A tragic situation unfolded in Pocomoke City Monday. Local media is covering. We suggest WBOC.com as a dependable and up-to-date source for coverage. -PPE
Family friendly and striving to be a worthy choice for your Internet browsing. Comments and material submissions welcome: tkforppe@yahoo.com . Pocomoke City-- an All American City And The Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore.
Showing posts with label . local news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label . local news. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 13, 2016
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
The Old Fire House Building
News story on the old Pocomoke Fire House
(WBOC photo)
WBOC has a news story concerning the old Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company headquarters.
http://www.wboc.com/story/32929164/pocomoke-city-leaders-struggle-with-what-to-do-with-old-fire-station
Wednesday, July 20, 2016
FORMER CHIEF SEWELL INDICTED
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Check local news media, such as wboc.com, for latest updates.
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(Reported in The Baltimore Sun, Wednesday, July 20, 2016)
Former Pocomoke police chief, current Baltimore state's attorney contractor, indicted
Check local news media, such as wboc.com, for latest updates.
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(Reported in The Baltimore Sun, Wednesday, July 20, 2016)
Former Pocomoke police chief, current Baltimore state's attorney contractor, indicted
A former Eastern Shore police chief who alleged racism after he was fired without explanation has been indicted on misconduct in office charges by the state prosecutors' office.
Kelvin Sewell, 53, a retired Baltimore Police homicide detective who now works for the Baltimore State's Attorney's Office, was indicted by a Worcester County grand jury Tuesday, court records show. The allegations stem from a November 2014 incident, the records show.
The Pocomoke City Council fired Sewell in 2015 and gave no justification for the move, saying it was a personnel matter. The dismissal divided the town of 4,000: Sewell, who was Pocomoke City's first black police chief, alleged it was retribution for him standing up for two black officers who complained about racism.
Sewell and the officers are currently suing city and county officials in federal court, alleging racial discrimination.
Sewell could not immediately be reached for comment, and details of the indictment also were not immediately available.
Sewell could not immediately be reached for comment, and details of the indictment also were not immediately available.
Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison did not respond to a request for comment about whether the investigation by the Office of the State Prosecutor was related to Sewell's firing.
Sewell's arraignment is set for next month.
The lawsuit against the city brought by Sewell and the officers remains pending, and alleges broad racial harassment in the town. The state attorney general's office, which is representing the city and county in the suit, has called the lawsuit an "absurd, meritless" complaint and an "attempt to extract some sort of undeserved windfall payout."
Sewell said he stood up for employees who had reported a racially hostile work environment, including officers watching "racially charged" videos in their presence and regularly using racial epithets.
Sewell filed his own complaint with the EEOC alleging that he was paid less than his white predecessor. The racial strife in the small town caused the case to be featured in the New York Times, and the officers filed suit with the help of the ACLU of Maryland.
Sewell is seeking reinstatement and back pay, along with damages.
In March, Sewell was hired by the Baltimore State's Attorney's Office as a contract employee investigating felony, homicide and violent crime cases, as well as helping to locate and interview witnesses.
Sewell spent more than 20 years with the Baltimore Police Department, retiring as a sergeant in 2010. His departure followed racially-charged allegations that a supervisor had ordered him to view a Ku Klux Klan web site after insisting the hate group was active in Sewell's home county.
Sunday, June 12, 2016
Small Fire At Scher's
(Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company photo)
A short in a steam iron on the second floor was attributed as the cause of Saturday's small fire at Scher's Bridal Shop in Pocomoke.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Fire Investigation Update
(From WBOC.com)
Juvenile Charges Pending After Pocomoke Warehouse Fire
Posted: Apr 13, 2016 11:01 AM EDTUpdated: Apr 13, 2016 5:16 PM EDT
POCOMOKE, Md. - State fire marshals have ruled that three children started a fire at a vacant warehouse in Pocomoke Sunday night.
According to the Office of the State Fire Marshal, investigators determined the fire began on the a second floor of the 18,000 square foot building. Fire marshals did not specify how the three kids, ranging in age from nine to 11, started the fire, only that the cause was "incendiary."
The individuals have been identified and referred to the Department of Juvenile Services on several fire related charges, state fire marshals said.
No injuries were reported as a result of the fire.
Friday, March 25, 2016
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
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
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/
Saturday, November 28, 2015
Under 21 Liquor Compliance In Somerset County..
ALCOHOL COMPLIANCE CHECKS CONDUCTED IN SOMERSET COUNTY
(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.
Sunday, August 30, 2015
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.
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
Video and transcript:
http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=14588
Friday, August 7, 2015
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
Details..
http://www.wboc.com/story/29731199/embattled-pocomoke-mayor-meets-group-that-called-for-his-resignation
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
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.
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.
Friday, July 31, 2015
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.
Saturday, July 25, 2015
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.
Friday, July 24, 2015
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."
"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.
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
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.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
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
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
Wednesday, July 15, 2015
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
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.
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
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.
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