Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Oct. 6, 2022) One week later, nothing has changed. The Ocean Pines Association’s hand recount of ballots and votes in the 2022 board of directors election yielded plenty of drama in recent weeks but in the end, directors Stephen Jacobs, Stuart Lakernick and Monica Rakowski retained their seats. The recount… Read more »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
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 »
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 22, 2022) There will be plenty of loot on the line this weekend as the Berlin Fiddlers Convention returns for its 30th year. The three-day celebration of bluegrass music will feature both professional and amateur artists. The weekend will kick off with a locals’ party in front of the… Read more »
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 22, 2022) Lieutenant Dan is giving one Worcester County World War II veteran a leg to stand on. Morris Semiatin, 96, will receive $35,500 from the Gary Sinise Foundation, a charity and veterans service organization founded by the actor of the same name, who famously portrayed Lt. Dan Taylor… Read more »
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 22, 2022) With 12 days to go until residents head to the polls, the next iteration of Berlin Town Council already looks just about in place — save for one race in District 4. To be clear, there are four candidates on the ballot: incumbents Jay Knerr and Dean… Read more »
By Jack Chavez, Staff Writer (Sept. 22, 2022) The Town of Berlin will start researching the usage of accessory dwelling units in other communities, after the topic consumed nearly an entire Planning Commission meeting on Sept. 14. Planning Director Dave Engelhart said the discussion came at the behest of some commission members who saw the… Read more »