Worcester County Government, Maryland

08/27/2026

Worcester County Fair Earns National Recognition

We couldn’t be prouder to see the Worcester County Fair earn a 2026 National Association of Counties Achievement Award. This recognition belongs to Worcester County Recreation & Parks staff, volunteers, community partners, exhibitors, families, and fair supporters who rolled up their sleeves and made the fair an event to remember!

Worcester County earned a 2026 National Association of Counties (NACo) Achievement Award for revitalizing a longstanding community tradition and helping

08/27/2026

Volunteers Sought to Serve on Administrative Charging Committee

The Worcester County Commissioners are seeking interested area residents to serve on the Administrative Charging Committee under the Maryland Police Accountability Act. There is one vacant position on this board, and the deadline to apply is October 15, 2026.

The Administrative Charging Committee consists of five members who review complaints and investigations of police misconduct, determine whether an officer should be charged with misconduct, and, if charged, recommend discipline from the State-created matrix. Individuals interested in serving are strongly encouraged to submit a letter of interest and a resume or cover letter outlining any relevant experience. Submissions should describe the applicant’s background, skills, and perspective, and explain how their experience would contribute to fair, thorough, and impartial decision-making on the committee.

Members of the board must receive 40 hours of training before beginning service. To apply for this board, visit https://worcestermd.gov/PAB, click on “Attached Files,” and then click on “Application for Accountability Charging Committee.” Send the completed application along with a letter of interest and a resume or cover letter to [email protected] or Worcester County Administration at One West Market Street, Room 1103, Snow Hill, Maryland 21863.

08/24/2026

Protecting Worcester County Wildlife Starts at Home

Worcester County Animal Control (WCAC) is asking residents to help protect local wildlife by taking a few simple steps to eliminate conditions around their homes that may attract wild animals and lead to nuisance interactions.

“Our office receives numerous requests to trap wildlife,” Chief Animal Control Officer Glen Grandstaff said. “At times an animal poses a legitimate threat to human health or property, but at other times it may simply be a healthy animal helping itself to a bowl of cat food left on the back porch or crawling through an open window in search of a spot to den for the winter. Unfortunately, once Animal Control is called upon to trap and remove the animal, Maryland’s permit requirements leave very limited options for that animal.”

Under the State of Maryland permit that authorizes WCAC to trap nuisance wildlife, healthy wild animals cannot simply be captured and relocated to another area. An animal must either be released at the location where it was trapped or brought back to WCAC and humanely euthanized.

“Residents can often prevent conflicts with wildlife simply by removing whatever is attracting the animal and giving it an opportunity to move along on its own,” Grandstaff said. “By implementing a few simple changes, you may ultimately save an animal’s life.”

Here’s what residents can do to help reduce conflicts with wildlife around their homes:
• Feed pets indoors. Pet food left outside attracts wildlife. If pets must be fed outdoors, remove leftover food immediately after they finish eating.
• Secure garbage. Keep trash in tightly closed containers.
• Close off access to your home. Chimneys, vents, crawl spaces, sheds, window wells, and other openings make attractive shelters or dens.
• Remove accumulated leaves and brush around the home, and cut tree limbs that are near a roof.
• Keep cats indoors. This helps protect both pets and wildlife.
• Avoid trapping as a first response.

Wild animals are a normal part of life in Worcester County, and WCAC promotes practical solutions for people and wildlife to safely coexist. Before calling WCAC to trap a healthy raccoon, opossum, skunk, or other wild animal, residents are encouraged to ask: What is attracting the animal to my property, and can addressing the source of the problem prevent future conflicts? Making a few simple changes to reduce an attractant may save the life of a healthy wild animal.

08/20/2026

Maryland’s Coast Shellfish - taste the flavor difference!

The weather was spectacular this morning at Baywater Landing to celebrate the launch of Maryland’s Coast Shellfish, a new regional brand created to showcase locally grown oysters, clams, and bay scallops — and, most importantly, the hardworking people who grow them.

Thank you to Maryland Department of Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks, our local leaders, industry representatives, project partners, and shellfish growers who joined us to celebrate this exciting milestone.

This launch is about more than creating a brand. It’s about supporting our growers, strengthening our local seafood industry, and sharing the exceptional products of Maryland’s Coast with communities throughout Maryland and beyond.

08/19/2026

West Ocean City Service Area Sewer System Smoke Testing September 8-11

Worcester County Public Works Water and Wastewater (WWW) Division will conduct smoke testing of the sanitary sewer system from September 8-11, 2026 in West Ocean City and the surrounding areas, including MD Rt. 707, Sunset Avenue, Swordfish Drive, and Golf Course, Harbor, and Townsend roads.

This study will involve opening and entering manholes in the streets and public utility easements to locate breaks and defects in the sewer system. The smoke will also reveal where storm and other surface water enters the sewer system. A special, non-toxic smoke will be used in these tests. It leaves no residuals or stains and has no effect on plants or animals. The smoke is visible and has a distinctive, but not unpleasant, odor that should last only a few minutes in adequately ventilated areas.

Because the plumbing leading to appliances in homes and buildings are connected to the sanitary sewer system, some smoke may enter these facilities in these types of instances:
• Vents connected to a building's sewer pipes are inadequate, defective, or improperly installed
• Traps under sinks, tubs, basins, showers, and other drains are dry, defective, improperly installed, or missing
• Pipes, connections, and seals of the wastewater drain system in and under buildings are damaged, defective, have plugs missing, or are improperly installed

The smoke test can reveal the presence, if any, of sewer gas, which can be dangerous and a health risk to occupants. If smoke enters your home or business, please contact a member of the smoke testing crew working in your area or call WWW at 410-641-5251, Monday – Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

08/17/2026

Residents invited to September 2 and 3 Hazard Mitigation Planning Meetings

Department of Emergency Services (DES) officials encourage residents to participate in two upcoming public meetings, as part of the County’s ongoing effort to update its Hazard Mitigation Plan, and to take an active role in the process.

Community participation is essential to ensure the plan reflects the concerns, experiences, and priorities of the people who live and work in Worcester County. DES hosted two public meetings in August and will host two additional meetings in September:
• September 2 at the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company at 6 p.m.
• September 3 at the Berlin Branch Library at 6 p.m.

The updated Hazard Mitigation Plan will identify potential hazards facing Worcester County, outline strategies to reduce risks, and help protect important community assets and critical infrastructure.

“Preparing for hazards starts with listening to residents,” Assistant Chief of Emergency Management Katy Vieira said. “You know your neighborhoods best. When you share your experiences, you help us understand real risks and identify the strategies that will make Worcester County safer and stronger.”

For more information on the Hazard Mitigation Plan process and how you can participate, please contact Vieira at 410-632-3080, ext. 1916.

08/12/2026

Worcester County is heading to the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) Summer Conference in Ocean City, where nearly 3,000 local and state leaders will gather to discuss the issues shaping Maryland's future.

Why does it matter? Because Worcester County isn't just attending — we're helping lead the conversation.

Thursday's Worcester County panelists include:

• Sheriff Matt Crisafulli — Eric's Law: From Policy to Practice

• Public Works Director Dallas Baker — Building the Bigger Picture

• Environmental Programs Director Bob Mitchell — Better Communication, Stronger Environmental Health

• County Attorney Roscoe Leslie — Beyond the Bench: Legal Shifts Shaping Local Government

• Recreation and Parks Deputy Director Jacob Stephens — The Funding of Fun: Parks, Partnerships, and Public Value

Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, MACo helps counties work together to strengthen local government and better serve their communities. We're proud to represent Worcester County as we work together to Build What's Next.

08/12/2026

Traffic Alert: Timmonstown Road Closure on August 19

A portion of Timmonstown Road in Berlin will be closed August 19 beginning at 7 a.m., while crews replace a failed crossroad pipe. The work should be completed that same day. Detour signs will be posted to help guide motorists around the closure.

Residents and motorists are welcome to contact the Road's Division with any questions or concerns at 410-632-2244.

08/11/2026

Help Launch Maryland’s Coast Shellfish Brand August 20

Worcester County Tourism and Economic Development (WCTED) invites the public to join them Thursday, August 20, at 10 a.m. at Baywater Landing, located at 3908 Bayside Road in Snow Hill, to launch Maryland’s Coast Shellfish, a new regional brand celebrating locally grown oysters, clams, and bay scallops, along with the people who produce them.

“A new initiative is underway to recognize one of Maryland's most distinctive natural resources, our shellfish,” WCTED Director Melanie Pursel said. “Maryland’s Coast Shellfish celebrates the rich heritage, exceptional quality, and sustainable practices behind the shellfish harvested from our Atlantic coastal waters and bays. We’re especially pleased to welcome Secretary Kevin Atticks to help us officially launch this new regional brand and recognize the Maryland Coastal Bays shellfish growers who make it possible.”

After the launch, Secretary Atticks, along with local leaders, industry representatives, and project partners will meet with some of the hard working shellfish growers who support the economy and local seafood industries by creating jobs and providing plenty of fresh, sustainable shellfish to communities throughout Maryland and beyond.

“The launch of Maryland’s Coast Shellfish as a distinct brand marks the beginning of a long-term effort to strengthen, promote, and preserve Worcester County's shellfish growers through strategic marketing, partnerships, and increased public awareness,” Pursel said.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact WCTED Communications and Marketing Manager Brianna Dix at 410-632-3110 or by email at [email protected].

08/08/2026

The 2026 Worcester County Fair is officially underway! The County Commissioners joined community members this afternoon for a ribbon cutting to kick off three days of family fun at John Walter Smith Park in Snow Hill.

Opening day brought plenty of smiles, exhibits, activities, food and fair favorites—and there’s much more to come!

Join us Saturday and Sunday for livestock and 4-H activities, live music, contests and competitions, the Kids Zone, Catfish Races, car and Jeep shows, local vendors, interactive exhibits and more.

📍 John Walter Smith Park, Snow Hill
🎟️ Admission is FREE!
Saturday: 10 a.m.–8 p.m.
Sunday: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Come spend the weekend with us and celebrate the people, traditions and community that make Worcester County such a special place to call home.

We’ll see you at the Fair! 🌾🐄🎠