About The Author: Bethany Hooper

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Bethany Hooper has been with The Dispatch since 2016. She currently covers various general stories. Hooper graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 2012 and the University of Maryland in 2016, where she completed double majors in journalism and economics.

Interactive Program For Parents Offered

POCOMOKE – Health officials in Worcester County will host an interactive event this weekend that will teach parents to spot signs of risky behavior in teens.On Saturday, the Worcester County Health Department will hold a free event, entitled “Hidden in Plain Sight,” for parents and caregivers at the Pocomoke YMCA.The event will take participants on… Read more »

Salary Increases Advised For Wicomico Elected Officials

SALISBURY – A countywide commission presented recommendations to the Wicomico County Council this week that would increase the salary of elected officials.On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Compensation and Allowance Commission presented a report to the Wicomico County Council outlining a suggested salary increase for county executive, Wicomico County sheriff and county council positions.Memo Diriker, chair… Read more »

West OC Bake Sale Benefits Diakonia

WEST OCEAN CITY – A charitable bake sale at Sello’s Italian Oven and Bar was deemed a success this week.On Dec. 3, employees at Sello’s hosted their first annual bake sale to benefit children at Diakonia.Sello’s owner Karen Tomasello said the restaurant raised more than $2,500. Proceeds will go toward child programming at Diakonia, a… Read more »

Two Grants Totaling $250K To Expand Worcester Mental Health Care Services

Two Grants Totaling $250K To Expand Worcester Mental Health Care Services

BERLIN – Two grants totaling $250,000 are expected to expand mental health services in Worcester County.On Wednesday, officials with Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services announced the nonprofit had secured $250,000 in grants to fund two clinicians over the course of two years.Steve Taylor, executive director of Worcester Youth and Family Counseling Services, said the… Read more »

County Tables Land Donation Nod

SALISBURY – Officials in Wicomico County have tabled a resolution to accept a 234-acre land donation until environmental studies could be conducted.In a meeting of the Wicomico County Council last Tuesday, officials voted to table a resolution to accept a 234.67-acre land donation from Connelly Mill Associates LLP.The property, located next to the Henry S…. Read more »

Fenwick’s Indigo Octopus An ‘Elevated Beach Lifestyle Shop’

Fenwick’s Indigo Octopus An ‘Elevated Beach Lifestyle Shop’

FENWICK ISLAND – Wander with style.That is what co-owner Michelle Gemberling says Indigo Octopus is all about.“It’s all about travel and exploring,” she said, “being at the beach and doing it all with style.”Located along Coastal Highway in Fenwick, Indigo Octopus, a boutique store, offers customers a unique selection of clothes, shoes, accessories and beauty… Read more »