Honors For Pocomoke Elementary!

From The Dispatch, Ocean City.

National Recognition For Pocomoke Elementary School

Mar 09,2017 by Charlene Sharpe

POCOMOKE – Pocomoke Elementary School earned recognition as a National Title I Distinguished School this week.

“We are incredibly excited to have Pocomoke Elementary School recognized for the outstanding work the administration and staff are doing to ensure the children in Pocomoke are achieving at high levels,” Superintendent Lou Taylor said. “The efforts of the PES family are commendable, and this is certainly a day to celebrate not only in Pocomoke, but across our county.”

The National Title I Distinguished Schools Program was created in 1996 to highlight the efforts of Title I schools making significant improvements for their students. Schools are honored in one of three categories — exceptional student performance for two consecutive years, closing the achievement gap or excellence in serving a special population of students. Pocomoke Elementary earned its recognition for exceptional student performance.

Principal Michael Browne says this is the second time in five years the school has received the recognition, something state officials told him had never happened before.

Browne credits the FAME (Formative Assessment for Maryland Educators) initiative, which has been in place at PES for three years, with the increase in student achievement that led to the Title I honor. Beverly Watson, FAME specialist, says teachers have worked ongoing formative assessments into the curriculum so that rather than simply testing student comprehension at the end of a unit, they monitor it throughout the process.

“I think it’s played a tremendous role in supporting students,” she said. “You see a great deal of growth across the board.”

Browne said along with FAME, his school’s efforts to do more with technology and increase parent involvement had also had a positive impact on student achievement. Melissa Freistat, assistant principal at PES, said the school had implemented activities to get parents involved in their children’s education.

“Parent engagement is important,” she said. “That plays a big role in student achievement … I think it’s important the public know it’s a partnership. We’re all pieces of a puzzle fit together for the betterment of the child.”

Browne agreed and said the National Title I Distinguished School recognition was an honor for the entire PES community. He says it’s a great feeling to watch PES students — 72 percent of whom come from households of poverty — walk into school each day eager to learn in spite of any hardship they might face.

“They strive to learn,” Browne said. “This is an honor for the students as well as the staff

Verdict In Green Trial

A Worcester County jury, Tuesday, found former Pocomoke Police Lt. Lynell Green guilty of conspiracy in connection with a 2014 crash investigation but not guilty on a misconduct charge. Former chief of police Kelvin Sewell was found guilty of misconduct recently in connection with the same case in which it was alleged that a hit and run charge against an acquaintance was not pursued. Green will serve a year of unsupervised probation after which the charge could be removed from his record.

Misconduct Verdict

Former Pocomoke City police chief Kelvin Sewell was convicted of misconduct Thursday in connection with a 2014 accident investigation case. He was acquitted on a charge of conspiracy and sentenced to probation.

More here:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-pocomoke-police-chief-20161201-story.html

In Local News...

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

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

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

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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