OCEAN CITY — A longtime Ocean City police officer, who was instrumental in capturing the suspects in the most infamous case in resort history, was feted in retirement this week.Ocean City Police Department (OCPD) Sergeant Freddie Howard retired this week after 21 years of full-time service to the department. Howard began his career in Ocean… Read more »

BERLIN – Businesses in Berlin’s downtown are now able to apply for financial support following an announcement from Governor Larry Hogan this week.On Tuesday, Hogan announced $7 million in awards for Main Street Maryland programs. Berlin’s Main Street program received $194,113 that will be used to provide grants to businesses within the district. Ivy Wells,… Read more »

OCEAN CITY — The Mayor and Council rankings of projects large and small on the town’s draft capital improvement plan (CIP) revealed the elected officials are clearly divided on many, but the one they all agree is the most critical is the redevelopment of the Baltimore Avenue corridor.Two weeks ago, City Engineer Terry McGean presented… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – Among the takeaways from Tuesday’s lengthy discussion about planned special events this summer was a possible shift in the strategy to embrace the town’s weekend destination market and the potential of adding elaborate drone shows to the lineup.Should Ocean City embrace its spontaneous weekend destination image or continue to go after the… Read more »

OCEAN PINES – The handling of a complaint against the Ocean Pines Association’s board president was called into question late last week following the resignation of a prominent department head.Last Tuesday, Director of Amenities and Operational Logistics Colby Phillips submitted her resignation, ending a nearly seven-year tenure with the Ocean Pines Association (OPA).The announcement came… Read more »

BERLIN – Town officials are hoping to close a section of Main Street on Sundays this year to allow for an expansion of the Berlin Farmers Market.The Berlin Town Council voted unanimously Monday to ask the Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) for permission to close a piece of Main Street on Sundays during the farmers… Read more »

SNOW HILL – Worcester County continues to work toward tightening its animal control laws as situations locally have raised concerns among citizens.As incidents in Pocomoke and Berlin have drawn criticism from those who believe the county’s animal control laws aren’t strong enough, Commissioner Josh Nordstrom says changes are being drafted. Various county departments are now… Read more »

SNOW HILL – New information has two of the Worcester County Commissioners questioning a recent decision to hire a workforce engagement specialist.Commissioner Chip Bertino expressed concern this week over information provided by the consultant who handled the county’s STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) program. The information, provided after the commissioners voted to use funding… Read more »

OCEAN CITY — Resort planners this week signed off on a private property plan to completely renovate the south end of the Boardwalk and replace vast sections with a “foody” destination open-air food court.The Ocean City Planning Commission had before it on Wednesday a site plan review for a major renovation of the old Inlet… Read more »

NEWARK – The future of a West Ocean City restaurant remains in question this week after a change to its liquor license was denied.The Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC) on Wednesday denied a license upgrade request from Mad Fish. Though the restaurant’s connections asked for a change in its license to allow for… Read more »