By Greg Ellison East Coast Construction, 5 Star Plumbing, Heating use money to retain staff (May 14, 2020) As numerous enterprises flirt with economic disaster during the covid-19 pandemic, the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program has kept two small business owners in Ocean Pines fiscally sound. East Coast Construction owner Dale Christensen was able… Read more »
News
Ocean Pines Golf Course comes back to life
By Greg Ellison (May 14, 2020) The Ocean Pines Golf Course sprang back to life this weekend following Gov. Larry Hogan’s decision last Wednesday to include 18-holes on the links among expanded outdoor activities permitted under the current stay-at-home order. Starting May 7 in Maryland, a slight return to normalcy went into effect that broadened… Read more »
Maryland Food Bank aided by Choptank Electric with funding support
By Greg Ellison (May 14, 2020) Recognizing food insecurity issues have heightened during the covid-19 pandemic, Choptank Electric Trust recently donated $10,000 to support nutritional assistance campaigns operated by the Maryland Food Bank. Eastern Shore Food Bank Director of Programs Jennifer Small said the financial backing would bolster the Maryland Food Bank’s Mobile Pantry-on-the-Go and… Read more »
Windmill Creek hosts weekly farmers market
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) Windmill Creek Vineyard and Winery is expanding, in a way, with the addition of its own farmers market from 4-7 p.m. every Friday. Located at 11206 Worcester Hwy, the vineyard already sells wine and offers community gardening, but more can be done with the 12.5-acre property, owners… Read more »
Constant yield rate discussion platform
With the arrival of every new year and the government budget planning process that begins shortly thereafter, we hear the term “Constant Yield Rate.” Unfortunately, it’s frequently misrepresented as the gold ring that every budget planner should aim for, even though that is not the case. The constant yield rate is more of a budgetary… Read more »
OP PT owner, mother create masks for essential workers
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) A local physical therapy business has been providing masks for essential workers through the northern Worcester County communities since mid-April. William “Billy” Hamilton, who owns Hamilton Physical Therapy in Ocean Pines, and his mother, Carol, have been providing hundreds of homemade masks for protection against spreading covid-19… Read more »
Berlin businesses share PPP loan experience
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) As the federal government continued its Payroll Protection Program loans from the Small Business Administration, Berlin businesses joined many others in the area seeking to keep their doors open and employees working. The SBA will forgive loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight… Read more »
Berlin tax rate will stay same as last year’s
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer Council votes for no change as decision goes to hearing (May 14, 2020) The Berlin Town Council on Monday voted to stick with last year’s real property tax of 80 cents per $100 of assessed value as pursues its budget for the Fiscal Year 2020/21. Despite being limited to less… Read more »
Berlin council considered increase of fees
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) The Berlin mayor and Town Council considered but took no action on a proposed $50 increase in stormwater utilities for residential properties and $10 increase for commercial properties at its meeting on Monday. Members of the council listened to a stormwater utilities presentation that explained the history… Read more »
Heron Park open for public use once again amid virus
By Morgan Pilz, Staff Writer (May 14, 2020) Berlin Mayor Gee Williams announced the reopening of Heron Park last Wednesday, following Gov. Larry Hogan’s address that afternoon. Heron Park, on 10009 Old Ocean City Blvd, is now available to the public seeking exercise and some fresh air. “I decided to open Heron Park immediately after… Read more »