By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s general manager is looking to make a food and beverage contract recommendation to the board of directors next month. Matt Ortt Companies is the community’s current food and beverage vendor. In March 2018, the group signed a two-year deal with Ocean Pines to manage the neighborhood’s… Read more »
News
Rural Legacy Area coming to north county; Showell, Bishopville, other areas account for 11,753 acres set aside in program
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Landowners in the Bishopville and Showell communities have a new opportunity to preserve their land forever from residential development – and get paid for it. The state has pledged grant funding in the amount of $800,000 for what is being called the Bishopville-Showell Rural Legacy Area (RLA). The preservation tract… Read more »
Berlin signs off on wind energy agreement; Ohio-based farm estimated to save town ratepayers $100,000/year eventually
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin has entered into a purchase power agreement (PPA) with American Municipal Power (AMP) to buy renewable energy from the Blue Creek Wind Farm based in Ohio. Officials estimate the move could yield an average savings of $100,000 annually for consumers. The renewable energy agreement will be in effect from… Read more »
Author reflects on book ahead of library visit
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Library branch will host Eastern Shore author Pat Valdata as she highlights the world’s first women pilots on Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. Valdata is a poet and novelist. Her book of poetry, “Where No Man Can Touch,” showcases the early women who weren’t afraid to break… Read more »
Women’s Club celebrates 50 years; OPA recognizes group’s five decades of service within Ocean Pines community
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association Women’s Club is celebrating 50 years of service, community dedication, and connection. At the OPA Board of Directors meeting on Saturday, Oct. 26, the group was honored with a proclamation from the governing body for its five decades of duration. Since its formation in 1974, the… Read more »
Cell tower conversations continue in Ocean Pines
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Last week, Ocean Pines Association officials updated the community on the potential initiative to strengthen the neighborhood’s reception with a cell phone tower. During the public comments portion at the OPA Board of Directors Saturday, Oct. 26 meeting, residents Mark Goldwater and Karen Kaplan asked the community officials to clarify… Read more »
Additional month for Berlin Farmers Mark received well; Vendors, businesses report solid feedback, as town set to add October in 2025
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The extension of the Berlin Farmers Market into October this year was a success, as organizers say the new six-month season will continue going forward. The Berlin Farmers Market, which typically runs from May through September, added the four Sundays in October this fall as a pilot program to determine… Read more »
Md. probe of school system spending comes up empty
By Stewart Dobson Editor A state Department of Education investigation into accusations that Worcester County Public Schools employees were misusing school money to pay for meals and other expenses unrelated to official business has come up empty, according to a letter from the Maryland Office of the Inspector General for Education. The letter dated Oct…. Read more »
Wor-Wic plans for a new student center hub, athletics program
By Brian Shane Staff Writer Wor-Wic Community College is planning for a $55 million capital project that not only would see construction of a dedicated student center on campus, but would introduce the school’s first-ever athletic department. “The vision for the building is to be a holistic environment for students’ well-being – making them comfortable… Read more »
Surplus approved for after-school programs
Brian Shane Staff Writer An educational budget surplus from the prior fiscal year will fund after-school programs at some north-end public schools for the current school year. Starting Nov. 1, Worcester County schools will get to allocate $228,907 toward after-school programs at Ocean City Elementary, Stephen Decatur High, and Showell Elementary Shool. Worcester County Public… Read more »