By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 23, 2026) Time is running out for Ocean Pines Association homeowners to help shape the community’s leadership team as the deadline to cast ballots for the OPA Board of Directors election draws near. The makeup of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors will be decided in a mere two… Read more »
Featured
STATT Camp introduces 119 teens to trades
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 23, 2026) School system personnel and community leaders were invited this week to take part in a walk-through of Worcester Tech’s skilled trade summer camp, where students have two weeks to explore alternative careers in fields such as biomedical engineering, agriculture, and culinary arts. On Monday, July 20, Worcester… Read more »
Berlin seeks nomination in Hallmark Channel contest
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 23, 2026) While Berlin has long been deemed America’s Coolest Small Town, it hopes to earn a new title as the merriest and secure the chance to be featured in a holiday movie. As part of the Hallmark Channel’s 25th birthday, the network is scouring the nation to find… Read more »
Berlin scores $50K in state grants for market, events
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) Downtown Berlin’s festivals, arts programs and streetscape improvements received a monetary boost after the state awarded the town’s Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District two grants totaling $50,500. The funding involves a $34,000 Main Street Maryland grant through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development… Read more »
Heron Park project gains site plan approval; No settlement but town has approved site plan for one stage of Tyson plant project
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) A push to transform the dilapidated and dormant Tyson’s poultry building on Old Ocean City Boulevard into a vibrant commercial center is finally gaining some momentum now that the project has received site plan approval. The Berlin Planning Commission last Wednesday endorsed the final site plans submitted… Read more »
Council gasps at high price of furnishings; New furniture for renovated Town Hall exceeds $250K
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) A quarter-million-dollar furniture package proposed for Berlin’s renovated Town Hall was tabled this week after councilmembers and residents expressed concerns that the expenditure is an irresponsible use of taxpayer dollars. Up for consideration before the Town Council Monday night was a $252,773 request to outfit the municipality’s… Read more »
Furnace Town cancels annual Renaissance Faire
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (July 16, 2026) Furnace Town has canceled its Renaissance Faire this fall because of a lack of funding, its executive director said, though the event is expected to return in 2027. The faire has been held annually since 2021 and was scheduled for Sept. 26 and 27. But it costs… Read more »
Berlin fireworks return July 3
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 2, 2026) Berlin will be marking America’s 250th birthday a day early this week with its annual fireworks show on Friday, July 3. As the country gears up to celebrate its declaration of independence from Great Britain 250 years ago, the town will again host its own festivities on… Read more »
Ocean Pines set for celebrations to mark holiday
There’s plenty of fun for the entire family this July 4 in Ocean Pines. The day kicks off with the July 4 Freedom 5K at Veterans Memorial Park. Day-of registration begins at 7 a.m., with the race starting at 8 a.m. All ages are welcome! There will be awards for the top three females and… Read more »
OPA recommends pay raises to bolster police recruiting
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 2, 2026) Amid a staffing shortage, Ocean Pines will strengthen the police department’s recruiting and retention efforts by boosting officers’ starting salaries. At Monday night’s Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting, association General Manager John Viola presented his recommendation to increase pay for members of the OP Police… Read more »