By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) Berlin’s proposed fees for customers who opt out of smart meters and use of the town’s electric vehicle charging station were the subject of a Maryland Public Service Commission hearing Monday night as the town seeks approval to implement the charges. Before the Berlin Town Council’s regular… Read more »
News
State chips in more funding for required service project
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) The Berlin Town Council approved additional state funding Monday to help cover the hefty price tag of the town’s lead service line replacement project, which officials said has become more expensive than originally expected. The council voted unanimously to accept a $2,286,773 funding package from the Maryland… Read more »
Berlin tweaks, tables proposed burning ordinance
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) Berlin’s outdoor burning policy is going back to the drawing board after residents shared concerns that the proposed code revisions don’t include an exception for large properties that need an efficient way to reduce yard and storm debris. The Town of Berlin is looking to tighten its… Read more »
$300K grant gives Berlin’s skate park dream a boost
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) Advocates for a skate park in Berlin received good news last week when they learned the project was awarded a $300,000 grant, pushing a long-held dream closer to reality. On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved the Town of Berlin’s request for $300,000… Read more »
Local school system adopts strategic plan, ‘Learn, Lead and Succeed’
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) The Worcester County Board of Education last week received an overview of the school system’s new strategic plan that will guide Worcester County Public Schools’ priorities through 2030. The 2026-2030 plan, entitled “Learn, Lead and Succeed,” ensures every student is “known, supported, challenged and prepared for the… Read more »
OC rejects land purchase for future complex west of Berlin
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 27, 2026) Plans to purchase a 193-acre property for the development of a sports complex just west of Berlin fell apart last Monday night, with most of the Ocean City Council expressing concern about the location and the impacts it would have on neighbors. Dozens of residents in the… Read more »
Retiring town administrator: ‘Decision … a difficult one’
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) After 35 years with Berlin, longtime employee and current town administrator Mary Bohlen publicly announced her retirement this week, saying goodbye to the community she’s served for over three decades. At Monday night’s Town Council meeting, Bohlen shared remarks regarding her retirement, noting her official last day… Read more »
Berlin advances in Hallmark Channel’s Christmas search
Ivy Wells: ‘We’re exactly what they’re looking for – a small town that looks like a movie set’ By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Berlin’s charming aesthetic has earned the town an “Official Christmas Town” title by the Hallmark Channel and the chance to be featured in a holiday movie. Last week, the… Read more »
Heavner steps into lead role on OPA board
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Jeff Heavner will take over as president of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors as the group’s former leader, John Latham, steps into the secretary role. Following this month’s OPA board election, the seven-person board held a special meeting last Tuesday to decide which members would preside… Read more »
Two senior employees leaving Town of Berlin
Town administrator retiring in Oct., HR director leaving in Nov. to create void in Town Hall By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Two high-ranking Town of Berlin employees have resigned, with long-time town employee and current Town Administrator Mary Bohlen being one of them. Also announcing her departure earlier this month is the… Read more »