By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines officials say there is no plan to construct a cellphone tower on neighborhood property at this time. Instead, the police department’s chief has simply looked into ways to improve unreliable cellphone reception. At a meeting last week, Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors President Stuart Lakernick maintained that… Read more »
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Berlin police chief’s drone request approved
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Town of Berlin’s Police Department will purchase a drone at a cost not exceeding $12,000, per a Berlin Mayor and Council meeting earlier this week. At the municipality’s Monday, Jan. 27 meeting of the Berlin Town Council, the governing body voted 3-0, with Councilmember Steve Green and Vice President… Read more »
Construction begins on new Pocomoke library branch
By Brian Shane Staff Writer As local dignitaries gathered to ceremonially flip dirt with their gold-painted shovels, Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck smiled broadly and welcomed those in attendance on an overcast and bone-chilling day. “Today has been a long time coming. I want to thank you all for being here and sharing in… Read more »
Disc golf tourney approved for Berlin, Pines
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A disc golf tournament, Double Dip Double Dash by the Salisbury-based Eastbound Disc Golf group, is coming to Ocean Pines and Berlin on Saturday, March 1. The tournament will welcome teams of two, with participation not exceed 36 players. The ‘double dip’ aspect of the event’s name is apt, as… Read more »
Beach to Bay Heritage gets grant; Local nonprofits score funds through Maryland Humanities SHINE program
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Seven groups throughout Maryland’s lower shore, including Beach to Bay Heritage Area, received thousands of dollars in funding via the Maryland Humanities’ Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE (Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity) grant program. According to a press release issued by Beach to Bay Heritage Area Executive Director… Read more »
Old Bay Club property’s back-to-nature project nears finish line
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The former Bay Club Golf Course is being transformed into a Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property as officials work to establish trails and pollinator meadows, restore wetlands and enhance recreation space. Last week, the Lower Shore Land Trust, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting natural resources and… Read more »
OPA audience gets to grill Touch of Italy’s big cheese; Restaurant owner Ciprietti lays out how his company will run food, drink venues
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Touch of Italy will take over the Ocean Pines Association’s three food and beverage service locations on May 1, following the expiration of the association’s contract with Matt Ortt Companies. Last week, the community invited residents to a town hall where homeowners could ask Touch of Italy and Ocean Pines… Read more »
Neighbors question Berlin parking lot lease; Officials believe parking shortage required bold move
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Some Berlin residents have concerns regarding the 10-year lease agreement inked recently for a new parking lot. The Mayor and Council recently announced a lease deal with a private property owner to establish a municipal parking lot in town. Officials have said it’s a move to grow the downtown business… Read more »
Berlin transfers unassigned funding to town hall renovation, police pension
Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin officials unanimously agreed to reallocate $2.7 million from the town’s unassigned general fund balance to act as a cushion for potential new projects and financial challenges. The transfer of funds will bolster the capital reserve, the debt reduction reserve, the police Law Enforcement Officers’ Pension (LEOPS) reserve, and the stabilization… Read more »
Berlin moratorium lifted, planning director hired
Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin’s moratorium on final site plan approvals, rezonings, and annexations will be lifted gradually and slowly as the town secures the servies of a new planning director. On Monday, Jan. 13, the Berlin Town Council unanimously voted to lift the pause on final site plan review while continuing the moratorium for… Read more »