By Tara Fischer Staff Writer An Ocean Pines resident is seeking votes to advance to the next round in a spooky, Halloween-themed contest that raises funds for hospitalized children, offers $13,000 in prize money, and provides the opportunity to meet Hollywood icon Jamie Lee Curtis. Local Janet Stephenson has advanced through a series of six… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Historic District Commission opted to delay a vote on a mural proposed for a building in town, citing concerns about its historical character and unique design elements. At a meeting last week, Berlin’s Historic District Commission reviewed a mural, to be painted by local artist Evan Fitzgerald, planned… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Town of Berlin is weighing a request to the county about funding for in-town fire and EMS services. At a work session of the Berlin mayor and council with the Berlin Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services on Monday, town officials proposed a new, simplified means for the fire and… Read more »

Questions about school’s policy on clubs arise but guidelines being followed By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Reactions to recent political events have reached Worcester County, where students at Stephen Decatur High School have kick-started a conservative thought-based group. According to an Instagram post from last month, some SDHS students have conducted their first meeting of… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer  Leaders of the proposed skate park in Berlin received word this week a grant application for approximately $487,000 has been elevated from the state level to the federal level, where it will undergo final review and, hopefully, approval. Tony Weeg, founder of We Heart Berlin, a nonprofit dedicated to recreation… Read more »

By Brian Shane Staff Writer Excessive speeding can now land drivers in jail, one of dozens of new laws that took effect this week in the state of Maryland. Oct. 1 was the effective date for more than 150 bills that the General Assembly passed into law during this year’s Legislative Session. Many happen to… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer  The construction start date for the new fire station planned for Ocean Pines’ south side has been pushed back from fall 2025 until winter 2026, officials said this week. At the Ocean Pines Association’s board meeting on Saturday, Sept. 20, community general manager John Viola provided an update about the… Read more »

Company would oversee school construction project expected to start May ‘27 By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Worcester County Board of Education unanimously approved hiring a construction manager to oversee the Buckingham Elementary School replacement project, pushing that undertaking closer to officially breaking ground. At its meeting this week, the school board approved a contract,… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer An update on the proposed cell phone tower for the Ocean Pines Association was provided this week, as community officials, carriers and the construction company hope to get the project underway soon. Ocean Pines Police Chief Tim Robinson, who is leading the project, said he plans to inform the cell… Read more »

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s advisory committees, who are charged with identifying needs and possible improvements in their assigned areas, are officially a thing of the past. The OPA Board of Directors on Saturday voted 5-1 to dissolve most of the association’s committees, effective immediately, despite passionate pleas from association members… Read more »