BERLIN — Hundreds of acres of forest, wetlands and other natural areas in several different tracks across the Lower Shore including Worcester and Wicomico counties were placed in permanent conservation last week.The Board of Public Works, which includes Gov. Martin O’Malley, treasurer Nancy Kopp and comptroller Peter Franchot, last week approved easements on 518 acres… Read more »

SALISBURY — A petition started by Salisbury Councilwoman Laura Mitchell to have a charter amendment come for a public vote fell short of its minimum goal by about 200 signatures last week.Mitchell, however, doesn’t see the petition as a failure and believes it served its purpose in raising public awareness. She also promised not to… Read more »

BERLIN — The ongoing legal battle between a Berlin farm and an environmental watchdog group over alleged pollution violations took a surprise turn last week when Gov. Martin O’Malley called into question the use of the University of Maryland School of Law’s clinic and taxpayer resources to present the case, and the school’s dean essentially… Read more »

SALISBURY — A Salisbury man was sentenced to over five years in jail last week after being convicted in federal court on child pornography receipt charges.Last Friday, U.S. District Judge William D. Quarles, Jr. sentenced Dustin Anthony Axelrod, 27, of to 70 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release for receipt of child… Read more »

OCEAN CITY — Several local juveniles have been charged this week with burglary, theft and vandalism after a crime spree throughout north Ocean City.The Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) has responded to numerous complaints of vandalism, burglary and theft in the north end of the resort this month. OCPD Forensic Services personnel established the various… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – New directions are being explored concerning the minimum liability coverage for commercial operators flying out of the Ocean City Municipal Airport, as well as ways for the town to sell surplus equipment more quickly.Historically Ocean City has sold all surplus equipment twice a year through an auction at 65th Street. Recently an… Read more »

SNOW HILL — A nearly spotless record and the support of the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) helped one local business avoid the worst repercussions after it was found guilty of a serious liquor license infraction.“Just so you understand, this is a bad violation,” said Board of License Commissioners (BLC) President William Esham.Buxy’s Salty Dog… Read more »

SALISBURY — Tensions continue to mount between Salisbury’s administration and the City Council majority. With conflicts beginning to disrupt meetings, the question of how to address the problem remains open.Ever since the changing of the guard that took place last spring when the council saw the induction of two new members and the election of… Read more »

OCEAN CITY — An Ocean City woman was charged last week with three counts of telephone misuse-repeated calls after an alleged spree of threatening or harassing calls to three Ocean City Council members in October.The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office last Thursday formally charged Amy Lee Durham, 39, on three counts of telephone misuse-repeated calls… Read more »