The first sunny day after a few dismal ones Not seeing an agonizing Ravens game in person Looking back at my kids’ baby pictures Gracious post-game interviews after  a loss The mixed feelings that come with change Chit chat with strangers An old lacrosse stick compared to today’s styles A real smile from a special... Read more » The post Things I Like appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN CITY – After more than 30 years of head-to-head competition that never produced a clear winner, The Dispatch and Ocean City Today are merging next week to create what their principals believe is the kind of news provider the coastal area needs now and well into the future.As of Feb. 2, readers of both... Read more » The post Newspapers Announce Merger; Editors Green, Dobson Share Views With Major Redesign Planned appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch...READ POST.

Robert Palmer AukerOCEAN CITY – Robert “Bob” Palmer Auker, 81, of West Ocean City, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. Bob was born on May 17, 1942, to the late Palmer and Harriett Auker of Berwick, Pa.He was a loving husband to the late Peggy Auker and is survived by their three children,... Read more » The post Obituaries – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN PINES – Plans to host a kick-off event will move forward in Ocean Pines with the board’s support.Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve an OPA Season Kick-Off Day this spring. Director Monica Rakowski, liaison for the OP Day Working Group, said the event will showcase the association’s amenities,... Read more » The post OPA Season Kickoff Approved appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

Doctor WelcomedBERLIN – Gastroenterologist Scott Itzkowitz, D.O., FACP, FACG, FASGE, will join Atlantic General Health System in February 2024 to provide care at Atlantic General Gastroenterology in Ocean Pines, Md.Itzkowitz practiced most recently in North Carolina, where he provided care in both the hospital and community setting after retiring as a captain in the Medical... Read more » The post A Week In Business – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland...READ POST.

SNOW HILL – Flooding on Route 12 during a recent storm prompted county officials to ask the state for drainage improvements.The Worcester County Commissioners voted unanimously last week to send a letter to Maryland Secretary of Transportation Paul Wiedefeld asking for drainage improvements north of the Route 12 bridge in Snow Hill.“This is a request... Read more » The post County Seeks Fix To Rt. 12 Drainage Issue appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch...READ POST.

The Worcester County Commissioners recently recognized the longtime volunteer efforts of Virgil and Kenny Dukes of the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Company. Virgil Dukes is pictured with the commissioners after receiving his commendation. The post Commissioners Recognized Longtime Volunteer appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN PINES – A town hall meeting will allow association members to learn more about the coming year’s budget.During a board meeting last Saturday, General Manager John Viola announced plans to hold a town hall meeting on the fiscal year 2024-2025 budget. He said the coming year’s recommended spending plan will feature changes made by... Read more » The post Ocean Pines Plans Town Hall Meeting For Budget Review appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch...READ POST.

BERLIN — The bitter cold outside last Wednesday night did not dissuade dozens of residents from venturing out to talk about the Town of Berlin’s strategic plan at St. Paul’s Church on Flower Street.More than 65 people spoke about affordable housing, traffic, gentrification and other long-term issues during a town hall meeting hosted by Salisbury... Read more » The post Berlin Residents Discuss Gentrification Concerns appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast...READ POST.

Mil-Net, Inc. recently made a generous donation to Brooke’s Toy Closet, which provides toys to children at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional and TidalHealth Nanticoke. Pictured are Donna Murray, director of the TidalHealth Foundation, and John Weber, president of Mil-Net, Inc. with some of the donated toys. The post Mil-Net, Inc. Donated to Brooke’s Toy Closet appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN PINES – A soft shoreline project is expected to stabilize the South Gate pond.General Manager John Viola said the Ocean Pines Association is working with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program to proceed with a soft shoreline project at the South Gate pond. He said with the use of federal funding and environmental techniques, the... Read more » The post Officials Eye Pond Stabilization Project appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

The creative vibes have been flowing at the after-school art club at Berlin Intermediate School, an outreach program of the Art League of Ocean City, led by art teacher Joanne Guilfoil. Students made bird feed strings and gingerbread people. Left are Kiley Mikulski and Nola Gisriel. Below, left, is Hunter Rodriguez. Below, second, is Landon... Read more » The post After-School Art Club Held at Berlin Intermediate appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

Every Monday: TOPS Meeting 5-6:30 p.m. Atlantic General Hospital, Berlin. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a support group promoting weight loss and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Call Rose 443-880-8444.Every Monday: Bridge Games Are you interested in joining others for a game of Bridge at the Ocean City 50+ Senior Center? If so, please call or... Read more » The post Things To Do Around Town – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

The sun’s warmth on a freezing dayWhen my teens fall asleep at night before meBusy local restaurants in JanuaryMy neighbor’s wandering catWaking up to snow on the ground on a day offEveryone in my house wearing a Ravens jersey during a gameThe feeling after a moveKeeping things simple whenever possiblePeople who don’t change with successExercising... Read more » The post Things I Like – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch...READ POST.

BERLIN – Town officials agreed to seek bids for a water main relocation this week.On Monday, the Berlin Town Council unanimously approved a request for proposals (RFP) for water improvements on Harrison Avenue. As the Berlin Beer Company prepares to open, municipal officials want to move the water line that currently runs under the building.“With... Read more » The post Council Approves RFP For Water Main Move appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch...READ POST.

Fake Drug Dealer SentencedSNOW HILL – A Delaware man was sentenced to 13 years in jail this month for unlawful possession of a firearm while dealing fake heroin and fentanyl.On Friday, Jan. 12, Quaire T. Johnson, 30, of Magnolia, Del., was sentenced to 13 years in the Division of Corrections for his conviction on the... Read more » The post Cops & Courts – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

New board members of the Republican Women of Worcester County were introduced by Sandy Zitzer, RWWC immediate past president, during a general luncheon meeting at Lighthouse Sound. The post RWWC Introduced New Board Members appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

BERLIN – Elected officials agreed this week to preorder a new trash truck in hopes that it will arrive by the end of the year.The Berlin Town Council voted 4-0 on Monday to spend $416,000 on a new automated trash truck. The truck will replace one that was purchased in 2019 and is deteriorating.“We just... Read more » The post Berlin To Purchase New Trash Truck appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

The original “Boardwalk Train” was five cars long plus an engine that actually looked like a train. Each car carried a maximum of six people and had just two wheels with the axle in the middle. It cost 25 cents for a one-way trip down the Boardwalk and it was a bumpy ride.On June 23,... Read more » The post Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

On Jan. 15, the Art League of Ocean City presented a $1,000 check to Diakonia Inc. on behalf of the Empty Bowl Project, an annual pottery project at the Ocean City Center for the Arts dedicated to benefiting the programs of both nonprofits. Pitured from left to right is Ken Argot, executive director of Diakonia,... Read more » The post OC Art League Donated to Diakonia appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

There was a time when I thought something was the matter with my kids if they were quiet.In my household it’s a bit unique with our two teenage sons. We have one son, Carson, 14, who is nonverbal with Autism. Therefore, the expectation is different as far as sharing details about his day and being... Read more » The post The Adventures Of Fatherhood – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

Commissioners Wrong On Diakonia DecisionEditor:I was incredibly disappointed by the Commissioners recent vote to effectively delay the expansion of Diakonia.Its mission is second to none and represents what I believe to be the finest quality of the people of Worcester County — when there is tragedy, adversity, or loss, this community comes together to help those... Read more » The post Voices From The Readers – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast...READ POST.

SNOW HILL – A Snow Hill Middle School teacher is one of 12 finalists in a nationwide contest that could earn the school’s library a makeover.With the help of his students, Beau Williams, library media specialist at Snow Hill Middle, entered a classroom furniture giveaway offered by KI. Williams and his students designed their dream... Read more » The post SHMS Finalist In Nationwide Library Makeover Contest appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

ARIES (March 21 to April 19): Is that Arian self-esteem in need of shoring up? Best advice: Do something that will make someone feel good about themselves. It will make you feel proud that you did it.TAURUS (April 20 to May 20): It’s time to prove to your detractors that you’re way ahead of them... Read more » The post What’s Your Sign? – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

Go Green OC’s Josh Chamberlain talked about the importance of composting recently with attendees of a “Sip and Science” event hosted by Assateague Coastal Trust. Chamberlain advised the audience on how to compost and ways they can help reduce waste. The post Assateague Coastal Trust Hosted “Sip & Science” Event appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

Captain’s Table 410-289-7192 15th & Boardwalk In The Courtyard Marriott Fridays & Saturdays: Phil Perdue on PianoCoins Pub 410-289-3100 28th St. Plaza On Coastal Hwy. Saturday, Jan. 27: DJ Giddy Up, Dust N BonesCrabcake Factory Bayside 302-988-5000 37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54 Selbyville, DE Friday, Jan. 26: Union Road Wednesday, Jan. 31: Cup Of JoeCrawl Street... Read more » The post Who’s Playing When & Where – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean...READ POST.

“For the times they are a-changin.”The phrase is repeated five times in the Bob Dylan song by the same name. It’s been the prevailing sentiment around our office for several weeks ahead of the merger of two long-time competing newspapers.Life is about timing and the time is right for The Dispatch and OC Today to... Read more » The post Editor Weighs In On Newspaper Merger appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

SNOW HILL – County officials agreed to take advantage of a sale to purchase new emergency services radios.At the request of Worcester County Emergency Services staff, the Worcester County Commissioners last week voted unanimously to move forward with spending $338,914 to purchase additional radios. The purchase will meet the needs of the Worcester County Sheriff’s... Read more » The post Commissioners Approve $338K Radio Purchase appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast...READ POST.

Worcester Preparatory School fifth graders participated in the D.A.R.E (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Program taught by Sheriff Matthew Crisafulli of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. For several weeks, Crisafulli has visited fifth grade classrooms working with students to educate them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. He worked with the students to instill good... Read more » The post WPS Fifth Graders Participated in D.A.R.E appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland...READ POST.

Worcester County Recycling Manager Bob Keenan and Ed Sargeant met with members of the Rotary Club of Snow Hill to highlight the benefits of recycling. Citizens can learn more about recycling on the county’s website, co.worcester.md.us. Pictured from left to right are Sargeant, Keenan, and Rotary Club President Bob Smith. The post Rotary Club Learns the Benefits of Recycling appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN CITY – Ocean City Mayor Rick Meehan warned that city government is prepared to go to court to challenge federal approval of wind development off the coast if the project reaches that stage.Speaking at a hearing organized by U.S. Rep. Andy Harris (R-01) on Saturday, Meehan joined several local, state and federal representatives who... Read more » The post Offshore Wind Opposition Rallies At Harris Hearing appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN PINES – Representatives of a local organization will provide an update on the Jenkins Point restoration project next week.On Monday, Jan. 29, the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP) will host a meeting on the Jenkins Point restoration project. Officials are expected to update community members on the project and present a revised design for... Read more » The post Jenkins Point Meeting Set For Next Week appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

It’s clear to all it’s an election year on the national front with a disturbing Biden-Trump rematch inevitable on the presidential level, but there will also be much decided on the local front this fall with the first filings taking place already.It’s a mid-term election as far as the Worcester County Commissioners and other notable... Read more » The post Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – January 26, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch...READ POST.

BERLIN – During the month of October 2023, Blue Water Development, an Ocean City-based real estate developer specializing in commercial and hospitality properties, investment and management, held its first annual Blue Turns Pink Fundraiser in support of cancer research and awareness initiatives. All 63 of Blue Water’s properties, which span 21 states nationwide, took part... Read more » The post Inaugural Blue Turns Pink Campaign Supports Cancer Center appeared first on News...READ POST.

OCEAN CITY – Efforts to get the enabling legislation passed that would allow Ocean City to increase the room tax rate are once again underway.On Wednesday, the Senate’s Budget and Taxation Committee held a hearing for SB 95, sponsored by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza, which would increase the maximum hotel rental tax rate cap from... Read more » The post Efforts To Increase Room Tax Cap Begin In Annapolis appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN CITY – Officials last week approved a code amendment that will allow habitable attics, but not before making a compromise on parking requirements.Last week, the Ocean City Council voted 6-1 to approve the second reading of an ordinance to amend the town’s zoning code. While the change will allow habitable areas in the attics... Read more » The post Habitable Attic Ordinance Passes Second Reading; Officials Compromise On Parking appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland...READ POST.

SNOW HILL– A Snow Hill Middle School teacher is one of 12 finalists in a nationwide contest that could earn the school’s library a makeover.With the help of his students, Beau Williams, library media specialist at Snow Hill Middle, entered a classroom furniture giveaway offered by KI. Williams and his students designed their dream learning... Read more » The post Snow Hill Middle School Librarian Named Finalist In National Contest appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland...READ POST.

BERLIN – Various projects aimed at increasing pedestrian safety highlight the town’s annual transportation priority list.On Monday, the town council approved a letter that will be sent to the Worcester County Commissioners outlining the projects municipal officials would like to see as transportation priorities.Officials are requesting sidewalks on Route 346, crosswalks in various locations and... Read more » The post Berlin Council Shares Transportation Priorities appeared...READ POST.

OCEAN PINES – A soft shoreline project is expected to stabilize the South Gate pond.General Manager John Viola said the Ocean Pines Association is working with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program to proceed with a soft shoreline project at the South Gate pond. He said with the use of federal funding and environmental techniques, the... Read more » The post Pines Officials Eye Pond Stabilization Project appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

BERLIN– Demolition work at Heron Park is expected to start within 30 days following selection of a contractor this week.The Berlin Town Council on Monday accepted a $112,715 bid from JNT Enterprises for the demolition of three sections of the former processing plant at Heron Park. Company representatives are also expected to provide the town... Read more » The post Berlin Officials Award Heron Park Demolition Bid appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN CITY – Resort planners last week got a better understanding of tourism data as they look to update Ocean City’s comprehensive plan.Last Wednesday, the Ocean City Planning and Zoning Commission invited Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo to participate in a work session for the comprehensive plan update. City Planner Bill Neville said... Read more » The post Resort Planners, Tourism Director Talk Population As Comp Plan Update Begins appeared first on...READ POST.

WEST OCEAN CITY– The future of Diakonia’s long-planned expansion is in jeopardy following a decision by county officials last week.Supporters of Diakonia are exploring all options in the wake of the Worcester County Commissioners’ decision not to approve Diakonia’s plan to acquire sewer capacity from the Town of Ocean City. The nonprofit, which has provided... Read more » The post Diakonia Officials Exploring Options Following County Sewer Decision appeared first...READ POST.

BERLIN– A lifelong Berlin resident known for his devotion to the Berlin Little League and dedication to preserving the town’s historic architecture is this year’s recipient of the Berlin Award.Town officials honored Norman “Nornie” Bunting with the Berlin Award Thursday night at the Berlin Chamber of Commerce Annual Installation and Awards Dinner. Bunting, whose win... Read more » The post Berlin Award Returns; Nornie Bunting Honored As 2023 Recipient...READ POST.

Larry Joseph Pizza, Jr. BERLIN — Larry Joseph Pizza, Jr., age 72, of Mystic Harbour, passed away on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, at Tidal Health Peninsula Regional in Salisbury. He was the son of the late Larry J. Pizza, Sr. and Kathryn Mae Pizza. He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly Pizza, and his... Read more » The post Obituaries – January 19, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

Ocean City was a seasonal small town in 1946. The season ran from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It was said you could fire a cannon down Baltimore Avenue after Labor Day and not hit a single soul.The Boardwalk ended at 15th Street and Coastal Highway and was only one lane north and one lane south.... Read more » The post Vanishing Ocean City With Bunk Mann – January 19, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials have appointed a new planning and community development director.Last week, the Mayor and Council voted to appoint George M. Bendler as the new director of planning and community development for the Town of Ocean City.“I am pleased to make a recommendation to the Mayor and Council to appoint George Bendler... Read more » The post OC Names New Planning Director appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

A 4-3 vote by the Worcester County Commissioners has jeopardized the future of a 42-unit affordable housing project operated by Diakonia.Diakonia’s current facility on Old Bridge Road can no longer meet the needs of the growing local population of homeless and livelihood-stressed individuals who need help getting back on their feet. At a new site... Read more » The post Diakonia Project Merits Exception appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials this week voted to approve a terms sheet for this year’s Race World Offshore Boat Race, which will be supported by a $110,000 contribution from Ocean City.On Tuesday, the Mayor and Council had before them a terms sheet for the Race World Offshore (RWO) Boat Race, to be held June... Read more » The post OC Council OK’s Powerboat Racing Event For June 7-9 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.

It was a pleasant surprise to see the Worcester County Commissioners vote 5-2 to explore implementing a public comment period at its meetings. Making the motion was Commissioner Joe Mitrecic and supporting the effort to seek a public comment mechanism at their meetings were Commissioners Caryn Abbott, Ted Elder, Eric Fiori and Diana Purnell. Opposed... Read more » The post Thoughts From The Publisher’s Desk – January 19, 2024 appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch...READ POST.

The board members of the Republican Women of Worcester County held their holiday luncheon celebration at the Atlantic Hotel in Berlin in December. The post RWWC Held Holiday Luncheon Celebration appeared first on News Ocean City Maryland Coast Dispatch Newspaper. ...READ POST.