New Job For Former Chief Sewell

The Baltimore Sun reports that former Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell has been hired as a contract employee of the Baltimore State's Attorney's office as an investigator.

The Sun's article, including their version of Chief Sewell's departure from the Pocomoke City police department, is here if you care to read their take on the story..

 http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-sewell-states-attorney-hired-20160322-story.html

Honors For Pocomoke High Principal!

                         (Daily Times photo)


Pocomoke High School Principal Annette Wallace receives Principal Of The Year honors!

Read article..

http://www.delmarvanow.com/story/news/local/maryland/2016/03/21/head-class-pocomokes-wallace-wins-principal-award/81981848/

Under 21 Liquor Compliance In Somerset County..

ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECKS CONDUCTED IN SOMERSET COUNTY

November 26, 2015

(Somerset County, MD) On Wednesday, November 25, 2015, Troopers from the Maryland State Police and Officers from the Princess Anne Police Department conducted a collaborative effort and performed numerous alcohol compliance checks at retail establishments in Somerset County.

Law enforcement officers throughout Somerset County ensured that various retail establishments which hold a Somerset County Liquor License are denying sales of alcoholic beverages to persons under the age of 21 years old.

A total of 19 retail establishments were checked.  The following retail establishments complied with the provisions of the law and denied the sale of alcoholic beverage to minors:

• Arby’s General Store, Wenona, Maryland
• Brew Thru, Crisfield, Maryland
• Big Willey’s, Crisfield, Maryland
• Caesar’s Pizza Palace, Princess Anne, Maryland
• Eden Quick Stop, Eden, Maryland
• Junior’s Stop and Shop, Princess Anne, Maryland
• Kash and Karry, Princess Anne, Maryland
• Lucky’s Last Chance, Chance, Maryland
• Oscar’s Bar and Grill, Princess Anne, Maryland
• Peaky’s Restaurant, Princess Anne, Maryland
• Goose Creek, Princess Anne, Maryland
• Somer’s Cove Market, Crisfield, Maryland
• Spike’s Pub and Subs, Crisfield, Maryland
• Dash Inn, Westover, Maryland
• Goose Creek, Westover, Maryland

The following retail establishments were not in compliance with the provisions of the law and sold alcoholic beverages to a minor:

• Somerset County Liquor Dispensary, Princess Anne, Maryland
• Crisfield Oceanic, Crisfield, Maryland
• Shore Stop, Crisfield, Maryland
• King’s Creek Market, Princess Anne, Maryland

In an effort to keep our teenagers safe during this upcoming holiday season, Troopers and Officers will continue with unannounced compliance checks to ensure that alcoholic beverages stay out of the hands of minors.  Historically, the holiday season sees an increase in alcohol related collisions; many of these collisions involve serious bodily injury.  This collaborative effort between law enforcement partners will continue throughout the holiday season.

Support for this program is provided by the Somerset County Local Management Board, Inc.

Marion Butler Sr.'s Passing.

A pillar of the Pocomoke City community for decades, Marion Butler Sr., passed away on Saturday, 8/29.  He'll be remembered for his passion in serving with the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company, as well as for his community leadership as a former mayor, city council member, and Worcester County Board Of Education member. He had recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

The Holloway Funeral Home of Pocomoke City is handling arrangements.

Interview Given On Pocomoke Council Meetings.

Interim City Manager for Pocomoke City, Ernie Crowfoot, spoke to a media reporter regarding alleged closed city council meetings that some say related to former police chief Kelvin Sewell's termination.

Video and transcript:

http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=14588

Mayor Accepts Invitation To Meeting.

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison attended a meeting of the citizen's group that had been formed in support of former police chief Kelvin Sewell.

Details..

http://www.wboc.com/story/29731199/embattled-pocomoke-mayor-meets-group-that-called-for-his-resignation

Mayor And City Council Meeting.

Monday night's meeting of the Pocomoke mayor and city council was addressed by two local pastors representing the group "Citizens For A Better Pocomoke" who asked that former Pocomoke police chief  Kelvin Sewell be reinstated to his former position.

According to an Associated Press report, Mayor Bruce Morrison said he was willing to work with the group but "I don't see that happening, bringing Chief Sewell back."

The AP report stated the meeting began on a cordial note but turned into sharp exchanges between audience members, the mayor and councilman George Tasker, and the mayor brought the meeting to a close.

Complaint Filed..

(wboc.com)

ACLU Says Reporters Barred From Pocomoke Council Meeting

Posted: Jul 31, 2015 2:17 PM EDTUpdated: Jul 31, 2015 2:57 PM EDT

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. (AP/WBOC)- The American Civil

Liberties Union of Maryland says reporters were illegally

barred from a Pocomoke City council meeting during 

which the recent firing of the city's police chief was 

discussed.

  
In a complaint filed Friday with the Maryland Open 

Meetings Compliance Board, the ACLU says city

officials violated both the state's Open Meetings Act and 

the First Amendment in excluding reporters from the

meeting.

"The Pocomoke City Council is undeniably a public body

under the OPA, and the Act defines 'open session' to 

mean open to all meaning both the public and the 

press," the complaint says. "Not only is this true under 

the Open Meetings Act, it is true under the U.S. 

Constitution: The First Amendment guarantees that the 

press and the public enjoy equal access to government 

information and proceedings, including Town Council 

meetings, making it unconstitutional for the government

to bar reporters from meetings open to the public at 

large."

  
Pocomoke City's attorney says he is not aware of any

instructions given to police to bar reporters from 

the crowded July 13 meeting.

  
Former chief Kelvin Sewell, who is black, says he was 

fired for refusing to terminate two other black 

officers who, like Sewell, have filed job discrimination 

complaints.

  
City officials emphatically deny that Sewell was ousted

because he refused to fire the two officers.

WBOC Reports On Rally For Mayor..

(wboc.com)

Rally Held in Support of Embattled Pocomoke City Mayor

Posted: Jul 30, 2015 10:19 PM EDT

By Nicole Edenedo

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- A rally held in support of Pocomoke City's mayor and council Thursday night produced about 100 signatures pledging support for the city's leadership after some in the community have called for the mayor's resignation. 

It's been nearly a month since a personnel issue sparked a firestorm in Maryland's "friendliest town."

Mayor Bruce Morrison has been in the eye of that storm fending off allegations of incompetence, corruption and racial discrimination.

In June, former police chief Kelvin Sewell was terminated by the city council with the mayor's approval. Sewell's attorney told WBOC his termination was allegedly racially motivated. Some residents have been calling for the mayor's resignation.

Until now Morrison has not appeared on camera for WBOC. But at Thursday night's rally, the mayor had his chance to finally speak out.

"It's been very very hard for our family," said Morrison. "You know, to be accused of something.

 I'm not...I've always been a friendly person. I've been a good mayor," the mayor said.

And that's how the rally's supporters say they feel as well.

The rally's organizer Robert Cowger says this isn't just about Morrison.

"It's to show that the residents of this town believe in the entire mayor and council," said Cowger. "The mayor doesn't really make the decisions. The council is the one that makes the decisions. He just follows through after the decisions are made from the council."

Morrison has been asked to resign by a group that formed in the wake of the police chief controversy called "Citizens for a Better Pocomoke." But Morrison says he will not resign.

Morrison says he stands firm in his belief that the town's issues can be resolved through open  discussions.

"It's what good for our whole town and that's what I want to see. I want to see this thing fixed and I want to see us to move forward," said Morrison.

Cowger says the media's portrayal of Pocomoke City as a town in the throes of racial tension and discrimination is not true.

"This town's title is the friendliest town and you know we don't have those kinds of issues and  stuff down here," said Cowger. "And to try to turn that into that and make it into national news, it's just nogt right."

Cowger says the letters of support have about 100 signatures.

The letters of support will be presented at the next city council meeting on Monday August 3rd  in Pocomoke City.

Pocomoke Petitioners..

(wboc.com)

Petition for Pocomoke Mayor's Resignation Temporarily Recalled

Posted: Jul 24, 2015 10:23 PM EDT

By Nicole Edenedo

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- A petition calling for Pocomoke City's mayor to resign has been recalled temporarily by the group that requested it.

The Citizens for a better Pocomoke held a press conference Friday night at the House of Love Christian Center to officially call for Mayor Bruce Morrison's resignation.

Reverend James Jones, a spokesperson for the group, says the petition will be revised and released early next week.

WBOC also spoke to Mayor Morrison earlier today who says allegations of corruption and incompetence against him are false.

Morrison says he is not prepared to resign.

But Morrison and the group's leaders say they are willing to talk about a resolution.

"I would be willing to sit down with the mayor at any given time," said Jones. "We just want honesty. When he speaks, we want him to be straightforward and honest with us."

Mayor Morrison has declined to go on camera with WBOC but he did give a statement Friday about former police chief Kelvin Sewell, who was fired by the council weeks ago and prompted the group's formation. 

Morrison says the "chief works at the pleasure of the council," the decision was made by the council and the council acts on behalf of the people in Pocomoke City.

Pocomoke Remains In The News..

(wboc.com)

Some Pocomoke Residents Call For Mayor's Resignation, He Tells WBOC He's Staying

Posted: Jul 23, 2015 7:39 PM EDT

By Tyler Butler

POCOMOKE, Md.-  It's been a few weeks since the Pocomoke City Council voted to remove their police chief.  Ever since that sudden announcement, supporters of Kelvin Sewell have rallied behind the chief.

The matter even caught the attention of the justice department, who this week was in town looking into the situation.  The group who has been pushing for the chief's reinstatement is now calling for the mayor's resignation.

It's been a turbulent few weeks in Pocomoke.  A group calling themselves "Citizens for a Better Pocomoke" are petitioning for the mayor's resignation.

"He should be gone, because he got rid of the chief without letting us know what what and why, and because he has his own agenda.  He is an elected official, he speaks for us, and right now, he's not," Michelle Lucas said.

In a statement to WBOC, Mayor Bruce Morrison said:

"I became involved 11 years ago to make positive influence in our community, I believe I've done that successfully.  It's been a very unfortunate and an inaccurate deception of Pocomoke City that is being presented right now.  I have every confidence that we will weather the storm.  I intend to work with all the residents of pocomoke city for a positive outcome.  I have no intention of resigning of mayor of Pocomoke City at this time."

Not everyone though believes the chief should resign.  Long time residents like Marc Scher say Mayor Morrison has been good for Pocomoke.

"He should definitely stay, I feel he has worked really hard, he takes pride in the job he's done, and definitely I think he should stay," said Scher.

"It's important that he stay because he's concerned about Pocomoke, he loves Pocomoke, he's lived here all of his life, and we need a good man representing Pocomoke like he does," said Joanne Lusby.

But others say by getting rid of the mayor, the chief may be able to come back.

"Get rid of the mayor.  Because he has not been honest.  He's a liar.  He did not give the community no explanation, he wanted to do what he wanted to do.  if we stick together as a community, we can get our chief back," said Michelle Kellam-Brown.

The group behind this petition to remove the mayor would not speak to us on camera today.  They intend to formally announce the petition Friday evening in Pocomoke City.

Department Of Justice Visits Pocomoke City..

A local news outlet's article reports on the 

purpose of a current visit to Pocomoke City by 

members of The Department of Justice 

Community Relations Service Division. 

http://www.wboc.com/story/29611314/department-of-justice-in-pocomoke-city

Susan Pusey Services Scheduled..

(delaware 1059.com)

 A Celebration of Susan's life will be held on 

Thursday starting at 11 a.m. at Pocomoke High

School; the doors will open at 10 a.m. for 

seating. Pusey's son Trever will lead the service

and arrangements have been made for several 

speakers to share their memories from Susan's

life.


Following Thursday's service, there will be a 

"Field Hockey Welcome Home Champions 

Parade"  from the high school, through town to

the draw bridge, similar to the many Susan 

experienced in her coaching career, but in the

opposite direction as we send Susan off to her

Championship into eternal life. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can 

be made to the Pocomoke High School, c/o

Annette Wallace, 1817 Old Virginia Road,

Pocomoke City, MD 21851 for the support of 

the field hockey program. 

Pocomoke Coach Dies..

Local news media Sunday afternoon was reporting the sudden passing of Pocomoke High School field hockey coach Susan Pusey.

A WBOC report stated she died of a blood clot and that her family stated she had undergone knee surgery on Friday.

See more at:
http://www.wboc.com/story/29582788/community-mourns-loss-of-beloved-pocomoke-coach-susan-pusey

Rabies Alert In Accomack County

(shoredailynews.com)

Racoon Found in Onley Tested Positive for Rabies

A raccoon from Coastal Blvd, Onley Virginia, has tested positive for the rabies virus. Please make sure your pets rabies vaccinations are up to date (all dogs, cats, ferrets, and livestock)! If they are not, please make arrangements with your veterinarian for a booster shot as soon as possible.

Instruct children not to approach wild or stray animals.

If a wild or stray animal attacks you, immediately wash the wound with warm soapy water and/or alcohol, then notify the health department and your physician. If your pet is attacked, immediately notify the health department and call your veterinarian. If you handle your pet after an encounter, please wear gloves and immediately wash your hands with warm soapy water and/or alcohol.


Accomack County Health Department
Daytime Phone Number
(757) 824-6211
Evening and Weekends Rabies Hotline
(Leave Message)(757) 302-4300




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Support For Former Chief

(wboc.com)

Rally Held to Reinstate Former Pocomoke City Police Chief

Posted: Jul 13, 2015 10:59 PM EDT    By Maxine Bentzel

POCOMOKE CITY, Md.- A peaceful rally was held to reinstate the former Police Chief Kelvin Sewell on Monday night prior to the City Council meeting. 

Sewell was let go almost two weeks ago when the council voted to terminate him in a closed session meeting. The public is now demanding answers.

Monday the community gathered with shirts and signs in support of the former Chief outside of City Hall. Dozens sat in on the council meeting. 

Michele Lucas has lived in Pocomoke City for 20 years and came out to rally for the Chief’s reinstatement. 

“He’s changed the community. He's changed the way people look at law enforcement. He's made us all one team and now they're trying to take him away. I want the Chief back, and I want answers because something underhanded is going on,” said Lucas.

At the council meeting Pastor Ronnie White addressed the Mayor and Council with the communities concerns and questions. The council said they had spoke with the former chief in a meeting where they expressed concerns they had with him prior to voting to terminate him. 

They said they are under litigation and declined to elaborate on the specific reasons he was let go, but said it was not a racially based decision. They said it was performance based. 

WBOC spoke with the former Chief who said he appreciates all the support, and would like his job back in Pocomoke City.

 When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

Pocomoke City Drug Arrests

(wboc.com)

17 People Charged after Undercover Narcotic Operation in Pocomoke City

SNOW HILL, Md. – An extensive undercover operation has led to the arrest of nearly 20 drug dealers from Pocomoke City.

Undercover members of the Criminal Enforcement Team spent 4 months posing as drug users in order to gain information on the criminal syndicates responsible for the distribution of narcotics such as heroin and cocaine.

Undercover officers engaged in 73 drug transactions, all done using audio and video recording devices. From those transactions, investigators were able to bring felony drug charges against 17 individuals.  

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison stated, "I commend the Criminal Enforcement Team for their expertise and outstanding efforts in cleaning up the streets of Pocomoke.

More than a dozen agencies are credited for assisting in taking down the seventeen individuals.  Their cases are currently pending.

Pictures at:

http://www.wboc.com/story/29537580/17-people-charged-after-undercover-narcotic-operation-in-pocomoke-city



When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

Pocomoke Race Driver Update

(delaware online.com , The News Journal)

A drag-race driver survived a high-speed crash into trees Friday at a Sussex County dragway, state police said Sunday.

The crash occurred about 7:20 p.m. Friday at the U.S. 13 Dragway/Delaware International Speedway off Sussex Highway (U.S. 13) just north of Delmar, where a 1970 Chevy Chevelle went into trees at the end of the drag strip, Master Cpl. Gary E. Fournier said.

The 66-year-old driver from Pocomoke, Maryland, was removed from the wreckage by emergency medical services, Fournier said. A Delaware State Police medevac helicopter airlifted him to Christiana Hospital, Fournier said, noting that his injuries are not life-threatening. No other injuries were reported.

Details of how the crash occurred were not available.

Driver Carlton Mason suffered a severe break on his left arm and hand, a broken leg, two broken ribs, a collapsed lung and cuts on his face and arms, according to the U.S. 13 Dragway and Delaware International Speedway’s public Facebook page. The post described the crash as “horrific.”

Mason was in intensive care, but alert and talking with doctors, speedway officials posted Saturday.

“Ladies and gentlemen, whatever your beliefs are, we can say that a true act of GOD happened last night. Please pray for the Mason Family as Carlton now begins his road to recovery,” the post said. “Also we ask you for your prayers for the Russell family. Vernon Russell’s car received severe damage but the fact remains, he was safe and sound. Cars can be replaced, lives unfortunately can not be.”

The post – by Sunday showing 452 likes, 134 shares and 89 comments including many offering prayers – ended with speedway officials’ thanks to emergency personnel, track crews, the Delmar fire and police departments, as well as state police.

“These folks did an awesome job,” the speedway said. “Also, to all the racers who jumped in to help, we cannot thank you enough.”

The driver’s son, Eric, posted that words could not describe how much everyone’s concern about his father meant to him, thanking God his life was spared.

“He is doing better,” Eric Mason posted later Saturday. “Thank you all.”

When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye.  We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.

(wboc.com)

Freak Crash At U-S 13 Dragway Sends Racer to the Hospital

DELMAR, DE -   Race fans witnessed a scary wreck at
the U-S 13 Dragway in Delmar on Friday night. Delaware
State Police say a 66-year-old man from Pocomoke 
was racing his Chevy Chevelle when he lost control at 
the end of the track, and hit some trees.

The driver, Carlton Mason, was airlifted to Christiana 
Medical Center and police say he was being treated for
non-life threatening injuries.




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INTERIM POLICE CHIEF UPDATE

Announcement from mayor Morrison- 

Maryland State Police Lt. Earl W. Starner is now Pocomoke City's interim Chief Of Police.

http://www.cityofpocomokemd.gov/_files/Interim%20COP.pdf



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