By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) Berlin’s proposed fees for customers who opt out of smart meters and use of the town’s electric vehicle charging station were the subject of a Maryland Public Service Commission hearing Monday night as the town seeks approval to implement the charges. Before the Berlin Town Council’s regular… Read more »
News
State chips in more funding for required service project
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) The Berlin Town Council approved additional state funding Monday to help cover the hefty price tag of the town’s lead service line replacement project, which officials said has become more expensive than originally expected. The council voted unanimously to accept a $2,286,773 funding package from the Maryland… Read more »
Berlin tweaks, tables proposed burning ordinance
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) Berlin’s outdoor burning policy is going back to the drawing board after residents shared concerns that the proposed code revisions don’t include an exception for large properties that need an efficient way to reduce yard and storm debris. The Town of Berlin is looking to tighten its… Read more »
$300K grant gives Berlin’s skate park dream a boost
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) Advocates for a skate park in Berlin received good news last week when they learned the project was awarded a $300,000 grant, pushing a long-held dream closer to reality. On Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved the Town of Berlin’s request for $300,000… Read more »
Local school system adopts strategic plan, ‘Learn, Lead and Succeed’
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) The Worcester County Board of Education last week received an overview of the school system’s new strategic plan that will guide Worcester County Public Schools’ priorities through 2030. The 2026-2030 plan, entitled “Learn, Lead and Succeed,” ensures every student is “known, supported, challenged and prepared for the… Read more »
OC rejects land purchase for future complex west of Berlin
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor (Aug. 27, 2026) Plans to purchase a 193-acre property for the development of a sports complex just west of Berlin fell apart last Monday night, with most of the Ocean City Council expressing concern about the location and the impacts it would have on neighbors. Dozens of residents in the… Read more »
Retiring town administrator: ‘Decision … a difficult one’
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (Aug. 27, 2026) After 35 years with Berlin, longtime employee and current town administrator Mary Bohlen publicly announced her retirement this week, saying goodbye to the community she’s served for over three decades. At Monday night’s Town Council meeting, Bohlen shared remarks regarding her retirement, noting her official last day… Read more »
John F. Ferry III
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
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 »
Letter To The Editor: “Berlin Uncool” signs way off base
“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 »