NEWARK – Students have adjusted well to COVID-19 modifications to summer school, according to Worcester County Public Schools.The school system, nearing the end of a July 13-Aug. 13 summer academy, is just one of two jurisdictions in the state holding in-person summer school.“We’re in our third week now and things are going well,” said Tamara… Read more »
Author Archives: Charlene Sharpe
Long-Time County Administrator Retiring
SNOW HILL – A key government official will retire next week after three decades of serving Worcester County.Kelly Shannahan, Worcester County’s assistant chief administrative officer, will step down Aug.14. He’s spent the past 30 years assisting in the management of Worcester County.“He’s been dedicated to the county, and dedicated to the employees of the county,… Read more »
Parents Reflect On ‘No-Win Situation’ For County Students, Teachers
NEWARK – Parents and teachers this week are adjusting to the news that the school year will begin virtually for the Worcester County Public Schools (WCPS) community.Last Thursday, Superintendent Lou Taylor announced that the school year would begin with distance learning, Stage One of the “Responsible Return” model, for all students. Officials plan to reevaluate… Read more »
Berlin Hoping State Grant Can Fund Decatur Park Restrooms
BERLIN – The town will again seek a grant to fund the construction of permanent restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park.The Berlin Town Council on Monday agreed to submit a Community Parks and Playgrounds grant application to help fund restrooms at Stephen Decatur Park. Though the project failed to receive a grant the last time the… Read more »
Berlin Fire Company Provides Quarterly Update
BERLIN – The effect of budget cuts and the need for a new EMS funding system highlighted a Berlin Fire Company discussion with town officials this week.On Monday, Berlin Fire Company (BFC) President David Fitzgerald provided the Berlin Town Council with a quarterly report on fire company operations. He acknowledged fewer accidents to respond to… Read more »
Berlin Officials Hear Need For Reserve Fund Policy
BERLIN – Elected officials discussed the town’s $3.4 million sewer debt and the need to boost reserves this week.On Monday, the Berlin Town Council reviewed a draft reserve policy and talked about how much of the sewer fund’s longstanding debt to the town’s general fund should be forgiven.“What is the right amount?” Mayor Gee Williams… Read more »
Berlin Unity Celebration Supported
BERLIN – Officials said they supported plans for a unity celebration but didn’t want to see the event held before Labor Day.Organizers of the proposed Berlin Unity Celebration approached the town council Monday seeking permission to hold their event in Henry Park Aug. 8. Council members said they supported the event but not the timing.“Although… Read more »
Fifth Candidate Files For Berlin Mayor
BERLIN – A fifth candidate has filed to run for mayor in this year’s municipal election.Ron Bireley, a former town finance director who also served as mayor from 1988-1992 and 1995-1996, joined a growing list of candidates for the fall election. Candidates for mayor now include Bireley, Mayor Gee Williams, Councilman Zack Tyndall, Jennifer Allen… Read more »
Worester County Census Participation On Target
SNOW HILL – Local participation in the 2020 Census is expected to be on target with response rates from previous years.Officials said this week Worcester County’s response rates were near what they were in 2010. Kelly Henry, coordinator of Worcester County’s Complete Count Committee, said people have until Oct. 31, 2020, to complete their survey.“Worcester… Read more »
Berlin Building Renovation Project Grounded; Developers Opt Not To Purchase Property
BERLIN – Plans for a major downtown building renovation have reportedly come to a halt.A project that would have included the renovation and restoration of the Burbage properties, which include storefronts on Pitts Street and Main Street, is not moving forward according to town officials.Mayor Gee Williams said the project, which was proposed by Frank… Read more »