BERLIN — With a proposal on the table to double, or even triple, the state’s “flush tax,” a tax on septic systems put in place several years ago to preserve and protect the coastal bays and the Chesapeake Bay, a handful of bills have been introduced in the General Assembly to ensure the revenue collected… Read more »
Monthly Archives: January 2012
Bill Hopes To Address Court’s Public Defender Opinion
BERLIN — A recent Maryland Court of Appeals opinion guaranteeing legal representation for defendants at the earliest stages of criminal proceedings, including initial bail reviews, could cost state and local governments millions of dollars to implement, but an emergency bill introduced by Delegate Mike McDermott (R-38B) may provide a remedy.In early January, the Court of… Read more »
Local Motorist Dies In Accident
BERLIN — A local woman was killed in a single-vehicle accident early yesterday morning when her SUV overturned on a windy, rural road in Berlin.Around 6:30 a.m. on Thursday, Worcester County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a motor vehicle crash on Cedar Lane Rd. just west of Evans Rd. in Berlin. The preliminary investigation revealed the… Read more »
Legislators Attend Delmarva Poultry Summit
BERLIN — The future of one of Delmarva’s backbone economic engines was debated by federal lawmakers and a coalition of stakeholders and industry leaders with a Poultry Summit in Delmar on Monday.Hosted by U.S. Senator Tom Carper, the poultry summit brought together the region’s congressional leaders, including Maryland Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski, and… Read more »
Snow Hill Schools Wins $100K Target Grant
SNOW HILL — A local elementary school was stunned this week when it learned it would be one of only 50 schools in the country to receive an unrestricted $100,000 grant offered by Target.“It’s kind of an exciting place to be,” said Snow Hill Elementary School (SHES) Principal Denise Shorts.The funding for SHES comes as… Read more »
Salisbury Selects New Attorney Amid Much Controversy
OCEAN CITY – Accusations were thrown around council chambers this week as attempts were made to stop the majority of the City Council from appointing a new city solicitor.On Jan. 13, a meeting was held where the council majority — Council President Terry Cohen, Councilwoman Deborah Campbell and Councilman Tim Spies — decided to relieve… Read more »
Ocean City Employees Weighing Union Effort
OCEAN CITY – A large contingent of municipal employees have been weighing their options to unionize over the last year, including meeting recently with at least two City Council members and speaking with other elected officials to address the issue.It was learned this week a document expressing the intent of general city employees to potentially… Read more »
Berlin Planners Give Approval To Activities Depot
BERLIN — Support from neighboring residents helped sway the Berlin Planning Commission’s decision to approve a final site plan for a proposed Berlin Activities Depot.“This kind of thing could really do a lot for the town,” said Commissioner Pete Cosby.The plans were first reviewed by the commission two weeks ago. The 30,000-square-foot facility is set… Read more »
Berlin Seeking Improvements To Decrepit Property
BERLIN — Continuing with a crackdown on derelict or neglected properties that picked up steam last summer, the town of Berlin has fined a local property owner $600, with the potential for further repercussions in the future if issues continue unaddressed.“If they do not take this seriously, we do,” said Mayor Gee Williams.The guarantee came… Read more »
Governor Taking Another Shot At Offshore Wind
OCEAN CITY — Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley this week introduced a renewed effort to develop an offshore wind farm off the coast of Ocean City with a decidedly softer potential impact on the ratepayers.The intent of the legislation is to harness an untapped renewable energy source that could move Maryland closer to its long-term goal… Read more »