Passing of a Pocomoke City centenarian

 

Gladys Holland Obituary - The Daily Times (delmarvanow.com)

(Updated) Radio Station fire

1950's- Young Choppy Layton on the air at WDMV:

                         (submitted photo/Salisbury Daily Times)

       (WBOC)

View WBOC video news story:

https://www.wboc.com/news/pocomoke-city-radio-station-manager-vows-to-rebuild-after-devastating-fire/video_57c52c47-e5a1-5a5a-9f7d-d0a86e1a1a5c.html

View Shore Daily News story:

Longtime Pocomoke City radio station destroyed by fire - Shore Daily News

(Earlier Pocomoke Public Eye postings)

(Thursday, 8/18/22)

The building that was home to Pocomoke's radio station on Dun Swamp Road was declared a total loss as a result of a fire Thursday that reportedly started from an electrical problem in the attic area. 

Above photo is from 1964. The building was constructed in 1955 when WDVM went on the air. Call letters were changed later in the 1950's to WDMV "Wonderful Delmarva."  After operating for decades with the WDMV call letters ownership changed the call to WGOP.

Photos below from the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company.

Comments from a Pocomoke Fire Company member who was a former announcer at WDMV:

" - sad day for a Pocomoke landmark today. A fire gutted the former WDMV studios. We received the call at around 11:40 AM and first unit on scene had smoke showing from roof and all sides of the building. It took about 2 hours to bring fire under control. Besides Pocomoke, mutual aid companies included Stockton, Snow Hill, Girdletree, New Church, and Princess Anne. Atlantic Fire Company stood by at the Pocomoke Firehouse. Support was provided by Pocomoke City EMS and Worcester County Emergency Services. The Worcester County Fire Marshal's office is investigating origin and cause. Side note: Ironically WDMV (as WDVM) signed on the air this week in 1955." 

Pocomoke City Election

(City of Pocomoke website)

CITY OF POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND

A Municipal Election will be held at the Pocomoke Library at 301 Market St, Pocomoke City, Maryland 21851 on Tuesday, August 11, 2020, to elect a candidate for the Mayoral seat. The District 3 candidate will run unopposed and voting is not necessary. The term of office will be for three years beginning on the third Tuesday in August 2020.  The polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. on election day. Absentee ballots are available by first contacting the City Clerk at City Hall at 410-957-1333. Absentee ballots must be mailed by the voter no later than Friday, August 07, 2020, to be received on Monday, August 10, 2020, at 4:30 P.M. deadline and mailed to: Pocomoke City Board of Elections, PO Box 233, Pocomoke City, MD 21851

(Reader comment)

 Anonymous said...

Has the Council changed the City Charter? The Charter states, "The newly elected Mayor shall take office on the Second Tuesday of April following his election."

Unless the Council changes the Charter Susan or Jackie or Mike will have to wait a long time to legally take office.

Downtown Trees Are Gone

(From WBOC video)

Pocomoke City's former tree lined Market Street.

THEN

THIS WEEK

View TV news story:

http://www.wboc.com/story/37247824/pocomoke-city-rids-downtown-trees

Do you have an opinion on the removal of the trees? If you would like to share your view, click on 'Comments' below or email your thoughts to tkforppe@yahoo.com  . 

Donald "Don" Malloy

A memorial service is scheduled for 5 p.m. Saturday at the Elk's Lodge for Pocomoke City's Don Malloy who passed away earlier this week.

(excerpt from obituary)
Donald, known to most as Don, moved to Pocomoke in 1960 and dedicated his life to the town. His local contributions include; Jaycees, Civic Council, Board of Directors for the Mar-Va Theater, four time Exalted Ruler at the Elks Lodge#1624, Choir Director at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church, Master of Ceremonies for the Little Miss Pocomoke Contest, Head Umpire for Pocomoke Little League, and Pocomoke City Councilman. He was also instrumental in the design and construction of the Cypress Park Nature Trail and was Santa Claus for over fifty years in the Pocomoke Christmas Parade.

He proudly served as a member of the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Department for 48 years, was one of the first professional CRTs on the Ambulance Squad, and faithfully manned the Fire Department's Annual Chicken BBQ Fundraiser.

Full obituary at:
http://www.hollowayfh.com/book-of-memories/3075973/Malloy-Donald/obituary.php

WOLC..

Longtime Christian format radio station WOLC, Princess Anne, signed off the air on Tuesday. Station management said the decision for JOY 102.5 FM to go silent was due to financial difficulties. 

The station is being purchased, pending FCC approval, by WBOC  and will be back on the air at a future date. WBOC says a programming format for the station is currently under consideration. 


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.

Delivery Of Antares Stage 1 Assembly

The delivery of the Anteres Stage 1 Assembly had been delayed until Wednesday, February 5, 2014. 

So, Wednesday morning around 8:00 a.m. the rocket assembly passed through the intersection of Route 13 and Route 113 in Pocomoke City, Maryland headed for Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia just a few miles south.

The next targeted date for launching of the Anteres rocket is scheduled for sometime in April 2014.

We'll be waiting and watching for more updated information.

Many thanks Leslie and Cindi.bw

4th Annual FINTASTIC FESTIVAL This Weekend

Save the Youth Adult Computer Classes

 Adult Computer Classes

 

Sponsored by

Save The Youth

of Pocomoke City

 

 

 

126  Willow Street
Pocomoke City, Maryland

Stop by the Save The Youth office on Willow Street  to

sign up by April 30, 2013.

Office is OPEN 9:00 AM  until 3:00 PM
 

EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY IN ACCOMACK COUNTY!

Photo BW

This photos was taken on Sunday March 16, 2013 in a small community in Accomack County.  It is a photo of a control burn which is completely legal in the county after 4 PM.  Residents must call the nonemergency number to inform Accomack 911 Center that you will be burning.  It's a law that comes into effect in Virginia every February.  This year it should have been thought about sooner.

Saxis Volunteer Fire Company was alerted which resulted in the response of a brush truck followed by their tanker.

Normally this would have been no big deal but with Accomack County working on 71 unsolved arsons since November 12, 2012 IT IS!

Tuesday evening fire units were called to an abandoned structure fire.  The alerted fire departments responded to such fire in the same manner they have always responded only to find that this was a control burn.  Someone had seen flames and called the fire into 911 which in turn alerted the needed stations and sent them scrambling to a fire that did not need their response at all.  Control burn.

What a waste of resources in every capacity!  Our emergency personnel investigator, police officers, and anyone working deeply with this investigation is worn out! 

And this disturbed me greatly. It wasn't the residents fault for calling in a fire.  We have been told repeatedly to report anything suspicious.  And how can anyone consider even striking a match knowing the possibility  that a control burn can become uncontrollable in a matter of seconds.

These are two I am aware of.

However, things changed Wednesday afternoon.  I'm just sorry the change didn't happen sooner.  And shame on ALL the supervisors of Accomack County if you had to wait for your regular meeting to discuss this dire situation.

But it is what it is and I just hope everyone adheres to it because if I see a flame I'll be upset again.

Thank you Sheriff Todd Godwin !

 

EFFECTIVE  IMMEDIATELY   IN  ACCOMACK  COUNTY

 

Controlled Burn Ban.

The Accomack County Sheriff's Dept. says this was necessary after a few controlled fires caused already exhausted firefighters to rush out to the fires.

Wednesday - March  20, 2013
ACCOMAC--The Accomack County Board of Supervisors approved a request made by Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin to authorize a temporary ban on controlled burns because of the arson spree plaguing the county.
 T
here have been over 70 arsons in Accomack County since November

 Godwin said firefighters already weary from responding to near-nightly arsons were called out needlessly to two controlled burns Tuesday night, one in Painter and another in Poplar Cove.
 
Passersby reported the fires.

“We are taxing our firefighters now…God bless them, they are worn out,” said Godwin.
 
The board unanimously approved authorizing a standing committee to implement the ban, similar to what happens during a drought.
 
The board will reconsider the ban on a month-to-month basis.
 Supervisors agreed to exempt the town of Chincoteague from the ban after Supervisor Wanda Thornton, who represents the island community, said it has a serious issue with pine bark beetles that would make a burn ban a hardship.

“We have to burn them, there’s no other way,” she said of hundreds of affected trees on the island.

 None of the arsons have occurred on Chincoteague.
 
Godwin said he knows the burn ban will place a burden on area farmers and others, but said the safety of firefighters outweighs those concerns at present.

“I think we’ve got to protect our firefighters and our law enforcement,” he said.
 
The ban includes all towns in the county with the exception of Chincoteague.
 
Godwin assured the board, “We are doing everything possible to catch this person or persons” and thanked supervisors for their support.

County Hires Cowger To Run Liquor Sales

SNOW HILL — The Worcester County Commissioners have hired Bobby Cowger, a former commissioner and a onetime head of the about-to-dissolve Worcester Liquor Control Board, to be the county's first director of the Department of Liquor Control.

Cowger, of Pocomoke City, has been in charge of managing the county's transition from a liquor board whose members are chosen by the governor to a system in which a county-controlled department manages retail and wholesale distribution of spirits.

Cowger has experience both as the former director of the LCB from 2001 through 2005. He is also a former Worcester County Commissioner who declined to run for re-election in 2010. He has also been an active member of the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company for more than 25 years, serving two terms as president.


As director of the Department of Liquor Control, Cowger's annual salary will be $85,000, a county spokeswoman said.

A campaign to disband the Worcester LCB, mounted by Ocean City business leaders who said the board gave some bars and restaurants better prices on liquor than others, led to a Maryland comptroller's investigation in 2010 that found problems in how the LCB managed and sold its inventory. A bill to end the LCB and give control over liquor sales to the county passed the legislature this spring and was signed by Gov. Martin O'Malley. It takes effect July 1.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110628/NEWS01/110628033/SNOW-HILL-Cowger-is-hired-by-county-to-run-liquor-sales?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s

Accomack County Lobbyist Is OUT

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors said no to the lobbyist and yes to Eastern Shore Rural Health at their meeting on Wednesday, June 15.

A motion was made by Supervisor Wanda Thornton to approve the contract for the lobbying firm for the next six months. During discussion, Supervisor Grayson Chesser said there was no way he would vote in favor of the lobbyist. He stated that the people of Accomack County have spoken overwhelmingly and not one person who he has talked to was in favor of it. Chesser added that he was willing to go to Washington D.C. if needed to represent the County.

Supervisor Wanda Thornton told the board "If you don't have a lobbyist, you dont get anything." She went on to say that the Wallops Research Park and NASA are an extremely intricate part of jobs for the County and if the board abandons that, people will go to Maryland and there will be no jobs here resulting in our young people not being able to find jobs. She said the board needs to do everything they can to create jobs in the County.


Supervisor Robert Crockett told the board that everyone who has contacted him was against the lobbyist and that it is his duty to represent and to listen to the people in his district.


Supervisor Ron Wolffe was in favor in the lobbyist noting that Accomack County should be on the same playing field as other Counties. He said the County needs a lobbyist to get things done.


Supervisor Reneta Major approved of the lobbyist and said Accomack County needs to be innovative. She said this is a good chance for infrastructure and called it a "no brainer." She added that no one from her district called her in opposition.

The motion failed to carry 6 to 3, with Thorton, Wolffe and Major voting in favor.

In other action, Eastern Shore Rural Health was given approval of a conditional use permit to construct a new health center near New Church. Mrs. Nancy Stern, CEO of Eastern Rural Health spoke to the board and told them that the health care organization had been serving people on the shore for 35 years and that as of June 1st, 29,000 have chosen them for health care, whether insured or not.

Stern urged the board to move forward because they were on a timeline, noting that the process was two months behind. She added that Eastern Shore Rural Health complied with everything for their new Onley facility and would do the same for the new Atlantic Medical Center.

Several citizens spoke in favor of the new health care facility and there was no opposition to the new center.

The board unanimously voted to approve the permit with a few minor revisions.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Associated Insurance Centers Opens In New Location

Associated Insurance Centers, formerly H. Merrill Walters, whose office has been located  in downtown Pocomoke has moved.

The new location is  2412 ByPass Road in the building where Pocomoke Machine and Implement Company was for many years.  The entire building has been renovated to accomodate all employess from the downtwon office.

Associated Insurance Centers will open its doors in the new location today, Wednesday May 18, 2011.

Office hours are Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

Stop by and let them help you with insurance needs.  Their office sells Auto, Home, Farm, Business, Life & Health insurance.  Other offices are still located in  Chincoteague,  Onancock VA and West Ocean City and  Leonardtown, MD.

 Associated Insurance Centers will also be hosting the Chamber's Business After Hours on Wednesday the 25th from 5-7.

Pocomoke Council Moving Forward On New Police Building

Jennifer Shutt

Staff Writer

POCOMOKE CITY -- The Pocomoke City Police Department may soon get a new building.

At the upcoming council meeting, Mayor Bruce Morrison is expected to sign a resolution that would set in motion a $532,000 mortgage from Shore Bank to purchase a newer building on Market Street.

The police department has been in the same building since the mid-1960s, according to City Manager Russell Blake. The building was originally an armory built in the 1920s and later given to the city.

"The condition is such that it's beyond its economic life," said Blake of the 85-year-old building. "We have repaired it and repaired it and stretched its life probably beyond what we should have."

Could this be the new location for the Pocomoke City Police Dept.?

The chance to purchase the 7,600-square-foot building developed during the past four months. Blake said the city began looking for available and appropriate properties to house the 16 police officer unit about a year ago.

"I'm sure it's going to boost the employees' spirits by moving into a nice, professional facility," said Pocomoke City Police Chief J.D. Ervin.

Once the sale is finalized, the one-story building will need to undergo renovations to accommodate the police department.

"The inside would have to be divided properly," Ervin said. "We would have to figure out what offices we need and where they need to be located so everything is functional."

Blake said once the sale is final, the city will begin to work with an engineering firm to determine how to remodel the property to suit the police department's needs.

Other business

City officials are also expected to give second readings to two resolutions.

The first would amend the charter by bringing it up to date with current voting laws and regulations in Worcester County. Two sections of the charter that state in order to vote in city elections, residents must register at City Hall, are expected to be removed.

"The county has taken over the registration of voters for all municipal elections, so those paragraphs are no longer needed," Blake said.

The council is also scheduled to amend charter language on the employment of elected officials.

"If approved, it will stipulate that no elected official can be hired as a city employee unless it's at least one year after the expiration of their term or one year after they resign," Blake said.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2011105020312

Arrests Made In Robbery and Shooting

Accomack County- Virginia
According to Major Todd Godwin, arrests have been made in the robbery and shooting of an individual who was located on Whites Neck Road near Parksley, Virginia on April 17, 2011.

 Donovan Robert Weathers  (18 yoa) of Accomac was arrested April 25 on charges of Robbery, Malicious Wounding, Abduction and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Weathers is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

 Kentray Devon Bailey (18 yoa)  was arrested April 18 on charges of Robbery, Malicious Wounding, Abduction and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. Bailey is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

A 17 year old juvenile was also arrested on April 18 on charges of Robbery, Malicious Wounding, Abduction and Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony. He is currently being held in the Norfolk Detention Center.

The victim in this case is still undergoing medical treatment for the injuries he sustained during this incident.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Joshua Nordstrom Is Chairman of Robotics Challenge

Written By:  Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- A number of students from the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia have been participating in Eastern Shore Robotics, a program in which they have been actually building robots at a section of the MIST building in Pocomoke City.

Having participated in the recent regional competition the students now have their sights set on the national championship. And to participate in this event they have to raise money.

One planned fundraiser is the Robotics Technology Exposition and Challenge set for Saturday, May 21, at Midway GM/Toyota. The Worcester/Accomack, Northampton and Salisbury teams will be demonstrating their robots at this event. Members of the teams will also be available to discuss the process that they use in building their robots. The event will feature the robots built and used in this year's first competition by the local teams.

In addition to Midway and the teams, the event will be co-sponsored by the Mid-Atlantic Institute for Space and Technology. Recently team members spoke to the Pocomoke mayor and Council and were given a contribution toward the national championship.

Joshua Nordstrom, who is chairing the event, said that he and the other sponsors want to show the students that there are career opportunities in the science, mathematics, engineering and technology fields; that there are scholarships and internships available.

He is hoping for additional corporate sponsors who will want to set up booths and displays. This year he is hoping to raise $3,000 to help fund the trip to the national championship and to expand the event in the future.

Anyone interested in the event can contact Fotios Skouzes at 410-957-6570 or Joshua Nordstrom at 4190-957-2222.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110421/WCT01/104210312/Shore-students-set-to-show-off-robotics-work?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s

PCVFD Responds To Electrical Outage

During the high winds  and storm that blew  threw Pocomoke City last Saturday night (April 16, 2011) the Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Department was called to the scene of the Homewood Drive area. 
Due to the high winds in the area a tree limb had fallen onto the power lines causing electrical outages in the area.

The fire department remained on the scene until Delmarva Power arrived to repair the problem.

Photos from Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Department website.

Non-Profit Slots For Worcester County ~ By Mike McDermott

Delegate Mike McDermott Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

• Press Release
• Non-Profit Slots for Worcester County

Apr. 12th, 2011
(ANNAPOLIS)--With less than two hours to go in the 2011 session of the General Assembly, HB-39 was passed on Third Reader providing qualified Worcester County Non-Profit and Fratenal Organizations the ability to utilize slot machines in their establishments. A concerted effort by the Worcester Delegation, including Sen. Mathias, Del. Conway, and Delegation Chair McDermott, moved the bill over the finish line and ended a 5-year effort in victory.

“Passing this legislation for our fraternal organizations and the Ameican Legion was a priority this year for me in the House”, said freshman Delegate Mike McDermott. “Our non-profits desparately needed this and our communities will be the beneficiaries of their charity”.

The bill provides an opportunity for Worcester County to join the ranks of every other county on the Eastern Shore who have enjoyed this provision for over 20-years. Worcester County had asked to opt out of the law when it was first passed when leaders feared gambling coming to Ocean City would be a detriment. Much has changed since that time, including a state operated casino near Ocean Pines.

“The qualified organizations will be able to have up to 5 slot machines on site”, said Delegate McDermott. “One half of the proceeds from the slots must be donated to other non-profit organizations in the community. This is on instance where everybody is a winner”.

Taste Of The Eastern Shore

Almost two dozen Eastern Shore restaurants will bring out their most tempting edibles on Sunday, April 17 from 3:00-6:00 pm at the Eastern Shore Yacht and Country Club to raise money for the Foodbank on the Eastern Shore, a branch of the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia. Taste of the Eastern Shore is the ultimate sampling of mouthwatering "tastes" of more that 20 of the Shore's culinary eateries. Presented by the Melfa Rotary Club, this annual event will be an exciting afternoon of food tasting featuring the appetizer, entree, and dessert specialties from some of the Shore's top restaurants and wineries.

"Our hungry neighbors up and down the Shore depend on our Foodbank," said Charmin Horton, Manager of the Eastern Shore branch. "The Rotary Club and all of the restaurants involved help us make it possible to distribute groceries to those who need it. I encourage everyone to come, eat, and support the Foodbank's mission of feeding the hungry."


The Foodbank on the Eastern Shore annually serves over 12,000 unduplicated local working individuals, children, and senior citizens struggling to put food on the table. It takes more than 900,000 pounds of donated and purchased food every year to keep them from going hungry. Money raised through ticket sales will go directly to the local Foodbank to help our neighbors in need.


A limited number of tickets are now on sale on and can be purchased from any Melfa Rotary member; at the Foodbank in Tasley; The Book Bin, Four Corner Plaza in Onley; Rayfield's Pharmacy in both Nassawadox and Cape Charles. Only 500 tickets will be sold. Early purchases are recommended. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door (if available). For more information and to purchase tickets, contact the Foodbank at 757-787-2557.

Source; shoredailynews

AGENDA ~ Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Tonight~

This sounds like an interesting meeting.  Hope alot of Pocomoke citizens can attend.

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY

MAYOR AND COUNCIL

MEETING

MONDAY  April 11, 2011

7:30 PM

POCOMOKE CITY HALL

          1.  Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

2.      Old Business

a.    Review and approval of minutes from meeting of March 7, 2011

b.      Review and approval of bills to be paid

c.       Other old business

3.      Swearing-In and Reorganization

a.       Worcester County Clerk of Court Steve Hales to swear in Bruce Morrison as Mayor of Pocomoke City for a three year term

b.      Mayor Morrison to swear in Councilman-Elect Don Malloy (District 3)

c.       Selection of First Vice President and Second Vice President of the City Council for the coming year

4.      City Manager and Police Chief to introduce new police officer Franklin Savage

5.      Representatives of Great Fair Committee to discuss budget request.

6.      Presentation by Eastern Shore Robotics Team 1829.

7.      Representatives of Becker Morgan Architects to present plans for proposed restaurant adjacent to Discovery Center.

8.      Discuss request from Pocomoke Elks Club to use Winter Quarters Golf Course for golf tournament on May 21.

9.      Review American Legion request for Sunday Beer and Wine Permit for “Home of the Brave” fundraising event on May 22, 2011. 

10.  City Attorney Items

(a)    Agreement with EnerNoc Co. for electricity cost savings at Wastewater Treatment Plant

(b)   Agreement with Bloosurf Broadband Co. for use of City water towers for antennas

(c)    Discuss proposed Charter amendments

11.  City Manager to discuss bids and acquisitions.

(a)    City Hall heating system improvements  (MEA Grant)

(b)   Electrical work to connect generator to Maryland Avenue well

(c)    Radio read water meters specifications

Comments from the Audience.

Mayor and Council Items.

Adjourn.

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.