More Questionable Donations from State Contractors to O’Malley Led Organization

More Questionable Donations from State Contractors to O’Malley Led Organization

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2013

Contact:
Steve Crim
scrim@changemaryland.org
(410) 353-3116

Change Maryland has released new information that seems to reveal the appearance of a "pay-to-play" system within the O’Malley-Brown Administration where contractors received significant benefits from the state either before or after their donations to the Democratic Governors Association during Governor O’Malley’s tenure as its chairman.

"This additional data further suggests a disturbing pattern of behavior that, at the very least, is unethical and inappropriate," said Larry Hogan, Chairman of Change Maryland.  "I think the public has a right to know the truth about these practices. Did the governor and/or others in his administration solicit large contributions from contractors, then reciprocate by rewarding those donors with huge state contracts, contract extensions, or other special favors or decisions in return?" he added.

Obviously this has serious implications and gives the appearance of the potential for decisions being influenced by millions of dollars in "donations." Recognizing the inappropriate and unethical nature of these relationships, state law currently prohibits state contractors from making contributions to an elected official's campaign account. This evidence indicates the possibility of a deliberate, coordinated effort by this administration to circumvent the intent of the law by soliciting huge, unlimited contributions to a federal, rather than state, account.

The report released today by Change Maryland shows that healthcare services company Express Scripts received a $2.3 billion contract despite serious concerns about the company’s legal issues in Maryland and 28 other states.  In 2008, the company paid over $9.3 billion in settlement costs to these states. 

From March 2011 to February 2012, the Maryland Board of Public Works was deciding whether to approve the lucrative contract to Express Scripts to provide prescription drug services to state employees.  In March 2011, two of the three members voted to postpone a decision out of concerns about the company’s legal issues and several flaws in the procurement process.  Governor O’Malley was the lone vote to move forward with the contract. 

During this same time, Medco – a company looking to merge with Express Scripts – donated a combined $225,000 to the DGA.  In fact, their first contribution came just six days after Governor O’Malley cast the lone vote to move forward with the drug contract.

In late January 2012, the Board of Public Works again voted to delay the contract award, drawing significant criticism from Governor O’Malley at the time who complained about the endless delays.  One month later, the BPW reversed course, awarding the contract to Express Scripts in a two to one vote.  On March 27, 2012, Medco made their second and final donation to the DGA: $125,000.  Medco and Express Scripts received final Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval for their merger on April 2, 2012.

"Maryland’s working families deserve better from their elected leaders," Hogan said. "This is what happens when you have an arrogant monopoly that feels they can get away with anything. What Maryland desperately needs is a healthy and competitive two party system, open and honest debate, and some real checks and balances to keep some of these outrageous abuses from taking place."

In addition to this most recent research, Change Maryland released other questionable contributions from state contractors to the DGA, including:

• $375,000 from United Healthcare Services in 2011. Since 2008, the state Department of Mental Health and Hygiene has paid UHS over $2 billion in state contracts.

• $125,370 from 2009-2011 from Scientific Games Management Corporation, a gaming corporation that provides services to state lotteries. While SGMC donated $25,000 in 2009, they doubled their contribution in 2010 and 2011. In 2011, Governor O'Malley and the Board of Public Works approved a contract extension with the company.

• $10,000 from Beowulf Energy in 2011. Beowulf is interested in building an offshore wind farm off the coast of Maryland. In 2013, Governor O'Malley signed his signature wind legislation into law.

• $30,000 from Colorado Energy, a company with ties to Beowulf Energy, in June of 2011. In July of 2011, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a lease of 250 acres of former state prison land to Maryland Solar, a company created by Beowulf Energy.

Change Maryland is the state’s largest and fastest-growing grassroots organization. Founded by Hogan in 2011, the nonpartisan group is dedicated to advocating for fiscally responsible, common sense government. Change Maryland currently has over 70,000 members – Republicans Democrats, and Independents – from every county in the state. The organization is continuing its investigation and hopes to release its full report on DGA contributions in January 2014.

###

www.ChangeMaryland.org

fb.com/ChangeMaryland

@ChangeMaryland

 

SOURCES:

City accepts payment in pricing dispute

Baltimore Sun, December 21, 2006

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2006-12-21/news/0612210244_1_express-scripts-inspections-and-permits-audit

 

Did O'Malley-Brown Administration Shake-Down State Contractors for Huge Contributions?

Change Maryland, December 10, 2013

http://www.changemaryland.org/2013/12/change-maryland-did-omalley-brown-administration-shake-down-state-contractors-for-huge-contributions/#.UrC9gmRaJPo

Information Being Sought On Attacks On Dogs With Baseball Bat

On the evening of December 6th two dogs in a red pickup truck were savagely beaten in the Walmart parking lot. 

The Town of Onley Police is asking for your help in identifying the suspect in this attack. The person is described as a white male with a gray goatee possibly in his 30s or 40s who wore blue jeans and a black hoodie carrying a baseball bat. 

Surveillance video showed that there are several witnesses to this crime. 

The man was driving a dark colored Ford F250 extended cab pickup truck. 

Anyone who might have information about this crime should contact the Onley Police Department at 787-3985. 

All information received will be strictly confidential.

Antares Launch Postponed Until January

NASA managers are postponing the upcoming Orbital Sciences commercial cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station to proceed with a series of spacewalks to replace a faulty pump module on the space station.

NASA Television will air a news briefing at 3 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to preview the spacewalks.

Orbital Sciences' Cygnus spacecraft, atop its Antares rocket, now will launch no earlier than January. The postponement of the Antares launch will allow ample time for the station crew to focus on repairing a faulty pump module that stopped working properly on Dec. 11.

NASA currently plans for two Expedition 38 astronauts to venture outside the space station Dec. 21, 23 and 25. NASA astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins will remove a pump module that has a failed valve. They will replace it with an existing spare that is stored on an external stowage platform. The pump is associated with one of the station's two external cooling loops, which circulate ammonia outside the station to keep both internal and external equipment cool. Each of the three spacewalks will begin at 7:10 a.m. and is scheduled to last six and a half hours. NASA TV coverage will begin at 6:15 a.m.

Remember Your Tickets For the Aloha Lounge !

Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO Matthew and Andy!  Best of luck!

Picture from left to right are, Chief Deputy Dale Smack, Deputy Bertino, Sheriff Mason, and Deputy Clarke

On Tuesday December 17th 2013 Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason welcomed two new graduates from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, Deputy Sheriff Matthew Bertino and Deputy Sheriff Robert (Andy) Clarke. 

Both Deputies will be assigned to patrol duties for the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies Bertino and Clarke will begin their formal training over the next few months with a Field Training Officer.

 We are excited to welcome them to our law enforcement family and wish them a long and safe career in the Law Enforcement profession.

**Deputy Sheriff Andy Clarke is a native of Pocomoke City, graduated from Pocomoke High School and is the son of Rob and Donna Clarke.  Wishing you the very best, Andy!**  BW

Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce ~ Business After Hours

Business After Hours 

at 

The River Gem Bed and Breakfast

 at Littleton's 

407 2nd  Street

Friday, December, 20, 2013

5 pm until 7 pm

Wear you best (or worst) Christmas attire and join us for a celebration!

Worcester County Recreation & Parks

Futsal is only one month away!! 

Futsal is soccer with an outdoor feel, but played indoors. Futsal is played within the borders of a basketball court and offers players another option to play soccer during the colder months. The ball is smaller and has less bounce, therefore the game stresses fundamental ball handling skills. 

Accepting team registrations for the league!

Location: Worcester County Recreation Center
Cost: $210/team + ref fees. 

Dates/Times: Fridays, starting January 17th. Games begin at 6:00 pm.


Ages: U10, U12, U14 divisions.

Beautiful Poem by Bob Welsh

From the Desk Of Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

UPDATE: STABBING CASE

Marcus Dennis

On 16 December 2013 members of the Pocomoke City Police Department received a call to respond to Lynnhaven Apartments in Pocomoke City, Maryland. The caller stated, Martel Blake a.k.a. Puff, was at that location. Blake is wanted for the stabbing of Desmond Roberts that occurred in the 400 block of 4th Street in Pocomoke City, Maryland on November 7, 2013. 

Pocomoke City Officers arrived on the scene and were able to arrest Martel Blake. Officers then recovered a six inch Gerber hunting knife from the scene. 

Torrance Davis AK Gator

Martel Blake is one of four suspects who attacked Desmond Roberts on November 7, 2013.

 Torrance Davis a.k.a. Gator and Marcus Dennis have already been arrested for the stabbing incident. There is still an outstanding warrant on file for Javon Schoolfield. 

Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company ~ ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

7:00 am until 11:00 am

Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company

10071 Atlantic Road

Atlantic, Virginia 

MENU

Eggs, Scrapple, Sausage,

Pancakes, Coffee, Juice, Milk

$7 Adult (Carry Outs Available)

$3 Kids 6 and Under

Digital color photos available for $3

For information call:

Dawn Joyce 757 824 0505

Accomack Sheriff's Office Annual Toy Drive ~ LAST DAY ~

Sheriff Todd E. Godwin wishes to announce 

The Annual Toy Drive

of the Accomack County Sheriff's Office.

Our annual toy drive is underway and we need your help to put a smile on the faces of some less fortunate youngsters in Accomack County. The struggling economy makes it difficult for families to purchase toys for their children and this is where you can make a huge difference. To donate a new toy (unwrapped), please drop it off at the:

Accomack County Sheriffs Office

23323 Wise Court

Accomac, VA 23301

(Donations will be accepted through December 17, 2013)

Additionally, please feel free to contact our office at (757) 787-1131 with the names of families who may be in need of assistance. Together we can make a positive impact upon the less fortunate children within our community.

On behalf of the Accomack County Sheriffs Office, I want to thank you in advance for your contributions and wish you and your families a Happy Holiday Season.

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Respond To Burglary In Progress

On December 14, 2013 at approximately 2247 hours, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a residence on George Island Landing Rd, Stockton, Maryland, for a burglary in progress.

Upon arrival a Deputy made contact with the complainant who advised their door had been kicked in by a white male, The suspect was identified as Eric Todd Apgar of Stockton, Maryland, and he had left the scene on foot. 

The Deputy was able to direct other responding Deputies in the direction Mr. Apgar was walking where Deputies located Mr. Apgar. Mr. Apgar allegedly attempted unsuccessfully to enter the residence at the back door. He then proceeded to the front door where he was able to kick in the door, destroying it.

Mr. Apgar was placed under arrest for 4th degree burglary and malicious destruction of property. Mr. Apgar was taken before the District court Commissioner where he was released on his own recognizance.

Submitted:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Consumer Energy Costs Skyrocket Under O’Malley-Brown Administration

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2013

CONTACT:

Steve Crim

stevecrim@gmail.com

(410) 353-3116

ANNAPOLIS — Change Maryland released today a report card that shows consumer energy costs skyrocketing under the O’Malley-Brown Administration.  The release of the report card comes on the heels of a state announcement Friday that the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the second rate increase this year requested by Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), as well as an increased monthly service surcharge.

"Yet another rate increase for working Maryland families is unacceptable," said Change Maryland Chairman, Larry Hogan.  "The responsibility for which falls directly in the lap of Governor O’Malley, who was elected governor on a promise to all Marylanders to keep electricity and heat affordable during his tenure."

Change Maryland’s study attributes the dramatic increase in costs to a misguided policy which forces energy companies to meet quotas while also allowing these companies to pass unnecessary costs on to consumers.  It also attributes higher costs to a general lack of oversight and accountability within the PSC.

The group’s findings are in stark contrast to the past campaign promises made by O'Malley.  He ran for governor on the promise of "taking on BGE to stop the rate hikes," giving us a “detailed plan to make energy more affordable," and appointing "competent, qualified, professional regulators," to the Public Service Commission.  Change Maryland has graded the governor and his administration on keeping those promises, and determined they have failed across the board.

"O’Malley certainly deserves an F," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.  "It’s seven years later; the rate hikes happened, and we’re still waiting for that detailed plan.  Just as he campaigned against fees and taxes and then dramatically increased them, O’Malley ran on lower energy prices but then pushed an agenda which forced them to increase year over year."

According to the United States Energy Information Agency, the average per kilowatt-hour rate for residential electricity in Maryland before Governor O’Malley took office was 9.71 cents.  As of August 2013 (date for the most current available data), the average per kilowatt-hour electricity rate is 13.89 cents, an increase of 43%. Furthermore, the latest rate increase approved on behalf of BGE is the fourth increase in three years that has Marylanders digging even deeper into their pockets.

"We have discovered that this administration’s energy policy has been more tilting at windmills than actually pursuing a real policy that keeps utility rates low for consumers," charged Hogan.  "The fact of the matter is that Martin O’Malley is more concerned about checking off all the boxes for his next job than he is about the prices working families pay for electricity and heat."

Despite lofty promises, it seems the O’Malley-Brown Administration has done everything possible to increase the cost of energy in Maryland. Change Maryland has documented:

●      The rapid increase in residential electricity rates;

●      O’Malley’s EmPower Maryland scheme that allowed utilities to charge customers for power they didn’t use during outages;

●      O’Malley’s handpicked PSC Commissioners who dropped the ball on utility reliability standards;

●      O’Malley’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which hasn’t increased renewable energy generation, in fact it has decreased;

●      O’Malley’s RPS and RGGI programs, that allow Wall Street firms and banks to speculate in Marylanders’ utility bills.

"It’s clear that Governor O’Malley’s campaign promises come with an expiration date stamped: inauguration day," Hogan concluded.

###

www.ChangeMaryland.org

fb.com/ChangeMaryland

@ChangeMaryland

 

SOURCES:

O’Malley-Brown Administration Energy Report Card

Change Maryland, December 16, 2013

http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/OMalley-Brown-Energy-Report-Card-Draft-1.pdf

Md. approves BGE rate increase, surcharge
The Baltimore Sun, December 13, 2013
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-bge-rate-case-decision-20131213,0,835902.story


Martin O’Malley campaign ad
YouTube, May 25, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gIcoRIzc74

Maryland State Profile and Energy Estimates
U.S. Energy Information Administration, accessed December 16, 2013

http://www.eia.gov/state/rankings/?sid=MD#series/31

Antares Launch Postponed to December 19

NASA Photo

NASA and Orbital Sciences Corp. Saturday moved the targeted launch date of the Orbital-1 resupply mission to the International Space Station to no earlier than Thursday, Dec. 19 to enable engineers to continue their analysis of data involving a suspect Flow Control Valve in a pump module on the starboard truss of the station that malfunctioned on Wednesday. Orbital’s Antares rocket and the Cygnus commercial cargo vehicle are now scheduled to launch from Pad 0A at the Wallops Flight Facility, Va. no earlier than Dec. 19 at 9:19 p.m. EST. NASA TV coverage of launch will begin at 8:45 p.m. EST.

The delay will allow Orbital’s engineering team to load late scientific cargo into the Cygnus craft on Sunday to protect several days of launch opportunities through the end of next week. Under current planning, the Antares rocket with Cygnus would rollout to the launch pad at Wallops in the early morning hours on Tuesday, Dec. 17. A launch on Dec. 19 would result in Cygnus arriving at the space station for a grapple and berthing to the Earth-facing port of the Harmony module on Sunday, Dec. 22.

The launch is still dependent on NASA engineers resolving a problem with the station’s pump module flow control valve that experienced a problem Wednesday in properly positioning itself so that ammonia coolant can flow properly through the cooling lines of the station’s truss while keeping heat-rejecting equipment at the correct temperature.

Overnight, engineers conducted testing with a component in the Pump Module called a Radiator Return Valve, which is a ball valve that operates in concert with the suspect Flow Control Valve in the pump to control heating in the cooling lines to the Interface Heat Exchangers. The Radiator Return Valve was commanded to various positions to see how the Flow Control Valve might be placed in a fixed position to help actively control cooling loop A, and in turn, allow the system to warm up sufficiently so that the heat exchangers in the loop can operate at a proper temperature. Engineers continue to pore over the data and other techniques to manage the flow control valve. The cooling of station systems is currently being managed through cooling loop B that employs a pump module on the port truss.

In the meantime, Expedition 38 crewmembers Rick Mastracchio and Michael Hopkins worked Saturday in the Quest airlock to begin preparing their spacesuits in the event they are called upon to conduct spacewalks to change out the faulty pump module. If managers direct the crewmembers to perform those spacewalks beginning late next week, the launch of the Orbital-1 mission would be delayed until January.

NASA Flight Facility on Facebook

Pocomoke City Police Chief To Speak To Rotary Club

Pocomoke Rotary Meeting

Monday, December 16, 2013

6:15 pm - 8:00 pm

Meeting  held at  American Legion in Pocomoke City, 

Bypass Rd.

Rotary presents Police Chief Kevin Sewell speaking about his exploits as well as the news  from the Pocomoke City  Police  Department.

Call Carole Krueger for reservations. 410-430-2243.

Looking for a holiday gift?

In case you did't know- Pocomoke City Police Chief Sewell  had another career   for many years in police work before he moved to Pocomoke City and has written a book along with Stephen Janis.  

The book,  "Why Do We Kill?"  The Pathology Of Murder In Baltimore is available in most book stores and on line.  Makes a wonderful Christmas gift !!

I PROMISE you will enjoy the book~

TIME MACHINE ... 1894, 1956, 1972, 1897

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

December, 1894
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)

Excursion.

The N. Y. P. & N. R.R. Co., will run an excursion train from Keller station to Pocomoke, next Tuesday, 18th, at regular excursion rates, leaving Keller at 8:10 a. m., Melfa 8:15, Onley 8:22, Tasley 8:28, Parksley 8:39, Bloxom 8:51, Hallwood 9:00, Bloomtown 9:05, Oak Hall 9:10, New Church 9:25, arriving at Pocomoke 4 p. m., giving all who go six hours to visit and examine the large stores which are just loaded with Christmas goods. Special bargains will be offered to all who go. Those wishing Xmas goods will more than make their expenses by taking advantage of this cheap trip.

Footnote: Assuming 4 p.m. arrival time was a misprint. Perhaps 4 p.m. was the departure time from Pocomoke. 

December, 1956
(The Salisbury Times)

POCOMOKE CITY IS COLLECTING GIFTS FOR YULE

POCOMOKE CITY- During a recent meeting of the Pocomoke City Community Civic Council, the president, Fred Henderson, announced plans for the annual Christmas  drive, and called upon the community for cooperation.

The council is made up of representatives from each of the clubs and organizations in Pocomoke, and was set up to serve as a coordinating agency for the charitable activities.

Clubs and organizations of Pocomoke have responded with gifts of new and used toys, clothing and shoes, canned goods, groceries, meats, and gifts of money. But more is needed , Mr. Henderson said. 

The council has prepared boxes and has placed them in most of the Pocomoke stores to receive donations.

Donations may be left at the Pocomoke Firehouse on Fifth Street, or at St. Mary's Parish House on Third Street.

Those donating money should make checks payable to the Community Civic Council.

For anyone unable to send donations to the firehouse or the Parish House, a pick-up service is available by calling Mrs. Lee Graff, 476-W, or the Rev. Roger C. Jones, 1023, or the Rev. William M. Reed, 967. 


December, 1972 (Time Machine archive.)

Pocomoke's annual Christmas concert by the Salem United Methodist Church choir was scheduled with members of other area church choirs also participating. Barry Tull of Pocomoke City would play trumpet and Miss Carol Cherrix of Snow Hill would be flutist. Choir director Mrs. Naomi Stevenson would be organist. Vocal soloists from Pocomoke would include Miss Julia Ann Ball, Mrs. Betsy C. Massey, Mrs. Peter Thompson, Miss Susan Humphreys, Mrs. Frederick White, and Miss Nancy Henderson, plus Mrs. Elwyn Cooper of Stockton.


(Holiday recollection)

The Coffman-Fisher clothing store in Pocomoke City was located at the corner of Second and Market Streets. Once a year, for the Christmas season, they'd set up a large toy department upstairs. The store had a second-floor balcony level and from there a long flight of steps led up to the toy department.- tk 

(It appears from the article below that more than a century ago it was Christmas eve that was the most anticipated time for holiday shopping.) 

December 24, 1897 (Time Machine archive)
(Woodland Daily Democrat- Woodland, California)

CHRISTMAS EVE

Children Will Catch A Glimpse Of Fairyland

People With Christmas Memories In Their Minds And Christmas Cheer In Their Hearts

Those who have had the opportunity to watch the people surge up and down the street this afternoon know is has been a busy day for the merchants, and without the use of the calendar they could easily determine the date. Indeed, if a resident of one of the planets could drop in on us unannounced he would know it was the day before Christmas on account of the industrious manner in which people are picking up odds and ends to fill the toe and heel of the Christmas stocking and add to the happiness of Santa Claus' day.

And this holiday rush will continue far into the evening because Christmas Eve is everybody's evening. It is the evening when all take the evening off from the ordinary occupations of their ordinary existences and spend that evening down town in the interests of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. It is the evening when the day laborer and the capitalist rejoice together in common cause that work is over, at least for a brief season. It is the evening when the best girl shares the pleasure of the best young man. It is the evening when whole families of young children get their first glimpse of the fairyland of Christmas and of the treasures piled high behind protecting windows, and of the white-whiskered and mysterious old man who shakes their hands, takes their names and promises them on the faith of a Santa Claus a present of a doll or a drum on Christmas morning.

This evening being Christmas eve the electric lights on the streets, the electric lights over the store entrances, the electric lights that mist fantastically across the facade of tall buildings will flare their brightest radiance for the benefit and happiness of the passing throng. Windows will blaze with twinkling jets and reflect the shades of tinted glows upon the colors of the goods below. Light and darkness will chase each other up and down a continuous chain decorating the edge of our tallest structures. Lights will flicker from the branches of the Christmas trees and gladden the hearts of the children.

Christmas eve is the night when the green foliage of Christmas brings a breath of spring, and this evening it will be a cheerful spectacle to see the bright holly leaves, shining with the seasons good will, the hollie berries, red as the season's charity, the mistletoe hinting at future pleasures and the joys of future frolics, the evergreens filling the streets with Christmas odors and the minds of the passing throng with Christmas memories and their hearts with Christmas cheer. This evening windows will blaze with light and glow with color. Pavements will resound with noisy clamor. Stores that are filled with a bewildering wealth of holiday treasures will be thronged with eager, admiring purchasers. But after all it will be the people who give life and animation to the spectacle that will make the scene worth seeing, and the night worth living. It will be a crowd to watch and mingle in, to become part of it in the pleasure, in contentment, in wonder and in that satisfactory feeling of accomplished work and anticipated rest.

　
(Spirit of the season)
 
Last weekend my wife and I were dining at a popular Salisbury restaurant. When it came time to pay, the waitress said "Your check has been taken care of. Have a nice day." We were shocked, of course. We were unaware of anyone whom we knew being in the restaurant and we asked who had paid our check. The waitress pointed to a man and woman dining nearby. I went over to express our thanks and asked why they had done this. The reply, with a smile, "Merry Christmas." I said "thank you but you shouldn't have done that." The reply, again, "Merry Christmas." -tk

　
Do you have a Christmas memory or other local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

"WINDOWS AT THE FIREHOUSE"

Sunday, December 15, 2013

“Windows at the Fire House”

Pocomoke Community Center
Market Street

 

Santa arrives at 4:00 by helicopter 

View the enchanting decorated windows while listening

to Christmas music.

Drop off your Christmas list in Santa’s Mailbox.

Be sure to include you first name and address if you would like a letter back from Santa*

 

Come and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate served by

Mrs. Claus and the Elves.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

 

 

There Is Nothing Like FINE Jewelery For The Holiday Season

Available in silver or plastic.  One size fits all.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1894.. Excursion to Pocomoke City for Christmas shopping; 1956.. Pocomoke collecting gifts for Yule.  1972.. Pocomoke Christmas concert; 1897 Christmas Eve shopping tradition.


Do you have a Christmas memory or other local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Winter Watermen's Festival TODAY!

Worcester County Sheriff's Office / Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

Perry William Sharpley

LOCATION: 5634 George Island Landing Road, Stockton, Maryland, 21864

 CRIME: Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

 ACCUSED: Perry William Sharpley, 5634 George Island Landing Road, Stockton, Maryland 21864
 
CHARGES: One(1) count of Distribution of Child Pornography and three(3) counts of Possession of Child Pornography

 NARRATIVE: On Thursday, December 12, 2013, Perry William Sharpley of Stockton, Maryland was arrested and charged with three counts of Possession of Child Pornography and one count of Distribution of Child Pornography.

 The arrest was the result of the combined efforts of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Department of Homeland Security. Through their affiliation with the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, Detectives learned that Perry had uploaded an image of known Child Pornography to a “Facebook” account he had created.

Investigators obtained his personal laptop computer on which they found three more images of known child pornography.

 Sharpley was taken before a Maryland District Court Commissioner and released on his own recognizance.

“Windows at the Fire House” Pocomoke Community Center

REMINDER:
Pocomoke Community Center
Market Street

 Sunday, December 15, 2013

“Windows at the Fire House”

Santa arrives at 4:00 by helicopter 

View the enchanting decorated windows while listening

to Christmas music.

Drop off your Christmas list in Santa’s Mailbox.

*Be sure to include you first name and address if you would like a letter back from Santa.

Come and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate served by

Mrs. Claus and the Elves.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

The idea behind "Windows at the Firehouse" was hatched out of those holiday storefront displays that you'd find every season. Come out and see what we've put on the other side of the glass!

Have Your Picture Taken With Santa and Mrs. Claus

The Santa House will be open at the Mini Park in Downtown Pocomoke

Saturday, December,  14, 2013

 Saturday, December, 21, 2013

11 am-2 pm

Come get your picture taken with Santa & Mrs. Claus!!!

The Samaritan Shelter BAKE SALE At Enchanted Florist Pocomoke

A Note From Enchanted Florist Pocomoke

The Samaritan Shelter 

BAKE SALE

Saturday, December 14th

9 a.m.-3 p.m

The Samaritan Shelter, will be here with their yummy 

BAKE SALE 

and they will be announcing the winner of their 4th Annual Bountiful Blessings Basket. It is valued to be over $1000. of gift cards and merchandise. 

We are selling tickets for the basket raffle for $5. each or 3 for $10.

So stop by, we will be offering discounts and will have all of our new dips and cheesecakes prepared for sampling....

HO, HO, HO !!!

Hunters For the Hungry Seek Donations

The Eastern Shore Chapter of the Hunters for the Hungry greatly needs deer donations during this final month of the deer hunting season. With the recent restriction of doe harvest days by the VDGIF, deer donations are down from the same period in the past. Now that the restriction has been removed for the remainder of the season, the local chapter is encouraging hunters to donate deer to the program. 

The deer hunting season closes on January 4, 2014.

Deer must be properly registered and field dressed only, not skinned out. The deer may be taken to the refrigerated trailers at The Food Bank in Tasley and BB Convenience on Lankford Hwy in Machipongo. Brent Powell also receives deer at his processing location in Wachapreague off Bradfords Neck Road. There is no cost to the hunter to donate the deer to the program. 

The program is a non- profit organization and contributions are deductible as allowed by law. With 2013 closing, the chapter also encourages any final year donations to pay for the processing costs for the deer. 

Donations, made out to Hunters for the Hungry may be sent to Worth Saunders, chapter director, at PO BOX 1702, Parksley VA 23421.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1894.. Excursion to Pocomoke City for Christmas shopping; 1956.. Pocomoke collecting gifts for Yule.  1972.. Pocomoke Christmas concert; 1897 Christmas Eve shopping tradition.


Do you have a Christmas memory or other local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Arson Trial To Remain In Virginia Beach / Bundick Remains Behind Bars

Tonya S. Bundick

A preliminary hearing for Tonya Susan Bundick on 62 additional charges stemming from last years arson spree was held in Accomack County Circuit Court this morning. (Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2013)

 Judge Glen Tyler denied bail and appointed Norfolk attorney Alan Zaleski and his son Alexander Zaleski to represent Bundick at both of her trials.

Bundick will face charges on January 13 and 14, 2014 on the original two charges of arson and conspiracy to commit arson. Tyler denied a motion to move that trial out of Virginia Beach.

 A final motion to prevent the Commonwealth from referring to activities surrounding the additional 62 charges in the first trial was tabled and will be considered on January 9, 2014. 

Bundick remains behind bars in the Accomack County Jail awaiting her first trial.

Source:

OCPD CLOSE EIGHT MONTH INVESTIGATION OF SNOW HILL MAN

Billy Conn Davis, Jr.

(December 10, 2013) – On December 7, 2013 at approximately 5:50 p.m. the Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit brought an eight-month drug distribution investigation to an end with the arrest of Billy Conn Davis, Jr., 50, of Snow Hill, MD. Over the course of eight months, police received information that Davis was selling controlled dangerous substances in Ocean City.

On December 7, Ocean City Police Narcotics Unit conducted surveillance on Davis and initiated a traffic stop in the area of 67th Street and Coastal Highway. During a search of Davis’ vehicle, police recovered over 150 bags of heroin and a large amount of cocaine and crack cocaine. Police also recovered marijuana, oxycontin and seized over $900.

Ocean City police have charged Davis with multiple drug possession and distribution charges. Davis was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to Worcester County Jail on $75,000 bond.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.