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 »
News
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 »
Disc golf course will get safety changes; Improvements to be made to protect pedestrians out on course as others play
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ahead of a disc golf tournament next month, the Berlin Town Council approved changes to the course at Stephen Decatur Park to improve pedestrian safety and appeal to beginners. Eastbound Disc Golf representatives came before the Berlin mayor and Town Council at the body’s Monday, Feb. 10 meeting to request… Read more »
Briddell family recognizes Berlin officials’ support
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Mayor Zack Tyndall and Berlin council members were honored this week with the Briddell Family Foundation Service Award for the body’s dedication to the small town community. Co-founder of the foundation, Kwanza Briddell, and her father, Walter Briddell, a member of the group’s board of directors, were present at the… Read more »
Snow days lead to school calendar tweaks; Spring break shortened, last day of instruction now pushed to Tuesday, June 17
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Due to school being canceled for a week this month due to snow, the Worcester County Board of Education has waived first-semester final exams, eliminated two days from spring break and modified virtual day instruction plans. At the board of education’s Jan. 21 meeting, the body voted to accept the… Read more »
Commissioners pivot on coastal bays grant
By Brian Shane Staff Writer After excoriating a local environmental nonprofit for its neutral stance on offshore wind, Worcester County officials showed a change of heart and are now promising to support the group’s efforts to secure a rare and valuable state grant. The county’s Board of Commissioners on Jan. 21 agreed to send a… Read more »
Pines chief reviews monthly police activity, discusses missing child search
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Within the last month, the Ocean Pines Police Department has handled various traffic-related and community safety incidents. Last week, the group led efforts to find a missing 10-year-old boy, which resulted in his safe discovery. On Saturday, Jan. 25, OPPD Chief Tim Robinson spoke at the Ocean Pines Association’s Board… Read more »
Berlin getting radio station from ‘We Heart’
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A new radio station is on its way to Berlin, bringing live and recorded music, educational programming, local history stories, roundtable discussions and emergency alert capabilities. The radio station, Radio Free Berlin, will operate at 94.1 FM and be managed by the nonprofit organization We Heart Berlin. We Heart Berlin… Read more »
No plans to build cell tower; Board declares rumor completely unfounded, ‘patently false’ info
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ocean Pines officials say there is no plan to construct a cellphone tower on neighborhood property at this time. Instead, the police department’s chief has simply looked into ways to improve unreliable cellphone reception. At a meeting last week, Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors President Stuart Lakernick maintained that… Read more »