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.

Decatur Soccer Alums to Celebrate Program History

BERLIN- On the occasion of Stephen Decatur’s boys’ varsity soccer team’s 20th anniversary of the 2002 state championship, the school is inviting all who participated in the program over many years of success to join in a celebration later this month.The brainchild of current coach Jamie Greenwood and former coach Steve Berquist, the celebration of… Read more »

Resort Pension Fund Investment Returns Fall Short

OCEAN CITY – Economic uncertainties have left the Town of Ocean City’s pension fund investments falling short of the stated goal after thriving for several years, resort officials learned this week.During Tuesday’s work session, Council President Matt James provided a recap of the Ocean City Pension Committee meeting from last week. Ocean City has two… Read more »

Seahawks’ Magical Run Ends with Late Loss

Seahawks’ Magical Run Ends with Late Loss

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity football team’s magical run to a potential state championship ended last weekend with a 40-33 loss to juggernaut Milford Mill Academy in the semifinals.Decatur enjoyed a remarkable season, perhaps the best in decades for the Berlin high school and finished with a 10-3 record. The Seahawks cruised through their first two… Read more »

Council Approves Incentive Plan To Retain, Recruit Bus, Tram Drivers; Referral, Loyalty Bonus Suggested

OCEAN CITY – Citing a continued need to recruit seasonal municipal bus drivers and Boardwalk tram drivers and conductors, resort officials last week approved a series of incentives to attract and reward new employees.Ongoing discussions at the Ocean City Transportation Committee level regarding a series of incentives for municipal bus drivers and Boardwalk tram drivers… Read more »

Divided OC Council Approves E-Bike Rentals

OCEAN CITY – A divided council this week agreed to drafting an ordinance that would, if approved, allow for the rental of electric bicycles, or e-bikes, in the resort.For the last couple of months, the Mayor and Council have been wrestling with several issues related to the proliferation of e-bikes. In 2020, the Mayor and… Read more »

Phillips Property Site Plan Extended

OCEAN CITY – Satisfied the current plan does not represent a departure for what was originally approved, resort planners last week agreed to extend the site plan for the redevelopment of the former Phillips Seafood House property uptown for an additional 18 months.In April 2021, the Ocean City Planning Commission approved a presented site plan… Read more »

Council Approves Incentive Plan To Retain, Recruit Bus, Tram Drivers

Council Approves Incentive Plan To Retain, Recruit Bus, Tram Drivers

OCEAN CITY – Citing a continued need to recruit seasonal municipal bus drivers and Boardwalk tram drivers and conductors, resort officials last week approved a series of incentives to attract and reward new employees.Ongoing discussions at the Ocean City Transportation Committee level regarding a series of incentives for municipal bus drivers and Boardwalk tram drivers… Read more »

Council Approves Bus, Tram Driver Incentive Programs

Council Approves Bus, Tram Driver Incentive Programs

OCEAN CITY – Citing a continued need to recruit seasonal municipal bus drivers and Boardwalk tram drivers and conductors, resort officials last week approved a series of incentives to attract and reward new employees.Ongoing discussions at the Ocean City Transportation Committee level regarding a series of incentives for municipal bus drivers and Boardwalk tram drivers… Read more »