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Richard “Dick” Grimes gave so much to the children in the Ocean City community. He created youth sports programs, and the residents and visitors have benefited from his important contributions for more than 60 years. But over the years, both residents and city officials have had concerns over muddy conditions when it rains at the low-lying sports complex named in Grimes’ honor, "Richard S. Grimes Athletic Fields." They have wanted to do something about it. In total, the city hopes to give the sports facility, known as a hub for recreation in town, a $4.2 million facelift as part of the city’s budget for capital expenses.

The Ocean City Beach Patrol is working with a limited number of lifeguards due to many of them going back to school or returning to their full-time jobs this time of year. To add to the difficulty, Hurricanes Idalia and Franklin have been creating rip currents and dangerous surf. But Ocean City Beach Patrol Director Allan Karas and the lifeguards have been working hard to keep beachgoers safe.

Marie Hayes is excited for the next chapter in her storied career. She’s worked in law enforcement and politics and her newest endeavor is working as the Cape May County Surrogate. While she has only been in the position for weeks, she already feels at home, she said in an interview Tuesday. The Surrogate’s Office helps families with wills, adoptions and guardianships, among other matters. Hayes, of Ocean City, said in an interview that she is enjoying her new job and learning about it while bringing her strengths to the position that she has honed over the years. “My extensive knowledge of being in the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office for 29 years and working in the court system, both criminal and civil, will serve me well representing Cape May County as the Surrogate,” she said...

An Ocean City resident is calling for city officials, the police department and community representatives to create a task force to develop regulations for bicycles, e-bikes and other motorized vehicles. Susan Cracovaner is speaking out about speeding e-bikes and other electric vehicles operating recklessly in town.

Former Ocean City Superintendent of Schools Dr. Matthew Friedman left the district more than six weeks ago. But his yearlong tenure continues to be brought up by a local watchdog group, Fairness in Taxes. Dave Breeden, president of FIT, maintained that through documents obtained through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA), he found issues with Friedman’s attendance. In an interview Sunday, Friedman defended his attendance and tenure at the school district.

Angelina Caselli took a little break with her falcon, Clementine, from the Ocean City Boardwalk seagull patrol she often takes on her daily duties in the world of falconry. The goal each day is to chase away the nuisance shore birds from snatching food being eaten by tourists. Caselli, of East Coast Falcons, was joined by fellow falconer and co-worker, Bill Brown, who had with him Marco, a Harris’s Hawk.

Ever been to Ocean City’s Fall Block Party? If so, then you know it is a blockbuster festival offering live entertainment, hundreds of crafters and food vendors, and it transforms the downtown into a mega-fun, family-filled event. That’s why when deciding which town across the country hosts the best fall festival, the likely answer would be -- Ocean City. USA Today compiled the Top 10 list of "Best Fall Festivals" from Ocean City's Fall Block Party to the Trailing of the Sheep Festival in Idaho to the Georgia Apple Festival. You can vote for your favorite festival in the USA Today contest.

Police Chief Jay Prettyman announced his retirement on Wednesday after a 32-year career in law enforcement. Prettyman, 52, has been chief since February 2019, after serving for a year as acting chief. He worked as a seasonal officer in Ocean City for two years and as a full-time officer in Haddon Heights for two years before joining the Ocean City Police Department full-time in September 1995. He worked as a patrolman, in the Traffic Safety Unit, and in the Community-Oriented Policing Unit before being promoted to sergeant of staff services in 2002, patrol lieutenant in 2006, detective lieutenant in 2007 and captain of police in 2008...

Ocean City prides itself on the beaches, the bay and, of course, the 2.5-mile Boardwalk, which is a prime attraction for residents and tourists. Earlier this month, Gov. Phil Murphy signed a bill establishing a Boardwalk Preservation Fund for New Jersey’s shore communities. The fund appropriates $100 million for the renovation and repair of boardwalks in beach towns across the state. Ocean City has a robust plan in place to maintain the Boardwalk and replace and re-deck it in areas when needed. Funds to help with the year-round work would be helpful, city officials said.

Ocean City resident Dave Winslow stepped in this month to fill an unexpired term on City Council and on Friday he filed a petition in the City Clerk’s Office to run for the Fourth Ward seat in the General Election on Nov. 7.