Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) Shawn Kotwica, 38, says he wants to join the Ocean Pines Board of Directors in order to bring more transparency and help oversee the important projects taking place in the community. Originally from Pennsylvania, Kotwica studied criminology at the University of Pennsylvania. He first visited Ocean Pines… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The community continued to mourn the loss of a 17-year-old boy who died last week in Berlin. “We know it’s a time for healing for the community,” Berlin Police Chief Arnold Downing said during a Town Council meeting Tuesday. “We anticipate a lot of other events with… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The Berlin Town Council approved the annexation of about six acres for a proposed gas station and convenience store Tuesday evening. Attorneys Regan Smith and Peter Buas represented the interests of property owners Spiro and Mary Anne Buas of Athena Properties Inc. The land, now called Athena Plaza… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The construction of the new Showell Elementary School continues, following the Worcester County Board of Education’s approval last Wednesday of the project’s next phase. Over the past month, workers completed installation of slab-on-grade concrete, foundation masonry, foundation dampproofing, and energized permanent power, according to construction progress reports. The… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) Municipal water and sewer rates, which have been a major factor in Berlin government’s budget discussions this winter and spring, were increased Tuesday night by a unanimous Town Council vote. As of July 1, the water utility’s rate will go up 5 percent, and the sewer utility’s… Read more »
By Rachel Ravina, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) The Worcester County Board of Education last Wednesday approved a revised attendance guideline that imposes harsher penalties for unexcused absences. “Inasmuch as there is a direct relationship between attendance and grades, this policy is intended to instill in the school youth of this county the importance of… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 30, 2019) Having received more than 700 votes during the last Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors election last year, resident Greg Turner, 60, believes people agree with his message that the board needs more accountability. Turner, who grew up in Greenbelt in Prince George’s County, moved to Ocean… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 23, 2019) With forest green oversized scissors, Pam Stansell cut the ceremonial ribbon to the applause of public officials and hospice providers to officially open the Macky and Pam Stansell Coastal Hospice House on Wednesday, May 15. Stansell House is the region’s first residential hospice facility, providing care to… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 23, 2019) Not long after a traffic circle concept was proposed by the Maryland Department of Transportation at the intersection of Route 589 and Ocean Parkway at Ocean Pines’ north gate, a new single lane roundabout concept was introduced to the board last Thursday. The Maryland Department of Transportation… Read more »
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 23, 2019) All eight candidates who filed by the May 10 deadline have met the requirements as permitted by the Ocean Pines Bylaws, according to Board Secretary Dr. Colette Horn. The candidates, in alphabetical order, are Cynthia L. Bartolomeo, Paula Roberson Gray, 73, Tom Janasek, 53, Shawn Kotwica, Larry… Read more »