By Cindy Hoffman Staff Reporter (March 16, 2023) The Election Committee is gearing up for the 2023 election process. This year, two seats for the board are up for election. Both Doug Parks and Colette Horn cannot run again due to term limits. The deadline for candidates to file is 4 pm on Wednesday, May… Read more »
News
Eagle rescued, injuries too severe to treat
By Cindy Hoffman Staff Reporter (March 16, 2023) Patti Adams, owner of Ruff Cuts Pet Salon in Ocean Pines, is no stranger to rescuing animals, even bald eagles. She once rescued an eagle near Abi’s Diner. And on Feb. 10, she was the one who found the eagle that was rescued on Racetrack Road. “The… Read more »
Finding firefighters tough as Pines population ages
By Cindy Hoffman Staff Reporter (March 16, 2023) Like many other communities across the country with aging populations, Ocean Pines, where the average age is 65, recruiting volunteer firefighters is becoming increasingly challenging. “This is a difficult demographic to recruit from,” said Dave VanGasbeck, president of the Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department (OPVFD). Some other fire… Read more »
Berlin looking at animal code insufficiencies
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (March 16, 2023) The Town of Berlin could be adopting the Worcester County animal control code as some residents push for a more organized and stricter approach to defining pets and enforcing laws. Resident Gina Velong briefed tge Berlin Planning Commission on March 8 on research she’s done that indicates… Read more »
Berlin skate park designer selected
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (March 16, 2023) The skateboard wheels are in motion in Berlin. Last Tuesday, representatives from the nonprofit We Heart Berlin briefed the Berlin Parks Commission on the progress toward a town skate park, which is quickly headed toward the design phase. We Heart Berlin’s Brian Robertson said the nonprofit has… Read more »
Berlin Planning Commission recommends urban design contractor
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (March 16, 2023) The Berlin Planning Commission voted 6-0 on March 8 to recommend bringing aboard an urban designer to determine how and where growth in the town should be handled. Dhiru Thadani, a Washington, D.C. architect and designer, would come to Berlin for a few days and review several… Read more »
Buckingham replacement design approved
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (March 16, 2023) A new Buckingham Elementary School is about to become more than a listing on the public school system’s wish list, now that the Worcester County Commissioners agreed to spend $60,000 on a design for the school’s replacement. Following a presentation detailing the two options for the school… Read more »
‘Rails and Trails’ picks up steam
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (March 16, 2023) After years of discussion, Berlin is gearing up to move on the “Rails and Trails” project that will place a shared-use bike and pedestrian path along the railroad in town. Berlin Planning Director Dave Engelhart briefed the mayor and Town Council on construction funding and plans for… Read more »
County redistricting underway
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (March 16, 2023) With the 2022 election cycle out of the way and 2020 census data secured, Worcester County officials agreed to begin the redistricting process on March 7. In a unanimous vote, the commissioners agreed that Director of Development, Review and Permitting Jennifer Keener will provide them with multiple… Read more »
Commissioners OK Shell Mill boat ramp fee, commercial use review
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (March 17, 2023) It’s going to cost non-Maryland boaters to launch at the Shell Mill boat ramp in Bishopville soon. The Worcester County Commissioners voted 4-3, with commissioners Joe Mitrecic and Ted Elder opposed and Diana Purnell abstaining, to initiate a pilot program that will charge out-of-state users $10 to… Read more »