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 »
News
Whimsical marsh mural gets commission’s vote
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 »
Cannabis grant funding decisions handed to local board
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Control of more than $1 million in cannabis tax-funded community grants will shift from Worcester County’s elected officials to a local oversight board – a move that the County Commissioners voted to approve themselves. In a 5-2 decision, the commissioners voted Oct. 21 to give their Local Management Board, or… Read more »
Boat slips proposed for Ocean Pines course
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Transient boat slips could make their way to Ocean Pines’ Clubhouse Bar and Grille, offering residents an alternative entrance, via the canal, into the community’s golf course and refreshment establishment. A press release issued by the Ocean Pines Association on Monday, Nov. 3, stated that a possible four-slip project has… Read more »
Berlin says seat placement for parades needs to wait until town closes streets
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 »
County school system presents first awards
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Worcester County Public Schools students and staff were recognized last week at a board of education meeting for their efforts in cultivating a positive and thriving learning community. At the Worcester County Board of Education’s meeting on Thursday, Oct. 23, school system leaders honored students and personnel as part of… Read more »
Ocean Pines has cell tower deal
Board’s contract with Virginia co. will lead to structure disguised as tree near Ocean Pines Golf Course By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Improved phone service is headed to Ocean Pines, as last week the community’s governing board authorized the signing of a site lease agreement with a company to construct a cell phone tower to… Read more »
Off-season improvements planned at Ocean Pines clubs
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Improvements are coming to the Ocean Pines food and beverage operations, including a new outdoor kitchen at the Yacht Club, a shade structure at the Clubhouse Bar and Grille, and renovations at the Beach Club in Ocean City, officials said last week. At the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors… Read more »
Council says yes to chamber and Taylor House event lists
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Calvin B. Taylor House Museum and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce presented their 2026 event lists this week, with the Peach Festival and the Bathtub Races returning. The Berlin Town Council approved the lineups. In 2026, the Taylor House’s event schedule is as follows: The Pig Roast, Saturday, April… Read more »
Mixed comments on Turning Point chapter at school board meeting
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 »