(UPDATE) Main cause of Chesapeake's declining crab population sought-

(Latest on Chesapeake crabs)

Chesapeake Bay blue crab population sees encouraging increase in 2026 survey | Latest News | wboc.com

(Previous story)

(The Chesapeake Bay Journal)

 

The Chesapeake Bay’s blue crab population has declined by about 50% since 2010, a new study estimates, and while invasive blue catfish are responsible for some of that worrisome decline, the main cause or causes remain a mystery.

That’s the bottom line of a comprehensive stock assessment of the bay’s crab population, which was launched in 2023 to figure out why numbers of the crustaceans have swooned in recent years, threatening the Chesapeake’s most valuable fishery.

(View article)

Chesapeake blue crab population drops 50%. The question is: Why? - Maryland Matters

Capturing lower Md. shore stories-

 (WBOC)

MARYLAND - A public history initiative is launching to capture and share stories from Somerset, Wicomico and Worcester Counties for America's 250th anniversary.

(View news story)

Voices 250 to capture stories from Maryland's lower shore | Latest News | wboc.com

WEATHER-

(Link to forecast and advisories, lower E.S. Md:)

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=38.0722&lon=-75.5638

(Link to forecast and advisories, E.S. Va:) 

https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=37.7108&lon=-75.742

Stepping up to serve-

 Pocomoke Fire Company Welcomes 

New Members

                                                                                

Please join us in congratulating Firefighter Winter Rennick and John Powers Jr. on officially becoming Full Members of the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to serving our community have earned them this achievement, and we are proud to have them as part of our team.

We would also like to welcome our newest Probationary Member, Mickenzie Gould, to the department. We are excited to have Mickenzie join the company and begin her journey in the fire service.

Please help us congratulate and welcome these members as they continue their service to the citizens of Pocomoke City and the surrounding communities.

Salisbury Cancer Survival Celebration is for all throughout our region-

 

(WMDT)

SALISBURY, Md. — Community members are invited to gather June 4 in Salisbury for an event honoring cancer survivors, patients and caregivers through a celebration focused on hope, healing and resilience.

The annual Cancer Survivor Celebration, hosted by  MAC Inc., is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the organization’s campus at 909 Progress Circle in Salisbury.

Organizers said the event will feature light refreshments, a survivor story and a butterfly release in MAC’s Healing Garden to recognize those impacted by cancer and celebrate survivorship.

The event is free and open to the public.

According to MAC Inc.’s Cancer Support Services program, the organization offers free support programs and wellness resources for individuals living with cancer and cancer survivors throughout the region.  

Pocomoke City Council Meeting-

 

MEETING NOTICE

NOTICE is hereby given by the Mayor and City Council of Pocomoke City, that a meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and City Council has been scheduled for:
MONDAY, MAY 18, 2026 at 6:30 PM 
City Hall 
101 Clarke Avenue
Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851

The meeting will also be livestreamed on the City’s YouTube page at:  https://youtube.com/@pocomokecityhalllive 

(See agenda)

Mayor and City Council Meetings | Pocomoke City, Maryland

Time←←Machine: 100 years ago this week in Pocomoke's newspaper; 1957 Pocomoke CC appointments.

 

(Thanks to Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company member Jerry Barbierri for this info.)

I was so thrilled to read your article today regarding Pocomoke’s original steamer engine. I along with the other Fire Company historians have been struggling for years to determine the origins of our Clapp and Jones steamer which is still in our possession. As you probably are aware, the steamer was purchased in early 1889 when the Fire Company was formed after the disastrous 1888 fire. Due to Clapp and Jones being the top of the line in fire engines and most certainly fledgling Pocomoke City not being able to afford a new C & J engine, plus receiving the engine only a short time after deciding to purchase it, we always felt it was a used piece of equipment. But due to our fire house along with all records being destroyed in the fire of 1922, we could only speculate on its origin. And you solved that long unanswered question. Below is what I wrote for our history posted on our website regarding the purchase of the steamer. Based on your article, now we know the exact age of the steamer. Would you be able to email that article so I can share with the officers? I’m again thrilled that there’s an answer to the mystery. Thank you! 

Jerry

(Additional info from Jerry)

The town received its state-of-the-art Clapp and Jones steamer in early 1889. Although purchase records are not conclusive, research indicates that the steamer was most likely an 1885 model purchased as a used piece of equipment. Its serial number, 464, has not been identified in any Clapp and Jones archives as to the year of manufacture. However, serial numbers 463 and 465 have both been identified as being manufactured in 1885. Clapp and Jones steamers were the gold standard of their day and were known to be the most expensive and highest-quality fire equipment available at the time. Either Pocomoke could not afford a new Clapp and Jones steamer, or didn’t want to wait for a new engine to be built. Instead, it appears that the town opted to purchase a readily available used piece of equipment. Firefighters or horses could pull the 4,000-pound steamer, but it is believed that horses owned by the town and used for street maintenance were doubled up to pull the steamer when the fire alarm sounded.

*February 1957

Salisbury Times

tkforppe@yahoo.com