Letters to Santa, a decor competition, and a holiday vendor fair top the lineup By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Recreation and Parks Department is rolling out a full lineup of holiday activities this season, offering residents opportunities to get into the festive spirit. One of the efforts is the P.E.P. Club Christmas… Read more »
News
Berlin to clarify backyard fire pit regulations
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin officials are looking to clarify the town’s rules on backyard fire pits after residents expressed confusion over whether the fixtures fall under the town’s ban on open burning. During Monday’s mayor and council meeting, staff and elected officials discussed updating the code to make the difference clear between recreational… Read more »
Berlin council pushes back on parade chair policy
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer A discussion this week among Berlin officials and residents highlighted frustrations over the town’s new policy that limits when spectators can place chairs along Main Street ahead of the annual Christmas Parade and summertime Bathtub Races. The town recently announced that members of the streetside audience cannot place chairs or… Read more »
Vendor approved for Berlin comp plan update
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Following a vote this week, the Town of Berlin will contract with the firm Mead and Hunt for an update to the municipality’s comprehensive plan, a process that will guide future growth and development, for a cost of $99,075. Town Administrator Mary Bohlen said the town is required to review… Read more »
Town Hall overhaul heads to bidding process
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin officials reviewed updated plans for the long-anticipated Town Hall renovation this week, with construction documents nearing completion, and the project expected to go out to bid in December. The Town Hall project will address space concerns and the need for a centralized location for staff, updated safety elements and… Read more »
Whimsical marsh mural gets commission’s vote
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The month-long debate over how well a somewhat fanciful mural fits into the historic downtown image the town works to maintain ended last week when the Berlin Historic District Commission issued its approval. At its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 5, the commission voted 4-1 to allow local artist Evan Fitzgerald… Read more »
Charles Richard Lampe
Charles Richard Lampe Selbyville, Del. Charles “Chuck” Richard Lampe, 97, of Selbyville, Del., passed away peacefully in his home after a long illness on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, surrounded by his loving children. Chuck was born on January 12, 1928, in Pekin, IL, the son of the late Charles and Ruth Lampe. The oldest of… Read more »
Letter To The Editor: Independent voters deserve a voice
Independent voters deserve a voice Editor, I am one of almost a million Maryland voters – 22.5% of the electorate – who are unaffiliated with either of the two major political parties. I registered as an independent because I believe ‘We The People’ must interact directly with our government, not just choose between two parties… Read more »
11/13/2025 Bayside Editorial: Renovation needed/Mural has right mix
Renovation needed Any number of things might be and probably have been said about the Berlin mayor and Town Council’s decision to renovate Town Hall, but “frivolous” or “excessive” should not be among them. A better one-word description of the $2.5 million project scheduled to begin next year might be “practical,” even though it does… Read more »
Merry Marketplace returns to Berlin starting Nov. 29
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Homemade goodies will be the focus of Berlin’s multi-day Christmas shopping event that will place on the four Saturdays after Thanksgiving. The annual Merry Marketplace, as promotion is known, is slated for downtown Berlin from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 29, Dec. 6, Dec. 13, and Dec. 20…. Read more »