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Berlin police chief’s drone request approved

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Town of Berlin’s Police Department will purchase a drone at a cost not exceeding $12,000, per a Berlin Mayor and Council meeting earlier this week. At the municipality’s Monday, Jan. 27 meeting of the Berlin Town Council, the governing body voted 3-0, with Councilmember Steve Green and Vice President… Read more »

Construction begins on new Pocomoke library branch

By Brian Shane Staff Writer As local dignitaries gathered to ceremonially flip dirt with their gold-painted shovels, Worcester County Library Director Jennifer Ranck smiled broadly and welcomed those in attendance on an overcast and bone-chilling day. “Today has been a long time coming. I want to thank you all for being here and sharing in… Read more »

Disc golf tourney approved for Berlin, Pines

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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A disc golf tournament, Double Dip Double Dash by the Salisbury-based Eastbound Disc Golf group, is coming to Ocean Pines and Berlin on Saturday, March 1. The tournament will welcome teams of two, with participation not exceed 36 players. The ‘double dip’ aspect of the event’s name is apt, as… Read more »

Diakonia eyes new funding through tax credit program

By Brian Shane Staff Writer The nonprofit agency Diakonia expects a $50,000 funding boost this year for its new West Ocean City headquarters from a state program that aims to attract donors to nonprofit projects. Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) selected Diakonia to participate in its fiscal 2025 Community Investment Tax Credit… Read more »

County planning education effort on solar land leases; Commissioners approve mailer to ag land owners about pitfalls with deals

By Brian Shane Staff Writer As demand grows for filling fields with solar panels instead of corn or soybeans, Worcester County’s farmers should be on the lookout for aggressive and predatory salespeople in the solar industry, officials said this week. “It’s almost kind of a David and Goliath situation,” environmental programs director Bob Mitchell told… Read more »

Beach to Bay Heritage gets grant; Local nonprofits score funds through Maryland Humanities SHINE program

Lower Shore Grant Check

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Seven groups throughout Maryland’s lower shore, including Beach to Bay Heritage Area, received thousands of dollars in funding via the Maryland Humanities’ Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE (Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity) grant program. According to a press release issued by Beach to Bay Heritage Area Executive Director… Read more »

Old Bay Club property’s back-to-nature project nears finish line

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By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The former Bay Club Golf Course is being transformed into a Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) property as officials work to establish trails and pollinator meadows, restore wetlands and enhance recreation space. Last week, the Lower Shore Land Trust, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to protecting natural resources and… Read more »

Officials weighing ordinance for homeless; County will explore tougher penalties for those found sleeping on public property

By Brian Shane Staff Writer Taking inspiration from a recent Supreme Court ruling, Worcester County officials say sleeping on public property could go from a civil infraction to a criminal misdemeanor, a move that specifically targets the homeless. “When the intersection happens between behavioral health issues and homelessness, and then criminality or victimization of others… Read more »

OPA audience gets to grill Touch of Italy’s big cheese; Restaurant owner Ciprietti lays out how his company will run food, drink venues

By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Touch of Italy will take over the Ocean Pines Association’s three food and beverage service locations on May 1, following the expiration of the association’s contract with Matt Ortt Companies. Last week, the community invited residents to a town hall where homeowners could ask Touch of Italy and Ocean Pines… Read more »