About The Author: Shawn Soper

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Shawn Soper has been with The Dispatch since 2000. He began as a staff writer covering various local government beats and general stories. His current positions include managing editor and sports editor. Growing up in Baltimore before moving to Ocean City full time three decades ago, Soper graduated from Loch Raven High School in 1981 and from Towson University in 1985 with degrees in mass communications with a journalism concentration and history.

Mayor, Council Salaries Increase

OCEAN CITY – With little discussion, resort officials last week approved an ordinance on second reading what will substantially increase the annual salaries for the mayor and councilmembers.Late last year, it was brought up the salaries of the town’s elected officials should be increased, or the pay hike should at least be explored. At the… Read more »

Worcester Boys Enjoy Solid 2-1 Week

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s boys’ varsity basketball team had a solid week, first losing to Greenwood Mennonite in a close one before rebounding with wins over Chincoteague and Gunston.Against Greenwood Mennonite, the Mallards led 16-1 after one quarter and 24-22 at the half. The two teams played even in the third, but Greenwood Mennonite outscored Worcester,… Read more »

Wrestlers Sweep Pair over Colonel, Easton

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team split a pair of matches last week to remain unbeaten on the season.The Seahawks beat Colonel Richardson in a rout, 78-6. Elijah Collick won his match at 106, Juan Hinojosa won at 113, Liam Hugues won at 120 and Aaron August won at 126. It was Reid Caimi winning… Read more »

Mayor, Council Salaries Approved

Mayor, Council Salaries Approved

OCEAN CITY – With little discussion, resort officials last week approved an ordinance on second reading what will substantially increase the annual salaries for the mayor and councilmembers.Late last year, it was brought up the salaries of the town’s elected officials should be increased, or the pay hike should at least be explored. At the… Read more »

Worcester Girls Split First Two of Season

BERLIN- Worcester Prep’s girls’ varsity basketball team split a pair of games last week to open the 2022-2023 season.The Mallards opened the season with a 49-30 loss to Eastern Shore Independent Athletic Conference (ESIAC) rival Salisbury School at home last Wednesday. Worcester was outscored in each quarter and also managed just single-digit point totals in… Read more »

OC’s Quarterly Audit Reviewed

OCEAN CITY – A review of the town’s internal auditor’s quarterly and annual reports revealed everything appears to be in order, but the work will continue.Last year, the Mayor and Council at budget time agreed to create an internal auditor position to keep a close eye on the financial dealings of each town department on… Read more »

Seahawks Start New Era with Easy Win

Seahawks Start New Era with Easy Win

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team cruised past Wicomico, 78-6, on Monday for the program’s first official win under new head coach Josh August.August has taken over the reins for the highly successful Seahawk wrestling program after long-time Coach Todd Martinek retired at the end of last year after a remarkable run at Decatur. The… Read more »