Investigating shots fired-

 

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Shots Fired Investigation in Pocomoke City, MD

(Reported Friday evening 6/6/25)

At approximately 8:05 PM, the Worcester County Sheriff's Office was dispatched to the area of Moore Street in Pocomoke City, MD to assist the Pocomoke City Police Department with a report of shots being fired. It was determined that an occupied vehicle and two residences were hit by gunfire. At this time, there are no reported injuries. 

Detectives from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation are on scene and have assumed this investigation. There is no immediate threat to the public. This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111.

Carozza: State's "Blatant Disregard" for OC coast.

 

         6/6/25

A page from 1916's "Maryland's Colonial Eastern Shore"

 

 (Continues next Saturday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye.)

Dismissal- Not so fast says State Board of Ed.

 

(WMDT)

SOMERSET CO., Md. – Somerset County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Ava-Tasker Mitchell has been reinstated after she was unexpectedly terminated from the position Thursday. President of the Somerset Education Association, Randi Merritt, has confirmed with WMDT that the Maryland State Board of Education has issued a stay order over the firing.

(View news story:)

UPDATE: Somerset Co. Public Schools supt. reinstated after unexpected termination - 47abc

Somerset mosquito spraying-

 

(WMDT)

SOMERSET CO., Md. – Several areas in Somerset County will soon be treated by an aircraft to reduce the adult mosquito population.

Starting during the evening hours of June 9th, the areas and communities of Champ, Chance, Dames Quarter, Deal Island, Oriole, St. Stephens, and Wenona will be treated. Treatment is weather permitting.

Officials say it is not necessary for people, pets, or livestock to leave the area to be treated. The insecticide is Trumpet, a formulation containing naled and applied at less than 1.0 fluid ounce per acre.

(Ouch!) Higher energy bills-

 

Discussions about rising energy costs may have dominated this past Maryland General Assembly session. But even higher bills are on the way.

Beginning June 1, elevated rates took effect for utilities across Maryland, from Baltimore Gas & Electric to Delmarva Power and Pepco. The reasons go back to economics class: low supply and high demand. But who is to blame depends on who you ask.

(View news article:)

Despite efforts by lawmakers, energy bills are going up again. Here's why. - Maryland Matters

Worcester budget approved- "Everybody gets something."

 

The Worcester County Commissioners approved their FY26 operating budget this week, one that increases spending on education, public safety, and employee pay while cutting the property tax rate.

(View news story:)

Worcester approves $281 million operating budget | Premium Content | octodaydispatch.com

Puppies available-

 

These adorable puppies are available for immediate adoption. Energetic and loving, they await your visit today. Consider providing a forever home for one of these wonderful canines as your next loyal companion. Contact Worcester County Animal Control at 410-632-1340 to schedule your appointment.

Worcester teachers salaries-

 

(WBOC)
WORCESTER COUNTY, Md. -- A contentious 4-3 vote on Tuesday morning left Worcester County Public Schools one million dollars short of its budget request. Teachers tell WBOC it puts much-needed raises in jeopardy. 

(View news story:)

The Numbers Just Aren't Adding Up For Worcester County Teachers | Latest News | wboc.com

Scam alert!

 Worcester County Sheriff's Office

🚫 Don’t Fall for This Text Message Scam! 🚫

If you have received a text or email similar to the pictured one in this photo (below) over the past few days, please ignore it and delete it from your phone. This is just another scam, asking you for money for a fraudulent charge or violation. 👎

You don't need to report it to law enforcement unless you have paid or believe they have your contact information. If you receive a text and you’re still not sure if it's fraudulent, please get in touch with your local law enforcement agency for further clarification, if needed. 🚔

Again, Law Enforcement agencies and other governmental entities, will not solicit payment via text messages, emails, or links. 🤚

Always reach out to the source, or organization when you receive a concerning text. Contact the company directly for clarification. This can help to alleviate you from being victimized.

On the plus side for Wallops:

 (PPE: Pleased to report this positive Wallops news item on the heels of the recent item regarding concerns due to federal budget cuts.)

(Shore Daily News)

Northrop Grumman is investing $50 million into Firefly Aerospace to speed their joint production of the Antares 330 rocket and the newly named Eclipse medium launch vehicle that will be launched from Wallops Island, “as early as 2026.

(View news story:)

Northrop Grumman to invest $50 million into Antares 330 to be launched from Wallops - Shore Daily News

Worcester's bad news/good news?

 

Whoops! Someone forgot to check the Maryland statutes regarding what rates the counties are allowed to impose for their income (or piggyback) tax.

Had that happened, the Worcester County Commissioners would have known two weeks ago that they could not lower the county’s piggyback tax rate from 2.25% on residents’ taxable income to 2%.

The upshot of correcting that mistake is that the county, which was already flush with money because of strong growth in property and income tax revenue, will end up with more money left over than it realized.

(View news article:)

State law blocks county's piggyback tax reduction | Premium Content | octodaydispatch.com

Pocomoke City's RITE AID on latest closing list.

 

Pocomoke City's Rite Aid is one of 111 stores on the pharmacy's latest bankruptcy filing list of stores closing. One other Delmarva Rite Aid was listed; that's in Lewes, Delaware.  Media reports have stated that most of Rite Aid's 1,200+ stores are expected to close.  Rite Aid had previously announced 361 store closings.  

Trump's budget and concern for Wallops-

 

(WBOC)

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. -- President Donald Trump's proposed budget could slash billions of dollars from NASA. There is growing concern on Virginia's Eastern Shore about what this could mean for Wallops Island. 

(View WBOC news story:)

Massive Cuts Could Be On The Horizon To A Federal Agency | Latest News | wboc.com

Musical Notes for your Summer Calendar!

 

Pocomoke is thrilled to unveil our Summer Concert Series 

for the upcoming 2025 season! We’ll kick off the festivities 

with a vibrant Juneteenth Celebration. This year, we're 

shaking things up by introducing karaoke to showcase the 

incredible talent within our community. Don’t miss out

on the fun this summer!

Pocomoke River Raft Race is this month!

 
See more about it:

Pocomoke River Raft Race — Snow Hill Area Chamber

New Virginia seat belt/car seat law July 1st-

 

(Shore Daily News:)

Starting July 1st, a new law in Virginia will require all vehicle occupants—front and back—to buckle up.

Previously, only front-seat passengers and children in the back were legally required to wear seat belts. But now, the rule applies to everyone in the car.

The law also outlines specific safety measures for children:Kids under 2 must ride in a rear-facing car seat, while those aged 2 to 8 need an age-appropriate safety or booster seat. Once children are over 8 years old—or taller than four-foot-nine—they can use a regular seat belt.

Officials say the updated law is all about safety—aiming to reduce injuries and save lives in the event of a crash.

Time Machine: 100 years ago this week in Pocomoke's newspaper; 1942, 2011.

 

March, 1942

Salisbury Times

*September, 2011

tkforppe@yahoo.com