By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s Recreation and Parks Department is preparing to host Easter and spring events as the weather finally starts to warm up. Ocean Pines is once again hosting its annual Breakfast with the Easter Bunny to put kids and families into the holiday spirit. The occasion is set… Read more »
News
Berlin parking lot granted variances by BZA; Town’s request largely due to lease not allowing for paving of existing parcel
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A new public parking lot planned for the corner of West and Washington streets in Berlin will not be paved and will likely be grass in its first season with only modest improvements. The Town of Berlin has struggled to increase its available parking supply for years. To remedy the… Read more »
Worcester Tech students head to nat’l contest after scoring big in SkillsUSA competition
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer After a successful run at their state competition, Worcester Technical High School’s SkillsUSA participants are gearing up for the national contest, where the students will display their real-world abilities as they compete against peers from across the country. This June, over 20 Worcester Tech students will travel to Atlanta, Georgia,… Read more »
Berlin looks to double planning department staffing, budget; Comp plan update included in budget
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Planning Department budget is proposing a 102% increase in funding for fiscal year 2026, including two new employees, new professional services, an updated comprehensive plan, a vehicle and modern equipment. At a Berlin budget workshop on April 7, the town’s acting planning director, Ryan Hardesty, went before the… Read more »
Berlin tax rate could stay as-is after preliminary review; Rate left unchanged would bring in about $359,000 more money for FY2026
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Mayor and Council plan to keep the property tax rate flat for fiscal year 2026 at $0.8275 per $100 of a property’s assessed value. The Berlin Mayor and Council met for a general fund budget work session earlier this week. While stagnant, the property tax rate will generate… Read more »
Hardwire wins major fed armor contract to produce protective inserts
By Brian Shane Staff Writer A Pocomoke City defense contractor has been awarded a long-term contract valued at $416 million to produce body armor for U.S. soldiers on the battlefield. The Department of Defense announced March 14 that Hardwire LLC won a bid to produce Lares Small Arms Protective Inserts, part of what the Army… Read more »
Pipe break leads to new gym floor; Hybrid system approved after staff researched best options for community ctr.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Community Center will soon have a new gym floor after a pipe break in February caused water damage to the current hardwood. At a meeting earlier this week, the Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors unanimously approved proceeding with the staff recommendation to pay $62,300 to Dynamic… Read more »
Synthetic bocce courts approved for Pines
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Two new bocce ball courts are coming to Ocean Pines this spring for a cost that community officials claim will pay for itself within seven years. At an Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors meeting last week, the governing body approved proceeding with a staff recommendation of $50,692 to an… Read more »
Kids to take over class; Not really, but two does will become part of a new instructional program at Worcester Tech
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Worcester Technical High School’s live stream, called the “Kidding Kam,” is offering agricultural students a deeper dive into the intricacies of animal health this semester. The Kidding Kam is a project spearheaded by the WTHS agricultural program to provide students with a deeper look at the labor process of goats…. Read more »
Bertino pledges to fight rate plan; Proposal to bail out debt for sewer, water districts would lean heavily on OP
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Worcester County and Ocean Pines officials pledged at a public meeting this week to fight a proposed budget plan that could increase Pines ratepayer bills to make up millions of dollars in water and wastewater debt despite the wooded community’s minimal contribution to the deficit. At a March 29 meeting… Read more »