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.

Berlin Seahawks Headed To Florida

Berlin Seahawks Headed To Florida

The Berlin Seahawks JV Football won the D3 Regional Championship for the third time last weekend. The team, pictured above, captured the title in convincing fashion, defeating the Edison Jets in Marsh Creek, Pa. by a score of 30-0. While the regional title has been won before by Berlin, this will be the first team… Read more »

Tough Guy Of Year Recognized

BERLIN — The Atlantic Physical Therapy 2017 “Tough Guy of the Year” award went to Stephen Decatur varsity football standout Justin Manganiello during a special ceremony last week.For the last 17 years, the Atlantic Physical Therapy (APT) “Tough Guy of the Week” has graced the sports pages of The Dispatch and this year was no… Read more »

Median Project’s First Phase Timeline Detailed; SHA Wants To Evaluate Effort Before Committing To Future Phases

Median Project’s First Phase Timeline Detailed; SHA Wants To Evaluate Effort Before Committing To Future Phases

OCEAN CITY — With the dune-style median fence project now in full swing, resort officials heard a briefing on some aspects of the project last week, including the enhanced lighting system along Coastal Highway, the anticipated completion schedule and the potential for future phases in out years.State Highway Administration (SHA) officials updated the Mayor and… Read more »

Berlin Reindeer Run Marks 10th Year

BERLIN — The 10th Annual Reindeer Runis set to return on Saturday, Dec. 2 with an early morning start time through downtown Berlin.The annual event, which features a one-mile run and a 5K, has become a fixture on the holiday schedule since its inception nine years ago. The races start at The Globe on Broad… Read more »

Turkey Trot 5K This Weekend

WEST OCEAN CITY — The 4th annual Greene Turtle Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K is set for tomorrow, Nov. 25, at the Greene Turtle in West Ocean City.The annual race, sponsored by the Greene Turtle West and produced by OC Tri Running, gets underway on Thanksgiving weekend. The race starts and ends at the Greene Turtle… Read more »

OC Mayor Working With Aquarium On Marine Animal Rescue Facility Concept

OC Mayor Working With Aquarium On Marine Animal Rescue Facility Concept

OCEAN CITY — While the future of Ocean City’s eventual model block remains uncertain, Mayor Rick Meehan has been working behind the scenes on a potential project that could separate the downtown area from other resort areas.For several years, the town has been working closely with the Ocean City Development Corporation (OCDC) to acquire property… Read more »

Baker Signs With University Of Hartford

Baker Signs With University Of Hartford

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur girls’ varsity lacrosse standout Lily Belle Baker last week signed a national letter of intent to continue her athletic and academic career at the Division I University of Hartford in Connecticut.Baker, a two-time Brine All-American, will play Division I lacrosse at the University of Hartford in 2019. Baker was also named First-Team… Read more »

Top Seeds Advance In OC Flag League

OCEAN CITY- The top seeds in the Ocean City Recreation and Parks Department’s fall flag football league all advanced this week, setting up what should be a memorable season finale.The top-seeded Assassins earned a first-round bye and awaited the winner the game between fourth-seeded Greene Turtle and fifth-seeded Seaquest. The Greene Turtle beat Seaquest, 28-16,… Read more »

Greene Turtle 5K Set For Next Week

WEST OCEAN CITY- The 4th annual Greene Turtle Thanksgiving Turkey Trot 5K is set for Saturday, November 25, at the Greene Turtle in West Ocean City.The annual race, sponsored by the Greene Turtle West and produced by OC Tri Running, gets underway on Thanksgiving weekend. The race starts and ends at the Greene Turtle in… Read more »