Sunset, cocktails and legally risky business The Ocean Pines Association’s tax-exempt status and federal anti-discrimination laws suggest that a more suitable name for the proposed “Sunset and Cocktails” adults-only night at the Yacht Club pool would be “Sunset, Cocktails and Risky Business.” That’s a shame, too, because even new parents will sometimes confess to a… Read more »
News
Berlin’s Pumpkins in the Park announced; First-year event hosted by horticulture committee around Decatur park pond
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin’s Halloween events continue as the Berlin Horticulture Advisory Committee gears up for its Pumpkins in the Park event. Businesses and individuals can donate $25 to the group, which will be used for Berlin beautification efforts. In return, they will receive a pumpkin and glow light. They may decorate the… Read more »
Committee pleased with election revisions; Vendor reports 28% of Pines property owners chose to vote electronically
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Ocean Pines Association recently reviewed this year’s Board of Directors election process. In August, OPA homeowners voted to fill the two seats on the community’s governing group that were up for grabs. Then-President Rick Farr, who now acts as vice president, and Director Jeff Heavner, both incumbents, were reelected… Read more »
Taylor House Museum hosting movie Sunday; Book festival to return on Oct. 19 with readings, new Berlin Book Award concept
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Berlin’s Calvin B. Taylor House Museum has a busy slate of events this month. On Sunday, Oct. 13, the facility will show the Halloween classic “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” at 7 p.m. on its lawn. The event is free, but donations to the museum are welcome. Snacks will be for… Read more »
County budgets $587K for marketing spend through different mediums
By Brian Shane Staff Writer (Oct. 11, 2024) Drumming up new tourists to visit Maryland’s Coast using Google and Facebook will account for a majority of advertising dollars spent by Worcester County’s tourism office in 2025. “The most targeted, effective and measurable medium is digital,” wrote county tourism director Melanie Pursel in a memo to… Read more »
Family foundation donates $438K for playground
(Oct. 10, 2024) A six-figure gift to Worcester County’s recreation department will pay tribute to a local family while breathing new life into a public park near Pocomoke. County officials signed off Oct. 1 on receipt of a $438,342 donation from the Heather Leigh and Christopher Robbin Hill Foundation. Funds will go toward the purchase… Read more »
Wind farm virtual hearing on expanded project Oct. 16; Public Service Commission will accept comments on US Wind’s latest revisions
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor A proposal from US Wind to expand its project off Maryland’s coast will be the subject of a public hearing later this month. On Wednesday, Oct. 16, the Maryland Public Service Commission will hold a virtual hearing on US Wind’s request to revise and expand its offshore wind project, located… Read more »
County opposing potential 35-acre solar farm project
Brian Shane Staff Writer A proposed utility-scale solar power project on the edge of Berlin has been rejected by Worcester County leaders, though it still has a chance of being kept alive by state officials in the long run. The developer, TurningPoint Energy, presented plans Oct. 1 for a 35-acre solar panel farm to the… Read more »
Plea deal possible in former day care worker abuse case
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor Plea negotiations are underway for a former childcare worker charged with neglect and failure to report child abuse following an investigation into an infant classroom at the Berlin Activities Depot. While a jury trial was scheduled to start Wednesday, a circuit court judge earlier this week granted a motion to… Read more »
Andes, McComas hold forth; School board candidates have forum to themselves with opponents absent
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Two of the four Worcester County Board of Education candidates attended a town hall last Thursday to discuss current matters ahead of next month’s election. Sponsored by the Democratic Club of Worcester County, the town hall allowed members of the audience to ask the contestants. Incumbent Jon Andes is defending… Read more »