Pocomoke City Police Department ~ PRESS RELEASE~

PRESS RELEASE



Pocomoke Police Department

300 Second Street

Pocomoke, Maryland 21851

410-957-1600

Arrests – January 27, to February 3, 2012

1/19/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that failed to stop at a posted stop sign. Upon contact with the driver, Markeith Lashawn Davis, 23, of Mappsville, VA was found to be in possession of a suspended license. Davis was issued a State Citation and released pending trial. The vehicle was removed from the scene by a licensed driver.

　

1/27/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers met with a subject who wanted to turn himself in. Travis Raheem Bailey, 22, of Onancock, VA was found to be wanted on a Worcester County Warrant for "Failure to Appear". Bailey was arrested, processed and taken before the Commissioners and released under conditions pending trial.

　

1/28/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers initiated a traffic stop for a known suspension violation. Deontrae Lamar Bailey, 18, of Pocomoke, MD then fled and parked the vehicle to avoid detection. Bailey was located on foot one block from the vehicle. Bailey was issued a State Citation for "Driving on a Suspended License" and released pending trial.

　

1/28/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that was observed spinning wheels and taking off at a high rate of speed acting recklessly. Antione Lavar Bailey, 33, of Onley, VA was issued several State Citations and released pending payment of fines.

1/28/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers were called to the Lower Shore YMCA for an assault in progress that resulted in shots being fired into the crowd. Upon arrival, Officers conducted several interviews and spoke with witnesses regarding this incident. One victim was transported to the hospital for minor injuries from the assault; no one was injured in the shooting. A thorough investigation led to the positive identification of the several suspects involved and warrants were issued for their arrest. In cooperation with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, Pocomoke Police conducted two Search & Seizure Warrants on the suspect’s home and were able to gain further evidence relating to the crime; the suspects were not located at this time.

On January 31st

Devin Treye Wessells, 17, of Parksley, VA was located by the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and the warrant was served with charges of "Attempted 1st Degree Murder" and "1st Degree Assault". Wessells was charged and held as an adult on felony charges in the Norfolk Detention Center without bond pending extradition. On February 2nd Roderick Rashad Savage, 17, of Parksley, VA was located and the warrant served with charges of "Attempted 1st Degree Murder" and "1st Degree Assault". Savage is being charged and held as an adult on felony charges in the Norfolk Detention Center without bond pending extradition. This incident is still under investigation and more arrests will follow. 　

1/31/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers were called to the Pocomoke High School regarding a student with a dangerous weapon on his person. Douglas Walter Schoolfield, 18, of Pocomoke, MD was found to be carrying in plain view a pocketknife with a 3" blade on his person. Schoolfield was charged with "Possession of a Deadly Weapon" and taken before the Commissioner; he was released on his own recognizance pending trial.

　

1/31/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers observed Latasha Renee Blake, 27, of Pocomoke, MD acting in a disorderly fashion and causing a public disturbance. After several attempts to make contact with Blake, it was found that she was highly intoxicated and refused to calm down; ultimately, Blake was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct due to her loud and disruptive behavior in public. Blake was issued a Criminal Citation and released pending trial.

1/31/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers while on routine patrol observed a group of males loitering on posted "No Trespassing" property. Upon contact with the group they were advised of the posted signs for No Trespassing, two of the individuals understood and were allowed to leave. Upon trying to contact with the other two individuals and advise them of the signage, they refused to stop and began to curse and provoke officers in a loud, obtrusive manner. Identified were Martel Lesean Blake, 19, of Pocomoke, MD and Jerren Kapree Hinmon, 22, of Baltimore, MD. After several attempts to diffuse the situation both Blake and Hinmon were charged on a Criminal Citation for "Trespassing" and "Failure to Obey an Officer" and were released pending trial.

2/01/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers were contacted by Wal-Mart Security that they had an individual in the store that has been banned from the premises on a previous theft case. Upon arrival, Officers viewed and arrested Paige Victoria Primrose, 23, of Chincoteague, VA for violating a Trespass Order issued by Worcester County. Primrose was charged on a Criminal Citation for "Trespassing" and released pending trial.

2/01/2012

Pocomoke Police Officers observed Sean Lee White, 26, of Pocomoke, MD operating a motor vehicle on a public highway, White was known that he did not possess a valid license. A check was run through Maryland DMV and was found that White was suspended. Officers completed a Statement of Charges after the fact and on February 2, 2012 White was issued a Criminal Summons for "Driving on a Suspended License". White was released pending trial.

　



Submitted by:

Kelvin D. Sewell

Chief of Police

Help SAVE SHORE BEEF and BBQ

COMING SOON!!

WEEKEND BBQ BLOWOUT

Help keep SHORE BEEF and BBQ in operation featuring lunch and dinner SPECIALS instead of  becoming a catering business.

 Look for SHORE BEEF and BBQ on Facebook.  Share the flyer with your friends!

KEEP THIS SMALL BUSINESS ALIVE

~TODAY~ On the Eastern Shore of Virginia

Republican Senate candidate George Allen to visit the Eastern Shore Wednesday


George Allen
Republican Senate Candidate



On Wednesday, February 8th, George Allen will be continuing his conversation about his "Blueprint for America's Comeback" his pro-growth plan to reinvigorate small businesses and the economy - with families and businesses of the Eastern Shore.

At 9:00 AM he will visit small businesses on Main Street in Cape Charles, Virginia beginning at Rayfields Pharmacy, before headlining an Accomack County GOP Lunch at Dons Seafood in Chincoteague at 12:00 PM and touring the Wallops Island NASA Flight Facility at 2:00 PM.

City Election Won't Be Held in Pocomoke

Written by

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- With the Friday deadline having passed with no opposition in the three open Pocomoke City Council slots, the body is now set for the coming year.

The final council member to announce his candidacy was Fifth District incumbent Councilman Robert Clarke. He joins newcomer George Tasker in the First District and incumbent Tracey Cottman in the Fourth District as members who will be sworn in at the meeting in April.

Because only one candidate per district filed to run, there won't be an election, which would have been held the first Tuesday in April.

Clarke and Cottman are serving again for full three-year terms. Tasker's term will only be for one year, which is to fill the remainder of the late Bob Hawkins' term. Should Tasker choose to run again, he may do so when the District 1 seat officially comes up for election next April.

Hawkins, 92, died Nov. 8, 2011, from injuries suffered in a car accident. He had been a sitting Pocomoke City councilman since 1988, and was an active and beloved member of the community.

Mayor Bruce Morrison said town leaders decided upon Hawkins' death that his replacement would only fulfill the remainder of his term.

"And that gives them the opportunity to find out whether they like it or not," Morrison said.

When asked why he thought no other candidates decided to run, he said it's because "things are going great, and we have a great city council and people are very happy with that."

He said, "That's the only reason I can think of why no other people would run, because it was very well publicized in the papers. Everybody knows the deadline."

Perhaps nobody else wanted to take the job for one year, Morrison added, except for Tasker.

Calling himself a fiscal conservative, Clarke is looking for efficiencies of scale as a way to create savings for the town. He cites the idea of Worcester County handling the property tax billing for the town, along with the county bills as an example.

Clarke said he is pleased with the performance of new police Chief Kelvin Sewell. There are more foot patrols in town and with better weather this spring, there will be bike patrols. Clarke also hopes morale will improve among officers once they move into their new headquarters this spring.

Clarke said he has received several complaints about speeding on Cedar Street, and he said one way to correct this would be to have four-way stop signs every three or four blocks.

He said he would also like to see more sidewalks installed, especially on Cedar Street, as it is a major thoroughfare for students attending the schools.

Clarke said the new sewage plant is almost complete and on line. With the charges for collection of sewage from haulers, the town has realized several hundred thousands of dollars from the haulers. The water and sewer fund is almost balanced, with a capacity for growth.

Pocomoke City has lost a major share of transportation funds coming from the state, and Clarke said he hopes the Maryland Municipal League is successful in having at least some of the funds restored. But this loss affects the ability of the town to repair and repave city streets.

 Staff Writer Brian Shane contributed to this story.

SOURCE;

Texting While Driving Ban Passes in Senate 28-12

The Virginia Senate passed a legislation to toughen the state's law against texting or emailing while driving.


Sen. George Barker's bill cleared the Senate on a 28-12 vote Tuesday. It now goes to the House of Delegates.


The bill would make texting while driving a primary offense in Virginia. It's already a secondary offense, meaning you can be ticketed for texting at the wheel only if pulled over for another violation. Barker, a Democrat from Fairfax, said his bill is all about highway safety.


No one spoke against the bill on the Senate floor.

SOURCE;

Shooting at YMCA - Photos

A birthday party at the Pocomoke City YMCA on Saturday, January 28, 2012 turned into a  bad situation and the Pocomoke City Police Department were called to the scene for an assault  that turned into a shooting incident. 

Several witnesses interviewed by Pocomoke City Police Officers were able to positively identify the parties that had fired the shots.

Roderick Rashad Savage,  Age 17 was arrested on January 31, 2012.  On February 2, 2012 Devon Treye Wessells was arrested.  Both are 17 years of age and from Parksley, Virginia

                                          . 

In an attempt to gain further evidence the Pocomoke City Police and the Accomack County Criminal Enforcement Team were able to conduct two Search and Seizure Warrants at the homes of the suspects.


Both Defendants are being held in the Norfolk Virginia Detention Center without bond pending an extradition and preliminary hearing trial date.  The case is still under investigation and more arrests are expected to follow.

**Great job Pocomoke City Police Department and Accomack County Criminal Enforcement Team.** 

So many words of praise need to be said for the recent communications between local law enforcement agencies.  Many times crime that  occurs in Pocomoke spills into Accomack County as does what takes place in Accomack County soon finds its place in Pocomoke City.  All law enforcement agencies working together will hopefully put crime to a bare minimum.

  For more info YMCA Shooting Update -February 3, 2012

BabyCakes Are Back!

The Bay Queen presents:

The Smith Island Babycake Factory

The Smith Island Babycake Factory has just opened!

Formerly known as the Bay Queen Bakery, the Babycake Factory has moved from route 13 to

110 Railroad Avenue

 in Pocomoke City

Still serving all hand-made full size Smith Island cakes and the famous Babycakes, the current hours are

Wednesday through Friday 9am – 4pm.

Babycakes are 5 layered cakes, perfect for two people and are available for $6, while the full size 10 layer cakes start at $35. Both cakes come in a variety of different flavors.

New to the Babycake factory is are the custom Babycakes, with styles ranging from heart shaped cakes to baby block cakes. The heart shaped cakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic occasion, while the baby blocks are great for birthday parties and baby showers.

Give us a call at 443-437-7235 or visit us on Facebook

or go to our website

 http://www.thebayqueen.com/

Smith Island Babycake Factory , for more information.

The Bay Queen is docked on the Pocomoke River in downtown Pocomoke City

Make Plans To Visit The Delmarva Discovery Center

Great Dane In Doritos Super Bowl Ad Is From Virginia Beach

Huff, the Great Dane,  tries  bribery  with a bag of  Doritos so Derek Leonidoff won't tell what he saw.

Huff, the Great Dane from Virginia Beach became an overnight star after appearing in a homemade Doritos commercial on Super Bowl Sunday 2012

For the story about Huff and his fame go HERE

General Assembly Update - Virginia

Senator Ralph S. Northam
(Virginia 6th Senate)

I hope that everyone is doing well and staying safe.  The fourth week of the 2012 General Assembly session is coming to a close, and things up here in Richmond have not slowed down.  It's about to get busier than ever with "cross-over" quickly approaching, where each chamber of the General Assembly begin considering bills that were passed by the other body.  Legislation will be moving right along in preparation to be considered by the House, so I don't expect a spare second in the coming days.  I have had several bills come up on the Senate floor and in committee since my last update, so if you ever want to check on the most updated status of my bills during the week, please feel free to click here.

Many of the bills that I am working on are at various stages of the legislative process, however, there are two that were acted on this week that I would like to highlight.  I am happy to report that my legislation addressing physical education requirements in public schools, SB 471, passed in the Senate Education and Health committee unanimously on Thursday.  We took a different approach to solve the problem this year, but this bill still addresses the issue of childhood obesity.  In 2011, my bill required 150 minutes of physical education per week, starting in the 2014-2015 school year.  It made its way through the House and the Senate, but was vetoed by Governor McDonnell.  This year, my bill requires that the Board of Education develop regulations regarding physical education in public schools, effective at the start of the 2015-2016 school year.  The other bill that I would like to highlight is SB 550, which instructs the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to adjust the boundaries of the public oyster beds on the seaside of the Eastern Shore.   These boundaries have not been adjusted since 1894, and expanding them will allow natural oyster beds that are currently outside of the boundaries to become available for wild harvest, increasing the opportunity for watermen to take oysters. This bill passed on the Senate floor unanimously, and is extremely important for economic development and opportunities for working watermen and the aquaculture industry.
 Your needs and concerns are important to me, so if there is anything that I can help you with, please feel free to contact my office in Richmond.  Our office number is 804-698-7506, or you can email matt@ralphnortham.com This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .  My Legislative Assistant, Matt Strickler, is always available to assist you in any way that he possibly can.
 Please continue to stay safe and, as always, look for another General Assembly update next Friday!

Sincerely,

Application Deadline Has Been Extended On New Restaurant

The application deadline has been extended so if you are interested and have what it takes to be a restaurant operator please apply.  There is a link below to take you to all the information you need.

The new restaurant being constructed in downtown Pocomoke City on the Pocomoke River didn't seem like it would be able to seat 150 diners when I took this photo in November of 2011. 

These  photos were taken  January 20, 2012 and it makes the 3,035 sq. ft. restaurant and bar more of a reality.

It is amazing the changes that can take place in just a few days.

And on Friday, February 3, 3012 some window frames had been put in. 

When completed the restaurant will have a full view of the Pocomoke River and offer free boat docking along the deck of the river.

If you have what it takes to be a restaurant operator and would like to apply go HERE or to

www.cityofpocomoke.com

Here's a great article from Sunday Daily Times

written by Staff Writer Brian Shane

Town waits for firm restaurant proposal

POCOMOKE CITY -- Pocomoke City officials have extended the application deadline for restaurateurs interested in taking over the town's new riverfront eatery.

There's no hard sell-by date, only a flexible deadline of mid-March, according to City Manager Russ Blake. Previously, Town Hall had set Feb. 1 as a deadline.

Three or four operators have expressed interest in the possibility of opening at the restaurant, and while "we're hoping to receive formal proposals from at least that many," Blake said, he declined to give any names of interested parties.

"They're exploring the lead, and there may be reasons they have that they don't want everyone to know they're considering a new location. Until there's a formal proposal, it's really just in discussions at this time," he said.

The town is seeking someone with prior experience in running a restaurant and bar. Qualified applicants will have significant experience -- and, for stronger applicants, the city is willing to be "quite flexible" on rent for the first year or two, Blake said.
REST OF STORY GO HERE

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting TONIGHT

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, February 6, 2012

City Hall

Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

 1. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of January 9, 2012

 2. Review and approval of bills to be paid.

 3. Mayor to welcome members of Cub Scout Den #1 - Troop 143 Pocomoke City.

 4. Representatives of the Delmarva Discovery Center to discuss plans for future events and continued support.

 4. Chip Choquette, representing F.I.R.S.T. Robotics Team 1829, to discuss upcoming competition.

 6. Second Reading of Ord. No. 408 to authorize a new franchise agreement with Comcast Cable, Inc. for cable TV, internet and other services.

 7. James Jones and others to discuss Save the Youth Program.

 8. City Manager to present recommendations for recreation equipment purchases for Cypress Park (POS funds).

 9. Discuss recommendation from Downtown Coordinator Angela Manos regarding a consultant to work with downtown businesses and other groups to improve profitability and performance.  (Partnership with Downtown Pocomoke Association and Worcester County Tourism Department)



Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.


AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

SAVE Shore Beef and BBQ

~COMING SOON~

SAVE SHORE BEEF and BBQ WEEKEND !! 

Share this flyer

Or... go to Shore Beef and BBQ on Facebook, find this flyer and share. 

TIME MACHINE ... A Letter Linked To Pocomoke City's History!

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


January, 1931
(The Denton Journal)

A letter postmarked Pocomoke City, Worcester County, received at the State Department of Health last week, was found to contain ten belated birth certificates. The earliest of the births occurred sixty-three years ago; the most recent, thirty-seven years ago.

The ten "babies" survived the perils of infancy and are all living. So is the attending physician, Dr. Issac Thomas Costen, by whom the records were filed for registration. All of the births took place in Pocomoke City. The records were accompanied by the following letter:

"Realizing the value and frequently the neccesity of birth registration and having reached the age of 97, I am desirous (before it is too late) to have registered the births of my own daughters, as well as a granddaughter, a nephew, and several nieces whose births I attended and am forwarding the Certificates of Birth with this letter for the purpose of registration."

"Will you please make the proper registration and forward to me proper receipts, etc. Yours very truly, Issac Thomas Costen, M.D."

The correspondence was referred to Dr. John Collinson, Chief of the Bureau of Vital Statistics of the State Department of Health; the births were duly registered, and the customary engraved certificates were sent in acknowledgement. The present law requires a birth to be reported within four days of its occurrence.

Though Dr. Costen has not been in active practice for some years, his name is still listed in the Directory of the American Medical Association. The published record shows that he began the practice of medicine in 1857.


April, 1931

Pocomoke City's oldest resident, Dr. Isaac T. Costen, died at his home at the age of 98. Dr. Costen had practiced medicine for many decades and was Pocomoke City's first mayor.




April, 1974

By a vote of 413 to 324, Pocomoke City residents voted to save the century old former home of Dr. Isaac Costen. The home was currently under city ownership and town officials had heard suggestions that the home be demolished to make way for more parking spaces for downtown businesses. The Spirit Of Newtown Committee was formed, headed by Mrs. Myrtle Polk, to help save the historic home.


October, 1976

Having undergone two years of restoration work an open house for tours by the public was to be held at Pocomoke City's historic Costen House, the Market Street home of Dr. Isaac Costen. With support from Pocomoke City residents, Mrs. Myrtle Polk led The Spirit Of Newtown Committee in raising funds for the preservation project and the Costen House was now on the National Register Of Historical Sites.




Do you have a 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. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting.

Legislative Updates By Mike McDermott

Feb. 4th, 2012

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Week 4 January 30-February 3, 2012

Judiciary Hearings
Flash Mob
On Tuesday, the committee received testimony on several bills. HB-4 seeks to address the recent problems of Flash Mobs by allowing the total amount of goods stolen by the group to be used in determining whether or not the crime is a felony or misdemeanor for all of the individuals involved. We observed a store video of a recent mob event in Montgomery County.There were some concerns about the severity of the sentencing guidelines. To me, the act resembles a robbery more than a theft. They are being driven by the use of various social media outlets and we should be more than a little concerned.

Background Checks
A Wicomico Delegation bill (HB-63) was reviewed. It would simply authorize Criminal History checks to be performed by Wicomico County for potential employees. The records are confidential and cannot be disseminated. It would also require guidelines be in place by the county government which address the authorized provisions in the bill.

Bison
It seems under current law that buffalo must be provided certain protections from the weather which are required for other domestic stock. HB-80 seeks to modify this requirement as it would seem the current law was crafted without bison in mind.

Public Defender Act
This may be the biggest issue we address this year based upon the potential impact it could have on the criminal justice system. A recent decision by the MD Court of Appeals ruled that defendants have a right to representation even before a District Court Commissioner. Cost estimates to implement this change range from $28 million to over $100 million. It would impact the state budget and would require county budgets to provide additional money for the States Attorneys Office for their representatives as well.

HB-112 seeks to correct the Public Defender Act by specifically removing the need for an appearance by the Public Defender at the Commissioner level while affirming the need to have this representation at the Bond Review in the District Court. This was the second hearing on this bill and it lasted for over 6-hours. The change is slated to take affect within the next few days. This bill is classified as an Emergency Bill so it can be fast tracked and signed by the governor upon passage.

For over 40 years the Maryland system of Commissioner review followed by a Bond Review by a judge the next day has served us well. The Commissioner screening results in the release of about 65% of those arrested on Personal Recognizance or Unsecured Bonds and those folks never see the inside of the county jail. The next morning, a Bond Review by the District Court Judge insures that defendants have the opportunity to argue why they should be released if the commissioner determined they should have a bond. Involving defense attorneys and States Attorneys at the Commissioner level will change the nature of these hearings and add longer wait times. This will mean keeping police tied up with prisoners for extended periods. The bill seeks to answer the problem and could save the state and county governments tens of millions of dollars if passed.

Misdemeanors on Citation
Another of my bills to be heard was HB-119 which would expand the ability of police officers to charge people who have committed minor offenses on a citation instead of arresting them and taking them before the District Court Commissioner process. This would save a lot of money and would keep our limited police resources on the street and available for the more serious crimes. Many states have adopted this practice as a practical matter. There was some resistance from the State’s Attorneys Association as they wanted further limits on the crimes which could be charged on citation. This bill would not allow any crime of violence or domestic assault to be charged via citation. It looks favorable that HB-119 will have a vote and move to the House for consideration.

Judiciary Committee Votes:
The first voting session took place on Thursday with the following bills moved to the whole House for a vote:HB-4 Requiring Orphan’s Court Judges in Baltimore County to be attorneys.HB-63 Local Delegation Bill allowing Wicomico County the ability to access criminal history information for the purpose of job screening.

Discussions continued in work sessions regarding HB-112 and the Public Defender Act modifications. There has been general agreement that requiring the Public Defender to appear at Bond Reviews before the judge should be required, but not before a District Court Commissioner. I expect a vote on this bill on Tuesday next week.

Eastern Shore Delegate Meeting
We met with the Secretary of Agriculture, Buddy Hance, on Friday morning and discussed his departments legislative agenda and our concerns over much of the regulations being heaped upon our farming communities. After listening to the Secretary for a few minutes discussing the new or proposed regulations, I thought I was in a meeting with the Secretary of the Environment. It would appear to me that the department of Agriculture has succumbed to being an apologist for the governor’s office instead of being a  advocate to the governor for the farmers (as we have always had in the past). The Secretary was questioned about his support of Plan Maryland particularly when it came to the land development rights of the farmers. He indicated that the state needed to “preserve” farmland, but not compensate owners over development rights denied through regulations. There were no administrative policies that the Secretary opposed.

Delmarva Poultry Industry (DPI) was on deck and followed Secretary Hance. They spoke of the economic impact of poultry in the region and also the escalating regulations on the industry. I thought the most interesting comment was made by DPI President Andrew McLain when he indicated that farmers use to have plans drafted to address improving agronomics of a farming operation, but now the plans are drawn up to satisfy regulations and mandates by the government. Those two goals can often find themselves in a state of conflict.  An industry that is not profitable will cease to be an industry for very long. It is clear that in Maryland, we have arrived at a point of diminishing returns on poultry operations. If this does not change, our economy will suffer irreparable damage.

One effort to bring awareness was the first annual Delmarva Chicken Day at the capitol. The luncheon event was well attended and provided a great chance for industry advocates and shore legislators to talk to others about the economic impact of poultry in Maryland.  It was very well received and will be built on for next year.

The last presentation was made by the nine shore counties various departments of Tourism. All of the directors indicated a strong need to maintain funding levels for tourism promotion in the budget. They provided reports on economic impacts at the local level which showed a very impressive return on state investment of tax dollars.  As part of the presentation, each county displayed some artifact or item representative of tourism in their area. It is always a pleasure to see folks displaying a great sense of pride for their represented areas and how each area offers a unique experience to their visitors.

Good Government Work Group
I have been appointed to lead other House Republican Caucus members in developing a legislative strategy to address transparency issues and the promotion of Good Government (G- Squared)  practices. We will be scheduling several press conferences in the coming weeks to highlight these efforts and to contrast them with many bad government bills or policies supported by the administration. The first effort will take aim at auditing practices and a bill I will be introducing  which will require independent audits of all state agencies every two years with the cost borne through the commission paid to the auditors based upon the potential savings realized by the state.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... A Letter Linked To Pocomoke City's History!

Over eighty years ago a letter was mailed from Pocomoke City containing ten birth certificates which, at the time, were decades old. What was their destination? Who was the sender? Why were they sent?

Read more about it this Sunday on The Pocomoke Public Eye!



Do you have a 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. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Winter Wonderland Gala Parking Map

Parking information for those attending tonights

 Winter Wonderland Gala and auction

at the

 Delmarva Discovery Center

Pocomoke City, Maryland

More Progress Being Made With New Restaurant

I had heard that the windows were being worked on in the restaurant. And what a surprise I had when I checked my email  and there were photos!

So, here we go....courtesy of my sister who recognizes how much keeping  with the progress of the new restaurant construction means to  me. 

FRAMING THE WINDOWS

I wonder what you can see from up there?

More pictures to follow these and right up until the new restaurant is completely built!

**Thank you to my sister Debbie... for taking time from your day to stop and take these photos for me.  And thanks for realising how much it means for me to have these photos as part of Pocomoke City history.**

SHORE BEEF and BBQ Saturday Special

OPEN TODAY

TAKE HOME SOME DELICIOUS BBQ !

SPECIAL TODAY

Half Rack, Half Rack of Chicken

w/2 sides

$16.95

Enough for two or one big hungry tummy!

Rigell Proposes Comprehensive Energy Legislation

Rigell Introduces Comprehensive Energy Legislation to Create Thousands of Jobs for Virginians,
Help Achieve American Energy Independence

Part of Wind, Oil and Gas Leasing Royalties to go to Commonwealth for Environmental Clean Up

Washington – In an effort to address America’s unemployment and energy challenges, today Representative Scott Rigell (VA-2) introduced the Mid-Atlantic Energy and Jobs Act of 2012  (HR 3882) to open the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off the coast of Virginia for energy harvesting. The legislation would help move America away from its dangerous reliance on foreign oil and could produce as many as 18,000 local jobs. At the same time, the legislation would generate $1.4 billion in oil and gas royalty revenue for the Commonwealth of Virginia, a percentage of which would be required to go toward environmental cleanup in Virginia.

“Our nation’s unemployment rate is unacceptable. So too is our dependence on other nations for our oil and gas. We have so much opportunity to put folks to work with the resources that are right off our coast and in every corner of this country,” said Representative Scott Rigell (VA-02). “This legislation will unquestionably create jobs – thousands of them – good paying ones, too. And it will keep our capital circulating within our borders.

“At the same time, we have a moral obligation to leave our children and grandchildren with clean air, water and soil. This legislation will allow us to accomplish all of this.”

Rigell introduced the legislation to open the OCS after the Obama Administration essentially shut down any further exploration off Virginia’s coast last year, where 3.8 billion barrels of oil are known to exist. Expanding the domestic energy industry could help bring down the nation’s unemployment rate and keep significant amounts of money circulating within the U.S. Currently, the U.S. sends more than $500 billion each year to countries like Venezuela and Saudi Arabia, nations that do not share our values. Further, President Obama has said that moving America toward energy independence is a top national security priority.

Opening the energy sector has proven successful in regions across America, like North Dakota, where unemployment is at a nation-wide low of 3.5 percent and the local economy is thriving despite a sluggish national economy. This is especially important for the Hampton Roads region, where the economy stands to benefit from  diversifying industry and economic investment. If the legislation is enacted, the energy industry is expected to inject significant capital to the local economy, beyond the $1.4 billion in royalty and lease revenue.

In response to concerns about safety and the environment, Rigell’s legislation includes requirements that 25 percent of Virginia’s share of lease royalties go toward environmental clean up.

The legislation has the support of Rob Wittman (VA-1); Robert Hurt (VA-5); Robert Goodlatte (VA-6); and Morgan Griffith (VA-9). It now goes to the House Natural Resources Committee for consideration.

From The Pocomoke City Police Department ~ YMCA Shooting Update

UPDATE ON THE SHOOTING AT THE YMCA POCOMOKE CITY

On January 28, 2012 Pocomoke City Police responded to a call for an Assault in progress which resulted in a shooting incident. Once the Officers arrived on the scene they began investigating the incident. Due to the nature of the call the YMCA was placed on an immediate lock-down by the Pocomoke City Police.

Pocomoke Police learned that a birthday party was being held for a Pocomoke City resident inside of the YMCA. Several individuals from Accomack County, Virginia attended the party when a fight occurred, then while leaving in their vehicles the suspects began shooting in the direction towards the crowd. One of the victim’s was taken to the hospital with minor injuries for the Assault. No one was injured in the shooting incident.

The Pocomoke City Police Officers interviewed several witnesses and were able to positively identify several of the suspects involved in the shooting. While continuing the investigation, Pocomoke City Police assisted by the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office began an intense joint investigation which revealed the suspects involved in the incident did reside in Accomac Virginia.

On January 31, 2012 after further investigation the Pocomoke City Police completed an application for charges on two (2) suspects involved in the incident and received Arrest Warrants for both individuals. Upon receiving the Arrest Warrants the Pocomoke City Police assisted by the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office were able to serve the Warrant on one of the suspects.

On February 2, 2012 while continuing the investigation Pocomoke City Police along with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office were able to serve the Arrest Warrant on the 2nd suspect involved in the shooting. The Pocomoke City Police and the Accomack County Criminal Enforcement Team were able to conduct two Search & Seizure Warrants on the suspect’s homes in an attempt to gain further evidence on the incident.

The two suspects Arrested and charged as Adults are as follows:

Arrested January 31, 2012: Roderick Rashad Savage, Age 17
Leslie Trent St, Parksley Virginia
Charges: Attempted 1st Degree Murder
1st Degree Assault

Arrested February 2, 2012: Devin Treye Wessells, Age 17
Parks Road, Parksley Virginia
Charges: Attempted 1st Degree Murder
1st Degree Assault

Both Defendants are being held in the Norfolk Virginia Detention Center without bond pending an extradition and preliminary hearing trial date.

The case is still under investigation and more Arrests are to follow.
　
　
　
Chief K D Sewell
Pocomoke City Police Department
February 3, 2012

Winter Wonderland Gala and Auction- Many Items to Bid On!

It's wonderful to know that ALL tickets available for the first Winter Wonderland Gala at the Delmarva Discovery Center have been sold!


And the list of items for the LIVE and SILENT auctions keeps growing.


Two more paintings by local artists that will go up for bids at the auctions Saturday night.




Painting by local artist
Jenny Somers



Painting by local artist
Doris Glovier

Here are just a few of the items that will be auctioned Saturday night.  There are many, many more wonderful  items and something for eveyone to bid on!  And the items have been donated from everywhere.

These are just a few names I recognized:

Print by local artist Willie Crockett

Beautiful, fanciful Cake by Coles Cakes

Warm & lovely quilt by Robyn Ann
Wally Makuchal framed print entitled "Teals ".

Bay Queen Smith Island Baby Cakes

Salty Dog gift certificate

From Scher’s, lovely satin dark purple clutch with jeweled clasp

Hope everyone has a wonderful time.

Pocomoke Firefighters Honor Colleagues

Another year of great dedication and hard work.  Stan Finch- 30 years and it just seems like yesterday.  Mr. Young- a member since 1950- that's before Eddie was born and almost 62 years ago.  Wonder job!

Congratulations to everyone of you.

Written by

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- Meeting for its annual awards banquet, the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Co. honored Stan Finch for 30 years of service to the fire company and the community.

In addition to the fire company presentation, Finch was given a Senate resolution by Delegate Norman Conway; a House of Delegates resolution by Delegate Michael A. McDermott; a proclamation by County Commissioner Merrill Lockfaw and a certificate by Mayor Bruce Morrison. Conway was acting in place of Sen. James Mathias, who had to leave early for the Crisfield Fire Co. annual banquet.

Fire Chief Dick Gladding presented Chief's Awards to the members who responded to the largest number of alarms during the year. Corey Dean, the assistant Chief, was the top responder, making 185 calls. Others honored were: Tyler Fairman, 180 calls; Mike Dean, 160 calls; Travis Cowger, 151 calls; Choppy Layton, 144 calls; Chris Vieira, 127 calls; Marion Butler Sr., 121 calls; Keven Hall, 112 calls; Paul Taylor, 106 calls; and Billy Sparrow, 104 calls. One of the cadets, Devin Fairman, was recognized for answering 107 calls.

A special award was presented to George Young Jr. for his term of service with the company. He joined the fire company on Oct. 5, 1950.

George E. Young Jr., left, received the President's Award from President Andy Clarke for his 60 years of service to the community and the Pocomoke Fire Company. / CHOPPY LAYTON PHOTO

Gladding also reported on the calls that the company answered during the past year. They were called out to 54 fires, or more than one a week. In addition, they assisted other companies in larger fires. One particular memorable blaze was a 70-acre field fire in which they assisted Stockton. Some other responses included 48 accidents and 10 spills.

Jeff McMahon, the Worcester County Fire Marshal, installed the new officers. They are Andy Clarke, president; Chip Choquette, vice-president; Mike Shannon, corresponding secretary; Merrill Lockfaw, recording secretary; Choppy Layton, treasurer; Mike Dean, chaplain. Line officers include Dick Gladding, Chief; Corey Dean, assistant Chief; Eric Denston, Capt.; Steve Larmore, 1st Lt.; Wade Taylor, 2nd Lt.; Rodney Sharpley, chief engineer; Tom Wall Jr., first asst. engineer; Chris Larmore, second asst. engineer; and Keven Hall, training officer. Directors for the coming year are Jerry Barbierri, Allen Butler, Mike Dean, Danny Miles and Rick Choquette.

Dan Redden announced that the Monsanto Chemical Co. had selected the Pocomoke Fire Co. to receive a $2,500 contribution. Each year the company selects a nonprofit organization in each of the different counties to receive the donation.

SOURCE:

SHORE BEEF and BBQ Frriday Lunch Special

T. G. I. F.

AND ANOTHER BBQ DAY !

~Special of the Day~

Pit Beef Sandwich w/ Side

Drink ~ $7.50

SATURDAY SPECIAL

Half Rack/Half Rack Chicken w/ 2 sides

$16.95

Enough for two...or one hungry belly!

Be sure to look for SHORE BEEF and BBQ on Facebook