BERLIN – The first-ever Berlin New Year’s Eve Celebration drew a crowd three times larger than anticipated last weekend.“I’m very, very pleased with the turnout,” said Mayor Gee Williams, who speculated that more than 1,000 people were on hand to watch the ball drop at midnight. “It’s just a very positive, uplifting way to start… Read more »
Category: Top Stories
Expanded Casino A Concern For Some
OCEAN CITY – Less than 24 hours after the Casino at Ocean Downs opened on Tuesday, some resort area business leaders and elected officials were already casting a wary eye toward the new slots facility.The Casino at Ocean Downs opened to big crowds on Tuesday afternoon after a ribbon-cutting ceremony and speeches by state and… Read more »
Council Rejects Request To Lift Hiring Freeze
OCEAN CITY – The City Council denied this week a request to lift the hiring freeze that has been looming over the town’s public safety departments the last couple years.City Manager Dennis Dare, Police Chief Bernadette DiPino and Fire Chief Chris Larmore have repeatedly expressed to the council their need in hiring officers, fire fighters… Read more »
Employee Pay, Benefit Changes Okayed In Split Votes
OCEAN CITY – It’s no secret that the Mayor and City Council have become a split government in regards to the town’s financial position and the council’s responsibilities concerning it.After the municipal elections last October, the addition of Councilman Brent Ashley formed a new majority vote amongst the council that includes Council members Joe Hall,… Read more »
State’s 2nd Slots Facility Now Open At Ocean Downs
BERLIN – Amid much fanfare, the highly anticipated Casino at Ocean Downs officially opened for business on Tuesday, completing a long and often arduous trek for the state’s second slots facility near Berlin.Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley and a large contingent of state and local elected officials and dignitaries officially opened the Casino at Ocean Downs… Read more »
Ocean City Mayor Urged To Veto Ordinances
OCEAN CITY – The mayor faces a lengthy list of decisions as 11 ordinances, concerning town employee pay scales and benefits, passed second reading during Monday night’s meeting, leaving him deliberating over the power of the veto.“I have to ask the mayor to veto these ordinances … and have them brought back for serious conversations… Read more »
Oglesby Called Masterful Prosecutor As He Takes Office
SNOW HILL – State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby was sworn into office Monday in front of a crowd of officials, friends and family.“It’s no secret why Beau has ascended,” said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, who worked with Oglesby when he was a prosecutor for Wicomico County.Lewis pointed out the great working relationship Oglesby had with… Read more »
Citizens Blast City Council Over Employee Changes
OCEAN CITY – The forceful presence of local citizens and employees did not faze the majority of the City Council this week, as they passed all ordinances to reduce town employee pay and benefits.Throughout the meeting, which resulted in 11 ordinances being passed in 4-3 votes, speakers expressed their views on the new direction the… Read more »
Berlin Building Closed After Snow Damages Roof
BERLIN – Weather damage to a town restaurant required emergency repairs Thursday and is projected to call for additional work next week.The roof above Goobers, a landmark Berlin eatery on Pitt St., began showing signs of caving this week after the heavy snowfall Worcester County received last week.“It’s buckling into the street,” said Chuck Ward,… Read more »
Dime-A-Drink Tax Hike Again Proposed
OCEAN CITY – A movement to hike the alcohol tax in Maryland, called the “dime a drink” tax by proponents, appears to be gaining momentum again as the opening of the General Assembly session nears next week.With the support of a vast coalition of advocacy groups, armed with an updated report released this week by… Read more »