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.

Wicomico Records Increase In Overdose Cases, Deaths

SALISBURY – Wicomico’s health officer reports the county is seeing an uptick in overdose deaths.Last week, Health Officer Lori Brewster presented the Wicomico County Council with an update on the health of the county.While the health department continues to monitor COVID-19 statistics, Brewster said the agency is seeing an increase in overdose cases and deaths.“This… Read more »

OPA Expects Budget Challenges

OCEAN PINES – Officials say inflation and minimum wage could have impacts on next year’s budget.In a meeting of the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors last Saturday, General Manager John Viola announced that preparations have begun on the proposed budget for the coming fiscal year. He noted that he and his staff were working… Read more »

Fenwick Island Plans Deeper Dive On Existing Dumpster Rules

FENWICK ISLAND – A review of the town’s dumpster code highlighted a recent meeting of Fenwick’s commercial planning committee.Last Thursday, the Fenwick Island Commercial Planning and Building Review Committee met to discuss the town’s commercial dumpster ordinance.“The town council has requested we look at the dumpster ordinance and see if they need to be upgraded,… Read more »

Wicomico Reviews Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan

SALISBURY – School renovations, parks and recreation projects and civic center improvements highlight just some of the requests included in this year’s capital planning document.Acting County Executive John Psota and Finance Director Pam Oland held a public hearing Nov. 17 on the county’s proposed Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) for fiscal years 2023-2027. The five-year planning… Read more »

Ocean Pines Officials Discuss North Gate Improvements

Ocean Pines Officials Discuss North Gate Improvements

OCEAN PINES – Officials in Ocean Pines are looking to improve the appearance of the North Gate entryway.Suggestions for improving the North Gate bridge and the surrounding area were presented to the Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors last Saturday. Citing homeowner complaints, Director Frank Daly called on the association to make several enhancements –… Read more »

Public Hearing Set On Redistricting Maps

SALISBURY – A public hearing on a new councilmanic map will be held next month.On Tuesday, the Wicomico County Council met with representatives of the 2021 Redistricting Committee to discuss a proposed plan to reconfigure three councilmanic districts based on new Census data.“The county is required after each Census, which is every 10 years, to… Read more »