Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
John F. Ferry III Ocean Pines On June 19, 2026, John Francis Ferry III passed away at the age of 38, leaving behind a mountain of memories and even more DVDs. John lived his life like an award-winning film that was full of heart, remarkable moments, and plenty of quotable dialogue. Like movies, he brought… Read more »
Michael Francis Higgins Ocean City Michael “Mike” Higgins, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away on August 17, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born in 1944 in Independence, Iowa, to Don and Cora Higgins, Mike showed an early aptitude for learning. He mastered typing in grade school, a skill that led to his… Read more »
“Berlin Uncool” signs way off base Editor, This letter is only directed to the person and/or persons who have placed signs around Berlin saying. “Make Berlin Uncool Again.” The sign makes a “play” on the award Berlin received as “America’s Coolest Small Town” by Budget Travel in 2014. However, the implication as I see it,… Read more »
Harris could limit menhaden picking Editor, If Congressman Andy Harris really wanted to help the Chesapeake Bay and the Maryland Coastal Bays communities he could advocate for restricting the harvest of menhaden. Menhaden are harvested by a Virginia-based company Omega Protein, with connection to a Canadian corporation Cooke Inc., and used to manufacture fish oil…. Read more »
Sports complex site needs transparency Why is the sports complex so important to Ocean City? It’s a question that needs a clear answer with an explanation that connects with everyone in Worcester County. The reality is the sports complex has been pushed for more than a decade because there are concerning trends being seen in… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »