MAY 9, 2024
FREE
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
‘Education’ signs don’t pass OPA muster Worcester United says requests for permission apparently denied, despite having received no word By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (May 9, 2024) As educators and parents worry that Worcester County Public Schools will receive minimum funding for the 20242025 fiscal year, the Ocean Pines Association has asked residents to remove yard signs expressing support for the academic system, despite members of the advocacy group Worcester United requesting approval. Brittany Tignor, a Stephen Decatur High School librarian and a Worcester United leadership team member, submitted an application to the OPA seeking permission to display “I Support Public Education” signs on com-
munity properties. According to the Ocean Pines resident, while Worcester United initially thought the signs would be approved, association officials have seemingly denied their request, as homeowners have been asked to remove the posters from their yards. A formal disallowance was never provided to Tignor or the advocacy group. “There was no official communication,” the SDHS librarian said. “I understand that Ocean Pines does not want to have tons of signs, but I have a problem with how they approve and deny them. The system is not transparent … They are picking and choosing what signs get to stay and which signs don’t. It’s frustrating that there has been no official denial, yet people are getting violation letters.” The “yard-sale” size declarations state the See SIGN Page 5
TARA FISCHER/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
Signs like the one above dot hundreds of yards in the county, but some on Ocean Pines residential properties have been ordered removed.
Businesses win grants in contest Science Nerds, Iron Skillet Coffee, Mandala Pies get major financial awards
STEVE GREEN/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
COLOR RUN FOR FUN Stephen Decatur Middle School hosted its spring Family Night last Thursday for current seventh and eighth graders and their loved ones. A highlight of this year’s event was a free color run for Autism acceptance. Volunteer teachers and students tossed colored powder on students and family members as they made their way around the track.
GOLD RECORD HIGH!
IS AT AN ALL TIME
By Charlene Sharpe Associate Editor (May 9, 2024) A trio of Berlin businesses will be able to grow after winning grants through the Shore Hatchery business competition. The Town of Berlin announced last week that three local businesses, The Science Nerds, Iron Skillet Coffee and Mandala Pies, received grants through The Perdue School of Business Philip E. and Carole R. Ratcliffe Foundation Shore Hatchery Mid-Atlantic business competition. "I am thrilled for these local Berlin businesses," said Ivy Wells, the town's economic and community development director. "These grants help them to continue their success here in Berlin and inspire others to See BUSINESS Page 6
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