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.

Congressional Coalition Opposes Canyon Designation; Letter Calls Out ‘Additional Financial Stresses’

Congressional Coalition Opposes Canyon Designation; Letter Calls Out ‘Additional Financial Stresses’

OCEAN CITY — Days after the Ocean City Mayor and Council fired off a letter last week opposing the designation of the Baltimore Canyon as the nation’s first Urban National Marine Sanctuary, a coalition of U.S Congressmen sent a letter of their own to a federal official who could ultimately make the decision.In October, National… Read more »

Council Relaxes Plumbing Permit Requirements

OCEAN CITY — After months of often contentious debate, the Mayor and Council this week finally put to rest an ordinance change that will relax the permitting and inspection process for the simplest of plumbing jobs.Last spring, the council began a debate on a proposed ordinance that would amend an outdated section of the building… Read more »

Cops And Courts – December 9, 2016

Cops And Courts – December 9, 2016

Pocomoke Homicide Under InvestigationPOCOMOKE — The Maryland State Police (MSP) this week continue to investigate a fatal shooting in Pocomoke last Friday night.Shortly after 10 p.m. on Dec. 2, a motorist called 911 from the area of Market Street and 4th Street in Pocomoke to report seeing a man stagger across the road and fall… Read more »

Life Sentence For Nephew’s Death

SNOW HILL — A Pocomoke man was sentenced late last week to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being found guilty in September on first-degree murder of his 3-year-old nephew.On Saturday, May 2, 2015, a Virginia couple dropped off their son at the Pocomoke home of Kevin M. Sewell, then 27, and… Read more »

Slots Brought In $3.8M At Ocean Downs In November

BERLIN — On the eve of the opening of the state’s sixth casino at National Harbor, Maryland lottery officials this week released the November figures for the state’s five operating casinos, revealing the gaming facilities generated nearly $92 million during the month.Maryland’s five operating casinos generated just around $92 million in November, representing a modest… Read more »

Proposed Reg Would Ban Bow-Riding In State Waters; Change Likely To Take Effect Before Summer

Proposed Reg Would Ban Bow-Riding In State Waters; Change Likely To Take Effect Before Summer

OCEAN CITY — New regulations prohibiting bow-riding on vessels could be in place as soon as next spring after a productive meeting last week between the area’s representatives in Annapolis and state boating officials.In the wake of several serious boating accidents in the resort last summer, including a fatal propeller strike that claimed the life… Read more »

Ocean City Letter States ‘Unconditional Opposition’ To Fishing Canyon Designation

Ocean City Letter States ‘Unconditional Opposition’ To Fishing Canyon Designation

OCEAN CITY — Calling a potential designation of the offshore Baltimore Canyon as the nation’s first Urban National Marine Sanctuary potentially “devastating” to the multi-million dollar fishing industry, resort officials this week agreed to send a letter of opposition to state and federal representatives.In October, National Aquarium officials announced they were seeking an Urban National… Read more »

Flounder Keeper Size Could Increase One Inch Under New NOAA Quota Plan

OCEAN CITY — Federal fisheries management officials are considering draconian reductions in the summer flounder quota in the mid-Atlantic region for 2017, but the resort area could be immune somewhat because of its proactive approach with size limits and creel limits in recent years.National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries has been soliciting public comment… Read more »