About The Author: Bryan Russo

Bryan Russo returned to The Dispatch in 2015 to serve as News Editor after working as a staff writer from 2007-2010 covering the Ocean City news beat. In between, Russo worked as the Coastal Reporter for NPR-member station WAMU 88.5FM in Washington DC and WRAU 88.3 FM on the Delmarva Peninsula. He was the host of a weekly multi-award winning public affairs show “Coastal Connection.” During his five years in public radio, Russo’s work won 19 Associated Press Awards and 2 Edward R. Murrow Awards and was heard on various national programs like NPR’s All Things Considered, Morning Edition, APM’s Marketplace and the BBC. Russo also worked for the Associated Press (Philadelphia Bureau) covering the NHL and the NBA and is a critically acclaimed singer/songwriter and composer.

Councilman’s Role With International Student Rentals Questioned; Long-Time Builder Believes Hartman Overstepped Ethical Boundary

Councilman’s Role With International Student Rentals Questioned; Long-Time Builder Believes Hartman Overstepped Ethical Boundary

OCEAN CITY — Allegations made this week by a prominent retired builder have raised questions about whether an Ocean City councilman has unethically used his elected office to settle personal vendettas or fill his own pockets in the seasonal rental market.George Harkins, the retired owner of Harkins Contracting and Harkins Concrete Construction, made a name… Read more »

Resort’s Ocean Bowl Skate Park Celebrating 40 Years; Anniversary Event’s MC Discusses Facility’s Importance

Resort’s Ocean Bowl Skate Park Celebrating 40 Years; Anniversary Event’s MC Discusses Facility’s Importance

OCEAN CITY — There was a time in Ocean City, albeit prior to 1976, when kids didn’t have a dedicated place to skateboard. Local promoter Brad Hoffman remembers that time well as he was one of those “punk” kids who were skating anywhere they could in the resort, grinding on the concrete banks at Trimper’s… Read more »

State Report Finds Bay’s Oyster Stock Rebounding

BALTIMORE — A comprehensive new report from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) indicates that the severely depleted oyster population in the Chesapeake Bay may be rebounding slightly.Yet, that slight improvement coupled with how bleak the situation has become for the oyster population likely curbed any sense of unbridled optimism in the short term…. Read more »

Last Year’s Open Winner Donated Her Winnings To Charities; First Female Winner To Return To OC Next Week

Last Year’s Open Winner Donated Her Winnings To Charities; First Female Winner To Return To OC Next Week

OCEAN CITY — Angler Cheryl McLeskey is coming back to Ocean City to defend her 2015 White Marlin Open title, but for the Virginia Beach native, fishing in the world’s largest billfish tournament is about much more than a pursuit of glory.McLeskey became the first woman to win the tournament in its 42-year history when… Read more »