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.

No Significant Damage Reported After Boat Strikes Route 50 Bridge

Apr 22,2015 by Shawn Soper

OCEAN CITY — The Route 50 Bridge is none the worse for wear this week after being struck by a vessel that broke free from its moorings near the Inlet on Monday night.Around 10:30 p.m. on Monday, Coast Guard Station Ocean City was notified a 57-foot trawler-style recreational yacht and struck the Harry Kelley Bridge… Read more »

80 Years Ago, Storm Created Ocean City Inlet, Changing Everything For Residents

Aug 15,2013 by Shawn Soper

OCEAN CITY — Next week marks 80 years since the epic storm of 1933 ravaged Ocean City, and while the deluge nearly erased the fledgling resort town, the cataclysmic changes left in its wake changed the course of history along the sleepy barrier island forever. Significant storms have hit the resort since, most notably the… Read more »

Scunny McCusker’s Glory Will Live On Forever

Aug 30,2012 by Shawn Soper

The tragic accident that claimed the life of a popular former Ocean City local and Baltimore restaurateur sent shock waves through the communities on both sides of the Chesapeake this week with his friends both grieving his passage and celebrating his amazing life at the same time.Patrick M. “Scunny” McCusker died last Friday after colliding… Read more »