Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) visited the Eastern Shore this week and stopped in Berlin to present a check for $1.4 million to the town for its community center initiative. Berlin officials announced in January that the Berlin Community Center project received a $1.4 million federal grant… Read more »
Commission requested meeting to learn about full project, details of concern By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Plans for a new Buckingham Elementary School continue to move forward, as the project’s leaders presented their plans last week to the Berlin Planning Commission and community members. The project was presented to the Berlin Planning… Read more »
Live entertainment, pepper eating competition on tap By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Berlin residents and visitors can test their spicy food tolerance this Saturday at the town’s second annual Chili Pepper Festival. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce is hosting the spicy-foods event on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 3-8 p.m. in downtown Berlin…. Read more »
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 13, 2026) Maryland lawmakers approved a proposed constitutional amendment during a two-day special session last week that will ask voters statewide to change the rules governing how the state’s congressional districts may be drawn. Lower Eastern Shore elected officials said the change could clear the way for Democratic Party… Read more »