SNOW HILL — Funding for a popular student internship program has dried up in Worcester County, and officials are attempting to find a suitable replacement program.While briefing the commissioners on his Fiscal Year 2014 operating budget, Economic Development Director Bill Badger revealed that federal matching funds for the Step Up and Reach for the Stars… Read more »
Monthly Archives: March 2013
Funding Bump Not Enough To Cool County’s Fears
SNOW HILL — Though a slight bump is expected this year, the Worcester County Commissioners still had harsh words for Annapolis regarding the condition of highway user funds.One commissioner with experience in the Roads Department also made troubling predictions for the county and the state of its highways.Highway user funds are expected to increase by… Read more »
Decatur Graduate Honored With Medal For Daring Rescue In Thailand
BERLIN — An Ocean City native and Stephen Decatur High School graduate, now an experienced U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter pilot serving in Korea, was honored last week with a Joint Service Commendation Medal after piloting his aircraft and leading his crew on a daring rescue of seven U.S. Marines last month.U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer… Read more »
Decatur After-Prom Event’s Future Much In Doubt
BERLIN — With the school year suddenly cruising toward its finish line, prom season will soon descend on the area, but a popular annual event aimed at keeping local teens safe following the big dance is in danger of going away because of waning interest.Stephen Decatur High School’s prom is set for May 11 and… Read more »
County Weighing More Employee Pay Raises
SNOW HILL — Facing a roughly $7 million shortfall heading into budget season, most members of the Worcester County Commission say they want to wait until the end of the process before making decisions on whether or not county employees will receive another raise this year. However, Commissioner Jim Bunting revealed that his mind is… Read more »
County Scales Back Budget On New School Resource Officers
SNOW HILL — At the request of the Worcester County Commissioners, the Sheriff’s Department was able to slash its original $1.7 million school safety plan to just over $600,000, but some on the commission still believe there’s some room to lower the figure even further.The original proposal called for full-time armed deputies with vehicles to… Read more »
Council Balks At Approving More OCPD Tasers
OCEAN CITY – The Mayor and City Council was torn this week between spending funds available in this fiscal year’s budget to purchase eight additional Tasers for the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) or wait to prioritize expenditures when the budget picture clears.OCPD Captain Gregory Guiton came before the council, with Mayor Rick Meehan, Council… Read more »
Berlin Culvert Project Nears End
BERLIN — First initiated two years ago, improvements to a West Street culvert now have an official deadline of Memorial Day and an end price tag of about $175,000.“This is a project we’ve been working on for a couple years now,” said Town Administrator Tony Carson.Carson reminded the Town Council that the original assessment of… Read more »
Senate OKs Bill Exempting OC From Recycling Measure
OCEAN CITY — Legislation that would provide an exemption for the countless condominiums and apartment buildings in Ocean City from placing mandatory recycling bins on their properties cruised through the Senate this week.Last year, the General Assembly passed legislation requiring the owner or property managers of condominiums or apartment complexes of 10 or more units… Read more »
Cops & Courts
OCPD Busts Pot Growing OperationOCEAN CITY — An Ocean City man faces numerous drug charges this week after an OCPD narcotics unit raid on his residence Tuesday evening revealed an alleged marijuana growing operation including over 100 plants.Around 6 p.m. on Tuesday, the OCPD Narcotics Unit executed a search and seizure warrant on a residence… Read more »