Accomack Board Receives 2012-13 Budget

By Connie Morrison


Accomack County's Board of Supervisors had its first look at the proposed 2013 budget Wednesday night. County Administrator Steve Miner told the Board it is a balanced budget, with small capital and operating surpluses that would allow the Board to make some discretionary allocations, and would place $760,000 into the county's Rainy Day Fund.


The budget assumes a property tax rate increase to offset falling property values, which have declined by about 12% county-wide. Rates would increase by 7 cents for most parts of the county, but declining property values mean the resulting revenue would be roughly the same as 2011.


Other forces shaping the budget include an 18% increase in health insurance costs, a 45% increase in employee retirement costs , and deferred debt payments that come due beginning in 2013. The budget does not include any cost of living pay increases for employees paid with county funds, but does allow pay for performance increases of up to 3%. A budget work session is scheduled for February 28 at 5:00 p.m.

Source;

Downtown Pocomoke City Farmers & Flea Market OPENING

POCOMOKE CITY

FARMERS

& FLEA MARKET

BUY LOCAL

DOWNTOWN

3 MARKET STREET

ALONG THE BEAUTIFUL POCOMOKE RIVER

7:00 AM – 2:00PM

Now Fridays AND Saturdays!

NO VENDOR FEES!!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... An 1880 Real Life Soap Opera Plot In Pocomoke City!

He is 64 and one of the most prominent men in Worcester County...a member of the Governor's staff, a former long time member of the state legislature, and a pillar of the Presbyterian Church in Pocomoke City.

She is "a fine looking lady of 42," wife of a Pocomoke businessman, and belongs to "one of the best families" in Worcester County.

She alleges an outrageous assault against her.

The case will be heard in a packed courtroom in Snow Hill.


Read more 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!

The Great Pocomoke Fair

~PANCAKE DINNER~

AT THE

POCOMOKE FAIRGROUNDS

Friday, March 9, 2012

Serving Time: 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M.

Pancakes and the fixin's ~

includes bacon, sausage, pastries, beverage

ADVANCE TICKETS ONLY

Call 410-603-8534 for information

OR

tickets also
available at Pocomoke Monument Co.

Update from Delegate Lynwood Lewis

By Delegate Lynwood Lewis

One thing that we can agree on in the often partisan and divided Virginia General Assembly is how to better treat our veterans by rewarding them for their service and also making their transition into civilian life easier.

There have been a number of bills addressing our veterans, two of which I have patroned. The two bills

Pictured: Delegate Lewis meeting with Bill Wrobel,

Wallops' directory, and Lesa Roe, NASA Langley's

center director, in Lewis' office overlooking downtown

Richmond on the General Assembly's Aerospace Day 2012.

Credit: NASA/Sean Smith

which I was proud to sponsor along those lines were House Bill 195 and House Bill 194. House

Bill 195 which is on its way through

passage in the State Senate directs our state public institutions of higher education to develop policies in coordination with the State Council of Higher Education for awarding academic credit in our public colleges and universities for experience in the military. This will give our veterans a leg up if they seek to enroll in our state colleges and universities for new or additional training. House Bill 194 helps with integration into the workforce after military service by directing the Division of Motor Vehicles to develop policies to aid veterans in obtaining commercial drivers licenses by awarding credit towards those CDL's, particularly in the skills area, for activities and skills obtained during military service.

The General Assembly is also considering bills that will provide a Real Property Tax Exemption for disabled veterans. We have also considered a bill which would expedite the issuance of licenses, permits, or certificates for spouses of individuals who are transferring into the Commonwealth with their military spouse. We have also taken up legislation directing our boards of professions and occupations to accept military training, education, or experience of a service member returning from active military service to the extent that training is substantially equivalent to the requirements as established by law regarding the issuance of a license, permit, or certificate by that board to give credit for substantially equivalent service or training in the military. Finally, we have adopted legislation to extend the grace period for the replacement of plates, decals, or vehicle registration to the spouse and dependent children accompanying an active service member who is serving outside of the United States and have also extended the grace period for driver's license expiration from 90 to 180 days after return of service from outside of the United States on active duty or as a civilian employee of U. S. Government, Federal Agency, or contractor. All these bills in some small way are our effort to show our appreciation and also to make life easier for our veterans for their service and sacrifices.

Next week Virginia's budget will be front and center as the House of Delegates and the Senate unveil their budget committees versions of the Governor's budget Sunday afternoon (February 19th). The budget impacts all areas of our Commonwealth so next week's report will focus on the budget and in particular its impact on the District. It will address very complex issues of transportation and Virginia Retirement System funding.

Please feel free to contact me on any issue as it is important to me in my representation of our district to hear from the people that I represent. We will be in Richmond until March 9. Please feel free to contact my office at (804) 698-1000 or delllewis@house.virginia.gov.

Source:

REPTILE FESTIVAL at The Delmarva Discovery Center

This year's Reptiles Alive shows will be about the Rainforest! In the show Rainforests Alive, brand new to the Delmarva Discovery Center this year, learn who is the real king of the jungle!

Also just added, face painting from 12 to 4pm!

Come see Reptiles Alive, l.l.c at Saturday, February 25th at the Delmarva Discovery Center.

The Reptile Festival hosted by Reptiles Alive! is a favorite every year. Visitors experience a wildly exciting and education program appropriate for all ages, and discover reptiles from all corners of the world! Shows are free with paid admission to the Discovery Center.

Also meet the DDC's resident reptiles, make a children's craft, have your face painted, and learn about the Maryland Amphibian and Reptile Atlas!

Piggy the baby cornsnake, hatched at the DDC, will make his debut!

Check out http://www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org/ or call 410.957.9933 for details!

Arrest Made In Christine Sheddy Murder

UPDATE: Earlier today Clarence Butch (Jr.) Jackson was also charged with "accessory to murder after the fact" and burglary. These are the same charges brought against Tia Johnson a few days earlier.

Jackson has a preliminary hearing set for March 16, 2012. No hearing set for Johnson.

See Below

Most of us are aware that Tia Johnson, girlfriend of Clarence (Jr.) Butch Jackson and cousin of Justin Hadel, was nabbed on Feb. 17 on an arrest warrant. Johnson was arrested by Worcester County authorities and is charged now for "accessory to murder after the fact" and fourth degree burglary all relating to the murder of Chistine Sheddy in 2007.

Christine Sheddy, mother of three children and from Delaware was staying in an old farm house on Byrd Road in Pocomoke City with the couple-Jackson and Johnson where she was murdered. Justin Hadel is currently serving a life sentence with no parole for her murder.

Police say that Tia Johnson transported Sheddy's body in the trunk of her car to the River House Inn, a bed and breakfast located in Snow Hill, Maryland. Court document show that Tia Johnson and boyfriend Clarence Jackson were once employed by the River House. Jackson knew the owners would be gone and entered a guest house with a stolen key. Sheddy's body was buried in a shallow grave on the property of the bed and breakfast.

Johnson was originally being held on $500,000 bond but after a bail review hearing it was decided to hold her without bail.

Crime isn't anything new for Johnson. Also last year she was charged for a series of thefts from Walmart while being employed there at the time.

Ever heard: " Oh, what a tangled web we do weave when first we pratice to deceive"?

New Pocomoke Restaurant Construction Moving Right Along

These are the latest photos I have on the Pocomoke City restaurant being constructed.

The New Pocomoke City Restaurant

Pocomoke City, Maryland

Updated Saturday, February 18, 2012

Construction seems to be moving right along......

Measure To Allow Guns on Publicly Owned Parking Lots Moves to Floor

A Senate committee has endorsed legislation to allow most local government employees to bring guns to work as long as they keep them locked in their vehicles.

The Courts of Justice Committee voted 9-6 Monday to send the House-passed bill to the Senate floor. The measure prohibits localities from banning employees from keeping guns their cars on publicly owned parking lots. The bill exempts public schools, jails and juvenile detention centers.

Republican Del. Brenda Pogge of James City County said her bill clearly doesn't affect colleges because it only deals with local governments. But the committee amended the bill anyway to specifically exempt colleges and universities.

Pogge said the bill is intended to curb the erosion of law-abiding citizens' Second Amendment right to keep and bear arms.

Source;

Please Be Patient With Me.

Hello, Everyone!

Please hang in there with me until I get this problem with my computer corrected and get back up to speed with my postings.

Shouldn't be much longer....

Have a great day.

jmmb

REWARD If You Find "Mittens"

$100 REWARD

FAMILY PET STILL MISSING

"MITTENS"

Missing from the Butler Village area

in Pocomoke, MD.

"MITTENS"  is a 7 year old family cat that is missed very much.

She is wearing a pink collar  with a heart shaped tag that has her name and telephone number on it.

If you have seen "MITTENS" PLEASE call 410-490-6579

PLEASE HELP THIS FAMILY FIND THEIR  MISSING PET

Please Help The Homeless Animals of the Eastern Shore

LIKE SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia on FACEBOOK

"Governing With a Rod of Iron" By Delegate Mike McDermott

"The Magic and Machinations of One Party Rule”

By Delegate Michael A. McDermott

No matter what side you come down on the issue of same sex marriage in Maryland, you should be offended by the process through which the O’Malley-Brown Gay Marriage Bill (HB-438) passed through the House of Delegates.


We can start with a governor who changed his mind on the issue. Who first pushed for Civil Unions…who then agreed that “the people” should be allowed to vote by referendum…who then made same sex “marriage” a primary legislative focus for 2012. It’s funny as I recall those Eastern Shore democratic legislators telling us how the governor’s focus was going to be on, “Jobs! Jobs! Jobs!”…I just didn’t realize they were talking about wedding planners.


Consider the title of the bill: “Civil Marriage Protection Act”. Titles are intentionally crafted in Annapolis to disguise their intent. After all, when you want to change the definition of marriage, which has been in place since the beginning of time, you start by telling the people you simply wish to “protect” marriage. What kind of caldron produces this stuff?


The committee process in the House was something to behold as well. All of the previous same sex wedding bills have been assigned to the Judiciary Committee, until now. For the first time, in a highly irregular move, the bill was put forward to two committees: Judiciary and Health and Government Operations. The reason was simple: after all their machinations and arm twisting last session, they now lacked the votes to get a favorable vote from the Judiciary members. So, they went committee shopping and found one that would serve their purpose.


Historically, in the rare instances when two committees are utilized for a bill hearing, one of the committees is assigned as “primary” and the other as “secondary”. In this case, Judiciary was the primary committee of record. For voting purposes, the primary committee should vote first before the issue is moved to the secondary committee members. If the vote fails in the primary, it should not move to the secondary. In the case of the O’Malley-Brown Same Sex Marriage Bill, the committee votes were joined together in order to garner the number of votes necessary to claim a “favorable” vote. The fact is, the Judiciary Committee voted “No”, while Health and Government Operations voted “Yes”. The HGO vote was all on partisan lines which is exactly what the Speaker was counting on in the end. They say this has been done before, but no one can remember the last time it was done this way. That speaks volumes.


The combined committees also reviewed amendments offered on the bill with all of them being rejected. Some votes were closer than others. There was an effort to put the issue before the voters as a referendum which had bi-partisan support, but fell short of the votes needed. Following this meeting and voting session, the bill was moved to the House where it was laid over for a day to allow for others to offer amendments.


On Friday morning, a joint meeting of the committees was held to review amendments offered on the bill. I was told there were 200 amendments at the desk waiting for this bill. While many were no doubt duplicitous, the committees would normally review and vet each amendment to determine if it should be adopted into the bill. Our joint meeting lasted about thirty seconds and we were all told that any amendments would be offered and debated on the floor of the House. The rush was on and the fix was in. This action was one of the biggest downfalls of the process, but the next action was even worse.


All bills deserve a free and fair debate. Monumental legislation that seeks to change historic references and definitions should not be rushed. When we came into session on Friday afternoon, the bill was only on Second Reader. This is the time in the process where amendments can be offered to a House Bill by any member from the floor. Normally, these amendments are offered to the respective committee where they can be reviewed, vetted, and debated. There is great reluctance to amend a bill on the floor since that vetting process has not occurred and members are understandably skeptical. I have seen amendments made or questions asked on bills that resulted in a bill being Special Ordered until the matter could be thoroughly addressed and vetted by the assigned committee.


As this bill was debated and amendments offered on Second Reader in the House, there were some clear issues with some of the amendments being offered. Interestingly enough, one of the amendments which had been rejected in committee was offered again on the floor by Delegate Wade Kach (a Baltimore County Republican who did a 180 after a midnight meeting with the governor and decided to vote “Yes” on the bill). Magically now, the amendment was said to be “favorable” by the committee. Of course, this was not true as the same amendment had been rejected. Apparently being part of the deal, the amendment to delay the effective date of the bill to Jan. 1, 2013 was then agreed to by the House.


A second amendment was more troubling. It was a more complicated, technical amendment regarding judicial severability of the bill. It was offered by Delegate Tiffany Alston, a Prince Georges County Democrat who is currently under indictment for election financial fraud. She was originally against the bill and voted against it in committee. Out of the blue, she advised that if her amendment was passed, she would vote in favor of the bill. Her amendment, which she never even spoke of in committee, was said to be “supported by the committee”. It passed and what followed immediately was a significant exodus from the chamber of senior democrats…they knew it was over and they had her vote.


In the fog of war and the battles on the floor of the State House, rumors and scuttlebutt abound. Many are born out of speculation, many based upon practical experience, and many because they are simply true. Two republicans voted with the democrats on this bill. Both had previously said they would not do so. Both, it seems, met privately with the governor in the days before the bill went to the floor. It was said by many that “jobs” were on the table…commission appointments…board appointments…one can only speculate. Weighing out what constitutes thirty pieces of silver in this economy can be tough.


On the Democratic side of the House, Delegate Alston has criminal charges pending to be resolved after session. The case against her was said to be very strong, but was also rumored to have been filed by a governor appointed State’s Attorney following her strong opposition to the Same Sex Marriage bill offered last session. She too had a reported private meeting with the Governor the day before. Another aging Democrat from Baltimore City was rumored to have sold out for a relative who is seeking better state employment opportunities. Only time will tell, but I will leave it to the citizens to do the math.


Come to think of it…maybe this is a jobs bill after all!


On Friday, I again had the opportunity to witness two sunrises and two sunsets in one calendar day…all from my seat on the House floor. Second Readers take place on one day and are followed, generally, on the proceeding day as a Third Reader. However, wishing to plow, ram, shove, this bill through in one day required the magical waiving of the Speaker’s Mace to create another Legislative daybreak…complete with the Pledge of Allegiance and official Prayer of the Day. This was the same tactic utilized to pass the Alcohol Tax last session.


So what normally would have and should have taken a few days to perform with due diligence was forced out of the House within just a few hours. The result on the board for all to see was a vote count showing 71 “Yes” and 67 “No”. It seems now that even this was an illusion.


Following the vote, there was a press release which indicated the count was “72-67”, but that is not what appeared on the voting board. The tally board indicated “71” so something has happened to the count that has not been reflected in actions taken on the floor. Delegate Bahanon (Democrat from St. Mary’s County) would appear to be that extra vote, although he was missing in action on the final count.


It is said you need “71” to pass anything in the House of Delegates, but good leadership is not based on vote total of 71. We are a house divided which cannot stand. It is for this very purpose that consensus must be sought and developed among the people whom we purport to represent. Our leadership has assured us that we will remain divided and, as we move forward, issues will arise which find their Genesis of division in these very votes. It is not “courageous” leadership that squeaks a bill through via machinations, rather it is partisan witchcraft.


I cannot know for certain about jobs promised, or not…I cannot know for certain about other situations which may bring comfort to some for a green vote…but I do know that this issue will only serve to further divide our state at a time when we can ill afford that same division. There will be a referendum of the people (the second one against this governor and the democratic machine) on the definition of “marriage” once the Senate takes their “courageous” vote. Of this we can be sure. There is another vote of which we can be sure as well. It is the one which will occur in November of 2014 when those who put their green vote up on the board will have to answer to those whose place setting they hold in trust.


Keep a watchful eye out for bills that seek to change the referendum process in Maryland to make it tougher on those gathering signatures. Surely this will be tried.


People of Maryland, take back your state!

Authors Kelvin Sewell & Stephen Janis Present Book at Book Signing Yesterday

All seats were taken and there was standing room only at the White Marsh Barnes & Noble on Saturday. Kelvin Sewell, a retired Baltimore homicide detective of 22 years and Stephen Janis, a crime writer, spoke to the crowd about the book "Why Do We Kill?"

The assembled crowd was given a briefing on the book. Mentioned were the gangs/ gang mentality and how disassociated they are from what they do. How most do go to jail for about 10 years except for one gang member discussed in the book, who may never step foot again into society.




Authors Kelvin Sewell and Stephen Janis/
White Marsh Barnes & Noble on Saturday

 

Mr. Sewell was empathetic when speaking to the crowd about what it is like to visit someone's home and tell them their son will never walk through the door again. He envisioned, to the crowd and in the book, what it is like to look through the eyes of the parents.
This book is FACT even though the stories seem so hard to believe that human beings can act the way they sometimes do. What about the grandmother, raising her grandchild? What about the people with no money to move from the crime ridden streets even if they want to? And HOW, just exatly how, do you present yourself, collect your words to tell your own Mother bad news. Case File 8 stopped me dead in my reading tracks! It would be two days before I could finish the book.

This all happened during my personal reading time just  a couple of days before I was to meet Kelvin Sewell (who is now the Chief of Police in Pocomoke City) for the first time.  I had received a signed copy of his book from my husband for Christmas. Most times for Christmas I request several books but this year I bumped all the others for this one. 

When Chief Sewell asked me how I liked the book I stammered and have no idea what I said becasue I was thinking about his Mother. I was thinking about all those Mothers. And I was also thinking about the dead burned body, a body burned alive with leaves found in his lungs during an autopsy.

Not to be forgotten are the grandmothers raising grandchildren and I can still invision those grandmothers rocking and rocking on city porches waiting for their loved ones to come home, knowing there is no way to get out of a city of what seems to be full of nightmarish crimes. Grandmothers....raising grandchildren....because their own grown children can't. Those grown children are caught in the vicious cycle of crimes and drugs too.....and the grandmothers keep rocking.

And this is just but a small portion of the truth this book holds. No crime prevention group for teens can heal this.  The book is proof and if nothing else it raises so many questions.  It did for me.  Do we, because of some mindsets forgive the horrendous crimes committed?  Are these kinds of people to be pitied?  Am I glad that I tried so hard to be a 24/7 parent in the small town of Pocomoke?  YES!  Could THIS type of situation happen in small towns like Pocomoke City?  I don't know.  But it's something to think hard about.

Everyone should read "Why Do We Kill"  to get a clear and honest picture of what crime is in this beautiful city.

There is so much to this book.   Authors Kelvin Sewell and Stephen Janis have done an excellent job  writing about so much more than what has been discussed here and I'm anxiously waiting for a second book.

Thank you Kathy Schoolfield Ben for the photo.

TIME MACHINE ... A 1905 Delicacy From The Eastern Shore

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　

October, 1905

(The Washington Post)

TERRAPIN RIPE AND HIGHER

Trouble in Raising the Reptile Keeps the Prices Up

From The New York Press

Terrapin season is now on but most of the people in New York will not know it because the prices of the dish is above the average purse. Nevertheless this interesting and delicious reptile attracts all the attention its numbers can supply, and the prices does not count with the majority of people to whom it is served.

The chief source is Crisfield, Somerset County, on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, where the artificial culture of the terrapin was first attempted, and where it has been successfully conducted for twenty years.

"Brer" Terrapin is a peculiar creature. He requires both fresh and salt water daily, and at different times, and this he gets in the inlets and tidal rivers of the Chesapeake. When the tide is out the fresh water flows over him; when the tide is in, the salt. This condition is necessary not only to his best development, but to his existence. If left in fresh water, in a few generations he becomes a common snapper; if in salt he becomes in about the same length of time a sea turtle, and loses his amphibian character.

At Crisfield, A.B. Biggin has a farm containing over 30,000 diamond-back terrapin. They are fed on mashed hard crab meat at low tide, and the scene is highly interesting. The sluggish reptile suddenly awakes to activity and does surprising stunts in the way of fighting for food, which he devours with great rapidity. The pond is a small bay of Tangier Sound, and is enclosed in a stout board fence with wire screens to let the tide flow in and out. The propagation of the diamond terrapins is not very rapid. The females lay from ten to twenty eggs in a season, but as it is the hen terrapins which is the favorite of the epicures, it does not have a fair chance to breed.

There are many other ponds on the Eastern Shore, but the owners buy most of their stock when small from the Pamlico and Albermarle Sound district. The demand for terrapin is now very general, and they are sold in large quantities in the West at the rate of $50 to $65 a dozen for the hen terrapin, and $40 to $50 a dozen for the bulls. An establishment in Delaware makes a specialty of tinning terrapin for the export trade, but it is suspected there is a good deal of red snapper in it, and perhaps some of the dishes served in swell restaurants are not free from the same alloy.

Footnote: During this era turtle dinners on the Eastern Shore were an attraction at public events such as political gatherings.

　

May, 1960

(The Salisbury Times)

Pocomoke Kiwanis Entertain Team

POCOMOKE CITY- The Pocomoke Kiwanis Club had as their guests on Monday evening the varsity basketball team of the Pocomoke Boys Club.

Ben Cohen introduced the leaders of the club, Avery Smith and Dave Wagner. Mr. Smith introduced the boys to the club and praised them on the excellent way they played during the season. He then awarded a trophy to the most improved player. This award went to Jerry Smith.

　　

May, 1968

An exterminating company's use of chemically treated perches was meeting with success in driving pigeons away from downtown Pocomoke City. Councilman Fred Henderson suggested the plan.

　

　

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 Delegate Mike McDermott

Feb. 18th, 2012

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Week 6 February 13-17, 2012

Lincoln Day Speech, Monday Session
I was honored to be chosen by our leadership to give the Lincoln Day Address to the House of Delegates. There were several special guests in the House that night including my wife, Laura, and also the governor of Iowa, Terry Branstad. I spoke on the re-adoption of the principles of the Declaration of Independence as the motivation behind the Lincoln presidency. The speech lasted 12-minutes and I enjoyed the opportunity to share with my colleagues the time honored challenges of securing freedom for the coming generations, and for the world.

Judiciary Hearings Tuesday, Feb.14
HB-199 Would modify the current makeup of the Judicial panels conducting Sentencing Reviews by setting the panel number at three. We heard from several judges who have been working with the committee to update current law in order to streamline the review process.
HB-235 Would allow for records of non-violent crimes to be shielded after 10-years from public view yet remain available for criminal justice agencies (need to know). This may have merit but  needs to be amended to insure that the 10-year time span begins following completed service of the original sentence. There was some opposition from Social Services, Nursing Board and various groups who need criminal history to protect their clients.
HB-237 Would require a court to provide people convicted with instructions on the process of expungment of records. It appears that this is already required by the law. There were other flaws pointed out by the State’s Attorney Association.
HB-398 Would expand the Wiretapping statute to include Theft Scheme as a crime to be included on the list of enumerated crimes allowing law enforcement to conduct this type of surveillance. This was requested by several states attorneys who have found it complicated to develop cases against major theft operations involving millions of dollars due to the limitations of the current statute.
HB-411 Would keep the Post Conviction Review by use of DNA evidence in place. It is due to sunset this year. This would allow the reviews to continue.This act has led to some innocent person to be released from prison based upon DNA review.
HB-251 Would allow Ocean City to conduct criminal background checks on taxi cab applicants. This is already allowed in many jurisdictions across the state. There was no opposition.
HB-349 This bill would extend the statute of limitations on misdemeanor Child Pornography charges.  Law enforcement can run into time crunches trying to secure digital evidence in these cases. The addition of two years would make sense in these types of cases.
HB-351 Would include the crime of Burglary as a factor in determining if  a sexual contact offense should be considered as being in the third degree. Currently, this type of contact within the context of a burglary would only be a fourth degree act.
HB-188 Seeks to create a law dealing with possession of synthetic cannabinoids. Worcester County recently took this action locally. This bill seeks to ban the synthetics statewide. Proponents stated that “K-2” or “Spice” is a gateway drug and can cause seizures and other reactions. One chief witness claimed that death has also been a result. The testimony indicated that the substances are already banned in 40-states. Many of the synthetics have already been listed as Schedule One drugs by the federal government making them illegal.
HB-338 Seeks pre trial release restrictions to eliminate Unsecured Bonds for any serious crimes. These are bonds where a person simply signs an assurance that they will appear for court or face forfeiture of a certain cash amount. Their only security is their signature.

Judiciary/HGO Joint Voting SessionTuesday
A joint voting session was conducted on Tuesday with the Judiciary and the Health and government Operations Committees meeting in the House Judiciary Meeting Room to address HB-438, the Same Sex marriage Bill. Several amendments were brought forward and debated. There was great reluctance to allow any changes to the bill on the part of the democrats. here are the amendments which were offered:
1-Would allow public school teachers the ability to opt out of teaching materials relating to sex education or non-traditional families if it were to be opposed to their values or religious teachings. This amendment was defeated following debate.
2. Would allow parents the opportunity to determine what portions of a sex education curriculum that their students will participate in at school. As opposed to opting out of the education, this would require parents to opt into the instruction. This amendment was defeated following debate.
3. Would prohibit a minor from marrying another individual of the same sex. It was fascinating to see all of the democrats agree that it would be alright for a 16 year old boy to marry a 48 year old man...incredible! Even this amendment, reasonable as it is, was defeated.
4. Would allow the effective date to be pushed back by several months to allow for a public referendum to be mounted. There was much debate on the process and whether the rights of the people would be protected should the Attorney General not certify the petition process.There is a lot of concern that shenanigans would follow this process and the people would have their Constitutional rights abridged. This amendment was also defeated on a very close vote.
5. Would protect the definition of marriage and create Civil Unions for same sex couples.It would give all the rights of married individuals to same sex couples, but it would not redefine marriage as being between a man and a woman. I consider this amendment a great compromise that bridges the gap. This was also defeated by the democrats.

Following the amendments, there were closing statements on HB-438 itself. Having made the final arguments, and lamenting that the people were not being allowed to vote for themselves. Several delegates raised concerns on many aspects of the bill, but in the end, both committees voted largely along party lines with a few democrats voting against the bill.  The bill was passed onto the floor by a vote of 25-18.

Judiciary Hearings Wednesday
HB-265 Would create a task force to study the implementation of a civil right to counsel in Maryland. This request was being put forward by members of the judiciary and civil rights advocates. While this is just a study request, no doubt the implementation of expanded rights to counsel would come with a huge price tag for Marylanders.
HB-557 Would provide certain protections to the estates of deceased persons whose names (famous personalities) may be used unscrupulously by persons for profit. This bill would provide protections that would not dissuade famous people from feeling like they needed to leave Maryland in order to protect their estate interests after they died. There was some debate over trade mark issues already in play and available. HB-353 Would require employers to make allowances for workers who must serve on jury duty from being required to work on the same day they have jury duty.  It particularly seeks to protect  employees who must work a night shift. Testimony would indicate that this is not a major problem, but we did here from an employee who had trouble with an employer when she was summoned for jury duty and was required to serve.
HB-318 Would alter the eligibility threshold for “small” estates. This allows for a streamlined process for estates of limited amounts. This bill would raise the threshold amounts to $50,000 and $100,000 respectively when dealing with these estates. The amounts have not been adjusted for many years and this would raise the amounts to a level commensurate with inflation and values. This makes sense and would help folks dealing with these small estates.
HB-527 Addresses amounts in bankruptcy cases which would add $2000.00 in exemptions of firearms which can be shielded from normal bankruptcy proceedings. This would help protect heritage firearms from being sold off as part of a bankruptcy settlement.
HB-524  This bill would allow sheriff’s deputies who are members of the bar in Maryland to practice law in Maryland.

Judiciary Hearings Conducted Thursday
HB-598 Would allow for Arrest Warrants to be issued for Juveniles. Currently, juveniles are often picked up by police and then Juvenile Justice is contacted. This bill would allow for a Juvenile Court Judge to issue a warrant for the arrest of a juvenile who is wanted by police.There was some question as to whether or not this right of the judiciary already exists.
HB-496 Would place criminal penalties against professionals who fail to report child abuse in accordance with proper procedures. The requirement is already in the law, but up till now, there is no fine or sentence attached to this statute. This bill is one of many that have been filed this year (including one of my own) and the primary difference may be found in the fines and sentencing applications.
HB-614 Would require the Department of Juvenile Services to provide address and other pertinent contact information to the victims of certain criminal acts so they can better protect themselves and their safety compromised.This bill would allow the release of juvenile information as to where a perpetrator lives, works, goes to school, etc.
HB-484 Would require a person found guilty of Animal Cruelty to pay the costs associated with the care and medical treatment of the animal. There are a few of these bills being circulated this year.
HB-420 Would continue a pilot program ongoing in Washington County which requires certain individuals to be monitored by GPS Tracking devices.

Friday Session
Friday was a blur of activity culminating in a historic vote on Gay marriage. The machinations to bring this vote about, the creation of “magic” Legislative Days which allowed this to occur, and the back room dealings I will attempt to address in a follow up response to this weeks release. The final vote count was close as the democrats, with the help of two flipped republicans, put up the minimum “71” votes needed to pass HB-438. Much more to follow on this bill.
The Same Sex marriage bill now moves on to the Senate whee it is expected to pass with few obstacles.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... A 1905 Delicacy From The Eastern Shore

Its' chief source was from the waters around Crisfield but it wasn't crabs, and it was an expensive delicasy in demand from New York to the western U.S.

What was it? Details 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!

SATURDAY SPECIAL ~ Shore Beef & BBQ

~SATURDAY SPECIAL~

ALL DAY

1/2 Rack Ribs & 1/2 BBQ Chicken w/ 2 Sides

$16.95

GOOD REASON FOR NOT COOKING TONIGHT!

Two-Year Covert Taxi Probe Nets 91 Drug Charges

Written By

Shawn J. Soper

News Editor

OCEAN CITY -- The Ocean City Police Department’s narcotics unit, in collaboration with allied agencies, late last month concluded a two-year drug distribution investigation utilizing an undercover officer posing as a taxi cab driver and owner with the grand jury indictments of 34 local residents on 91 charges.

Last week, the OCPD announced cursory information about Operation Sand Dollar, a two-year undercover operation targeting drug trafficking in the resort area during which an undercover officer posed as a cab driver to infiltrate Ocean City’s shadowy social circles.

On Monday, OCPD Chief Bernadette DiPino, along with Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason, State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby and Mayor Rick Meehan laid out more of the details about the operation.

During the two-year operation, the officer turned cab driver made some drug buys and sales out of the taxi, but also established connections that led to further indictments. The operation was borne out of an idea to target known drug trafficking in the downtown area. After brainstorming, the OCPD came up with the idea of posing an undercover officer as the owner and operator of a legitimate cab company.

With the cooperation of the city, including former City Manager Dennis Dare, the cab, called the “Tipsy Taxi,” was completely legitimate including a taxi medallion.

“The undercover officer posing as a cab driver and owner was a good way to infiltrate the social circle,” said DiPino on Monday. “It’s often a primary mode of transportation for those involved in drug trafficking.”

After conducting Operation Sand Dollar for two years, the gathered information was turned over to the State’s Attorney’s Office and on Jan. 25, a Worcester County grand jury indicted 34 suspects on 91 counts of distribution of various controlled dangerous substances (CDS) and 28 charges of conspiracy to distribute CDS. DiPino said on Monday the operation targeted all forms of CDS distribution, but the primary focus was on the distribution of illegal prescription medication.

On Feb. 2, the OCPD narcotics unit, along with the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, began rounding up the indicted suspects. Thus far, 22 have been apprehended and four more were already in custody on unrelated charges. Information on the remainder of the wanted suspects has been forwarded to the Maryland State Apprehension Team. The total amount of preset bonds for those already in custody totaled $4.55 million.

DiPino praised the success of the operation and hopes it sends a message to dealers and users in the resort.

“We hope this sends a clear message to drug dealers and users to keep the activity out of our community,” she said. “You never know who an undercover officer might be. It could be the maid in your hotel, a bartender or even a street performer on the Boardwalk.”

DiPino said those targeted included local residents engaged in drug use and distribution. DiPino said the operation did not include tourists.

“The list includes many locals,” she said. “At no time were tourists targeted.”  

For his part, Mason said the operation could be the tip of the iceberg and promised similar operations in the future.

“We will continue to go after drug users and dealers,” said Mason. “You’re going to see a lot more to come.”

Mason said he hoped Operation Sand Dollar sent a clear message to users and dealers in Worcester County.

“This is obvious proof there is an absolute commitment to target users and dealers in Worcester County,” he said. “If you’re a dealer, get a new job. If you’re a user, get a new hobby.”

MORE STORY....

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OPERATION SAND DOLLAR

ARRESTS, INDICTMENTS, ETC

All in all, the operation led to 34 indictments and 119 total counts including 91 distribution charges and 28 conspiracy to distribute charges. Sixteen of the 34 suspects list Ocean City as their address, while seven others call Worcester County home. Twenty-two suspects have been apprehended, while four were already in custody on unrelated charges. The remaining suspects were still at large as of mid-week.

Among those apprehended already were Ronald Alimo, 51, Ocean City; Jonathan Grubbs, 23, Willards; Troy Middleton, 41, Ocean City; Charlene Chester, 47, Ocean City; James Camper, 49, Trappe; Glynnis Sullivan, 54, Ocean City; Robert Hayes, Sr., 44, Ocean City; Orean Kennedy, 52, Ocean City; Dawn Ramaska, 34, Ocean City; James Hudson, 49, Showell; Robert Ray, Sr., 53, Ocean City; Donald Collins, 53, Ocean City; Mary Baker, 55, Ocean City; Stacy Baker, 38, Ocean City; Guy Erbe, 52, Ocean Pines; Cheryl Merendino, 49, Ocean City; Stanley Layton, Jr., 53, Ocean City; Vernon Spence, 46, Snow Hill; and Robin McCready, 50, Pocomoke.

Those already in custody on unrelated charges included Miranda Florio, 24, Jessup; Lorenzo Sears, 41, Oak Hall, Va.; and Brian Harmon, 39, Westover.

Those indicted but still at large included James Leech, 50, Berlin; John Leo Parker, 57, Bishopville; Darryl Lee Whaley, 55, Berlin; Geraldine Woodland, 49, Ocean City; Christopher Denike, 32, Ocean City; Michael Rose, 54, Ocean City; Paul Francis, 32, Glenwood, Md.; David Allen Brown, 44, Baltimore; Kathy Matthews, 40, Rivera Beach; and Robert Gross, Jr., 43, Kensington, Md.

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Eastern Shore Rural Health Announces Addition Of New Physicians

One new physician, physician assistant join Eastern Shore Rural Health

Pamela Gray, M.D. and Physician Assistant Jessica Day have joined Eastern Shore Rural Health System, Inc. Dr. Gray, an internist, and Day are at Onley Community Health Center.

Dr. Gray has practiced internal medicine since 1985. She last practiced at University Health Systems in Greenville, N.C. She is a graduate of Eastern Virginia Medical School where she also completed her residency. Dr. Gray did a rheumatology internship at University of North Carolina Medical School. She is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and is a member of the American College of Rheumatology, Medical Society of Virginia and American College of Physicians.

Dr. Grays areas of special interest include osteoporosis and inflammatory arthritis (such as lupus, Lymes Disease and rheumatoid arthritis) and adult health care.

Day, also a National Health Service Corps scholar, trained as a physician assistant at Philadelphia University. She is a member of American Academy of Physician Assistants, Association of Family Practice Physician Assistants and Virginia Academy of Physician Assistants. Days areas of special interest include nephrology, ear/nose/throat, veterans health and fibromyalgia.

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