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 »
News
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 »
Library branch opens new artwork exhibits
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Artwork by two Worcester County Arts Council creators is now featured at the Berlin Library. Patrons can view the pieces for free at the facility’s second-floor exhibit until March 11. The items are also available for purchase. Virginia Eastern Shore-based artist Margaret Bradach’s work featured at the library includes acrylics,… Read more »
Aquatics group planning for summer; Committee meets to review off-season priorities for pools
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Despite the ongoing winter weather in Ocean Pines, the community’s aquatics advisory committee continues to meet, brainstorming ways to improve the neighborhood’s five pools when the sun starts to heat up. The group met on Thursday, Jan. 16, where Gary Miller, the committee’s chair, reiterated priorities and initiatives the body… Read more »
Beach to Bay Heritage gets grant; Local nonprofits score funds through Maryland Humanities SHINE program
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
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 »
Neighbors question Berlin parking lot lease; Officials believe parking shortage required bold move
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Some Berlin residents have concerns regarding the 10-year lease agreement inked recently for a new parking lot. The Mayor and Council recently announced a lease deal with a private property owner to establish a municipal parking lot in town. Officials have said it’s a move to grow the downtown business… Read more »
01/23/2025 Bayside Editorial: Wind: cloudy picture
Wind: cloudy picture When President Trump’s executive orders came out yesterday, Ocean City and Worcester County officials, as well as parties on both sides of the offshore wind energy argument, asked, “What does this mean?” That’s about all anyone would conclude judging from the official responses from Ocean City and Worcester County governments on how… Read more »