By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Racquet center sport membership is down 30% in Ocean Pines, per a review of the homeowner association’s unaudited April financials conducted by the community’s budget and finance committee last week. The committee observed the 30% decrease, which was noted as a significant decline compared to an increase in memberships among… Read more »
News
OPA early budget review confirms surplus
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association is operating at a positive variance of around $70,000 with a revenue surplus, according to the community’s unaudited April finances. OPA’s Budget and Finance Committee met last week to review April’s finances. During the evaluation of the unaudited numbers, it was understood that the association is… Read more »
Ballot set for OP board election; Four candidates on ballot in this summer’s contest for three director seats
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association’s Board of Directors election approaches with four candidates officially registered to run for the governing group’s three open seats. The community’s election committee conducted a drawing last week to determine ballot order and forum seating. OPA’s Board of Directors is a seven-person team tasked with policy… Read more »
Berlin to share cost of traffic study with developer
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Last week, the Berlin Town Council approved a motion to share the cost of a traffic study on Old Ocean City Boulevard with Coastal Ventures Properties (CVP) for $14,250 as it pertains to the site’s upcoming development. Per the approval, the town will contribute half of the cost of a… Read more »
Pollinator garden tour planned for Saturday; Lower Shore Land Trust’s annual event will feature nine Berlin properties
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer This week, Berlin residents and visitors will have the opportunity to explore the town’s private pollinator gardens, talk to hosts, and learn about how to create spaces that attract the creatures necessary to ensure a healthy ecosystem. The Lower Shore Land Trust, an environmental group covering Worcester, Wicomico, and Somerset… Read more »
Council holds tax rate, looks past concerns; Public hearing on budget Monday
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Berlin Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget last week, revealing a stagnant property tax rate and additional interest income. The Town of Berlin’s Mayor and Council presented the municipality’s proposed fiscal year 2026 budget on Tuesday, May 27. The document includes a balanced general… Read more »
Oliver Smith Jr.
Oliver Smith Jr. Showell Oliver “Buddy” Smith Jr., age 85, of Showell, died Friday, May 30, 2025 at University of Maryland in Baltimore. He was born in Bishopville and was the son of the late John Oliver Smith Sr. and Ethel Anna (Smith) Smith. He was a grain and poultry farmer and owner and operator… Read more »
Beatrice J. Antonini
Beatrice J. Antonini Selbyville Beatrice “Bebe” J. Antonini, age 98, of Selbyville, Del. died Monday, May 19, 2025, at the Country Rest Home in Greenwood, Del. She was born and raised in Washington, D.C. and was the daughter of the late Walter Arner and Florence (Baylor) Arner. After high school graduation, her first job was… Read more »
Did county offer teacher raises in private talk?
By Brian Shane, Staff Writer and Stewart Dobson, Editor The president of the Worcester County Commissioners reportedly offered a $3,000 pay raise for teachers to the teachers association president two weeks ago provided she would end salary negotiations with the board of education. Worcester County Teachers Association President Beth Shockley-Lynch turned down the offer that… Read more »
06/05/2025 Bayside Editorial: Commissioners really messed up this time
Commissioners really messed up this time County Commissioner Caryn Abbott of Pocomoke didn’t just let the cat out of the bag last week by revealing the backroom pay raise proposal made to the teachers association, she threw the door open on the majority’s overreaching and sometimes slippery approach to government. In secretly offering teachers association… Read more »