NEWARK – School system officials this week announced a variety of leadership changes in preparation for the coming school year.At a meeting of the Worcester County Board of Education Tuesday, Chief Operating Officer Annette Wallace reported several personnel changes for the coming year, highlighted by the appointment of Denise Shorts as assistant superintendent/chief academic officer…. Read more »
Author Archives: Charlene Sharpe
Eight Candidates Seeking Three OP Seats
OCEAN PINES – Eight candidates have filed for three available seats on the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors.Cynthia Bartolomeo, Paula Gray, Tom Janasek, Shawn Kotwica, Larry Perrone, Camilla Rogers, Hans Solum Jr. and Gregory Turner have filed in this summer’s election.Ballots will be mailed to association members in July and will be due back… Read more »
Worcester Tech Students Present Capstone Projects
NEWARK – Worcester Technical High School engineering students showcased their efforts to solve real-world problems as they presented capstone projects this week.Improvements to the Ocean City Bomb Squad’s robot, attachments for chainsaws and vehicle organizers were among the projects developed by seniors in Valerie Zienty’s pre-engineering class at Worcester Tech.“Capstones teach students how long-term projects… Read more »
Worcester’s Budget Likely To Include Penny Tax Rate Hike
SNOW HILL – Worcester County officials are moving forward with a budget that includes a one-cent property tax increase as well as a slight income tax rate increase.Though county staff initially proposed increasing the existing $.835 property tax rate by two cents, the Worcester County Commissioners during the past two weeks have cut proposed spending… Read more »
Statistics Confirm More Mental Health Services Needed In Schools
BERLIN – Last year, 21 Stephen Decatur Middle School students were referred to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for mental health evaluation through emergency petition.Just what does that mean? They were talking about suicide.“Last year we really started to notice mental health issues in our children,” Principal Lynne Barton said. “Obviously middle school students have their… Read more »
Berlin Budget Calls For 14% Cut In Expenses
BERLIN – Town officials formally introduced a $15.6 million budget for the coming fiscal year.The budget, which has been under development for months, was introduced Monday following the Berlin Town Council’s approval of an 18% tax increase. A public hearing on the proposed spending plan is set for June 10.“We have a public hearing then… Read more »
Request For South-End Early Voting Location Turned Down
SNOW HILL – Funding for an early voting location in Pocomoke was one of the first things cut by the Worcester County Commissioners in a budget work session this week.The commissioners on Tuesday voted to eliminate $126,709 in budget funding that would have been required to set up a second early voting location in Pocomoke…. Read more »
Berlin Approves Tougher Business License Penalties
BERLIN – Merchants who fail to renew their business licenses will now face stiffer penalties in Berlin.The Berlin Town Council unanimously approved changes Monday that strengthen the late penalties for business licenses. The changes include increased interest rates and the publishing of the names of businesses who have not paid the $75 annual license fee.“The… Read more »
BLC Approves Family Entertainment Complex For Old JR’s Site
SNOW HILL – The connections of Ropewalk are moving forward with plans to bring a new family friendly restaurant to north Ocean City.Ropewalk’s Marc McFaul and Chris Reda shared plans for a new restaurant, AlleyOops, with the Worcester County Board of License (BLC) Commissioners this week. The restaurant, which did receive liquor license approval from… Read more »
Berlin Council Officially Approves 18% Tax Hike In 4-1 Vote
BERLIN – After months of discussion, town officials approved an 18% property tax increase.On Monday, the Berlin Town Council voted 4-1, with Councilman Zack Tyndall opposed, to approve a tax rate of $.80 per $100 of assessed value. The approved increase is lower than the 34% tax hike initially discussed but citizens continued to express… Read more »