Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer To alleviate a lack of suitable parking, particularly during crowded town events, the concept plan for a lot on the corner of West and Washington streets in Berlin went before the municipality’s planning commission last week, where issues of overnight parking, traffic, lighting, bumpers, and the entrance and exit strategy… Read more »
By Stewart Dobson Editor A tradition that dates to the 1940s in the Flower Street community will see that flag raised again on Monday when the Old-Fashioned Memorial Day Parade takes the first steps in what will be an afternoon of celebration and remembrance. At one time, the Memorial Day parade and its associated activities… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin has once again been designated as an accredited Main Street America program for 2025 due to the town’s commitment to strengthening community enhancement efforts, the municipality announced last week. The Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District recently announced the distinction via a Facebook post. By… Read more »