Saturday, October 8, 2011

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Physicians Rivalry Ends In Tangier Murder!

A rivalry between two physicians on Tangier Island in 1884 left one of them dead and the other charged with murder.

It's one of this Sunday's TIME MACHINE items on The Pocomoke Public Eye!



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Volunteer For Friends Of The Nature Trail

~VOLUNTEERS NEEDED~

The Nature Trail Committee is still looking for community sprited people to volunteer to keep the Pocomoke Nature Trail alive and growing.


For many years the nature trail has been growing and it is so very important to keep this project alive and growing in the future.  Here is where the "next generation"  can step in.  Here is YOUR chance to have a role in being one of the Friends of the Nature Trail.

You know, the Pocomoke River is a beauty by boat but it is just as wonderful to see from the nature trail.


Needed for this continuing project are:
Planners
Money Raisers
Schedulers
And of course citizens to help build.


It's a beautiful part of Pocomoke.  Pocomoke belongs to YOU.  Grab a friend or relative or two and become members of the Friends of the Nature Trail.


Here's the number to call.  Pocomoke City Hall/ (410)957-1333


Give them your name and tell them what part you would like to play in keeping the nature trail growing into the future.

"Operation No Refill" - Ongoing Investigation Nets Arrests

GREAT WORK TO ALL DEPARTMENTS!!   Our communities are another step closer to being safer! 

According to Sheriff David Doughty and Sheriff Todd Godwin the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, which consists of the Accomack and Northampton County Sheriff's Offices and Virginia State Police working with the Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control, Drug Enforcement Administration and Worcester County Md. Sheriff's Office, obtained charges on 43 individuals for 65 felony drug charges, 5 misdemeanors and one subject has been charged federally with distribution and conspiracy to distribute five or more kilograms of cocaine and 280 grams of cocaine base (crack).


Over seventy-five law enforcement officers converged on the Eastern Shore on October 6, 2011 to serve the indictments and arrest warrants and execute two search warrants.


This is an ongoing investigation that began in late 2009 with the DEA to target primarily cocaine distributors on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.


This step of this investigation was named "No Refill" due to the overwhelming number of individuals that have been charged with prescription drugs during this phase of this investigation.


The following items have been seized in connection with this phase of this investigation:


Over $5,000.00 in cash
Nine firearms
Two pound of cocaine
Over 169 marijuana plants
1263 grams of marijuana
Five vehicles
Seven grams of heroin
Assortment of prescription drugs


Total street value of the seized drugs is over 1/2 million dollars.


Agencies assisting in this investigation were the Exmore Police Department, the Cape Charles Police Department, the Parksley Police Department, the Onley Police Department, the
Onancock Police Department, the Hallwood Police Department, the Virginia Marine Police
Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries-Law Enforcement Division, the Virginia Probation and Parole and the Virginia State Police Melfa barrack.


The following individuals have been arrested:


- Angelo S. Stratton, age 39, of Onley, Va,, Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with intent to Distribute Controlled Substances, namely Cocaine.


- Ambrose A. Cuffee, age 28, of Birdsnest, Va, Charged with Aid and Abet the sale of Alcoholic Beverages without being licensed to do so


- Shane Smith, age 26, of Exmore,Va, Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute more than ounce but less than five pounds of Marijuana.


- Zelma Kelley, age 58, of Melfa, Va, Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute a controlled substance namely Hydrocodone.


- George Needam, age 64, of Melfa, Va, Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute a controlled substance namely Oxycodone.


- Erik J. Burton, age 27, of Cape Charles, Va, Charged with Charged with Possess with the intent to Distribute more than 1/2 ounce but less than five pounds of Marijuana.


- Sylvia F. Jackson, age 44, Exmore, Va, Charged with manufacture, sell, give, distribute, or possess with intent to manufacture, sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance classified in Schedule VI and possess with intent to sell, give, or distribute not more than 1/2 ounce of Marijuana.


- Markie Davis, age 33, of Bayview, Va., Charged with possess with the intent to distribute an imitation controlled substance.


- Devonte L. Spady, age 18, of Cheriton, Va., Charged with sell, give, distribute, or possess with the intent to sell, give, or distribute not more than 1/2 ounce of Marijuana.


- Barbara Kamara, age 72, of Exmore, Va., Charged with possess with the intent to distribute Vicodin, a schedule II drug.


- Michael A. Davis, age 42, of Capeville, Va., Charged with possess with the intent to distribute Cocaine, a schedule II drug, second offense.


- Lethon J. Williams, age 33, of Temperanceville, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Robert Dillard, age 27, of Eastville, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Deloris Mccaskill, age 55, of Townsend, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Tommie J. McCaskill, age 50, of Townsend, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Angelo B. Jones, age 43, Exmore, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Richard L. Williams, age 52, of Painter, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Morphine, a schedule II drug.


- Joel N. Miller, age 21, of Hallwood, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.


- Preston Dorsey, age 34, of Temperanceville, Va., Charged with sell, give, or distribute a controlled substance, namely Cocaine, a schedule II drug.

Source:  shoredailynews.com

Friday, October 7, 2011

Gumboro Mudbog Tomorrow

VISIT THE GUMBORO MUDBOG THIS SATURDAY


October 8, 2011
Gate opens at 10:00 AM
Race will begin @ 1:00pm

Registration will be held from 10:00am until 12:00pm
Admission:Adults $7.00

Children under 10 Free
(ALL CHILDREN MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT!!!)

Pit admission  ~ $5 per person.
All drivers & 1 crew person FREE in pits
 
 
SEE YOU THERE !! 

Some Virginia DMV Services Won't Be Available This Weekend

If your to-do list includes visiting a DMV in the state of Virginia this weekend you may as well make other plans.  Some transactions won't be able to be made.

On Thursday, DMV officials stated the agency will be unable to issue driver's licenses or renewals at customer service centers Saturday because the Social Security Administration is planning annual maintenance at its National Computer Center.
It seems the computer center is scheduled to be powered down at the close of  its business day on Friday.  And since State offices will be  closed Monday for Columbus Day, no  business will resume at  DMV offices until  Tuesday.

Some Indicted In the Summer Drug Sweep Receive Their Sentence in Circuit Court

Honis W. Cane, III charged with counterfeit cocaine!!  WOW!  Wonder how he looks now in the drug world!!!  Looks like quite a few of these dealers have not been charged with the "lesser " of possession! - which is a pet peeve with so many people - but are looking at some time to be spent behind bars.  Most times these criminals get a slap on the wrist, a fine and sent out the front door!!  Not this time!!!
SNOW HILL -- A Pocomoke City man arrested in a major drug dealing sweep now faces charges that he was selling fake cocaine.

Honiss Webster Cane III, 40, of Pocomoke City was indicted on charges of cocaine possession and distribution along with 44 others in a midsummer sting in southern Worcester County. However, his drug charges have since been dropped, and Cane now faces charges of distribution of counterfeit cocaine. Cane is the son of the late Pocomoke City councilman of the same name.

Several others arrested in that law enforcement initiative have recently struck plea deals with prosecutors.

For several dozen more, trials are still pending between now and December.

Nine of the men agreed to plead guilty to cocaine distribution, and three agreed to plead guilty to distribution of a controlled dangerous substance in a school zone. Some were given fines and probation time by a judge, while others were sentenced to straight time, some as long as 10 years, and they'll be on probation after release.

Several of the men had other drug charges dropped when securing their plea deals.

Those indicted in the sweep who have pleaded guilty to crack or cocaine distribution charges, and have been sentenced in Circuit Court, are:

Joshua Pitts, 43, of Snow Hill, sentenced to 10 years.

Jamon Byrd, 27, of Snow Hill, sentenced to six years.

Martel Costen, 27, of Pocomoke City sentenced to six years and a $500 fine.

Clinton Waters, 39, of Snow Hill sentenced to five years and a $500 fine.

Stefan Allen, 31, of Snow Hill sentenced to 18 months and a $500 fine.

Breon Ayres, 20, of Pocomoke City sentenced to 18 months and a $500 fine.

Richard Williams, 36, of Pocomoke City sentenced to 18 months and a $500 fine.

Larry Davis, 21, of Snow Hill, sentenced to 18 moths and a $500 fine.

Earl Tull, 47, of Snow Hill sentenced to six months and a $250 fine.

Pleading guilty to distributing drugs near a school were Donald Sturgis, 29, of Pocomoke City; Antonio Wise, 39, of Pocomoke City; and Gabriel Hayes, 35, of Pocomoke City. Their sentences ranged from six to 10 years.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111007/NEWS01/110070309/-1/7daysarchives/Deals-struck-drug-sweep-cases

Action At MELSON'S TRACTOR PULLING On Saturday

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2011
MELSON  POWER SHOW

Great way to spend your Saturday afternoon!
Bring your lawn chairs or use the picnic tables under the shade.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY



EVENTS BEGIN AT 5:00
PLEASE BE SURE TO BE REGISTERED BY 5:00 !


Admission: $5.00 - Children under 11 years FREE!

9343 Guy Ward Road
Parsonsburg, Maryland

SEE YOU THERE!!

facebook ~ Melson's Tractor Pulling

FALL FESTIVAL Is Saturday

DOWNTOWN POCOMOKE CITY
FALL FESTIVAL
SATURDAY ~ OCTOBER 8, 2011




West Ocean City Bar Owner Dies

WEST OCEAN CITY -- The owner of 707 Sports Bar & Grill died shortly after an incident at his establishment, police said.

Detectives with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation are looking into what happened to 63-year-old Carey Flynn of Berlin, according to Worcester County State's Attorney spokesman William McDermott.

It's unclear how the incident unfolded at about 2 a.m. Thursday. Authorities would not officially explain what happened, citing an ongoing investigation. However, several people familiar with the situation said a physical altercation was sparked when Flynn objected to someone urinating outside the bar.

While police are pursuing a suspect in connection with Flynn's death, it has yet to be determined if anything criminal occurred, and police have made no arrests nor charged anyone with a crime, he said.

Flynn was transported from the bar to Atlantic General Hospital, where he died, according to McDermott. No further information is likely to surface until the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore can account for an official cause of death, which will take three to four days, McDermott said.

He declined further comment, citing the ongoing investigation.

Outside the bar on Thursday, located on Old Bridge Road, the bar's marquee read: "In remembrance of Carey." Later in the day, it was changed to simply say, "Reopen Friday."

Yellow crime scene tape was wrapped around the left side of the porch. Friends and bar employees were gathered outside on the other side of the porch. They all declined to comment about the situation, though one woman who said she was the floor manager called Flynn a great boss with "a heart of gold."

Denny Contic, founder and president of the Pittsburgh Steeler Fan Club of Ocean City that meets at the 707, said his group is tentatively planning to hold a celebration of Flynn's life before Sunday's early afternoon game against the Titans. Flynn bought the bar in 2010, and a long-running affection for the bar on the part of Steelers fans carried over.

"He's a gentleman," he said. "We have our fan club there, and he bent over backward to make us welcome. As far as the Steeler fan club, in honor of him and out of respect for him, we will stay there ... He was full of life and fun, and I would think he would want to continue that."

Source;    http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111007/NEWS01/110070303/Owner-West-OC-bar-dies

Laser Pointers Causing Major Distractions For Pilots at NAS

Pilots flying multi-million dollar aircraft to NAS Oceana say that a major distraction is posing an extreme threat to their safety.

When the pilots are preparing to land, they say a beam of light coming from laser pointers are blinding them.  

“You're getting ready to land--you're getting ready to go through a number of steps configuring the airplane to touchdown. Not being able to see is a big problem,” says Captain James Webb, commander of Naval Air Station Oceana.

Within the last 18 months, the Navy says they've seen an increase in the number of "laser" sightings.

Captain Webb says it's likely the culprits behind the laser pointers are people standing on the balconies of the hotels at the oceanfront.

Though the laser sightings seem random and non-malicious, he says each time it happens, it puts the pilot's life in jeopardy.

“In the two-seaters, there aren't any sticks in the back. So if you lose the ability to fly it in proximity to the ground, it gets pretty dangerous,” says Webb.

NewsChannel 3 has also learned that there is no federal or state law that protects military planes from lasers.
To protect his pilots, Captain Webb contacted Virginia Beach's city council, asking them to take action and bring this issue to the general assembly. 

Currently, the state and city codes prohibit against pointing lasers at law enforcement officials.  The city wants lawmakers to modify the code to specifically include aircraft.

Captain Webb says that this change could save someone’s life.

“We need to make sure that everyone is aware of the safety concerns and understand the possible legal ramifications that can come with that,” says Webb.

Oceana officials report these incidents to the FAA and the FBI.

If the general assembly decides to change the state code, police would be able to investigate these claims and
issue citations.

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-laser-pointers-causing-major-distraction-for-pilots-at-nas-20111004,0,3455648.story

Spray Paint Artist Rejects Plea Deal

Boardwalk- Ocean City
Baltimore Sun Photo/ Eric Doerzbach


At Baltimore City District Court on North Avenue, Mark Chase, 29, of Baltimore's Brooklyn neighborhood, said prosecutors offered him a deal that would require him to perform community service after which they would drop the charge against him: one count of peddling without a license.

Instead, Chase pleaded not guilty Thursday, and prosecutor Patricia Deros told the judge that Chase had rejected the state's offer.

Details of the deal were not discussed in court, but Baltimore City State's Attorney spokesman Mark Cheshire said that it would have allowed Chase to avoid a conviction.

Still, Chase said the deal, in his view, would be the same thing as admitting he had committed the crime.

"I'm not going to plead guilty for doing something that's my constitutional right," said Chase, who paints science-fiction landscapes, mountains, waterfalls and American flags. "I'm not going to compromise my morals."

His trial date is scheduled for Dec. 2.

Baltimore police arrested Chase on Sept. 18 at the Inner Harbor when he attempted to set up an area where he could paint at Light and Pratt streets.

Video viewed by The Baltimore Sun shows police telling Chase that he could not paint there without a permit. The video shows Chase explaining that he had won a court injunction in U.S. District Court and had a right to paint where he was.

"It is my constitutional right to be here without prior approval," Chase said to the officer at one point.

"Your constitutional rights have nothing to do with the law," the officer said.

The arrest came two weeks after Chase temporarily won the right to paint on Ocean City's boardwalk. The injunction allows Chase to paint there for as long as his lawsuit continues against Ocean City for what he alleges are violations of the civil rights of street performers and artists by requiring permits and prohibiting them from selling their work in certain areas.

At the time of his arrest, Chase was not at McKeldin Square, a brick plaza at the southeast corner of Pratt and Light streets, which police have designated a "protest zone" where up to 25 people can gather without a permit to demonstrate. The officers said they would give him a citation, but because he refused to move, they arrested him, Chase said.

At the courthouse Thursday, Chase said he hoped to expand the area downtown where artists and protesters can demonstrate.

"We're going to try to open up the whole Inner Harbor," he said.

Source;  http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-artist-plea-20111006,0,7505699.story

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

T.G.I.F.
~ FRIDAY  SPECIAL ~

Beef Brisket Sandwich w/side
Drink ~ $7.50

Serving all day long .......
See you there!

Route 13, South
Before T's Corner

Thursday, October 6, 2011

"Rally on the River"!!! This Saturday


Rally on the River!!!
Rally on the River-Legislative Update on Special Session
By Delegate Mike McDermott


Dear Patriot,

Serving as your State Delegate is one of the greatest honors of my life. With your help, our Eastern Shore voice is being heard from the floor of the State House to the hallways of the Governor’s Mansion. While I am up against some tough foes in Annapolis, I always remember the folks back home have my back. For that, I am  grateful.

The tax and spend crowd continue to dominate the halls of Annapolis, and the upcoming Special Session in mid October promises to be full of challenges and attacks on the wallets of Marylanders. With that in mind, I want to invite you to mark your calendar for my Rally on the River being held on:

Saturday, October 8th, 2pm in the Sturgis Park Pavilion located in Snow Hill.

We will be serving delicious Bar-B-Q along with “all the fixin’s”. Soda and beer will also be provided. This will give me a chance to share with you my insights on the upcoming session and talk about the many challenges we expect to face in the General Assembly during this Special Session. Joining me in providing the inside scoop will be House Minority Leader Tony O’Donnell and House Minority Whip Jeanie Haddaway-Riccio.

This time of insight, encouragement, and fellowship is not to be missed. You can help by sponsoring a table for $200, This will include 10-tickets for you to sell or give away, and special recognition at the Rally. Individual tickets will also be available for $20.

Rally on the River Table Sponsors and Tickets may be purchased by credit card online at delegatemcdermott.com or by returning your check payable to Citizens to Elect Mike McDermott (217 Walnut St. Pocomoke City, MD 21851. If you have any questions, please feel free to call me at 410-957-4668 or contact my Event Coordinator,Heather Horner, at 410.430.9405 or heather.horner@comcast.net.

During the last Special Session, Marylanders were hit with huge tax increases. Dont’t miss your chance to hear strategy for the upcoming fight!

                   Warmest Regards,
Mike
Mike McDermott, Delegate
House Judiciary Committee
Thank you for your support!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Doctor Murders Fellow Physician On Tangier!

 
It's 1884 and a rivalry between two Tangier Island physicians ends in murder.



It's one of the items coming up this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!
 
 
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Showing At the Mar-Va Theater

Apple Co-founder- Steve Jobs Has Died At Age 56

(Reuters) - Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who changed the daily habits of millions by reinventing computing, music and mobile phones, died Wednesday at the age of 56.

Apple loses a visionary leader who inspired personal computing and iconic products such as the iPod, iPhone and iPad, which made Jobs one of the most significant industry leaders of his generation.

His death after a long battle with pancreatic cancer sparked an outpouring of tributes as world leaders, business rivals and fans alike lamented his premature passing and celebrated his monumental achievements.

"The world has lost a visionary. And there may be no greater tribute to Steve's success than the fact that much of the world learned of his passing on a device he invented," U.S. President Barack Obama said in a statement.

Fans paid homage to Jobs outside Apple stores around the world, from Los Angeles to Sydney. Outside one store in New York City, mourners laid candles, bouquets of flowers, an apple and an iPod Touch in a makeshift memorial.

In San Francisco, they held up black-and-white portraits of Jobs on their iPads. Some mourners in Tokyo held a sunset vigil, using apps on their iPads to show flickering candles on the screen.

Many websites, including Apple's own, were transformed into online memorials, a testament to the digital creativity that Jobs inspired.

"For those of us lucky enough to get to work with him, it's been an insanely great honor," said Microsoft's Bill Gates, who once triumphed over Jobs but has seen his legendary status overtaken by the Apple co-founder in recent years.

Jobs was surrounded by his wife and immediate family when he died in Palo Alto, California, Apple said late Wednesday. Other details were not immediately available.

Jobs stepped down as CEO in August and handed the reins to long-time operations chief Tim Cook. With a passion for minimalist design and a genius for marketing, Jobs laid the groundwork for the company to continue to flourish after his death, most analysts and investors say.

But Apple still faces challenges in the absence of the man who was its chief product designer, marketing guru and salesman nonpareil. Phones running Google's Android software are gaining share in the smartphone market, and there are questions over what the next big thing is in Apple's product line.

LEGENDARY ENTREPRENEUR
A college drop-out and the son of adoptive parents, Jobs changed the technology world in the late 1970s, when the Apple II became the first personal computer to gain a wide following. He did it again in 1984 with the Macintosh, which built on the breakthrough technologies developed at Xerox Parc and elsewhere to create the personal computing experience as we know it today.

The rebel streak that was central to his persona got him tossed out of the company in 1985, but he returned in 1997 and after a few years began the rollout of a troika of products -- the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad -- that again upended the established order in major industries.

A diagnosis of a rare form of pancreatic cancer in 2004 initially cast only a mild shadow over Jobs and Apple, with the CEO asserting that the disease was treatable. But his health deteriorated rapidly over the past several years, and after two temporary leaves of absence he stepped down as chief executive and became Apple's chairman in August.

Jobs' death came just one day after Cook presented a new iPhone at the kind of gala event that became Jobs' trademark. Perhaps coincidentally, the new device got lukewarm reviews, with many saying it wasn't a big enough improvement over the existing version of one of the most successful consumer products in history.
Apple Wednesday paid homage to its visionary leader by changing its website to a big black-and-white photograph of him with the caption "Steve Jobs: 1955-2011."

Google provided a link to the Apple site just below its search box.

The flags outside Apple's headquarters at 1 Infinite Loop flew at half mast. Employees left flowers on a bench and a mourner played music on bagpipes in an impromptu tribute.

Cook said in a statement that Apple planned to hold a celebration of Jobs' life for employees "soon."

"Steve's brilliance, passion and energy were the source of countless innovations that enrich and improve all of our lives. The world is immeasurably better because of Steve," Apple said in a statement.

"His greatest love was for his wife, Laurene, and his family. Our hearts go out to them and to all who were touched by his extraordinary gifts."

The announcement of Jobs' death came after almost all trading in U.S. stocks had finished for the day. Apple's stock was last quoted at $377.22, a tad lower than its Nasdaq close of $378.25. Apple shares listed in Frankfurt fell 2 percent.

Outside Jobs' house in Palo Alto, neighbors and friends left flowers and drew messages with markers on the sidewalk. "Thanks for changing the world," read one.

A low fence surrounded a lawn filled with apple trees.

"He was special for the area, like part of the family," said Robert Blum, who brought flowers with his eight-year-old son, Daniel.

NET WORTH $7 BILLION
Jobs, in his trademark uniform of black mock-turtleneck and blue jeans, was deemed the heart and soul of a company that rivals Exxon Mobil as the most valuable in America.

Forbes estimates Jobs' net worth at $7 billion. It was not immediately known how his estate would be handled.

His health had been a controversial topic for years and a deep concern to Apple fans and investors. Even board members have in past years confided to friends their concern that Jobs, in his quest for privacy, was not being forthcoming enough with directors about the true condition of his health.

Jobs, a Buddhist, was born in San Francisco. He started Apple Computer with friend Steve Wozniak in his parents' garage in 1976.

Six years ago, Jobs had talked about how a sense of his mortality was a major driver behind that vision.

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life," Jobs said during a Stanford commencement ceremony in 2005.

"Because almost everything -- all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure -- these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important.

"Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart."

(Additional reporting by Beck Diefenbach; Reporting by Poornima Gupta, Edwin Chan, Andrew Longstreth, Sarah McBride, Bill Rigby, Lisa Richwine, Liana Baker, Soyoung Kim, Nadia Damouni and Peter Lauria; Editing by Gary Hill, Tiffany Wu, Ted Kerr, Bernard Orr and Neil Fullick)


Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Minutes ~ September Meeting

Welcome to the newest Pocomoke City Police Officer Lynell Green.  Congratulations to Lt. Kelvin Sewell on your promotion to Captain.  And GREAT JOB to Pocomoke City Police Chief Ervin and PCO Shawna Gammino on  your hard work in keeping the Pocomoke City Police Department in high standings with CALEA.  (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies).

MINUTES FROM SEPTEMBER  12, 2011
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Tuesday, September 12, 2011. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.
Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison



Council Members: Tracey Cottman,
Rob Clarke, Bob Hawkins, Donald L. Malloy
City Attorney William Hudson
City Manager Russell W. Blake
City Clerk Carol L. Justice

Review Minutes:In a motion (Hawkins, Clarke passed), to approve the minutes of August 8, 2011.

Review Bills:In a motion (Cottman, Hawkins passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).

Introduction of new police officer, Lynell Green:Chief Ervin introduced Lynell Green as a new officer, stating that he is Maryland certified and currently working in Baltimore City. He will begin his duties on October 13, 2011.
Police Chief J.D. Ervin and CALEA Coordinator Shawna Gammino to present official certificate from CALEA renewing the Pocomoke Police Department’s status as a "Recognized CALEA Agency."Chief Ervin stated that he was happy to present the Council with this great honor. The Department was first recognized in 2008 and must be recertified every three years. Following an extensive update of all CALEA files by P.C.O. Shawna Gammino, the Department has met all standards to be recertified.
Mayor Morrison congratulated the Chief and Ms. Gammino on their hard work in getting the Department up to the high standards of CALEA.
Councilman Hawkins stated that it is a great honor to have our Police Department recognized by CALEA.
Chief Ervin also stated that he was pleased to announce the promotion of Lt. Kelvin Sewell to Captain effective October 1. He added that Lt. Sewell is doing a great job for the Department and he was very pleased with his work.
Mayor Morrison stated that it was a well deserved promotion, and Councilman Hawkins added that he is very pleased by this promotion.

Representative of Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce to present plaques thanking several City Departments for their assistance during the 2011 Cypress Festival:Bill Hickman, President of the Chamber of Commerce, stated that it was a great pleasure to present these awards tonight. He said that the City Departments help the Cypress Festival and that the Chamber is very appreciative for the help of the City. He presented awards to Pocomoke City Police Chief J D Ervin for the help from the Police Department; Mayor Morrison accepted a plaque on behalf of the Public Works Department. Mr. Hickman stated that the Public Works Department maintained the park for the festival and they helped with the set-up and taking down the tent, booths and other. Mr. Hickman also presented the Mayor and Council a plaque, stating that the festival would not be successful if the Chamber did not have their support. He added that he appreciates all the things the City does for the Chamber.
Mayor Morrison thanked Denise Wagner for her work at the Chamber and the things that she does to promote the City.

Authorize Mayor Morrison to appoint the Law Office of William C. Hudson as the City’s legal advisor in accordance with Section C-66 of the City Charter:Mayor Morrison stated that he would like to appoint the Law Office of William C. Hudson as the City’s legal advisor.
In a motion (Hawkins, Malloy passed) to authorize Mayor Morrison to appoint the Law Office of William C. Hudson as the City’s legal advisor in accordance with Section C-66 of the City Charter.

City Manager and representatives from Becker Morgan Group to present summary of bids received for renovation to building at 1500 Market Street for new Police Department offices. (Bid opening 11:00A.M., 9/12/11):City Manager Blake stated that the City had received seven (7) bids. Although one of them did not meet all the requirements of the complete bid. He presented a spread sheet summarizing the bids received along with several alternates and unit prices as well as a base bide amount for each bidder. He recommended accepting the low bid from Beauchamp Construction of Pocomoke City in the amount of $468,400, and suggested that he meet with the architectural firm and Beauchamp Construction Co to " value engineer" some of the costs on the right side of the spreadsheet. Beauchamp Construction is willing to do value engineering. All bids received are over our estimated budget, but we have already talked to Shore Bank and they are still interested in financing this project for us. Meanwhile we are talking with USDA about permanent financing for this project.
Mayor Morrison asked if Unit Price Items in A, B, C, D are negotiable.
City Manager Blake stated that Beauchamp Construction is more than willing to work with the City on this project to reduce the cost.
Mayor Morrison asked is there is a standard for holding cells.
Chief Ervin stated that the walls be solid concrete or cinderblock with reinforcement.
Councilman Malloy asked how long does a person stay in a cell.
Chief Ervin stated that sometimes they must stay overnight because the Commissioner is not always available.
Jason Pierce, of Becker Morgan Group, stated that they appreciated all the work the City has given them and they are here to help. He stated that he agreed with Mr. Blake that Beauchamp Construction was the low responsible bidder.
In a motion (Cottman, Malloy passed) to accept Beauchamp Construction as the contractor with the understanding that the cost may fluctuate because of value engineering.
 
City Manager to present memo recommending that certain delinquent business taxes be written off:
City Manager Blake stated that Finance Director Monna VanEss recommended to take several older accounts off our books because they are uncollectable. The auditors look at this list as a liability. With business taxes unless the business still owns a building in Pocomoke City, there’s no opportunity to collect these taxes.
City Attorney Hudson stated that he would check on one of them for the next meeting, but he thinks that just changing the corporate structure and continuing the same business operation might allow the City grounds to go after the new entity.
Councilman Hawkins asked what the cost would be for City Attorney Hudson to complete the research to see if it was cost effective.
City Attorney Hudson stated that with about fifteen minutes of research he would know if it would be worth the City pursuing with collecting the taxes.
In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to write off the delinquent taxes except Steve Black/Arby’s until next meeting.

Discuss letter from Landmark Insurance Company concerning Worker’s Comp. Insurance:City Manager Blake stated that our worker’s comp insurance is with IWIF. IWIF works though agencies which get commissions. We don’t pay that directly to the agency. Landmark has offered to be more proactive in trying to protect the City’s interest than what we have had over the past few years. They are offering to have safety seminars, work with the department heads, and try to get the employees to think and work smart to get our rates down. It is something to try and see how it works. It does not cost us any more or any less to change agencies.
Mayor Morrison stated that he liked the fact that they are willing to do training and work with the department heads on working smarter.
In a motion (Clarke, Hawkins passed) to transfer the City’s worker’s comp to Landmark Insurance Company.

Discuss vacancies on various Boards and Commissions:Mayor Morrison stated that we really needed to fill some of the vacancies. John Chamberlain has agreed to sit on the Board of Zoning Appeals.
Councilman Clarke stated that Kennis Austin is willing to be on the Board of Zoning Appeals or the Planning Zoning Commission. Also, Jay Pittman is interested in serving on one of the Boards.
Mayor Morrison stated that he would like to reappoint the other Board members if they are interested in staying on the Board.
Councilman Clarke stated that Bob Coulbourne may also be interested in serving.
In a motion (Malloy, Clarke passed) to reappoint the current Board members and appoint John Chamberlain, Kennis Austin, and Jay Pittman to the Board of Zoning of Appeals and/or the Planning Zoning Commission.
 
Comments from the Audience:Richard Merrick, of Cedar Street, stated that during the last storm, the water was quite high at 14th and Cedar Street. He stated that there were people putting branches in the ditch and City has cleaned out the ditch all the way down to 5th Street. He stated that he took pictures of two people putting branches in the ditch. He said there may be a law against filling ditches with branches and trash. He stated that he has a neighbor that is always putting branches and things in the ditch.
Mayor Morrison stated that he would like to talk with this gentleman before any action is taken.
Mr. Merrick also stated that some people are cutting their lawns and blowing grass in the streets which clogs the stormwater drain.
Councilman Clarke stated he would like to see something put on the water

Rev. George Tasker stated that on September 23 there will be a Gospel Concert in Cypress Park and there will be free food. He invited the Mayor and Council and also asked if it was possible to have extra trash cans for that night.


Councilman Hawkins stated that the shrubbery in the parking lot around the Farmer’s Market needs to be pulled up as it looks bad. Also, at 603 14th Street, there is a storage pod which has been there for several months.

City Manager Blake stated that the recent Zoning Code does not allow them in the City limits.

Councilman Malloy asked about the status of several houses that were recommended to demolish: 618 Clarke Ave, 707 Clarke Ave., 705 Second Street, and 523 Young Street.
City Manager Blake stated that three that of them sent letters to repair or demolish within120 days and Mr. Davis is getting prices to demolish the house at 707 Clarke Ave.

Councilman Clarke stated that at the Log Cabin, the paper towel dispenser was broken and needed to be replaced. There is an erosion problem at the corner of Winter Quarters Drive and Rt. 13 that should be repaired.
City Manager Blake stated that it is on the list to repair as soon as possible.
Councilman Clarke stated that the Log Cabin needed to be power washed or refinished and needs screen doors. The swing set next to the building needs some repair work.

The next meeting will be October 3rd.

In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to adjourn the meeting at 8:25 P.M.
Approved:______________________2011
 
 
___________________________________
Carol L. Justice
City Clerk

Small Fire At Hardwire In Pocomoke City


Photo/WCFMO
POCOMOKE CITY — A small fire broke out in a mechanical unit at Pocomoke armor manufacturer Hardwire LLC. No injuries were reported.

The fire was reported about 11:30 a.m. on Oct. 5 inside one of the company’s manufacturing facilities. The metal shavings collected from an industrial laser cutter caught fire inside a separate collection unit, according to Deputy Rob Korb with the Worcester County Fire Marshal's office.  The air filtration unit, valued at $40,000, was destroyed.

Korb said the fire marshal will attribute it to a mechanical malfunction, they will rule the fire accidental. He also said it’s the second fire Hardwire has experienced from this particular machine in the last six months.


Fire departments from Pocomoke City, Stockton, Girdletree, and New Church, Va., all were on the scene.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111005/NEWS01/111005014/WORCESTER-Small-fire-Hardwire

RABID Cat Found In Stockton

Worcester County Health Department warns of rabid cat found in Stockton

Stockton, Md. (Oct. 5, 2011) – The Worcester County Health Department has confirmed an adult black cat found near the intersection of Greenbackville Road and George Island Landing Road in Stockton tested positive for rabies.
The large adult black cat was described as having a red collar that had green and yellow flowers and a bell on it.
 
Deputy Health Officer Dr. Andrea Mathias warns that any person, pet or other animal that may have had contact this cat could be at risk for rabies exposure. To report any contact with or exposure to these cats, call the Worcester County Health Department immediately at 410-641-9559. If you call after hours or on the weekend, follow the instructions on the answering machine for reporting an animal bite or rabies exposure incident to reach on-call staff.  
 
Please report any sick animals and those acting in an unusual manner since there may be additional rabid animals in this area.
 
If contact is suspected with a pet, do not handle the pet barehanded.
 
Make sure all your pets have current rabies vaccinations.
 
Do not allow pets to roam outdoors unattended and do not leave pet food, especially cat food, outdoors.
 
Residents are encouraged to talk with their neighbors and report any possible exposures.
 
If a person has been bitten he or she should seek immediate medical care. Post exposure treatment is necessary to prevent rabies.

If not prevented, rabies is fatal. If a pet has been bitten, contact your veterinarian. 

 Source;  http://worcesterhealth.org/news/70-wchd-news-flash/411-worcester-county-health-department-warns-of-rabid-cat-found-in-stockton

SHORE BEEF and BBQ - Back At Their Old Location !

THURSDAY SPECIAL
BBQ Chicken Sandwich w/side
Drink ~ $7.50

NOTE~ THURSDAY ~ FRIDAY ~ SATURDAY
SHORE BEEF and BBQ  WILL BE BACK AT THEIR OLD LOCATION

Route 13 South
Just before T's Corner

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Nancy Grace Speaks Out On Amanda Knox Verdict

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- On Monday, an Italian appeals court threw out Amanda Knox’s murder conviction and freed the 24-year-old after she spent almost four years in prison, but HLN host and “Dancing with the Stars” contestant Nancy Grace feels justice was not served.

“I was very disturbed, because I think it is a huge miscarriage of justice,” Nancy told Access Hollywood’s Shaun Robinson after Monday’s “DWTS” when asked about the high profile trial that also saw her co-defendant, Raffaele Sollecito, cleared of killing 21-year-old Meredith Kercher in 2007.

“I believe that while Amanda Knox did not wield the knife herself, I think that she was there, with her boyfriend, and that he did the deed, and that she egged him on. That’s what I think happened,” Nancy said, sharing her opinion.

Although the court overturned the conviction primarily based on discredited DNA evidence, Knox says she was not there the night of the murder, the Associated Press reported.

”[Kercher] had her bedroom next to mine. She was killed in our own apartment. If I had been there that night, I would be dead,” Knox told the court on Monday. “I did not kill. I did not rape. I did not steal. I wasn’t there.”

Many celebrities took to Twitter on Monday celebrating the verdict, but Nancy claims to have more information than most.

“I think that people in general, including myself, want to believe good about other people and the population wants to believe that Amanda Knox is innocent. They want to believe that and I don’t blame them,” she explained. “I’d like to believe it too, I just happen to know the facts.”

With Knox headed back to the U.S., many are wondering who will land the first interview with the headline-maker, but the HLN host isn’t throwing her hat into the ring.

“I’m not trying to get Amanda Knox’s first interview because… my show does not pay for interviews in any way,” Nancy told Shaun. “I think whether she gets paid outright or whether it’s a licensing fee for a photograph, that’s the way a lot of networks get around paying for interviews, I absolutely would not stand to be on a show where we pay for guests or interviews. Second, I don’t think she’s going to tell the truth anyway, so what’s the point?”

On Tuesday morning, Knox was first seen heading home from Rome. She then touched down at Heathrow Airport in London on her way back to America.

Source;  http://www.accesshollywood.com/nancy-grace-sounds-off-on-amanda-knox-verdict-its-a-huge-miscarriage-of-justice_article_54572