Latest increase another step to remedy financial crisis in enterprise funds By Brian Shane Staff Writer (April 2, 2026) Worcester County’s water and sewer accounts are still operating collectively in the red, despite proposed fee increases for the next fiscal year and a $1.1 million subsidy from the county. Base fees would increase by 5%… Read more »
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Ocean Pines projects moving right along, but bulkhead project postponed
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 2, 2026) While major improvements continue to be made at the Ocean Pines Golf Course, officials say February’s winter storm has caused planned bulkhead work to be postponed until after summer. At the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting this week, OPA General Manager John Viola reported that… Read more »
Projects continue at Ocean Pines facilities
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 2, 2026) Current maintenance projects were discussed during last week’s Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting, as staff detailed progress to date and upcoming improvements to be made in areas like bocce, aquatics, and racquet sports. OPA’s Senior Director of Administration Linda Martin reported that annual maintenance on… Read more »
Cleanup effort continues in Pines after Feb. snow storm
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 2, 2026) More than a month after February’s blizzard left Ocean Pines blanketed by fallen trees and branches, officials say the continuing cleanup efforts are stalling because of residents adding everyday yard waste to the piles of storm debris. At the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors meeting this… Read more »
Tax credit eyed for Berlin’s first responders to help with recruitment, retainment
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 2, 2026) The Town of Berlin informally committed this week to providing a tax credit to first responders who reside within the municipal limits. The move is an attempt to bolster fire company recruitment and retention efforts. At a work session between the Berlin Fire Company and the mayor… Read more »
Pines board hires company to build outdoor kitchen
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 2, 2026) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors agreed this week to spend more than $300,000 to build an outdoor kitchen at the Yacht Club to improve patio service and food quality this summer. In an email vote on March 18, the board agreed to hire My Hands Handyman… Read more »
Area teems with Easter events this weekend
Easter egg hunts, games, crafts and food will fill communities’ agendas Staff reports (April 2, 2026) There are multiple opportunities throughout the weekend to celebrate Easter with the kids. Here’s a rundown of some of the larger planed events: Berlin The historic town will be transformed Saturday into the annual Spring Celebration from 10 am.-4… Read more »
County committee to review solar farm plan
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (April 2, 2026) A solar farm on the outskirts of Berlin that drew opposition from the Worcester County Commissioners is advancing anyway under state authority that overrides local zoning. Arizona-based developer TurningPoint Solar is scheduled to meet next Wednesday with the county’s Technical Review Committee for a major site plan… Read more »
School system officials address audit deficiencies
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) Worcester County Public Schools officials say they have addressed all issues identified in a recent state legislative audit, including deficiencies related to human resources, transportation, management of other risks, and information technology. WCPS Chief Financial Officer Vince Tolbert briefed the Worcester County Board of Education on the… Read more »
County plans for over $17 million in new spending
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (March 26, 2026) More than $17 million in projected new spending for fiscal year 2027 is putting Worcester County’s operating budget $3 million short of what it would collect in revenue. Budget officer Kim Reynolds last Tuesday told the Worcester County Commissioners that the county’s projected operating budget for FY… Read more »