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.

Seahawks Strong at Iron Horse Duals

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team turned in a strong performance at the Iron Horse Duals last weekend, finishing fourth overall against some of the best programs in the region.The Seahawks fell in a close one in their opener to Cape Henlopen, 39-34. Decatur got wins from Juan Hinojosa (106), Elijah Collick (113), Aaron August… Read more »

2023 Winterfest To Feature Trams, Hybrid Model

OCEAN CITY – Despite some weather-related hiccups, Ocean City’s Winterfest of Lights was largely successful and tourism officials this week promised a few new wrinkles for next year including bringing back the trams in a hybrid special event.During Monday’s Ocean City Tourism Commission meeting, members got a review of the 2022 Winterfest of Lights, the… Read more »

Funds Approved For Tournament, Festival

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials last week approved Tourism Development Grant (TDG) funds for two special events in Ocean City.During last month’s Ocean City Tourism Commission meeting, Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo asked for and received a positive recommendation for the expenditure of TDG funds for two special events, including Premiere Basketball, a… Read more »

Streaking Decatur Girls Remain Unbeaten

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s girls’ varsity basketball team remained unbeaten in the regular season with a run of four impressive wins since dropping a pair during the Governor’s Challenge Holiday Tournament.The Seahawks are now a perfect 9-0 in the regular season after winning their first four after the holiday break. The streak includes a 71-37 win… Read more »

OC Council Looks To Address Small Motorized Vehicles

OC Council Looks To Address Small Motorized Vehicles

OCEAN CITY – Resort officials essentially ended this week any further discussion about businesses renting electric bicycles, or e-bikes, while also exploring a prohibition of the rental of all smaller, motorized vehicles.In 2020, the Mayor and Council narrowly passed an ordinance prohibiting all classes of e-bikes on the Boardwalk. When potential ADA issues arose, the… Read more »

Council Rescinds Challenged Ordinance After Successful Petition, Decides On New Conveyance Direction

OCEAN CITY – With a successful petition for referendum opposing the conveyance of an narrow section of right-of-way between 13th and 14th streets verified last week, resort officials on Tuesday voted to rescind the ordinance approved last year setting in motion that process, thereby avoiding the need for a possible special election.As part of a… Read more »

OC Paramedics, County Health Department Partner on Integrated Emergency Care Program

OCEAN CITY — A joint training exercise this week between Ocean City Fire Department paramedics and the Worcester County Health Department could improve emergency patient care and reduce the strain on the 911 call system.Ocean City Fire Department paramedics and county health department care providers this week embarked on training sessions for a relatively new… Read more »

Decatur Wrestlers Shine at Damascus Tourney

Decatur Wrestlers Shine at Damascus Tourney

BERLIN- Stephen Decatur’s varsity wrestling team added another feather to its growing hat with a team win in the Damascus Holiday Invitational Tournament last week to remain unbeaten on the season.The Seahawks won the team championship at the Damascus Holiday Tournament with 128.5 total team points and placed seven wrestlers in the top four in… Read more »