WWII veteran wounded 82 years ago at Anzio soldiers on in Ocean Pines By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Later this month, Ocean Pines resident, World War II veteran and Purple Heart recipient John Edward Romm Jr. will do something only a very few people have done: celebrate his 107th birthday. Romm, now closing in on… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer All equipment from the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department’s South Station has been relocated to the community’s Public Works building as construction on the new facility nears. A press release issued by the Ocean Pines Association last week indicated that firefighting devices stored in the soon-to-be-replaced firehouse at 911 Ocean… Read more »

By Brian Shane Staff Writer Bryon Johnson, a local high school basketball coach accused of sexual offenses against a minor, has been acquitted of all charges. Investigators uncovered “reliable digital forensic evidence” that contradicted earlier accusations leaving prosectors with insufficient proof to proceed with criminal charges, according to Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser. “Consistent… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Town of Berlin is inviting residents to public input sessions to gather feedback on a long-discussed project to improve safety and connectivity along U.S. Route 113. Berlin will begin planning efforts for a potential bike and pedestrian bridge over Route 113. The goal of the project is to explore… Read more »

Glass cremation keepsake wins grant to help company expand with new enterprise By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A new branch of Berlin-based business Jeffrey Auxer Designs will continue to provide memorial glass in remembrance of pets and loved ones to its customers, and, as the winner of a $35,000 competition, advance the brand. About two… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Nearly every establishment in Berlin will welcome patrons with delicious eats and great deals during the town’s tenth annual Restaurant Week. This year’s multiday event will run from Jan. 19 to Jan. 26. Starting this Monday, the town’s eateries will curate reimagined menus and discounts—with the intention of not breaking… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Although the town’s New Year’s Eve ball drop drew a strong turnout, the mayor and Town Council on Monday wondered if a later start time or additional activities could enhance the event and encourage visitors to stay downtown longer. Councilmember Steve Green (the executive editor of this paper), noted that… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Maryland State Firefighters’ Association (MSFA) is relocating its annual parade from Ocean City to downtown Berlin this summer, citing a consistent decline in participation over the past few years. With Councilmember Shaneka Nichols and Vice President Dean Burrell absent, the Berlin Council unanimously approved a special event request this… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer For area residents and visitors who want to ring in 2026 a few hours early, the Town of Berlin is once again hosting its New Year’s Eve ball drop at 6 p.m. on Dec. 31. On New Year’s Eve, Berlin will continue its tradition of dropping a disco ball in… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer After months of preparation and securing more than $125,000 in donations, the Stephen Decatur High School marching band has returned from a successful trip to Hawaii, where they performed at the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu on Dec. 7. On Thursday, Dec. 4, all 37 members of the high… Read more »