By Paul Suplee, MBA, CEC, PC-3 When you think of empanadas, do you think of tasty hot pockets? That was always my assumption, as they were the only “empanadas” I had ever seen, some made with wheat flour and some with masa. Traveling through Mexico and Costa Rica over the years, they were somewhat ubiquitous,… Read more »
News
OPA election results heading to audit
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 29, 2022) Barely a month into the 2022-23 term of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors, questions of election integrity and accusations of a clandestine rendezvous of association officials, both employed and elected, are dogging the new administration. On Tuesday, the OPA announced a formal audit of the… Read more »
Berlin Elections this Tuesday
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 29, 2022) The Berlin Town Council elections are just five days away. Candidates have long been settled, though they were officially confirmed only recently. No write-in candidates filed before the Sept. 27 deadline, leaving only District 4 up for grabs, where incumbent Dean Burrell looks to fend off a… Read more »
Saturday board meetings back in Ocean Pines
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 26, 2022) Saturday meetings of the Ocean Pines Board of Directors are back and here to stay for the foreseeable future. About 30 people in person and another 50 online attended the 9 a.m. meeting in the Assateague Room in the Ocean Pines Community Center, a healthy-sized turnout that… Read more »
GM’s report highlights projects completed, scheduled
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 29, 2022) Numerous projects are completed, nearing completion, or ready to get underway, according to the latest report from Ocean Pines Association General Manager John Viola. Viola gave his monthly general manager’s report during Saturday’s Ocean Pines Board of Directors meeting and highlighted several projects. The $46,391 North Gate… Read more »
Ocean Pines Board of Directors briefs
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 29, 2022) The Ocean Pines Board of Directors discussed the following at its Sept. 24 meeting: Treasurer’s report As of Aug. 31, the association had $18 million in cash: $15.1 million in Bank of Ocean City insured cash sweep (ICS account); $1.1 invested in Certificate of Deposit Account Registry… Read more »
Berlin planning to improve police pay, benefits
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 29, 2022) Berlin is finally making moves to solve its police staffing issues. During the Monday meeting of the mayor and Town Council, Berlin’s elected leaders unanimously agreed to pursue a plan that addresses myriad concerns including salary increases, shift differentials, FICA and retirement, pay for field training officers… Read more »
Berlin Fire workshopping new emergency fee
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 29, 2022) It could soon be that a $50 or $100 donation to the Berlin Fire Department will mean a cheaper ambulance ride for residents. After the regular council meeting on Monday, officials from the Berlin Fire Department briefed the mayor and Town Council on their new emergency response… Read more »
Burrell wants to see green development in Berlin
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 22, 2022) When asked what makes him the man to lead Berlin’s District 4, incumbent Councilmember Dean Burrell didn’t miss a beat. It’s his life experience. “My love and devotion to this town and my understanding of what this town needs, both residential and commercial,” he said. “We have… Read more »
Knerr to continue long career serving community
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 22, 2022) Barring unforeseen issues, Berlin Councilmember Jay Knerr will see four more years on the council. Knerr had been preparing to run against Adrian Bowen, but Bowen dropped out of the race suddenly last week. Knerr, who won the at-large seat that Thom Gulyas vacated in 2020, now… Read more »