Bethany Hooper

Maryland

Reporter at Maryland Coast Dispatch

Freelance Writer at Dayton Business Journal

Reporter for The Dispatch | Freelance writer for the Dayton Business Journal

Articles

Nonconforming properties reviewed amid new rules

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

City officials this week directed staff to find ways to address nonconforming properties in single-family neighborhoods. On Tuesday, months after the Ocean City Council adopted three ordinances that set restrictions on short-term rentals in the single-family residential neighborhoods, officials agreed some solution was needed to address nonconforming, multifamily properties in those districts.
OC council amends residency requirements for candidates

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

City officials will move forward with a charter amendment to increase residency requirements for candidates. On Tuesday, the Ocean City Council revisited the topic of residency requirements for those wishing to run in municipal elections.
Juvenile gray seal released on Assateague

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

A rehabilitated gray seal, the youngest ever to be treated by the National Aquarium, was released off Assateague Island last week. On May 22, staff with National Aquarium Animal Rescue gathered at Assateague Island State Park to release a female gray seal, named “Arcadia,” back into the wild. The aquarium oversaw Arcadia’s recovery after she was found stranded in Ocean City earlier this year.
Local lawmakers side with Trump’s offshore wind order

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

Two members of the Eastern Shore delegation are requesting the U.S. Department of the Interior take legal action to bring Maryland’s offshore wind energy project into compliance with the president’s executive order.
Petito retires, Gaddis named new director

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

With Susan Petito retiring at the end of the week, city officials announced Kate Gaddis as the new director of recreation and parks for the Town of Ocean City. On Tuesday, Mayor Rick Meehan and the Ocean City Council recognized Petito for her 39 years of service to the Town of Ocean City. The recognition was capped off with a vote of the City Council to appoint Gaddis, the department’s recreation superintendent, as her replacement.
Memorial Day observed in resort; Keynote speaker and Army band ring in a celebratory tribute to armed services

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

City leaders kicked off Memorial Day weekend and the unofficial start of the summer season with a remembrance ceremony. On Sunday, the Town of Ocean City held its annual Memorial Day ceremony to honor and remember the U.S. military members who died serving in the United States Armed Forces. As the city kicks off its summer season and continues its 150th anniversary celebration, Mayor Rick Meehan called on community members to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.
Ocean City composting program reaches 1M milestone

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

Leaders of a resort composting program gathered last week to recognize participants and volunteers for diverting one million pounds of food waste from the landfill. Last Friday, Go Green OC announced its one millionth pound of food waste composted through the organization’s composting program.
Ocean City Beach Patrol expected to be fully staffed this summer

1 week ago | oceancitytoday.com | Bethany Hooper

With the final tryout of the season scheduled for this weekend, Capt. Butch Arbin says he expects the Ocean City Beach Patrol to operate at full capacity this season. On Saturday, May 31, the beach patrol will hold its final pre-employment physical skills evaluation. With 60 individuals pre-registered for the tryout, Arbin said he expects to be at “100% capacity” for the summer season. “We are where we expect to be at this time,” Arbin said of staffing.
Ocean City Beach Patrol expected to be fully staffed this summer

1 week ago | octodaydispatch.com | Bethany Hooper

With the final tryout of the season scheduled for this weekend, Capt. Butch Arbin says he expects the Ocean City Beach Patrol to operate at full capacity this season. On Saturday, May 31, the beach patrol will hold its final pre-employment physical skills evaluation. With 60 individuals pre-registered for the tryout, Arbin said he expects to be at “100% capacity” for the summer season. “We are where we expect to be at this time,” Arbin said of staffing.
Local lawmakers side with Trump’s offshore wind order

1 week ago | oceancitytoday.com | Bethany Hooper

Two members of the Eastern Shore delegation are requesting the U.S. Department of the Interior take legal action to bring Maryland’s offshore wind energy project into compliance with the president’s executive order.