OCEAN PINES—Water management will likely be the first issue Ocean Pines leaders attempt to tackle as the new year begins. At the same time, the public part of the budget process will begin, followed by the opening of the new Yacht Club, environmental eradications that are bound to stir discussion and the possible installation of… Read more »

BERLIN—The Berlin Town Council and Mayor Gee Williams want to take a closer look at how the computerized modeling system used to incorporate new census data into defining future election districts resulted with two proposals that could unseat two current council members and one that would flip their districts. During a Dec. 16 work session… Read more »

OCEAN PINES–Shooter’s Sports Pub on Route 589 between Ocean Pines and the Casino at Ocean Downs has added liquor to its drinks menu. Since opening last spring, the pub’s alcoholic beverages were limited to beer and wine because of limited wastewater treatment capacity. During the Dec. 18 meeting of the Board of License Commissioners, however,… Read more »

BERLIN–Projects ranging from a new Berlin branch library and a land buy to expand Showell Park to a new Public Works storage building and an addition for Stephen Decatur Middle School are in the county’s requested Capital Improvement Plan to be discussed next week. The Worcester County Commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Jan…. Read more »

MARYLAND—They’re back. The Maryland General assembly convenes for the 2014 legislative year on Jan. 8, but that hasn’t stopped local Sen. Jim Mathias (D-38) and Delegate Michael McDermott (R-38B) from gearing up by pre-filing bills in the legislative hopper as early as October. The strategy is apparently to build momentum for the legislation by getting… Read more »

OCEAN PINES—The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department is inviting the public to start the new year with fitness activities and healthy eating habits. Beginning on Jan. 7, tennis consultant Frank Marshall will teach a six-week “Quick Start Tennis” program for 5-7 year olds. The sessions are designed to provide young participants with a fun… Read more »

OCEAN CITY–Star Charities will be hosting its annual “Beef N’ Beer” fundraiser Jan. 11 at 5:30 p.m. to benefit the “Home of the Brave” foundation in Berlin. The event normally held at the American Legion on 24th Street in Ocean City has been moved to the Ocean Pines Community Center based on its more convenient… Read more »

WORCESTER COUNTY–Bud Church, president of the Worcester County Commissioners, filed for re-election last month. First elected in 2002, Church decided he wanted to continue representing his constituents in District 3, which includes West Ocean City, South Point, Taylorville and parts of Berlin. “I very, very seriously considered running for [state] delegate. I was probably within… Read more »

WORCESTER COUNTY–Newspaper publisher Chip Bertino, a resident of Ocean Pines for more than 20 years, has entered the race for Worcester County Commissioner representing District 5. That seat is now held by Judy Boggs, who has represented that district for 12 years, but is not seeking re-election. Bertino, a Republican, joins Republican Ray Unger and… Read more »

OCEAN PINES–Two Ocean Pines police officers recently graduated from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, located at Wor-Wic Community College in Salisbury.  The Entrance-Level for Law Enforcement Officers training is mandated by Maryland and ran from July 8 to Dec. 17. Recruits are required to successfully complete all instructional objectives in this 26-week academy.  … Read more »