Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Steve Green Executive Editor A retired Berlin police officer died Monday night responding to a structure fire in West Virginia. J.D. Lawson was 54. After his retirement from the Berlin Police Department in 2023 as a lieutenant, Lawson returned to his hometown of War, W.Va. During his time with Berlin, Lawson was also an… Read more »
Schools could benefit by looking internally As education experts and advisors to the Worcester County Board of Education encourage board members to allow for some overlap when they select the replacement for departing Superintendent Lou Taylor in June, the best way to ensure that happens is to promote from within. Taylor, who announced in January… Read more »
Charles Theodore Purnell, Jr. Ocean City Charles Theodore Purnell, Jr., age 77, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at Coastal Hospice at the Lake in Salisbury. Born in Breman, Germany, he was the son of Irmgard Stockman Heinecke and the late Charles Theodore Purnell, Sr. Ted was the kindest of souls, loved animals, boating,… Read more »
By Brian Shane Staff Writer A new initiative is underway to standardize traffic accident protocols across Worcester County police agencies, one that aims to produce more streamlined investigations. Starting in March, monthly meetings will be held among crash evaluators to share techniques and improve investigations, according to Worcester County State’s Attorney Kristin Heiser. Her office… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer The Town of Berlin’s On What Grounds? has officially transitioned to Cafe Berlin with new ownership and new items, like macarons. Christina and Michael Ewing, who moved to Worcester County from Carroll County in the fall of 2022, officially purchased On What Grounds? on Main Street last month. The couple… Read more »
Brian Shane Staff Writer Smoke-free cannabis consumption lounges, and events where cannabis vendors could offer single-serving products direct to consumers, are both being considered under legislation now pending with Maryland state lawmakers. Maryland’s nascent cannabis marketplace, already a billion-dollar industry, moves mostly combustible products that are consumed by smoking. Now, the state’s cannabis oversight agency… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Racquet sports players in Ocean Pines continue to oppose the transition from separate rates to a single, multi-sport membership choice and the increased prices as a result. In an effort to increase revenue and avoid logistical headaches, Ocean Pines has opted to eliminate the various membership options and instead offer… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Ahead of a disc golf tournament next month, the Berlin Town Council approved changes to the course at Stephen Decatur Park to improve pedestrian safety and appeal to beginners. Eastbound Disc Golf representatives came before the Berlin mayor and Town Council at the body’s Monday, Feb. 10 meeting to request… Read more »
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer Mayor Zack Tyndall and Berlin council members were honored this week with the Briddell Family Foundation Service Award for the body’s dedication to the small town community. Co-founder of the foundation, Kwanza Briddell, and her father, Walter Briddell, a member of the group’s board of directors, were present at the… Read more »
Jeffrey Alan Fluharty Berlin Jeffrey Alan Fluharty, born Oct. 10, 1967, passed away Feb. 2, 2025. Jeff’s legacy continues to live on in the lives he touched and the memories he created, a true testament to a life well-lived and deeply cherished. Jeff is survived by his wife Holly Hogan, his mother Diane Fluharty, his… Read more »