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 »
Author Archives: Charlene Sharpe
About The Author: Charlene Sharpe
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 »
Early Tax Increase Talk Irks Two County Commissioners
SNOW HILL – A two-cent property tax increase proposed by county staff drew immediate criticism from a pair of Worcester County Commissioners this week.At the start of a budget work session Tuesday, Commissioner Jim Bunting expressed concern about the budget presented by Worcester County staff — which includes a proposed two-cent property tax increase —… Read more »
Old Library To Serve As Offices, Conference Space
BERLIN – The building long known as the town’s library will now serve as administrative space for the Berlin Fire Company.Now that the Berlin branch of the Worcester County Library has a new location on Harrison Avenue, the Berlin Fire Company (BFC) has opted to use the old library building for office and conference space…. Read more »
Commissioner Holds OP Town Hall Meeting
BERLIN – Updates on new development, Route 589 changes and county finances highlighted a community meeting hosted by Worcester County Commissioner Chip Bertino.On Saturday, Bertino hosted his 14th town hall meeting since being elected in 2014 to represent Ocean Pines voters as a commissioner. Bertino kicked off the meeting by addressing the county’s $6.7 million… Read more »
Worcester Tech Students Participate In Signing Day Event
NEWARK – Worcester Technical High School celebrated students’ career intent with its first ever National Signing Day ceremony.On Wednesday, teachers, community members and employers applauded as dozens of students declared their intent to enter the workforce.“We couldn’t be more excited for the students in this room,” Principal Tom Zimmer said. “The students you will see… Read more »
