BERLIN – Two of three elections will be contested this fall in Berlin with one race attracting three political newcomers.Three candidates will contend for the District II Berlin Council seat, which will be vacated by Councilwoman Ellen Lang, who plans to retire later this year.Lang’s decision to leave the District II seat guarantees fresh blood… Read more »

BERLIN – Future phases of Route 113 will be deferred after a $115 million shortfall surfaced in the Maryland Transportation Trust Fund this week.The dualization of Route 113 from Five Mile Branch Rd. to Public Landing Rd. must wait, according to a list of deferred transportation projects from the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Money… Read more »

SNOW HILL – A Worcester County Circuit Court judge last week denied a motion filed by defense attorneys for the suspect in a West Ocean City murder in April seeking to disqualify the entire Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.A pre-trial hearing was held last Wednesday to consider several motions in the case against accused murderer… Read more »

SNOW HILL – Pre-trial activity in the case of one of two men charged with first-degree murder in the beating death of a Berlin teen in May has heated up with a Worcester County Circuit Court judge ruling positively on several motions filed by the defense this week, but the judge has not ruled on… Read more »

BERLIN – Efforts to find a working solution in the Franklin Knoll trash pick-up situation have been unsuccessful, prompting the Berlin Mayor and Council to invoke the performance bond on developer ADC Builders.“It’s an option of last resort,” said interim Mayor Gee Williams.The town council thought it had reached a solution a few weeks ago… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – On Saturday, Sept. 6, Tropical Storm Hanna roared through town, bringing heavy rains and winds of 30 to 40 knots. That evening however, as the storm passed, the winds shifted offshore and began to groom some of the best waves seen at a local contest in years, just in time for the… Read more »

OCEAN CITY – A minor debate simmered on the ongoing Ocean City Fire Department issue again this week, beginning with one council member defending her position on the hiring of the new chief before a job description was established and ending with the city attorney saying the apparent breach of protocol was correct given the… Read more »

Steve GreenEditorOCEAN CITY – Some familiar faces, including two incumbents, have joined the race for the four City Council seats up for grabs in next month’s election.Councilman Jim Hall and Doug Cymek filed for office within the last week, joining Councilman Jay Hancock, Councilwoman Mary Knight and resident Sean Rox as the candidates thus far…. Read more »

OCEAN CITY – Despite its $1 million price tag, town officials this week approved final design plans for the new comfort station and performing arts stage at Caroline Street and the Boardwalk.The new facility will replace the existing restrooms just north of Caroline Street. The old bunker-style restrooms will be replaced with a new comfort… Read more »

BERLIN – Area residents concerned about Route 589 will get the opportunity to learn more about the future of the beleaguered corridor next week when the State Highway Administration (SHA) hosts on open house on the ongoing feasibility study at Stephen Decatur Middle School next Thursday.Improving or widening Route 589 has become a top priority… Read more »