BERLIN – A years long search for more spray irrigation land is closer to paying off, after the town of Berlin identified a 200-acre tract near Newark with strong spray disposal potential.The Berlin Mayor and Council last week voted to accept a contract giving the town right of first refusal on purchasing the 200-acre site,… Read more »

SNOW HILL – The Bishopville Pond restoration project has retained state funding despite a recent round of cuts from state government, Bishopville’s County Commissioner Linda Busick said this week.“We have retained that funding,” Busick confirmed.Originally slated as part of the Route 113 dualization mitigation plan, the Bishopville Pond project has been delayed for one reason… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – During the week that was in Ocean City government, ‘The Briefs” learned about a new issue that Councilman Jim Hall apparently has expertise in, the mayor’s new “thank you” strategy and that plans to use the Ocean City Municipal Airport for commercial flights have once again been grounded.NY Flight Plan Scrapped When… Read more »

ASSATEAGUE – A controlled, or prescribed, burn of invasive phragmites on Assateague Island planned for this spring could cause extensive smoke and open flames to be visible from mainland areas from several miles away and for several days, as federal officials follow up with the second phase of an effort started last fall to rid… Read more »

BERLIN – When the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics last week released its report on average weekly wages for Maryland, Worcester County had the dubious honor of being dead last in terms of the average take-home pay for its workforce.According to the report outlining average weekly wages in Maryland counties during the… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – As the name of the sponsor organization suggests, the 26th Annual Seaside Boat Show, hosted by the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club, provides a reason for optimism and hope as the bleak winter turns a corner and starts heading for a rosier spring.For 26 years, actually 27, the annual boat show has marked… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – In efforts to increase the number of ways that they can make you happy, Hooters of Ocean City has spread its wings.During its opening for the season last night at the 123rd Street location, Hooters of Ocean City unveiled a full bar that includes liquor and specialty drinks, such as mojitos and… Read more »

WEST OCEAN CITY – A unique event designed to familiarize the community with the growing fleet of businesses in West Ocean City has expanded this year and has high hopes for surpassing last year’s auspicious beginning.The 2nd Annual Death by Chocolate was inspired by a similar event held each year in Chincoteague, Va., according to… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – Employee take home vehicles might be next on the proverbial chopping block as town officials continue to exhaust all options to cut expenditures.City Manager Dennis Dare hinted this week that a “vehicle study” will be released soon that may alter the current usage of take home vehicles used by some of the… Read more »

BERLIN – County staff will not see any pay raises in the next budget, elected officials confirmed this week, maintaining a decision made in November, and one said work furloughs for county employees appear inevitable.How much the county will save through freezing salaries is not known. County staff contacted this week said those numbers are… Read more »