The Pocomoke Public Eye: 9/7/25

Saturday, September 13, 2025

Somerset reading scores high!

Somerset County Public Schools (SCPS) has been recognized by the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) for outstanding growth in reading achievement.

(View Somerset County Public Schools announcement:)

SCPS Achieves Second-Highest Growth in Reading Proficiency Statewide | Somerset County Public Schools

(Anonymous)

Fine work of spin finding the silver lining in a dark cloud. The author neglects to mention SCPS still ranks 23rd worst performing in this category only ahead of Baltimore City. And which county was first? Worcester.

33,775

Saturday, March 25th, 1933

Saturday, September 13th, 2025-

33,775 days!

Thank you SCHER'S

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

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

Friday, September 12, 2025

White Dolphin video-

Chesapeake Bay Magazine

Have you seen the video of the Pure-White Dolphin seen near Chincoteague last month?

See the video and related article in Chesapeake Bay Magazine.

VIDEO: Rare, Pure-White Dolphin Spotted off Chincoteague | Chesapeake Bay Magazine

Time Machine Preview-

This Sunday here at The Pocomoke Public Eye:

PLUS

1892 ..

1900 ..

1991 ..

Thursday, September 11, 2025

Local impact- the Charlie Kirk tragedy-

(WBOC)

DELMARVA - At least two Delmarva teachers are facing backlash following social media posts referencing the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah on Wednesday.

(View news story:)
Teacher responses to Charlie Kirk death spark outrage at Wicomico, Accomack public schools | Latest News | wboc.com

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

P. A. official found guilty of charge-

(WBOC)

PRINCESS ANNE, Md. - Princess Anne Town Commissioner and former Commission President Lionel Frederick was convicted Wednesday of illegally possessing a gun due to having a previous felony conviction.

(View news story:)

Princess Anne commissioner found guilty of felony illegal gun possession | Latest News | wboc.com

We asked... (Red Hills)

Tell me about Red Hills on the Eastern Shore of Virginia.

Red Hills on Virginia's Eastern Shore was

a popular bayfront resort area near Chincoteague, known for its swimming and picnics in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The resort was eventually destroyed by storms and is now private property.

History of the resort

Location:
Red Hills
was situated on the Chincoteague Bay, near the small hamlet of Sinnockson, between present-day Greenbackville and Horntown. The name likely came from the red clay soil on the ridge behind the beach.
Peak popularity: The area thrived as a vacation destination from the 1880s to the 1930s. Locals and visitors from across the Eastern Shore would gather there by workboat for community outings.
Amenities and activities: The resort featured bathhouses, refreshment stands, and occasional carnival rides. Visitors would swim, clam, and have large picnics.
Decline: The resort's decline was accelerated by major storms in 1933, 1936, and 1962, which heavily damaged the area.

Red Hills

today

Private property: The land that was once the resort is now private property, and the beach is no longer accessible to the public.
Remaining legacy: A road named Red Hills Road still exists in the area, serving as a reminder of the former destination.

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

New "digs" for Berlin Barrack-

(WBOC)

BERLIN, Md. - The brand new Maryland State Police Barrack is up and running in Berlin. Officials say it comes equipped with state-of-the-art technology to keep everyone safe.

(View news story:)

Brand new Maryland State Police Barrack now open in Berlin | Latest News | wboc.com

Soon- The Maryland Folk Festival!

SALISBURY, Md. — The city of Salisbury is preparing for its biggest festival of the year: the Maryland Folk Festival.

Caroline O’Hare, events and culture manager for the city and festival director, said the team has been preparing all year.

(View news story:)

Maryland Folk Festival is back! - 47abc

Monday, September 8, 2025

Oyster Festival coming up!

(Shore Daily News)

Tickets are going fast for the Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce’s 52nd Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival, set for Saturday, October 11...

(View news story:)

https://shoredailynews.com/headlines/52nd-annual-chincoteague-oyster-festival-tickets-going-fast/

We asked... (Pocomoke bypass)

From time to time you'll see a new feature here at The Pocomoke Public Eye as we publish results of inquiries we made to AI regarding items of interest to our area.

How did Pocomoke officials view the proposed Rt.13 Bypass around town?

Based on historical information from the time the bypass was constructed, Pocomoke officials were

not in favor of the bypass around the town.

Factors leading to official opposition

Economic concerns: Local officials were concerned that moving the main road away from the downtown business district would significantly hurt local merchants. The original route of US-13, which is now US-13 Business, ran directly through the city's commercial center on Market Street.
Loss of revenue: Many business owners and local government leaders feared a decrease in traffic and, consequently, a loss of revenue for the city.
Historical context: The bypass was part of a larger mid-20th-century trend of upgrading US-13 to a four-lane divided highway across Maryland. Over the years, other towns like Princess Anne and Salisbury also had bypasses constructed to reroute through-traffic. However, at the time, Pocomoke leaders did not support the project. The bypass around Pocomoke City was completed in 1963.
Initial negative effects (Post-1963)
- Decline in traffic-dependent businesses: Businesses that relied on high traffic volume, such as gas stations, motels, and diners, experienced a significant drop in customers. A national study of highway bypasses noted an estimated 10–15% drop in sales for restaurants and drinking establishments in bypassed towns.
- Loss of foot traffic: Downtown merchants saw a decrease in casual visitors who might have stopped while passing through town. This shifted the commercial center's focus away from transient, high-volume traffic.
- Retail exodus: In a pattern seen in many bypassed towns, major retailers eventually relocated from the city center to more accessible, highway-adjacent locations.
Long-term and revitalization efforts
- Shift in local economy: Bypassed downtowns often adapt by becoming home to professional offices, services, and niche retailers that cater to the local population rather than highway traffic.
- Industrial park development:
  Pocomoke City
  has developed an industrial park near the bypass, attracting larger businesses that benefit from highway access for logistics rather than customer foot traffic.
- Focus on downtown revitalization: To counteract the effects of the bypass,
  Pocomoke
  has increasingly invested in revitalizing its historic downtown area. Recent projects include:
  - Infrastructure improvements, such as repairing roads and sidewalks.
  - Adding amenities to increase local foot traffic, like public restrooms.
  - Attracting new, locally-focused businesses, such as the
    Cypress Roots Brewing Company
    .
- Emphasis on community projects: The town has worked to create a sense of community and vibrancy that does not depend on through traffic. Projects have included restoring historic buildings, investing in public spaces like the Discovery Museum, and forming partnerships with community organizations.
Same thing with Salisbury. The local merchants there fought tooth and nail to stop the Salisbury bypass. Can you imagine trying to get anywhere now without the bypass, especially travelers to/from western shore trying to get to/from Ocean City?
Your friend,
Slim