By Greg Ellison Department proposals get scrutiny in uncertain times (Jan. 14, 2021) Ocean Pines kicked off a multi-day FY 2021-22 budget presentation last Wednesday, with covered food and beverage services, fire/EMS, golf operations, finance, marketing and general administration. In-depth departmental presentations were provided for the Budget and Finance Committee, which will subsequently issue guidance… Read more »
News
Use of force amendment approved for police
Federal funds dependent on department’s adoption of clearer chokehold policy By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The Berlin Mayor and Council approved amendments to the Use of Force General Order for the Berlin Police Department on Monday. “It’s adding of two statements that the presidential Executive Order on Safe Policing for Safe Communities… Read more »
Ocean Pines Budget Committee issues guidance
By Greg Ellison Advisory group gathers on Monday to review results of departmental presentations (Jan. 14, 2021) After spending more than 12 hours reviewing next year’s proposed budget, the Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee reconvened on Monday to issue formal guidance for the board of directors before it meets next Tuesday. Budget Committee Chairman… Read more »
OP budget meeting examines parks, marinas
By Greg Ellison (Jan. 14, 2021) The Ocean Pines Budget and Finance Committee continued its line item vetting of the next fiscal year’s budget proposal last Thursday with presentations from public works, recreation and parks, marinas, and the police pepartment, as well as reviewing proposed new capital expenditures. The Ocean Pines Association’s fiscal year begins… Read more »
Media Expo honors WCPS students’ artwork
Aspects of annual event to take place online because of current covid concerns By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) Since 1975, Worcester County’s public schools have celebrated students’ creative communication through media and technology to local and global communities with the annual Media Expo. “In the late 1970s, the Maryland state library media… Read more »
Town Council approves SHA easement deal
Will allow state to improve turn lanes off Route 376 By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 14, 2021) The Berlin Mayor and Council on Monday approved the transfer of rights of way along Maryland Route 376 to the State Highway Administration (SHA) to widen its intersection with U.S. Route 113 for safety purposes. “These are… Read more »
Federal fund programs audit approved by education board
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 7, 2021) An audit of the federal program funds used by the Worcester County public school system in the past fiscal year found nothing but full compliance, according to a report to the board of education on Dec. 15. The audit was conducted by the accounting firm TGM Group… Read more »
Board of Education Briefs
(Jan. 7, 2021) The following took place during the Worcester County Board of Education meeting on Dec. 15: Principal of the Year Matthew Record, the principal of Pocomoke Middle School, was recognized by Superintendent Lou Taylor and the school board members for being named Maryland Middle School Principal of the Year. “One of the most… Read more »
Wor. schools in virtual instruction after break
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 7, 2021) Worcester County public and private schools will remain in distance learning mode this week, as school officials from both sectors agreed to abide by the Worcester County Health Department’s request. Health department officials told Bayside Gazette that the recommendation for schools to conduct classes virtually was based… Read more »
Berlin permits show growth at end of 2020
By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer (Jan. 7, 2021) Once again, the Berlin Planning and Zoning Department saw an increase in permits for building-related projects and other town-regulated matters and pursuits, with 308 total permits issued in 2020 as compared to 232 overall in 2019. “It just shows how we’re still a destination, and we’re still… Read more »