OCEAN CITY – Government officials historically receive excellent benefits as part of a motivation to work in the public realm, but the question remains if local government salaries have started to mirror, or even exceed, those in the private sector.Councilwoman Margaret Pillas got her wish this week as she was granted her request for access… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – There may be a change in the person in the head chair on the tourism commission, but do not expect a drastic change in the price of beds to lay your head on this season in Ocean City.At last week’s monthly tourism commission meeting, Councilwoman Mary Knight was unanimously voted to be… Read more »

BERLIN – Cost-cutting efforts by town of Berlin staff have led to a current fiscal year budget decrease of $337,456, Administrator Tony Carson reported to the Berlin Mayor and Council Monday night.The council formally amended the budget Monday night to reflect the decreases in the current spending plan.            Towns rarely decrease budgets in mid-year, according… Read more »

BERLIN – A Berlin Mayor and Council vote on Monday to pursue a traditional power purchase agreement as recommended by the Berlin Utilities Commission (BUC) concluded to applause from a standing-room only audience.How much electric customers will save could not be disclosed, as the contract with Florida Power and Light (FPL) has not been finalized.The… Read more »

BERLIN – As the battle over President Barack Obama’s roughly $800 billion stimulus package rages on just across the other side of the Chesapeake Bay, Worcester County’s representatives in the nation’s capital remain somewhat divided over the plan, with the state’s two Senators, both Democrats, strongly supporting the measure, and the freshman Congressman, also a… 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 »