Downtown Pocomoke City
Farmers & Flea Market
OPEN FRIDAY
AT 7:00 am
FOR THIS WEEKEND HOURS HAVE BEEN EXTENDED
Saturday and Sunday
7:00 AM until 5:00 PM
Get there early for the best produce!
NO VENDOR FEES
Friday, May 18, 2012
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Change Maryland: Special Session Made State "a Laughing Stock"
Change Maryland: Special Session Made State
"a Laughing Stock"
5.16.12
Change Maryland, the state’s largest non-partisan, grassroots citizen organization representing more than 13,000 members, described the outcome of the special session today as a reckless fiscal policy that ignores the will of the overwhelming majority of Marylanders while creating a liability for those interested in private sector job growth.
“Not only did the Governor and legislative leaders ignore the 96% of the people who oppose higher taxes, but they ignored their own independent budget analysts who warned that the state already relies too heavily on the personal income tax with the second-highest rates in the nation," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "They may have just moved Maryland forward to number one.”
Maryland's hostile business environment has led to stagnant job growth. Maryland's unemployment rate is a full point higher than neighboring Virginia - 6.6% compared to 5.6%, according to the Bureau of Labor statistics March report.
"The tax policies and the fact that we are the 4th highest in state and local tax burden, has cost Maryland thousands of jobs," Hogan said. “Maryland has been bleeding jobs and has become a national laughing stock.” On an interview with Fox Business Network today, Hogan noted graphics that appeared during his interview segment that says "taxed to death" and "Maryland money grab" - the kind of publicity that does not enhance Maryland's perception to the business community.
In the last six years, Martin O'Malley has raised taxes and fees 20 times, taking an additional $2 billion out of the economy. After the General Assembly adjournment today, that list will now swell to 24 tax and fee increases with an additional annual burden of $2.3 billion. Change Maryland also raises concerns about the net effect of over-reliance on individual income taxes.
In 2007, an individual income tax hike was supposed to bring in $489.3 million in additional revenues by 2009. In anticipation of this "windfall" from the wealthy, government increased spending by $153.3 million during this time. However, instead of increased revenues, the net revenue from those paying the increased tax dropped by over $800 million. The net result, spending goes up, revenue goes down.
Another item that many picked up on, including national media outlets, is redefining wealth. “They have redefined the term wealth. I guess the millionaires tax out so well, that this time they decided to raise taxes not just on ‘millionaires and billionaires’ but even on ‘thousandaires’, or almost anyone who has a good job,” said Hogan. “This time, if a firefighter is married to a teacher, their income taxes just got raised.”
Despite Governor O'Malley's claims in recent days that less than 1 in 4 will be affected by this latest increase in income taxes, the game of pitting one segment of society against another is just political cover for massive tax increases on everybody.
In the last six years, Martin O'Malley has raised taxes and fees 20 times, taking an additional $2 billion out of the economy. After the General Assembly adjournment today, that list will now swell to 24 tax and fee increases with an additional annual burden of $2.3 billion. Change Maryland also raises concerns about the net effect of over-reliance on individual income taxes.
In 2007, an individual income tax hike was supposed to bring in $489.3 million in additional revenues by 2009. In anticipation of this "windfall" from the wealthy, government increased spending by $153.3 million during this time. However, instead of increased revenues, the net revenue from those paying the increased tax dropped by over $800 million. The net result, spending goes up, revenue goes down.
Another item that many picked up on, including national media outlets, is redefining wealth. “They have redefined the term wealth. I guess the millionaires tax out so well, that this time they decided to raise taxes not just on ‘millionaires and billionaires’ but even on ‘thousandaires’, or almost anyone who has a good job,” said Hogan. “This time, if a firefighter is married to a teacher, their income taxes just got raised.”
Despite Governor O'Malley's claims in recent days that less than 1 in 4 will be affected by this latest increase in income taxes, the game of pitting one segment of society against another is just political cover for massive tax increases on everybody.
“The 24 tax increases under his watch have taken $2.3 billion a year out of the pockets of struggling Marylanders and have had a negative impact on every single man woman and child in our state,” added Hogan.
Spending under O'Malley has increased by $6 billion during his term in office - $3,000 per Maryland taxpayer.
###
Background: Larry Hogan on "Varney and Co." Fox Business Network
MBRG: Special Session is Self-Inflicted Wound on Job Growth
May 17, 2012
MBRG: Special Session is Self-Inflicted Wound on Job Growth
Maryland Business for Responsive Government characterized the conclusion of the special session as yet another self-inflicted wound on the state's business climate. The outcome of this special session, enabling the state to collect $264 million in additional revenues, comes mostly through increases in the individual income tax. New tax brackets and reduced exemptions will hit those with annual incomes of $100,000 or greater and comes on the heels of such legendary ill-conceived tax policies including the 2007 tech-tax and its replacement - the millionaire's tax.
"This latest self-inflicted wound on our business climate could have been avoided if our state government lived within its means, " said MBRG President Kimberly M. Burns. "Instead, our top elected officials chose the politically expedient route of continuing government spending at record levels and avoiding the difficult choices required of a fiscally-responsible approach to governing."
Over 80,000 businesses filed S-corporation tax returns in Maryland in 2010, according to the state comptroller's office. Income from S-Corporations, LLCs, and sole proprietorships are taxed at personal income rates. Many businesses will simply reduce employment levels or reduce costs elsewhere.
Robert Bauman, President of Trusted Systems, Inc. in Carroll County, and a member of MBRG, said businesses will adjust to tax increases in any number of ways including layoffs, pay cuts, raising prices or identifying other cost-saving measures.
“Many people don't realize that with this increase in the individual income tax, you are essentially taxing businesses at higher levels as well," said Bauman. "It's foolish to think that won't impact hiring and stunt private sector job growth."
"This latest self-inflicted wound on our business climate could have been avoided if our state government lived within its means, " said MBRG President Kimberly M. Burns. "Instead, our top elected officials chose the politically expedient route of continuing government spending at record levels and avoiding the difficult choices required of a fiscally-responsible approach to governing."
Over 80,000 businesses filed S-corporation tax returns in Maryland in 2010, according to the state comptroller's office. Income from S-Corporations, LLCs, and sole proprietorships are taxed at personal income rates. Many businesses will simply reduce employment levels or reduce costs elsewhere.
Robert Bauman, President of Trusted Systems, Inc. in Carroll County, and a member of MBRG, said businesses will adjust to tax increases in any number of ways including layoffs, pay cuts, raising prices or identifying other cost-saving measures.
“Many people don't realize that with this increase in the individual income tax, you are essentially taxing businesses at higher levels as well," said Bauman. "It's foolish to think that won't impact hiring and stunt private sector job growth."
TIME MACHINE Preview ...
I'm away this week but I've selected some postings from the past year that, perhaps, you may have missed or might like to read again. -tk
Take a look 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!
Take a look 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!
Gumboro MudBog Season Opens
Gumboro Mudbog
Saturday May 5, 2012
Mudbog season is finally here!
All trucks clean and shining....changes for some were made over the winter...and ready to go!
I believe the final count was 72 entries in the various race classes. Keep in mind that some of these driver enter two and three different classes and don't get to finish the racing day due to a malfunction with the truck....such as "The Short and Sassy" which suffered a broken drive shaft (and some other problems) in it's first race of the season.
Now, to set the record straight concerning my thoughts (because I take this crap pretty seriously)... this can happen to any truck at any time. I've seen it happen many times. I'm just glad it happened during the first of the season instead of having accumulated points and be near the season end when points are most important.
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| "Short and Sassy"/ Driver-Owner Barry Wise |
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| "Sod Buster/Driver Barry Long (center) "Wild Fire"/Driver Sonny Sturgis "The Grey Ghost"/Driver Lee Sturgis |
187 East Performance/ Bowden Racing didn't seem the same Saturday without Johnny. It seems Johnny Edwards, driver of "In the Mix", has taken the season off. We're all going to miss him and his family this summer. But at least I know I will leave at the end of the racing day with my nerves in tack. His driving makes me nervous!
On this particular Saturday mudbog history was made at Gumboro. "Wild Fire" and driver Sonny Sturgis made their first venture to the muddy track. Because Sonny wasn't able to drive he designated Donald to drive. Well, the "Mud Doc", I call him, had never driven in the mud. Oh, he's a racer but all of his driving has been done on the dry tracks in places like Delmar.
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| "Wild Fire" w/ Donald Bowden driving |
In case you don't know - Donald has worked on many of the engines in these trucks for many years. He knows engines...he knows racing and how to race....but he's never ventured into the mud.
So, wearing the T-shirt that read "Drive it like you stole it" under his racing suit Donald sets out for his first mud race competion!
If believe this is the Modified Class and Donald ended with a time of 4.56 !! If I'm not correct I'm sure one of them will correct me. What a thrill it was for all of us to see! Here's a guy that has been there for all of us through the years and is always there with us on racing days.
He's seen trucks go into the mud and out of the mud. He's seen them stuck in the mud and he's seen them zig zag and catch fire. But he never had the opportunity to drive....until this Saturday.
I hope he's still smiling........
More photos soon.
Be Sure To Give Chief Sewell A Big Wave....
Taken from "Why Do We Kill?" written by Kelvin Sewell & Stephen JanisCase File 11- pages. 114, 115
Here is a part of what the current Chief Kelvin Sewell says about his first days in Pocomoke. New to Pocomoke, and a Lieutenant with the Pocomoke City Police Department at the time, he had an experience that we all think nothing of.....a simple wave of the hand.
"I was standing outside the Pocomoke City P.D., waiting for a car, I think. As I stood there waiting, I noticed someone across the street waving. Instinctively I turned around to see who the person was waving to.
Suddenly I realized the woman was waving at me.
......That's what crossed my mind when I waved back at the woman in Pocomoke City. It was a good moment: I felt like I was a part of something, a community. That they trusted me."
I hope by now you have read the book and have a true appreciation for what he has written. Pocomoke is like no other town. And Baltimore, even with the beauty that is there, is just different.
I, for one, appreciate the way Chief Sewell feels about the town I grew up in. I miss Pocomoke and times and I'm only a few miles away. And it's always nice to run into him whenever I am in Pocomoke to take photos....because I'm certainly not going to be there to commit a crime!
A few days ago, while driving by the police department I stopped on Second Street to yell a "hello" to Chief Sewell. Councilman Malloy was with me since we were headed to the new restaurant to take photos. Teasingly, I offered the Chief the opportunity to ride along in the back seat....the windows are tinted and no one would be able to see him. He declined so I shared my freshly picked local strawberries with him.
And then on the way home I thought about the woman in his book that had waved to him those few months ago. And I recalled what he had written that led to his confusion in a simple wave. I actually felt a little sad for the Chief. He's probably never been offered strawberries like that before.... Probably the only thing from a car window he has ever witnessed is a gun. That's really sad. Wish I had left the whole quart!
Honestly, Chief Sewell is a wonderful person, is doing a remarkable job and he does like Pocomoke! Be sure to give him a big wave.
All of you locals have seen the new sign in front of the soon to be Police Station. It looks wonderful and I like where it has been placed. Cameras have been placed on the building and from what I could tell on the inside too.
When they make the move from Second Street to Market Street the department will probably the have much needed new furniture and supplies already in place. Pocomoke City Council, at the last meeting, approved a certain dollar amount of to go towards new items.
Photos taken Friday May 11, 2012
Nature Trail Spring Cleaning
Pocomoke Nature Trail Spring Cleaning
By Bill Kerbin
A group of naval personnel from the Surface Warfare Center at Wallops Island was prepared to trek into the Pocomoke nature trail for a cleanup prior to the summer season. Don Malloy, Pocomoke City Council member, said that this is the second year that volunteers from the naval installation have worked to clean up the trail.
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| Pictured are: (left to right) Jonathan Spalding, Melanie Brink, Malloy, David Corey, and David Caison. They spent an afternoon last week cutting out brush and cleaning up the trail. Photo/Bill Kerbin |
GO NAVY!!
Many thanks to Bill Kerbin.
Remembering........
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MR. MAYOR
Former Mayor of Pocomoke City
Curt Lippoldt/ 1986 to 1998
B. May 17, 1926
D. May 18, 2011
"What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." - Helen Keller
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
CRIMINAL ENFORCEMENT TEAM Honored
On May third 2012 Members of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Enforcement Team were honored by the Department of Justice United States Attorney’s Office of the eastern district of Virginia. The U. S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride presided over the ceremonies honoring several Law Enforcement
Officers from Eastern Virginia for the outstanding work they had done solving major crimes in the area.
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Pictured in the back row are U.S. Attorney Neil H. MacBride Deputies Wells, Trader, and Sgt. Passwaters. In front of Sgt. Passwaters is Cpl. Ramey |
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, Sgt. Passwaters, Cpl. Ramey, Deputy First Class Trader, and Deputy First Class Wells, were among the Officers honored for the investigation, arrest, and conviction of several subjects that were distributing drugs in the Maryland and Virginia area.
Operation “Bakers Dozen”, as it was called, initially identified 13 people that were involved together in selling drugs on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The investigation revealed that the drug activity reached into Worcester County Maryland.
Virginia State Police investigators called on the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team to assist them in the investigation and apprehension of subject selling large quantities of drugs in the Maryland Virginia area. The investigation led to more than the original 13 people that were involved in the drug trade.
The major target of the investigation was arrested and charged federally for distribution of controlled dangerous substances. That subject was sentenced to close to 20 years in federal prison for his actions.
-Congratulations. Working together does make a difference.-jmmb
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Press Release
On 05/15/2012 at approximately 1520 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy arrested Jose Deonte Green, 22 years of age, of Leesburg, Virginia for a District Court Arrest Warrant issued for Burglary-1st Degree. Mr. Green was later held at the Worcester County Jail on $10,000 bond.
On 05/15/2012 at approximately 1613 hours, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy arrested Stephen Douglas Cymek, 33 years of age, of Ocean City, Maryland for a District Court Bench Warrant issued for Violation of Probation after being charged with Trespassing. Mr. Cymek was later held at the Worcester County Jail without bail.
On May 8, 2012 at approximately 0729 hours a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy arrested Artilda Frances Purnell of Snow Hill, MD on a District Court Warrant through Somerset County for Failure to appear for court on May4, 2012. Ms. Purnell’s original charges were for uttering a bad check $500.00 plus, and theft less than $1000.00. Ms. Purnell was released on personal recognizance.
On May 12, 2012 at approximately 0908 hours a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy arrested Alvin Eric Church Jr. of Salisbury, MD on a Circuit Court Warrant for Violation of Probation on May 9, 2012. Church’s original charge was theft $1,000.00- $10,000.00. Mr. Church was held at the Worcester County Jail on $2000.00 bond.
On May 13, 2012 at approximately 1109 hours a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy arrested Corey Lonnel Hinmon of Snow Hill, MD on the charges of Second degree assault and reckless endangerment. Mr. Hinmon was held at the Worcester County.
Grand Opening & Open House
NEWS RELEASE
Another Grand Opening & Open House
Pocomoke City –15 May 2012 – Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison proudly announces the grand opening of “Cottage Art by Justine,” an internet-based business featuring eclectic, repurposed, and “up- cycled” items. He is also celebrating the completion of renovations of the recently revamped “Salty Dog Grooming” studio. Both businesses are owned by Justine Oneal.
This Saturday, Oneal will host a joint grand opening and open house, along with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. She is inviting the public to browse her newly renovated building and creative workspace. Local business owners and public officials will be on hand. Food and beverages will be served and a number of exciting door prizes – provided my local downtown businesses – will be distributed. The event begins at 10:00am and will wrap-up by 12:00pm, with the ribbon-cutting scheduled for 10:30am. It will all take place at 21 Clarke Avenue, across the street from City Hall.
Items sold at Cottage Art by Justine include painted and faux-finished furniture, fixtures, frames, accent pieces and other decorative items, along with original paintings. The business also sponsors several artists boasting different techniques, including her artist-in-residence, Annette Hicks. Annette is known locally for her canine portraits, but specializes in all custom portraits and mixed media canvas paintings. A number of original artworks will be on display this Saturday, but a full selection can be found at: www.cottageartbyjustine.com
Salty Dog Grooming is a “doggie day spa” for pampered pets. The spa offers all-breeds grooming by Justine Oneal. At Salty Dog all pampered clients receive “hydrosurge bathing” with specialized shampoos, and plenty of “bling” accompanies all standard service.
Justine has over 30 years experience in the pet care industry. She built and operated for over 16 years a successful resort boarding kennel on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. She also earned her CKO status from the American Boarding and Kennel Association. Salty Dog hours are by appointment only.
Cottage Art’s opening marks another milestone in the city’s efforts to attract new businesses to Pocomoke’s downtown as it repositions itself as a tourist destination. Members of the community who are interested in learning more about either business are encouraged to stop by on Saturday. Those interested in the city’s downtown efforts in general, should contact Angela Manos, at 410-603-1178, or downtownpocomoke@gmail.com
photo/Justine Oneal
Salty Dog Grooming
Cottage Art by Justine
Search For Escaped Inmate In Caroline County
WINDON HAS BEEN APPREHENDED.
WMDT News
WMDT NewsFEDERALSBURG, Md. - Maryland State Police are searching for an escaped inmate.
Police say 32-year-old Jeremiah Windon walked off of a job detail at a farm on Turner Road outside of Federalsburg on Wednesday.
Windon is white, about 6-feet tall, 190 pounds with brown hair and green eyes. He also has a iron cross with wings tattoo on his throat.
Police say he was last seen wearing a beige long sleeved shirt over a green T-shirt and torn blue jeans with brown leather D.O.C. shoes.
Windon is a prisoner at the Church Hill pre-release unit. He is originally from the Cecil County area.
Troopers from the North East barrack are checking locations in Elkton and North East.
Anyone with information on Windon's whereabouts should call the Maryland State Police Easton Barrack at 410-819-4747.
Community Crime Watch Meetings
Please join us at your local Crime Watch meeting; we will have a special presentation by Mr Fred Webster of the Worcester County Emergency Services regarding the 911 Center and Emergency Preparedness.
May 18 Stockton Fire Dept., Stockton Area Crime Watch Meeting
May 16 Germantown, New Bethel Church on Germantown Road, Germantown Area Crime Watch Meeting
May 25 Girdletree Fire Dept., Girdletree Area Crime Watch Meeting
**ALL times are 6 PM**
May 16 Germantown, New Bethel Church on Germantown Road, Germantown Area Crime Watch Meeting
May 25 Girdletree Fire Dept., Girdletree Area Crime Watch Meeting
**ALL times are 6 PM**
Woman Charged in School Bus Crash
Lauren KingThe Virginia Pilot
ACCOMACK COUNTY
No children were injured in a crash involving a school bus this afternoon. (Tuesday)
The crash in the 33000 block of Chincoteague Road occurred at about 3:20 p.m., Virginia State Police said in a news release.
The bus was from the Eastern Shore Agency Head Start.
– Pilot writer Mike Connors contributed to this report.
Source:
Driver Killed In Oak Hall, Virginia Accident
On May 15, 2012, Virginia State Police was called to a two vehicle accident on Route 175 ,Chincoteague Road, half a mile east of Route 13, Lankford Highway.The driver of the Geo Prism, Isabel Blanco, 58 of the 33000 block of Collins Lane in Wattsville, Virginia, suffered life threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the Peninsula Regional Hospital, Salisbury, Maryland. It is unknown if alcohol was a factor, and there was no indication that subject was wearing her safety belt.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
In Case You Missed It: Change Maryland / Larry Hogan
"One of the rituals of summer is the arrival of big-budget blockbuster films to your local neighborhood multiplex. Sequels are a huge source of revenue for Hollywood. Unfortunately, they are a big moneymaker for Maryland’s ruling political establishment in Annapolis as well."
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/may/14/omalleys-ark-of-the-tax-coffer/
Tax Burden
Baltimore Sun 5.13.12
"Change Maryland estimates that the General Assembly has raised taxes or fees 20 times since 2007. Recent examples include an alcohol tax increase and higher toll fares."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/breaking/bs-md-session-taxes-20120510,0,6431836.story
Reliance on Income Tax
Maryland Reporter 5.11.12
"If our elected officials won’t listen to the 96% of Marylanders who are opposed to higher taxes,” Hogan said, “maybe they should at least listen to their own budget analysts who are raising red flags about over-reliance on the income tax.”
http://marylandreporter.com/2012/05/11/maryland-is-too-reliant-on-income-taxes-one-group-says/
Special Session Preview
Examiner.com 5.11.12
"(Hogan) questioned the need for an income tax increase, pointing out the state already has a high reliance on its income tax. Speaking on behalf of the group Change Maryland, he said that the state’s Department of Legislative Services reported the news at length prior to the 2012 session."
http://www.examiner.com/article/picket-line-and-dueling-rallies-to-punctuate-maryland-special-session
Levyland - the "Fee" State
Gazette 5.11.12
"During Gov. O’Malley’s six-year tenure they’ve increased just about every tax and fee on the books, some of them twice! You don’t believe me? Here’s a list compiled by “Change Maryland,” a taxpayers group led by Larry Hogan."
http://www.gazette.net/article/20120511/OPINION/705119665/1033/blair-lee-levyland-the-fee-state&template=gazette
$2 billion / 20 new taxes
Fox 45 5.11.12
"At some point people vote with their feet and they leave."
http://www.foxbaltimore.com/newsroom/top_stories/videos/wbff_vid_13424.shtml
Income Tax Preview
Washington Examiner 5.09.12
"They over-rely on the income tax to support state spending," Hogan said. "Now our elected officials are on the verge of making that problem even worse."
http://washingtonexaminer.com/local/maryland-news/2012/05/maryland-lawmakers-meet-raise-income-taxes-100k-earners/592836
Why Does Annapolis do These Things?
WGMD 5.04.12
"You are warning about one-party government."
http://www.wgmd.com/?p=56058
"Doomsday" Budget: the Aftermath
WCTR 5.04.12
"It's doomsday for those of us who pay taxes."
http://www.wctr.com/uploads/2/9/3/6/2936517/tottmay4.mp3
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changemaryland.org
facebook.com/changemaryland
Restaurant Completion Is Getting Closer......
The New Restaurant
Thursday May 10, 2012
Pocomoke City, Maryland
Finally the day I had been waiting for arrived. All the windows on the restaurant can now be seen as you enter Pocomoke City from the downtown drawbridge. It's just so hard to believe that in December when I took my first photos of this spot along the Pocomoke River there was nothing but dirt and barricades.
Kitchen area
A team of two brothers were working hard in the restroom area when I was there. The other brother said "no" to a photo and that's okay.
Won't be much longer before riverfront dining will be in Pocomoke! I can't wait.
More on the restaurants progress soon............ In the meantime be sure to take a look at all the accomplishments being made downtown. And for those of you that say it isn't, I say downtown Pocomoke IS alive!
And the next time I'm downtown I'm going to have one of those yummy cupcakes from Coles Cakes!
As always, a big thank you to Councilman Malloy for making it possible for me to take these photos. A special thank you to my husband who understands my enthusiasm in documenting changes in Pocomoke City through pictures and who always provides me with nice cameras.
That's all for now.
Virginia Hurrican Preparedness Week .....
Buy emergency supplies, save money during
Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday
No sales tax is charged on the purchase of many items that can be used to prepare homes and businesses and to fill emergency supply kits during Virginia’s Hurricane Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. All retailers participate, according to Virginia law.
Among the items that will be exempt from sales tax are:
- Batteries, including cell phone batteries
- Battery-powered light sources, such as flashlights and lanterns
- Bottled water of all types and sizes, including flavored, carbonated and vitamin waters
- Battery-powered and/or hand-crank radios, including those with electrical power option
- Weather band radios and NOAA Weather Radios
- First aid kits
- Carbon monoxide and smoke detectors
- Fire extinguishers
- Tarps, plastic sheeting, plastic drop cloths, duct tape
- Water storage containers, including coolers, buckets, barrels, canteens
- Storm shutter devices
- Portable generators
“Last year proved that Virginia is not immune from hurricanes and tropical systems,” said Michael Cline, state coordinator for the Virginia Department of Emergency Management. “Five Virginians died as a result of Hurricane Irene in late August, which caused the second-highest number of power outages in Virginia history. Then we were hit by the remnants of Tropical Storm Lee in September that took the lives of five citizens and displaced hundreds more.
Nearly the entire state was affected to some extent, and we were left with millions of dollars in property damage. Everyone should take steps to prepare for this hurricane season.”
Hurricane season starts June 1. Additional information about preparing for hurricane and flooding season is available at www.ReadyVirginia.gov
Monday, May 14, 2012
Peaceful Rally To Be Held In Annapolis
Peacefull Rally In Annapolis Outside the Capital
To Overturn Ruling
Tuesday- May 15, 2012
2:30 until 4:30
100 State Circle
Annapolis, MD
"The goal is to inform the Assembly that we love our dogs, they are part of the family and they have been misinformed and have generalized the breed. We will want to make a good representation for the breed, so we want to make this very peaceful. The best way to show we are responsible dog owners and the wrong end of the leash is being blamed is by remaining calm and show that we are responsible dog parents. By bringing posters with pictures hugging and getting kisses from our babies is best!"
"This ruling will impact not only thousands of “pit bull” dog owners and their landlords, but will spill over onto owners of other dogs and their landlords, onto animal shelters, pet stores, groomers, kennels, veterinarians, and all other animal service providers."
Local Post Offices Facing Hour Reductions
Buckling under pressure from Congress, the US Postal Service has dropped plans to close several thousand money-losing rural mail stations. Instead, plans are now to reduce hours on the rural facilities to offset the costs of keeping them open.Eastern Shore Post Offices which are planned to have hours reduced are Assawoman, Atlantic, Capeville, Craddockville, Franktown, Greenbackville, Greenbush, Hallwood, Harboton, Horntown, Jamesville, Keller, Locustivlle, Machipongo, Mappsville, Nelsonia, Pungoteague, Quinby, Saxis, Tangier, Tasley, Temperanceville, Townsend, Wachapreague, Willis Wharf and Withams.
Most of the offices will be cut from 8 hours of operation each day to either 6 or mostly likely 4.
A full list of the Post Offices facing hour reductions can be found below.
More Information Full list of Post Services facing reduced hours
Source:
Downtown Pocomoke City- The New Mini-park
Pocomoke City Downtown Coordinator, Angela Manos, has done a wonderful, (actually amazing) job with turning her ideas into realities for downtown Pocomoke.
If you haven't traveled downtown lately maybe you should............
There's so much to see. Plenty of stores to shop!
Photos of the mini-park. Market Street and Second Street.
In no time the memories of this lot being empty will be filled with all varieties of summer blossoms.
However, someone to put in a walkway is seriously needed.
Any takers?
If you haven't traveled downtown lately maybe you should............
There's so much to see. Plenty of stores to shop!
Photos of the mini-park. Market Street and Second Street.
However, someone to put in a walkway is seriously needed.
Any takers?
Change Maryland
Change Maryland Releases Tax/Fee Increases
Under O'Malley Administration
5.11.12
Annapolis, MD - Change Maryland, a non-partisan grassroots organization, released today a list of tax and fee increases from 2007 to 2012 that shows levies have been raised a staggering 20 times with a $2 billion annual impact to taxpayers. Ranging from the $603 million sales tax increase in 2007, to more modest measures such as the $2.5 million 2011 fee increase for vanity license plates, the list also includes off-the-books revenue collections such as last year's record toll increases imposed by the Maryland Transportation Authority.
"For years now, our elected officials have not listened to the 96% of Marylanders who oppose higher taxes," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "Gov. Martin O'Malley was not elected saying 'I'd like to drastically increase state spending and raise taxes on struggling Marylanders.' He ran on a false claim of fiscal responsibility, and we had the wool pulled over our eyes."
The state's budget has grown $1.2 billion a year, on average - from $28.8 billion in 2007 to $34.7 billion in 2012. While the Governor has claimed $7.5 billion in cuts during his term in office, the numbers simply don't add up. Moreover, the aftermath of the special session next week is likely to result in higher individual income taxes with which to continue government spending at levels the one-party monopoly finds politically appealing.
The Change Maryland Tax and Fee fact sheet details measures including the expired millionaire's tax and the ill-conceived computer services tax - a case study in 11th-hour legislating and a nationally-recognized embarrassment. Although one expired and the other was repealed, these two measures branded Maryland as a non-business-friendly state generating national headlines.
A May report by Chief Executive Magazine ranks Maryland the 40th best state for business. Maryland's dismal ranking is due to income-tax increases on the middle class which adversely impacts businesses, according to the magazine. The latest among a dozen such studies, there is ample evidence that Maryland's ability to create private sector jobs is threatened by a hostile tax environment.
"All Marylanders - Republicans, Democrats and Independents - suffer when the professional politicians and the special interest groups go unchecked and continue to push the same failed tax and spend policies, year after year," Hogan said.
Addressing the Governor's press conference this week to announce the special session, Hogan noted a flurry of statistics the Administration selected in attempting to justify raising the income tax.
"We increased spending more than 46 other states and O'Malley says that's not enough," Hogan said. "We are number four in total tax burden, which he must think is too low. The state's own budget analysts said our income tax is already second in the nation. O'Malley is moving Maryland forward to number one in every objective measure of taxation levels."
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Background: MD Taxes Fees Fact Sheet
http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/MD-Taxes-Fees-Fact-Sheet.pdf
www.changemaryland.org
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