Showing posts with label local news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label local news. Show all posts

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Structure Fire In Pocomoke

The Worcester County Fire Marshal’s Office investigated a residential structure fire on January 15, 2011.

The fire was reported at approximately 1 pm by an occupant of the dwelling involved in the fire. First arriving fire units reported heavy fire showing from a single-story residential dwelling.

Firefighters from the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company quickly extinguished the fire. Stockton Volunteer Fire Company assisted with the extinguishment of the fire and remained on the scene for approximately 2 hours.

The dwelling was occupied at the time the fire by Terri Jones. Jones was able to escape and no injuries were reported. The dwelling is located at 523 Young Street, Pocomoke, Maryland in Worcester County.

The fire originated near a portable kerosene heater. During the course of the investigation, it was determined the kerosene heater was filled with gasoline, not kerosene. The fire is listed as accidental.

The occupant of the dwelling is being assisted by the American Red Cross
Anyone with additional questions or comments should contact Chief Deputy Matt Owens at 410-632-5666 ext. 2 or mowens@wcfmo.org.
wcfmo.org

Friday, January 14, 2011

AARP Offers Free Tax Preparation For Residents of Worcester

Beginning Feb 3, AARP will once again offer free tax preparation throughout the county. Locations are:

Mondays: Ocean Pines library, 11107 Cathell Road, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410-213-1608 for an appointment.

Tuesdays: Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410-632-1277 for an appointment.

Wednesdays: Pocomoke City Senior Center, 400 Walnut and Cedar streets, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410-957- 0391 for an appointment.

Thursdays: St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 10301 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410-213- 1608 for an appointment.

Saturdays: Community Church at Ocean Pines, 11227 Racetrack Road, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410-213-1608 for an appointment.

Saturdays: Ocean City library, 10003 Coastal Highway, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 410-213-1608 for an appointment.

Residents do not have to be an AARP member for this service. However, they must take complete records and their 2009 return with them.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Northampton County Circuit Court

Norhampton County Circuit was in session Monday, and the following indictments were handed down:

Scott Joseph Abraham: 35 counts of forgery and uttering and 3 counts of petty larcency

T'Andre S. Brickhouse: possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute its - 2nd offense

Lenord Tromwell Brooks: possession of a controlled substance with the intent to distribute it ... possession with the intent to distrbute more than 1/4 oz. but less than 5 pounds of marijuana ... possession with the intent to distrbute a controlled substance on school property ... driving on a suspended license ... tresspass.

Eban T. Hodge: also known as Jihad Terron Colvin and Jihad Terron Anderson ... Forging a Public Document

Estelle Quinntai Love: Grand Larcency
Terry M. Parker: possession of a firearm by a convicted felon

William Jerome Reid Jr.: possession with the intent to distribute - 2nd or subsequent offense ... possession of marijuana 2nd or subsequent offense

Antionio Lee Robinson: Breaking and Entering ... Attempted Rape

Trawn Lavon Stratton: Murder ... displaying a firearm in a threating manner while committing murder ... entering a dwelling house while armed with a firearm.

Amy Gladden Sturgis: 12 counts of passing bad checks

Arron McNeil Taylor: Possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute

Christopher Lee Tazewell: Third offense of assult and battery on a family member.

www.shoredailynews.com

Returning To Parksley Fire Department

TEXAS HOLD'EM POKER
January 14, 2011 -
7:30 PM
Cost:
$15.00 buy-in
$10.00 add-on
$10.00 rebuys

Prizes include $150 Visa gift card for first place, $100 for second place and $75 for third place. Fourth to sixth place winners get a free buy-in.

This is the start of the 2011 Poker Championship Series, which will be held in December for eligible players. The prize will be a winner take all $1,000 Visa gift card.

Call 757-665-6977 or 757-710-2875 for more information.

All Proceeds to benefit the fire company.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Todd E. Godwin Announces Candidacy For Sheriff

Longtime deputy for the Accomack County Sheriff's Office Todd E. Godwin has announced his candidacy for Sheriff in the upcoming November election.

Godwin, a 20 year member of the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, announced on Monday he will run as an independent for the post, which has been held by Sheriff Larry Giddens since 2008 until the end of this year when he will retire.

Godwin's other experience includes being a member of the Parksley Police Department as well as the Virginia State Police. He has been in law enforcement for 25 years and is currently a Major, the second in command in the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.

No one else has publicly announced they will run for the Sheriff's seat in November.

www.shoredailynews.com

Monday, January 10, 2011

Mayor McDermott To Oversee His Last Council Meeting

POCOMOKE CITY -- Mike McDermott will oversee his last City Council meeting as mayor, resigning the position as he moves into the role of state delegate.

Scheduled for the meeting is routine business, including the review of minutes, a second reading of legislation and the city manager presenting project bids.

Also on the agenda is discussion of the 2011 Cypress Festival. Denise Wagner, executive director of the Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce and event organizer, said the Chamber had previously spoken with the council and is expected to return with more information.

"It's more preliminary than anything," Wagner said. "(The council) asked for some additional information. ... We didn't have the sketches with us before."

The Cypress Festival is scheduled to enter its 37th year this summer, expanding once again, according to Wagner. She hopes to include life-saving demonstrations from the U.S. Coast Guard, expanded food and craft booths as well as a fishing tournament in Cypress Park.

"We haven't had our first Cypress meeting yet," Wagner said. "But we would like some additional space and to rearrange some things."

The council is also scheduled to discuss incentives for new homebuilders who install sprinkler systems in single family homes.

McDermott is specifically scheduled to present a deed for industrial property at the corner of Broad and Eighth streets to Dan Boyle of Beretta and Benelli Corp. The property was originally sold to Beretta on a lease-purchase contract in 1990.

After McDermott resigns, Robert Hawkins will fill in as mayor until city elections are held in April.

www.delmarvanow.com

Sunday, January 9, 2011

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.

Suspicious Package Found In Pocomoke

At the request of the Pocomoke City Police Department, the Worcester County Fire Marshal's Office assisted with a suspicious package found at a PNC Bank.

The incident was reported at 1:30PM in the 600 Block of Linden Avenue in Pocomoke City, Maryland.

An arriving Officer found the device and requested assistance from the Fire Marshal's Office.

The Ocean City Bomb Squad was requested and with the use of a robot, the device was examined and found to be a discarded electrical component left behind by a contractor.

Anyone with questions may contact the Fire Marshal's Office at the number listed above or email jmcmahon@wcfmo.org.

worcester county firemarshall

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Beau Oglesby Takes Office As State's Attorney for Worcester County

SNOW HILL – State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby was sworn into office Monday in front of a crowd of officials, friends and family.

“It’s no secret why Beau has ascended,” said Wicomico County Sheriff Mike Lewis, who worked with Oglesby when he was a prosecutor for Wicomico County.

Lewis pointed out the great working relationship Oglesby had with law enforcement
“I could quickly see that he’s what most law enforcement officers call a ‘masterful prosecutor,’” said Lewis. “I’m so, so proud to stand here today…it’s a great day for law enforcement and a great day for justice.”

Caroline County Circuit Court Judge Karen Jensen also opted to give Oglesby a few words of introduction. Jensen spoke of Oglesby’s time serving in Caroline as an assistant State’s Attorney, calling him a “fierce and able advocate.” She informed him that he would be coming into a lot of power in his office, which carried an equivalent amount of responsibility. Finally, she thanked him on behalf of Caroline County and forecasted a bright future for Worcester with Oglesby’s transition.

“You can’t imagine the journey this has been,” said Oglesby after being introduced. “I’ve been through a lawsuit … lost an election by 14 votes … turned it around this time and won by 93.”

Oglesby went on to thank everyone that supported him, especially his family, who joined him during the swearing in.

“I look around the room and I’m so overwhelmed,” he said.

Joking that at least part of his introduction was wrong, Oglesby admitted to not being as organized as Jansen had claimed him to be.

“I’ve prepared some comments, they’re around here somewhere,” he said.

Choosing to speak from memory instead, Oglesby offered a special thanks to the members of law enforcement in attendance.

“You make me want to be a better prosecutor each and every day,” he said. “I can’t imagine you [the police] doing the job halfway and seeing someone fall down on the other half.”

Oglesby also spoke about his life growing up.

“Mom was judge and jury, dad was the executioner,” he said.

Despite the light attitude, Oglesby stressed that his family life helped him learn values.

“There’s right and wrong. There’s black and white. But there’s also an area of gray,” he said.

Finally, he took a moment to address his own family, telling his children that he would still be busy even after the campaign, but promising them, “it won’t take me as long to get home.”

Oglesby then thanked his wife for her support. The whole experience managed to choke Oglesby up toward the end of his speech.

“This is the first time I’ve cried in court,” he said.

Lewis joked, “It won’t be the last in this county.”

Oglesby concluded by once again thanking everyone who supported him.
“God bless you and God bless Worcester County,” he said.

Car Theft Lands Teen One Year In Jail

SNOW HILL -- An 18-year-old charged with stealing cars and joyriding down to Georgia with two other people will spend a year in jail.

Dennis John Cross Jr. of Greenbackville was sentenced to four years in jail with all but three suspended. He also will be on three years of supervised probation. He agreed to plead guilty to unauthorized removal of property -- that is, someone else's car -- in exchange for prosecutors dropping other charges of theft and burglary.


He also will have to pay restitution to his theft victims, a figure which has yet to be determined, prosecutors said. Pending drug charges of marijuana possession and possession with intent to distribute were dropped in the plea agreement in Worcester County Circuit Court on Thursday.

Cross and two other teen boys stood accused of motor vehicle theft and burglary in a case police said involved several missing vehicles and an attempted escape to Atlanta. Police said the three stole cars in May and June in and around Whiton and Public Landing, rural areas in central Worcester County.

One man, Jacob Tyler Derr, 19, of Snow Hill entered into a plea agreement in October on burglary charges in which additional charges of burglary and theft were dropped. He also was sentenced to three years in the Worcester County Jail with all but one suspended.

A third accomplice was a juvenile at the time, and police have not released his name or his disposition, though detectives with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation traveled to Atlanta to detain him. Police said they found the juvenile in possession of the stolen cars.

Authorities searched for Cross for a month last summer after he evaded police when found in a stolen car in Georgia during a traffic stop. In late July, he was arrested as he allegedly tried to escape another traffic stop in Berlin; police had stopped the SUV he was in for a broken headlight.

www.delmarvanow.com

Friday, January 7, 2011

Accomack County Board of Supervisors Meeting

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors met on Wednesday, January 5th at the Board Chambers in Accomack. This was an organizational meeting and but was also opened up for public comment on a proposal for the Mary N. Smith Middle School building in Accomac.

Supervisor Donald Hart has been elected as the new Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. Out-going Chair, Laura Belle Gordy, was elected to serve as Vice-Chair. The new Chairman presented Supervisor Gordy with a plaque of appreciation, calling her a lady of class and thanking her for her service.
The Board voted unanimously to keep regular meetings for the upcoming the year the same, which is the third Wednesday of each month beginning at 5:00 p.m. Work sessions will be held quarterly or when called.

Ethan Brenner of Painter, and a member of the FIRST Robotics Team, was allowed to address the board and invited them to an upcoming Season Kickoff. That event will be held locally for the first time and will be Saturday, January 8th at 9:00 a.m. at the NASA Wallops Visitor Center. The board congratulated Brenner on the Teams Efforts.

Wednesday nights meeting was Supervisor Steve Malletes last. Mallette resigned from the board of supervisors in November. The board discussed how to fill the position and voted unanimously for the following process: The position is now open to interested parties from district 6. Anyone who would like to be considered must submit a letter and or resume to the County Administrator by 5:00 p.m. on January 10th. There will be a Board of Supervisors meeting on Wednesday, January 12th at 5:00 p.m. so the board can meet and talk with each interested individual. These people are allowed to bring supporters who wish to speak on their behalf. Chairman Hart emphasized that he wants a positive meeting and that negative remarks about those seeking the position will not be tolerated. Should the board decide to appoint a Supervisor, that person will be sworn in on January 13th, and will have the necessary materials to prepare him or her for the regular January 19th meeting. The newly appointed supervisor will fulfill Mallettes term and the seat will be up for reelection in January 2012.

Hart also reminded the board that he would like them to make a decision with the publics input to avoid a judge from Virginia Beach having to appoint one, due to the fact that the eastern shore has no resident judge at this time.

Several citizens attended this meeting concerning the fate of the Mary N Smith Middle School building. A presentation was made by Mr. David Koogler of Mark-Dana Corporation and numerous residents of what is known as the Mary N. Smith Community as well as other shore citizens made their opinions known.
www.shoredaylynews.com

Berlin Has New Year's Eve Celebration

The Berline Chamber of Commerce and the Berlin people in general always seem to have the brightest ideas. What a great idea this was! And, as with anything they seem to attempt, they had the best of luck. How wonderful for Berlin. jmmb
A crowd of approximately 1,000 people watched as a large disco ball descended from above Town Center Antiques in Berlin late last Friday. As the glittery silver ball reached its destination near a clock on North Main Street, the giant crowd roared, welcoming the New Year with palpable excitement.

“It was incredible,” said Barb Stack, a Berlin business owner who instituted the town’s inaugural New Year’s Eve celebration. “It was much better than we ever anticipated. Everybody just had a ton of fun. We were just overwhelmed by the response.”

Organized by the town and the Berlin Chamber of Commerce, the Dec. 31 party was expected to draw a small crowd — only about 100 or 200, according to Michael Day, the town’s director of Community and Economic Development. Undoubtedly, organizers were surprised when hundreds of revelers gathered along Main Street and its side streets, sidewalks and on the porch and front yard of the Atlantic Hotel.

“It was unpredictable as to how many people would show up,” Day said. “There were some things we didn’t think about.”

For instance, Day said, the town should have arranged for portable toilets and for street vendors to sell food and coffee. He added that perhaps the deejay should have been asked to remind people to use the trashcans, or perhaps those trashcans should have been placed in the streets instead of up against buildings.

Day and others had also not anticipated that people would take confetti to the event. Two members of the Public Works Department cleaned it up hours later, but soon after the crowd headed home it was Day, Town Administrator Tony Carson and Stack, owner of Design Resources, assisted by several town residents who picked up the larger trash items such as beverage cups and cans on the street.

Carriage rides were scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m., but approximately 30 people were in line 30 minutes earlier, so they began at 8 p.m.

The giant crowd was a pleasant surprise for Berlin businesses open that evening.

The Atlantic Hotel had its own New Year’s Eve event in its ballroom, but people attending the outside ball-drop could buy a drink at a bar set up on the porch. The hotel also had free hot chocolate and cider for the revelers.

Every room at the hotel was booked, either as part of the special two-night package to go with the New Year’s Eve soiree or otherwise booked in advance.

“It was the best weekend the hotel has had since Mr. Fager took over,” said hotel employee Jude Robinson.

The Globe was so packed with people that owner Jen David instituted a “one in and one out” policy for the night. As one person left, another could enter. She did it, she said, “to make sure everybody was comfortable and that we could serve everybody.”

David was not only pleased with the business at The Globe, but the response to the town’s new event.

“For us, it was wonderful. And we were really, really happy to see locals as guests and attending the event,” she said.

Prior to the New Year’s Eve event, Tim Lawrence, director of the town’s Electric Utility, and lineman Fred Litchfield practiced a trial run for the ball drop on Thursday. Other advance preparations included building a device to swing the ball away from the building’s exterior, clearing snow from the streets and setting up the outdoor stage in front of Rayne’s Reef Luncheonette.

A meeting of town department heads will be held this week to discuss what would be needed to make next year’s event even better.

www.oceancitytoday.net

Thursday, January 6, 2011

18-Month Sentence For Ocean City Man

SNOW HILL -- An Ocean City man who set fire to an abandoned concrete plant was sentenced to 18 months in jail for second-degree arson.

John Edward Cropper, 46, was first given a harsher, 10-year sentence by Worcester County Circuit Court Judge Thomas C. Groton III. The judge suspended all but 18 months of the sentence, telling Cropper if he slipped up again, he'd face the remaining years behind bars.

Additional charges of malicious destruction of property and trespassing merged with the arson charge. Cropper's sentence also includes five years of supervised probation and $1,170 in fines and court fees. The judge authorized the 18 months to be served on work release.

Assistant Worcester County State's Attorney Diane Cuilhe sought a harsher sentence -- second-degree arson carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in jail and a $30,000 fine -- based on Cropper being charged with a string of arsons in 1987.

According to Joel Todd, who was a deputy state's attorney at the time, Cropper became the main suspect in a series of Ocean City arsons in the 1980s. Officials eventually found probable cause to charge him, but in court he was found not criminally responsible.

Cuilhe said prosecutors believe Cropper poses a risk as a repeat offender based on comments he made to authorities at the time of the 1987 incidents: "I light 'em and I fight 'em."

In court, Cropper apologized for the fires set this spring, saying he's raising a 13-year-old son who "would greatly resent it" if his father were jailed. He also said he works full-time as an engineer on a clamming boat and can't miss work.

The judge noted Cropper's record of minor offenses, which include arrests for theft, burglary and drug possession.

Ocean City Police said on the evening of March 28, an officer on patrol stopped Cropper as he was walking near the Cropper Concrete plant. Though they share a name, the plant's owners and the defendant are unconnected.

Cropper, who rents a home on nearby St. Louis Avenue, claimed he was looking for his dog. The officer testified to noticing a strong smell of lighter fluid or gasoline on him. The officer let Cropper go and, with another officer, did a property check of the plant.

Inside a maintenance building, the officers smelled smoke and eventually found two small fires burning. The officers put out the fires and quickly brought Cropper back for questioning.

Cropper at first denied that he had been on the concrete plant grounds. But police found dirt on his boots that matched that of the property, and found his hands reeking of a flammable liquid, as well as black marks on his hands.

www.delmarvanow.com

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Victim Of Baseball Bat Beating Still Hospitalized

SNOW HILL -- An altercation following a rural-road rendezvous on New Year's Eve has left one man hospitalized and another facing serious assault charges.

Kenneth Lee Wharton III, 18, of Snow Hill has been charged with first-degree assault, second-degree assault, reckless endangerment, armed robbery and theft after he allegedly beat 21-year-old Kendrick Lee Hall with a baseball bat.

According to court documents, both men met at Snow Hill Middle School on Friday before driving, in separate cars, to the end of Brick Kiln Road.

In charging documents, police allege Wharton demanded money and Hall's Droid X smart phone before beginning to beat him with a baseball bat.

Wharton told police that after driving to the location around 2 a.m., Hall "grabbed him and attempted to kiss him." Wharton admitted to hitting Hall "six or seven times," but maintained he never took the smart phone or stole $10, according to police. The men are considered to be acquaintances, police say.

On Monday, Hall was in fair condition at Peninsula Regional Medical Center after suffering a parietal bone fracture, a minimally depressed skull, hematoma, brain contusion, nasal bone fractures, an orbital wall fracture and numerous bruises on his back, according to court documents filed in District Court to support the charges against Wharton.

Dr. David Kerrigan, a trauma surgeon at PRMC, said patients who experience bleeding in or around the brain are given at least one year to recover and can experience an array of short- and long-term symptoms.

"If a patient gets good care, even in optimum circumstances they can have bad results," said Kerrigan. "On the flip side, you can have great results with very little invasive treatment."

Kerrigan, who was not speaking directly about Hall's condition, said side effects of similar brain and head injuries can range from headaches and migraines to bouts of depression and difficulty with everyday tasks.

Wharton has been released on bond, pending a preliminary hearing scheduled on Jan. 28.

www.delmarvanow.com

Ocean Downs Casino Now Open

State officials were on hand Tuesday for the grand opening of Maryland's second slots casino.

Ocean Downs opened for business Tuesday afternoon with 750 slot machines available.

Gov. Martin O'Malley led the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

The line of gamblers and the curious assembled long before, 11 News reporter David Collins said. Even those with long life experiences enjoyed it.

"This is magnificent. I've been to Vegas and I've been around. This is just as good as anything I've seen anywhere else," said former Gov. Marvin Mandel.

The casino is currently operating 750 of its 800 slot machines, including video BlackJack games and a roulette wheel.

The $45 million facility employs 236 people. The building isn't flashy, and owner William Rickman said it's not meant to be.

"We're never going to set the world on fire here. We have 800 machines. We will probably stay at that for quite some time. It is just going to be an addition to the community," he said.

The casino is Maryland's second slots parlor. A 2008 voter referendum allows for five parlors to be built, but the Ocean Downs location, which is about five miles outside of Ocean City, has more restrictions than any other location in the state.

The restrictions were necessary to get the bill passed through the General Assembly, but Senate President Mike Miller took strong exception to them and vowed change.

"This is nonsense personified. This is a great facility. This man had to do it by overcoming every restriction possible," Miller said. "You go to a casino and they offer a group of games. He can't do that here. They offer free food. He can't offer that here. They have a hotel you can stay in. He can't do that. They have a golf course. He can't have that here. They have amusements. He can't have any."

Miller continued, "The only thing he can have is one piano. What kind of nonsense is that?"

The restrictions were necessary to appease residents in and around Ocean City. Many businesses joined in on residents' concerns about slots tarnishing the resorts family image, but the frosty reception shows signs of thawing.

"There are lots of good opportunities out there. I believe hotels are discussing partnerships," said Tom Perlozzo of the Ocean City Chamber of Commerce.

"We are talking with restaurants and golf courses," said Ocean Downs General Manger Joseph Cavilla.

The governor said the casino is a good thing.

"I think the legislation was very narrowly drawn and narrowly crafted, and I do not believe it will be a hurt to Ocean City. In fact, on the contrary, I think it will be an added attraction," O'Malley said.

Few places are open this time of year in Ocean City, and the casino appears to be a welcome adult attraction, Collins reported.

Officials said 5.5 percent of slots proceeds will be set aside for local impact grants, and 60 percent of that will go to Worcester County. Ocean City will get 20 percent of the revenues, and 10 percent will go to the town of Berlin. Another 10 percent will go to the community of Ocean Pines.

After a test run before the grand opening, the casino donated $10,000 in slots revenues to American Legion Post 166 in recognition of its charitable work. The casino management matched the proceeds.

www.msn.com

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Taxi Cab Robbery Arrest

The investigation is continuing, but Ocean City Police have arrested 17 year old Thomas Scaniffe of Ocean Pines for his involvement in a couple of taxicab robberies that occurred on December 30th. He is charged with armed robbery and other offenses and is being held in default of $250,000 bond in the Worcester County jail. Anyone with information should call 410-723-6604.

NEWS RELEASE; OCEAN CITY & OCEAN PINES TAXICAB ROBBERY – UPDATE

Ocean City Police have identified and charged a suspect in the taxicab robberies that took place on December 30, 2010. On January 1, 2011, Ocean City Police arrested
Thomas Scaniffe, 17, of Ocean Pines.

Scaniffe was charged as an adult with armed robbery, robbery, first degree assault, second degree assault, two counts of theft less than $1,000 and resisting/interfering with an arrest. After his initial appearance by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner, Scaniffe was held on a $250,000 bond and transferred to Worcester County Jail.

On December 30, 2010, at approximately 1:15 a.m., the Ocean City Police responded to the area of 5th Street and Edgewater Avenue in reference to an armed robbery.
Officers interviewed the victim of the robbery, who was an on-duty taxicab driver. The victim told officers he received a call from a restricted phone number requesting a cab ride from Ocean Pines to Ocean City. The cab driver picked up two males at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Marview Drive and brought them to Ocean City. Once at 5th Street, the two males assaulted the taxicab driver, taking money and other items.

A second similar incident took place on December 30, 2010 at 9:30 p.m. A taxicab driver responded to Brandywine Drive in Ocean Pines. Two males entered the cab, demanded money, and assaulted the driver with a weapon.


The investigation is ongoing. Ocean City and Ocean Pines Police ask anyone with knowledge about the incident or the suspects to contact the Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410-723-6604.

www.wgmd.com

Monday, January 3, 2011

McDermott Looks Back On Being Mayor and Ahead Toward The Future

POCOMOKE CITY -- Mike McDermott has been busy since his election to the State House -- reflecting on his time as mayor, working on his transition to state delegate and planning for the upcoming legislative session.

"There is some sorrow in leaving the mayor's job," said McDermott, who was recently appointed to the Judiciary Committee in the House of Delegates.

Since taking office as mayor in 2005, McDermott said several accomplishments have helped move Pocomoke City into the 21st century and prepare it for the future.

When he took office, McDermott said the Delmarva Discovery Center was a dirt floor in a disheveled building and the Mar-Va theater didn't exist. Both buildings are now operating as downtown attractions.

Other advancements, such as industrial and technological expansion, have helped to improve the outlook for long-term economic development, McDermott said.

He cites working with Worcester County to assess how and where Pocomoke City should grow, in addition to updating the zoning code, as significant contributions.

"Since I have been mayor, the development along the Route 13 corridor has really taken off," McDermott said. "We didn't have much going on in the industrial areas, so for me, seeing the completion of some of these long-term projects has been a great experience."

Looking forward

Although he has not yet been sworn in, McDermott has been preparing for the Jan. 12 event by speaking with Delegate Norm Conway and state Sen.-elect Jim Mathias about pertinent issues as well as embarking on a bus trip around Maryland with other freshman delegates and senators.

Among the issues he hopes to take up are allowing nonprofit organizations in Worcester County to use slot machines as a fundraising tool; addressing the future of the Liquor Control Board; reducing harassment of poultry farmers; and strengthening sex offender punishments.

"For the first year, I am going to focus on learning, listening and observing the way things are done," McDermott said. "But I won't hesitate to offer anything that needs to be offered in the best interest of this area."

Once sworn in, McDermott will no longer serve as mayor. Robert Hawkins is scheduled to take over until the local election in April.

"I can't imagine what it will feel like to take my seat with other delegates and occupy my place in history," McDermott said. "People have put trust into me to represent them, and in our form of government, there is no higher trust."

www.delmarvanow.com

Judge Tyler Retires -- Now We Have NO Judge

Circuit court Judge Glen Tyler officially retired as of Friday. Tyler has reached the mandatory retirement age of 70. As of now, there's no replacement in sight for the 20 year veteran judge. The General Assembly has not included funds for new judges in it's proposed 2011 budget.

Judges from Virginia Beach will try to cover the needs of the Eastern Shore unless Delegate Lynn Lewis and Senator Ralph Northam can convince the legislature to appoint a successor. Citing the travel distance from Virginia Beach, the uniqueness of the Eastern Shore and the need to have a judge who is familiar with the community,Lewis and Northam hope the General Assembly will make an exception and fill this particular vacancy.

There are several candidates for the posititon. The local Bar Association has recommended Accomac Attorney W.Revell Lewis.

www.shoredailynews.com

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Beau Oglesby To Be Sworn In Tomorrow

On Monday, January 3, 2011 Beau Oglesby will formally take the Oath of Office as Worcester County State's Attorney.

11:00 AM until 2 PM
Worcester County Courthouse - Courtroom 1
One West Market Street
Snow Hill, Maryland

Beau is looking forward to seeing and thanking the many friends, family, and supporters who helped make this momentous day possible.

Taxi Cab Robberies In Ocean City and Ocean Pines Investigated

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in apprehending suspects of two recent robberies that occurred in Ocean City and Ocean Pines. On December 30, 2010, at approximately 1:15 a.m., the Ocean City Police responded to the area of 5th Street and Edgewater Avenue in reference to an armed robbery.

Officers interviewed the victim of the robbery, who was an on-duty taxi-cab driver. The victim told officers he received a call from a restricted phone number requesting a cab ride from Ocean Pines to Ocean City. The cab driver picked up two males at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Marview Drive and brought them to Ocean City. Once at 5th Street, the two males assaulted the taxi cab driver, taking money and other items.

The victim described the suspects as follows: The first suspect is a white male, approximately 22-26 years of age, 6 foot tall and wearing a hooded sweatshirt and knit hat. The second suspect is a white male, approximately 22-26 years of age, approximately 5’-7” to 5’-9”, wearing a sweatshirt and knit hat.

A second similar incident took place on December 30, 2010 at 9:30 p.m. A taxi-cab driver responded to Brandywine Drive in Ocean Pines. Two males entered the cab, demanded money, and assaulted the driver with a weapon.

The victim described the suspects as follows: The first suspect is described as a bi-racial male, possibly “Hawaiian,” believed to be in his 20s, wearing blue jeans. The second suspect, a white male, is believed to be in his 20s, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and carrying an edged weapon.

The Ocean City Police Department and the Ocean Pines Police Department are conducting a joint investigation of the armed robberies. Taxi-cab and pizza delivery businesses should be aware of these incidents and use crime preventive measures during their course of business. Those needing assistance in acquiring crime preventive measures are encourage to contact the Ocean City Police Department’s Office of Community Service at 410-723-6610.

Ocean City and Ocean Pines Police ask anyone with knowledge about the incident or the suspects to contact the Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410-723-6600.

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