Get Your Tickets In Advance............

The MAR-VA Theater will be hosting our Annual Meeting & Dinner on Wednesday, March 16th at 6:30 PM. It will be at the Pocomoke Community Center and the menu will include the Pocomoke Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary's Famous Chicken & Dumplings! Entertainment will be provided by some of our 2010 DGT (Delmarva's Got Talent)contestants. Please see flyer for details!

Changes Made In Pocomoke Election Laws

POCOMOKE CITY -- After municipal elections in 2009 led to an investigation by the State's Attorney's Office, the Pocomoke mayor and City Council set out to fill gaps in and make changes to their election laws. With a second city election under the new rules slated for this April, a review of the new election code shows some recommended changes were put in writing, while other reforms rely on city workers remembering new instructions passed down in talks and training.

Resolution 432, passed before the 2010 elections took place, changed who maintains the list of registered voters, handing over that responsibility to the Worcester County Board of Elections. The only other change made in writing allows voters to download absentee ballot applications online.

Town Manager Russell Blake said other changes suggested by the state's attorney report have been adopted in practice, even if they are not specifically called for in the new code.

"As I recall, the state's attorney report was a recommendation, and all recommendations basically have been followed in writing or in practice," Blake said. The changes not committed to code, he said, are still known to the city workers who run the elections.

Distinguishing marks

After candidate Stephanie Burke alleged her opponents manipulated the absentee voting process to win in 2009, then-State's Attorney Joel Todd conducted an investigation and issued a report. No criminal charges were filed, and Todd found no evidence that candidates or city workers engaged in fraud.

Still, the report said the city did not maintain an accurate list of absentee voters and noted that the way city workers marked each absentee ballot with a number allowed his investigators to determine which absentee voters cast which ballots, violating the principle of the secret ballot.

"Clearly, the ballot number enables a party to identify not only who the voter was, but how the voter voted," Todd wrote. "If a voter can be identified and interviewed for investigative purposes, it is possible that they could be identified and interviewed for any other legitimate or nefarious purpose.

Pocomoke's election code at the time said if there are any distinguishing marks on a ballot, then that ballot can be thrown out; thus, the report noted, the town's practice of numbering the ballots conflicted with its own code.

"If the town employees and volunteers working for the Board of Elections supervisors need additional training, and it seems apparent that they do, then that training must be provided," Todd's report read.

Resolution 432, the new election code, also states any distinguishing marks can discredit a ballot. The updated resolution does not specifically instruct election workers to write ballot numbers on outer envelopes and to not write numbers on the ballots themselves -- the change in practice Todd urged.

"The recommendation about not numbering ballots was incidental," Blake said in an interview. In the 2010 election, he said, Pocomoke conducted the election the way the report suggested: Ballot numbers were placed on the envelopes, not the ballots.

Carol Justice, the city clerk, said she was not aware individual ballots should not be marked with numbers, as had happened in 2009. She said she had not received formal election law training after 2009. Mark Tilghman, the attorney who began representing Pocomoke City in 2008, declined to be interviewed.

Jim Peck, director of research and information management for the Maryland Municipal League, said the sanctity of the ballot box is important in all elections.

"In general, there are broad efforts made to ensure when you vote it's between you and the voting booth," Peck said. The practice of numbering each ballot, he said, is "relatively unusual."

www.delmavanow.com

Delmarva Discovery Center This Saturday

LOCAL APPRECIATION DAY

Delmarva Discovery Center

Saturday - February 5

10:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Come join us for our 2011 Kick Off and Reef Tank Celebration!

50% off admission for locals!

Did you know the DDC has a 90-gallon reef aquarium with live corals? What are tropical animals doing at the Discovery Center? 3.5 to 5 million years ago, the Delmarva Peninsula did not exist and this area was covered by a warm shallow sea. Come learn more about our geological past and view our newest exhibit on February 5th!

Kids, receive a free sturgeon sticker if you find the clownfish at the Delmarva Discovery Center!

12-2 p.m. Dr Whaley, retired professor of geosciences at Murray State University, will bring hands-on fossils representing Eastern Shore marine animals, and discuss the geology of Delmarva.

Brooks Onley, wildlife educator, will be present at the touch tanks to show off our native aquatic animals.

Come touch a horseshoe crab or a whelk!

Check out the fish feedings every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 2 PM!

Little Miss Hope Princess Tea

PRINCESS TEA for girls ages 3 to 10 to benefit Courtney Bloxom! All girls will receive a beautiful real tiara, sash, a beautiful princess skirt, photos and other goodies! And, they will all be introduced on stage at the pageant by Caressa Cameron, Miss America 2010.

Two Arrested For Burglary and Related Charges

POCOMOKE CIT>, Md.- Two Pocomoke City men are facing burglary and related charges after being accused of stealing copper from 11 different locations throughout the city.

Pocomoke City police say that on Friday, Jan. 28, an officer on patrol in 800 block of Clarke Avenue observed two men carrying copper tubing in a bed sheet. Authorities say that when the pair noticed the officer, they abandoned the copper and entered a home.

The officer located both suspects, who after questioning were arrested for stealing copper from the following locations in Pocomoke City between November 2010 and January 2011:

• 109 Willow St.



• 618 Clarke Ave.



• 508 Market St.



• 406 2nd St.



• 600 Young St.



• 812 Clarke Ave.



• 714 5th St.



• 405 5th St.



• 622 Cedar St.



• 407 Market St.



• 606 2nd St.

The suspects, identified as 45-year-old Kevin Roger Fisher (top) and 51-year-old Edgeforth Waters,(below) were charged with several counts of burglary, theft and malicious destruction of property. They are being held in lieu of $15,000 bond each.

www.wboc.com

Open Every Day!!

GOOD HOME COOKING EVERY DAY !!

SUNDAY BRUNCH

BLUE PLATE SPECIAL - $5.95

DINE in or CARRY OUT

Don Malloy Files To Run For Council Seat In Pocomoke

POCOMOKE CITY -- With the filing of Don Malloy for a council seat, both offices up for grabs in Pocomoke's April 5 election have a candidate. Malloy, who had served previously on the Council from 1965-1968, filed to fill the third district seat. That seat is now up for election as Bruce Morrison, the present occupant, has filed for mayor.

Malloy said that he had been asked by a number of friends and acqaintances to put his name in for the post. He doesn't see any problems with the direction of the town but would like to see Pocomoke continue to improve, he said in an interview.

A member of the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company for more than 40 years, he was also active in the ambulance service. He served on the board of the historic Mar-Va Theater during a number of the years the landmark was brought back to life. He is a member of the Pocomoke Elks Lodge where he is a past exalted ruler.

One project he points to with pride is helping with the construction of the Nature Trail from Cypress Park to the edge of the Winter Quarters Golf Course.

To be eligible to run for mayor, a person must be a resident of Pocomoke City for at least one year prior to the election, a registered voter and at least 25 years old. To be eligible to run for the open council seat, a person must be a registered voter and a resident of the Third District.

The deadline for filing is Friday, Feb. 4, at Pocomoke City Hall.

The deadline for registering to vote in the election is March 4. To be eligible to register, a person must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. citizen, a resident of Maryland for the past six months and must have been a resident of Pocomoke City for at least 30 days just prior to the election.

Anyone who does not know his or her district of residence can find it at City Hall.

written by: Bill Kerbin

www.worcestercountytimes.com

Thefts From Unsecured Cars In Pocomoke

I found this article in the Salisbury Daily Times yesterday:

"POCOMOKE CITY — Police say they are investigating four reported incidents of thefts from "unsecured" cars on Jan. 20.

The thefts occurred in the areas of Cedar Street, Lynnhaven Drive and Walnut Street, police said.

Items taken include iPods, MP3 players, wallets and loose change, according to police.

Anyone with information on these thefts is asked to contact the Pocomoke City Police Department at 410-957-1600."

Come on Pocomoke people!! Unless you live under a rock you KNOW that this is happening frequently around Pocomoke. And it's not just in Pocomoke! It's everywhere. No matter where you live or who you are there is always someone that wants what you have and will take it with a clear conscience!

STOP!! being enablers and lock your car no matter how long you will be away from it. Lock your things in the trunk or take them with you. This has been said over and over again. Remember: If it's something you wanted and you bought it chances are those things are what others want to. They just don't mind stealing.

So stop making their job easy. But keep in mind a few weeks ago there was someone in the area opening locked cars with a slim jim.

Be on the lookout for this thief.

Stop By The Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery This Weekend

Warm up this weekend with a hot bowl of soup from the Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery



MONDAY THRU SATURDAY
6 AM until 9 PM
SUNDAY
6 AM until 7 PM
SUNDAY BRUNCH AVAILABLE

DELICIOUS DAILY SPECIALS !!

Carry Out and Delivery Available

In addition to great food, the bakery section is making Smith Island Cakes daily, featuring their Original "Smith Island BabyCakes". Cakes on hand daily. Be sure to try either one.
Need private dining for a group? The Bay Queen Restaurant has 2 dining rooms. One can be rented for private affairs.

Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery is located on Rt.13 North next to the Ford dealership.

Pocomoke Councilman Has Filed To Run For Mayor

POCOMOKE CITY -- After serving two three-year terms as councilman of Pocomoke's third district, Bruce Morrison has filed to run for mayor. A lifelong resident of Pocomoke City, Morrison is the second longest-serving council member.

As Morrison took the oath of office in April 2005, along with outgoing Mayor Mike McDermott, a top concern was reducing crime and tackling the drug issue that seemed prevalent. The overall crime rate has dropped by 18 percent in the last year, according to Morrison. This focus on crime has been aided by community outreach and a number of concerned citizens getting involved. A Neighborhood Crime Watch has been established that meets in area churches to target problematic issues. Six cameras have been installed in hot spots around town, aiding in many drug crimes being solved and two additional cameras are scheduled to be added complete this year, Morrison said.

In early 2011, Pocomoke City will be completing a $6 million upgrade to its sewage treatment plant, making it one of the few compliant plants in the state. This effort was largely funded through federal sources.

Pocomoke's downtown makes up a large part of the third district that Morrison has served. Upon taking office six years ago, Morrison expressed his concern for the downtown area, hoping to make its revitalization a priority. Many area attractions have come to fruition, he said, including the new addition to the Sturgis One-Room School Museum, which has brought the black history of the area to life, adding to Pocomoke's other history museum, The Costen House.

The opening of the Mar-Va Theater now brings first-run movies to Pocomoke City on the first and third weekends of each month along with outstanding musical and theatrical performances.

The Delmarva Discovery Center is open and loaded with much of Delmarva's history, highlighting many outstanding exhibits depicting life in yesteryear -- a look into the past and a step into the future.

The Bay Queen calls the docks of the Pocomoke River home and offers cruises almost daily and by reservation three seasons a year.

Even though much has been accomplished in the downtown area, Morrison said he thinks much is left to be done. It is his hope Pocomoke City is charting a course toward reinvention as a tourist destination area, he said.

Morrison has served on the Maryland Critical Areas Commission, serving under governors Robert Ehrlich and Martin O'Malley.

Locally, he is an active member of Salem United Methodist Church, having served as chairman of the trustees for two years. He is a member of Pocomoke Elks Lodge 12624, where he is a past exalted ruler. In the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company he has served as a line officer and past president. He is also serving on the Board of Directors of the Lower Shore YMCA. Morrison is employed at Hardwire LLC and is married to Laura Gladding Morrison; they have two children.

Pocomoke's elections are held on the first Tuesday in April. Registered voters who wish to run for office must file nominating petitions 60 days before the elections are held.

www.delmarvanow.com

Try The Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery This Weekend

Too busy to cook?? Too tired?? Or just want to try something different for a change..........

The BAY QUEEN RESTAURANT AND BAKERY is now open!

"Home cooked comfort food" Daily special for $5.95.

Restaurant Hours:
MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM
SUNDAY 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM SUNDAY BRUNCH

While you're there check out the bakery.

Located on Rt. 13 North at the Days Inn just before the Ford dealer.

Carryout and delivery available.

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting

POCOMOKE CITY -- The mayor and council gave tentative approval Monday to a $404,775 bid that will apply an innovate method of treating effluent at the new sewage plant.

Instead of treating the sludge with chemicals, the new system, to be installed by the Bearing Construction Co., will use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria. This method will save the town money and is safer, officials said, since town employees will not have to handle some caustic chemicals.

The decision is contingent on the Maryland Department of the Environment approving the construction bid package and the town receiving a loan to cover the cost of the system. If received, 87.5 percent of the principal will be forgiven.

The town also officially transferred the deed to the Benelli property in the Pocomoke Industrial Park. Beretta, a sister company, came to the park in 1989 to manufacture barrels for shipment to the company's southern Maryland plant for final assembly. Ten years later, Benelli took over the building.

Under Benelli, shotguns manufactured in Italy are shipped to Pocomoke City for distribution throughout the country and service of the shotguns is handled in the local plant. Manager Dan Boyle said there are presently 30 people working at the plant. He called them the "best employees around."

Additionally, the council voted to opt out of a state mandate for installation of sprinkler systems in any new single-family homes. Instead, the plan is to offer a discount on property taxes -- 50 percent or up to $2,000 in the first year -- if the owner installs the system.

During his last meeting as mayor, Michael A. McDermott publicly thanked a number of people who had worked with him during his term in office. He was elected as a member of the House of Delegates last year.

Councilman Robert L. Hawkins, who presented McDermott with a certificate for his tenure as mayor, will preside at the meetings until a new mayor is elected in April.

www.delmarvanow.com

Organizations Working Together For A Better Community

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. --Members of the Midway family recently pitched in to help the Samaritan Shelter of Pocomoke at the first Tom Wall Pancake Supper.

Volunteers from Midway GM/Toyota --alongside representatives from host Lynnhaven Baptist Church of Pocomoke -- cooked and served pancakes, eggs, bacon, and sausage for more than 200 hungry supporters.

The event raised critical funds for the shelter, which helps people in crisis achieve self-reliance in a structured, supportive environment.

According to Midway spokesperson Susanna Annis, "Everyone from the Midway family enjoyed helping this great organization -- it's wonderful to be able to give back to the community that does so much to support us."

To learn more about The Samaritan Shelter and its programs, visit www.thesamaritanshelter.org.

www.easternshorenews.com

SUNDAY BRUNCH at The Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery

DON'T FORGET!!

The BAY QUEEN RESTAURANT AND BAKERY is now open!

Stop by today for SUNDAY BRUNCH


"Home cooked comfort food" Daily special for $5.95.
Restaurant Hours:
MONDAY THRU SATURDAY 6:00 AM until 9:00 PM
SUNDAY 6:00 AM until 7:00 PM

While you're there check out the bakery.

Located on Rt. 13 North at the Days Inn just before the Ford dealer.

Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery Opens Today

OPEN TODAY !!

Don't forget to stop by the Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery today and see what's cooking!

(How about a nice warm bowl of soup with a grilled sandwhich and for dessert a slice of Smith Island cake. Mmmm....)

Their menu will consist of a home cooked comfort food dinner and offer "Blue Plate Specials" for the resonable price of $5.95 daily. Take-out menu and delivery are available too!

Along with the delicious foods, the bakery will be making Smith Island cakes daily and featuring their Smith Island "BabyCakes".

Located on Route 13 North at the Days Inn (right next to the ford dealership).

The folks at the Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery are excited about this new adventure look forward to serving you.

~~Let us know how you like it!~~

This Weekend At the MarVa Theater

Showing Friday, January 7th and Saturday, January 8th

at 7:00 PM.

Sunday, January 9th at 2:00 PM

Tickets: $5.00

PLOT:

As Harry races against time and evil to destroy the Horcruxes, he uncovers the existence of three most powerful objects in the wizarding world: the Deathly Hallows.
Rated PG-13

Opening Tomorrow In Pocomoke........

OPENING TOMORROW !!

BAY QUEEN RESTAURANT AND BAKERY

The folks that operated the sandwhich shop and bakery once located in downtown Pocomoke, next to the MarVa Theater, will open their doors on Wednesday in a new location offering not just those tasty and petite Smith Island "BabyCakes", but a full menu.

Their menu will consist of a home cooked comfort food dinner and offer "Blue Plate Specials" for the resonable price of $5.95 daily. Take-out menu and delivery are available too!

Along with the delicious foods, the bakery will be making Smith Island cakes daily and featuring their Smith Island "BabyCakes". (you MUST try one)

Located on Route 13 North at the Days Inn (right next to the ford dealership).

The folks at the Bay Queen Restaurant and Bakery are excited about this new adventure look forward to serving you.

More information on this tomorrow morning.

Delmarva Discovery Center Events For 2011

Suspect In Handy Murder Has Been Arrested

I have been out of town for the past few days on a family matter and am so glad to see that this possible murderer has been arrested! Hopefully the Handy family will be working towards some closure. Great job police department!

POCOMOKE CITY — A suspect in a Pocomoke murder case was arrested without trouble outside the Walmart store Friday night, police said. They arrested Skylor Dupree Harmon, 19, who days ago was charged with murdering Reginald Handy Jr., 22, in May.

A state police fugitive apprehension team, assisted by a special team of Worcester sheriff's deputies, caught Harmon Friday at about 6 p.m., police said, and he is being held without bond.

At a news conference last week, prosecutors and police said they believe Harmon killed Handy. A different man, Alexander Crippen, 36, was the first person charged with murder in Handy's death, but those murder charges were dropped before Crippen's trial; he was later convicted of attempting to kill a different man, based on testimony about what he did at the same scene where Handy died.

Harmon is currently the sole suspect in Handy's death, and police had said he was at large in southern Worcester or Somerset counties, and possibly armed and dangerous.

www.delmarvanow.com

Christmas Basket Drawing To Benefit Samaritan Shelter

A Bountiful Blessings Christmas Basket

A Bountiful Blessings Christmas Basket drawing is a chance to shop for holiday stocking stuffers as well as raise money to benefit the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke City.

The basket is stuffed with items ranging from dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse to a family membership at the Delmarva Discovery Center. Basket items are valued at more than $950.

Tickets for the drawing are $5 each or $10 for three.

The drawing will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Heart 'N Home gift store and vendor, 1532 Ocean Highway in Pocomoke City.

Call 410-957-4310