Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Josh Davis Contributing Writer When the first snowflakes fall in Ocean Pines, most residents cozy up indoors, watching the world turn white from the comfort of their homes. But for the Ocean Pines Public Works team, snowfall marks the start of long, grueling shifts battling the elements to keep roads safe and passable. “It… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Shellfish harvesting restrictions remain in effect until March 1 in Manklin Creek following a sewer main malfunction. The 10-inch sewer main break near the corner of Ocean Parkway and Cathell Road in Ocean Pines caused approximately 1,200 gallons of sewage to spill into an adjacent marsh that drains into Manklin… Read more »
By Steve Green Executive Editor A retired Berlin police officer died Monday night responding to a structure fire in West Virginia. J.D. Lawson was 54. After his retirement from the Berlin Police Department in 2023 as a lieutenant, Lawson returned to his hometown of War, W.Va. During his time with Berlin, Lawson was also an… Read more »
By Brian Shane Staff Writer A new initiative is underway to standardize traffic accident protocols across Worcester County police agencies, one that aims to produce more streamlined investigations. Starting in March, monthly meetings will be held among crash evaluators to share techniques and improve investigations, according to Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser. Her office… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Town of Berlin’s On What Grounds? has officially transitioned to Cafe Berlin with new ownership and new items, like macarons. Christina and Michael Ewing, who moved to Worcester County from Carroll County in the fall of 2022, officially purchased On What Grounds? on Main Street last month. The couple… Read more »
Brian Shane Staff Writer Smoke-free cannabis consumption lounges, and events where cannabis vendors could offer single-serving products direct to consumers, are both being considered under legislation now pending with Maryland state lawmakers. Maryland’s nascent cannabis marketplace, already a billion-dollar industry, moves mostly combustible products that are consumed by smoking. Now, the state’s cannabis oversight agency… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Racquet sports players in Ocean Pines continue to oppose the transition from separate rates to a single, multi-sport membership choice and the increased prices as a result. In an effort to increase revenue and avoid logistical headaches, Ocean Pines has opted to eliminate the various membership options and instead offer… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ahead of a disc golf tournament next month, the Berlin Town Council approved changes to the course at Stephen Decatur Park to improve pedestrian safety and appeal to beginners. Eastbound Disc Golf representatives came before the Berlin mayor and Town Council at the body’s Monday, Feb. 10 meeting to request… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Mayor Zack Tyndall and Berlin council members were honored this week with the Briddell Family Foundation Service Award for the body’s dedication to the small town community. Co-founder of the foundation, Kwanza Briddell, and her father, Walter Briddell, a member of the group’s board of directors, were present at the… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Due to school being canceled for a week this month due to snow, the Worcester County Board of Education has waived first-semester final exams, eliminated two days from spring break and modified virtual day instruction plans. At the board of education’s Jan. 21 meeting, the body voted to accept the… Read more »