By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association continues to work on improvements at the community’s golf course, including an irrigation system project, and tee box and fairway enhancement. At the OPA’s Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Nov. 22, Ocean Pines’ General Manager John Viola updated the board and association members on the… Read more »

Downing: ‘Being a part of a lot of people’s lives has enriched me … When I started this job, I never thought I would have the ability to touch so many people’s lives, and have my life touched in such a way.’ Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin Police Chief of Police Arnold Downing has said… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A discussion this week among Berlin officials and residents highlighted frustrations over the town’s new policy that limits when spectators can place chairs along Main Street ahead of the annual Christmas Parade and summertime Bathtub Races. The town recently announced that members of the streetside audience cannot place chairs or… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Following a vote this week, the Town of Berlin will contract with the firm Mead and Hunt for an update to the municipality’s comprehensive plan, a process that will guide future growth and development, for a cost of $99,075. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the town is required to review… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin officials reviewed updated plans for the long-anticipated Town Hall renovation this week, with construction documents nearing completion, and the project expected to go out to bid in December. The Town Hall project will address space concerns and the need for a centralized location for staff, updated safety elements and… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The month-long debate over how well a somewhat fanciful mural fits into the historic downtown image the town works to maintain ended last week when the Berlin Historic District Commission issued its approval. At its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, the commission voted 4-1 to allow local artist Evan Fitzgerald… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin parade spectators will have to wait until two hours before an event begins to secure their spots with chairs and blankets, the town announced last week. The policy will be strictly enforced by Berlin staff to ensure safety and accessibility don’t falter, even on the days of the town’s… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Worcester County Public Schools community is split on the system’s allowance of the politically charged Turning Point USA chapter at Stephen Decatur High School. An onslaught of citizen comments at last week’s board of education meeting highlighted this divide. Turning Point USA was founded in 2012 by the late… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Fines will increase for drivers caught on camera exceeding the posted speed limit in Berlin, officials said this week. At a Berlin mayor and council meeting on Monday, Oct. 27, town attorney David Gaskill and Police Chief Arnold Downing announced that motorists can expect steeper violation fees if they exceed… Read more »

The Ocean Pines Public Works Department will collect bagged leaves from Nov. 24 through Dec. 31.  Bagged leaves will be picked up on days opposite Republic Services’ regularly scheduled collection days: Residents whose trash is collected on Mondays and Thursdays will have bagged leaves picked up on Tuesdays and Fridays. Those whose trash is collected… Read more »