Saturday, May 26, 2012

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Buyer Beware!

 
On the Eastern Shore, 1885: "This is the season when the nomadic swindler starts from the cities upon his career of humbuggery."



Also this week take a look at some Ocean City real estate prices in 1969.



Read more on these and other items 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!

"Thank A Veteran Night"

American Legion Post 93 In Pocomoke City
 will host
 "Thank A Veteran Night"

June  1, 2012
6 to 8 PM
Dinner prepared by the ladies auxiliary

Post Commander Arthur Bishop invites all veterans and citizens of Pocomoke City who want to thank our veterans to join him for dinner and fellowship.

A fellowship time after dinner will include remarks by Mayor Bruce Morrison. 

Tim Corkin will speak about his tour of duty as the helicopter pilot for president George  Bush.


For more information, call 410-957-2824. The Post is located at 2017 Bypass Road, Pocomoke City, Maryland.

Source:

Gumboro Mud Bog Race Results- May 5th ~ 2012 Season



RACE RESULTS
GUMBORO MUD BOG
MAY 5, 2012

STREET CLASS

1ST   STEVE WISBESKI   BROWN 77 BRONCO   FULL   22.91 SEC.
2ND   MATHEW GRAY   BLACK JEEP WRANGLER   145.9'
3RD   CLIFTON TAYLOR   BLUE 69 CHEVY   143.5'
4TH   DERYK B.   BLUE 90 CHEROKEE   132'
5TH   KENNETH HEARN   BROWN/WHITE F250   44.9'



PROSTOCK

1ST    ED VOGEL III   NO SHAME   FULL   16.40 SEC
2ND   JOHN LAIRD   BLUE CHEVY   FULL   17.029 SEC.
3RD   STEVE WISBESKI   BROWN 77 BRONCO   FULL   20.57 SEC
4TH   ANDY KAUFFMAN   BOTTOM FEEDER   FULL   23.97 SEC
5TH   VINCE MCMAHON   UDDER MADDNESS   FULL   31.44 SEC.
6TH   STEVE RIGGI  N PUDDLE JUMPER   FULL   43.90 SEC
7TH   GARY DOWNES   POPPY'S TOY   FULL   61.55 SEC
8TH   BRYAN JOHANSON   FUNKY JUNK   134.8'
9TH   BRUCE VOGEL   GOLDRUSH   130'
10TH   ROGER ENGLAND III   SILVER 85 CHEVY   85.7'
11TH   JOHN BORGSTROM   LITTLE DIRTY DOG   30.4'
------ NICHOLAS BATESON   RED 97 GMC   DNS


SMALL TIRE SUPER STOCK
1ST    ED VOGEL   NO SHAME   FULL   13.35 SEC
2ND    NICHOLAS BATESON   RED 97 GMC   FULL   87.25 SEC
3RD    DANIEL HARVISON   FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES   197.1'
4TH    JAKE VOGEL   GOLDRUSH   193.8'
5TH    KYLE LOHMEYER   TRIPLE TROUBLE   179.6'
6TH    VINCE MCMAHON   UDDER MADNESS   167.5'
7TH    BARRY WISE   SHORT & SASSY   141.4'
8TH    GARY DOWNES   POPPY'S TOY   126.6'
9TH    RANDY WILLEY   OLD SCHOOL II   82.5'


BIG TIRE SUPER STOCK
1ST    AARON ELLIS     FULL   4.351 SEC
2ND    ROGER ENGLAND   SILVER 85 CHEVY   FULL   11.12 SEC
3RD    JAMES HALL   99 PROBLEMS   FULL   15.937 SEC
4TH    DANIEL HARVISON   FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES   FULL   19.605 SEC
5TH    MARK CHRIST     BLACK CHEVY S10   179.9'
6TH    STEVE RIGGIN   PUDDLE JUMPER   177'
---- BRUCE VOGEL   GOLDRUSH   DNS
---- KEVIN LOHMEYER   TRIPLE TROUBLE   DNS
---- BRYAN JOHANSON   FUNKY JUNK   DNS

   
MODIFIED
1ST    RICKY MESSER   OLD FLAME   FULL   3.98 SEC
2ND    KELLY HUBBARD   HIGH VOLTAGE   FULL   4.31 SEC
3RD    JARED COLLINS   COPPERHEAD   FULL   4.33 SEC
4TH    DONALD BOWDEN   WILDFIRE FULL   4.63 SEC
5TH    CHARLIE PRICE    MIDNIGHT EXPRESS    FULL   4.645 SEC
6TH    SAM JONES   DIRTY DREAMS   FULL   4.80 SEC
7TH    AARON ELLIS   FULL   4.909 SEC
8TH    BRYAN WATSON   LITTLE RED DAKOTA   FULL   5.40 SEC
9TH    BILL HEIL   MISTRESS   FULL   5.706 SEC
10TH    JIMMY HALL   99 PROBLEMS   FULL   11.299 SEC
----- BARRY WISE   SHORT & SASSY   DNS


MINI OPEN
1ST    WRIGHT TOWNSEND   MUD DOBBER II   FULL   3.333 SEC
2ND    JARED COLLINS   COPPERHEAD   FULL   3.830 SEC
3RD      KELLY HUBBARD   HIGH VOLTAGE   FULL   4.136 SEC
4TH    RICKY MESSER   OLD FLAME   FULL   4.260 SEC
5TH    PATRICK LONG   SOD BUSTER   FULL   4.271 SEC
6TH    LEE STURGIS   GRAY GHOST   FULL   4.307 SEC
7TH    BRYAN WATSON   LITTLE RED DAKOTA   FULL   4.40 SEC
8TH    BILLY MARSH   BLACK BLAZER   FULL   4.423 SEC
9TH    BILL HEIL   MISTRESS FULL   5.191 SEC
10TH    CHUCK WEST   FREAK NASTY   FULL   5.49 SEC
----- BLAINE HITCHENS RARE SPECIES DNS
----- AARON ELLIS DNS
----- SAM JONES DIRTY DREAMS DNS


UNLIMITED
1ST    BLAINE HITCHENS   RARE SPECIES   FULL   3.66 SEC
2ND    JONATHAN CORBET   OLD FLAME   FULL   3.88 SEC
3RD    LEE STURGIS   HIGH VOLTAGE   FULL   4.312 SEC
4TH    WESLEY WARD   GETTIN BUSY   FULL   4.314 SEC
5TH    PATRICK LONG   SOD BUSTER   FULL   4.36 SEC


X CLASS
1ST   KEVIN LEWIS   HEAVEN BOUND


UNLIMITED X CLASS
1ST TRAVIS PRUITT DIRTY DOG

Friday, May 25, 2012

Statement From Pocomoke City Officials

Pocomoke City Officials Clarify Proposed Ordinance on Open Porch Furniture


Some of you may have heard that WBOC is reporting that Pocomoke City officials are considering an ordinance that would prohibit certain indoor furnishings from being placed on open porches.  While that statement is accurate, the remainder of their reporting has been very misleading. 

Mayor Bruce Morrison has asked WBOC to issue a clarification via all media outlets where the misinformation has been shared.  This misinformation includes videos taken of certain furnishings in Pocomoke that would not even be considered under the potential ordinance.

First, the ordinance is only being considered.  Second, the ordinance would NOT prohibit what is commonly known as "patio furniture" or outdoor furniture, such as wicker, plastic, wood, or aluminum items.  Rather, certain types of upholstered interior furniture that can be combustible and pose a safety hazard would be prohibited.  The City of Salisbury adopted a similar ordinance in 1999.

A draft of the proposed ordinance has not been completed by the City’s attorney yet, but one may be considered at by the Mayor and City Council in the next few weeks.

There are many other positive and exciting changes occurring in Pocomoke and it is a shame that this misleading report is detracting from the positive.  We are hopeful that WBOC will issue proper clarifications to this story so that Pocomoke City residents will not be unduly concerned about the proposed aesthetic and safety measure. 

Eastern Shore Crime Sweep Named "Spring Sting"

63 warrants closed in "Spring Sting"

EXMORE, Va. (WAVY) - On May 22-23, multiple law enforcement officers executed a crime sweep on the Eastern Shore.

More than 50 officers were involved, including Virginia State Police, Accomack Sheriff’s Office, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, Exmore Police Department, DEA, Homeland Security Investigations, Cape Charles Police Department and surrounding state, local and federal law enforcement agencies.

“This was a tremendous team effort and we give credit to the cooperation of all agencies involved in making this a successful round-up” said Robert “Bobby” Mathieson, U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia.

The sweep was targeted around fugitives wanted for drugs, sex offender violations, robbery, rape, grand larceny, theft and miscellaneous misdemeanor offenses, and encompassed areas including Northampton and Accomack counties.


More than 63 warrants were closed.

source:

Your Photos Are Welcomed

As always the PPE welcomes your photos.

If anyone has photos that were taken last evening  at the Awards Ceremonies at Pocomoke High School  please send them to us. 

Also, in the near future graduation day will be here and we would love posting those photos too.

Thanks.  jmmb

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Crisfield Mud Bog ~ SUNDAY

MAKE THE CRISFIELD MUD BOG PART OF YOUR HOLIDAY PLANS !

"Short and Sassy"- Owner/Driver Barry Wise

CRISFIELD MUD BOG 2012
SUNDAY  MAY 27, 2012
(behind the Crisfield Elks Lodge)
NO alcohol
ADMISSION:  $7.00 per person
Children under 10 FREE

Events begin @ 1:00 PM

 Driver Registration: 9:30 am - 12:30

~CRISFIELD MUD BOG~
WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
E.S.M.R.A.

To all my friends (and enemies too, I guess)  Stop by the tent and say hi!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Buyer Beware!

 
On the Eastern Shore, 1885: "This is the season when the nomadic swindler starts from the cities upon his career of humbuggery."


Also this week take a look at some Ocean City real estate prices in 1969.


Read more on these and other items 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!

Discovery Center Officials Encourage Performance Audit

POCOMOKE CITY - The Delmarva Discovery Center has retained BEACON (Business Economic and Community Outreach Network), a division of Salisbury University's Perdue School of Business, to conduct a study of the effectiveness and efficiency of the Center, its staffing needs, programs, exhibits and community relations.

In assessing the Discovery Center, BEACON will use a systematic method known as the "3E Model" to collect, analyze and use data and information to answer questions about the efficiency and effectiveness of the programs, projects, processes and policies. The third "E" is evidence to be used for planning purposes and ongoing evaluation.

According to Nancy Goldsmith, board president, "this study will help the board learn what the Center is doing well and what can be improved. We couldn't be more pleased to be working with Dr. Memo Diriker, BEACON Director, and his staff on this important and timely study.  We look forward to maximizing its findings and continuing to move the Center to its full potential."

"In both the public and private sectors, stakeholders will want to know if the programs they are funding, implementing, voting for, receiving or objecting to are actually having the intended effect" says Dr. Diriker. He goes on to say "equally important are questions such as how the program could be improved, whether the program is worthwhile, whether there are better alternatives, if there are unintendedoutcomes, and whether the program goals are appropriate and useful.  One of the primary responsibilities of decision-makers is to assess the cost effectiveness of programs. In an era of "doing more with less," there is little tolerance for ineffective programs. Public administrators use a variety of tools to evaluate effectiveness, often seeking to quantify the inputs and outputs of a particular program."

The BEACON process will take a holistic approach to all that the Center is doing and how it is performing. The findings, which will be complete in about four months, will then be shared with the public.

National Donut Day Is FRIDAY JUNE 1st

NATIONAL DONUT DAY
FRIDAY  JUNE 1, 2012
FREE Dunkin Donut with beverage purchase ! 

Pocomoke City Has New Police Officer

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell introduced the towns newsest police officer to the Mayor and Council during their regular monthy meeting on April 9, 2012

Welcome to the Police Department and welcome to Pocomoke City Officer McGlotten.

From the Worcester County Sher'ff's Office

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office


 On 05/22/2012 at approximately 1830 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy arrested Edward Lee Byrd, 31, of Pocomoke City, Maryland on a Circuit Court Bench Warrant after Failing to Appear on 02/08/2012. Mr. Byrd was originally charged with several counts of CDS Possession-Cocaine and CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute-Cocaine. Mr. Byrd is being held at the Worcester County Jail on $200,000 bond.

On 05/19/2012, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were assigned to patrol Ocean City and support the Ocean City Police Department during the 2012 Cruising weekend. Several Deputies were conducting an investigation for underage drinking in the area of North Division St and Baltimore Ave when they encountered Richard John Garrett II; age 24, of Cambridge MD. The Deputies detected an odor of marihuana on Mr. Garrett. A search of Mr. Garrett located marihuana and a marijuana smoking device. Mr. Garrett was arrested and charged with possession of marihuana and paraphernalia, and released on his own recognizance.


 On 05/18/2012, at approximately 1312 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to Brantley Road Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland 21851 in reference to a Burglary that just occurred. Another Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was in the area of RT 113 traveling southbound just south of Johnson Neck Road. The Deputy was given information that the suspects fled the residence towards Rt 13 driving a gold colored Honda with two male suspects in the vehicle. The Deputy was in the area of RT 113 near the old Cowger Concrete Plant and observed a vehicle traveling RT 113 northbound matching the suspect vehicle description. The Deputy turned and pursued the vehicle north on RT. 113. The Deputy observed the vehicle speed up in what appeared to be an effort to elude the Deputy. The vehicle turned into a residence driveway on Worcester Highway north of Pocomoke. The suspects were all apprehended.


Further investigation revealed the suspects were allegedly in possession of stolen property from the residence in question. W.C.B.I. Detectives assisted in this case and were able to link the three suspects to a Burglary that occurred on 05/17/2012 on Worcester Highway in Snow Hill. This burglary included a theft of jewelry taken from the residence.



Arrested; Brian Keith Waters 30 yrs old
                 Bivalve, Maryland

                 Marco Phillip Lee   32 yrs old      
                 Quantico, Maryland

                 Zachary John Manley 24 yrs old
                 Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania

All three were charged in both cases with the following;

1)      Burglary 1st Degree
2)      Burglary 3rd Degree
3)      Burglary 4th Degree
4)      Malicious Destruction + $500.00
5)      Theft : $1,000.00 to under $10,000.00

Disposition; Initial appearance held by Snow Hill District Court Commissioner
                      Brian Waters held without bond both cases
                      Marco Lee held on bond $25,000.00 on each case total $50,000.00
                      Zachery Manley held on bond $25,000.00 on each case total $50,000.00


Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Gumboro Mud Bog ~ May 5, 2012 ~ First Event of Season

Opening day of the Gumboro/Crisfield Mud Bog Season

A few things were a little different for the first mud bog race of the season.  Barry Long, driver of "Sod Buster"  was sidelined due to a  knee injury.  This left only one other person to drive that mud truck..his son and  my "go to guy" Patrick Long,  who has always driven his very own truck "All Night Soldier".



Patrick drove the "Sod Buster" in two classes on Saturday:
Mini Open/ 4.27 seconds  and Unlimited Class/ 4.38 seconds

(Viedeo: Not sure which class this is)


MORE PHOTOS FROM SATURDAY


"Short and Sassy"/Owner-Driver Barry Wise



Next Mud Bog Event:
Sunday ~ May 27, 2012
Crisfield, Maryland

COME SPEND THE DAY WITH US!

Three Burglaries, Three Arrests Made In Worcester County

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputy Responds To  "Burglary In Progress" - Arrests Made

NEWS RELEASE
DATE:       May 21, 2012
CASE #:     12-000385 / 12-000391 / 12-000393

LOCATIONS: 1) 3000 BLK Brantley Road
Pocomoke, MD


2) 3100 BLK Brantley Road
Pocomoke, MD


3) 6000 BLK Worcester Highway
Snow Hill, MD

CHARGES:    Burglary, Theft and MDOP

ACCUSED:     1) Brian Keith WATERS   B/M   30yoa
Bivale, MD

Brian Keith Waters


2) Marco Phillip LEE   B/M   32yoa
Quantico, MD


Marco Phillip Lee

3) Zachary John MANLEY   W/M   24yoa
Saylorsburg, PA



Zachary John Manley

NARRATIVE:   On Friday, May 18, 2012 a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a Burglary In-Progress in the 3000 BLK of Brantley Road, Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland. The victim was able to provide an excellent vehicle description of a “beat up” gold colored Honda 4-door with a huge scratch across the back bumper occupied by two black males to the 911 Dispatcher and this information was relayed to responding units.

The Deputy observed a vehicle matching the exact description occupied by two black males and one white male traveling north-bound on Worcester Highway (Route 113) north of the Pocomoke Elks Lodge. When the Deputy slowed to make a U-turn the vehicle sped up and attempted to elude the Deputy before making a quick turn into a residential driveway. The occupants quickly attempted to exit the vehicle and were ordered back in the vehicle until additional units could arrive to assist.

Ultimately, the victim was brought to the scene and made a positive identification of the vehicle and the two black males. The victim also identified personal property that was recovered from the front pocket of one of the suspects. The above three suspects were transported to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office to be interviewed by members of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation and the vehicle was impounded.

During interviews, all three of the above denied any involvement in any burglaries and offered no cooperation. A Search Warrant was obtained for the vehicle and as a result of the Search Warrant being executed all of the initial victim’s property was recovered. In addition a large amount of jewelry, electronics, baseball cards, coins and other valuables were recovered from the trunk and passenger compartment. In addition, three pairs of gloves and burglary tools were also recovered.

A check with area Pawn Shops revealed that MANLEY had pawned a large amount of jewelry on Thursday, May 17, 2012. A detailed description and photographs were obtained of the pawned jewelry. This resulted in the positive identification of items stolen from the above referenced Worcester Highway burglary that was reported to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office on the evening of Thursday, May 17, 2012.

The above three were all charged identically for the burglaries in the 3000 BLK Brantley Road and 6000 BLK Worcester Highway cases. LEE and MANLEY were each held on $25,000 bond in each case and WATERS was held without bond because of an active Arrest Warrant in Wicomico County.

On Saturday, May 19, 2012 a Deputy of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to a residence in the 3100 BLK of Brantley Road, Pocomoke, Worcester County, Maryland for a burglary investigation. Upon his arrival he quickly determined that this incident was similar to the previous two and contacted the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation.

After speaking with an investigator the Deputy learned that all the property being reported stolen had been recovered during the execution of the Search Warrant on the above mentioned Honda.

Based on these facts the Deputy was able to obtained Arrest Warrants for the above three for additional charges of Burglary, Theft and MDOP.

All related cases are a pending trial and future trial dates are pending.

New Aquarist at the Delmarva Discovery Center ~ Sarah Rubin

A few days ago, while in Pocomoke,  I had the pleasure of meeting Sarah Rubin outside the Delmarva Discovery Center.  Sarah had only been on her new job as the new aquarist for the DDC for a few days.  She is such a lovely person to speak with and seems to be enjoying her new job.



Sarah was in Salisbury, Maryland on May 18 for Third Friday events.

The best of luck to you Sarah from all of us at the PPE.

ANEC Members Benefit from Reduced Energy Costs

A & N Electric Cooperative

Tasley, Va. – A&N Electric Cooperative (ANEC) consumer-members saw their power bills decrease slightly following a reduction in the wholesale power rate charged by the cooperative’s electricity provider.


Beginning May 1, ANEC bills decreased $4.31 per 1000 kilowatt hours, the amount of electricity an average household uses each month.


The new rate reflects reductions in the cost of fuels used to generate electricity by Old Dominion Electric Cooperative, ANEC’s wholesale power provider.


"This change may help with the higher bills our members typically experience during summer months, when use of air conditioning increases electricity usage compared to other times of year," said Vernon Brinkley, A & N’s President and CEO.


Headquartered in Tasley, ANEC is a not-for-profit energy provider that serves nearly 35,000 homes, farms and businesses in Accomack and Northampton Counties in Virginia and Somerset County, Maryland. ANEC is the primary electric utility for all of Virginia’s Eastern Shore. For more information, visit www.anec.com.

The Great Pocomoke Fair ~ Seeking Entrants for Pageant



NEW THIS YEAR
AT
THE GREAT POCOMOKE FAIR


Junior Miss Pageant this year at the 2012 Fair!

Ages 10 to 13 are welcome. Must be from either Worcester, Somerset, Wicomico or Accomack county.

 See the rules and get a registration form at the fair's website: www.TheGreatPocomokeFair.org.

 Prizes include a beautiful crown, embroidered sash, robe, trophy, gift cards and goodies, free rides at the fair, feature opportunities throughout the next year and more!

No talent required.

 Pageant will be Thursday, August 2nd at 8PM following the Little Miss & Mister pageant.

Registration deadline is July 28th.

Coming Soon ~ Save the Date


SHORE BEEF & BBQ ~ Wednesday Specials

WEDNESDAY SPECIALS

LUNCH
Sandwich Special
Pulled Chicken BLT w/ side
Drink  ~  $8.95

DINNER SPECIAL
1/2 Rack of Ribs & 1/2 Chicken
w/ 2 Sides ~ $17.95



SCHOOL DELAY

2 HOUR SCHOOL DELAY
THIS MORNING FOR
ACCOMACK COUNTY SCHOOLS

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Yappy Hour Fundraiser 2012

WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
& SUNSET GRILLE
INVITE YOU TO
YAPPY HOUR FUNDRAISER 2012
   
  WEDNESDAY JUNE 13th, 2012    
4:00pm – 8:00pm
SUNSET GRILLE, SUNSET AVE. WEST OCEAN CITY


FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE CALL HEATHER @ (c) 410.430.9405 (w) 410.632.1112


ADULTS (Food Only) - $15 ** ADULTS (Food & Beverages) - $20
KIDS (Food Only) - $8

Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pork BBQ, BBQ Chicken,
Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad & Watermelon

FOOD * BEVERAGES * ENTERTAINMENT * PRIZES * FUN

* K9 Water Tricks by Delmarva Dock Dogs * Pictures * BAND * Silent Auction *
*
Special Guest Mitch Fletcher from K9 Heeling - As Seen on Animal Planet * 50/50 *
*
K-9 Demonstration by Worcester County Sheriff’s Office * K-9 t-shirts for sale * 100% of all ticket & auction sales benefit
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit!
All food & beverages donated by Sunset Grille.

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ Fintastic Festival

YARD SALE

World Turtle Day!

If you like turtles or have one as a pet you might like to know:

Wednesday, May 23 is World Turtle Day!


This  little guy  lives in the woods across the street.


Founded in 1990 by the American Tortoise Rescue to:
Bring attention to
Increase the knowledge of
Respect for and
Encourage people to help turtles survive and thrive.


Be kind and move a turtle from the road.

Monday, May 21, 2012

Change Maryland Releases Updated Tax List Following Special Session



Change Maryland Releases Updated Tax List Following
Special SessionComes on the Heels of State Leading the Nation in Job Loss

5.21.12
 
Annapolis, MD - Change Maryland, a non-partisan grassroots organization, released an updated list of tax and fee increases from 2007 to 2012 that show levies have been raised  24 times with a $2.4 billion annual impact to taxpayers.  The tax and fee list comes on the heels of a dire U.S. Department of Labor April report in which Maryland led the nation in job loss.

“What happens when you have a monopoly that increases spending by more than almost any state in the nation and you raise taxes 24 times? You end up having the worst job loss in the entire country,” Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan said.

The fact sheet underscores a disturbing trend cumulative tax hikes have had on Maryland's economy.  Virginia's unemployment rate is a record 20% improvement over that of Maryland. The difference between the unemployment rates in Maryland and its primary economic competitor stands at 1.1% according to the labor department.  Maryland's rate is 6.7% while Virginia's rate is 5.6%.   In the four years of the Ehrlich Administration that differential averaged just .6%.

"Clearly we are falling further and further behind," said Hogan. "If we are to measure Governor O'Malley's performance by his own standards - jobs, jobs, jobs - then he has failed. These tax and fee increases are the reason Maryland had the worst job loss in the country last month and has been bleeding jobs to Virginia since O'Malley's been in office - nothing else explains it."

Virginia, under Republican and Democratic governors alike, has a long tradition of holding the line on taxes.  The results of these policies include the Old Dominion topping Maryland in every major business climate survey, attracting large corporations and encouraging small businesses to move across the state line.

Maryland's budget has grown $1.2 billion a year, on average - from $28.8 billion in 2007 to $34.7 billion in 2012.  While the Governor has claimed $7.5 billion in cuts during his term in office, the numbers simply don't add up.  The contrived "cuts" number is used to claim fiscal responsibility while raising taxes to support spending increases for politically-favored special interest groups.

"Gov. Martin O'Malley was not elected saying 'I'd like to drastically increase state spending and raise taxes on struggling Marylanders.' He ran on a false claim of fiscal responsibility, and voters had the wool pulled over their eyes," Hogan said. "All Marylanders -Democrats, Republicans and Independents -are paying the price through lost jobs and lower wages."

This most recent tax and fee list includes legislation passed in the special session of the General Assembly, which is estimated to raise $264 million through increased income, business, tobacco taxes and vital record fees.  The vast majority of these revenues are derived from raising the individual income tax which disproportionately affects small businesses structured as S-Corporations, Limited Liability Corporations and Sole Proprietorships.

The Change Maryland Tax and Fee fact sheet details measures ranging from the $603 million sales tax increase in 2007 to off-the-books measures such as the Maryland Transportation Authority - imposed $90 million toll hike last year.


###

Background:

Change Maryland Tax/Fee Fact Sheet: 
http://www.changemaryland.org/2012/05/fact-sheet-maryland-tax-and-fee-increases-2007-2012/

Levyland - the "Fee" State Gazette 5.11.12http://www.gazette.net/article/20120511/OPINION/705119665/1033/blair-lee-levyland-the-fee-state&template=gazette

Change Maryland: 



Two Downtown Pocomoke City Businesses Celebrate With Grand Openings

Two ribbon cuttings and grand openings - in the same building- were held Saturday in downtown Pocomoke City. 

The "Salty Dog Grooming" studio  and "Cottage Arts by Justine"  was the place to be on Saturday for the open house.  A host of various  guests were on hand to help celebrate the grand opening and feasted on some really great food along with the chance to win some fantastic door prizes donated by local businesses.

 A recap about the two businesses in this  newly rennovated building is below photos.

Congratulations and the very best of luck!


Ribbon Cutting for "Salty Dog Grooming" Studio
PHOTO/ Angela Manos

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for "Cottage Art by Justine"
PHOTO by Angela Manos


Items sold at Cottage Art by Justine include painted and faux-finished furniture, fixtures, frames, accent pieces and other decorative items, along with original paintings. The business also sponsors several artists boasting different techniques, including her artist-in-residence, Annette Hicks. Annette is known locally for her canine portraits, but specializes in all custom portraits and mixed media canvas paintings.  A number of original artworks will be on display this Saturday, but a full selection can be found at: www.cottageartbyjustine.com


Salty Dog Grooming is a “doggie day spa” for pampered pets. The spa offers all-breeds grooming by Justine Oneal. At Salty Dog all pampered clients receive “hydrosurge bathing” with specialized shampoos, and plenty of “bling” accompanies all standard service.  Justine has over 30 years experience in the pet care industry. She built and operated for over 16 years a successful resort boarding kennel on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She also earned her CKO status from the American Boarding and Kennel Association. Salty Dog hours are by appointment only.


This little adorable doggy in a bathtub from
Enchanted Florist- downtown Pocomoke
PHOTO/Angela Manos

Cottage Art’s opening marks another milestone in the city’s efforts to attract new businesses to Pocomoke’s downtown as it repositions itself as a tourist destination

Go to: Salty Dog Grooming on facebook for more photos.

Downtown Pocomoke City Restaurant

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND



A walk-in freezer was installed last week at the new restaurant
in downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland.



The new restaurant is scheduled to open for business in June.

(Guess they were preparing for the approaching inclement weather)


All photos by jmmb

Solar Eclipse

Solar eclipse as seen last evening from  Albuquerque, New Mexico




Thanks for the photos, Meg!

Worcester County State's Attorney Oglesby Featured In Article

Staff Writer Brian Shane has written a wonderful article about a man that is an asset to Worcester County.  Only in office for about  18 months Worcester County State's Attorney Beau Oglesby isn't about to give up nor slow down. 

Great job, Mr. Oglesby!

Written by
Brian Shane
SNOW HILL — The criminals facing jail time at the hands of Worcester County State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby can thank a computer glitch for their misfortune.
As a freshman attending Salisbury State College to study accounting, an error in the school’s course registration system blanked out the classes Oglesby had signed up for. He had to redo his schedule, and many of his classes were already full.


Oglesby recalls that the dean of the business school at the time was married to an attorney who taught business law. Her class was normally reserved for upperclassmen, but because of the good relationship he had with his dean, she let Oglesby in.


During the course of that semester is when Oglesby decided he wanted to be an attorney.
“I realized that the appeal of that was much greater than the appeal of being an accountant,” he said.


Today, the 42-year-old Oglesby is 18 months into his job at the helm of the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office. He won his seat on his third try, in 2010, ousting longtime incumbent Joel Todd.


Oglesby grew up as a self-described Army brat, bouncing between homes in Georgia, Germany, Maryland and Virginia.

"Blessing of the Combines"
Snow Hill, Maryland 2011


His father retired from the Army and took a job in security with the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing. The family settled in Prince George’s County, Md., and Oglesby graduated from high school there. It was his third high school.

“I think it made me stronger,” he said. “It taught me that you had to persevere yourself. You’ve got to learn how to make friends and deal with very cliquish communities sometimes.”
All that moving in some ways made it easier for him to take on new jobs at four different State’s Attorney’s offices on the Shore.

“If you look at my background, I’ve made my personal career of going into situations where I wasn’t known and having to fit. You move to two, three different middle schools, different high schools, you have to adapt and overcome,” he said.
After law school, Oglesby was hired by former Wicomico County State’s Attorney Davis Ruark. Oglesby spent 11 years working there and made a name for himself as a prosecutor of drug cases.
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The Rural Sign Painter