Change to increase display of political signs from 30 days to 45 day, officials say By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 30, 2026) The timeframe for allowing election signs to be posted in Ocean Pines is likely to be extended, association officials said this week, assuming that Gov. Wes Moore signs the recently passed Senate… Read more »
News
Some room tax funds set aside for parking
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 30, 2026) The Town of Berlin is pursuing the possibility of paying for parking improvements in public and quasi-public lots with a slice of local room tax revenue. At the Town Council meeting Monday, council members approved a proposal by Councilman Jack Orris that will allocate 10% of the… Read more »
Berlin council makes $389K in budget cuts, commits to same tax rate
Mayor, finance director oppose approach, decisions in speeches By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 30, 2026) The Berlin Town Council proposed cutting approximately $389,000 from its proposed budget for next year to help cure a revenue shortfall of roughly $400,000 against expenses and to avoid a tax increase. At Monday night’s meeting of the Berlin… Read more »
Ocean Pines water bills will be reduced
County reserve fund gives officials flexibility, as other operating costs increase By Brian Shane Staff Writer (April 30, 2026) Ocean Pines sewer customers will see one part of their quarterly bill cut in half, as Worcester County moves to pay down some long-term debt. The county plans to reduce the sewer district’s debt service fee… Read more »
Fireworks discussed as possible budget cut for ‘27
Berlin Town Council seeks ways to eliminate $400K shortfall in FY27 budget By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 30, 2026) The Berlin Town Council discussed eliminating the community’s Independence Day fireworks celebration next summer as part of a broader effort to reduce a $400,000 shortfall in the drafted fiscal year 2027 spending plan. At a… Read more »
Club’s new outdoor kitchen will open soon
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 30, 2026) The Ocean Pines Yacht Club’s new outdoor kitchen will be operational by summer, Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola announced Saturday along with updates on community maintenance work. Appearing before the OPA Board of Directors Saturday, Viola also reported that the new south side fire station… Read more »
Ellen F. Lurz
Ellen F. Lurz Berlin Ellen F. Lurz (Cramer) passed away peacefully at home early Friday morning April 24, 2026 surrounded by her family. Ellen was born in Baltimore, Jan. 14, 1952 to Russell Cramer and Sarah Marian Lindell. She is survived by her loving husband Raymond Lurz, son Paul Lurz, daughter-in-Law Michelle Lurz, granddaughters Darian… Read more »
William T. Dorman, Jr.
William T. Dorman, Jr. Berlin William Thomas (Tom) Dorman Jr, age 89, passed away April 20, 2026, in Berlin. Born Sept. 15, 1936, he was the son of the late William T. Dorman Sr. and Elva Mae (Owens) Dorman of Quantico. As a child, Tom hunted and fished with his father and grandfather, learning to… Read more »
04/30/2026 Bayside Editorial: Room tax set aside symbolic gesture
Room tax set aside symbolic gesture With the Town of Berlin facing $1 million in repairs and maintenance of the publicly available parking areas, it’s easy to favor taking a 10% slice of the room tax proceeds to help pay for it. The problem, of course, is this is more of a symbolic gesture than… Read more »
Berlin gets new chief from Salisbury
Drewer Army veteran retired from reserve as Sgt. Maj. By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (April 23, 2026) The Town of Berlin has appointed Col. Howard “Howie” Drewer as its next chief of police, marking a new chapter for the department following the retirement of longtime Chief Arnold Downing. Drewer officially assumed his new role on… Read more »