July 7

SERVING DELMARVA FOR 60 YEARS

Officials Celebrate July 4 Success

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials are celebrating the success of Tuesday’s fireworks displays, the first to be held on Independence Day in Ocean City since 2019.

For the first time in four years, the Town of Ocean City hosted its fireworks displays on July 4 with shows downtown and at Northside Park.

After COVID restrictions, accidental detonations and labor issues prompted the cancellation of fireworks displays the last three years, officials reported a safe and successful return of traditional Independence Day celebrations.

“July 4th was a huge success,” said City Manager Terry McGean. “Fireworks at both Northside Park and downtown went smoothly and we have received

numerous compliments on the quality of both shows. No major issues from the police side. We did have some significant traffic back-ups downtown after the fireworks but that is to be expected given the volume of vehicles and pedestrians all leaving at once. Overall a great day.”

Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo said this year’s celebrations brought large crowds to both the Boardwalk and Northside Park. He said the reception has been “nothing but great.”

“Our team went through some growing pains the last few years with weather and other issues, but we revamped the fireworks displays and had a great turnout …,” he said. “The beach and Boardwalk were packed, there were a lot of people in town, and people were showing up early to Northside Park. So we were very pleased with what we saw.”

On the public safety front, Ocean City Police Department Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said the agency responded to 614 calls for service, with 349 being officer-initiated and 265 being citizen-initiated. In total, the department made 21 custodial arrests throughout the day.

“The 4th of July Fireworks Celebration was a success,” she said. “Our residents and visitors have been anxiously waiting for the return of our annual July 4th celebration.”

Miller also acknowledged the traffic delays leading up to and following the fireworks displays.

“We did see longer traffic delays in the downtown area after the fireworks celebration,” she said. “Particularly coming out of the Inlet lot. While there were long delays leaving the Inlet lot and the downtown area, we were able to get pedestrian and vehicular traffic out safely without any major traffic collisions. Throughout the Town of Ocean City, members of the Ocean City Police Department issued 53 traffic citations, 36 warnings, and four safety equipment repair orders.”

Miller added that officers also witnessed large gatherings of young adults and teenagers on the beach between 120th and 140th streets in the hours following the fireworks celebrations.

“We had a handful of officers and fire marshals dedicated to the beach, alleyways, and Coastal Highway to try to keep the large groups moving,” she explained. “With the large groups, our officers encountered disorderly individuals, noise violations, open containers of alcohol, and illegal fireworks. Once they came off the beach, they would gather in parking lots or alleyways. Our goal was to get them safely back to their nearby residences and/or bus stops along Coastal Highway. We encountered these large gatherings for several hours.”

Ocean City Fire Department Community Engagement Officer Ryan Whittington also reported several service calls throughout the day but noted that Tuesday’s festivities were an overall

Clear skies and planned fireworks displays contributed to a successful Independence Day for Ocean City. Above, a crowded Boardwalk is pictured on July 4.

Photo by Chris Parypa

… City Manager: ‘Overall A Great Day’

success.

“We are pleased to announce that Ocean City had a safe and enjoyable July 4th celebration this year,” he said. “The fire and EMS call volume during the 24-hour period of July 4th was comparable to last year, with a slight increase in EMS calls. However, we are happy to report that there were no firework-related injuries requiring our department's response.”

He continued, “Throughout the day, our dedicated firefighters and emergency medical services personnel promptly responded to various incidents, including multiple trash fires. These incidents were determined to be caused by improperly disposed fireworks material.”

Whittington also recognized colleagues within the town’s public works department, police department, beach patrol, and special events department for keeping the town safe and clean.

“Their collaborative efforts and professionalism greatly contributed to the overall success of the July 4th celebrations,” he said.

For his part, Public Works Director Hal Adkins reported large trash loads and a packed Inlet lot during the Fourth of July holiday.

“From a public works standpoint, it was somewhat uneventful,” he said. “But we had an extremely large trash load on the beach and Boardwalk compared to prior years. In addition to that, the Inlet lot was filled to capacity be-

fore mid-morning, and there was a gridlock on Baltimore Avenue leaving the Inlet lot after the fireworks up until 1 in the morning.”

He continued, “Incident wise, all quiet. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed themselves and we got rave reviews from people who chose to email in.”

Tuesday’s fireworks displays were the first fireworks shows to be held in Ocean City on Independence Day since 2019.

In 2020, the annual Fourth of July fireworks show was postponed during the height of the pandemic over concerns about large crowds gathering in a small area.

In 2021, with COVID waning, Fourth of July fireworks downtown and at Northside Park were set to return, but as the vendor’s crews were off-loading the pyrotechnics from a box truck on the beach at Dorchester Street, one of the explosives detonated unintentionally, causing a chain reaction. The result was a series of explosions that sent a plume of smoke into the sky that could be seen from miles away. Out of an abundance of caution, the town’s Fourth of July fireworks shows downtown and at Northside Park were canceled.

In 2022, just weeks ahead of the Independence Day fireworks, resort officials announced the annual Fourth of July fireworks show would be canceled again, this time due to a labor shortage.

Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Begin; OCPD Educates

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – With adult-use cannabis sales now in effect, local officials are reminding community members of new regulations involving possession and smoking.

In November, Maryland voters approved a referendum to legalize adult-use marijuana. And last Saturday, the sale of recreational cannabis took effect, with many dispensaries across the state reporting higher demand and record sales.

Throughout the first weekend of legalization, for example, the Maryland Cannabis Administration reported $10.4 million in medical and adult-use retail sales. On Saturday alone, retail sales totaled $4.5 million, with adult-use sales accounting for more than 78%.

For local dispensaries, the legalization of adult-use cannabis sales brought with it new customers. At Positive Energy in West Ocean City, owner Lyndsey Odachowski said business boomed.

“We certainly saw a huge influx of customers but can happily say the overall visit time for someone was a total of 35 minutes or less (which included checking in, shopping, & paying),” she said. “The Maryland Cannabis Administration has done a great job ensuring a smooth roll out for a historical day. Legalizing cannabis for adult-use just further normalizes this wonderful plant.”

Odachowski said preparations for adult-use sales had allowed operations to run smoothly throughout the weekend.

She said licensees also work hand in hand with the state to ensure they remain

compliant.

“They have also ensured we have Maryland Cannabis Administration inspectors to reach out to in the event we have any questions or need any clarification,” she said. “I really appreciate that the cannabis products accessible to adult-use consumers go through the same strict testing as medical cannabis products. Also, everything is still grown, processed, and independent state lab tested in Maryland and follows the same seed-to-sale tracking software used in the Medical Program. We do not save any information from adult-use customers – we only need to validate they are 21 years or older by checking their government issued photo ID.”

In Ocean City, the Ocean City Police Department has launched an aggressive online campaign to inform residents and

visitors of new cannabis laws in Maryland. OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller said the biggest change would be the quantity an individual can now legally possess.

“The Ocean City Police Department will continue to strictly enforce cannabis laws in compliance with the law,” she said. “While Maryland voted to legalize some amounts of cannabis use and possession, the Cannabis Reform Act has left members of our community unsure of what is legal and what is illegal.”

As of July 1, adults ages 21 and older can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces of cannabis, 12 grams of concentrated cannabis, cannabis products containing 750 milligrams of delta-9-THC, or two cannabis plants. Miller said civil or criminal penalties will apply for possession in excess of those limits.

“Another change is Maryland House Bill 1071 prohibits a law enforcement officer from initiating a stop or search of a person, motor vehicle, or vessel based solely on the specified types of cannabisrelated evidence,” she said. “In addition, it prohibits a law enforcement officer from searching specified areas of a motor vehicle or vessel during an investigation of a person solely for driving a motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by or under the influence of cannabis.”

Miller added cannabis smoking is prohibited in any motor vehicle or public place, including outdoor and indoor spaces open to the public, parks, streets and sidewalks, bars and restaurants, public transportation, and indoor places of employment.

“Because cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, you also may not possess cannabis on any federal property such as a national park,” she said. “Specifically, in the Town of Ocean City, this includes the Boardwalk and beach. You are not allowed to smoke cannabis in the designated smoking areas located on the Boardwalk and beach.”

Last month, the Mayor and City Council also took several actions to address the legalization of adult-use cannabis. In addition to prohibiting the issuance of onsite cannabis licenses, officials voted to establish a moratorium on the acceptance or processing of applications or site plans or the issuance of other zoning approvals or business licenses for businesses that grow, process or sell cannabis.

Officials said the temporary ban would allow town staff to study and consider zoning and other regulations permitted under the Cannabis Reform Act.

“Our new governor signed that act into law on May 3 of this year and subsequently towns, municipalities, counties are permitted to adopt certain zoning regulations that work in conjunction with that act,” City Solicitor Heather Stansbury said in June. “This council, I believe, was very diligent in its efforts and direction in having staff look into that. But the reality is this is a new horizon. This is not a matter without tentacles and of course this council’s primary concern is for the safety, welfare and health of not only its residents but its visitors.”

Additional information on new cannabis laws can be found by visiting the Maryland Cannabis Administration website.

Armored Vehicle Purchase Approved

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Officials approved the purchase of an armored rescue vehicle for the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office this week.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Wednesday voted 4-3 to spend $321,833 on an armored rescue vehicle for the sheriff’s office. Commissioner Joe Mitrecic, who voted against the purchase, questioned how often the vehicle would be used.

“I don’t think it’s a wise use of county taxpayers’ money,” Mitrecic said.

An armored rescue vehicle has been requested by Sheriff Matt Crisafulli since at least 2021, as he’s described it as something that could be used by law enforcement during hurricanes as well as when there were unruly crowds in Ocean City. While the funding was cut from the county’s budget in previous years, the budget approved by the commissioners last month included $324,000 for the purchase of the rescue vehicle.

Mitrecic told his peers Wednesday he’d talked to Crisafulli about it and didn’t support buying the vehicle.

“For the last few years I’ve been against this purchase,” he said. “I talked with the sheriff about it and got some statistics… I believe he said that it could have been used 41 times in the last 10 years. I’m not sure it's a wise purchase.”

Mitrecic and Commissioners Diana Purnell and Ted Elder voted against the purchase, which still passed with a majority of commissioners in support.

“I think it’s a smart investment for providing law enforcement with the tools they need to protect and keep safe our community,” Commissioner Chip Bertino said.

According to Sgt. Robert Price of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, the county will be purchasing a Lenco Bearcat G3. The armored vehicle is offroad capable and sits lower to the ground than older military style rescue vehicles, making it more maneuverable.

“The purpose of this vehicle is to save lives,” he said.

The sheriff’s office has never had a rescue vehicle and in the past has had to borrow a military rescue vehicle from Wicomico County. The Bearcat G3, however, will be better suited to local needs than some of the military style vehicles.

“This is a smaller, purpose-built vehicle,” he said.

Price said the vehicle has been requested by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Tactical Armed Response (STAR) Team for years.

“It’s armored ballistic protection we just don’t have now,” he said, adding that the vehicle would help save lives. “To anyone who’d say this wasn’t worth the money, if this vehicle saves one person’s life it’s worth every penny.”

Officials in Worcester County this week approved the purchase of an armored rescue vehicle, like the one pictured above, for the sheriff’s office.

Photo courtesy of Lenco Armored Vehicles

Memorial Paddle Planned To Honor Knupp One Year Mark

BY STEVE GREEN EDITOR

BERLIN – While the family awaits September’s jury trial, the community is looking to remember Gavin Knupp with a memorial event on the one-year remembrance of his death next week.

Knupp was 14 years old when he was struck and killed on July 11, 2022, in a hitand-run collision on Grays Corner Road as a pedestrian by a vehicle driven by Tyler Allen Mailloux, 22, of Berlin. Knupp was a pedestrian along the road after taking a cell phone picture of a taxidermy deer head attached to a telephone pole. He was struck returning to a vehicle driven by his older sister, Summer, who tended to her brother awaiting paramedics. Knupp died from injuries sustained in the collision. Mailloux allegedly fled the scene and did not return, according to charges filed. Six

days after the incident, at 1;30 a.m., the Mercedes identified as the vehicle in the collision was seized from a home in the Ocean Reef community.

Next week’s one-year anniversary of Knupp’s passing will be observed with a public recognition, as the family is hosting a memorial paddle out on 36th Street at 5 p.m. in Knupp’s remembrance.

After months of investigation, felony charges were filed in late April in the hitand-run tragedy that claimed the life of a local teen last summer. The 17 charges filed by State’s Attorney Kris Heiser’s office in Worcester County Circuit Court on April 28 were failure to immediately stop vehicle at scene of accident involving bodily injury, two counts of violation of 20-102 knew, reasonably knew accident might result in serious bodily injury and injury occurred, failure to immediately return and remain at scene of accident involving bodily injury, failure to immediately stop vehicle at scene of accident involving death, two counts of violation of 20-102 knew, reasonably knew accident might result in death & death occurred, failure to immediately return and remain at scene of accident involving death, two counts of failure of driver involved in accident to render reasonable assistance to injured person, two counts of failure of vehicle driver in accident to report bodily injury, death, attending vehicle damage, property damage to nearest police, failure of vehicle driver involved in accident to give insurance policy information and four counts of failure vehicle driver within 15 days after accident result in body injury, death to furnish required report to administration.

Under Maryland’s Transportation code, leaving the scene of an accident in resulting in bodily injury is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of $5,000. The maximum penalty jumps to 10 years in prison and $10,000 when the accident results in death.

A motions hearing is planned for Aug. 18 when retired Judge Brett Wilson of Dorchester County is expected to rule on a change of venue request filed June 15 by Mailloux attorney George Psoras of Lutherville. The motions hearing was originally scheduled for Aug. 16 to be heard by Circuit Court Judge Brian Shockley. The hearing was postponed until Aug. 18 to be seen by Wilson, according to online case search files. A jury trial is set for Sept. 11-14 in Worcester County.

Documents have been filed in court revealing a look at the court battle ahead. Supporting documents were filed along with the 10-page venue change request, including exhibits sharing dozens of comments slamming Mailloux on the Justice for Gavin Facebook page, which has grown to 23,350 followers. The request for a change of venue seeks fairness for Mailloux, according to the legal document. The state has filed paperwork contesting the change of venue request at next month’s hearing.

As the discovery phase gets underway in the case, Psoras has indicated in court documents the state must prove Mailloux was aware he struck Knupp on Grays Corner Road. Psoras asked the state in a court document to detail the “conduct and acts of the defendant which demonstrates the defendant had any actual or construc-

Surfers are pictured during a memorial paddle event in July of 2022.

Photo by Campos Media

County To Develop Qualified Bidder List For Projects

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – Development of a list of qualified bidders could allow much needed housing rehabilitation projects to move forward faster.

The Worcester County Commissioners on Wednesday voted unanimously to move forward with plans to create a list of qualified bidders for Worcester County Housing Rehabilitation Program projects.

“Right now it’s difficult to find people to bid on these projects,” Commissioner

Chip Bertino said. “If we have a stable of contractors we can go to, we can get contractors working on these projects quicker.”

The Worcester County Housing Rehabilitation Program is administered through the Worcester County Department of Development, Review and Permitting and provides grant and loan funding to owner-occupied properties for general rehabilitation and lead abatement services.

Nicholas Rice, the county’s procurement officer, told the commissioners this week he was presenting Request for

Qualification (RFQ) documents for housing rehabilitation contractors. He explained that currently, the county sends all renovation projects out for bid on an individual basis. Three bids are required by the state for each project.

“Historically we’ve had little to no success in getting three bidders on these projects,” Rice said. “The state requires three. In the past we’ve been able to apply for waivers if we don’t receive three. The state has indicated they will no longer provide us with a waiver.”

As an alternative, Rice proposed issuing a Request for Qualifications to establish a pool of qualified contractors for all Community Development Block Grant projects.

“This is another way of going through the bidding process,” he said. “We would do a Request for Qualifications to set up a qualified contractor list. That satisfies the formal bidding process and then we can contact those contractors individually for individual projects.”

According to Rice, the new procedure is also expected to reduce advertising costs, as contracts will be directly solicited from the list of qualified contractors and will reduce the amount of time homeowners are waiting for repairs as the county re-bids the project.

He noted that individual contracts exceeding $25,000 would still be sent to the commissioners for their ap-

proval.

The RFQ will seek Maryland licensed contractors capable of dealing with general rehabilitation, lead abatement, HVAC installers, well installers and septic installers. Proposals will be due later this month and will be received by both the county’s housing program coordinator and the commissioners.

The commissioners voted 7-0 to move forward with developing the list of qualified bidders. Local contractors, who are hired through the housing rehabilitation program to do jobs like roof replacement, door replacement and insulation, among others, say they expect the new practice to streamline the repair process for homeowners, making the turnaround from approval to completion date much faster.

The Worcester County Housing Rehabilitation Program was created in 1987 to provide low to moderate income homeowners with the means to rehabilitate their substandard housing structures throughout the county, according to the county’s RFQ. The program is designed to give priority consideration to disabled, extremely low income and/or county residents over 62 years old as well as to those structures posing health or safety hazards. The Housing Rehabilitation Program is primarily funded by Community Development Block Grant monies and the State Special Loans Program.

Two Arrested For Pa. Car Jacking

OCEAN CITY – A parking violation resulted in two Pennsylvania visitors being charged in an unsolved carjacking from their home state last week.

On Tuesday, July 4, at approximately 2:55 p.m., officers were patrolling 3rd Street when they observed an SUV parked next to a red “no parking” curb. When officers ran the tag displayed on the vehicle, it did not come back as a valid tag. The officer then ran the vehicle identification number (VIN) and ultimately learned the vehicle was stolen during an armed carjacking that occurred on June 29 in Philadelphia. Officers were able to utilize City Watch camera footage to determine when the vehicle was parked on the red curb and gain a description of the occupants of the vehicle. Officers issued a broadcast of the suspects’ description to fellow law enforcement personnel.

Two of the suspects returned to the vehicle while officers were still on the scene. Officers detained Jackson Rodriguez De Sena and Briana Hughes. Philadelphia Police Department informed resort officers there was a Beretta handgun inside the vehicle when it was stolen in Philadelphia. Upon inventorying the vehicle, officers located a Sig Sauer handgun inside the passenger compartment of the vehicle. Police Communications advised that the handgun was stolen out of Reading, Pa. De Sena and Hughes were arrested without incident.

At approximately 4:37 p.m., on July 4, officers were dispatched to a hotel located near 3rd Street for a recovery of a handgun. Officers observed a Beretta handgun on the floor near a door frame. Police Communications advised the handgun was the same handgun that was inside the vehicle when it was stolen from Philadelphia.

De Sena, 18, of Philadelphia, was charged with unauthorized removal of a vehicle, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, did steal property with value at least $25,000 but less than $100,000, theft over $100 but less than $1,500, regulated firearm stolen/sell, etc., loaded handgun in a vehicle, illegal possession of ammunition, illegal possession of a regulated firearm, handgun in a vehicle, and possession of firearm/ammunition as a minor. He has been seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and has been held without bond.

Hughes, 21, Philadelphia, was charged with unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, did steal property with a value of at least $25,000 but less than $100,000, theft over $100 but less than $1,500, loaded handgun in a vehicle, handgun in a vehicle, and regulated firearm stolen/sell, etc. Hughes has been seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and has been held without bond.

JACKSON DE SENA

BRIANA HUGHES

Big Trash Day: Huge crowds at the Inlet beach to celebrate Independence Day led to overflowing trash receptables in the area. Above, one receptacle is pictured in front of a line of visitors waiting to use the showers. Photo by Chris Parypa

Town ARPA Funds To Supplement Fire Company Grant

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Town officials agreed to use federal relief funds to supplement Berlin’s annual grant to the Berlin Fire Company.

The Berlin Town Council last week voted unanimously to use American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to close a gap in the fire company’s budget. If the council hadn’t agreed to use the funding, which is eventually intended to be used for capital purchases, the fire company would have only agreed to a contract through Jan. 31.

“The only available cash we have for 12 months is cash we’d like to buy air packs with but you’re saying your operations are more important right at this moment and we’re hearing that,” Mayor Zack Tyndall said.

Berlin Fire Company President David Fitzgerald told the council that while the EMS contract with the town was in order and approved as expected, the contract with the fire company would only provide service until Jan. 31 rather than through June 30, the end of the fiscal year. He said that was because the town was not providing the fire company enough funding to operate for a full year.

“I cannot allow in my best judgment to advise my clients to sign a contract that they cannot comply with,” said Joe Moore, the fire company’s attorney. “If we signed a contract committing them, meaning the fire and rescue service, to June 30, we can’t comply with it.”

He said that after Jan. 31, the fire company would continue to respond to calls in Berlin but would bill the town for the services provided on a per diem basis.

“We’re entitled to reasonable payment for services we’re obligated to provide,” he said.

Councilman Dean Burrell addressed the perception within the community, referencing the fire company’s new station on Route 50 and its headquarters on Main Street.

“How can a fire department have two stellar departments and still be crying broke?” he said.

He said town officials needed to be able to have candid financial discussions with fire company leadership.

“If we’re going to have these meetings, they need to be worthwhile. You come up here and you provide numbers of runs and that kind of stuff, but I don’t get a good feeling of where your spending is and what you need,” Burrell said. “And now you are saying your attorney cannot

advise you to sign a contract that you’re not going to be able to fulfill and you’re going to invoice the town for service? How did we get here?”

Moore said if officials felt the fire company was doing anything improper, they could pay for an audit of the company’s financials. He said that even with the Jan. 31 date the fire company would still respond to calls in town limits.

“All I said was that rather than us saying you find your own way to respond after Jan. 31, the only way we can continue to do it without saying we’re not going to do it because our money has run out, is to bill you on a fair and equitable basis,” Moore said.

Tyndall pointed out services wouldn’t change at the fire company even if the town didn’t fund past Jan. 31 because the company still needed to serve Worcester County.

“The level of service and apparatus you need is not strictly for Berlin,” he said.

Moore said the town had the services of the fire company’s 55 volunteers.

“They don’t get paid,” he said. “What we have done is we have struck a budget that is to our best judgment a reasonable cost of providing services in town to the town. The county is a different situation. All we have said is we are simply asking you to reimburse us for the fair cost of providing those services.”

Tyndall said the town had more than $200,000 in ARPA funding set aside for the fire company and could use that to extend the contract to the June 30 date. He said that would give the town time to find additional funding and would ensure service for the entire year.

He added that the contract process this year with the fire company had been long and complicated, as drafts of the contract that were shared between the two entities changes were not properly tracked.

“Consistently this year we have received multiple versions of the contract without clearly articulating what those changes are,” he said, adding that it overloaded town staff time as they were forced to review the documents for any changes.

As far as the use of ARPA funds to ensure coverage through June 30, Fitzgerald said fire company membership would have to approve that proposal when it met July 10. The council voted unanimously to use the ARPA funding to supplement the operating budget for the fire company so that an updated contract could be provided for fire company membership to review.

Natalie Saleh, the town’s finance director, criticized the fire company’s presentation. She said when town departments had been told they needed to cut their budgets they didn’t tell the council they were going to stop services part way through the year.

Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols agreed.

“It’s very disrespectful,” she said. Saleh said the situation was unheard of.

“Per diem will become an extortion,” she said.

Special Session Sought On Automatic Gas Tax Increases

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – State legislators are calling for a special session to address Maryland’s automatic gas tax increase.

Last week, the Joint Republican Caucus called on the Maryland General Assembly to convene in a special session to address the automatic gas tax increase that took effect July 1. Joining the caucus in their request is Senator Mary Beth Carozza – representing Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset counties – who argued action was needed to repeal the gas tax increase ahead of the 2024 session.

“The Maryland General Assembly should take action now, this summer, to reverse this dramatic and automatic gas tax increase,” she said. “There is absolutely no reason we should wait until 2024.”

Under the Transportation Infrastructure Investment Act of 2013, Maryland’s gas taxes were linked to inflation and can increase automatically as inflation increases. Revenues collected from the gas tax are then used on roads and highway projects throughout the state.

On July 1, the tax rate increased roughly 10%, to 47 cents per gallon. In a statement last week, Carozza said she and other members of the Maryland General Assembly have tried to repeal the annual increases since 2014.

“This huge gas tax spike hurts work-

ing families and hits them hard at a time when other costs are increasing across the board,” she said. “Many Marylanders work hard all year to save and take a short vacation, and this dramatic gas increase hits them hard right now as many will be on the road traveling to Independence Day celebrations.”

Carozza argued that while gas tax goes up with inflation, it does not go down with deflation. To take emergency action before the 2024 legislative session, she said Gov. Wes Moore would have to call for a special session to convene in Annapolis.

“Lifting the gas tax would have such a positive impact on rural communities that depend on transportation for their day-to-day livelihoods as well as the thousands of Marylanders who make the trip to Ocean City every summer,” said Carozza, noting that Ocean City becomes the second largest city in Maryland during the season with approximately 300,000 people visiting on busy summer weekends.

Last week, Moore called on legislators to address the automatic gas tax increase but stopped short of convening a special session. In the meantime, the Joint Republican Caucus has created a petition to repeal the automatic increase.

“We appreciate Governor Moore echoing the common-sense concerns of Republicans on how these automatic tax increases detrimentally impact Maryland’s working families and small busi-

nesses,” said House Minority Leader Jason Buckel. “Our citizens benefit when we can find common ground and work together and we hope Governor Moore can influence House and Senate Democratic leadership to address this issue sooner rather than later.”

Moore was also joined by other Democrats in addressing the gas tax. Sen. Dawn Gile (D-33) said she supported efforts to set a tax rate without tying it to inflation.

“I supported these efforts as I am not in favor of connecting the gas tax to inflation,” she said in a Facebook post. “However, there weren’t sufficient votes

to bring about the change. In the future, I look forward to collaborating with my colleagues in the General Assembly to find effective solutions to address this issue, which particularly impacts working families. As our State progresses towards the use of electric vehicles, it becomes crucial to explore alternative sources of revenue that won't overburden Maryland taxpayers.”

Under the law passed in 2013, automatic increases in transit fares were also linked to inflation, but the General Assembly eliminated those automatic increases during the 2023 legislative session.

Resort Council Approves Advertising Fund Use Policy

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City this week agreed to implement a new advertising fund use policy with some resolution as to how legal fees should be funded and event profits should be calculated.

In Monday’s meeting of the Mayor and Council, officials voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve a revised policy on the use of advertising funds. Following a review with the Ocean City Tourism Commission and Councilman John Gehrig, City Manager Terry McGean said he was presenting the council with a document that incorporated all but two issues – legal fees and profit calculations.

“Previously we had presented the policy to better define and implement the use of the advertising fund,” he said. “There

were a number of comments from Councilman Gehrig. We met and reviewed them all. Most of them we have implemented. There are two that remain outstanding.”

Currently, just over 40% of room tax revenues are dedicated to an advertising fund, while the remainder is placed in the town’s general fund. The formula, approved by the Mayor and Council through an ordinance, also outlines approved expenditures within the advertising fund, such as advertising, sponsorships, promotion of special events and more.

In recent years, however, the use of advertising dollars to pay general fund expenses has been the source of contention among council members and staff. And during budget discussions earlier this year, McGean pitched the idea of creating an advertising fund policy that would clarify the intent of the ordinance and how funds should and shouldn’t be used.

Back on the agenda for discussion this week, McGean noted that two significant issues remained – the use of advertising funds to pay legal expenses and the calculation of profits from special events subsidized by the advertising fund.

“We continue to struggle, as we have on some of the other events, with what the city charges,” he said.

For his part, Gehrig said he took issue with using advertising funds to pay for legal expenses. While the ordinance defines research as an acceptable use of advertising funds, Gehrig argued it was never the intent to fund legal expenses.

“In no way was legal research meant to be part of research and consultant fees,” he said.

McGean disagreed, noting the ordinance defined consultant fees as an acceptable use of advertising funds.

“I consider the city attorney a consult-

ant,” he said.

Gehrig also pointed out that roughly 80% of the tourism department’s legal bills have been charged to the town’s advertising fund.

“The tourism budget and the advertising budget are separate pockets, and you’re taking an expense that used to be in this pocket and shifting it to the other pocket …,” he said. “This is a loophole. I see money, I take money. That’s all this is.”

Gehrig said he also took issue with a section of the policy stating that revenues derived from advertising budget expenses would be directed to the tourism budget.

“The resulting revenue needs to go to the place where the expense came from,” he said.

During Monday’s discussion, McGean also pointed out there was still questions regarding how profits from special events subsidized by the advertising fund should be calculated. “The question is, A, where does that profit go if it does make a profit, and, B, how does that profit get calculated,” he said.

To answer those questions, McGean said staff had presented two options –one in which profits are split in the same manner as room tax revenues but the event would not be charged for the use of city labor and equipment, and one in which 100% of profits would go to the advertising fund but the event would be charged for the use of city labor and equipment.

“We’re talking about actual city expenses …,” he explained. “If the Town of Ocean City, the council says we think it’s worth it to not only subsidize the event but place it in the Inlet parking lot at a time where the Inlet lot might be making significant revenue, we would not have the lost revenue from the Inlet lot be charged as an expense to that event. It’s purely what we are spending on the event.”

Officials said they preferred the second option.

“I wanted the low-rate guarantee,” Gehrig said. “That sounds like a low-rate guarantee.”

Gehrig added that he wanted profitable events that would not place a strain on city resources.

“I want to be profitable and make more money because it comes in and 60% of it goes to the general fund to pay for police, fire, public works, lifeguards and all the other great personnel we have that never get talked about …,” he said. “We haven’t raised property tax in I don’t know how long. Maybe over time if we keep doing this and have a system that works, maybe we can actually then cut taxes when everyone around us is raising them. That’s the goal.”

After a lengthy discussion, the council voted to approve the advertising fund use policy with the staff’s recommendation to proceed with the second option when calculating special event profits. The council also agreed to amend the policy so that revenues derived from advertising budget expenses would be directed back to the advertising budget, and to add a sentence limiting research and analysis to destination marketing unless otherwise approved by the tourism department.

County Reviews School System’s ESSER Grant Funding

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – County staff told the Worcester County Commissioners this week that the school system has more than $9 million in federal grant funding remaining.

The commissioners this week reviewed the federal funding the school system has received and how the programs and positions paid for with that funding could impact the operating budget going forward.

“As we work through the data we will continue to focus on how or if the other grants will impact the operating budget in the future,” said Candace Savage, the county’s deputy chief administrative officer.

In the wake of the pandemic, Maryland received more than $3.2 billion in Coronavirus Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) Fund dollars. While the local share of ESSER funds and what they were being used for was a source of contention during the county’s recent budget process, Savage told the commissioners this week that she was now reviewing specifics regarding the grants. She said that as part of the Public Information Act request the county had submitted, Worcester County Public Schools had provided more than 270 pages of documents related to ESSER grants.

“We’re still working through a lot of that data but we just wanted to give a brief update,” Savage said. “Overall the board of education received 22.4 million in ESSER relief funding.”

She said that when the information was provided in the beginning of June, the school system had about $9.5 million of the $22.4 million remaining. She said there were three ESSER allocations to the county and that the most recent one was the largest at about $14.4 million. About $5 million of that has been spent.

“Approximately $1.4 million, or 28%, has been spent on personnel, which includes additional staff, summer and afterschool programs, and transportation,” she said. “One million, or 20%, has been spent on Apple products and services. This includes an annual lease of $121,000.”

She said some of the ESSER expenditures could carry over into the school system’s operating budget once the grant funding was gone. She said that when she received the information, there was about $1.7 million that could carry over, as that funding had been used to hire staff and fund technology leases. Since then, the school system has opted to accept a $600,000 early childhood education grant to expand the number of PreK3 classrooms in the county’s public schools.

“If the board of education decides to continue to fund these programs at $1.7 million as well as the PreK expansion program at $600,000, future operating budgets could start with a shortfall of $2.3 million just based off these two grants,” Savage said.

Commissioner Caryn Abbott asked

about the school system’s Maryland LEADS funding, as a reduction in the matching funds associated with that grant had been included on the school system’s list of necessary budget reductions when a maintenance of effort budget was approved by the commissioners.

Savage said she initially had trouble locating that funding within the financial documents the school system provided.

“However within the Public Information Act request I was able to find that is a budget line within their salaries… and is budgeted for $450,000,” she said. “That is not on their general ledger accounting lines so we need some clarification on how that works.”

In an interview following the presentation, Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief safety and academic officer

for grades 9-12, said the ESSER funding was meant to help students post-pandemic.

“The purpose of ESSER was big boosters back into the school system because we knew kids were going to have more health problems, more learning loss, and all those things compounded,” she said.

Wallace said the school system didn’t intend to allow most of the expenditures to become part of the operating budget.

“We’ve tried to open the lines of communication and we’re continuing to try to work on that from our side as well as from their side,” she said. “We’ve tried to provide clarity around the only thing that we could potentially be coming back for and asking them would be is if we decided to renew the lease for our MacBooks.”

She acknowledged, however, that PreK3 could also be discussed.

“We believe in early childhood education and we know it will pay dividends,” she said. “I think it’s important for the community to remember that these kids were born during the pandemic. These were the kids born in 2020. These are pandemic babies who are facing more challenges than any kids we’ve had yet in our schools.”

She said the PreK3 expansion could be addressed if the commissioners didn’t support it in the next budget request.

“… then we will make some very difficult decisions in our school system because we’re pretty committed to believing in all the research and knowledge and skillsets we have in knowing how important PreK3 is,” she said. “We hope they would reconsider that.”

Route 90 Accident: Holiday weekend traffic was brought to a standstill last Saturday around 11 a.m. due to a multiple-vehicle accident on the Route 90 bridge. No major injuries were reported, but traffic was backed up beyond the Route 113 overpass for about two hours. Above, personnel from the Ocean City Fire Department are pictured managing traffic on the bridge.

COPS & COURTS

118 MPH In 35 MPH Zone

OCEAN CITY – Dozens of charges were filed against a Pennsylvania man for speeding through the downtown area and then colliding with four vehicles, injuring 12 people.

On June 26, around 8 p.m., an Ocean City bike officer was dispatched to a motel near 26th Street and Baltimore Avenue for a domestic dispute. As the cop was arriving, a black Mercedes with Pennsylvania tag aggressively exited the motel parking lot past a marked Ocean City police vehicle. A traffic stop was then initiated but the driver, later identified as

Joshua Permenter, 22, of Dillsburg, Pa., did not stop and accelerated quickly onto 28th Street. Police observed Permenter continue to accelerate through a red light and turn south on Coastal Highway. As a result of the aggressive driving, multiple vehicles collided with each other to avoid being hit by the accelerating vehicle driven by Permenter. The Mercedes was observed for several blocks continuing to break traffic laws while refusing to pull over to trailing police officers.

Around 13th Street, Permenter was found to be driving approximately 118 mph in a 35-mph zone on Coastal Highway. An officer trained in speed recognition was able to utilize a time-distance equation as well as the City Watch camera footage to determine the approximate speed of travel. The recorded speed was more than three times the posted speed limit on the road, which was congested at the time.

Around 8th Street and Coastal Highway, Permenter was passing vehicles in a reckless manner when his vehicle rear ended another vehicle and crashed into three other cars before coming to a stop facing the other direction. With air bags deployed, Permenter fled on foot away from the scene, which consisted of multiple damaged vehicles and injured individuals. After leaving the area initially, Permenter ultimately returned to the scene to sit on the sidewalk in an attempt to portray a bystander. He was subsequently placed under arrest once police were able to identify him as the driver with witness assistance.

According to police reports, multiple ambulances were required to attend to the injured individuals and Coastal Highway was closed for about 90 minutes during a busy time of night. A total of 12 people were involved in the accident including four small children. No major injuries were reported.

A records search found Permenter was not licensed to drive in Pennsylvania and had a “lengthy criminal history to include possession with intent to distribute and fleeing from police,” according to charging documents.

In total, more than 30 charges were filed against Permenter including driving without a license, aggressive driving, attempt by driver to elude police officer resulting in bodily injury, failure to immediately stop vehicle at scene of an accident involving injury, failure to immediately return and remain at scene of accident, failure to stop after accident involving damage to attended, failure of driver involved in accident to render reasonable aid, failure of vehicle driver in bodily injury, death, attended vehicle and attempt by driver to elude police in official police vehicle.

Violent

Suspect Charged OCEAN

Photo courtesy of OCFD

COPS & COURTS

violent encounter with a man last weekend that ultimately resulted in five officers being needed to place the suspect in a special restraint device.

On July 1, shortly after midnight, an Ocean City bike officer was alerted by a woman to two men walking in the middle of Worcester Street who she knew were intoxicated and worried for their safety. Police observed one of the men, Tyree Price, 29, of Salisbury, urinate while standing on a public sidewalk. The officer informed Price he had violated a city ordinance and ordered him to sit on the sidewalk curb.

While police were talking with Price, who was initially compliant, the other individual, Roger Welton, 34, of Parsonsburg, began videotaping the officer in charge from a nearby private parking lot. Welton was advised he was welcome to video the situation, but he had to be on public property because he was trespassing on the private property. Welton continued to try and distract the officer issuing a citation to Price with a series of questions. As additional officers arrived on the scene, Welton became more disruptive as did Price. Welton and Price both continued yelling at the police officers, using expletives and loud voices that could be heard from more than 200 yards away.

Price was informed he was being placed under arrest, but Price resisted with aggression including trying to kick an officer in the head while he attempted

to place him in handcuffs. Price attempted to run away from the scene multiple times and “engaged in active resistance by making physically evasive movements” to avoid being detained, according to police.

The police report on the incident indicated it took “five police officers and the use of a violent person restraint device” to put Price in handcuffs.

In the end, Price was charged with second-degree assault of an officer, resisting arrest, refusing a lawful order, disorderly conduct and a noise violation. For his role on the scene, Welton was charged with disorderly conduct and failure to obey a lawful order.

Handgun Charge

OCEAN CITY – A Virginia man was charged last week after a handgun was found in his vehicle during a traffic stop.

On June 29, around 1:40 a.m., an Ocean City bike officer’s attention was gained by Luke Britton, 41, of Chincoteague, Va., who appeared to be inebriated walking on the Boardwalk. While walking toward the Inlet parking lot, Britton was screaming and could be heard from more than 130 feet away. Police observed Britton drive his Chevrolet Silverado from the northern end of the Inlet parking lot south to the third row. Believing the driver was intoxicated, police initiated a traffic stop.

Questioning from police led officers to believe Britton was inebriated. When asked if there were any guns in the truck, Britton initially said no and then admitted a gun may be in the vehicle. Police located a .22 magnum handgun, which

was unloaded, behind the driver’s seat A breath test confirmed a breath alcohol content far above the minimum level. Empty alcohol beverage containers were located in the backseat of the vehicle near the weapon. Britton did not have a handgun permit with Maryland.

Britton was charged with disturbing the peace, knowingly transporting a handgun in a vehicle on a public road and transporting a handgun on or about his person.

Disturbing Peace

OCEAN CITY – A skateboarding infraction on the Boardwalk led to charges for a Delaware man.

On June 27, around 8:46 p.m., an Ocean City police officer on uniform Boardwalk foot patrol observed Matthew

Webb, 24, of Middletown, Del., skateboarding southbound. Webb was carrying a speaker playing music at an unreasonable level. While police talked with Ocean City Communications, Webb tried to leave the scene twice to smoke his vape pen.

Throughout the encounter, police noted in charging documents Webb was irate and loud, promising to sue the police if he was struck by lightning in the distance. Due to his escalating actions and repeated vulgar language, Webb was placed under arrest and a search of a bag on him found a spring-assisted opening knife.

Webb was charged with disturbing the peace, obstructing and hindering and possession of an assisted opening knife within town limits.

OC Bragging Rights Awarded:

Fish Tales Bar and Grill hosted its annual Hot Dog Eating Contest on Independence Day, attracting 19 participants and hundreds of onlookers. In the event, crushing 11 hot dogs in 10 minutes and winning the grand prize of $1,000 was Rocco Ruppert of Reisterstown, who is pictured at right with his trophy and owner Shawn Harman. The event’s Master of Ceremonies was DJ

BK of Radio Ocean City.

Photo by Steve Green

HAPPINESS

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

SNOW HILL – A new committee will review public school construction funding in Worcester County.

The Worcester County Commissioners this week voted 6-1 to create a committee to consider development of a policy on school construction funding. According to county staff, this is an ideal time for the issue to be considered because a new school is being planned in Berlin.

“Given the Buckingham project is in its early stages this is an opportune time for a discussion of this nature,” said Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young.

Young told the commissioners this week that the state provides a 50-50 match for school construction up to a certain gross square footage that’s based on enrollment. He said any square footage beyond the formulated footprint would have to be funded locally. Currently, there are four schools, including Buckingham, in the governor’s budget, Young said. He explained that all four are above the state calculated size, which means there will be a portion of each facility that will be funded locally.

“With the upcoming Buckingham Elementary School replacement project, we wanted to facilitate a conversation

with the group setting a policy, something that would set expectations for future school construction,” Young said.

Commissioner Chip Bertino said he’d like to see a committee formed to evaluate what funding the county would allocate for school construction moving forward. He said the committee could be made up of Young as well as the county’s deputy chief administrative office, procurement officer and engineer as well as a representative of the Worcester County Board of Education. Commissioner Jim Bunting made a motion to create the committee and have it report back by the commissioners’ second meeting in August.

“I think we need to take a close look at this,” he said.

The commissioners voted 6-1, with Commissioner Joe Mitrecic opposed, to establish the committee.

After the meeting, Mitrecic said he’d objected to the proposal because it was redundant, as there is already a Buckingham construction committee made up of commissioners, community members, school system officials and builders, and because he felt there wasn’t enough school system representation on it.

“If we’re going to have a committee it should have equal parts,” he said.

Annette Wallace, the school system’s chief safety and academic officer for grades 9-12, said she was surprised

to hear about the committee.

“It’s definitely something new,” she said. “I think it’s prudent of all of us to be looking into being more fiscally responsible about everything we’re doing.”

She pointed out that the membership of the committee was entirely county representatives other than the space for one school system representative.

“Our board, our governing body, it didn’t sound like was a part of that at all,” she said. “That’s just interesting, a lot to process and work through. The more voices at the table the better but certainly I want our elected board to be able to serve their duty and do their due diligence as well being part of that committee. I will be in touch with the commissioners and Mr. Young and hopefully have maybe a better balance.”

As far as the new committee and the effect it will have on a new Buckingham Elementary, Bertino said in an interview Wednesday that he expected it to make construction of the new Berlin school, and other schools in the future, more efficient.

“I think it’s fiscally responsible so that expectations aren’t above what reality can pay for,” he said. “When an individual is building a house, they know what their budget is and plan accordingly. My belief is taxpayer money should be handled the same way. Let’s focus on our needs and plan accordingly.”

Rail Bike Business Comes To Berlin

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – Rail bikes will soon be rolling down the tracks through Berlin.

Tracks and Yaks, a company that provides rail bike tours in Frostburg, will begin offering rail bike tours on the railroad tracks in Berlin July 15.

“It’s fun for all ages and it brings a new type of outdoor attraction to Berlin,” said Ivy Wells, the town’s economic and community development director.

Wells said the concept of rail bike tours came up several years ago when Berlin was pursuing ways to bring an excursion train to the local Maryland and Delaware Railroad tracks. While it took several years, Tracks and Yaks is now ready to begin operating in Berlin.

“It was a perfect fit for all involved,” Wells said.

The company will be based at 115 Broad St. (the soon-to-be home of The Street Kitchen and Berlin Beer Company) but will not have a true storefront. Instead, a trolley car will serve as a ticket booth and merchandise depot. The rail bikes will be stationed on the train tracks.

Wells expects the business to generate interest among both residents and visitors to the area.

“Rail biking is accessible to people of various fitness levels and ages, including those with mobility limitations,” Wells said.

Tracks and Yaks will offer two routes in Berlin. The Queponco Excursion is a 13-mile roundtrip ride that departs at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. The trip is expected to take about 2.5 hours.

“We depart from Berlin Maryland on the Eastern Shore and travel along the tracks and right of way that was established in 1877,” the company’s website reads. “When we reach our destination 6.5 miles south we will take a break at the Queponco Train Station. This is a historic depot that is now a museum and tribute to the history of the railroad’s importance on the peninsula. Our staff will get your bikes turned around and share some history with you about the station and region before we head back to Berlin.”

That trip costs $149 for a two-person tandem rail bike and $249 for a fourperson rail bike.

The Ironshire Express is a shorter 6.5-mile route that will be offered in late mornings and early afternoons. A tandem rail bike for two people costs $99 while a four-person bike costs $149. Tours will start July 15 and can be booked online through the Tracks and Yaks website.

“Rail bike tours will promote physical well-being and contribute to the sustainable growth of our community,” Wells said.

She said the business had an agreement with the railroad that allowed it to use the tracks. Agreements with Berlin Beer Company and other private entities will ensure Tracks and Yaks has adequate parking space.

Tracks and Yaks will have employees on hand when the tracks cross roadways to ensure safe crossings.

Wells said she’d tried the rail bikes and thought it would appeal to a variety of customers. She added that it wasn’t overly strenuous and was comparable to the experience of powering a paddleboat.

“It’s fun for all ages,” she said. She added that rail bikes would give visitors a chance to explore beyond town limits.

“Rail bike tours allow individuals to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Berlin’s surroundings,” she said. “Spending time outdoors can have positive effects on mental well-being and reduce stress,” she said.

Mayor Zack Tyndall, Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells, Berlin Beer Company’s Adam Davis and Cathrin Banks of the Maryland and Delaware Railroad Company are pictured on a rail bike. Submitted Photo

Officials Pitch Marijuana Sales Ban

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – A Fenwick Island committee agreed last week to have the town solicitor draft an ordinance banning cannabis sales within town limits.

Last Thursday, the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee voted unanimously to have the town solicitor draft a proposed ordinance banning cannabis sales in town. Mayor Natalie Magdeburger, committee chair, the proposed ban would comply with new state laws on recreational marijuana use.

“Whatever ordinances are drafted, we need to follow the law and whatever exemptions are provided and to make sure we are all consistent,” she said.

Last year, the topic of recreational marijuana was referred to the charter and ordinance committee for review. With new laws legalizing recreational marijuana now in effect, Magdeburger said the committee should begin exploring the town’s options.

“The wisdom of this committee was before we could do anything, we needed to see if the law would pass, and if the law did pass, what type of ability municipalities would have to work within the law,” she said last week. “We are now here, the law has passed, and we need to take a look at it and see what this committee thinks in terms of whether or not we wish to avail ourselves of any limitations the law provides or whether or not we want to remain silent on the topic.”

Magdeburger noted the town already had ordinances that prohibited the smoking or vaping of any substance on the beach. She noted, however, that there was no ordinance on the sale or production of recreational marijuana.

“We are actually ahead of the game in terms of whether or not things could be smoked on the beach …, she said. “Our ordinance already prohibits the use of cannabis, unless it’s eating a gummy, on the beach. So I don’t think we need to address that or touch that.”

Magdeburger told committee members the topic would require in-depth research and communication with other coastal communities in Delaware.

She noted the Town of Dewey Beach had already indicated it would prohibit marijuana sales.

“The issue would be whether or not we want to permit the sale of those items within town, and I guess the production of it …,” she said. “Whatever ordinances are drafted, we need to follow the law and whatever exemptions are provided and to make sure we are all consistent.”

For her part, committee member Ann Riley said she supported the proposed ban.

“I can’t believe Fenwick Island is a place where we would want to have cannabis sales,” she said. “I would find it shocking. Why waste time? I agree we should work with the solicitors of other beach towns and keep things consistent

per Delaware law.”

Committee member Ben Waide agreed.

“We don’t need to invent anything here,” he said.

Magdeburger, however, said the town would be responsible for doing just that.

“All of this is very new territory, and from a legal perspective it’s fraught with a lot of potential for challenge,” she said. “My recommendation is we do it very carefully. I’d like to have our town solicitor look at the code and make recommendations to us if that’s where we wish to go with it and come back with a proposed ordinance that goes into place.”

Magdeburger said the town should also inform local businesses of the proposed ban.

“I don’t know if this is something they have an interest in doing …,” she said. “I think it’s worthy to at least letting them know this is an agenda item.”

With no further discussion, the committee voted unanimously to have the town solicitor begin drafting an ordinance banning marijuana sales pursuant to provisions of state law.

The committee last week also held discussions on a proposed ordinance for electronic signage and the status of occupancy permits being issued after construction is complete and equipment is removed, among other things.

OC Council Advances Workforce Housing Ordinance

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – Officials in Ocean City this week voted to advance a code amendment pertaining to non-accessory workforce housing, but not before a debate on the permitted length of time for rental and lease agreements.

On Monday, the Mayor and Council had before them the first reading of an ordinance amending the town’s zoning code to allow non-accessory workforce housing. While the changes would provide incentives to build off-site employee housing projects in town, officials this week agreed more work was needed to address the minimum duration of rental or lease agreements for such developments.

“We had some internal discussions about whether we ought to do 90 days or four months and a day,” said City Man-

ager Terry McGean. “The 90 days was set up because that is seasonal, June, July and August …The law is if you are renting for less than four months and a day, you are going to be charged room tax.”

Since last year, resort officials have been working on a proposed code amendment that could help address a shortage of workforce housing in Ocean City. As it currently exists, the town code defines employee housing as accessory use, or living quarters with a portion of a main building or an accessory building located on the same site to be used by individuals employed on the premises. But officials are looking to include employee housing as non-accessory use.

In a work session last month, the Mayor and Council agreed to forward the code amendment to a first reading, but with several changes to tier levels and approval processes.

Simply put, tier one projects are those with 16 or fewer residents, while tier two projects are those with 17 to 60 residents and tier three projects are those with more than 60 residents.

The amendment also sets restrictions for zoning districts. Employee housing would be prohibited in the MH and R-1 districts. In the R-2, R-2a and R-2a districts, tier one projects would be permitted, tier two projects would be allowed by conditional use and tier three projects would be prohibited. In the R-3 district, tier one projects would be permitted and tier two and tier three projects would be allowed by conditional use. And in all other districts, tier one and tier two projects would be permitted and tier three projects would be allowed by conditional use.

Back on the agenda Monday, Councilman Tony DeLuca questioned if the amendment established a minimum length

of time for rental or lease agreements. City Solicitor, Maureen Howarth said she recommended a 90-day minimum.

“If the council is inclined and they want to have a rental or lease agreement minimum, you could add language that says the rental agreement or lease agreement shall be for a minimum of 90 days,” she said.

Councilman Peter Buas, however, said he took issue with the 90-day minimum, as it did not meet the room tax threshold.

“I really think it should be four months, 120 days,” he said. “That’s the room tax line. I think we should be using that as a guide.”

McGean said staff had discussed the issue and had identified some concerns related to the duration of rental or lease agreements for seasonal housing. He noted many J-1 visa students booked lodgings week to week. Officials also pointed out that many seasonal employees did not stay past the summer months.

“Usually, they write the lease for four months and a day, and if they leave early, they leave early,” Buas said.

For her part, Howarth said she would still recommend a 90-day minimum.

After further discussion, however, the council voted 6-0, with Councilman Will Savage absent, to approve the ordinance on first reading and to direct the city solicitor to come back with an alternative for the minimum length of time required for rental or lease agreements.

“I’d rather get this right now,” Buas said.

Heron Park Work Session Scheduled

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – In advance of a work session next week, town officials have shared a variety of information related to Heron Park.

On Monday, July 10, at 6 p.m., municipal officials will host a work session to discuss the proposed sale of a portion of Heron Park. A proposed contract, timeline for sale and appraisal information, as well as additional details, are available in the meeting packet. Mayor Zack Tyndall said that in the days following the work session, the town’s parks commission and planning commission would be weighing in on the issue.

“I hope following the work session, parks commission meeting, and the planning commission meeting, we can move forward with either Coastal Ventures Properties LLC’s proposal or the town demolition of the buildings,” Tyndall said. “We are less than a year away from needing to expend the strategic demolition funds and it may seem like it’s a year away but it will take several months to move forward with either direction.”

The town purchased Heron Park for $2.5 million in 2016. Last year, heeding calls to consider selling the property to reduce the annual debt service, the town entered into negotiations with Palmer Gillis’s Coastal Ventures Properties LLC—one of two entities that submitted a proposal for a portion of the property. The initial proposal from Gillis offered the town $1.5 million for three parcels — parcel 410, 57 and 191 — and would involve partial demolition of the existing structures to create a commercial project on the site. The trails and pond on the north end of the property would be unaffected.

Last week, the town heard from numerous residents as well as from Gillis himself about the proposal. Multiple residents told elected officials they needed more information about what was proposed before they could say whether they supported selling part of the property or not.

In the wake of those comments, this week the town shared the agenda for the July 10 work session regarding Heron Park. Within the meeting packet are countless details about the project as well as the proposal.

Some of the information included was initially shared by Councilman Jay Knerr on social media late last week.

“There is a great deal of misinformation out there so hopefully this will help to clarify some of that,” he wrote on Facebook. “This is not an endorsement of the project. In the upcoming month the town will hold a public meeting where the proposed project will be presented and will offer residents the opportunity to share

their thoughts and opinions pertaining to this property. Good or bad. It’s important we get this right so if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me or any fellow council members.”

According to the facts shared by Knerr, the 63.67-acre Heron Park property is made up of four lots. Lot 52, which includes the park’s three ponds and nature trails, is not for sale. The lots that are for sale total 20.31 acres. Appraised value for the entire property as of April 2022 was $1.7 million.

According to that appraisal, lot 52, the area with the ponds and nature trail, is valued at $180,000. Lot 57 is valued at $800,000 while lot 191 is valued at $200,000 and lot 410 is valued at $700,000.

An update from Tyndall states that the town still owes $2.3 million on the property. In fiscal year 2023, the town paid about $182,000 in principal and interest. In fiscal year 2024 that figure is projected to be about $179,000.

Tyndall also shared restrictions included in the contract negotiated by the town and Gillis. Lot 57 would be restricted to operate as a restaurant or retail establishment for five years. Parcels 191 and 410 would be restricted to operate as a garden center for 10 years.

As far as the $500,000 demolition grant the town received to use at Heron Park, Tyndall said those funds had to be spent by June 2024. He said Davis, Bowen and Friedel (DBF) would be drafting a request for proposals so the town could move forward with demolition.

“DBF is waiting to hear from the Town of Berlin about whether the RFP should be for the demolition of the entire building up to $500,000 or if the building will be strategically demoed to meet the needs of Coastal Ventures Properties,” Tyndall’s information sheet reads.

Coastal Ventures has offered $1.7 million for the property. While the amount represents an increase from what was initially proposed, Gillis has requested that $200,000 of the price be restricted for 24 months to help accelerate two town projects— the Rails and Trails bikeway and fundraising for a town-owned entertainment venue. In both cases, if those efforts aren’t successful within 24 months the town can use the $200,000 however officials deem appropriate.

All of the documents included in Monday’s meeting packet are available to the public on the town’s website, berlinmd.gov.

According to the agenda, the work session will begin at 6 p.m. for a discussion on Heron Park. Comments from the public will be accepted.

The meeting is scheduled to adjourn at 6:55 p.m.

Council Adopts Air Rights Ordinance For Majestic Project

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

OCEAN CITY – An ordinance conveying air rights over a portion of a resort alleyway was approved on second reading this week.

In a Mayor and Council meeting Monday, officials voted to adopt an ordinance granting air rights over a portion of Washington Lane at 613 Atlantic Avenue. The approval will allow the developer of the Majestic Hotel property to redevelop the site.

“After advertisement and public hearing on April 17, 2023, the Mayor and Council determined it was more desirable for the alley known as Washington Lane to remain open to the public, and accordingly to achieve this, it is in the best interest of public health, safety and general welfare to grant the request for air rights,” a memo reads. “The Mayor and Council directed the City Solicitor to prepare an ordinance conveying air rights tied to this specific project and to the testimony provided during the public hearing.”

In March, Moore came before the Mayor and Council with a request to grant air rights above Washington Lane in order to construct a single building connecting properties to the east and west of the 16foot-wide public alley. After considerable discussion, officials agreed to advance the request to a public hearing, which was held in April.

As proposed, the Majestic Hotel prop-

erty will be redeveloped to include two buildings connected by a fitness center, arcade, hospitality rooms and the like. In exchange for air rights to make the project a reality, the developer has committed to widening the alleyway and constructing a five-foot bike lane.

“We’re mindful of the fact that we have an iconic property and therefore want to develop it in the best way possible for the benefit of the citizens of the town,” Joe Moore, the developer’s attorney, told officials earlier this year. “Therefore, we have

provided a facility which enhances the property from the standpoint of the fact we are developing the entire property from the Boardwalk to Baltimore Avenue.”

Moore told the Mayor and Council in April the town had granted air rights ordinances over the years for various projects, including the most recent Margaritaville development.

In recent meetings, however, residents have voiced their opposition to abandoning the city’s air rights.

“I’d like to say that I am opposed to

abandoning any air rights, which to me is just euphemism for giving it away for free,” resident Robert Help said. “I think the air rights have a definite dollar value attached to it.”

Last month, the council voted to approve the conveyance of air rights on first reading.

With no discussion this week, the council voted to adopt the ordinance in a 4-0 vote, with Councilman Peter Buas abstaining and Councilman Will Savage and Frank Knight absent.

The council this week voted to adopt an air rights ordinance that will allow the developer of the Majestic Hotel property to redevelop the site. Design concepts for the redevelopment are pictured above.

Photo Courtesy of Atlantic Planning and Development Inc.

berlin beautification underway

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

BERLIN – New planters, native plants and updated gardens throughout town highlight the efforts of a new volunteer group.

The Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee outlined the projects undertaken this spring in a presentation at the latest meeting of the town council. Elected officials praised the array of beautification efforts the committee has implemented.

“You’ve all truly done a remarkable job,” Councilman Jay Knerr said. “You’ve enhanced the look of Berlin.”

Committee member Andrea Weeg said the group reviewed the gardens in town and started from the ground up, adding soil where necessary and selecting native plants that will thrive in Berlin. The group updated the Memorial Garden at the corner of West and Main streets, filling it with perennials that will return each year. Other focus areas included the plantings in front of the post office and the new pocket park near the Tindley mural as well as town hall. Weeg said the addition of benches and large pots on William Street near town hall created a more welcoming area. To enhance it even more, committee member Georgiana McElroy said the group would eventually like to install a false gate in front of the bank of electric meters on the building that features upstairs apartments.

Weeg said the group was proud of its

efforts on Main Street, where members updated the plantings along the parking lot across from Stevenson United Methodist Church. With the help of neighborhood volunteers, the group also spearheaded the addition of plants to Burbage Park.

“It’s a full pollinator garden,” Weeg said, adding that it would require very little maintenance.

She credited the town’s public works crews with preparing the spaces throughout town for planting.

“A lot of in-house work is being done to save on costs,” said Jimmy Charles, the town’s director of public works.

Weeg said residents and volunteers had also played a big role in improvements during Take Pride in Berlin Week. Going forward, she said the committee wanted to focus on enhancing Henry Park. Plans will be shared with the Berlin Parks Commission in the near future.

The Memorial Garden at the intersection of West and Main streets is pictured after it was planted by the Berlin Horticultural Advisory Committee. Submitted image

School Board Mandates Changes After

BY CHARLENE SHARPE ASSOCIATE EDITOR

NEWARK – Revisions to the school system’s code of conduct and training related to explicit and implicit bias are expected to take place following an investigation by the Worcester County Board of Education into an incident at Snow Hill High School during the spring.

The school board last week announced that it had concluded its investigation into a March racially charged social media post at Snow Hill High School and administration’s reaction to the incident.

“The board has now concluded its internal review and thanks everyone affected by this incident for their patience in allowing the board time to meaningfully address this matter,” said Todd Ferrante, president of the board. “The board likewise thanks everyone it has heard from in this matter for their commitment to their children and the community to the Snow Hill High School and the entire school system.”

In early April, Superintendent Lou Taylor, Chief Safety and Operating Officer for Grades 9-12 Annette Wallace and Snow Hill High School Principal Kim Purvis joined a representative of the Tri-County Mediation Center at a church in Snow Hill for a discussion re-

garding a social media post made in March by members of the school’s baseball team. Purvis suspended three players — the one who created the post and the two who shared it — for a game. When Taylor became aware of the incident, however, he recommended the use of restorative circles, a technique that involves individuals talking openly and honestly together. Purvis subsequently felt she had to go that route rather than with the disciplinary action she’d initially handed the students.

“I was told and I quote ‘Dr. Purvis you don’t want something like this to tarnish your 30-year career,’” Purvis said at the church meeting. “That is what I was told. What do I do with that? I was also told ‘Dr. Purvis, I’ll be very honest with you. You can take this to the board but I don’t think the board will support you.’ So what decision was I to make?”

While Taylor said he was sorry for the missteps that had taken place and that the suspensions initially imposed by Purvis were eventually carried out, community members attended school board meetings throughout the spring to voice their continued frustration. James Jones of the Caucus of African American Leaders of the Eastern Shore even sent officials a letter calling for the “immediate resignation or reprimand” of Taylor, who was described as “not fit to lead.”

Ferrante said during last week’s school board meeting that elected officials had spent the last several months conducting an investigation into the incident and would be mandating changes to ensure similar incidents were handled differently.

“The board takes this matter very seriously and it took its time to thoroughly look and understand what had occurred and how that occurrence was handled and what opportunities exist for improvement,” Ferrante said. “…the board understands the frustration and discontent that exists and shares the disappointment of many in how the matter was handled. It’s the board’s hope that the directives it provided to the superintendent will assist in better addressing any similar matter in the future.”

He said the board was directing Taylor to revise the code of conduct to specifically address social media and racially motivated behavior. He’s also been directed to develop a response plan for “how matters similar to this” will be handled in the future. The final directive from the board is for the superintendent to coordinate professional development related to explicit and implicit bias.

“The board understands that its directives contained herein are not going to fix every concern that may exist within the school system but it hopes by

continuing to work together with the community it can continue to provide the best for the students and staff of Worcester County Public Schools,” Ferrante said. “We affirm our mission to provide a safe and welcoming learning experience for each and every student and staff member.”

As far as the initial incident involving the social media post, Purvis said this week she wanted students to be able to learn and grow in difficult situations.

“My position remains the same,” she said. “I want WCPS to continue to work toward ensuring that all students' voices matter and that we follow the code of conduct with fidelity without regard to money, power or influence. Our students are resilient and it is our responsibility to help them learn and grow in adverse situations. I believe that the restorative practices that have been a consistent part of Snow Hill High School helped our students and staff heal from this tough experience.”

She also addressed the executive team’s actions following the incident.

“Although the investigation was conducted and the board promised steps towards a resolution, I can only hope that the executive leadership team will be more cohesive and reflective in their approach to handling sensitive issues and providing consistent support for school leadership,” Purvis said.

SUMMER PROGRAMS THROUGH AUGUST 25

PROGRAMS BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AND LAST APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES

Monday: History of our Surfmen

Tuesday: Beach Safety (OC Beach Patrol)

Wednesday: Knot Tying (Coast Guard)

Thursday: All About Sharks

Friday: Land, Sky, & Sea

Saturday: Aquarium Feeding

Daily Aquarium Feeding

Through August 31, 2023 At 11:30 a.m.

Ocean

813

Committee Eyes Town Rental Policy

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials in Fenwick Island say more discussion is needed on a proposed residential rental policy.

Last week, members of the Fenwick Island Charter and Ordinance Committee agreed to table discussions on a residential rental policy until more information could be gathered. Mayor Natalie Magdeburger, committee chair, said she wanted to have a discussion with staff from the City of Lewes, which had recently adopted its own rental policy.

“I think it would be worthwhile to bring in somebody from Lewes and at least educate us on the issues,” she said.

Last year, members of the town’s residential concerns committee began exploring a rental policy that would establish regulations aimed at protecting town residents. And in December, the Fenwick Island Town Council agreed to forward the group’s suggestions to the town’s charter and ordinance committee for review.

On the agenda for discussion last week, committee member Ben Waide said he had reviewed a similar policy recently adopted by the City of Lewes. He noted while some of the city’s regulations could be easily added, others would require significant code changes.

“Everything else, we currently have in place or could easily put in place except for six or seven items,” he said.

He noted the town’s regulations did not address bedroom occupancy, parking or vehicle restrictions, inside safety requirements or inspection procedures. He noted the City of Lewes also required a contact person that would be available at all hours and could respond to issues within two hours.

For her part, local Realtor Nancy Carey of John F. Kleinstuber & Associates shared her concerns with a proposed rental policy. She noted that while the town’s rental environment had changed in recent years, she argued the number of rentals in town had decreased. She said she specifically took issue with having a 24/7 contact that could respond within a matter of hours, particularly in the middle of the night.

“How do you do that?” she asked.

Councilwoman Janice Bortner, chair of the residential concerns committee, said it was just one recommendation being considered.

“I hope people look at this and realize this is not Lewes,” Carey replied. “This is Fenwick Island. This is one of the quiet resorts.”

Magdeburger said she also took issue with some of the regulations found in Lewes’ rental policy. She said she didn’t want the town to get into the business of property inspections.

“That’s one piece I’m very nervous about the town sticking its nose in,” she said. “It could be an issue down the road.”

Magdeburger noted, however, that she liked the idea of placing restrictions on the number of vehicles allowed per bedroom.

“This may be something we want to discuss further,” she said.

When asked if the town received many complaints about rental properties, Town Manager Pat Schuchman said it did not. Carey agreed.

“We don’t really have problems with renters,” she explained. “Renters aren’t the problem. A lot of times, it’s things out of everyone’s control, like air conditioning units.”

Schuchman also pointed out that the town did a monthly search of properties listed on websites such as Airbnb and VRBO to ensure owners were operating with the required rental licenses and paying the associated rental tax. She said for the most part, they were.

“Most times, it’s an oversight,” she said. “I don’t think it’s a deliberate attempt.”

Bortner said she believed a rental policy should be explored, as it would allow for safety and accountability. Magdeburger agreed it was worth further discussion. After further discussion, she suggested the topic of rental regulations be tabled until the town could talk with officials from the City of Lewes.

“Right now, we operate on the honor system, which for years has worked,” she said. “Maybe it isn’t as workable as it was 20 years ago.”

Fenwick Group Reviews Dredging Permits, Contract

BY BETHANY HOOPER ASSOCIATE EDITOR

FENWICK ISLAND – Officials say contract negotiations and testing will continue as the town awaits permit approvals for a long-awaited dredging project.

Late last month, the Town of Fenwick Island submitted three permit applications for a dredging project in the Little Assawoman Bay. In last week’s meeting of the Fenwick Island Dredging Committee, Councilman Bill Rymer, committee chair, said the town will continue to work with a local developer to finalize contract negotiations and sediment testing as those applications are being reviewed.

“We’re trying to get everything done, so when we get those approved permits, we can start dredging,” he said.

Earlier this year, members of the dredging committee convened to discuss three potential placement sites for material that will ultimately be dredged from the bay. At the time, Rymer noted that while the town continued to explore locations such as Seal Island and Seatowne, it was starting to reevaluate a parcel of land off Route 54 owned by Carl M. Freeman Companies.

“This was the location that was being discussed two years ago,” he said at the time. “Their timeframe had changed, so about one-and-a-half years ago they told the town they were going to proceed with their development plans without utilizing our dredged material. However, they came back to us later last fall.”

From those discussions came a renewed interest in partnering with the town and using its dredged materials on the company’s property. Since January, the town has been working with its solicitor’s office, and a specialized environmental attorney, to draft a legal agreement that could allow the partnership, and permitting, to move forward.

In an update last week, Rymer said officials continue to hash out the terms of a land access agreement between the town and Carl M. Freeman Companies. He noted, however, that the contract would not be finalized until the town completes additional sediment testing of the dredging channels.

“As part of our discussions with a local developer and using their property, they reviewed the sediment analysis that was performed that support all the permits, but they requested additional work for sampling on a couple other items – diesel range organics, gasoline range organics – and they wanted more sampling than what was needed for the permitting process,” he explained. “So in negotiations, we agreed to do that sampling. The folks did the samples yesterday, and they are headed to the lab.”

Steve Bagnull, representative for the engineering firm Anchor QEA, noted tested would be completed in the coming weeks.

“It’s possible it could be faster, but I don’t want to overpromise,” he said.

Rymer noted that while the sediment testing required additional time, he said it would benefit the town.

“As a town doing this project, we’d

much rather know if we have problems before, than pumping it up and finding we have problems subsequent,” he said. “Then we are dealing with sediment that needs to go somewhere else, and we can’t pick it up and put it back in the bay.”

Rymer added that the company remained committed to making the project a reality.

“They continue to express sincere interest in making this happen,” he said.

“And that’s how we’re proceeding.”

Rymer said dredging permits have been filed with the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He said the goal is to complete the project during the state’s next dredging window, which begins in October and ends in March.

When asked if Carl M. Freeman Com-

panies and local and federal agencies were aware of the town’s timeline, Rymer said they were. He added that since the dredging permits were filed last week, the town had already received a public notice from the state.

“The contract and the testing isn’t going to be the potential slowdown,” he said. “It’s the approval of permit applications. That’s our biggest press right now.”

Committee member Steve Magdeburger also questioned the bidding process.

“Is there work that still needs to be done, as far as drafting a request for bids?” he asked.

Bagnull said there was.

“There is going to be a final stage, putting together specifications and contract drawings to get this out to bid. That will be the final task …,” he replied. “There is

some work needed there to get it together.”

Plans to dredge roughly 19,000 cubic yards of material from the Little Assawoman Bay began in earnest in 2018, when the town hired Tony Pratt, a former administrator for the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC), to guide them through the funding and permitting processes. And in 2019, Anchor QEA, a Lewes-based engineering firm, was brought on board to provide design, bidding and construction management.

The committee last week also reviewed the town’s request for state bond funding to help finance the project. While the project received $700,000 in bond bill funding the last two years, Rymer said the town was seeking an additional $300,000 in fiscal year 2024.

People in Society

by Charlene Sharpe

Featuring Those Helping Causes In The Resort Area

Rachel Mitchell and Sarah Babel welcomed guests to the Shine on the Shore Luau benefiting Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.

Karen Clayland, Lori Crisanti and Rachel Pennington are pictured at the Shine on the Shore Luau at Sunset Grille.

Gee Williams, Frank Walter and Betsy Williams paused for a photo at the Shine on the Shore Luau for Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.

Mike and Helen Wiley attended the plein air art exhibit at Bishop’s Stock hosted by Lower Shore Land Trust.

Caryn Horn and Kayla Figueroa are pictured at the Shine on the Shore Luau.

Passia Carpenter and Leslie Dixon paused for a photo at a luau fundraiser for Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.

Worcester Youth and Family volunteers Arnold Downing and Donna McElroy paused for a photo at the Shine on the Shore Luau at Sunset Grille.

Pam and Steve Green are pictured at the Shine on the Shore Luau for Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services.

Artists whose work was displayed at the Pollinator Garden Tour Plein Air Art Exhibit and Sale are pictured at Bishop’s Stock in Snow Hill.

Tracy Causey-Jeffery and Kate Patton welcomed guests to Lower Shore Land Trust’s Pollinator Garden Tour Plein Air Art Exhibit and Sale at Bishop’s Stock.

OC Art League To Host First Friday

OCEAN CITY – The Art League of Ocean City invites the public to five new art shows opening on First Friday, July 7, 2023, from 5-7 p.m., at the Ocean City Center for the Arts, 94th Street bayside.

Admission is free with complimentary beverages sponsored by PKS Investments and hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Surf House Properties.

The Thaler Gallery hosts an exhibition by Evan Fitzgerald of Berlin, Md., entitled “Persona.” Fitzgerald paints on wood panels and allows the surface of the wood to remain visible with transparent paint. The word persona is rooted in the Latin word for a theatrical mask. Carl Jung described persona as a social mask with different masks for different settings. Fitzgerald’s paintings obscure the subject’s face so their headdresses are the focal point, with the individual a pedestal for displaying these objects.

The annual Beverly Bassford Memorial Juried Group Show fills the walls of the Sisson Galleria in July. After Bassford’s death in 1999, her family honored her love of art by establishing a prize in her name that grew into the annual show, with continued sponsorship by the family.

Elvin Hernandez, professor of art at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, juried the show and selected the winners, who will be awarded cash prizes during the reception on First Friday.

Studio E features Susan Hunsberger of Laurel, Del. Her focus is primarily mixed media using acrylic and colored pencil with added fabric collage.

“Using the collage gives me the freedom to break free and play with color and design,” Hunsberger said.

She is influenced by poster art, particularly Mucha and Peter Max, stained glass design, and portrait art of the past.

Sheryl Pond of Ocean View, Del., is the Spotlight Gallery artist for July. Calling herself an “art journalist” who focuses on what gives her joy, she fills journals with doodles, watercolors, drawings and sketches, playing with insects and butterflies, modifying sizes, shapes, and body colors to suit her whimsy.

Pat Fecko of Millville, Del., shows her artwork in the Artisan Showcase in July. She works mainly in watercolors and has received numerous awards for her artwork.

The artwork of Emil Markulis continues showing in the Staircase Gallery.

Art shows at the Art League’s satellite galleries are all new in July. Debbi Dean of Berlin, Md., exhibits her work at the Coffee Beanery on 94th Street and Coastal Highway. The abstract, mixed media and pyrography artist is a huntergatherer by nature, searching for found objects such as feathers, shells, sea glass, wood, or any discarded item to use in her work.

Barbara Stepura of White Plains, Md., opens a show of paintings in the Princess Royale lobby, 9100 Coastal Hwy. She enjoys painting “en plein air” as a lover of the outdoors and finds the experience of translating her view of nature to canvas captivating.

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Guarding the Beach

Umbrella Safety Starts With Proper Sand Placement

BY DAMIEN SANZOTTI SPECIAL TO THE DISPATCH

OCEAN CITY – Umbrellas swept by wind gusts often barrel down the beach at speeds of up to 20 mph. High winds and gusts are common on the shoreline, and these conditions which often change rapidly, mixed with an improperly set umbrella, can mean trouble.

Unfortunately, every summer beach patrols along the east coast respond to medical emergencies caused by flying umbrellas. In some cases, injuries are serious enough to require a paramedic response. Fortunately, in Ocean City this is a rare occurrence, compared to the huge number of umbrellas along our 10 miles of beach. These accidents can often be prevented and are basically caused by an umbrella that was not set properly in the sand. Not only does a flying umbrella often result in some type of injury, but it can also have legal ramifications. The owner of the flying umbrella can be held responsible for any injury caused to another person.

Here are a few important tips to follow when setting up a beach umbrella.

If you rent an umbrella, make sure the beach stand operator is the person that sets it in the sand for you. If you move or

reset the umbrella on your own, you are responsible.

When setting the umbrella, just jabbing it into the ground is not enough. You must jab and then rock the whole umbrella pole back and forth until about 18 inches (a cubit or length of an adult forearm) of the pole is beneath the sand. Screwing the umbrella into the sand is not effective.

Make sure the umbrella is tilted into the wind. This will prevent a gust from getting up under the umbrella. The greater the wind speed the smaller the angle should be between the beach and umbrella.

Use common sense. If winds are high

and you are using a low-quality plastic or light metal umbrella or your umbrella setting skills are poor, do not set your umbrella up in the dangerous conditions.

If you leave the beach for any reason, do not leave your umbrella open and unattended. Close it up and take it down until you return because the weather and wind conditions can change without warning.

Part of a Surf Rescue Technician’s training is how to properly place an umbrella in the sand. If you need assistance, check in with your lifeguard who may instruct you with tips and suggestions but

will not set your umbrella for you. Lifeguards will also try to warn people of high winds, although a gust of wind (unpredictable) may dislodge an improperly installed umbrella while other surrounding umbrellas may remain secure. You should also speak with your lifeguard about where umbrellas should be placed on the beach. Umbrellas set east of the lifeguard stand impede the lifeguard’s view and violate a city ordinance. If you arrive at the beach before lifeguards are on duty, be sure to set your umbrella a few yards behind the high tide line.

Also remember to still use sunscreen even if you are planning to spend your time under the shade of a well-placed umbrella.

If you want to watch some informative videos about how to set an umbrella properly, you can go to our website, www.occean.com/ocbp, and click on the safety link.

Remember “Keep your feet in the sand until the lifeguards in the stand.” As added protection for you and your friends, always locate the nearest stand with a guard and swim on that beach.

(The writer has been with the beach patrol for 19 years and is currently a sergeant. He is a physical education teacher for the Worcester County Public School system.)

Several umbrellas are pictured in Ocean City last month. File Photo

Director Named

OCEAN CITY – InFocus Financial Advisors, Inc has announced that Carol Kurtz, CPA/PFS, has been promoted to director of operations.

With significant growth over the last several years, InFocus Financial Advisors was seeking someone to oversee day to day management and streamline overall firm operations. Kurtz has been identified as a perfect fit.

Kurtz has been with InFocus since 2016 as a client services manager. Her 13 years in industry experience have given her vast knowledge and experience in financial advisory operations and client services. Her commitment to our client’s success and seamless experience with our office is only matched by her work ethic and commitment to education and credentialing. In her role as director of operations and a new addition to the executive team, she will be tasked with overseeing the day-to-day operational duties of InFocus Financial Advisors.

“Carol Kurtz has kept InFocus Financial Advisors client services operating at the highest level in her time here and her promotion is well earned” said President Eric Johnston, CFP.

Kurtz is a graduate from the Franklin P. Perdue School of Business at Salisbury University where she successfully earned her Bachelor of Science in accounting. She is a Certified Public Accountant and Personal Financial Specialist. Carol lives in Snow Hill, Md.

Property Sold

SALISBURY – John McClellan with SVN Miller Commercial has sold Westwood Business Center in Salisbury. The industrial complex is located on the west side of Wicomico County.

The property spans 31,600 square feet consisting of two buildings, fully occupied by Sherwin Williams flooring and Capital Electric (a subsidiary of Paris-based Sonepar). The two companies have occupied the buildings since their construction in 2008. Located at the front of Westwood Commerce Park (a 250-plus-acre business park), this parcel includes frontage on business Route 50 allowing for an immense amount of exposure.

Strong national credit tenants, and lack of deferred maintenance made this property desirable for an investor(s) looking for a passive, low maintenance, stable industrial investment opportunity. After multiple offers, the McClellan Team was able to

BUSINESS And Real Estate News

Chavis began her employment with the town in 1999 and was appointed city clerk in June 2015. She has been a member of the Maryland Municipal Clerks Association (MMCA) and IIMC since July 2015.

She has been serving as the MMCA Education Committee chair since March 2018, coordinating education courses for MMCA membership and IIMC Region II conferences. In 2020, Chavis was honored with the MMCA Presidential Award and recognized as Clerk of the Year by MMCA in 2022.

“Diana is invaluable to the Town of Ocean City and most deserving of this designation of Master Municipal Clerk,” commented City Manager Terry McGean. “She is efficient, extremely knowledgeable, and holds her responsibilities and services to the highest level.”

Practitioner Welcomed

SALISBURY – TidalHealth recently welcomed Kaitlyn Sroka, PMHNP-BC, to TidalHealth Behavioral Health’s Outpatient Clinic in Salisbury, Md.

Sroka received her post-master’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certificate from Walden University and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from Salisbury University. She also received a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Maryland in College Park, Md.

reach an agreeable deal with a group of local investors that saw the immense amount of value in this fully leased facility with lease terms running through 2028 and 2029.

Jay Pearce, member of Westwood Business Center, LLC said, “John and his team dedicated the time and resources necessary for a successful transaction. The expertise demonstrated and attention to detail helped facilitate a smooth due diligence process, constantly keeping me apprised every step of the way. I truly feel like John kept my best interests at the forefront and appreciate his guidance and professionalism throughout the entire process.”

Westwood Commerce Park is a planned mixed-use business park located at the

gateway to Salisbury – within the city limits, the park offers full water, sewer, natural gas, and electrical services. Access to the park is provided via a full movement lighted intersection at Route 50 business and Naylor Mill Road.

Employee Recognition

OCEAN CITY – City Clerk Diana Chavis has earned the designation of Master Municipal Clerk (MMC) by the International Institute of Municipal Clerks (IIMC) Inc.

IIMC grants the MMC designation only to municipal clerks who complete demanding education requirements; and have a record of significant contributions to their local government, community, and state.

Sroka is certified by Heartcode with Basic Life Support (BLS) and BLS skills. She is a patient advocate who enjoys a dynamic, fast-paced, and altruistic environment. When she is not seeing patients, Sroka enjoys running on nearby beaches, as well as swimming off the coast of Ocean City, where she vacationed as a child and later worked as a Surf Rescue Technician for the Ocean City Beach Patrol while attending college.

The TidalHealth Behavioral Health Outpatient Clinic is located at 200 E. Vine Street in Salisbury.

Sale Announced

SALISBURY – SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate Senior Advisor Tonney Insley and Managing Director Brent Miller brokered the sale of the Salisbury Promenade located at 2618 N. Salisbury Blvd in Salisbury, Md.

Anchored by a 22,044-square-foot Barnes & Noble, which has been at the property for over 15 years, Salisbury Promenade has a diverse mix of traffic generating services and eateries including Mis-

Jim and Lora Pangratz have donated respiratory equipment – a CoughAssist airway clearance device and a Bi-Pap machine – to Atlantic General Hospital in memory of their son, AJ, who passed away on Nov. 11 at the age of 26. AJ, who had Duchenne muscular dystrophy, was admitted to Atlantic General last fall due to complications with COVID-19. From left are Scott Rose, director of med-surg and ICU. Jim Pangratz, Mitch Loring, manager of cardiopulmonary services, Lora Pangratz, Debra Bolen, respiratory therapist, and Russell Rafferty, respiratory therapist.

Submitted Photo

CAROL KURTZ

KAITLYN SROKA

sion BBQ, Pivot Physical Therapy, Eyemart Express, A Nail Story, Xfinity Wireless and Great Clips.

Back in 2018, Salisbury Promenade was purchased at auction by a local investment group, Synergy Investment Fund. At the time of the purchase, the property was 60% leased and in need of updates to satisfy some deferred maintenance. SVN Miller Commercial Real Estate handled the deferred maintenance as well as the leasing of the vacant units. At the time of the sale the property had one 2,500square-foot vacancy with several strong tenant prospects.

With multiple purchase offers to review, the property sellers ultimately went with a regional investor, Gazit Management, LLC. The transaction was co-brokered with Mark Mueller of Broad Reach Retail Partners and the buyer will manage the asset privately.

Center Acquisition

BERLIN – Chesapeake Health Care, a leading nonprofit healthcare organization dedicated to serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester counties in Maryland, recently announced the acquisition and operation of the outpatient Behavioral Health & Crisis Center in Berlin, Md.

The Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center, formerly operated by Atlantic General Hospital, has now transitioned into the capable hands of Chesapeake Health Care.

Donald Owrey, MBA, FACHE, president and CEO for Atlantic General Hospital and Health System, expressed his satisfaction with this transition, stating, “I was extremely pleased to see that Chesapeake Health Care was able to continue the responsibility of managing the center’s operations and closing existing gaps in crisis care for individuals experiencing behavioral health crises. They have been a wonderful partner in this transition and share in our commitment to organize and provide services to our community as efficiently as possible.”

At the Crisis Center, a dedicated team of behavioral health care providers will focus on addressing immediate crisis symptoms, providing observation, determining appropriate levels of care, and diverting unnecessary hospital admissions. Through triaging, individuals will be connected with peer and community services support, offered crisis counseling, med-

ication management services (including psychiatric and substance abuse treatment when necessary), care navigation, and coordination of their overall health needs.

The Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center caters to both adults and children aged 5 and above. Conveniently located in proximity to Atlantic General Hospital, the center will operate on a walk-in basis, ensuring accessibility for those in need. Its doors will be open from Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Crystal Lambert, LCSW-C, director of mental health for Chesapeake Health Care, acknowledged the impact of the COVID19 pandemic on the mental health crisis in the community, stating, “The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the already growing mental health crisis in our community. We’re proud of the work that our team here is providing. This Crisis Center is already having a positive impact on the lives of those in our community.”

The providers offering care at the Berlin Behavioral Health & Crisis Center include Bryce E. Blanton, M.D., Diane E. Skolka, CRNP-PMH, Paige Kreppel-Harrington, LMSW, and Kristy R. Peck Hill, CRNP-PMH. Along with a cadre of support staff, these dedicated professionals offer client assessments, multidisciplinary team collaboration, medication management, and assistance in connecting clients to other vital community resources or higher levels of care.

Chesapeake Health Care is a highly valued resource for the Lower Eastern Shore community, committed to providing affordable and accessible healthcare. Brian Holland, CEO of Chesapeake Health Care, emphasized the organization’s dedication, stating, “Looking toward the future, we remain committed to helping the medically underserved patients in the tricounty area. The continuous expansion and improvement of Chesapeake Health Care emphasizes our dedication to providing comprehensive healthcare services to those on the Lower Eastern Shore.”

The Health Services Cost Review Commission (HSCRC) Regional Partnership Catalyst Grant program has generously approved five years of funding, totaling over $11 million. This grant has been instrumental in establishing the Crisis Center and obtaining the necessary resources to address one of the community’s most pressing needs – access to behavioral health care in times of crisis.

COMMUNITY News In Photos

The First State Detachment (FSD) of the Marine Corps League, which meets at the American Legion Post 166, recently donated $10,000 to help the Legion purchase furniture for its new roof-top patio bar that is under construction. From left are FSD Commandant Al Soto, Post Commander Tom Wengert, and former FSD Commandant Bob Broderick.

Submitted Photos

Members of the Worcester County Garden Club recently attended an event to celebrate and thank those who made the new garden at Gull Creek Senior Living possible. The club has previously provided floral arrangements to residents and will coordinate garden therapy programs at the facility during the coming year. Pictured from left to right are Karen Trigger, Glenda Clarke, Ellen Howse, Mary Ellen Jefferson, Joan LaHayne, Suzy Young and Pat Arata.

At the June 28, 2023, meeting, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Ocean Pines-Ocean City presented awards to Lynne McAllorum for her ability to provide outstanding guest speakers every week and Kitty Wrench for co-chairing the numerous yearlong concessions. They’re pictured with Bob Wolfing, club president.

Rina Thaler, executive director of the Art League of Ocean City, accepted a donation of $4,500 from B.J. Summers, representing the Women's Fund of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore. The grant will fund Art League residencies for three women artists to create work that will be exhibited in March 2024 in conjunction with Women's History Month.

Ocean City. Downing is pictured with Bob Wolfing, club president.

The Ocean City chapter of the Sons and Daughters of Italy (SDOI) recently hosted a welcome dinner for Italian students working in Ocean City for the summer. Students are pictured with Vinnie Mollicone, president of SDOI, bottom right, and Joann Ward, the club’s vice president, back row, fourth from right.

Restored Gazebo Finds New Home At Ocean Pines Golf Club

OCEAN PINES – Ocean Pines announced the successful restoration and reinstallation of a gazebo at the Golf Club, breathing new life into a structure with almost four decades of history.

Under the guidance of General Manager John Viola, the gazebo's restoration initiative took shape in response to feedback from the Golf Advisory Committee.

The restoration efforts were further fueled by committee member Don McMullen, a devoted golf member since the 1970s, who shared the gazebo's origins tracing back to the inaugural Calvin B. Taylor Bank golf tournament that started

39 years ago.

"The tournament was born out of a desire to honor our fallen golf members. It began as a memorial golf tournament, with Calvin B. Taylor Bank assuming the role of the pioneering sponsor, a position they have proudly held since," McMullen said.

McMullen said the original tournament was held in 1984 and was organized by Hunt Crosby, the second golf professional in Ocean Pines. The gazebo came about thanks to a partnership between the bank and the Ocean Pines Board of Golf Directors.

Calvin B. Taylor Bank would become Taylor Bank in 1985.

Today, the Taylor Bank Scramble continues the tournament tradition, channeling funds towards junior golf programs and scholarships for local high school students. Notably, the annual event has raised nearly $60,000 in scholarship funds over the past eight years alone.

When the gazebo fell into disrepair, Public Works Director Eddie Wells and his team stepped in to assess its condition.

“We were able to lift and load it on our trailer without it falling apart, and once we got it to our shop, we checked it over and found that the main structure was still good,” Wells said. “We removed the roof and repaired all the rafters that were badly damaged, and we did repairs to the railing and steps, as well as timbers replaced under the structure.”

Additionally, Public Works procured a new cupola for the gazebo's crown and replaced missing or rusted screws. The structure also underwent a power wash to help restore its original appearance.

Once the restoration process was complete, the gazebo was loaded onto a trailer and returned to the Golf Club, with input from Golf Superintendent Justin Hartshorne regarding its new placement.

According to Viola, the restoration of the gazebo helps to honor the community's heritage, the Golf Club's legacy, and the decades of philanthropy associ-

ated with the Taylor Bank tournament.

"We recognize the importance of preserving Ocean Pines' history and honoring the enduring contributions made through the Taylor Bank tournament. The exceptional work carried out by Public Works, in collaboration with Don and the Golf Committee, exemplifies our commitment to this vision," Viola said.

The Taylor Bank Scramble is scheduled for Wednesday, July 12 this year. The deadline for players and sponsors is Monday, July 10.

The nearly 40-year-old gazebo is pictured at the Ocean Pines Golf Club. Submitted Photo

Date Announced For Annual Pines Library Book Sale

BERLIN – The Annual Ocean Pines Library Book Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL), will take place on Friday, Saturday and Monday, July 28-29 and July 31. All proceeds go to the Ocean Pines Library for events, equipment, projects and special needs.

The sale of over 20,000 books, CD's, DVD's and audio books that are in good to new condition will begin on Friday, July 28 from 6-8 p.m. and is for FOPL members only. If you are not a member, you can join at the door for $5 for an individual membership, $10 for a family or $25 as a business or patron. Dealers, collectors and book store owners are more than welcome. More details can be found on the web at Book Sale Finder.

The sale will continue on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and open to all at no cost. Books will range from 50 cents to $2.50 each with no limits. Cash or checks with ID only, no credit cards. On Monday, July 31, the sale continues from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with all remaining books at half price.

The sale will also feature a Specials Room where signed, rare, collectible, antique, odd, older first editions, collections and sets can be purchased as marked. This room will have a sneak preview on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1-4 p.m. with purchases available of books from this room only. The Specials room will also be open during regular book sale hours with half price available on Monday.

County Seeking Public Input On Comp Plan Update

SNOW HILL – Worcester County Government (WCG) has launched the process for the 10-year update to the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan, and community members are invited to participate in a survey to provide input about the path of future county growth. The survey is available at www.surveymonkey.com/r/WorCoCPSurvey.

“The Comprehensive Plan is the playbook for how WCG will set land use policy for the next decade, and updates to this plan are based on public feedback,” Development Review and Permitting Director Jennifer Keener said. “So, it is our goal for all who live in the community to have a voice in this process.”

The survey is open to Worcester County residents and non-resident property owners, including students. It takes just 10 to 15 minutes to complete and can be accessed from any smart phone, tablet, or computer with internet access.

“We are asking everyone to share this information as well to assure as much community input in the process as possible,” Keener said.

More is available on the county’s website.

Garden club supports ocean Pines With annual Donation

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Garden Club recently presented a $1,000 donation to Ocean Pines Association as part of the club’s annual giving.

Since forming in 1976, the Garden Club has helped to maintain Ocean Pines parks, decorate the community at Christmas and, in the past, tend to the Worcester County Veterans Memorial grounds.

Gifts and donations from the club have included the Civil War era anchor at the Yacht Club in 1995, the gazebo at Pintail Park in 1998, the two stone benches at the community center in 2009, and two plaques for the Gold Star Program of the Veterans Memorial Foundation in 2014.

Over the last year, the club has collaborated with Ocean Pines Public Works on plantings at the North Gate entranceway that have included perennials, a Christmas display for the holidays, and palm trees for the summertime. Tony Howard led that effort for Ocean Pines.

“We are so happy to contribute to the beauty of Ocean Pines and hope that

our efforts add to the enjoyment of all Ocean Pines residents and visitors,” Garden Club Co-President Ann Shockley said.

General Manager John Viola said the

Garden Club donation would be used for future beautification initiatives.

"We are grateful to the Ocean Pines Garden Club for their dedication and efforts in enhancing the beauty of our

community's North Gate entrance,” Viola said. “Their commitment to creating a welcoming environment has helped to transform this space into a picturesque gateway for all to enjoy.”

Members of the Ocean Pines Garden Club gathered recently to present their annual donation to General Manager John Viola. Submitted Photo

Retiring Wor-Wic Leader Recognized For Years Of Service

Members of the community recently gathered at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center to celebrate Dr. Ray Hoy, president of Wor-Wic Community College, ahead of his retirement this summer. Hoy has led the college for 23 years and will remain as president until his successor, Dr. Deborah Casey, starts on Aug. 14.

At the event, the Wor-Wic board of trustees presented Hoy with a portrait that will hang in a college presidential portrait gallery and announced that the college’s main assembly hall will be renamed in his honor. Some of his notable accomplishments include the addition of 17 new programs, dual enrollment agreements with local high schools and a 132% increase in the number of graduates.

For his outstanding service, Hoy was presented with a citation from the U.S. Senate, a resolution from the Maryland Senate and Maryland House of Delegates, and a citation from the Maryland General Assembly, along with a proclamation from the City of Salisbury. The event raised $8,900 for the Ray and Donna Hoy endowed scholarship for students attending WorWic.

Above left, Zachary Prebula joins Hoy, his grandfather, in front of the assembled crowd. Above right, from left, are Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, Hoy and Sen. John F. Mautz IV. Below, Martin T. Neat, Wor-Wic Community College board of trustees member, presents Donna Hoy with flowers to thank her for her support of the college during the tenure of her husband. Submitted Photos

with Scott Lenox

Hello everybody and welcome to another Fish in OC fishing report. You can definitely tell it’s summertime with the traffic on both the road and the water, but with good fishing going on in both the bay and the ocean it’s something most of us will tolerate just fine until fall.

Offshore water temps have climbed into the upper 70s and even 80s in some locations, which has pushed some of the tuna further offshore and to our north. There are still some yellowfin and bigeye tuna being caught, and there will be plenty weighed in at this month’s Ocean City Tuna Tournament, but if you’re heading offshore be prepared to deep drop at some point. When the tuna bite is slow most offshore charters are switching to deep dropping for swordfish and golden and blueline tilefish. Thankfully that fishing has been good so the chances of bringing some meat back to the dock are still very good.

Ocean bottom fishing for sea bass is still pretty good, but flounder fishing over ocean structure is very good so lots of anglers are switching rigs and doing more jigging. If you’d like to catch flounder in the ocean, find wrecks or reefs in 50 to 100 feet of water and fish the edges with Gulp, Otter Tails and fresh strip baits like flounder belly or squid. A 2-6-ounce buck-

tail or ball jig with a teaser above will work or try the Deadly Tackle Double Trouble or Squidly rigs baited with the same stuff. Back bay fishing for flounder has improved with little wind and clean water conditions. There are still plenty of fish being caught in the Thorofare and behind Assateague Island, but there are more keepers and larger fish in the deeper water around the Route 50 Bridge and east channel. Kristen and I fished the east channel this week with some beautiful little live mullets and we had four nice keepers from 16.5” to 18.5” in just an hour and a half. Slow moving tide either incoming or outgoing with clean water will give you the best chance at landing a keeper over the 16” minimum size.

We had the Ocean City Marlin Club Canyon Kick Off Tournament this past weekend and there was some really good fishing for participants. On the last day of the tournament the crew of the Fish On with Captain Andrew Dotterweich dropped a huge 219 pound bigeye on the scale and smashed the leaderboard. Fish On was rewarded top honors and over $11,000 in prize money. We’ve got this weekend off from fishing tournaments, but after that it gets really busy with a tournament just about every weekend.

SEE PAGES 56-57

Until next week, tight lines. (The writer is the owner of Fish in OC and host of Ocean City’s fishing television show

Hooked on OC. He has worked in the fishing industry and been fishing the waters in and around Ocean City for over 25 years.)

Captain James Coane of the Reel Current gave this group a great day of trolling with a wahoo and four stud yellowfin tuna. Submitted Photos

Above top left, Jonathon Cinque caught this estimated 35-40-pound barracuda while trolling the Washington Canyon. Above left, this 157-pound bigeye tuna was caught on board the Turnin’ Fins with Captain Jake Shaffer at the helm. Above top right, Captains Dean Metclaf and Jeff Landis teamed up on the Jacked Up to put this group on 10 golden tilefish up to 42 pounds. Above right middle, Kristen and I found four keepers in the east channel in just 1.5 hours using live mullet on the Deadly Tackle Live Bait Rig. Above right, Reece, Chase and John found keeper flounder of 16”, 18” and 20” fishing live bunker at the Route 50 Bridge. Opposite page, top left, Captain Mike Burt of Pumpin’ Hard put this group on two white marlin releases and some nice tilefish. Opposite page, top right, the crew of the Boss Hogg with Captain Alex Beane had a great day offshore with three yellowfin tuna, some tilefish and a cart full of sea bass. Opposite page, middle left, the crew of the private boat Bar South had an incredible day offshore with two jumbo bigeye tuna and two yellowfin tuna. Opposite page, middle right, this lucky angler got to catch a nice surprise cobia on board the Angler with Captain Chris Mizurak. Opposite page, bottom left, Brian Bokulic tricked this 21” flounder into the net at the Ocean Pier in downtown Ocean City. Opposite page, bottom right, Tyler MacPherson muscled in this 60-pound yellowfin tuna on his first offshore trip this season.

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 Wicomico Street Pier is pictured during a summer night in 2019. To purchase any of Parypa’s photos, click over to www.chrisparypa.com.

THE DISPATCH Crossword Puzzle

ANSWERS ON PAGE 82

HOROSCOPES

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Keep a lid on your temper, despite any attempts made by someone who might be trying to goad the Sheep into flaring up. Staying cool helps put your adversary into a deep freeze.

TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): All you Ferdinands and Fernandas need to take time to smell the flowers. You've worked hard. Now, stop and indulge yourself with the vacation you so richly deserve.

GEMINI (May 21 to June 20): There's good news for single Geminis who feel incomplete without someone special in their lives. A peek at Cupid's checklist reveals that a Scorpio or Virgo will soon be knocking on your door.

CANCER (June 21 to July 22): Don't fret if things at work might be going too slowly for you. Everything's on track. Meanwhile, gather your family and friends for a lovely summer outing.

LEO (July 23 to Aug. 22): You might feel you're being virtuous dedicating all this time to your project. But a little time off for summer fun with loved ones will help you relax and refill your energy reservoir.

VIRGO (Aug. 23 to Sept. 22): Your emotions might mislead you, but not your instincts. Do what you know to be right, even if you'd rather make other choices. Time will show that you chose well.

LIBRA (Sept. 23 to Oct. 22): This

could be a good time to reevaluate some of the business decisions you've made during the past several months. A new advisor offers some much-needed counsel.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23 to Nov. 21): A personal challenge involving someone close to you needs precisely the kind of courage and honesty you can bring to the situation. Go to it -- and good luck.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22 to Dec. 21): Continue to build your self-confidence by taking additional steps to assert your rights. Cheer up. The process gets easier with each clear-cut victory.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22 to Jan. 19): Despite your keen Capricornean sense of what's right and what's not, you still need facts to back up suspicions about a co-worker. Bide your time. The truth will come out.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20 to Feb. 18): A relationship you hope to save might seem too far gone to be rescued. But continue working with your partner to try to mend the misunderstanding.

PISCES (Feb. 19 to March 20): You need to keep your emotional side in check and let your logical self sort out the problem that threatens a longtime association. Expect some hidden truths to be revealed.

BORN THIS WEEK: You can be extravagant, and you can be frugal, almost at the same time. But whatever you do and whenever you do it, you do it with style and gusto.

© 2023 King Features Synd., Inc.

Things I Like...

By Steve Green Sandbar days

The show, “The Bear”

Seeing locals during a beach day in Ocean City

Morning walks on the Boardwalk

Not being easily offended

Reading adoption stories

My kids laughing with each other

Reflecting on Berlin’s past

Underwater pictures

Walking on new sidewalks

People who are really into camping

Softball was popular in the 1970s and early ‘80s in Ocean City and many local establishments sponsored teams. Both men’s and women’s teams played for trophies, fun, and bragging rights. The games drew large crowds and the skill level of the players was incredibly high.

Games were played on the city ballfields between 3rd and 4th streets and some of the team sponsors read like a page from an Ocean City history book – Mario’s, the Paddack, the Jackspot, and the Ship Café. A Phillips Crab House team from the mid-1970s is pictured.

To purchase one of Bunk Mann's books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com.

Photo from Bunk Mann’s collection

PT MAINTENANCE TECH: GlenRiddle Community. 3 days a week Great Team Environment. tmacintosh@legumnorman.com

CLEANERS/VACATION

RENTALS: Needed for Ocean City and Ocean Pines. Experience preferred but not necessary. Text or call 443-397-1189.

HYGIENIST/ASSISTANT

Friendly boutique dental practice, with great patients, looking for a

PART TIME HYGIENIST and a

PT/FT DENTAL ASSISTANT

Please send resume to dentistryinthepines@gmail.com

THUNDERBIRD BEACH MOTEL NOW HIRING PM NIGHT AUDITOR/ FRONT DESK COMPETITIVE PAY, OVERTIME HOURS AVAILABLE!

APPLY IN PERSON Mon-Fri 10am-2pm 32nd St & Baltimore Ave Ocean City

CLASS A OR B CDL DRIVER

SMI Services of Delaware, a Sediment and Erosion Control Company located in Selbyville, DE is looking for a Class A or B CDL driver. This position will be a working driver / loading / unloading position. You may not just be hauling / driving all day. MUST have a clean driving record and be able to pass a DOT Physical and drug screen. Applicant shall be reliable, able lift up to 50lbs, able to perform physical labor and have great work ethic.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) a plus. Please apply in person at 20 E. Railroad Ave, Selbyville, DE 19975 www.smicompanies.net

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Currently Hiring Manpower For: 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

INDIAN RIVER MARINA IS NOW HIRING!

•MAINTENANCE

Apply Online at delawarestatejobs.com

For additional information, please contact the Marina office at 302.227.3071 AA/EOE

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER

WILLARDS

Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available for our Willards location. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to: kris.derickson@fbwbank.com or call Kris at 410-835-8906

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER SALISBURY

Farmers Bank of Willards has a full-time Personal Banker position available for one of our Salisbury locations. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to: kris.derickson@fbwbank.com or call Kris at 410-835-8906

Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

NOW HIRING

The Hideaway Restaurant at River Run Golf Club is seeking to build a dynamic team for FOH and BOH. This is your chance to be a part of our exciting rebranding.

Experienced Bartender and Server positions available. Also seeking experienced BOH that enjoys working with a small, talented team, with a willingness to learn. Experience in a professional kitchen desired, but not required

APPLY IN PERSON or call KIM at 410-258-3516

FULL-TIME PERSONAL BANKER FLOATER

Farmers Bank of Willards has a Full-time Personal Banker Floater position available to cover all Salisbury locations. Looking for professional and motivated individuals with extraordinary customer service skills. Cash handling experience & excellent computer skills a must.

Please send resume to: kris.derickson@fbwbank.com or call Kris at 410-835-8906

“Equal Employment Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer”

HOUSE FOR RENT: 3 BR, 2 full BA home located in Ocean Pines, MD. New kitchen appliances w/ screened in porch & backyard. $2,000 mo. lease. Contact: island@fagers.com

REAL ESTATE ROOMMATE

ROOMMATE: Furnished room in Berlin MD. Full house privileges. All utilities included. No pets. No smoking. $150. per week. Call 443-513-0190

ROOMMATE: Furnished room in south gate OP. Full house priviliges. All util’s incl’d. No pets. No smoking. $200. sec. dep. $700 mo. 443-880-2317.

RENTAL COMMERCIAL

ACRE FOR SALE: Beautiful parcel Safe, quiet area. Minutes from everything, OC & DE beaches! Zoned A-1. Build or mobile/modular. Well & septic in place. 10403 Griffin Rd, Berlin, MD. Call for more info & price. 410-726-6387.

YARD SALE

Last Big Yard

Sale! Everything Must Go! Taylorville Christian Church, 11252 Adkins Rd, Berlin, 21811

CAINE WOODS NEIGHBORHOOD-WIDE YARD SALES: Sat.,

7/8, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain date Sun,

7/9. 136th-146th Sts. Bayside, OC.

CAREGIVER

CAREGIVER IN YOUR HOME:

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

Check Here First!

FOR SALE

DINING ROOM SET FOR SALE

Perfect for new home buyers!

Perfect for your Rental!

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. Must see! $575. Berlin. 443-880-8885$500

Trees softly whisper, “She’s not here, you should move on”. My heart...just not...yet.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Eastern Shore Natural Gas is planning the Worcester Resiliency Upgrade to augment the area’s energy supply ensuring both reliability and affordability for local businesses and residents. The project includes a liquefied natural gas storage facility in Bishopville, Worcester County, Maryland, with low-profile horizontal storage tanks; along with additional pipeline looping and upgrades to existing meter and regulator stations. Eastern Shore Natural Gas Company is the interstate natural gas transmission pipeline subsidiary of Chesapeake Utilities Corporation. Eastern Shore has safely and reliably served the natural gas transportation needs of the Delmarva Peninsula since 1959. A public information session is scheduled on July 19, 2023, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Worcester County Library, Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave, Berlin, MD 21811, where residents are invited to learn more about the project. Use of library meeting space does not constitute endorsement of this organization, this program or its content by the Worcester County Library. For more information, please contact us at: Toll-Free Project Hotline: 1-844-366-3764, Email: WorcesterResiliencyUpgrade@esng.com

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

B. RANDALL COATES, ESQ. COATES, COATES & COATES, PA 204 WEST GREEN ST PO BOX 293

SNOW HILL, MD 21863

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19774

To all persons interested in CYNTHIA PAULINE AYERS, Estate No. 19774. Notice is given that STEVEN MILLS, JR, 605 YOUNG STREET, POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851, was on JUNE 15, 2023, appointed Personal

Representative of the estate of CYNTHIA PAULINE AYERS, who died on MAY 7, 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 15th day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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

23, 2023

CONTACT INFORMATION

Phone: 410-641-4563 • Fax: 410-641-0966

Email: classifieds@mdcoastdispatch.com Mail: P.O. Box 467, Berlin MD 21811

Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 3x 6-23, 6-30, 7-7

Third Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19775

To all persons interested in CATHERINE B. KIRK,Estate No. 19775. Notice is given

that BRIAN KIRK, 606 LEE WAY, BEL AIR, MD 21014, was on JUNE 16, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CATHERINE B. KIRK, who died on MAY 16, 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 DECEMBER, 2023.

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

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.

Date of Publication JUNE 23, 2023

BRIAN KIRK

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 6-23, 6-30, 7-7

Third Insertion

LEO J. KEENAN III

1121 LIBERTY ROAD SYKESVILLE, MD 21784

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19778

To all persons interested in SHARON ENSLEY DLUBALA,Estate No. 19778. Notice is given that STEVEN DILLY, 768 SUSSEX COURT, ELDERSBURG, MD 21784, was on JUNE 21, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of SHARON ENSLEY DLUBALA, who died on MAY 8, 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 DECEMBER, 2023.

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

JUNE 23, 2023

STEVEN DILLY 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 6-23, 6-30, 7-7

Second Insertion

HUGH CROPPER, IV, ESQ.

9927 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY SUITE F12 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19782

To all persons interested in LYNNE TAYLOR MURRAY, AKA: ALMA LYNNE TAYLOR MURRAY,Estate No. 19782. Notice is given that TERESA

L. MURRAY, 12349 VIVIAN STREET, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on JUNE 22, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of LYNNE TAYLOR MURRAY, who died on MARCH 26, 2022, 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 22ND day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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 JUNE 30, 2023

TERESA L. MURRAY

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 6-30, 7-7, 7-14

Second Insertion

JORHEA N. WRIGHT, ESQ. ARMISTEAD, LEE, RUST& WRIGHT, PA 114 BAY STREET, BUILDING C EASTON, MD 21601

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19784

To all persons interested in ROBERT Y. TORREY,Estate No. 19784. Notice is given that DONNA L. TORREY, 12344 SOUTHHAMPTON DRIVE, BISHOPVILLE, MD 21813, was on JUNE 26, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ROBERT Y. TORREY, who died on JUNE 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 26TH day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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 JUNE 30, 2023

DONNA L. TORREY Personal Representative True Test Copy

TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 218631074 3x 6-30, 7-7, 7-14

Second Insertion

MORRIS L. GARTEN, FEDDER AND GARTEN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATION 10096 RED RUN BOULEVARD SUITE 200 OWINGS MILLS, MD 21117

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19777

To all persons interested in GEORGEANN MAGNES, Estate No. 19777. Notice is given that JACQUELINE Y. MAGNES, 11616 PRINCESS LANE, ELLICOTT CITY, MD 21042 and DANIELLE SCOGLAND, 14182 DAY FARM ROAD, GLENELG, MD 21737, was on JUNE 20,

2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGEANN MAGNES, who died on APRIL 14, 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 20TH day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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 JUNE 30, 2023

JACQUELINE Y. MAGNES

DANIELLE SCOGLAND

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 6-30, 7-7, 7-14

Second Insertion

JOHN B. ROBINS, ESQ ROBINS & ROBINS, PA PO BOX 506 SALISBURY, MD 21803

WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000199

PAUL GARNER, Plaintiff

V.

ELAINE EVANS, Defendant NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE that the sale of the property situate in Worcester County, Maryland, known as Unit I, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842, made and reported in these proceedings by John B. Robins, IV, Trustee, and more specifically described in the Report of Sale filed in these proceedings, will be ratified and confirmed unless cause to the contrary be shown on or before the 31st day of JULY, 2023, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some newspaper published in Worcester County, Maryland, once in each of three successive weeks before the 24th day of July, 2023. The Report states the amount of sale to be $291,000.00.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication JUNE 30, 2023

TRUE TEST COPY SUSAN R. BRANIECKI CLERK OF THE CIRUIT COURT WORCESTER, COUNTY MD 3x 6-30, 7-7, 7-14

First Insertion

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN

HEIRS ESTATE 19789

To all persons interested in JOHN J. KEANE,Estate No. 19789. Notice is given that ANDREW MCLAUGHLIN, 18 DRIFTWOOD LANE, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on JUNE 28, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of JOHN J. KEANE, who died on MAY 16, 2023, with a will.

Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by con-

tacting 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 28TH day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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

JULY 7, 2023

ANDREW MCLAUGHLIN

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 7-7, 7-14, 7-21

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19787

To all persons interested in

Legal

CAROLE COE, AKA: CAROLE ANN COE, CAROL A. COE,Estate No. 19787. Notice is given that LISA GALLICK, 205 RED TAIL CIRCLE, DOWNINGTOWN, PA 19335, was on JUNE 27, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of CAROLE COE, who died on MAY 7, 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 27TH day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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 JULY 7, 2023

LISA GALLICK 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 7-7, 7-14, 7-21

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

within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19785

To all persons interested in ADDIE RUTH LOVETT,Estate No. 19785. Notice is given that MARVA JACOBS, 701 RICHWIL DRIVE, SALISBURY, MD 21804, was on JUNE 26, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ADDIE RUTH LOVETT, who died on JUNE 6, 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 26TH day of DECEMBER, 2023.

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

Date of Publication JULY 7, 2023

MARVA JACOBS 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 7-7, 7-14, 7-21

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:

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

Name of Newspaper: Maryland Coast Dispatch

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19793

To all persons interested in the estate of THOMAS E. EDMONSTON, Estate No. 19793. Notice is given that BARBARA A. EDMONSTON, 321 OCEAN PARKWAY, BERLIN, MD 21811, was on JUNE 29, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL estate of THOMAS E. EDMONSTON, who died on JUNE 6, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills

on JUNE 30, 2023, appointed Personal Representative of the SMALL estate of JEREMIAH M. LYNCH, who died on MAY 22, 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 shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.

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

Date of Publication

JULY 7, 2023

BARBARA A. EDMONSTON 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

1x 7-7

Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or

(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.

SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS ESTATE 19799

To all persons interested in the estate of JEREMIAH M. LYNCH, Estate No. 19799. Notice is given that BETH ELLEN SHOCKLEY-LYNCH, 7744 SHOCKLEY ROAD, SNOW HILL, MD 21863, was

Freeman

Arts Pavilion’s Photo Of The Week:

Each week during the season the Freeman Arts Pavilion submits a photo of the week from the Selbyville, Del. venue. Above, Ran'D Shine performed at Freeman Arts Pavilion June 24, as part of its weekly Young Audience Series. These free performances take place every Saturday at 10 a.m. through Labor Day weekend. Live music continues all summer long at the open-air outdoor venue located four miles from Ocean City.

Photo by Joe Lamberti/Freeman Arts Pavilion

Be Safe And Thanks For Visiting Ocean City

PAGE SPONSORED BY THE DISPATCH

Canyon Kick-Off Pays Out $52K

The Ocean City Marlin Club held its Canyon Kick-Off Tournament last weekend, attracting 34 boats and paying out more than $52,000 in prize money. Final standings were: Tuna: first place, Fish On, 219 pounds, $11,385, above; second place, Makenzie Rae, 55.5 pounds, $2,511, below; third place, Barbara Rose, 51.5 pounds, $1,458, top right; fourth place, Fishticuffs, 48.5 pounds, $1,890 (due to calcutta), at right second from top; Dolphin: first place, Undertaker, 19 pounds, $14,112; second place, Reel Estate, 15 pounds, $1,458, at right, second from bottom; third place, Ready or Not, 11 pounds, trophy; Billfish Release: first place, Underaker, $9,225; second place, Christine Marine, $1,755; third place, Loose Knot, blue marlin release trophy; and fourth place Buckshot (calcutta), $1,170; Day One Meat Fish: Makenize Rae, $2,935, Billfish Release, Undetaker, $1,890; Day Two Meat Fish, Fish On, $2,935, Billfish Release, Undertaker, $1,890; Small Boat Meatfish tie, Team Wallbangers, $1,215, and Hotline, $1,215. Photos courtesy of Ocean City Marlin Club

Who’s Where When

BUXY’S/DRY DOCK 28

410-289-BUXY

28th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, July 7: David Tarlecki

Sundays: Local’s Night w/DJ Tops Cut Off

CAPTAIN’S TABLE

410-289-7192

15th & Boardwalk

In The Courtyard Marriott

Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on Piano

COCONUTS BEACH BAR & GRILL

410-289-6846

37th & 38th St. Oceanside at Castle In The Sand Hotel

Friday, July 7: Darin Engh, Lime Green Band

Saturday, July 8:

The Everafter, Royal Flush Band

Sunday, July 9:

Heatehr Vidal, Rick & Regina

Monday, July 10: Sean Loomis, Chris Sacks Duo

Tuesday, July 11: Jack Bannon, Full Circle

Wednesday, July 12: Shortcut Sunny, Bilenki Duo

Thursday, July 13: Kevin Poole, The Chest Pains

COINS PUB

410-289-3100

28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy.

Friday, July 7: Mercury Agenda

Saturday, July 8: Jim Long & First Class

Tuesdays: Karaoke w/DJ Jeremy

Wednesdays: DJ Wax

CORK BAR

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Saturday, July 8: Going Coastal

CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE

302-988-5000

37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE

Sunday, July 9: Endless Ember

Wednesday, July 12: Kevin Poole

CRAWL STREET TAVERN

443-373-2756

Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.

Friday, July 7: Rogue Citizens

Saturday, July 8: The Rockoholics

Sunday, July 9: DJ Wax

Thursday, July 13: 4 Tha Shor Tour

FAGER’S ISLAND

410-524-5500

60th St. In The Bay

Friday, July 7: DJ RobCee, Denim & Lace, Jumper

Saturday, July 8: DJ Groove, Making Waves, Jumper

Sunday, July 9: DJ Andrew Hugh, The New Romance

Monday, July 10: DJ Hector, The New Romance, Mallow Hill

Tuesday, July 11: DJ RobCee, Bryan Clark

Wednesday, July 12: Sugar Jack, Latin Night w/DJ Patana

Thursday, July 13: DJ Groove, Captain Fantastic FISHTALES 410-289-0990

St. & Bay

Friday, July 7: Groove

Saturday, July 8: Hook

Best Beats On The Beach

JUMPER Fager’s Island: Friday & Saturday, July 7 & 8

THE ROCKOHOLICS Crawl St. Tavern: Saturday, July 8

THE CHEST PAINS Coconuts Beach Bar: Thursday, July 13

Who’s Where When

GREENE TURTLE WEST

410-213-1500

Rt. 611, West O.C.

Friday, July 7: TBA

HARBORSIDE

410-213-1846

South Harbor Rd., West O.C.

Thursdays & Fridays: DJ Billy T

Saturday, July 8:

Cecilia’s Fall, DJ Bigler

Sunday, July 9:

Opposite Directons, DJ Billy T

PICKLES PUB

410-289-4891

8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.

Fridays: Beats By Deogee

Saturday, July 8: Rogue Citizens

Sunday, July 9: Beats By Deogee

Mondays: Karaoke w/Wood

Tuesdays: Beats By Wax

Wednesdays: Beats By Deogee

Thursdays: Beats By Wax

PIER 23

410-289-3323

12817 Harbor Rd. West O.C.

Friday, July 7: Fil Rhythm Trio

Saturday, July 8: Lower Case Blues, Rick & Regina

Sunday, July 9: Rymac & AJ,

Monday, July 10: Carley Twigg

Tuesday, July 11: Bell Bottom Blues Duo

Wednesday, July 12:

Aaron Howell Duo

Thursday, July 13: Shortcut Sunny

PURPLE MOOSE SALOON

410-289-6953

Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards

Friday & Saturday, July 7 & 8

SLAMM

Sunday & Monday, July 9 & 10:

Radio Hero

Tuesdays: DJ Madame Dutchess

Wednesdays: DJ Papi Roisterous

SEACRETS

410-524-4900

49th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Friday, July 7: DJ Tuff, DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, Full Circle, Jah Works, Stealing Savannah

Saturday, July 8: DJ Bobby O, DJ Cruz, DJ Tuff, The Malones, Jah Works, Stealing Savannah, Coming Alive, Kristen & The Noise

Sunday, July 9: DJ Davie, DJ Connair, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Triple Rail Turn, I&I Riddim Reggae, Night Anthem

Monday, July 10: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Blake Haley, I&I Riddim Reggae, Cherry Crush Band

Tuesday, July 11: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Tuff, Opposite Directions, New Direction, Kono Nation

Wednesday, July 12: DJ Davie, DJ Bobby O, DJ Connair, Full Circle Duo, New Direction, Fortunate Youth

Thursday, July 13: DJ Davie, DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, John McNutt Band, Anthem, Go Go Gadjet

THE ORIGINAL

GREENE TURTLE

410-723-2120

116th St. & Coastal Hwy.

Fridays: DJ Magellan

Saturday, July 8: DJ Cuban Fire

Every Sunday: Farmers Market Berlin will host along Main Street with 35plus vendors from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Rain or shine. TheBerlinFarmersMarket.com.

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 443-8808444.

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 410-6299383 or Carol 302-242-7062.

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 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. year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page "Beach HeroesOC" 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. 410-250-2645.

Every Thursday: Beach Singles

Join the club, 55 plus, at Harpoon Hanna’s in Fenwick Island, 4-6 p.m. 302-436-9577 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.

July 7: Beach Patrol Book

Live the Ocean City experience from the ’50s to the ’70s with Mark Landry, author of Beach Patrol: Lifeguarding in Ocean City, MD 19661974, spent summers growing up in unincorporated north Ocean City. In 1965, Ocean City expanded to the Delaware line increasing the need for guard services. Landry responded and served through high school, college, and medical school. Landry will present his perspective of that time capsule and share stories from his recent book and sign purchased copies at the Ocean Pines Library at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 6 and at the Ocean City Library at 100th Street and Coastal Highway at 9 a.m. July 7.

July 8-Aug. 19: Furnace Town Music

Get ready to groove this summer at Furnace Town, showcasing a lineup of talented musicians and artists from around the shore.

Things To Do

Enjoy live performances in a stunning outdoor venue. Bring your friends, family and loved ones for an evening filled with music, food, drinks, and fun. Cost is $10/adults, $5/kids 5-15. The schedule is:

July 8: 5-8 p.m., Bryan & The Barn Owls-Americana

July 24: 5-8 p.m.,

The Folk Heroes & The Folk Villains

Aug. 5: 5-8 p.m., Hoedown with DJ Kay Aug. 19: 5-8 p.m., Ampersand – Traditional American Music.

July 8: Anglers Club Meeting

The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will meet at 9:30 a.m. in the Ocean Pines Library. The speaker will be Carter Drab, a 17-year-old native of Annapolis and avid hunter and waterman who has been bow fishing the Delmarva area for snakeheads, rays and skates over three years and will share his thrill of the hunt with attendees. In addition, members will share updates on any fishing regulations, trips, etc. All welcome.

July 9: Arts Day In Pines

Due to inclement weather, the Art League of Ocean City has rescheduled the free “Arts Day in the Pines” event, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Ocean Pines. Free parking with complimentary shuttle service is available at Ocean Downs Casino. The event will feature more than 40 artisans offering their original arts and crafts including pottery, paintings, glassware, fiber art, jewelry, and more. Guests will have the opportunity to meet the artists and buy directly from them. “Veterans Memorial Park is a new location for us this year, and we are so excited to expand and grow this event even bigger than before,” Aubrey Sizemore, Art League event coordinator, said. “We had over 7,000 people attend Arts Day last year, so everyone loves the fun they’ll have for the whole family. Bring a chair and stay all day.” Musical artists will perform original pieces throughout the day. Chino Rankin plays from 11 a.m.-noon; Jeremiah Coyne, 12:151 p.m.; Radio Ocean City will DJ from 1:152 p.m.; Parker’s Garden, 2:25-3 p.m.; eScape hAtch, 3:15-4 p.m.; and Marissa Levy, 4:15-5 p.m. During their time on stage, Radio Ocean City will feature kids' contests with prizes including gift cards to area businesses, Fisher’s popcorn, and items from their business. Food trucks will offer a variety of fare including Sandy’s Dog Gone Good Eats, Kona Ice, Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ, Sweet Addiction, and The Street Kitchen. Beer and wine will also be available. Children’s and family activities include bouncy houses, youth plein air painting, bubbles, coloring, geocaching, face painting, pipe cleaner art, planting, and tie dying. Special art classes for adults, including creating mini mosaic jewelry pendants and paint-alongs are also being offered for an extra fee.

July 9: Church Performance

St. Matthew’s by the Sea in Fenwick Island will host Sons of Thunder for two performances – 10:45 a.m. and 6 p.m. Free admission. Love offerings will be received.

July 15: Chicken Platters To Go Calvary United Methodist Church fundraiser sale of fried/baked chicken platters to go, 10:30 a.m. until sold out. Platters are $10 and include two sides and a roll. Side choices

include homemade potato salad, mac ‘n cheese, greens and seasoned string beans. Dessert table available. 8607 Ironshire Station Road, Berlin.

July 15: Sports Day At The Beach

Randy’s Crew presents Sports Day at the Beach Sports Cards and Memorabilia Show at the Westside Route 50 Shopping Center (next to Hooper’s), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Buy, sell and trade sports cards as well as opportunities to buy supplies, collectibles, get autographs from Orioles Hall of Famer players Al Bumbry and Ken Singleton, jerseys, raffles and more. Admission is $5; under 10 is $2. To buy table space, contact Wayne Littleon, 443-978-0680 or email littleletonwayne@yahoo.com

July 15: Chicken Salad Carryout

The Bishopville Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary will be holding a chicken salad carryout from noon-2 p.m. at the main station. $8 per pint. Call 619-922-9950 by July 10 for a guaranteed preorder.

July 15: Youth Fishing Contest

The Ocean Pines Anglers Club will host the annual Art Hansen Memorial Youth Fishing Contest at the South Gate Pond at Veterans Park in Ocean Pines. Registration is from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. and the contest will be from 9 to 10:30 a.m. Youths should bring their own fishing rod and reel. Bait is provided. Three age groups; 4-7, 8-11, 12-16. A trophy will be awarded for the biggest fish in each age group with special awards for the top three. A drawing will be held for 2 Grand Prizes. Children younger than age 4 can fish but will not be eligible for a trophy. This is a free event. All registrants will receive a prize. Funding support provided by the Anglers Club, the Ocean City/Berlin Optimist Club, Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Dept. and the Atlantic Coast Sportfishing Association. For information call John McFalls at 610- 505-1697.

July 22: One-Day VBS

One-Day, All-Day Family Vacation Bible School, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 8648 Stephen Decatur Highway, Berlin. VBS Theme: "The Parables of Jesus." Complimentary meals and snacks, Bible lessons, games, crafts, music, and more. An ice cream sundae social and family registration will be held Wednesday, July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Bethany Church. You may also register by going to "contact us" at www.bethanyberlin.org. For more information, contact Megan Cooke at 443-614-3870 or mjcooke11@gmail.com.

July 23: Christmas In July

The Young Professionals Committee of the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce will host its annual Christmas in July at the Residence Inn by Marriott. The event will run from noon-3 p.m. and feature live music by Side Project, food, drinks, raffle prizes and an appearance from Santa Claus himself. The pool will also be open for attendees to cool off from the summer heat. All funds go towards the Young Professional’s Christmas Spirit Campaign which aims to provide joy to underprivileged children in Worcester County come the holiday season by presenting them with gifts and toys. Last year, the YPs impacted 100 children.

The 2023 Christmas in July is presented by 28th Street Pit & Pub with support from Coastal Life Realty Group, Delaware Elevator, Royal Plus Electric, the Delmarva Shorebirds, Direct Mortgage Loans, Deeley Insurance, OC Beach Vacations, Pickles Pub, and de Lazy Lizard.

Tickets are $25 or $30 at the door. They can be purchased at the Ocean City chamber visitor center Monday to Saturday 10 a.m.3 p.m. or by emailing YP Chair Ricky Pollitt, at ricky.pollitt@ja.org.

July 24-28: Vacation Bible School

Stevenson United Methodist, Buckingham Presbyterian, Friendship United Methodist, St. Paul’s Episcopal and St. Paul United Methodist are partnering on a Vacation Bible School at Stevenson United Methodist Church from 6-8 p.m. Register online by July 1 and receive a free T-shirt at www.stevensonchurch.org/VBS. Call 410-641-1137 for more information.

July 28-30: OP Library Book Sale

The Annual Ocean Pines Library Book Sale, sponsored by the Friends of the Ocean Pines Library (FOPL), will take place. All proceeds go to the Ocean Pines Library for events, equipment, projects and special needs.

The sale of over 20,000 books, CD's, DVD's and audio books that are in good to new condition will begin on Friday, July 28 from 6-8 p.m. and is for FOPL members only. If you are not a member, you can join at the door for $5 for an individual membership, $10 for a family or $25 as a business or patron. Dealers, collectors and book store owners are more than welcome. More details can be found on the web at Book Sale Finder.

The sale will continue on Saturday, July 29 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and open to all at no cost. Books will range from 50 cents to $2.50 each with no limits. Cash or checks with ID only, no credit cards. On Monday, July 31, the sale continues from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with all remaining books at half price.

Aug. 5: Flounder Tourney

The Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce will host their 16th Annual Flounder Tournament and Auction on Saturday, August 5, 2023, with the weigh in and auction at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Marina from noon-430 p.m. This is the largest Maryland coastal flounder tournament and will feature an expected purse of over $8,000. “Our region gets tournament fever every summer, especially the first week in August. We are the little guy tournament. A great day on the water and a chance to win big without breaking your bank to enter,” said Ocean Pines Chamber President Kerrie Bunting.

Registration is $55 per angler or $50 each when registering more than one. Calcuttas are available for $20 per angler. The longest flounder brought in by any angler 13 or under wins $100 and is also eligible for the main cash prizes. Make sure to register before noon on August 4. Collectable T-shirts are free for the first 250 registered. Sponsorships are available and we are seeking donations for the auction which is held during the weigh in. For tournament rules or to register as sponsor or angler go to:https://business.oceanpineschamber.org/events/details/16th-annual-flounder-tournament-14 865.

Aug. 19: Gloves Up, Guns Down

The Old Germantown School will host the 1st Annual Gloves Up Guns Down event at 10223 Trappe Road, from noon-4 p.m. Hosted by Lamar Sturgis. Lunch will be served.

Hearing Set For Venue Change Request In Knupp Case

FROM PAGE 8

ture knowledge that he was in an accident with a person involving bodily injury or death.” The attorney added, “The state has not alleged that defendant acted in any criminal or negligent manner regarding the operation of the vehicle prior to the accident.”

While declining to comment on the ongoing criminal matter, Knupp family attorney Neil Dubovsky restated their faith in the judicial process on Tuesday.

“As we approach the one-year anniversary of Gavin’s passing, the Knupp family remain as committed as ever to honoring Gavin’s legacy and making sure that justice is served,” he said. “We have complete trust and confidence in the State’s Attorney’s office to that end.”

In May, Tiffany Knupp, Gavin’s mom who lives in Ocean Pines, told WBOC the charges finally being filed had her “overwhelmed” at the first step in the legal process.

“I thought it was going to be one of those days you feel justice is finally here and we do, I do, but at the same time now we have to see him face to face,” she said. “I think the hardest thing for me this morning was to see the case number and realize my son is now a case number. It’s tough, it’s a whole new … there’s a lot of feelings involved. It’s been so hard to get to this point. We want to thank everyone in this community who has given us the strength to push through everything we have pushed through to this point.”

The Knupp family from the beginning have maintained their confidence in law enforcement and the State’s Attorney’s Office. She reiterated the faith she had in the investigation and understood charges would take time.

“We wanted them to do their due diligence. We were never worried this would not happen,” Knupp said. “Being on the inside of this, you know how long it takes for a case like this. When someone doesn’t come forward and admit what they have done after they have killed a child, it takes a while to build that case and they had to do it from scratch. They got there and here we are today.”

Timeline

July 12: The original press release on the incident read, “Maryland State Police are investigating a fatal pedestrian hit and run crash that claimed the life of a 14year-old boy in Worcester County. … Last night at approximately 10:45 p.m., troopers were dispatched to the report of the crash on Grays Corner Road at Riddle Lane in Berlin. The preliminary investigation indicates the victim was a pedestrian on Grays Corner Road when he was struck and killed by a vehicle traveling east on Grays Corner Road. … Based on evidence at the scene and their continuing investigation, troopers believe the vehicle that struck and killed the victim was a dark color Mercedes, likely a 2011 or 2012. They believe the vehicle sustained damage to the driver’s side mirror and headlight damage. Maryland State Police continue the search for the vehicle that struck and killed the pedestrian.”

July 18: MSP reported the 2011 black Mercedes sedan was located the vehicle at approximately 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at a West Ocean City residence. The damages on the Mercedes

match the suspected damages consistent with the crash and the evidence left at the scene. The vehicle was towed to the Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack for processing.

July 20: The situation took a strange turn, one that enraged many close to the Knupp family and the community in general, when the Ortt Companies implicated one of its partners, Ralph DeAngelus, through a statement, which founder Matt Ortt later admitted was a poor error in judgment. Until this statement was released, DeAngelus’s name had never been officially linked to the case.

“With all of the speculation surrounding this event, I feel the need to say something publicly,” Ortt said in a statement. “I have been in business with Ralph DeAngelus for three decades as a leader, mentor and partner,” the statement reads. “During that time, Ralph has always been a man of integrity, which is how he built

such a stellar reputation in our town. Over the past few years, Matt Ortt Companies has added substantially to the area by revitalizing the Ocean Pines food and beverage operations and starting two new popular restaurants, all of which employ over 400 members of this community. At this time, my focus will continue to operate Matt Ortt Companies to the same high standards to which we have always held ourselves.”

“For obvious reasons, Ralph cannot speak about this matter,” the statement reads. “However, he has said to me directly ‘in the end, the truth will come out, and it will prove me to be the man you always thought I was.’ I will take him, as I always have, at his word, and I hope the community at-large will as well. Ralph has never violated the trust that I put in him, and I don’t expect that to ever change. As the managing member of Matt Ortt Companies, and on behalf of the management

team, we stand fully behind Ralph’s word and will continue to wait for all of the facts to come out as the investigation proceeds.”

November 2022: Four months after the initial statement, Ortt apologized to the community for, “a terrible mistake by blindly and publicly advocating for my longterm business partner, Ralph DeAngelus.”

Ortt added, “I issued a supportive written statement that was based solely on my trust in Mr. DeAngelus without contemplating the deep-seated pain my stance would cause. My actions were insensitive, inappropriate and showed very poor judgement. In hindsight, I should have waited until independently verified investigative facts were available before offering an opinion. I deeply apologize and regret my actions. …”

April 28: Seventeen charges were officially filed against Mailloux, who is believed by police to be the motorist who fled the scene of the fatal collision.

Sand Bar Day:

A low-tide afternoon on a warm and sunny Fourth of July equaled a sand bar day for thousands in Ocean City. Throughout the day, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and Ocean City Fire Department’s fire boat were on hand. Additionally, it was reported multiple underage drinking violators were charged throughout the long weekend. Photos by Steve Green

Booming Fourth: For the first time in four years, Ocean City hosted fireworks displays on the Fourth of July. Photographer Chris Parypa spent a few hours on the Boardwalk documenting the Fourth of July in Ocean City. The crowds were strong, the fireworks dazzling (scenes captured from the Wicomico Street Pier), the Boardwalk jamming, the traffic was intense and the weather was lovely.

Thomas E. Edmonston III

OCEAN PINES – Thomas E. Edmonston III, age 83, passed away Tuesday, June 6, 2023 in Salisbury.

Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Thomas Edmonston Jr. and Loretta G. Edmonston.

In addition to his loving wife of almost 40 years, Barbara Edmonston, Thomas is survived by his sister, Carole Steele, and his daughters, Kelly Chamberlin, Kristen Edmonston and Stacey Truemper, and his stepchildren, Robert and Paul Dusseau (Roberta), Teri Edelsohn (Andrew), Julie Sutton (Roy), and his grandchildren, Laura, Maddie, Max, Nicolas and Zachary Dusseau, Chelsea and Morgan Sutton, Xavier Edmonston, Ryan Nicholson, and Alexa and Madison Truemper.

Tom was an all-around outdoorsman and enjoyed waterfowl and field hunting, fishing, boating, and sailing. He loved his German shorthair dog, Shotzie. He was

OBITUARIES

an avid lover of history, in particular World War II, where his father served. Fittingly, he passed away on the anniversary of DDay. He was a long-time supporter of Ducks Unlimited. He enjoyed his retirement after working many years for Delmarva Systems.

A graveside service was held at Garden of the Pines Cemetery in Ocean Pines on Monday, June 12, 2023. Letters of condolence may be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home.

Joan Marie Abell Mersinger

OCEAN PINES – Joan Marie Abell Mersinger, 89, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully on Monday, June 25, 2023, at her home in Ocean Pines surrounded by loving family.

Born June 19, 1934, in Baltimore, she was happily married to Joseph Mersinger

for the past 66 years.

In addition to her husband Joe, she is survived by her four sons, Stephen Eric Mersinger and his wife Denise of Berlin, Paul Mersinger and his wife Dawn of Westminster, Matt Mersinger and his wife, Karen of Port Charlotte, Fla. and Michael Mersinger and his wife Janet of Rincon, Ga.

She also survived by her nine grandchildren who she adored and lovingly called her “Mommo,” Stephen, Kenny and Nick Mersinger, Andrew and Lauren Mersinger, Erica Cardinal, Luke Mersinger, Mattie Lawson, and Katherine Mersinger. She also had several great grandchildren, Cameran Mersinger, Avery, Grace and Hazel Cardinal, Kailynn and Logan Mersinger.

Joan was a member of St. John Neu-

mann Church, in Berlin. She graduated from Institute of Notre Dame in Baltimore in 1952.

A memorial service followed by a celebration of life will be announced soon. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joan’s name to Coastal Hospice Berlin or Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Linda M. Chiostri

OCEAN CITY – Linda M. (Zanotti) Chiostri, wife of Robert B. Chiostri of The Villages, Fla., previously of Ocean City, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2023. She was the daughter of Frank and Carmellina Zanotti of Leechburg, Pa.

A 1962 graduate of Leechburg High School, her last place of employment was the Ocean City Visitor Center at the convention center. Besides her parents she was preceded in death by her sister and brother- inlaw Angela and Dave Decroo, her in-laws Ben and Rose Chiostri and sisterin-law Rose Turner.

She is survived by her husband, Robert B. Chiostri; her niece Nicole (Robbie) Fello and their children (Mackenzie (Ross) and Jacob; nephew Jason (Amy) Decroo and their children Caden and Isabella and great great niece Miley Blu; nephew Justin (Michelle) Decroo and son Ryan; brother-in-law Richard and Judy Chiostri and their children Dominic and Anthony; and brother-in-law Ron Turner and his children David, Lisa, Jeff and Chris and nine great nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 8, 2023 at St. Timothy Catholic Church, Lady Lake, Fla. Additional services and internment will be held in Pennsylvania at a later date.

Pamela Ann Jolly

BERLIN – Pamela Ann Jolly, age 74, of Berlin, passed away at her home Friday, June 30, 2023 after a long, courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Brynn Mawr, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Robert Patterson and Lucille (Orth) Patterson. Ms. Jolly attended Merion Mercy Academy and Harcum Junior College before beginning a career in retail management.

She is survived by her husband Michael Jolly and three children, Sean Slaven and wife Kristy, Jennifer Collins and husband Harry, Elizabeth Scott and husband Bill; and her two sisters, Cindi Spink and Laurie Bench. Pamela is also survived by her seven grandchildren, Christopher Carbaugh, Anna Hindle, Katherine Collins, Ian Slaven, Isabella Slaven, Sara Slaven and Aidan Scott, and one great grandchild, Jameson Hindle. She was preceded in death by a daughter Sarah Slaven.

Pam enjoyed gardening and could often be found with her husband working in their backyard. She also loved the ocean and enjoyed spending time at the beach or boating with her family. Pamela was a beloved wife, mother, sister, and friend. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Coastal Hospice.

Services are private at this time. Condolences may be shared via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. SEE NEXT PAGE

THOMAS EDMONSTON

PAMELA ANN JOLLY

JOAN MERSINGER

LINDA CHIOSTRI

... OBITUARIES

Bruce Allen Moore

OCEAN CITY – Bruce Allen Moore, age 81, passed away on June 29, 2023, at Delaware Hospice Center in Milford, Del.

Born in Laurel, Del., he was the son of the late Carmel Leon Moore and Sally Lee Collins Moore. He is survived by his wife, Christine (Brodowski) Moore, and children, Matthew Joseph Moore and his wife Ryel of Alexandria, Va., and Meredith Dale Moore and fiancé L.P. Cyburt of Ocean City. There are four grandchildren, Travis and Trevor, Tyler and Ashton. Also surviving are step-children Pamela Berman (John), Erika Meister (Benoit) Aleksandra Howard (Adam) and their children, Colby, Logan, Jordyn, Blake, Maia, Luca, Winnie and Tucker, nieces Paula Hardt, Sally Irwin, Ellen Casey, and nephew, Chris Sammelwitz.

Preceding him in death was his brother, Robert L. Moore; sister, Eleanor Paradee; nephews Mike Moore, nephew Ben Paradee and his wife Mandy; and sisterin-law Diane Sammelwitz.

Bruce was a 1959 graduate of Laurel High School. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Delaware. He attended graduate school at Clemson University and University of Maryland. He served in the United States Army (artillery), and retired from active duty with the rank of Captain. Bruce worked in sales for Merck Pharmaceuticals for 2 years.

In 1976 he founded Moore, Warfield and Glick Realtors, and received “Realtor of the Year” in 1981. He became President of the Ocean City Board of Realtors in 1984. In 1988, sold his operational interest to Warfield and Glick. He was past partner of BJ’s North and BJ’s South, partner with Remax Premier Properties, past President of Ocean City Paramedics, past member of the Worcester Preparatory School Board of Trustees, past board member of Mercantile Peninsula Bank, past chairman of the Atlantic Club, past trustee of Atlantic United Methodist Church, board member of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, member of The Knights of Columbus Star of the Sea Council, charter member of the Ocean City Shriner’s Club, he served on the board of Ambassadors for Beebe Healthcare, was a Meals on Wheels volunteer, and a happy member of his boyhood friends, The Crevies (and then there were two). He was not just a resident of Ocean City and Rehoboth, but a selfless, dedicated, hands-on community leader who will be sorely missed. After retiring and moving to Delaware, he became a member of St. Edmond Catholic Church.

A visitation will be held at The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin on July 11, 2023, from 6 until 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Edmond Catholic Church on July 12, 2023, at 11 a.m. Rev. William Cocco will officiate and Rev. George Patterson will assist. A donation in his memory may be made to the Ocean City Paramedic Foundation, 1409

Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, Md. 21842, or St Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King St., Rehoboth, Del. 19971, or

Legal Notice: First Insertion

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND

CASE NO. C-23-CV-22-000199

PAUL GARNER

Plaintiff V

ELAINE EVANS

Defendant

NOTICE

TAKE NOTICE that the sale of the property situate in Worcester County, Maryland, known as Unit I, 15 43rd Street, Ocean City, Maryland, 21842, made and reported in these proceedings by John B. Robins, IV, Trustee, and more specifically described in the Report of Sale filed in these proceedings, will be ratified and confirmed unless cause to the contrary be shown on or before the 31st day of July,' 2023, provided a copy of this Order be inserted in some newspaper published in Worcester County, Maryland, once in each of three successive weeks before the 24th day of July , 2023.

The Report states the amount of sale to be $291,000.00.

Name of Newspaper Maryland Coast Dispatch Date of Publication July 7, 2024

Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit court Worcester County, MD 3x 7-7, 7-14, 7-21

Beebe Healthcare, 424 Savannah Rd., Lewes, Del. 19958. Letters of condolence may be sent via www.burbagefu-

neralhome.com. Arrangements are in the care of the Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin.

BRUCE MOORE

Morning Glory: A paddleboarder is pictured enjoying an early morning session on Wednesday off Assateague Island.

Photo by Ann Richardson

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

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The Maryland Coast Dispatch (USPS #015125) is an official and legal newspaper for Worcester County. Periodical postage paid at Berlin, Maryland, and additional mailing offices. The Maryland Coast Dispatch, 10012 Old Ocean City Blvd., Berlin, Md. 21811, is published weekly on Friday mornings, 52 weeks a year. Subscription rates are $260 per year.

POSTMASTER: Please send change of address to Maryland Coast Dispatch, P.O. Box 467, Berlin, Maryland 21811. Maryland Coast Dispatch offices are located at Route 346 and Graham Avenue, Berlin, Maryland.

The lure of alliteration was too much to resist, so the page one cutline began, “Finally, Fourth Fireworks.” It’s difficult to imagine but Ocean City has not held Independence Day fireworks since 2019.

Let’s revisit the struggles with fireworks and Fourth of July in Ocean City. Like most places, there were no fireworks on July 4, 2020, due to crowds assembling and virus spreading concerns amid the newness of the pandemic. On July 4, 2021, the plan was to have fireworks downtown and at Northside Park until a vendor mishap led to a daytime fireworks show at Dorchester Street. A series of explosions took place and workers were injured, leading to both planned displays being canceled. Just days before fireworks were to

A Holiday To Remember In Ocean City

take place on July 4, 2022, Ocean City learned from the vendor a bizarre labor shortage would prevent the shows from taking place. Resort officials were able to scramble a bit, scheduling smaller fireworks shows on July 3 and July 5, but it was not the same.

As unfortunate as the last three prime summer holidays have been without fireworks, Ocean City was able to manage just fine. Some businesses – especially restaurants –even privately remarked how sales were actually better without the fireworks because dinner seating was not cut short. No fireworks to celebrate Independence Day was more of a public relations black eye than anything.

As the holiday approached this week, there did not appear to be any unex-

How We See It Letters To The Editor

Playing Politics Hurts All

Editor:

It is unfortunate and sad that of all the items that the Worcester County Board of Education could have reduced or cut in their proposed budget to meet their actual budget was the Summer Academy for special needs and disadvantaged students, as described by the editor of The Dispatch in the June 29 Between the Lines commentary. It appears this cut, among others, was intended not in the best interest of the students, but rather to incense parents to become upset with the county Board of Commissioners for not rubberstamping the School Board’s proposed budget.

As I have read the articles relating the “differences” in budget presentation protocol between the County Board of Education and the County Board of Commissioners, I had to wonder out loud what was the School Board afraid to disclose publicly in a written budget with the same detail as the budgets of all other County Departments.

I was just wondering:

Has the school board ever publicly stated in writing the number of nonclassroom administrators and their salaries?

Has the school board ever highlighted the differences between the salaries of the administrators and the salary of an experienced classroom teacher?

Has the school board ever stated in writing the number of “program experts” who work in an office and barely ever see the inside of a classroom and what their salaries are?

Not counting janitorial staff or bus drivers, has the school district ever stated in writing the number of nonclassroom staff who service these administrators and “program experts” and

what their salaries are?

Has the Board of Education ever publicly stated in writing the number of bonuses or awards, the size of those bonuses and awards, and the frequencies of those bonuses and awards, that these administrators and “program experts” receive – and compared those to the few, if any, bonuses for the classroom teacher?

How about cars either assigned to or available for administrators and “program experts”? Has the Board of Education ever stated in writing how many cars there are, who drives them, why they drive them, where they drive them, when they drive them, how often they drive them and what it costs to drive them – purchase, maintenance, registration, and gas?

Has the Board of Education ever in writing stated the number of “trainings” and “conferences” that the administrators and “program experts” attend and how much it costs for travel, hotels, paid for meals and tuition?

Has the Board of Education ever stated in writing the increase in salaries for these administrators, support staff and program experts who have nothing to do with actual classroom teaching?

If the school board really cared about the students: 1. they would have stopped playing politics and would have provided a detailed budget for the entire budget as required by other departments in the County; and 2. they would found ways other than those that directly affect teaching the students to reduce their expenses – like giving up their cars, their conferences, their training, their bonuses and raises, or even offered a pay cut for the administrators.

You know – there is never a lack of applicants for an administrator and “program expert” position. But it is becoming near impossible to find qualified

pected hiccups for Ocean City, and the stormy weather threats of recent days were not an issue. By and large, the quality of the fireworks displays at Northside Park and downtown Ocean City were cheered by attendees. Even social media feedback was positive about the new vendor and the length of the displays.

From a business perspective, Ocean City seemed to have a solid long weekend with perfect beach weather on tap. The season started slow due to cool and wet weather, but the first week of July provides optimism for a successful summer ahead. Due to economic factors and the draw of other destinations coming out of the pandemic, the summer season is not expected to be phenomenal but it should be solid.

and dedicated teachers to join the profession and remain in the profession. If a high or mid-level administrator, a “program expert” or even a support staff does not show up at work – they most probably will not be missed. If the classroom teacher fails to report to work –there is no teaching. If one high or midlevel administrator position is deleted – teaching continues. If a classroom teacher position is eliminated – there are more students per class.

I just find it amazing that the Board of Education would refuse to provide detailed budgetary information and then would cut programs that they know will directly hurt the students most and upset the parents most, rather than looking at the expenditures and costs of non-classroom managers. I find it similarly amazing the Board of Education is seeking to renegotiate its agreements with the teachers – blaming the County Commissioners – rather than looking inward at their own expenditures.

How many administrators and nonclassroom “program experts” leave their office positions for other professions? Compare that to the number of classroom teachers who leave their teaching positions. It is really a shame that the Board of Education is more interested in playing politics and being a powerbroker than actually safeguarding the interests of the students and the teachers – the teachers being the most significant employee of any educational system.

It will be interesting to see what happens next year whether the school board continues to play politics or whether the school board actually produces a budget that every other department in the county, and for that matter, every agency in the state and federal govern-

Letters To The Editor

ment, are required to produce.

David Feder Windermere, Fla.

Offshore Wind Response

Editor:

A recent letter in this space (“Offshore Wind Impacts On Sea Life, June 23) lamented the impact offshore wind farms may have on marine life.

The letter failed to mention that the commercial fishing industry is widely cited as a top culprit in whale mortalities. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration states on its website, “vessel strikes and entanglement in fishing gear are the greatest human threats to large whales,” and that, “there is no scientific evidence that noise resulting from offshore wind site characterization surveys could potentially cause mortality of whales. There are no known links between recent large whale mortalities and ongoing offshore wind surveys.” Minimizing impact on ocean life is laudable, and no industry meets more stringent requirements for protected species than the offshore wind industry. Seismic air guns, for instance, are used for offshore oil and gas operations – not offshore wind surveys.

The letter also suggested the Heartland Institute should be considered a credible source for energy policy analysis. Left unsaid was that the Heartland Institute has historically been funded by oil and gas interests like ExxonMobil and Murray Energy, the coal mining company that went bankrupt after persistent safety violations and the tragic deaths of six coal miners. The offshore wind industry is poised to create thousands of family-sustaining jobs in Maryland while powering roughly 600,000 homes with clean, domestic energy. Importantly, they’ll do it with the utmost commitment to minimizing environmental impact.

Only with a clear understanding of the facts can we have a rational dialogue about the industry’s promise in Maryland. Learn more at www.offshorewindalliance.org.

Anna Henderson

(The writer is the executive director of the Offshore Wind Alliance.)

Survey Merits Attention

Editor:

If you didn’t notice, on June 15 Worcester County’s planners launched a survey to gather public input as they update the 2006 comprehensive development plan now used to grow the county.

The comprehensive plan is a foundational planning document. It is used to support zoning decisions, development priorities and county budgeting for schools, parks, police and fire services, water and wastewater systems, roads, trash, and all public services.

The planners do talk about following the plan, but it is a tough job. Too often achieving growth means giving a Worcester Wink to the plan’s goals as

the county’s political bosses listen to the promises of more revenue made by bankers, developers, and promoters.

A top to bottom review of the county’s goals, objectives and priorities is long overdue. We also should be looking at the planners’ accomplishments and how infrastructure incentives are used to help developers and promoters. We need to see that they really are paying the county for the full impact of their ventures.

This last stormy budget session demonstrated our fiscal and growth policies are out of balance: we are struggling to pay for how we have grown. We’ve been betting profits from tourism and real estate development would trickle down, filling the tax coffers sufficiently to more than offset the public investment in roads, sewers, police and other services the promoters and developers need. The efforts to balance the books by jiggling money to offset a structural deficit suggests someone should pay more, including Ocean City.

This comprehensive plan update process is so important I wonder why county officials decided not to spend a few dollars on stamps so every resident voter could receive an official letter that includes a link to the survey (www.SurveyMonkey.com/r/WorCoCpSurvey). You can bet the business community will be shaping the update.

When you complete the survey, ask yourself if you are happy with the way our tax dollars have been spent. Is the congestion on Rt. 589 a planning success worth repeating on Rt. 611 near the airport, or at the Rt. 611 intersections with Synepuxent or Assateague Roads? Is our zealous pursuit of more vacation housing making our roads unsafe while the County whines about the State Highway Department’s responsibility to provide traffic lights?

When you complete the survey, also ask yourself if the focus on growth and promoting tourism is producing the right infrastructure decisions or saddling residents with high utility bills, more traffic and an elevated need for police and fire protection. Who is paying the bill? Are we really getting an adequate slice of the tourism and development dollars to cover the long-term investment, operation and maintenance costs for the schools and other infrastructure the County provides?

We hear that big ticket items like sport complexes will pay for themselves and produce more revenue. Who will get this new money? I haven't heard that making a big investment in the proposed field of dreams would have eliminated Worcester County's so-called structural deficit. If you live in Worcester County, complete the survey. Hopefully, as the comprehensive plan is updated, the planners will show us a fair share of the profits earned by the bankers, developers and promoters are trickling down, easing the tax burden on the residents and not actually adding to it.

Stephen Katsanos South Point

Between The Lines

by Publisher/Editor Steve Green

Over the last few weeks, the Ocean City Police Department has carried out a commendable education campaign as a result of the Cannabis Reform Act taking effect July 1. Topics covered during the social media campaign touched on growing cannabis at home, driving under the influence, selling it, smoking in public and the amount a person can legally carry without a worry. There were some funny moments in the campaign, including a “puff puff pass” graphic on the topic of legally sharing cannabis with people over the age of 21 as well as a doctored image of a stoned Cheech and Chong on an image associated with the “can I drive under the influence of cannabis?” question.

There are numerous interesting aspects from the reform bill, but one I am going to be following is the impact on law enforcement and vehicle searches. Numerous weapons and other drugs are routinely recovered by police during traffic stops when officers notice the smell of burning marijuana. In just the last month, before July 1, there were more than 10 instances when burning marijuana led to police searching a vehicle and recovering drugs, guns and other weapons and in some cases, individuals wanted in other states.

OCPD Deputy Communications Manager Ashley Miller touched on the subject this week, saying, “Another change is Maryland House Bill 1071 prohibits a law enforcement officer from initiating a stop or search of a person, motor vehicle, or vessel based solely on the specified types of cannabis-related evidence. In addition, it prohibits a law enforcement officer from searching specified areas of a motor vehicle or vessel during an investigation of a person solely for driving a motor vehicle or vessel while impaired by or under the influence of cannabis.”

As I was driving back to the office on Tuesday after taking pictures at the hot dog eating contest at Fish Tales – the winner put back 11 in 10 minutes, for what it’s worth – the scene north of the Route 50 bridge caught my eye. Thousands of people and hundreds of boats were enjoying the beautiful day on the sandbars during an exceptionally low-tide afternoon on a hot and dry holiday.

Though common to see people on the sandbars during the summer, I have never seen it so crowded. I have some perspective on this, having lived for many summers along the bay on Edgewater Avenue. Photos from the day are on the newspaper’s Facebook page as well as on page 74 in the print edition.

It was interesting to observe the scene from the Route 50 bridge but especially so from the marsh north of Hooper’s. As I walked back to grab some photos, there was a huge police presence in the form of Maryland State Police and Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Several people were being arrested while others were being warned by officers on boats to get back to shore. Basic observations revealed underage drinking was rampant and authorities were looking to crack down on people wading from shore out to the sandbar. At least one woman was in handcuffs and dealing with an abrasion on her leg. On this particular day, the scene was chaotic for marine authorities.

What a year it has been for Knupp family members, as they and members of the community gather next week to mark the one-year anniversary of 14-year-old Gavin’s death. In many ways, it seems like the incident was longer than one year ago because of the length of the investigation and the long wait for charges in the case.

On the legal front, things are going to get interesting soon. As expected, the defense for the motorist behind the wheel in the fatal crash has requested a change of venue due to pre-trial publicity preventing a fair trial, pointing to media reports but largely the threads on the Do It For GavinJustice For Gavin Facebook page. The state has argued against the change of venue. A motions hearing is planned for Aug. 18 when a retired judge from Dorchester County is expected to weigh in on the request and determine whether the jury trial set for Sept. 11-14 will continue in Snow Hill.

While I hope the case is not kicked to another county, there is precedent for high-profile cases in Worcester County being moved. For example, the trials of convicted murderers Benjamin and Erika Sifrit were relocated after the brutal 2002 slayings of two tourists in a north Ocean City condominium unit.

Though high-profile trials are often relocated from the origin of the incidents, there are also recent examples when judges have been less inclined to move trials out of their home counties. It seems some judges are not moved by social media activity as a reason to move a trial. In the Knupp case, while there has been a solid amount of standard journalism articles, much of the vitriol and passion has come from the Facebook page and the most umbrage is from the northern end of the county. Traditional news media coverage has not been overly intense because for months there was nothing to report on the matter. It's the social media comments that have been beyond the norm, but the passion comes with understanding. A young local teen died, and it took months for charges to be filed against another local. A certain amount of angst is understandable.

In this case, a change of venue request was expected, and it could truly go either way in my opinion.

Puzzle Answers

Asense of humor is a must for raising kids. Laughing through some of the trials and tribulations helps the journey. Some examples to illustrate the point:

PUZZLE ON PAGE 59

•Beckett, 15, and a buddy went to play soccer recently. It was in the mid90s and I thought they were crazy. I watched as Beckett and his friend left on their bikes without the bag of balls I set out for them.

An hour later, he comes back sweaty but not as much as I would have thought. I asked him how soccer was, and he acknowledged it was too hot at the park. I mentioned something about how it’s tough in heat like this in the middle of the day and threw in the no ball part. He said, “truth,” and went upstairs. I resisted the urge to dive deeper and instead tried to show him some trust.

Days later, I learn there were girls involved. It all made sense then.

•We can’t find Carson’s Fitbit. Since he is such a creature of habit, we worried returning to Summer Academy Monday was going to be difficult for him without it. Pam has been on a mission to locate it without any luck. I think it’s probably wherever my lost single AirPod is hiding.

Whenever school is involved, we follow a clear schedule at home. He gets up about 45 minutes before we need to leave. He has his breakfast and watches an episode of his new favorite show, The Simpsons. Probably not the best parenting there, but I admit it’s become a guilty pleasure of mine over the last few months.

When it’s time to walk out the door, the shoes go on in a certain order and he flips the television to a sports talk radio show for Pam. Now Pam doesn’t abhor sports or anything, but he knows a group of men sitting around opining on games from the night before is literally the last thing his mom would ever choose to watch. This is Carson’s hu-

mor -- he always leaves the television on this and hides the remote before leaving.

Before walking out the door typically, the last thing we do is put on his Fitbit because I wear it during my own morning exercise. He likes to see all the steps, whether he took them or not.

Since we can’t find his Fitbit, Carson has been wearing Beckett’s the last few days. All was good until Wednesday morning when he realized it was not his watch. How could he tell? The date was four months off and the time was far wrong. Clearly, Beckett has not been wearing it. He seemed to fixate on it, and I worried I was going to have to go back and sync the watch with his brother’s laptop to fix it.

Much to my delight, Carson giggled and made light of the situation. I asked if he wanted me to take it for the day and make it right. In his nonverbal way, he made it known it was no big deal. As we were walking into school, he even showed the time on his watch to another parent neither of us knew. Being a special needs parent herself, she stopped and looked and dryly said, “Oh you are really late.”

We laughed and laughed. That was a good win. Now, we really do need to find his watch, though. He will not forget.

•As I was looking through dozens of photographs this week of fireworks, it’s amazing to me how many people are trying to take pictures and videos of the displays with their cell phones.

A few days before the holiday, I laughed when I read a friend put on Facebook, “Just a friendly 4th of July reminder that absolutely no one is going to watch the video of fireworks you recorded on your phone.”

In Berlin, the fireworks took place on July 3. We were in the same vicinity as Beckett as he was watching the fireworks with a friend from a second-floor porch at our house. I could see from a distance he had his phone out, wonder-

ing if he was trying to take some pictures. I have given him a few opportunities of late to take photos of events and the photography bug seems to be hitting him a bit.

After the house had cleared out, I forgot to ask him that night how his pictures turned out. A few days went by, and I asked to see the pictures. It turns out he wasn’t taking pictures. They were just on their phones doing whatever teens do on their phones while the fireworks display was taking place.

I again exercised some restraint and just moved on.

•A friend walked into a jewelry store recently with her 15-year-old to buy him a nice watch. She later learned after spending a few hundred bucks on the watch her son cannot read an analog watch.

Oddly enough, I had a similar conversation with a teacher a year or so ago who remarked how she has a digital clock in her room along with the standard clock with hands. Her rationale was she had more important things to teach in her class if a kid by the ninth grade had not learned how to read a clock.

•I came across a handwritten letter recently I wanted to show my own 15year-old son. He opened it and said I can’t read that, as if it was in a foreign language. The conversation went something like this:

Me: What do you mean?

Beckett: I just can’t.

Me: Not following here, it’s English.

Beckett: But it’s cursive, I forget the letters.

Me: Oh.

Beckett: Yeah I have not read cursive in years, only read typed things now and printed things.

(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.)