BERLIN — Despite getting a green light from the Historic District Commission (HDC), a property owner in Berlin was denied a variance by the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) to demolish and reconstruct a troubled property.“Our hands are tied from the standpoint of the code,” BZA Chairman Joe Moore told property owner Ernest Gerardi.Gerardi asked… Read more »

BERLIN — After falling in August for the first time since the facility opened earlier this year, the Casino at Ocean Downs’ final numbers for September released this week showed revenues stabilized or even increased slightly last month.The Maryland Video Lottery Commission, which oversees the two existing slots facilities in the state, released the final… Read more »

BERLIN — A decade after the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) initiative was mandated in public school systems across the country, the Obama administration last week announced states can apply for a waiver from the rigorous program of testing and accountability, and Maryland and the local school systems appear ready to embrace the opt out.In… Read more »

SALISBURY — An unexpected move by the City Council majority to try to change the town charter is ruffling feathers in Salisbury.“I have grave concerns about the proposed charter amendment that would have the city attorney serve at the pleasure of, and answer to, the City Council rather than the mayor, as is the case… Read more »

BERLIN — The three counties of the Lower Eastern Shore, including Worcester, Wicomico and Somerset, will likely remain a part of Maryland’s First Congressional District after the governor’s redistricting committee this week submitted a plan to Gov. Martin O’Malley that maintains the status quo on the Lower Shore.After several months of public hearings and input… Read more »

BERLIN — Residents of Berlin’s District 1 weighed in on flooding and other stormwater issues Wednesday during the first of five meetings between the town and the University of Maryland Environmental Finance Center (EFC).“We need to have a very comprehensive stormwater program,” EFC Director Joanne Throwe told the audience.Several months ago, Berlin agreed to allow… Read more »

OCEAN CITY — A historic Boardwalk hotel this week relocated guests and closed three days earlier than planned after state and local health departments reported three unrelated cases of Legionnaire’s Disease, possibly linked to the lodging establishment.The Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the Worcester County Health Department on Wednesday announced three… Read more »

WEST OCEAN CITY — Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding yesterday’s death of Carey Flynn, owner of 707 Sports Bar and Grill in West Ocean City.Sources say Flynn, who opened the bar last year, was hospitalized and died on Thursday morning after having an altercation with a man who was allegedly urinating outside his establishment.There… Read more »