BERLIN–Maryland’s historic town of Berlin placed third in the preliminary voting round of Budget Travel’s “America’s Coolest Small Town” contest. The Web site’s polls opened the first week of October and asked Americans to nominate small towns that they felt were the “coolest.” The rules stated the town must have fewer than 10,000 people, have… Read more »

For Berlin’s redistricting plans, Monday was a start. Based on the 2010 U.S. Census, Berlin’s population has grown from around 3,000 to 4,496, and with all of these new residents, Berlin must adjust its election districts to maintain – as best as possible – an equitable number in each one. This would mean that each… Read more »

MARYLAND–State Sen. Senator Jim Mathias (D-38) filed to run for re-election last week, hoping to return for another four years of representing the lower Eastern Shore. Mathias counted among his accomplishments in his last four years since moving up from the House of Delegates, co-sponsoring legislation to make it easier for small businesses to hire… Read more »

BERLIN—In a move that surprised at least one observer, the town council voted on Dec. 9 to approve a proposal by Joseph Moore, a partner with Ocean City-based law firm Williams, Moore, Shockley & Harrison, that the town close and transfer part of their right-of-way interests to an unpaved street near Stephen Decatur Park to… Read more »

BERLIN–Guest speaker Patricia Dufendach, head of the Berlin Safe Pedestrians Committee, will report on safety initiatives proposed to Route 113 to ensure that walkers can cross the street safely on Thursday, Dec. 19. Countdown Crosswalks and reduced speed limit are two of the many proposals. The Executive Board meeting begins at 6 p.m. with the… Read more »

OCEAN PINES – The Ocean Pines Farmers Market announces the addition of the new event series, “Meet Me at Market,” to its schedule. “Meet Me at Market” will feature local speakers, craftsman, chefs and artisans. The Ocean Pines Farmers Market is currently operating its fall and winter season and is open from 8 a.m. to… Read more »

SNOW HILL–The winners for the Snow Hill Christmas parade held on Wednesday Dec. 11, were announced by its sponsors the Snow Hill Lions Club, Town of Snow Hill, and merchants in Snow Hill.   Snow Hill Christmas Parade winners are:   Best Band: Pocomoke High School   Best Car/Vehicle: Hardwire, LLC   Best Color Guard:… Read more »

OCEAN PINES—Need a happy holiday pick-me-up? Craving Christmas creations? The final entries for the “Light Up the Pines” lawn decorating contest are in and ready to be viewed. Seasonal sightseers and voting residents can see the 12 displays of Christmas throughout the Ocean Pines community in either forward or reverse order at:   76 Ocean… Read more »

OCEAN PINES–The Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department held its annual Installation and Awards Dinner on Saturday Dec 7.   OPVFD officers were sworn in by Worcester County Fire Marshall Jeff McMahon.   The 2014 officers are:   Line Officers Chief Rich Angelo   First Assistant Chief Steve Grunewald   Captains Ed McNeill and Harvey Booth… Read more »

WORCESTER COUNTY–Chad Vent has been elected to serve as the Advisory Board Chair of Worcester County Junior Achievement. Vent, a certified public accountant and managing partner in the Faw Casson Maryland office, has dedicated time to teaching Junior Achievement programs in the K-12 classrooms, and has assisted with the successful JA Adopt, a school dinner… Read more »