Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin Town Hall is set to undergo renovations soon, requiring town staff to temporarily move to the town’s Main Street Visitor Center and potentially displacing community groups. The Berlin Mayor and Council are seeking potential new uses for the welcome center and invite community members to share their suggestions. Two… Read more »
By Adrian Harpool Contributing Writer Sunshine and solidarity filled Dr. William Edward Henry Park on Saturday, May 10, as over 150 residents, cancer survivors, families and community partners gathered for the inaugural Cancer Research Awareness Day, hosted by the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Maryland, Eastern Region, and Lincoln Lodge #53. With the… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Much to the consternation of the property owner, the Town of Berlin recently appealed a property tax assessment to Dollar General that yielded over a 20% reduction in property value. If the decreased assessment is upheld, the municipality would see a property tax revenue loss of around $4,000. Wayne Hartman,… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer An Ocean Pines Library helper was named “Volunteer of the Year” last week for her dedication to maintaining a smoothly run facility. The awardee was honored at a luncheon with a proclamation from the Worcester County Commissioners. On Wednesday, April 30, Vicki O’Mara, a member of the Friends of the… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The incumbent MK Election Services from Pittsburgh will handle the Ocean Pines Association’s 2025 Board of Directors Election, per a board vote at last week’s special meeting. At a special board meeting on Friday, May 2, the OPA board chose MK Election Services, the vendor who conducted the community’s election… Read more »
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has convened a nominating commission to fill two judicial vacancies on the Lower Shore. “Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester County residents deserve diverse, talented, and knowledgeable representation on their Trial Courts Judicial Nominating Commission,” Moore said in an April 25 statement. “These appointees reflect our commitment to… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Around 70 years ago, Ocean City and Berlin students left their respective schools to attend the new, combined Stephen Decatur High School, ending a contentious sports rivalry and kickstarting an institution that has since been home to the Decatur Seahawks. To celebrate the anniversary, SDHS’s first graduating group is getting… Read more »
Tara Fischer Staff Writer Annette Wallace was announced as the next superintendent of Worcester County Public Schools last week, replacing predecessor Lou Taylor. The appointment marks Wallace as the first woman to hold the position in Worcester. The announcement was made on April 24 at a special Worcester County Board of Education meeting. Wallace graduated… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee announced that its “Keep Berlin Cool” initiative was selected as a grant recipient and will receive $2,980. Last week, the group revealed via a Facebook post that its tree-planting project was chosen as a grant awardee. The funds will be dispersed by the Maryland Coastal… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The election vendor for the 2025 Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors election has yet to be named, after a motion to authorize contract negotiations with ACE Printing and Mailing of Berlin failed to carry. ACE formally withdrew from consideration following the discussions at the OPA Board of Directors meeting… Read more »