About The Author: Shawn Soper

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.

Resort Officials To Discuss Robust Anti-Litter Campaign; Team Approach To ‘All-Out Effort’

Resort Officials To Discuss Robust Anti-Litter Campaign; Team Approach To ‘All-Out Effort’

OCEAN CITY — After a particularly trashy summer last year for a variety of reasons, Ocean City is getting ready to embark on an aggressive anti-litter campaign to roll out in advance of next season.Consistent complaints heard last summer related to the amount of trash swirling around the Boardwalk and the side streets, particularly in… Read more »

Combined Toy, Food Drive A Success

OCEAN CITY — Hundreds of toys and non-perishable food items were collected and delivered by first responders to families in Worcester County this month.During the holiday season, the Ocean City firefighter union, IAFF 4269 typically adopts seniors at the Berlin Nursing Home as the beneficiaries of the union’s annual charitable event.However, because of COVID, that… Read more »

Some Area First Responders Get Shots

OCEAN CITY — Early COVID-19 vaccinations continued this week at hospitals, nursing homes and local health departments across Maryland, including first responders on the front lines of the pandemic.According to Governor Larry Hogan’s office, an additional 82,800 doses of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines were allocated this week around the state. Phase 1A of the… Read more »

Comptroller Names Award Recipients

BERLIN — There were some familiar names and faces recognized with R. Clayton Mitchell, Jr. Awards for distinguished public service when the honorees were announced last week by State Comptroller Peter Franchot.Franchot created the award for distinguished public service in honor of the late Delegate and Speaker of the House. Mitchell was an Army veteran… Read more »