About The Author: Bethany Hooper

Alternative Text

Bethany Hooper has been with The Dispatch since 2016. She currently covers various general stories. Hooper graduated from Stephen Decatur High School in 2012 and the University of Maryland in 2016, where she completed double majors in journalism and economics.

Bill To Eliminate Tipped Credit Worries Local Restaurant Operators

OCEAN CITY – Industry leaders are following a bill that will impact tipped workers in the local hospitality sector.In January, Maryland legislators introduced a bill that will, among other things, increase the minimum wage for tipped workers to $15 and eliminate the state’s tip credit model. While proponents believe the legislation will improve working conditions… Read more »

Eagle Scout Project Completed To Service Caine Woods

Eagle Scout Project Completed To Service Caine Woods

OCEAN CITY – The construction of “little libraries” is expected to benefit an uptown community.Last summer, Caine Woods Community Association resident Finian Dudley,16, began an effort to construct “little libraries” for his Eagle Scout service project. With the boxes now installed at three public parks, he said he is hoping those in his neighborhood can… Read more »

Ocean City Eyes Utility Rate Increases

OCEAN CITY – Proposed increases to Ocean City’s water and wastewater rates will advance following a presentation this week.On Tuesday, NewGen Strategies and Solutions Partner Eric Callocchia presented the Mayor and Council with the results of a five-year water and wastewater rate study. He said the report featured recommended rate increases that would support operations… Read more »

Companies Making Huge Strides With Broadband Work

SNOW HILL — The majority of Worcester County is expected to have access to high-speed internet by the end of the year.Thanks to the efforts of Talkie Communications, Choptank Fiber, Simple Fiber and Maryland Broadband, more and more Worcester County residents have access to broadband.“This has been a huge undertaking,” said Director of Information Technology… Read more »

Special Event Fee Policy Overhaul Continues

Resort officials are one step closer to implementing a new special event fee structure.On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council voted unanimously to approve revisions to the town’s private events policy and to move forward with a new fee structure that was introduced last fall. Special Events Director Frank Miller told officials this week the revisions,… Read more »

Coastal Hospice notifies community of data breach

Coastal Hospice is notifying affected individuals following a 2023 data security incident.Late last month, Coastal Hospice began notifying affected individuals regarding a network disruption that occurred in July 2023.“This disruption did not impact our ability to provide care to our patients and families,” said Alejandra Lazcano, director of communications at Coastal Hospice. “Our IT team,… Read more »

Ocean City Takes Cautious Approach To Ørsted Announcement

OCEAN CITY – An offshore wind company has withdrawn its agreement with the Maryland Public Service Commission as it looks to reposition its Skipjack project.Last Thursday, Ørsted announced it will reposition Skipjack Wind, a 966-megawatt project it’s developing off the Delmarva coastline. After reviewing the Maryland Public Service Commission orders approving its two-phased project, the… Read more »

Student Surprised To Win Shorebirds Design Contest

Student Surprised To Win Shorebirds Design Contest

BERLIN – A local student was recently recognized for winning a regional design contest.On Jan. 18, representatives with the Delmarva Shorebirds visited Berlin Intermediate School to recognize sixth-grade student Loralei Donoway as the winner of this year’s “Hit The Books” bookmark contest. Donoway’s design was selected from tens of thousands of submissions across 100-plus schools… Read more »

OPA Season Kickoff Approved

OCEAN PINES – Plans to host a kick-off event will move forward in Ocean Pines with the board’s support.Last Saturday, the Ocean Pines Board of Directors voted unanimously to approve an OPA Season Kick-Off Day this spring. Director Monica Rakowski, liaison for the OP Day Working Group, said the event will showcase the association’s amenities,… Read more »