(Jan. 22, 2015) Although his name was nowhere to be found on the ballot during the 2014 election in Ocean Pines, General Manager Bob Thompson became the focus of the campaign, with issues ranging from his contract extension to the interpretation of his role as GM often leading the narrative. Thompson is now facing unfamiliar… Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) “Worldwide Berlin,” a new cross-media documentary, explores more than 100 Berlins, from the obvious in Germany, to lesser-known Berlins in Papua New Guinea, South Africa and El Salvador. DW-TV, a Berlin, Germany-based broadcasting company, launched the three-hour, four-part feature on Jan. 10 in four languages: German, English, Spanish and Arabic. While the… Read more »

(Jan. 23, 2015) The State Highway Administration is conducting its annual review of bridges, leading to one-lane traffic patterns on the Route 90 bridge, intending to complete the process by late next week. During the inspection, a small sinkhole formed at the eastbound portion of the bridge crossing the St. Martin River in the shoulder…. Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) The public got its first look at the Ocean Pines Association’s fiscal year 2016 budget during last week’s Budget and Finance committee work sessions at the country club. The proposed $10.9 million budget includes a $25 increase in membership fees, which raises the total to $934 per property. Public works and police… Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) Town officials met with facilitator Christine Becker last Thursday, as Berlin kicked off a series of strategic planning sessions designed to build a municipal road map for the next five years. The four-hour work session included brainstorming on what makes the town tick, as well as an exploration of Berlin’s future and… Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) The confusingly named “five-year funding solution” continues to stay on the books in Ocean Pines, almost certainly entering its seventh year with the fiscal 2016 budget. The measure showed up on General Manager Bob Thompson’s proposed budget this month and passed through the budget and finance committee last week without much fanfare…. Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) Looking to stay competitive with neighboring municipalities, the Ocean Pines Police Department is exploring new retirement plan options and is asking the community for a $3,000 pay raise for entry-level officers. Currently, officers receive a 401k plan with three percent of their annual salary contributed by the Ocean Pines Association. “We’re competing… Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) One of the most startling changes in the Ocean Pines landscape in 2015 might be the opening of the massive 20,000 square foot health care complex, Delmarva Health Pavilion. Construction began in late September, and the facility on Route 589 near Racetrack Road appears to be coming along effortlessly. That’s not to… Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) Ocean City Elementary School will begin the registration process for the 2015-2016 Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten programs this month.   Children who will be 4 years old on or before Sept. 1, may be eligible for the OCES Pre-Kindergarten program. Space is limited and children from families who meet the federal income guidelines… Read more »

(Jan. 22, 2015) Although the Worcester County Arts Council gallery closed in January for renovations, the nonprofit will reopen in February with a slate of programs for local artists and art enthusiasts. The council recently awarded $20,000 in grants during the last fiscal year to eight different groups in Worcester County and is consistently looking… Read more »