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 »

OCEN PINES–BJ’s Wholesale Club, in partnership with the Ocean Pines Association, raised $440 for the Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines as a part of its recent special membership offer. BJ’s donated $5 of each membership fee paid as a part of the promotion to the foundation in addition to offering special benefits for… Read more »

SNOW HILL–Nancy Carroll Thomas, age 84, died on Dec. 21, 2013 at the Snow Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.   Born in West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Chaos W. and Peachie Robinson Martin. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Thomas, in 2004.   Surviving are her daughters,… Read more »

BERLIN—The Town of Berlin will partying its way into 2014 from 10 p.m. on Dec. 31, 2013 to 1 a.m. New Year’s Day. Festivities set to take place during the party include a Ball Drop countdown, which will take place where Main Street intersects with Broad Street. Berlin Mayor Gee Williams is expected to begin… Read more »