By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Season Kickoff is gearing up for its second year. Community residents will have the opportunity to explore all the neighborhood has to offer, including amenities, small businesses, clubs, and organizations. This year, the Ocean Pines expo will be held at Veterans Memorial Park on Saturday, May 17… Read more »
News
Berlin named semifinalist for national recognition
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Due to its commitment to diversity, community engagement, and historic preservation, Berlin Main Street has been selected as a semifinalist for the 2025 Great American Main Street Award and will be recognized at the Main Street Now Conference in Philadelphia on April 7. Berlin was named a semifinalist for the… Read more »
Coastal Drug celebrates 10-year milestone
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer As Coastal Drug Pharmacy in Ocean Pines celebrates its 10th anniversary, the owners reflected this week on a decade of pharmaceutical care and the business’s community-first services. Coastal Drug has served the Ocean Pines and the surrounding communities for 10 years. The store was initially located near Atlantic General Hospital… Read more »
When it snows, grueling shifts battling drifts
By Josh Davis Contributing Writer When the first snowflakes fall in Ocean Pines, most residents cozy up indoors, watching the world turn white from the comfort of their homes. But for the Ocean Pines Public Works team, snowfall marks the start of long, grueling shifts battling the elements to keep roads safe and passable. “It… Read more »
Sewer main break leads to harvest restrictions
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Shellfish harvesting restrictions remain in effect until March 1 in Manklin Creek following a sewer main malfunction. The 10-inch sewer main break near the corner of Ocean Parkway and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines caused approximately 1,200 gallons of sewage to spill into an adjacent marsh that drains into Manklin… Read more »
Former officer for town dies on way to fire; Retired cop J.D. Lawson was with hometown dept.
By Steve Green Executive Editor A retired Berlin police officer died Monday night responding to a structure fire in West Virginia. J.D. Lawson was 54. After his retirement from the Berlin Police Department in 2023 as a lieutenant, Lawson returned to his hometown of War, W.Va. During his time with Berlin, Lawson was also an… Read more »
State’s Attorney sees need for streamlined approach to accident investigations
By Brian Shane Staff Writer A new initiative is underway to standardize traffic accident protocols across Worcester County police agencies, one that aims to produce more streamlined investigations. Starting in March, monthly meetings will be held among crash evaluators to share techniques and improve investigations, according to Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser. Her office… Read more »
Café Berlin owners excited for new chapter on Main St.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Town of Berlin’s On What Grounds? has officially transitioned to Cafe Berlin with new ownership and new items, like macarons. Christina and Michael Ewing, who moved to Worcester County from Carroll County in the fall of 2022, officially purchased On What Grounds? on Main Street last month. The couple… Read more »
Potential cannabis events concern officials; Mitrecic: ‘We need to get out in front of it … to stop these events …’ in county
Brian Shane Staff Writer Smoke-free cannabis consumption lounges, and events where cannabis vendors could offer single-serving products direct to consumers, are both being considered under legislation now pending with Maryland state lawmakers. Maryland’s nascent cannabis marketplace, already a billion-dollar industry, moves mostly combustible products that are consumed by smoking. Now, the state’s cannabis oversight agency… Read more »
Racquet sports fans against combo deal; Sports’ director says more revenue necessary to pay for needed improvements
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Racquet sports players in Ocean Pines continue to oppose the transition from separate rates to a single, multi-sport membership choice and the increased prices as a result. In an effort to increase revenue and avoid logistical headaches, Ocean Pines has opted to eliminate the various membership options and instead offer… Read more »