Berlin, Ocean Pines News Worcester County Bayside Gazette
With millions available now council must develop plan By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) Town of Berlin officials have yet to determine where to direct $2.4 million in American Rescue Plan funds recently awarded to the municipality, with federal program directives mandating allocations by December 2024 and expenditures prior to December 2026. Town Administrator Jeff… Read more »
Choice of words leads to hint of election committee unfairness in directors race By Greg Ellison (July 22, 2021) What was intended to be a closed session meeting Sunday afternoon to discuss whether to respond to accusations of political bias by the Ocean Pines Elections Committee instead turned into a 45-minute open session, with the… Read more »
Special exception granted for flood zone workaround By Greg Ellison (July 15, 2021) Berlin’s Board of Zoning Appeals approved both a conditional use and special exemption request for a proposed 33-townhome community on Maple Avenue during its meeting last Wednesday. Maple Avenue of Berlin LLC and UTR Ventures LLC are looking to develop three parcels… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 15, 2021) Throngs of spectators cheered the return of the annual Bathtub Races to Main Street Berlin Friday, when the 31st annual outing saw the Worcester County Parks and Recreation team take the trophy away from Deeley Insurance Group, the 2019 champions. Economic and Community Development Director Ivy Wells said after… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 15, 2021) After jumping on board in the early phases of the downtown’s resurgence, Berlin Deputy Town Administrator Mary Bohlen has witnessed the evolution of Berlin from a typical Eastern Shore community into Budget Travel’s 2014 title holder of America’s Coolest Small Town. Native to the region, Bohlen grew up in… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 15, 2021) Disc golf will get a trial run at Stephen Decatur Park next month, following the Berlin Town Council’s 3-1 vote Monday to allow three events to take place on an 18-hole course at the site. Local disc golf pros Austin Widdowson and Shawn Johnson, both members of Eastbound Disc… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 8, 2021) Musician Al Cook, who slaps bass for perennial lower shore rockers Tranzfusion, made a brief stop on the injured reserve list after falling and breaking his hand while slipping off stage during a rainstorm last weekend. Tranzfusion was performing at the Ocean Pines Yacht Club on Saturday when heavy… Read more »
By Greg Ellison (July 8, 2021) After hitting pause in 2020 because of covid-19, the Berlin Bathtub Races return for their 31st edition tomorrow and piggybacks on the Second Friday monthly celebration for an evening of family-friendly activities starting at 5 p.m. Berlin Chamber of Commerce Deputy Director Steve Frene said the dual events would… Read more »
Voters get another opportunity to ask candidates their thoughts on issues By Greg Ellison (July 8, 2021) The second installment of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors election forum is scheduled for July 13 at 7 p.m. in the Golf Clubhouse. The entire candidate field of Rick Farr, David Hardy, Stuart Lakernick and incumbent… Read more »
Ocean Pines holiday celebration breaks record for attendance By Greg Ellison (July 8, 2021) Following the sudden cancellation of Fourth of July firework displays in Ocean City on Sunday, corresponding crowd surge was seen at the Independence Day festivities in Ocean Pines. Recreation and Parks Director Debbie Donahue said the return of pyrotechnics at Veterans… Read more »