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.

Committee, State Tour West OC To Discuss Bike, Pedestrian Safety

WEST OCEAN CITY — Determined to improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in the increasingly dense West Ocean City, leaders of a grassroots citizens group this week toured the known trouble spots with a state transportation official to begin exploring potential projects.Formed this spring, the West Ocean City Pedal and Pedestrian Committee has met on several… Read more »

Extreme Heat, Cool Water Led To Tuesday Morning’s Route 50 Bridge Malfunction; State Confident Sensor Adjustment Will Address Issue

Extreme Heat, Cool Water Led To Tuesday Morning’s Route 50 Bridge Malfunction; State Confident Sensor Adjustment Will Address Issue

OCEAN CITY — An extreme differential in the air and water temperatures caused the Route 50 Bridge into Ocean City to malfunction early Tuesday morning, but adjustments have been made to prevent a similar occurrence heading into the height of the summer season.Around 6 a.m. on Tuesday, the Route 50 Bridge was raised and lowered… Read more »

Civil Suit Raises Social Media, First Amendment Issues; Wicomico Official Was Terminated For Facebook Page

SALISBURY — In what appears to be one of the first real tests of social media and First Amendment rights, at least locally, a former Wicomico County employee filed suit this week against the county asserting he was wrongfully terminated for starting a Facebook page to open a discussion on Wicomico’s proposed employee handbook revisions.Former… Read more »

Loss In State Title Game Does Little To Tarnish Remarkable Season

Loss In State Title Game Does Little To Tarnish Remarkable Season

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity lacrosse team’s bid for a state championship and a perfect season ended with a heart-breaking 10-7 loss to Baltimore-area powerhouse Century in the title game on Wednesday, but the loss did little to tarnish what was a remarkable season for the Seahawks.Decatur entered the state championship game against Century as… Read more »