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.

Ocean City Seeks Changes To Proposed Median Barrier; Officials Worry Gaps Between Poles Will Not Deter Pedestrians

Ocean City Seeks Changes To Proposed Median Barrier; Officials Worry Gaps Between Poles Will Not Deter Pedestrians

OCEAN CITY — Resort officials got their first look this week at a proposed fencing alternative in the median along a section of Coastal Highway, and while they generally liked the option aesthetically, they voiced concern about the open fence’s ability to deter pedestrians from crossing mid-block.The Ocean City Transportation Committee on Tuesday met with… Read more »

Birth Control Approach On Assateague Tweaked With Recent Horse Deaths

Birth Control Approach On Assateague Tweaked With Recent Horse Deaths

ASSATEAGUE — With a survey recently completed in November, the current population of wild horses in the Maryland section of the Assateague Island National Seashore has dipped to 88 after at least four more have perished recently.The Assateague Island Alliance (AIA), the friends group of the Assateague Island National Seashore that provides support for the… Read more »

Holiday Weekend Attendance Breaks OC Winterfest Record

Holiday Weekend Attendance Breaks OC Winterfest Record

OCEAN CITY — The combination of near-perfect late fall weather and a four-day Thanksgiving holiday drew summer-like crowds to the resort, resulting in a new record for Winterfest over the extended weekend.Winterfest of Lights, Ocean City’s centerpiece attraction based at Northside Park during the holiday season, drew 22,423 visitors from Wednesday through Sunday, setting a… Read more »

Major Coastal Highway Repaving Project Set For Spring; Southbound Lanes From Route 90 Bridge-Del. Line Included

Major Coastal Highway Repaving Project Set For Spring; Southbound Lanes From Route 90 Bridge-Del. Line Included

OCEAN CITY — The north end of Ocean City is due for a major milling and repaving project on Coastal Highway next spring, but State Highway Administration (SHA) officials this week assured resort leaders the work would be completed before Memorial Day.SHA District Engineer Donnie Drewer and Assistant District Engineer Dallas Baker this week briefed… Read more »

Negotiations On New Ocean City Emergency Radio System Approved

OCEAN CITY — With its current 23-year-old system reaching the end of its practical life, Ocean City officials this week approved moving forward with plans to purchase a state-of-the-art, stand-alone radio system for its emergency services personnel.Ocean City Emergency Services Director Joe Theobald came before the Mayor and Council this week seeking permission to begin… Read more »