Ivy Wells: ‘We’re exactly what they’re looking for – a small town that looks like a movie set’ By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Berlin’s charming aesthetic has earned the town an “Official Christmas Town” title by the Hallmark Channel and the chance to be featured in a holiday movie. Last week, the… Read more »
News
Heavner steps into lead role on OPA board
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Jeff Heavner will take over as president of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors as the group’s former leader, John Latham, steps into the secretary role. Following this month’s OPA board election, the seven-person board held a special meeting last Tuesday to decide which members would preside… Read more »
Two senior employees leaving Town of Berlin
Town administrator retiring in Oct., HR director leaving in Nov. to create void in Town Hall By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Two high-ranking Town of Berlin employees have resigned, with long-time town employee and current Town Administrator Mary Bohlen being one of them. Also announcing her departure earlier this month is the… Read more »
Community center gets big financial boost
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) visited the Eastern Shore this week and stopped in Berlin to present a check for $1.4 million to the town for its community center initiative. Berlin officials announced in January that the Berlin Community Center project received a $1.4 million federal grant… Read more »
Berlin planners present new school overview
Commission requested meeting to learn about full project, details of concern By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Plans for a new Buckingham Elementary School continue to move forward, as the project’s leaders presented their plans last week to the Berlin Planning Commission and community members. The project was presented to the Berlin Planning… Read more »
Berlin to host second Chili Pepper Festival
Live entertainment, pepper eating competition on tap By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 20, 2026) Berlin residents and visitors can test their spicy food tolerance this Saturday at the town’s second annual Chili Pepper Festival. The Berlin Chamber of Commerce is hosting the spicy-foods event on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 3-8 p.m. in downtown Berlin…. Read more »
Alice J. Unger
Alice J. Unger Berlin Alice JoAnn Unger, age 83, passed away on August 15, 2026, in Berlin, Maryland. Born on April 21, 1943, in Baltimore, Maryland, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Flaxcomb and Alice (Kramer) Flaxcomb. While JoAnn enjoyed a long career in the health insurance field, she found her true purpose… Read more »
08/20/2026 Bayside Editorial: County getting behind local shellfish farming
County getting behind local shellfish farming Aquaculture in the coastal bays that stretch along the Worcester County mainland into Virginia could help revive a shellfish industry that disappeared from these waters decades ago. As Worcester County’s tourism and marketing department launches its Maryland Coast Shellfish campaign today (Thursday), it’s worth noting that the effort marks… Read more »
Redistricting amendment heading to ballot
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 13, 2026) Maryland lawmakers approved a proposed constitutional amendment during a two-day special session last week that will ask voters statewide to change the rules governing how the state’s congressional districts may be drawn. Lower Eastern Shore elected officials said the change could clear the way for Democratic Party… Read more »
Ocean Downs owner weighs casino, racetrack sale
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Aug. 13, 2026) The corporate owner of Ocean Downs is considering selling the Berlin casino and racetrack as part of a review of its regional gaming properties across the country. Churchill Downs Inc., the property’s Louisville-based owner, disclosed the possible sale in a July 29 filing with the U.S. Securities… Read more »