One of the most important goals of investing should be maintaining financial independence in retirement. With that in mind, here are some key retirement planning tax traps to avoid. Neglecting taxable savings. Because earnings in qualified retirement plans and IRAs grow tax-deferred, it seems obvious that these plans should receive the maximum contribution allowable and… Read more »
News
Longest-serving active duty Maryland state trooper set to retire
EASTON—After a lifetime of serving and protecting the citizens of Maryland, the most tenured sworn Maryland State Police trooper is turning in his Stetson following four decades of dedicated public service in uniform. Sgt. Vernon L. “Lee” Love, currently assigned to the Easton Barrack, will be retiring from the Maryland State Police after 40 years… Read more »
Local jurisdictions receive first impact grants from casino this year
WORCESTER COUNTY—The Casino at Ocean Downs generated $5,826,335 in gross terminal revenues from its 800 video lottery terminals in July, according to the Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency. Since the state requires that 5.5 percent of VLT proceeds are paid to communities in the local area that meant a payout of $320,448.42 in local… Read more »
Carne asada tacos simple dish to prepare
The kids are back in school, which means that it is now time to get ready for Christmas and next summer. There’s simply so much to do. I have to clean the garage, finish the many projects around the house, get ready for a season of robotics and make sure that the kids all get… Read more »
Aspects of new healthcare law to be explained at OP Chamber event Topics covered include who is eligible for open enrollment; benefit choices
OCEAN PINES—Love it or hate, Obamacare is scheduled to go nationwide next year and the first leg starts in October. Taking no sides, Lynne McAllorum, an independent insurance agent, will present "The Maryland Health Insurance Exchange: What you need to Know," sponsored by the Ocean Pines Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 5. McAllorum, owner of… Read more »
Back to school safe driving tips
BALTIMORE—Households across the state are making the transition from summer vacations to the back-to-school daily grind. As parents prepare children with school supplies, fall clothing and study skills, they need to add one more thing to the back to school checklist: reviewing the rules of the road. On average, more than 500 children are involved… Read more »
Assateague environmental assessment out for public comment
ASSATEAGUE NATIONAL SEASHORE—The National Park Service is releasing the Bayside Picnic and South Ocean Beach Parking Areas Removal and Relocation Environmental Assessment for public review and comment. This project proposes to remove and relocate the existing bayside picnic and south ocean beach parking areas in Maryland, both of which sustained significant damage from Hurricane Sandy… Read more »
Berlin planning director begins new job this week
BERLIN—The new Town Planning Director hit the ground running on Aug. 26. David H. Engelhart acclimated to his new office where he and Permit Coordinator Carolyn Duffy spent the day catching up with permit applications for fence and utility sheds and talking with other department officials who needed to sign off on the various applications…. Read more »
Main Street logo bags to fund holiday decorations available
BERLIN—Illustrating yet again that it’s never too early to get a head start on holiday planning, Berlin Main Street has begun sales to raise funds for the downtown business district’s Victorian Christmas display. In addition to its popular keepsake ornaments, the merchant group will also sell canvas tote bags emblazoned with an illustration and the… Read more »
Former paramedic sues Berlin Fire Company
BERLIN—A former paramedic and volunteer fireman on Aug. 27 filed a civil rights lawsuit in excess of $8 million against the Berlin Volunteer Fire Company and several of its current and former leaders for their alleged roles in a campaign of sexual orientation-based harassment and intimidation. Attorney James Otway, of the Salisbury firm Otway, Russo… Read more »