last two decades of his life. He was a mechanic by trade.

Paul’s legacy spans four children, eight grandchildren and the countless lives he helped and impacted during his life. He enjoyed playing the piano and had a musical side that we all inherited. Paul was a fixer and a humanitarian; he was constantly looking for tasks he could accomplish to help someone out, because at his core he was a man who lived to help others, even after death as an organ donor.

Among all else, Paul was a family man; whether it was making lasagna and meatballs for Christmas dinner, teaching his grandchildren to drive, or sitting in his favorite chair after a long day with Elaine by his side. He loved his family more than anything in the world and will be tremendously missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Elaine (née Trier), and his four children, Paul, and his wife, Sharmon; Nicole (Krasner), and her husband Bruce, Matt and his wife Jen, and John. In addition, he is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Nevada, Dori, Corinne, Jette, H. Zachary, Sophia, Samuel, and Bridget.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Joan, Dorothy (Sissy), and Elaine.

A memorial service will be held on Sat-

urday, Jan. 27, 2024, at noon at the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home. All are welcome to gather at the Krasner/Simonetti house after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Franciscan Bread For The Poor Inc. (St. Francis Breadline (stfrancisbreadline.org), to continue Paul’s legacy of compassion and helping others.

Paul Craig Buckley OCEAN CITY – Paul Craig Buckley, beloved brother and cherished uncle, passed away on July 31, 2023.

Born Jan. 18, 1941 (he’s pretty sure) in Robertsdale, Pa. to Robert Leroy and Dorothy Louise. He joined the Coast Guard after high school and was stationed in NewPAUL CRAIG foundland.

BUCKLEY He spent most of his life in lower Delaware and Ocean City, close to brother Ron and his family. Uncle Craig will always be remembered for his strong fashion sense and discernment for a high-quality brand. He was well-known at the “church store” and couldn’t pass up

January 19, 2024 a good deal. He was also an avid gardener, painter, and world class billiards player at different points in his life.

Craig was proceeded in death by his brothers, Richard and Clifford; mother Dorothy; and father Robert. He is survived by one brother, Robert (Ron) Buckley and sister-in-law Pam (Greer); nieces and nephews Amanda Buckley and her significant other Brian Robertson, Sean Buckley and his significant other Samantha Akshar, Amy Gray and her husband Brandon Gray; great nieces Zoey Gray, Ruby Gray and Wren Robertson; great nephew Otto Robertson; and a great deal of extended family. He was a great uncle, brother, and son and we will miss him greatly. We love you, Uncle Craig, Happy Birthday.

Kayla Brynn Huntsberry WILLARDS – Kayla Brynn Huntsberry, age 24, of Willards, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 12, 2024. She was born in Salisbury, MD and was the daughter of Timothy (Tim) Huntsberry and Laura Lewis.

Kayla was a 2016 graduate of Parkside High School. She was always so full of determination and this determination is what drove her to graduate a year early from high school. Kayla was a genuine lover of animals.

She had several dogs, KAYLA cats, geckos, bunnies, etc. HUNTSBERRY Most recently, her best buddy was her Shepherd/Lab mix Tank. In addition to her animals, she had a special love for music, her friends, and those that she cared for in her line of work as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Kayla and her beautiful smile will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Kayla is survived by her parents, her father Timothy Huntsberry and his wife Melissa, of Smithsburg; her mother, Laura Lewis and husband Bruce Lewis, of Willards; brother, Cory Lewis; grandparents, Dale and Carolyn Detrwo, Robert and Mary Huntsberry, Ralph and Ruth Lewis, Barbara Fleming, and Robert and Dianne Besso; special bonus parents, Kimberly and Allen Mumford; along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and some very close friends.

Kayla was preceded in death by her late grandmother, Vicky Detrow; late grandfather, Ronald Fleming; and late uncle, Robert Huntsberry, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at the Willards Lions Club, 36393 Hearn Street, Willards, Md. 21874, officiated by Pastor Pam Ward of Friendship Church of Berlin.

A viewing will be held two hours prior. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at Beaver Creek Church of the Brethren in Hagerstown from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Interment will follow at Beaver Creek Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to any animal shelter or rescue of your choice, in memory of Kayla, or to Friendship Church of Berlin, 10537 Friendship Road, Berlin, Md. 21811, or the Willards Volunteer Fire Department, 7370 Main Street, Willards, Md. 21874.

Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

January 19, 2024

It’s

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 41

WE GROW IT, YOU MOW IT

Prayer Breakfast Held: The reimagined Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast held

at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center last Friday was an inspirational morning of fellowship and community with 400 guests in attendance. The Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce thanked everyone who made this event possible including partners Ocean City Tourism and the mayor’s office, event sponsors, chamber volunteers, and everyone at the convention center who helped make the morning spectacular. Above, featured speaker keynote Col. Greg Gadson shares his story of determination and overcoming adversity. Below, the Morgan State University Choir performs. Bottom, Ocean City Baptist Church Pastor Sean Davis leads a prayer.

Photos by Dana Marie Photography

A Beautiful Lawn Doesn’t Happen By Itself

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Page 42

STUDENTS In The News Announcements BERLIN – The following represents a collection of press releases recently received announcing local students’ achievements in college.

•Connor Hudson of Berlin has been named to the Southern New Hampshire University's Fall 2023 President's List.

The fall terms run from September to December.

•Mercer University recently announced the President's List and Dean's List for the fall 2023 semester. Inclusion on these lists requires students to meet rigorous GPA standards specific to the college or school within the University. Among the students recognized on Dean’s List were Berlin resident Kellen Arthur, a senior, School of Business.

•Ben Forbes was named to the Dean's list at Miami University for the 2023 fall semester. Miami University students who are ranked in the top 20 percent of undergraduate students within their division for the fall semester 2023 are named to the Dean's list recognizing academic performance.

•James Weber of Berlin, a freshman majoring in aerospace engineering, was named to the Dean's List for the Fall 2023 semester at Clarkson University. Dean's List students must achieve a minimum 3.25 grade-point average and also carry at least 14 credit hours.

•Gabrielle Izzett of Berlin is one of 519 students who made the President's List at Shenandoah University for the Fall 2023 semester.

To qualify for this prestigious academic recognition, students enrolled in baccalaureate degree programs must complete at least 12 semester hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.90 or higher. All President's List honorees are also recognized on the university's Dean's List, reserved for students who complete at least 12 semester hours and earn a semester GPA of 3.50 or higher.

•Shenandoah University recognized the 1,126 students who made the Fall 2023 Dean's List. Students who were named to the Dean's List include Julianna Fohner of Ocean City.

•Hanna Beck of Berlin was named to Washington College's Fall 2023 Dean's List. In order to earn this academic honor, a student must achieve at least a 3.50 GPA for the semester.

"Making Dean's List is the mark of academic excellence," said Kiho Kim, provost and dean of Washington College.

"We celebrate these students and their dedication to greatness this past semester. Their efforts in the classroom will indeed set them on the path for a bright and successful future." There were 474 students named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List.

•There were 2,092 students named to the Fall 2023 Dean's List at Kutztown University, including Page Athey of Selbyville, Del. To be eligible for the Dean's List, an undergraduate student must be registered for at least 12 credits and have a minimum grade point average of 3.60.

January 19, 2024

Above, In celebration of Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) announcing early college acceptances, seniors celebrate by making it snow. Every student loves a snow day and every senior loves to receive a college acceptance. While we are still waiting for the weather to cooperate to bring snow to our region, a group of seniors celebrated early acceptances with their own version of “snow”.

“We’re proud of every senior for their hard work and excited to announce that as of early January, the WPS Class of 2024 has received more than 100 offers of admission to 50 colleges and universities,” Director of College Counseling Vickie Garner said.

A sampling of the colleges include Auburn University, Clemson University, College of Charleston, Drexel University, Emerson College, Florida Southern College, Fordham University, Georgetown University, High Point University, Miami University, Oxford, Old Dominion University, Pepperdine University, Quinnipiac University, Seton Hall University, Stanford University, Texas A & M University, The University of Alabama, The University of Tennessee, University of Delaware, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of South Carolina, University of Vermont, Ursinus College and West Virginia University.

Below right, Worcester County Commissioner President Chip Bertino visited Ocean City Elementary School during American Education Week. Bertino presented third grade student Hanan Ramadan with a county commissioner pin after she shared her research project on dinosaurs.

Submitted Photos

… Diakonia Project’s Future Unclear OC Names New Planning Director

January 19, 2024

FROM PAGE 8 or anybody else to determine what they can and can’t do with their land,” he said.

“The only guardians of the county’s interests within our jurisdiction are the seven of us.”

Bertino said no other entity should control the growth of the county.

“That’s the bottom-line issue here,” he said, stressing that the county should have authority over development within the county.

He added that he was hopeful Ocean City officials would keep an open mind in discussing sewer capacity with county leadership.

“If we don’t come to some sort of agreement, it would be unfortunate because Ocean City and the county have objectives that overlap,” he said.

Commissioner Caryn Abbott said she thought that negotiating with Ocean City for sewer capacity in general was the better way to go. She agreed with Fiori that there were other shovel ready projects in the West Ocean City area that were just waiting for EDUs. “We should try to negotiate with Ocean City to be able to hopefully accommodate the ones that have been on the waiting list and Diakonia,” she said.

Elder said he felt that in the future the county needed to tie all its sewer together.

“I think they need to have interconnectability and we could increase flow in other ways then,” he said. “It would put the control right back in the county’s hands. I’d like to see a plan going forward that we make all the water and sewer in the whole county one entity. It would simplify everything.”

Young said staff members were working toward that but it was complicated because different service areas had different debts and grants and loans.

“We’re trying to figure out what would be the ideal optimized way of bringing them all in so it isn’t done on the back of any one service area,” Young said.

“There’s a lot of benefit of putting it under one roof.”

Young said he’d talked to other jurisdictions in the state that had done that and found they had not regretted the change.

“We are working on it, it’s just, it’s a tall order and a big knot to untangle but we’re going to try to figure out the best way of doing that,” he said.

Bertino, going back to Mitrecic’s reference regarding the county’s choice decades ago not to get involved in the town’s sewer upgrade, said it was a shortsighted decision.

“Here we are now 30 years later in a situation we do not have the capacity to meet the need of the development or the proposed development in an area of this county,” he said. “I would very much like that 30 years from now the commissioners who are sitting here in our place will not have to deal with what we’re having to contend with at this point. That we are more forward looking and we are resolving a situation that does not tie the hands of developers, property owners and the government 30 years hence. Hopefully the conversations with Ocean City will be productive.”

Resort leaders, however, expressed their disappointment in the county’s Di-

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

akonia decision at their own meeting Tuesday night. Mayor Rick Meehan said the town had agreed to work with Diakonia because of the valuable services the nonprofit provided to the community and because it was the right thing to do.

“Some of the commissioners didn’t think they should be allowed to authorize sewer allocation to Diakonia without doing it to other properties in West Ocean City,” he said. “I think the town, we were unanimous in doing that. We felt this was a nonprofit that services Ocean City. We did it because we thought it was the right thing to do. There’s certainly no monetary gain in this for the Town of Ocean City. It’s disappointing the commissioners didn’t recognize that and support this.”

Voting for allowing Diakonia to use Ocean City’s sewer capacity were Mitrecic, Elder and Commissioner Diana Purnell, while voting against were Abbott, Bertino, Bunting and Fiori.

BY BETHANY HOOPER

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials have appointed a new planning and community development director.

Last week, the Mayor and Council voted to appoint George M. Bendler as the new director of planning and community development for the Town of Ocean City.

“George was the result of a nationwide hire search,” City Manager Terry McGean said. “He comes to us with significant experience, local experience, running numerous planning and community development departments in Delaware for AECOM. We are pleased to make a recommendation and hope it meets with the council’s approval.”

In his new role, Bendler will fill the position long held by Bill Neville, who will now serve as the town’s city planner.

In a statement Monday, Neville reflect-

Page 43

ed on the eight-plus years he served as planning and community development director and provided details for his new role as city planner.

“The last eight years have gone by quickly since August of 2015,” he said. “In that time, the director position has supported both Building and Zoning Divisions as well as completing required planning documents with the support of town staff.”

He continued, “The city planner position will allow us to accomplish even more. The adopted Hazard Mitigation Plan includes projects to be completed, a 10-year review and update of the Comprehensive Plan is underway, a 3-year cycle review of the CRS floodplain management program is due, and significant efforts in support of the Mayor and City Council’s strategic plan priorities are needed. I look forward to advancing, implementing and maintaining Ocean City’s plans and codes in this new position.”

Page 44

The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 19, 2024

Letters To The Editor Tax Relief Needed For Middle Class Editor: When I first started to pay my taxes in the 60's we could deduct all interest payments. Credit was difficult to get, unlike now. Now credit is easy to get but the interest rates are higher than what loan sharks got arrested for back then and cannot be deducted. With the high balances that many middle class people have, it would be a massive tax break to be able to deduct it again. Allowing all medical expenses to be deducted, not just that over $7,500 would also help.

When Eisenhower was President in the “golden age of the middle class” the top tax rate was 90%, which very few actually paid with all the loopholes, which still mostly remain for the rich. Ask Warren Buffett who says he has a lower rate than his secretary or Mitt Romney who reported a 13% rate on his taxes.

Reagan lowered it, then brought it back up to 50%. Bush and Trump dropped it down to 37%. Ours have remained the same, so no real tax breaks ever. The overpaid executives have most of their compensation in the form of preferred stocks which they can leverage for no interest loans and has been reported to be as high as 97% of their compensation.

All compensation should be taxed at the same rate as the rest of us who get paid normally.

My wife and I are middle class on pensions and social security and have finally

managed to live without interest payments, but we feel for our friends, children and grandkids with credit and educational loans that they cannot deduct to reduce their tax burdens. We would also appreciate retired folks getting a lower tax bracket, since we have been in the same 24% one for decades.

Correspond with your representatives to return our deductions to get tax relief for the middle class. The rich have had almost every tax break for too long, and they have benefited the most from living in America.

Hans Van den Bosch Snow Hill

An Open Letter To Bethany Beach Residents Editor: This past Friday, Jan. 12 at 2 p.m. the parking situation in downtown Bethany Beach resembled a typical summer day, except that folks were clad in winter coats instead of shorts and T-shirts. It was exciting to see so many citizens parking and converging on the entrance of the Bethany Beach town hall, with one mission in mind, to learn more about the 20year deal the mayor and town council are contemplating with foreign-owned US Wind. Once inside, the energy was palpable with a feeling of deep concern and camaraderie. Citizens were very polite and respectful as many entered, looking for seating or a place to stand. This meeting was packed with standing room

In Loving Memory Of

Angelo Russo January 22, 1975 To August 20, 2003 20 Birthdays Passed and Yet I Can’t Get Over the Pain of Losing You. It Gives Me Comfort You, Mom, and Dad are Together Again.

A Birthday Wish

I know this day belongs to you For upon this day you were born But being apart on your special day Leaves my heart shattered and torn I wanted to give you a special gift One that would surely last Something to put a song in my heart And dry away the tears I thought perhaps balloons or flowers To put upon your grave But I knew that eventually They would just wither away I thought about it long and hard What gift would surely last Something that you’ve never had On your birthday in the past I realized that such a gift Couldn’t come close to compare To the grand celebration That you must be having up there

only in the back with easily over 100 people there.

Mayor Hardiman opened the meeting with a statement that bringing offshore wind turbines off the coast of Delaware was a “done deal” and that there would be no discussion of the merits or cons of offshore wind turbines and that the meeting was only to discuss the proposed contract between US Wind and the Towns of Bethany Beach, South Bethany, Rehoboth Beach, Dewey and Henlopen Acres, as these were the towns whose names were written on the contract, to accept $100,000 per year in exchange for their silence over US Wind offshore wind turbines.

To put this amount of money into perspective, as per the Bethany Beach treasurer, $100,000 is less than 1% of the town’s annual budget, so a pretty small amount. In contrast, many homes in Bethany Beach are projected to lose $100,000 each in property value if wind turbines are built off shore. And in exchange for paving the ocean floor in concrete, as each wind turbine tower requires an acre of concrete at its base on the ocean floor, Delaware residents can expect to save $9 a year – nine dollars a year.

When the council was directly asked as to how the council was leaning toward accepting or rejecting this contract with US Wind, the mayor refused to answer the question, saying only they were not voting on the issue that day. But if I had to judge by the softball questions the council members inquired of their featured speaker, US Wind, you would have your answer which way they were leaning.

If you would like to learn more about the 20-year contract that US Wind is proposing to make with Bethany Beach, then I suggest you research it yourself and plan to be at the next Bethany Beach town hall before they vote on this very important issue that will affect Bethany Beach for no less than 20 years, and more if offshore wind turbines are allowed off the coast of Delaware.

Jake Nichols Bethany Beach

Contradictions Within NOAA So I’m sending you a birthday wish From the bottom of my heart To give me strength and courage Every day that we’re apart I know you’re happy in Heaven with no sorrow, tears or pain But sometimes I’m so lonesome My tears fall like rain So on your special day My wish I send to you Is someday I’ll be with you When my chores on earth are through And as I tarry on through the years Hold my wish close to your heart For God will come and take me home As long as I do my part For now I must travel through life alone For He isn’t ready for me yet But what a glorious reunion we’ll have When your smiling face I see So on your birthday this year My wish I send to you Keep looking for me, don’t give up For someday I’ll be there, too

We Love & Miss You, Lisa, Tony, Chelsea, Jeffrey & Brayleigh

Editor: Does the left hand know what the right hand is doing?

Remember a couple of years ago when the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) proposed draconian new speed rules for commercial and recreational vessels up and down the entire Atlantic Coast? This rule attempted to extend to vessels between 35 and 65 feet in length the existing requirement that vessels over 65 feet in length reduce their speed to 10 knots in what is called Seasonal Management Areas along the Atlantic Coast. Had this amendment to the rule been approved, it would have been incredibly harmful to commercial fishermen. It would have made their jobs infinitely more expensive and compliance would have been beyond burdensome. The rule was intended and designed to protect the North Atlantic Right Whale (NARW) from boat

“strikes”. The NARW is on the endangered species list and according to the NOAA, there are only about 350 left in the world, of which fewer than 70 are reproductively active females.

NOAA received so much negative blow-back in its comments section that the extension of the rule was withdrawn and became a ‘“suggestion.” Keep that in mind later.

Fast forward to now, and we find that NOAA Fisheries has received a request from U. S. Wind, LLC, for a Letter of Authorization for Incidental Take Regulations (basically killing) of members of several marine mammal groups over a period of five years (2025-2029) during the construction of the wind farms off the coast of Maryland. Although the request is for a “small number” of takes, the chart accompanying the request shows six Harassments. Since there are about a dozen planned offshore wind farms on the Atlantic Coast-each of which will have the authority to kill a similar number (U.S. Wind is constructing three of them) you can multiply that by 12 for a potential of over 72 NARW takes or “kills” out of a population of 350 (or 20%).

So, on the one hand, a federal agency attempts to issue rules that are incredibly harmful to our fishing industry (both commercial and recreational) in an effort to “Save the Whales” and then the same agency is considering granting permission to the offshore wind industry to kill about 20% of the remaining population.

Of course, both US Wind and Orsted have been claiming for years that OSW does not and will not cause harm to whales or any other sea life. Go figure.

Since NOAA abandoned the extension of its rule regarding speed after the comment period it might be a good idea to file a comment regarding the incidental taking (killing) of the NARW. You can read all about it and comment at www.fisheries.noaa.gov/action/incidentaltake-auhorization-us-wind-inc.

Comments close 02/05/24.

Another interesting tidbit I found in my research is a study by Heriot-Watt University in Scotland. The researchers studied crab behavior near the St. Abbs Marine Station offshore wind farm and found that the high level of electromagnetism coming from the subsea cables delivering power from the turbines is affecting the blood cells of crabs which makes them susceptible to bacterial infections.

The crabs “freeze” when they come close to electromagnetic fields generated by the cables. This disturbing behavior may also affect the creature’s migration habits.

Another study by the university showed that the electromagnetic cables also negatively affect lobster and lobster larvae.

(Heriot-Watt University studies published in 2021 and 2022).

Think about the impact the wind farms on the Chesapeake Bay (our Governor’s dream) will have on the Maryland crab industry.

Once again, I’m just trying to get information to the taxpayers so they can understand what the future may hold.

Carol Frazier Ocean Pines

January 19, 2024

The Dispatch Forever In Memory Of Our Founder, Dick Lohmeyer (May 25, 1927-May 5, 2005) “Iron Man” Shawn Soper (July 24, 1963-February 15, 2023) The Dispatch, Serving Greater Ocean City Since 1984, Is Published By Maryland Coast Dispatch Inc. Weekly On Friday Mornings MAILING ADDRESS: P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Md. 21811 PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd.

Berlin, Md. 21811 PHONE: 410-641-4561 FAX: 410-641-0966 ONLINE WEBSITES: mdcoastdispatch.com facebook.com/thedispatchoc twitter.com/thedispatchocmd instagram.com/thedispatchocmd J. STEVEN GREEN Publisher/Editor editor@mdcoastdispatch.com

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Diakonia Project Merits Exception How We See It

A 4-3 vote by the Worcester County Commissioners has jeopardized the future of a 42-unit affordable housing project operated by Diakonia.

Diakonia’s current facility on Old Bridge Road can no longer meet the needs of the growing local population of homeless and livelihood-stressed individuals who need help getting back on their feet. At a new site on Route 611, Diakonia hopes to provide 42 long-term housing units for tenants, an expanded food pantry, outreach offices for counseling and a thrift store. The project received a favorable recommendation in the fall of 2022 from the county planning commission contingent on sewer capacity issues being resolved.

A solution to the sewer capacity shortage came from the Town of Ocean City.

Diakonia asked the town if the nonprofit could use a certain amount of sewer flow from Ocean City to connect to the West Ocean City District sewer system while agreeing to a deed restriction the site would only be used for transitional housing and related services. Ocean City officials unanimously supported the project strictly because of the community services Diakonia provides to the county as well as Ocean City.

The commissioners voted 4-3 this week to not allow the necessary sewer flow connection to permit the Diakonia project to move ahead. The commissioners opposed cited a fairness issue with other stalled development projects awaiting EDU service along Route 611. Rather than grant the connection, the county wants to try and work out an agreement with the resort to allow more flow from Ocean City to serve county development projects since there is a waiting list for sewer connections currently.

County Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, a council member in Ocean City for more than a decade, does not see an accord happening with the resort, saying, “You all may have a lot more faith that Ocean City’s going to open up their sewer to West Ocean City but I don’t have that faith. I sat on that council. I remember the days when the county was asked to participate in the upgrade of the sewer plant over there and they said no. The people in the Town of Ocean City paid for that.

Nobody else in Worcester County paid for that upgrade.”

Unless a major change in direction occurs, the decision by the commissioners this week basically kills a transitional housing project needed to address homelessness in the community and affordable housing woes.

Diakonia has for decades been a nonprofit jewel in a county with many similar well-intentioned charities. The nonprofit is worthy of an exception while the commissioners and Town of Ocean City potentially consider an agreement to allow for those development projects stuck in the mire of no capacity to move ahead.

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Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green It was a pleasant surprise to see the Worcester County Commissioners vote 5-2 to explore implementing a public comment period at meetings. Making the motion was Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and supporting the effort to seek a public comment mechanism at their meetings were Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Ted Elder, Eric Fiori and Diana Purnell. Opposed to allowing public comments were Commissioners Chip Bertino and Jim Bunting.

Citing an editorial in this newspaper, Mitrecic believes it’s time to designated a portion of commissioners meetings to public comments. As far as I know, the Worcester County Commissioners have never allotted a meeting agenda item for public comments, unlike nearly every other government in Maryland and in the country. There are other jurisdictions that do not allow public comments at every single meeting, but the great majority provide time for citizens to address their elected officials as a body at most meetings.

There was a concern expressed the meetings will not be as productive if the citizens are provided time to address their representatives. It’s a bogus excuse, as nearly every government in the country functions and operates while carving out some time for citizens to address their elected officials as a body.

The hope here is for the commissioners to at least allow public comments at one meeting a month, but the reality is it should be offered at each meeting.

After last week’s editorial calling for public comments to be permitted by the commissioners, the Worcester United Facebook group created an online petition last Friday, gaining more than 265 signatures in a matter of days. An official letter was sent by the group to the commissioners, signed by “The Citizens of Worcester County.” It read in part, “We, the undersigned citizens of Worcester County, hereby express our strong desire to have public comment sessions incorporated into all future County Commissioner meetings. We believe that public participation is essential for a transparent and inclusive decision-making process. Public comments provide an opportunity for community members to voice their concerns, share valuable insights, and contribute to the decision-making process. By allowing public comments at all County Commissioner meetings, we aim to foster a stronger sense of community engagement and ensure that the diverse voices within our community are heard and considered. We understand the importance of efficient and productive meetings. Therefore, we propose implementing a structured system for public comments, with reasonable time limits and guidelines to ensure the smooth flow of the meetings, similar to those used by the Board of Education. This will allow residents to express their views without disrupting the overall proceedings.”

It's good news the Worcester County Fair will now essentially be operated by the Worcester County Recreation and Parks Department with the current fair board serving in an advisory capacity. Times change and most county fairs in rural areas around the country have seen a loss of attendance and interest in recent years. Despite the best intentions of the 4-H folks and the fair volunteers, the reality is the event could use a boost, and the county has the desire and the ability to breathe new life into the event.

For this year, there will be a new date, Aug. 8-11, and a new site, John Walter Smith Park. It was a good move for the commissioners to support county staff’s recommendation to take over the fair. The department has demonstrated the ability to lead successful special events, such as the Harbor Day at the Docks and sports tournaments, but will need the assistance of the experienced fair volunteers with rebranding the event to a larger audience. It appears to be a win-win for everyone.

Once it was confirmed the OC Air Show would move from June to August this year, there were a few hints about a possible new event planned to take its place. Though the dates may or may not have lined up exactly, it appears those early intimations were referring to the Race World Offshore (RWO) Boat Race that returned to the Ocean City Mayor and Council this week for June 7-9 approval.

What makes this boat race event unique is it would be a Town of Ocean City special event like Springfest and Sunfest, for example. It will be operated by the town with the tourism department producing it and RWO acting as the race organizer due to it being a sanctioned body. The council approved a one-year agreement this week with options for a second and third year based on how things go with it. The event now needs county approval as well.

As for details, an offshore race area will be set up from the Inlet to 32nd Street (basically Baltimore Avenue’s length) with a designated wet pit area at Sunset Marina and a dry pit area at the convention center. The town will pay $110,000 to RWO the first year, including $75,000 from the tourism budget and $35,000 redistributed from funds set aside for the air show in the current fiscal year budget. Since the air show will now be held in August, it falls into the next fiscal year’s budget that has not yet been drafted and approved. RWO estimates 40 to 45 boats will participate in the firstyear event, which city folks hope will turn a profit. Special Events Director Frank Miller said, “We’re hopefully forecasting we can make a net profit on this event, even in its first year. And that’s using conservative attendance numbers in terms of what we will have for revenue streams.”

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

Puzzle Answers

I

January 19, 2024

The Adventures of Fatherhood

by Steve Green

PUZZLE ON PAGE 36

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t’s important for teenagers to understand the concept of their own mortality.

It occurs to me we all in different stages of our lives think we are invincible or at a minimum assume we are immune from bad things happening to us. This mindset helps explain why some of us make foolish decisions without a care in the world for our own safety and wellbeing.

As we get older, and we experience the ups and downs that life provides each of us inevitably, we become a bit more intimately familiar with how fragile our lives can be. It’s part of the rollercoaster that is life.

I remember a speech from my college dean about mortality while I was a freshman. During a weekly Mass, the dean used the opportunity to announce a fellow freshman had died from mononucleosis. As I reflect back on it today, I think it was the first time in my life at 18 years of age when I had someone close to me near my age pass away. It was a big deal at the time, though I had only known the guy for about two months at the time. It was late October when he started feeling unwell and went home to Long Island to be cared for by his parents. Because mono is so contagious, he left school immediately. He would never return, as we learned in that weekly Mass that he had died. The dean reminded us about our own mortality and how fragile life can be.

About nine years later, my younger cousin tragically died in a rockclimbing accident while in college, sending shockwaves through our family as she was a bright, kind soul who lost her life at far too young an age.

The two incidents were significant memories for me as they hit hard at the time, leaving me wondering why and questioning the fairness of it all.

It’s been interesting to observe my 15-year-old son Beckett’s reactions to the unexpected losses of acquaintances

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in this tight-knit community. At 15, Beckett has had a couple of these situations in his young life.

The first was back in 2022 with 14year-old Gavin Knupp’s passing. Gavin is Beckett’s age and they played against each other in youth soccer for several years. They were acquaintances with many shared friends. For months, Beckett spoke about the tragedy. He was moved to tears trying to wrap his head around it several times. In an abrupt departure from the norm, he shared his feelings many times about the situation.

It impacted him. He still talks about the horrible accident today.

Earlier this month, the world of many local teens was impacted with another tragedy, as 18-year-old Ezra Morningstar died unexpectedly. He had just graduated last summer from Stephen Decatur High School.

As was the case in 2022, Beckett has fixated a bit on the young man’s passing. Similar to the situation with Gavin’s celebration of life, Beckett wanted to attend Ezra’s similar event on Tuesday night at Mother’s. I was proud he wanted to pay his respects.

Ezra had evidently been at our house a couple times as he lived in Berlin.

Though there were a few years between my son and Ezra, all the kids of Berlin know each other, and Beckett thought a lot of Ezra. He said he was super kind and welcoming to him even though there was an age difference. A few lines in the obituary this week seemed to hit the point. It read, “He saw you. I mean, he really SAW you. No one, young or old or outcast, was dismissed in Ezra’s presence. I’m not a superhero aficionado but there was some sort of X Ray vision that allowed him to see into people’s souls even after a brief encounter. Everyone who met him, even when he was being a goof, felt it.”

There have been numerous studies and position papers written on helping teens cope with the sudden death of a

peer. One of the commonalities involves understanding and embracing life. With these two deaths, Beckett became a bit obsessive over their suddenness, talking eloquently for a teenager about how it can happen so unexpectedly and the huge impact it has on friends and family members.

As we were driving back from Ezra’s celebration of life, Beckett got a little teary telling me about the tribute video shown and some of the comments from people who spoke. It’s clearly had a profound impact on him, as he even asked me what I would do if something tragic happened to himself or Carson. Before I could say anything, he interrupted and said not to answer that he knew already.

He then asked me if I had lost anyone in my life close in age to me and I shared the stories mentioned herein as well as my college roommate who died in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. I talked a little bit about the stages of grief, including shock, sadness, anger and then the forever missing feeling that persists when those close to us pass, especially well before their expected time. We must move ahead while grieving.

We sat in silence for a few miles before he turned on some music. I never know what kind of genre of music he will play these days but, on this ride, he picked some country music. It fit the mood.

A day or so later, Pam and I on separate occasions remarked to Beckett how impressed we have been with how open he was talking about his feelings. I didn’t agree with everything our kid said about this situation, but I am relieved and proud of him for openly discussing it. Acknowledging confusion and not knowing exactly how to feel is a sign of maturity. It’s a big part of adulthood.

(The writer is the publisher and editor of The 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@mdcoastdispatch.com.)

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January 19, 2024

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The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch

January 19, 2024