Tara Fischer Staff Writer A decorated World War II hero with connections to the Maryland Eastern Shore has been honored with a brick dedication at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial Park at Ocean Pines, 81 years after the veteran’s valiant wartime actions. On Friday, June 6, the late George Kerchner, who passed away on Feb…. Read more »
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Morgan’s Message chapter at Decatur partners with We Are Limitless Studios
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A new art project at Stephen Decatur High School, in conjunction with a few community partners, aimed to promote mental health among student athletes. Last week, members of We Are Limitless Studios, a Salisbury-based team dedicated to public art throughout Delmarva, began painting a mural at SDHS behind the school’s… Read more »
Ballot set for OP board election; Four candidates on ballot in this summer’s contest for three director seats
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors election approaches with four candidates officially registered to run for the governing group’s three open seats. The community’s election committee conducted a drawing last week to determine ballot order and forum seating. OPA’s Board of Directors is a seven-person team tasked with policy… Read more »
Council holds tax rate, looks past concerns; Public hearing on budget Monday
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget last week, revealing a stagnant property tax rate and additional interest income. The Town of Berlin’s Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday, May 27. The document includes a balanced general… Read more »
Did county offer teacher raises in private talk?
By Brian Shane, Staff Writer and Stewart Dobson, Editor The president of the Worcester County Commissioners reportedly offered a $3,000 pay raise for teachers to the teachers association president two weeks ago provided she would end salary negotiations with the board of education. Worcester County Teachers Association President Beth Shockley-Lynch turned down the offer that… Read more »
GM Viola summarizes recent, current projects
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer An upgraded racquet center sports building, new bocce ball courts, ongoing landscaping and maintenance, and additional operational services are just a few ways the Ocean Pines Association is gearing up for the busy summer season. At a recent board of directors meeting, OPA General Manager John Viola presented his report… Read more »
Buckingham’s plans approved in early going
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Buckingham Elementary School replacement project continues to move forward, as this week, the Worcester County Board of Education approved the schematic design for the new facility. Upon the board’s unanimous yes vote, the plans will be presented to the County Commissioners next month. Brad Hastings and Allison Shockley of… Read more »
Referendum to decide new Pines fire station funding
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Due to the Ocean Pines Association’s estimated $3.4 million share of the volunteer fire department’s new southside station, the community’s board of directors agreed to move forward with a referendum coinciding with the annual election to garner community approval of OPA’s financial contribution to the replacement fire station. At a… Read more »
OP cell tower talks continue; Contractor looking at sites to consider, but be beyond that no decisions pending
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The possibility of a cell phone tower in Ocean Pines inches closer as a contractor scopes out potential sites for the build to alleviate abysmal and unsafe reception. At a May 24 Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting, Tim Robinson, the neighborhood’s police chief, said his team is working… Read more »
‘Season kickoff’ draws hundreds to OP
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines’ second annual season kickoff, held last Saturday, was considered a success despite key differences from last year, including a location and date change. The Ocean Pines Association’s season kickoff, a festival where neighborhood amenities, clubs, organizations, and local businesses are given an opportunity to showcase all they have… Read more »