Along with the change in seasons comes new business happenings across Maryland's Lower Shore A new garden center is now open at 27720 Ocean Gateway in Hebron. Tidal Roots an inspired plant place with heart and soul is a dream come true for owners John and Erica Tilghman The garden center offers a wide selection of plants Tidal Roots also features a café with fresh beverages and baked goods BUSINESS HAPPENINGS: Berlin gets Nashville Hot Chicken Restaurant, Salisbury new Starbucks | What's Going There located mere steps from the resort town's historic Boardwalk and directly across from Fat Daddy's at 217 S celebrated its official grand opening May 1 the museum plans to welcome guest speakers and local authors as well as offer the preexisting Little Learners program and other well-established Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum programs OCMD SNAKE SIGHTING: 'It's a snake!' Ocean City, Md., sighting on beach becomes viral sensation The City of Salisbury is no stranger to ethnic eateries the city welcomed Wok N Bowl — a new authentic Asian-inspired restaurant located at 1311 S Wok N Bowl offers a diverse menu featuring hand-pulled noodles The restaurant is open all week from 11 a.m LOCAL HOSPITALS MERGE: Berlin's Atlantic General Hospital merges with TidalHealth: Official agreement signed Trinity Nails & Spa is officially open for business at 11021 Nicholas Lane in Ocean Pines run by a management team with 15-plus years of experience Per a recent Facebook post, Trinity Nails & Spa is now offerings clients 10% off all services through the month of May. More information about the spa's services can be found online at trinitynailsnspa.com FUN BOARDWALK HISTORY: Ocean City, MD, Boardwalk history: From small wooden walkway to commercial business hotbed Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com – Ocean Pines is getting ready for its community block party The event gives folks the chance to connect Anyone who wants to spend a fun night out is welcome to join and organizers are still looking to fill vendor spots The block party will take place from 4- 8 on June 6th at white Horse Park Because Local Matters It’s not unusual for Roxanne Flanagan and her family to be at Ocean City. They have two houses in nearby Ocean Pines, and try to travel to the shore several times a year. The family’s trip this weekend, though, took a highly unusual — and now semi-viral — turn. Walking to the ocean to dip their toes in the water on Saturday, two of Flanagan’s children encountered a large black snake. One of her children, a 7-year-old girl, started shouting. Flanagan at first thought it was a stick She told the kids to get back and give the animal space The Baltimore Banner thanks its sponsors. Become one. “It was slithering probably for a few good minutes,” Flanagan said She described the snake as moving along the sand and being pushed bythe waves Videos that Flanagan shared show the snake moving up and down the sand and attempting to enter the water Local animal control officers came to the beach to relocate the snake, reported WMAR A spokesperson for Worcester County did not immediately respond to a request for comment a spokesperson for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources said the animal appears to be an eastern hognose snake “This is a native species that likes habitats with sandy soil so it would not be unusual for it to be found on the beach,” Bortz said in an email The eastern hognose is native to the U.S., with a range that stretches from the Great Lakes to Maine and all the way south to Florida, according to The Maryland Zoo They’re solitary and active during the day They mate in late spring and females lay their eggs in the summer the vice president of animal care operations at the National Aquarium said that while it’s not unheard of to see an eastern hognose on the beach it is “a little bit weird” to encounter a snake out in the open on the coast Maryland is “designed perfectly” for the eastern hognose because they like to live at the edges of forests with access to water For anyone who encounters a wild animal — including snakes — the message is always the same That’s especially the case with hognose snakes and can instead just hang back and enjoy observing nature Flanagan doesn’t know exactly where on the beach they were Flanagan said part of the reason she stuck around after seeing the snake was because there were other people enjoying the beach and she wanted to make sure to keep an eye on the reptile so it didn’t surprise anyone And though she may not be the biggest fan of getting into the opaque water at Ocean City Flanagan isn’t going to stop going to the beach anytime soon She wants her kids to enjoy their summer and not be scared of the ocean Cody Boteler cody.boteler@thebaltimorebanner.com Cody Boteler is a reporter on The Banner’s Express Desk trending stories and interesting things in and around Baltimore His work has appeared in The Baltimore Sun Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies The Baltimore Banner is a trademark registered in the U.S for The Venetoulis Institute for Local Journalism Welcome to The Banner's subscriber-only commenting community. Please review our community guidelines Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policies Click here to view our Terms of Sale.\n \n Click here to learn more about supporting local journalism.\n Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes. If the problem persists, please contact customer service at 443-843-0043 or customercare@thebaltimorebanner.com Get ready for a Touch — and taste — of Italy in Ocean Pines as the popular restaurant group has set a date for when it will officially take over operation of the Ocean Pines Yacht Club and Clubhouse Grille Company officials announced on Facebook that the big day will be May 1 All previously booked obligations in April will be honored as planned both restaurants will open with a full menu and full service under Touch of Italy’s management Known for its authentic Italian cuisine and warm hospitality Touch of Italy promises it will "offer a variety of foods and an elevated dining experience to Ocean Pines while maintaining the Yacht Club and Clubhouse Grille as premier destinations for locals and visitors alike." Touch of Italy plans to expand Ocean Pines’ menus with fresh seafood and American fare while preserving beloved local traditions like free summer concerts on the Yacht Club patio said the company is embracing the challenge of expanding further by delivering exceptional results in Ocean Pines “This is an exciting opportunity for us to raise the bar in Ocean Pines,” Lawrence said Ocean Pines General Manager John Viola said TOI has flourished in several competitive markets and understands the importance of delivering menu options that appeal to all tastes and are consistently of high quality “TOI has successfully managed a tiki bar operation in Ocean City We expect they will bring all that expertise to Ocean Pines making them an ideal fit for our community,” Viola said TOI officials pledged to make Ocean Pines a go-to dining destination the Ocean Pines community welcomed a handful of new businesses including Get BAKED Stuffed Pretzel Rolls and Casita Linda and earn the loyalty of Ocean Pines,” Lawrence said “Our goal isn’t just to be the convenient choice — we want to be the first choice.” New businesses all around: New businesses galore: Insomnia Cookies, BBQ/sushi spot, juice shop | What's Going There The Touch of Italy Group operates three Touch of Italy locations It also operates the Royal Prime Steakhouse at Bally’s in Dover and Sunset Island Bar and Grille on 67th Street in Ocean City Touch of Italy is an authentic Italian restaurant featuring a traditional setting The restaurant features classic Italian dishes such as chicken parmigiana banquetand conference services for Bally’s in Dover showcasing its capability to produce both casual dining and large-scale events Chef's Table at Touch of Italy in Rehoboth Beach features acclaimed local Chef Hari Cameron and a vibrant blend of fine dining and educational experiences TOI also operates its own dedicated commissary kitchen and bakery Bayside South games to definitely watch: Spring Games to Watch: Top matchups in Bayside South baseball, softball and lacrosse – The Ocean Pines Association is taking a stand against a proposal in the 2026 Worcester County fiscal year budget They wrote a letter to the commissioners regarding water rates in the county The plan would require the 11 water service areas to pay for county debt “The county mismanagement got us into this situation and it’s unfair to hold accountable the Ocean Pines district that has nothing to do with this fiasco.” 55% of Ocean Pines residents would pay for the water debt That 10,000 ratepayers out of the 18,000 countywide Ocean Pines Association Board of Director member doesn’t think the community should get hit the hardest but we’re not and shouldn’t be the ones because we are the largest population base It’s an expedient way to get this taken care of.” The homeowners association believes the county intends to evade public attention from the issues connected to the misuse of enterprise funds Brady said that the neighborhood could make the money work but the burden it would place on community members is severe “The community is not in a negative position; we offer 5% this year each household in our community over this year and next year will pay over $500 out of pocket.” Residents fear that if they’re required to bear the current costs enforcing ideas that the service area will pay for the county’s errors who is the commissioner for the Ocean Pines voting district but how it’s repaid is of significant importance to all of us in Ocean Pines the plan that is put forward is unfair.” Image: Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department – Firefighters battled a house fire in Ocean Pines Tuesday night Crews were called to the 1100 block of Ocean Parkway at around 9:45 p.m. immediately observing flames in a bedroom at the back of the home A firefighter reportedly closed open doors of the home which helped contain the fire to the bedroom and limited further damage Crews were able to fully extinguish the fire in less than 30 minutes roots is set to appear on the upcoming season of "American Idol." Callum Toner kicked off her singing and songwriting career at The Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market in the summer of 2021 The market has long been a launching pad for local talent the Ocean Pines Association said in a news release or the "girl with the purple hair," – who performs under the name Callum – is set to appear on season 23 of "American Idol" when it returns to ABC and Hulu on March 9 OCEANS CALLING FESTIVAL LINEUP: Green Day, Fall Out Boy and many more bound for Oceans Calling 2025 in OCMD: The lineup. Toner continued to take the Market Stage through the years honing her craft in front of an enthusiastic local audience she’s taking her talents to a national platform with the support of the community behind her “We have had a front seat to watching Cal grow into the rising performer she is today,” Farmers & Artisans Market Manager David Bean said “Our market has a lot of pride and support for her as she embarks on this extraordinary journey.”  MARYLAND WOMAN OF THE YEAR: True trailblazer: Park Service Director Angela Crenshaw is Maryland Woman of the Year 2025 Toner expressed her gratitude for the Ocean Pines community She credited the local farmer's market as one of her first performance venues Thank you all for giving me a chance,” she said In addition to her upcoming television debut The EP is available on major streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify Toner's vibe is comparable with the likes of hit and ranges from musical genres such as alternative pop to jazz folk The Ocean Pines Farmers & Artisans Market – which operates year-round at White Horse Park at 239 Ocean Parkway in Ocean Pines – continues to be a hub for fresh produce showcasing a variety of local and regional talent The market's offseason hours are Saturdays from 9 a.m NEW PARKING LOT FOR BERLIN: Berlin, Md., set to get new parking lot to boost downtown growth. Here's all to know. It was every parent's worse nightmare: On a cold the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD) was dispatched to assist the Ocean Pines Police Department (OCPD) in a search for the missing child the child was located safely at around 8:07 p.m after being evaluated on-site by Ocean Pines EMS it was determined that the child did not require transport to a medical facility OCEAN PINES FOOD SERVICES EXPANDS: Touch of Italy to run food services for Ocean Pines, yacht club and more. All to know. It was thanks to the tireless efforts of local first responders and residents that Korey was discovered unharmed and in record time The OPVFD shared a message of thanks to Ocean Pines and the surrounding Lower Shore communities: "The response was a remarkable demonstration of teamwork and community spirit EMS and fire police personnel from Ocean Pines as well as retired members of other agencies; more than 50 law enforcement officers from Ocean Pines Police Maryland State Police (including Aviation) and Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office; numerous staff members from Worcester County Emergency Services; canteen support provided by the OPVFD Administrative Division and the Showell Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary." VOLUNTEER FIRE CO. TO END EMS SERVICE: Somerset County to take over Princess Anne EMS from fire company, starting in July The OPVFD also extended a special thank you to the 135+ concerned citizens who reported to the department's South Station including teachers from local schools who answered the call to assist in the search "Last night truly highlighted the strength and compassion of our community," Captain Enste of the OPVFD said "We are deeply grateful to everyone who played a role in this successful outcome — on-duty as well as every citizen who stepped up to help." "These individuals braved snow and sub-20°F temperatures to ensure the child’s safe return," the OPVFD said online "The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department is proud to serve such an extraordinary community Thank you to everyone who contributed to this effort!" The OCPD shared its own personal message of thanks to local residents "Last night our local public safety community came together to assist in Ocean Pines with the search for our missing boy," the Ocean Pines Police Department said WCPS SUPERINTENDENT TO RETIRE SOON: Worcester Schools chief Louis Taylor overcome with emotion as he announces retirement Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com – Now it’s time for our flash to the past as we look at Ocean Pines Library was the largest library in Worcester County at the time in town in 1999 the Ocean Pines Branch is still a staple in Worcester County and they’ve still found ways to continue to reach all members of the community the Worcester County Library has been a staple in the community the Ocean Pines Branch stays extremely busy “Worcester County has about We have about 35,000 library card holders and the Ocean Pines Branch is the largest facility in our system… It seems like 300 to 350 people about a day come in which is fabulous…We actually have about 100 different groups use our meeting rooms each month which is great and we have a very active Friends group.” and a conference which has many uses including story time for the kids “We just have a wide depth of programming for all age- we do things like story time we do home school events… We do weekly story telling’s we did move it to the large community room.” Jennifer Ranck has been here just shy of 20 years and says while the inside may look similar we opened up an outdoor learning classroom that was donated by the ocean pines friends’ group.” and many people got their news from good old-fashioned newspapers they’ve expanded a bit to keep up with modern times “The library definitely has CDs and DVDs when we first opened some of our movies are now Blu-Ray… One thing that has changed is our digital content people can use their library card now to download E-books Ranck says they’ve grown as the community has grown and they plan to do what they can to help the residents of Worcester County and beyond “I think the staff was about 5 people and I believe we’re up to 13 people now And we couldn’t run this library without our volunteers We have about 25 people each week come I to help us shelve books help us with programming… I think a lot of us are drawn to libraries because we do love to read but really what we love to do is help people.” Their summer reading is their biggest program of the year! Sign-ups start in May and if you want more information, visit their website – Maryland State officials say they have collected several deceased wildfowl in the Ocean Pines area The deceased birds were found near South Gate Pond on Tuesday and Wednesday The wildlife are scheduled to be tested for avian influenza The Department of Natural Resources is emphasizing that the bird flu is endemic in wild bird populations Anyone encountering sick or dead birds in the wild should not handle them or moving them and instead report the findings to the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service at 1-877-463-6497 — Just a few months from now will mark three years since the death of 14-year-old Gavin Knupp The teen from Ocean Pines lost his life back in July 2022 All along Gavin's family had a good idea of who was responsible yet the road to justice has proven to be heartbreaking for all involved RELATED: Family of Ocean Pines teen killed in hit and run ensures everlasting legacy Due to some investigative delays and court setbacks detectives recovered the Mercedes sedan believed to be involved however they needed more evidence to determine who was behind the wheel It took nearly a year to ultimately charge Tyler Allen Mailloux a Worcester County Circuit Court judge tossed the charges over being filed in the wrong venue Almost 10 months later the Maryland Court of Appeals overruled the judge and reinstated the charges Eventually Mailloux pleaded guilty to knowingly being in an accident resulting in death sentenced Mailloux to a decade behind bars Gavin's sister wrote a lengthy post on Facebook Thursday saying "the Maryland judicial system failed my family." Their father reacted by writing expletive remarks about Wilson on social media while others in the community expressed outrage about the length of the sentence as well Mailloux will serve three-years of supervised probation Some places offer more than a home—they offer a way of life. Kiawah Island has long been a retreat for those who appreciate the quiet luxury of nature and the slower rhythm of South Carolina’s Lowcountry William Faulkner reportedly mused that the South begins in the lobby of Memphis’s Peabody hotel one could argue that the Lowcountry begins on Main Road off Highway 17—the two-lane path to Kiawah with the light dancing amongst the oak trees approaching Kiawah is an arrival at an extraordinary destination a new residential offering is building upon the Island’s Southern coastal legacy an exclusive collection of 69 luxury residences across seven buildings on Kiawah’s West Beach is setting a new standard for island living balancing refined design with roots that respect and reflect the Island’s natural beauty Once a quiet coastal retreat, Kiawah Island has evolved into a world-class resort destination where natural beauty meets championship golf the Island began its transformation into a premier resort community with an emphasis on golf designing some of the world’s most renowned courses this 10-mile island is home to five championship golf courses including two PGA Championships—with another set to return in 2031—and the pivotal 1991 Ryder Cup Championship known as “The War by the Shore,” and even served as the backdrop for The Legend of Bagger Vance Since its beginnings as a resort in the 1970s Kiawah’s development has remained true to a philosophy of restraint embracing a less-is-more approach and resisting the overdevelopment that has reshaped many other coastal areas Ocean Pines offers a rare exclusivity in a sought-after location and four-bedroom residences are designed to mirror the essence of Kiawah blending organic materials with a palette inspired by a spectrum of marsh-inspired neutrals and watery blues Thoughtful details and top tier appliances set the stage for a refined lifestyle—whether that means gracious entertaining or quiet afternoons that stretch into moonlit dinners on a secluded balcony Residences feature private rooftop decks with exquisite vistas furthering the feeling of timelessness at every turn A Location That Connects You to Everything Kiawah’s West Beach has long been one of the Island’s most desirable locations offering easy access to Kiawah’s many delights it’s just a short walk to both the beach and the Kiawah River where sunrise paddles and sunset strolls can be part of your daily routine provides the perfect setting for a leisurely afternoon while Bohicket Marina offers opportunities for those who prefer to spend their day on the water And just 20 miles away sits Charleston—a destination in its own right—rich with history An Opportunity for a Home That Holds Its Value For those who value both lifestyle and investment Kiawah Island’s real estate market has remained remarkably strong Properties here are more than just beautiful places to live now—they offer the potential as investments in the future a home at Ocean Pines affords discerning buyers immediate enjoyment with an eye on long-term potential Ownership at Ocean Pines also includes the option to join the coveted Kiawah Island Club This private club provides access to a range of amenities from The Cape Club—a new oceanfront retreat with a pool and oceanside restaurant—to world-class golf courses Cassique and River Course It’s a lifestyle that goes beyond one’s front door and extends into every luxuriously understated detail the Island has to offer Ocean Pines presents a truly special chance to make dreams a reality One that balances Lowcountry grace with architectural excellence privacy with connection and the past with presence Visit kiawahisland.com to learn more – Two juveniles were charged following an investigation into reported vandalism in Ocean Pines an Ocean Pines Police officer was called to the Ocean Pines Golf and Country Club for a report of vandalism in the public restrooms on the 15th hole of the course Police say rocks and toilet paper were strewn inside the bathrooms and the toilet tanks in both bathrooms were damaged to the point they required replacement police received an additional call for a report of juveniles in the vicinity of the same restrooms who had thrown a rock at a Golf Course employee doing maintenance on the course The officer checked the neighborhood near the course and found two juvenile subjects matching the provided descriptions the officer determined that the suspects were involved in both incidents A juvenile referral will be submitted for a 15-year-old male for second degree and malicious destruction of property charges The second juvenile reportedly cannot be referred due to age limitations – Two roads in the Ocean Pines area are set to be repaved later this month crews will begin milling and paving Manklin Creek Road Drivers are encouraged to use Cathell Road as an alternate route while work is being completed Drivers are encouraged to use Manklin Creek Road as an alternate route during construction Work is slated to take seven to ten days to complete Motorists should expect lane closures and delays during project hours –  A fatal crash took place this morning in Ocean Pines Maryland The collision happened on Ocean Parkway between Briarcrest Drive and Beacon Hill Road they found 65-year-old William R Lewis of Parsonsburg MD His car traveled off the right side of the roadway and struck an individual The individual struck was 35-year-old Ramon Ramirez Castillo of Salisbury MD He suffered fatal injuries because of the collision The accident is currently under investigation The town of Ocean City is taking a significant step forward in modernizing its parking payment system by removing traditional parking kiosks and implementing payment via ParkMobile Here's what to expect for parking as the resort gears up for another big summer season visitors and residents can manage their paid parking through the ParkMobile app providing a contactless and seamless experience already a trusted platform for parking services nationwide and receive real-time alerts all from their smartphones Parking kiosks will be removed everywhere throughout town except for the Inlet Parking Lot in 2025 The Inlet Parking Lot kiosks will be removed in 2026 OC's big St. Pat's Parade returning: Celebrate all-things Irish at Ocean City's St. Patrick's Day Parade: Guide to festivities While traditional kiosks will be phased out Ocean City will maintain informational signage to assist users with navigating the new system users will be able to pay via QR code (online) Customer support will be available through ParkMobile’s helpline for those who need assistance “Ocean City is always looking for ways to improve the visitor experience,” commented Mayor Rick Meehan ensuring a smoother experience for everyone who comes to enjoy our town.” The Town encourages everyone to familiarize themselves with the ParkMobile system before the full implementation to ensure a smooth transition please visit https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/ocean-city-parking/ Best Places to Work in South Carolina Kiawah Island Real Estate has announced phase one of its new luxury condominiums in Kiawah Island’s West Beach community Luxury condos starting at $2.4M coming to Kiawah Island The first phase of Ocean Pines will offer 30 condos to purchase across three buildings three- and four-bedroom condos designed with inspiration from the coastal land they are built on “By maintaining our long-standing relationships with award-winning partners we are reaffirming our commitment to excellence in design within sensitive coastal ecosystems,” said Chris Randolph “This new offering on Kiawah’s West Beach is perfectly positioned with walking distance to both the Kiawah River and the beach as well as convenient access on and off the Island.”  Owners will also have parking under each building and elevators to each level Related: Historic Ravenel home on Charleston Battery sells for record price Related: Beaufort County home on private island listed for $15M a Kiawah Island Club membership is available with the purchase of any Ocean Pines residence providing access to the Club’s newest oceanfront amenity which is a short walk away and features a pool The Club’s other amenities include the Tom Watson-designed Cassique and the Tom Fazio-designed River Course as well as the Golf Learning Center; the Robert A.M with restaurant concept by James Beard winner Chef Mike Lata; and the Clodagh-designed Sasanqua Spa chief of architecture and design for Kiawah Partners master land planner of Kiawah Island was the architecture of Ocean Pines Other architects and engineers included LS3P Thomas & Hutton and Hart Howerton Architects with landscape architecture led by wertimer + cline JLL arranged $15.4M financing for University Suites a 272-bed student housing property near Coastal Carolina,[...] Stevens Towing has powered coastal transport evolving from mail delivery to heavy cargo w[...] Blanchard Machinery begins construction on a $65M Calhoun County facility to boost growth American Airlines adds more flights between Charleston and LaGuardia increasing to 3 daily departures by Nove[...] A new joint venture acquired 104 affordable housing units in North Charleston for $15M South Carolina Treasurer Curtis Loftis will stay in office for now as the House opts not to act on Senate reso[...] Sign up for your daily digest of Charleston Business News Current CEO will head to a new post in Poland as the Ladson plants welcomes a leader from [...] JLL arranged $15.4M financing for University Suites a 272-bed student housing property near Coastal[...] evolving from mail delivery to hea[...] Blanchard Machinery begins construction on a $65M Calhoun County facility to boost growth American Airlines adds more flights between Charleston and LaGuardia increasing to 3 daily departur[...] A new joint venture acquired 104 affordable housing units in North Charleston for $15M Charleston business is the market leader in business media in South Carolina We connect you with decision-makers and stakeholders throughout the state Get our free e-alerts & breaking news notifications Log in for access to the latest digital and special editions Friends of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines have launched a fundraiser to honor George Kerchner a longtime Ocean Pines resident and decorated World War II hero was one of the founding members of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of the Ocean City American Legion he was perhaps best known for his heroic actions on D-Day Army in 1942 and eventually joined the elite 2nd Ranger Battalion as a lieutenant scaling seaside cliffs during the D-Day invasion in preparation for a daring raid on Pointe du Hoc a heavily fortified German position towering above the English Channel Often quoted intelligence reports suggested that “three old women with brooms could keep the Rangers from climbing that cliff.” Yet on the morning of June 6 Kerchner and his fellow Rangers defied the odds Landing on the rocky beach amid relentless German machine-gun fire Kerchner found himself in charge of Company D after every senior officer was either killed or severely wounded His team successfully ascended the 100-foot cliffs only to discover the 155mm guns they were tasked with destroying had been moved Kerchner and his men located and disabled the guns then held their position against German counterattacks for nearly three days until reinforcements arrived Fruitland players wins big: Fruitland player wins $100,000 in Powerball. Here's where they bought winning ticket. Of the 225 Rangers who stormed Pointe du Hoc that day Kerchner was later wounded near Saint-Lô but survived the war and was awarded the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions His story was immortalized in the 1962 Hollywood film “The Longest Day.” “I didn’t think I did anything that heroic.” How you can help in honoring George KerchnerTo honor his extraordinary legacy the Friends of the Worcester County Veterans Memorial are seeking donations to fund a commemorative paver in Kerchner’s name Worcester County Veterans Memorial FoundationP.O Donors should include “George Kerchner” in the check’s memo line A dedication ceremony for Kerchner’s paver will be held at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines on Friday For more information about the Worcester County Veterans Memorial or to contribute to its educational and outreach programs Trump, Worcester sheriff honor teen boy: President Trump, Worcester County Sheriff's Office honor 13-year-old cancer survivor The Ocean City Film Festival has announced the winners for the 9th annual festival The festival is a production of the Art League of Ocean City 1,400 passholders attended the four days of the festival “We thank the hundreds of people who came out this year to support independent film and the filmmakers who made them,” Rina Thaler “We are so proud of how our festival has grown and how it has supported the art of film over the past nine years bringing excitement and culture to the shoulder season in Ocean City.” The First Place Audience Choice Winner was “The Henry Hotel” directed by Marlon Wallace which also won first place in the Historical Film Challenge sponsored by the town of Ocean City The film tells the story of the segregated hotel from pre-Civil Rights times still standing in Ocean City and undergoing restoration Other Audience Choice winners were “Warriors Beyond the Battlefield: African Americans in the Armed Forces,” produced by Unscene Productions in cooperation with the Beach to Bay Heritage Area Other Historical Film Challenge winners were second place “Tales from the Dock,” directed by Maurice Waters; and third place “Eyes of the Fort,” directed by Megan Dodson The Worcester County Commission for Women presented a special award to Samantha Aben as Best Female Director for her film Winners of the Documentary Short Film category were First Place “On Water’s Edge,” co-produced by the Maryland/DC Nature Conservancy And honorable mentions “A Capella Joy: The Delmarva Chorus,” directed by Candice Lee Spielman of Ocean Pines; “Uncle Bully’s Surf Skool,” directed by Leah Warshawski; and “Beneath the Surface,” directed by Ian Derry Winners in the Narrative Short category were First Place “Listen with Your Eyes,” directed by Sam Von Hagen and honorable mentions “The Boy From Lookout Mountain,” directed by Christopher Flippo; “Avocado Heart Girl,” directed by Keeley Gainey; and “The Campfire,” directed by Logan Bilbrough The Twist will offer fusion of flavors: The Twist, melding Mexican style with Indian flavors, is dream come true for JMB grad OC's big St. Pat's Day Parade returns: Celebrate all-things Irish at Ocean City's St. Patrick's Day Parade: Guide to festivities Winners in the Documentary Feature Film category were First Place “Bankie Banx: King of the Dune,” directed by Nara Garber Honorable mentions went to “Meko,” directed by Harrison Buck; “Diary of an Orphan Elephant,” directed by Hermien Roelvert-Van Gils; and “Living Drugs,” directed by Victorina Petrossiants Winners in the Narrative Feature Film category were First Place and honorable mentions “A/way,” directed by Derek Shane Garcia; “Loch Raven,” directed by Bernd Linhart; and “Home Free,” directed by Avi Ronn Federgreen Veterans Day events honoring all those who serve in America's military will be held all around Maryland's Lower Shore on the traditional day for the holiday Here's a look at ceremonies planned in Salisbury The Wicomico County War Memorial Committee invites the community to join in honoring military veterans at a ceremony on Monday The Veterans Day Ceremony will take place at the Wicomico War Veterans’ Memorial located directly in front of the Wicomico Civic Center at 500 Glen Ave which is coordinated by the Wicomico County War Memorial Committee prayer and remembrance to honor all veterans The Wicomico War Veterans’ Memorial at the Wicomico Civic Center is a fitting location for this ceremony as the Civic Center is a war memorial to all veterans proudly fly over a brick wall displaying plaques with the names of Wicomico County’s fallen veterans from World War II and beyond To learn more about the Wicomico War Veterans’ Memorial and the people it was built to honor, visit https://www.wicomicociviccenter.org/about/war-memorial Election race results: Election results: Meehan wins OC mayor race, Alsobrooks declared Senate winner The Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation will host a traditional Veterans Day ceremony honoring all who have served in the U.S The ceremony will begin promptly at 11 a.m at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines Michelle Winemiller will emcee the event this year Miller is a Veterans Memorial Foundation Board member who spent 11 years in the U.S and 19 years as a civilian employee of the Air Force Air Force now serving as a Commissioner in the Department of Veterans and Military Families Air Force Security Forces in 1971 and served until 1974 in South-East Asia during the Vietnam War He later served in the Air Force Reserves at Dover Air Force Base from 1982-1986 He is currently one of the commissioners from Congressional District One in Maryland and an advisor to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs The ceremony will also feature patriotic music including a salute to all branches of the U.S but guests are encouraged to bring a chair The ceremony will move to the Ocean Pines Community Center in the event of inclement weather the Memorial Foundation will host a short dedication for the new gazebo at 10:45 a.m For more information about the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Foundation and the Worcester County Veterans Memorial, visit www.WoCoVets.org Meehan wins re-election: Ocean City's Mayoral Election unofficial results: Mayor Rick Meehan reelected American Legion post hosting Veterans Day program in Ocean CityAmerican Legion Synepuxent Post 166 will host a Veterans Day honoring all members of the military from 2-4 p.m Lite fare will be served following the program The town of Princess Anne will hold a ceremony to honor America's veterans from noon 1o 1:30 p.m Woods of the University of Maryland Eastern Shore With more than 100 films being presented at the 9th annual Ocean City Film Festival from March 6-9 “A Cappella Joy” directed by Candace Lee Spielman is a 27-minute film telling the story of the Delmarva Chorus a nonprofit chapter of the Sweet Adelines International located in Ocean Pines and celebrating their joy of music and love for each other “Drifting” a 9-minute short directed by Samantha Aben of Baltimore stars two childhood friends who reunite at a divey roller rink One of the stars is the OC Film Festival’s creative director Bay” is a 13-minute short film directed by Marlon Wallace in which two young men argue over which part of the resort is better – the oceanside or the bayside Latest business news: Jun & Juice owners to step down, new Haitian restaurant in Salisbury | What's Going There Short films put various aspects of Ocean City in spotlightGrouped into blocks are short films from the 2024 Ocean City Film Challenge and winners of the Easton Academy Art Museum’s 2024 video race These include “Shoreside News” directed by Myah Stokes a puppetry film of a woman obsessed with Fisher’s Popcorn; “The Boardwalk” directed by Erik Espinosa about an old man who picks up trash on the Boardwalk; and “Ocean City Summer Heat Drones On” directed by Thomas Taylor of PAC14 about drones hovering over the beach town Also of local interest are films from the Ocean City Historical Film Challenge The challenge encouraged filmmakers to story tell and capture Ocean City’s 150-year legacy Films include “The Conner Stories,” directed by Don Lehman featuring brother and sister Bob and Barbara Conner who were born and raised at Conner’s Inn on 10th Street; “Tales from the Dock: The Legacy of Hooper’s Crab House” directed by Maurice Waters about the family-owned establishment; and “The Henry Hotel” directed by Marlon Wallace about Charles Henry Bayside South hoops power rankings: Power Rankings of Bayside South Basketball teams heading into the final week of the season a production of the Art League of Ocean City at OCMDfilmfestival.com Major sponsors for the festival include the Town of Ocean City and the State of Maryland Film Office the festival will screen more than 100 independent films both locally-made and from around the world including short films and feature-length movies The entire Film Festival program for 2025 is available to view at OCMDFilmFestival.com Prices are $125 for a 4-day pass that includes access to all the films The ninth year of the festival will showcase independent films in multiple genres at iconic Ocean City venues including Flagship Cinemas in West Ocean City More information is available at OCMDFilmFestival.com or by calling 410-524-9433 Ocean Pines and surrounding areas 2025 waterline flushing schedule The Water and Wastewater Division of Public Works will begin its semi-annual program for flushing waterlines in the Ocean Pines Service Area between the hours of 7:30 a.m The following proposed Spring 2025 dates for the flushing of the waterlines are subject to change Routine flushing of the water system helps to reduce the frequency of discolored water Public Works crews open and close the hydrants this can lead to temporary increases in suspended iron which should settle within a few hours of the flushing even on dates the water lines in your section are not being flushed it is still possible to experience discolored water If area residents notice that their water becomes cloudy during these times please allow the water to run for a few minutes until it becomes clear please call the Water and Wastewater Division at (410) 641-5251 Email: info@wgmd.com The Talk of Delmarva is a registered trademark of DataTech Digital WGMD 92.7 and WUSX 98.5 are licensed through the FCC Any usage without the express written consent of DataTech Digital Designed by Techno Goober which has now been hailed as one of the best boating cities in the United States for 2025 Here's a look at what the all-things-boating website had to say about the resort town which continues to draw in hundreds of thousands of vacationers year-round OCEAN CITY'S 2024 BUSINESS OPENINGS: Business is booming in Ocean City, Md.: Check out what restaurants, bars opened in 2024 BoatBooker.com has named the town of Ocean City which spans 10 whole miles across the coast of the Atlantic Ocean with calm bay waters on one side and the open ocean on the other," the website said of the well-liked Eastern Shore resort town Ocean City is rightfully popular among vacationers." As for boating, said BoatBooker.com making it the perfect place for a relaxing cruise Or you can ride along the Atlantic coastline instead where you’ll get a breathtaking view of the beaches with charters offering all kinds of adventures," the website said BoatBooker.com also recommended penciling in a stroll along Ocean City's historic Boardwalk as well as sampling the town's iconic seafood dishes we heartily recommend going on a day trip to Assateague Island and the wild horses that roam them are sights to behold," the website added "Find a boat captain to take you there and thank us later." OCEAN CITY CELEBRATES 150TH BIRTHDAY: Ocean City, Md., kicks off its 150th birthday celebration with social media campaign, more the Ocean City Department of Tourism & Business Development unveiled a refreshed brand platform with a brand-new bright yellow catchy slogan: “Somewhere to Smile About.” the rebranding campaign continues to increase awareness and visitation to Ocean City through media relations OCEAN CITY TO HOST NEW ROCK FESTIVAL: Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe and many more in Ocean City's Boardwalk Rock Festival lineup The Boatbooker.com top 12 boating citiesIn BoatBooker's top 12 list OCEAN PINES MISSING CHILD FOUND: Autistic child reported missing, found safe as first responders, community unite in search Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.