By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) The Berlin Fire Company reported financial and staffing challenges this week as officials warn ambulance replacement costs are becoming unsustainable and two paramedic positions have remained vacant for over a year. During discussions with the Town Council, Berlin Fire Company representatives outlined the costs of maintaining EMS… Read more »
News
BFC inquires about property tax credit ask
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) Berlin government officials are exploring incentives such as property tax credits to help the volunteer fire company recruit and retain firefighters. The Berlin Fire Company asked the mayor and Town Council this week to support a property tax credit for volunteer firefighters who live within municipal limits… Read more »
Berlin hosting a pumpkin search and Truck-N-Treat
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) Berlin is inviting families to celebrate Halloween with a Truck-N-Treat event and a monthlong scavenger hunt in the downtown area. The town’s Truck-N-Treat will take place Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stephen Decatur Park. The free event will give children an up-close… Read more »
Families invited to OP Halloween festivities
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22 2026) Families in Ocean Pines can celebrate Halloween this month with several community events featuring costumes, crafts, games, and trick-or-treating. Ocean Pines will host its annual Spooky Swim on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5-8 p.m. at the Sports Core Pool. The event will feature Halloween crafts, games, music,… Read more »
‘Pretty good deal’ on lead line project moves forward
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) The Town of Berlin is moving forward with obtaining $2.2 million in financing for its lead water service line replacement project, with more than $1.2 million of the funding expected to be forgiven. During Tuesday night’s Town Council meeting, officials unanimously agreed to pursue Maryland Water Infrastructure… Read more »
Orris proposes town moratorium on data centers; No action from council yet
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) Town of Berlin officials are exploring what a moratorium on data center applications could look like as the town considers how to evaluate a center’s impact on local infrastructure, public safety and the environment. At a meeting Tuesday night, Berlin Council Vice President Jack Orris outlined what… Read more »
Beach Club overhaul proceeding on schedule; New restaurant upstairs, second-story kitchen, more will be ready by Mem. Day
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) With demolition underway, the renovation of the Ocean Pines Beach Club in Ocean City is moving along as anticipated, with permits for a new deck, elevator, and pilings expected in the coming weeks. The Ocean Pines Association and the community’s food and beverage operator, Touch of Italy,… Read more »
OP cell tower delayed over foundation issue
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) An engineering problem with the foundation has delayed work on the Ocean Pines cell phone tower, pushing the project’s expected completion back a few weeks. Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola told the Bayside Gazette this week that the community’s new cell tower should now be… Read more »
Berlin planners criticize comp plan process
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) Berlin’s Planning Commission last week discussed the possibility of basing the zoning code on a building’s size and appearance rather than how it is used. Called “form-based zoning,” this modern approach to development would encroach on residential areas, commission members said, adding that neither the town nor… Read more »
Upgrade to athletic complex near Berlin planned, public meeting on Tues.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Oct. 22, 2026) Worcester County government plans to overhaul its athletic complex in Berlin with updated baseball fields, playgrounds, walking trails, batting cages, and more to accommodate the growth of local youth sports leagues. Next Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Stephen Decatur High School, Engineering representatives from Davis, Bowen &… Read more »