NEWARK– The school system will accept a grant to expand prekindergarten despite concerns from the Worcester County Commissioners.Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) officials said this week the school system would accept a $600,000 Pre-K expansion grant. The decision comes after the commissioners declined to offer concurrence regarding the Pre-K3 funding.“We certainly appreciate the commissioners’ careful… Read more »
BERLIN– State officials approved Worcester County’s plan to buy land from the Berlin Lions Club to add to the Northern Worcester Athletic Complex.The Maryland Board of Public Works (BPW) last week approved a recommendation from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to commit $1,268,400 in Program Open Space (POS) funding for the acquisition of 12… Read more »
BERLIN – A state board found no issues with closed session meetings held by Berlin officials regarding Heron Park but believes the town’s salary study should have been discussed in open session.The Open Meetings Compliance Board (OMCB) issued an opinion Friday identifying no violations with three meetings held to discuss the potential sale of Heron… Read more »
NEWARK – After more than a decade leading the Worcester County Developmental Center, Executive Director Jack Ferry will step down at the end of this month.Ferry, who started at the Newark facility in 2008, will retire June 30. While he’ll miss his daily interactions with developmental center clients, Ferry believes he’s leaving the agency at… Read more »
BERLIN– The town’s planning officials told developers to improve the design of townhouses planned for Bay Street.Members of the Berlin Planning Commission last week provided input on townhouses proposed on Bay Street across from the Homes at Berlin II. While they said they’d be happy to see the site improved, several suggested design changes for… Read more »
OCEAN PINES – Officials in Ocean Pines last week approved changes to the association’s elections resolution, allowing for ballots to be counted by an independent contractor and for the process to be viewed remotely.Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously to a second reading of revisions involving Resolution M-06, elections and referendums.The… Read more »
OCEAN CITY – A code amendment pertaining to non-accessory workforce housing will advance to a first reading following a lengthy discussion on conditional use and density.In a work session Monday, the Mayor and Council agreed to forward an ordinance on non-accessory workforce housing to a first reading. Planning and Community Development Director Bill Neville said… Read more »
OCEAN CITY – A discussion on the use of advertising funds dominated a resort commission meeting this week.On Monday, City Manager Terry McGean presented members of the Ocean City Tourism Commission with a proposed advertising fund use policy. He said the document would provide a guideline on how advertising dollars should be used to promote… Read more »
POCOMOKE – A local educator took to the skies during the OC Air Show through a once in a lifetime opportunity to fly with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.Jenifer Rayne, principal of Pocomoke High School, was selected to fly with the Thunderbirds through their “Hometown Hero” program. She spent an hour in an F-16 last… Read more »
NEWARK – Outdoor graduation ceremonies, after-school programs and the annual kick-off event for teachers are among numerous items cut from the school system budget.Late last Friday afternoon, Worcester County Public Schools officials announced a series of budget cuts made to eliminate the $4.5 million funding shortfall the school system is facing. The Worcester County Board… Read more »