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Maryland Food Bank aided by Choptank Electric with funding support

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By Greg Ellison (May 14, 2020) Recognizing food insecurity issues have heightened during the covid-19 pandemic, Choptank Electric Trust recently donated $10,000 to support nutritional assistance campaigns operated by the Maryland Food Bank. Eastern Shore Food Bank Director of Programs Jennifer Small said the financial backing would bolster the Maryland Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry-on-the-Go and… Read more »

Berlin businesses share PPP loan experience

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By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) As the federal government continued its Payroll Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration, Berlin businesses joined many others in the area seeking to keep their doors open and employees working. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight… Read more »

Berlin tax rate will stay same as last year’s

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By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Council votes for no change as decision goes to hearing (May 14, 2020) The Berlin Town Council on Monday voted to stick with last year’s real property tax of 80 cents per $100 of assessed value as pursues its budget for the Fiscal Year 2020/21. Despite being limited to less… Read more »

Berlin council considered increase of fees

By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) The Berlin mayor and Town Council considered but took no action on a proposed $50 increase in stormwater utilities for residential properties and $10 increase for commercial properties at its meeting on Monday. Members of the council listened to a stormwater utilities presentation that explained the history… Read more »

Heron Park open for public use once again amid virus

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By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) Berlin Mayor Gee Williams announced the reopening of Heron Park last Wednesday, following Gov. Larry Hogan’s address that afternoon. Heron Park, on 10009 Old Ocean City Blvd, is now available to the public seeking exercise and some fresh air. “I decided to open Heron Park immediately after… Read more »

Public hearing scheduled May 26

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By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) The Berlin mayor and Town Council on Monday read the first reading of the ordinance to adopt next year’s $5.9 million general fund budget. Unveiled at a work session meeting in April, the financial package proposed for FY 2020/21 is 4 percent less than the current budget,… Read more »

Another worker tests positive for covid-19

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(May 7, 2020) The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors on Tuesday released a statement about a second employee who tested positive for COVID-19. The association previously, on April 21, announced that a worker in the golf maintenance department tested positive. The association notified staff earlier today of a second positive test, this time in… Read more »

OPA finances remain strong and in black

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By Greg Ellison As year concludes, revenue up, spending below budget (May 7, 2020) With one month remaining in the current fiscal year, the Ocean Pines Association operating budget continues to track more than a half million dollars in the black. General Manager John Viola presented both year-to-date and monthly numbers for March 2020 during… Read more »

OP Flags For Heroes shifts focus

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By Greg Ellison Ceremony won’t happen, but organizers say star-spangled banners will still wave (May 7, 2020) Although the dedication ceremony slated for Armed Forces Day on May 16 was shelved due to the covid-19 pandemic, the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines’ Flags for Heroes display remains on track. Worcester County Veterans Memorial… Read more »

OPA receives nearly half of assessment fees by April 30

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By Greg Ellison (May 7, 2020) Since granting a 90-day extension last month for annual assessment fees due May 1 in response to economic woes from the covid-19 pandemic, the Ocean Pines Association has received about half the overall total so far. OPA Treasurer Larry Perrone updated both the status of assessment collections and reserve… Read more »