JULY 30, 2026
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
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Berlin trash pickup becoming too much Public Works getting worn down as businesses’ need for collection service grows By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 30, 2026) Before the Town of Berlin ceases to offer commercial trash pickup, municipal officials are seeking ways to address hazardous and unsightly overflow of restaurant food waste that the public works department says is becoming too burdensome to handle. At Monday’s Berlin Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Jimmy Charles reported that 11 of the shared commercial trash containers used by downtown businesses are
consistently overflowing, with excess waste ending up on the ground. The Berlin Public Works Department collects this trash every Monday and Friday. However, the participating businesses only pay for one pickup a week. Even with the extra subsidized service, Charles said the waste thrown out in the bins is at max capacity when his crew shows up. “In the last months, the last six months or so, we’ve seen a volume where we’re actually going twice a week to a specific location,” Charles said. “When we’ve gotten to this location on a Friday, all trash cans are filled. There’s trash on the ground. Then when we get there on Monday, See TRASH Page 3
Beach Club demolition will lead to big upgrade Modernization will include Touch of Italy’s installation of kitchen in upstairs space
SUBMITTED PHOTO/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
SUMMER SHOWER The last day of summer academies for Worcester County Public Schools was held last Thursday. with schools, like Buckingham Elementary, above holding celebrations. More photos, page 19.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (July 30, 2026) The Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors has approved moving forward with about $100,000 of demolition work to the association’s Ocean City beach club building in an effort to modernize and enhance the structure. On Monday night, the OPA board unanimously approved the demolition of the club on 49th Street in Ocean City. Absolute Demolition will
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handle the job on the outside for $51,616, while the inside work will be completed for $49,957 by My Hands Handyman. OPA General Manager John Viola said that the beach club renovations will kick off around Labor Day, when the summer season starts to wind down. “First stage, we need to demo the outside,” Viola said. “All the decks will come down…inside will have to be demolished because Touch of Italy will be putting in some new kitchen equipment. We’re going to have to reinforce the floors. With material, kitchen, stoves and all that, we beSee OP BEACH Page 6
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