Maryland State Police Investigate Death of a Delaware Woman

(Whaleyville, MD) – Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit are investigating the murder of a woman found in an embankment off of a dirt road in Worcester County.

The victim is identified as Nicole Bennett, 35, of the 33,000 block of Windswept Drive in Millsboro, Delaware. Bennett was found deceased and lying in an embankment off of a dirt road in Worcester County, in an area where there are no homes in the immediate vicinity. Bennett’s body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy. The cause of death has not yet been determined.

Shortly before 9:00 a.m. today, Worcester Central received a 9-1-1 call reporting the body of an unidentified woman found deceased on Swamp Road, a dirt road east of Nelson Road. The caller told police he was in the area walking when he noticed the woman’s body lying in an embankment which slopes downward from the roadway.

During the course of the initial investigation, police learned Bennett was the subject of a missing person’s case being investigated by the Delaware State Police. Bennett’s husband had called 9-1-1 at about 8:00 a.m. this morning reporting his wife missing after not coming home from work the night before.

According to the missing person report and family members, Bennett had a rose tattoo on the inside of her right ankle. The woman found in the embankment had the same rose tattoo as verified by Delaware State Police and Bennett’s family.

A family member told police they had last heard from Bennett on the night of June 14, 2012. At this time, a monetary reward is being offered to anyone with information leading to the arrest of the individual(s) responsible for Bennett’s murder. Calls are being taken by the Worcester County Lower Eastern Shore Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776. Calls will remain confidential.

Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office, investigators from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, Delaware State Police and the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit responded to the scene. Crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Forensic Sciences Division responded to gather evidence. The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Wicomico County Bureau of Investigation, and the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation have also been assisting with the investigation.

As of this update, Maryland law enforcement is taking the lead on this case. Delaware State Police are assisting in the investigation. Police are interviewing suspects while the investigation continues...

Random Photos From the Cypress Festival 2012

37th Annual Cypress Festival

Pocomoke City, Maryland

2012

The New Pocomoke Restaurant...Just a Little More Time

The New Pocomoke City Restaurant

Downtown Pocomoke City, Maryland

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

If you've been downtown within the past few days you would have noticed the beautiful landscaping that has been done around the restaurant.

Just a few short weeks ago the brick pavers had just arrived and workers were busy at the job of arranging the walkways and tamping the bricks into place. Now all the mud that has been there all these weeks is coverd with grass and attractive shrubs and foliage outline the building.

Even the area below the Delmarva Discovery Center got some special attention!

Who's responsible for all this magnificent landscaping??
Douglas Guns, the Superintendent of the Winters Quarters Golf Course, and his marvelous crew along with Pocomoke City Public Works crew!! Along with the landscaping they paved an area next to the drawbridge so the Pocomoke Vol. Fire Co. can access a dry hydrant located on the docks.

Beautiful job!

Another good indication that it won't be long before many of us will be dining in the new restaurant and enjoying the view of the Pocomoke River. I will keep you posted on any updates.

National Flag Week /4

NATIONAL FLAG WEEK

CYPRESS PARK

POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND

The only time a flag should be allowed to twist and turn is when it dances in the wind.B



What you may not know:

Superintendent Bill East of the Dept. of Public Works for Pocomoke City along with his crew are responsible for the large flag in Cypress Park and the flags displayed along the sidewalk in downtown Pocomoke City.

Bill tries to keep two flags on hand at all times in case one becomes damaged. He tries to make sure the flag has been taken down when high winds are predicted so there will be no damage to the flag or the pole. But Eastern Shore weather is not always pretictable and it's not always convenient to lower a 20' x 30' American flag under any circumstances. Flags of this size are pricey Bill and his crew, because of their special care for the flag, are helping to save the city tax dollars and always making sure that we are able to enjoy the greatest symbol of our country.

Thanks Bill! And thank you to your crew of great workers who make sure the American flag is protected. It is always the first thing I look for when I am downtown...before the red light!

New Church Man Convicted Of Drugs and Weapons Charges

By

Connie Morrison

Terrell Charles Thomas, of New Church, was convicted in Accomack County Circuit Court of drug and weapons charges. The charges stem from an incident in November 2011 during which members of the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force attempted to stop Mr. Thomas after receiving information by telephone about possible drug activity.

According to those officers, Mr. Thomas attempted to elude them and instead ended up in the median of US13 just south of Ts Corner. Mr. Thomas left the vehicle on foot, crossed north-bound traffic on US13, and ran between two buildings. Officers pursued on foot, and were able to apprehend Mr. Thomas. They then recovered two loaded 22-caliber pistols that Mr. Thomas had discarded during the chase, and recovered crack cocaine from Mr. Thomass Lexus.

The defense attempted to show that the cocaine did not belong to Mr. Thomas, arguing that he had purchased the vehicle less than 48 hours before the incident, and did not know the drugs were in the vehicle. Judge Frederick Lowe, however, found that the Commonwealth had met its burden of proof and found Mr. Thomas guilty. He was remanded to jail to await sentencing in this case and in another case of cocaine possession for which he was convicted in February.

Source:

The 37th Annual Cypress Festival

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Wednesday June 13
Gates & Ride Open 6 – 10pm
YMCA NIGHT

6:00pm Flag Day Ceremony (Elks & Cub Scouts)
6:00pm Opening Ceremonies (Chamber & City Officials)
6:30pm Little Miss & Miss Cypress Festival Contest
8:00pm Feet of Fire Dance School Demo

Thursday June 14
Gates & Rides Open 6 – 10pm

7:00pm Pocomoke Karate & Judo Demo
8:00pm Pocomoke Idol Contest W/ MC John Phoebus

Friday June 15
Gates & Rides Open 6 – 10pm

6:00pm Midnight Country Express Band

Saturday June 16
Gates & Rides Open 12 – 10pm

8:00am YMCA Triathlon
**50/50 Duck Derby Race $1.OO a Duck or 6 for $5.00
4:00pm Dance Loft Demo
6:00pm Front Page News Band
10:00pm Fireworks

Have You Taken Your Boater's Safety Course?

If you're a boater under 30

READ THIS

Before you head out on the water, take a boating safety course! Virginia's Boating Safety Education Compliance Requirement states boaters must take a boating safety education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and accepted by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (VDGIF). The requirement has been phased-in by age group and category since 2009 and will continue to be phased-in over the next several years.

Currently, PWC (jet ski) operators age 50 and younger and motorboat operators 20 and younger who operate boats with motors of 10 horsepower and greater must complete a boating safety education course and have such proof in their possession while operating a boat or PWC.

On July 1, 2012, the law requires all PWC operators, and motorboat operators age 30 and younger who operate boats with motors of 10 horsepower and greater to have completed a boating safety education course and carry such proof in their possession while operating the vessel.

Boaters can take a classroom course, an internet course, or a challenge exam to meet the requirement. Classroom courses are taught by volunteer instructors throughout the state. There are several internet courses that are accepted by the VDGIF. Once you take a course, carry your course completion certificate or wallet card with you while operating a PWC or motorboat.

For boaters who have taken a boating safety course in the past, our optional Lifetime Virginia Boating Safety Education Card is available. This durable, drivers-license-styled card is available for a fee of $10.00. You can get an application by visiting our website: www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating/lifetime-boater-card/

To learn more about boating laws in Virginia, and about boating safety education courses, visit the Department's website at www.dgif.virginia.gov/boating.

Source:

Flag Day Ceremony 2012 / Cypress Park

FLAG DAY CEREMONY

Wednesday June 13, 2012

Cypress Festival

The Pocomoke Elks Lodge along with Cub Scout Troop 143 participated in theFlag Day Ceremony on opening night of the Annual Cypress Festival. Troop 143, you did an outstanding job!

American flag proudly waves from Tower 1 aerial truck of the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company

American flag as it waves in Cypress Park, Pocomoke City, Maryland; at dusk

The Annual Cypress Festival continues tonight through Saturday night.

Schedule of events: http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2012/06/37th-annual-cypress-festival.html

TIME MACHINE Preview ... An Eastern Shore Banquet!

The Banquet- 1914 ... "nearly every dish served will carry the name of the county it represents."

1887 (Eastern Shore food) ... "The choicest things of life flourish here with a luxuriance that few, if any sections of the country can match."

It's 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!

MarVa Theater This Weekend

THIS WEEKEND !

Friday, June 15, 2012

Saturday, June 16, 2012

7 PM

$5.00 Admission

www.marvatheater.com

**DONATIONS NEEDED**

The SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia

is having a

YARD SALE

Saturday June 23, 2012

8 am until NOON

Onley, Virginia

**DONATIONS ARE STILL NEEDED**

They are still in need of furniture, tooLs, kitchen items, clothes, electronics, collectibles, etc

You can drop donated items off Tuesday thru Saturday (10AM to 3 PM)

For more information call: 757-787-7385

THANK YOU FOR HELPING

OUR CATS AND OUR DOGS.

Rocket Week Launching at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility

WASHINGTON -- Students and educators from across the country will experience what it is like to be a rocket scientist during "Rocket Week," June 16–22, at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Va.

More than 100 participants will receive hands-on training in building payloads for spaceflight, learn the basics of rocketry and develop activities for the classroom through the fifth annual RockOn! workshop for university-level participants and the concurrent second annual Wallops Rocket Academy for Teachers and Students (WRATS) for high school teachers.

"RockOn! and WRATS provide a unique experience for students, faculty and teachers to understand the importance of a sounding rocket suborbital launch and the value of science that is collected," said Joyce Winterton, senior advisor for education and leadership development at Wallops. "Both opportunities demonstrate the practical application of science, technology, engineering and mathematics."

About 40 participants will build standardized experiments that will fly on a NASA Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket set to launch between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m. EDT June 21. The 35-foot-tall rocket is expected to fly to an altitude of about 75 miles. After launch and payload recovery, the participants will conduct preliminary data analysis and discuss their results.

In addition to the nine workshop-built experiments, eight custom-built experiments also will fly on the rocket inside a payload canister known as RockSat-C. These experiments were developed at universities that previously participated in a RockOn! workshop.

The WRATS program gives high school teachers a technical flight experience to reinforce science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) concepts they teach in their classrooms. During the week, 13 teachers from 12 states will learn about the dynamics of rocketry and the science gained from suborbital sounding rockets. They also will attend the June 21 sounding rocket launch.

The programs continue NASA's investment in the nation's education programs by supporting the goal of attracting and retaining students in STEM disciplines critical to future space exploration.

RockOn! is conducted in coordination with the Colorado and Virginia Space Grant consortia. Supported by the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program in NASA's Office of Education, it is designed to provide participants an introduction to building small experiments that can be launched on sounding rockets. The RockOn! and WRATS workshops are supported by the agency's Sounding Rocket Program at Wallops.

For more information on RockOn! and RockSat, visit:

http://spacegrant.colorado.edu/rockon

For more information about the WRATS programs, visit:

http://education.wff.nasa.gov

For more information about NASA's education programs visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education

NATIONAL FLAG WEEK/3

NATIONAL FLAG WEEK

Photo was taken from inside the restaurant on March 16, 2012. I couldn't wait for the windows to be installed to take this photo! B

Here's some flag news you may not know.....

The American flag in Cypress Park measures 20' x 30'. Although the flags have never been weighed it is guessed that any of the flags will weigh close to 60 pounds. It takes at least three men to handle a flag of this size making sure it never touches the ground. The term for the task of raising and lowering the flag is "striking the colors". (please correct me if this is incorrect)

Maryland Spending Growth Highest in Region

Maryland Spending Growth Highest in Region

6.13.12

Annapolis, MD - A report issued yesterday underscores again

dramatic spending growth in Maryland, where the budget has increased

more than any other state on the eastern seaboard and the mid-Atlantic

region. Nationally, the rate of growth is higher than all but five other states,

according to the non-partisan National Governor's Association which

compares state general fund budgets from fiscal years 2011 to 2013.

"What happens when you increase spending by more than most other
states and you pass 24 tax and fee hikes? You end up having the
biggest job loss in the nation," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry
Hogan, referring to the latest U.S. Department of Labor report which
showed Maryland leading the nation in lost jobs.

The report, issued twice a year by the National Governor's Association
and the National Association of State Budget Officers, details budget
levels among the fifty states. Taking into account the last two years
and the next fiscal year's budget, Maryland's 15.5% growth contradicts
numbers the O'Malley Administration pointed to just six months ago.
At that time the spending increase was 11.4% between fiscal years
2011and 2012, which the Administration tried to dismiss due to
expiring federal stimulus dollars.

An O'Malley Administration spokesperson said in November that,
"Maryland has increased general fund spending more slowly over the
last two years than most of our neighbors."

"Once again, the Administration is making it up as they go," said
Hogan. This is just like the fictional $8 billion in 'cuts' the
Administration claims to have made. Fortunately, a non-partisan
organization, of which the Governor is a member, provides some
much-needed facts."

The total operating budget has grown from $28.8 billion in 2007 to
$35.5 billion today. The general fund accounts for discretionary
spending funded by state tax dollars.

The report adjusts budget numbers with each issue based on estimated
versus actual spending. The average budget growth among all states
from 2011 to 2013 is 5.5%.

###

Background:

"Fiscal Survey of the States," Spring 2012 page 7, table 6.
http://www.nasbo.org/sites/default/files/Spring%202012%20Fiscal%20Survey%20of%20States.pdf


Baltimore Sun "Maryland Budget Increase Highest in Region"
http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/business/hancock/blog/2011/11/maryland_budget_increase_highe.html

Former Firefighter Convicted in Northampton Circuit Court

By

Connie Morrison

Tevin Delray Doughty was sentenced on June 11 in Northampton County Circuit Court for credit card fraud and obtaining a credit card number without permission of the owner. He was convicted in February, and has been out on bond awaiting sentencing.

Prior to his conviction, Mr. Doughty had been a volunteer firefighter, achieving certification to operate all the fire apparatus. He was also working to become a certified EMT at the time charges were filed. Mr. Doughty tried to get the charges reduced to misdemeanors, so that he could still become an EMT, but Commonwealths Attorney Bruce Jones said the victim was not in favor of a reduction of charges. Jeff Flournoy of the Eastern Shore 911 Commission testified as a character witness for the defense, saying that Mr. Doughty was respected at the firehouse and in the community, and the charges took everyone by surprise.

Perhaps the one person who was not surprised was Judge Glen A. Tyler. Citing Mr. Doughty's criminal record, he said there must be two personalities operating: one that is seen by the criminal justice system, and one seen by the general public. He added that the community has a high regard for fire fighters and EMTs, and there is a reason people with felony convictions cannot serve in those capacities: they do not warrant the trust of the public.

Judge Tyler sentenced Mr. Doughty to 5 years on each count, to run concurrently, with all but 8 months suspended and restitution of $656.

Source:

From The Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

PRESS RELEASE

Incident: Assault on Police and Disorderly Conduct
Location of Crime: Rt 113 and Goody Hill Road, Newark, Maryland
Suspects: Thomas Anthony Honaker Age 18, Bel-Air, Maryland

Charges: 2^nd Degree Assault, Disorderly Conduct, and Resisting Arrest

On June 9, 2012, a Worcester County Deputy was dispatched to the area of Route 113 and Goody Hill Road, Newark, Maryland in reference to a reported passed out male on the shoulder of the roadway. Upon the deputy’s arrival, he observed several vehicles stopped on the shoulder of the roadway. The deputy attempted to make contact with the subject who was identified as Thomas Honaker, age 18 of Bel-Air, Maryland. Mr. Honaker then ran from the deputy and attempted to enter a bystander’s vehicle. As the deputy approached Mr. Honaker again, Mr. Honaker began kicking the deputy and refused to comply with verbal commands. Mr. Honaker was subsequently arrested and charged with 2^nd Degree Assault, Resisting Arrest and Disorderly Conduct. Mr. Honaker released pending trial.

Suspect: Orion Christopher Conway 22 yrs old
Berlin, MD

Charge: Violation of Probation (2cnts) Original Charges: Burglary 4^th Degree and Theft under $1,000

On Friday June 08, 2012 the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested 22 year old Orion Christopher Conway of Williams St Berlin, Maryland for two outstanding Circuit Court Bench Warrants for Violation of Probation on original charges 1) Burglary 4^th Degree and 2) Theft under $1,000. Conway was process and held in the Worcester County Jail on a bond total amount of $50,000.00.

Suspect: William Arthur Sargent IV, 31 yrs old

W. Ocean City, MD

Charge: Two counts of Theft under $100

On Friday June 08,2012 the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office arrested William Arthur Sargent IV, of Swordfish Drive West Ocean City, Maryland on two counts of theft under $100.

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call to respond to the area of the West Ocean City Park & Ride for a purse that had been stolen from a female victim. Several calls came in by citizens in the area giving a suspect description. While Sheriff’s Units were in the area a report came in that the suspect was last seen climbing over a fence near the Francis Scott Key motel. A Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputy responded to the area and apprehended the suspect, who later admitted to stealing the purse and the money that was inside of it. The money was recovered and turned over to the victim. Mr. Sargent was transported to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office where he was processed and charged with two counts of theft under $100. Mr. Sargent was seen by a District Court Commissioner and was later released on personal recognizance.

2012 Yappy Hour Fundraiser

WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE & SUNSET GRILLE
INVITE YOU TO
YAPPY HOUR FUNDRAISER 2012

WEDNESDAY JUNE 13^th, 2012
4:00pm – 8:00pm
SUNSET GRILLE, SUNSET AVE. WEST OCEAN CITY

FOR TICKETS OR MORE INFORMATION
PLEASE CALL HEATHER @ (c) 410.430.9405 (w) 410.632.1112

ADULTS (Food Only) - $15 ** ADULTS (Food & Beverages) - $20
KIDS (Food Only) - $8
Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Pork BBQ, BBQ Chicken,
Corn on the Cob, Potato Salad & Watermelon

FOOD * BEVERAGES * ENTERTAINMENT * PRIZES * FUN

* K9 Water Tricks by Delmarva Dock Dogs * Pictures * BAND * Silent Auction *
* Special Guest Mitch Fletcher from K9 Heeling - As Seen on Animal Planet * 50/50 *
* K-9 Demonstration by Worcester County Sheriff’s Office * K-9 t-shirts for sale *
100% of all ticket & auction sales benefit
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Unit!
All food & beverages donated by Sunset Grille.

Opening Night ~ Pocomoke Cypress Festival 2012

Wednesday June 13, 2012
6:00 PM
Flag Day Ceremony - with the Elks and Boy Scouts- will take place in Cypress Park during the opening ceremonies of the annual Cypress Festival.

Photo by Councilman Rob Clarke- View of the American flag from the new restaurant

~Wednesday Night Schedule~

June 13
Gates & Ride Open 6 – 10pm
YMCA NIGHT

6:00pm Flag Day Ceremony (Elks & Cub Scouts)
6:00pm Opening Ceremonies (Chamber & City Officials)
6:30pm Little Miss & Miss Cypress Festival Contest
8:00pm Feet of Fire Dance School Demo

Full Cypress Festival Schedule will be posted tomorrow.

National Flag Week ~ 2012

American flag in Cypress Park

Pocomoke City, Maryland

National Flag Week ~2012

In Case You Missed It: Change Maryland / Larry Hogan

O'Malley Channels Elvis


The Washington Times 6.08.12

"Elvis Presley’s motto was 'Taking Care of Business.' But looking at Mr. O'Malley’s record, the evidence is clear that he has neglected Maryland’s business climate."

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2012/jun/8/omalley-channels-elvis/

Maryland Residents Leaving for Virginia

Right Coast Conservative 6.07.12

http://rightcoastconservative.blogspot.com/2012/06/perspective-maryland-residents-leaving.html

Maryland Tax Base Flees to Virginia

Richmond Times-Dispatch 6.04.12

"The other day, Larry Hogan, chairman of a nonpartisan group called Change Maryland, penned a piece for Reason magazine...But Maryland's tax-happy governor doesn't seem to have gotten the hint."

http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/rtd-opinion/2012/jun/04/tdopin01-md-versus-va-ar-1962978/

Driving Jobs to Virginia

Reason.com 5.30.12

"An advertisement now running in Maryland's second-largest newspaper asks, 'relocating to Virginia?'"

http://reason.com/blog/2012/05/30/larry-hogan-on-how-marylands-tax-rates-a

Maryland's Tax Rates

Real Clear Politics 5.30.12

http://www.realclearpolitics.com/2012/05/30/maryland039s_tax_rates_are_driving_jobs_to_virginia_281149.html

Change Maryland Releases Updated Tax List

SBY News 5.22.12

"The tax and fee list comes on the heels of a dire U.S. Department of Labor April report in which Maryland led the nation in job loss."

http://sbynews.blogspot.com/2012/05/change-maryland-releases-updated-tax.html


Taxes and Fees

WBAL Ch. 11 TV 5.22.12

"According to Change Maryland... the General Assembly has raised taxes and fees 24 times since 2007. Change Maryland amounts the annual impact on taxpayers at $2.4 billion."

http://www.wbaltv.com/news/politics/Maryland-Gov-Martin-O-Malley-signs-chicken-arsenic-ban-tax-laws/-/9379266/13631570/-/b1vgtoz/-/index.html


Taxed to Death in Maryland? A new Study Supports That

WMAL 630 AM 5.21.12

"Larry Hogan of Change Maryland, says Maryland Needs to Change."

http://www.changemaryland.org/2012/05/chairman-hogan-on-wmal/#.T9O7iLBST3Q

Melson Power Show ~ Sand Drag Event Winner

The winner of the $500 cash prize in the Sand Drag Event held at Melson Power Show on Saturday, June 9, 2012 was Barry Wise.

Driver/Owner Barry Wise ~ "Short and Sassy"

Thanks for your support - Lee, Chuck, Bart, Chuck,Jr., Wright Townsend, Jack Shockley (Snow Hill) @ Vertical Services, Inc., Roger Evans, 187 East Performance, Seaside Repair and Pit Crew for the evening Michelle and Aaron.

More to be posted soon.

National Flag Week 2012

This week is National Flag Week and all this week I have decided to post photos taken of the American flag that is located downtown Pocomoke City in Cypress Park.

These photos today were taken by Councilman Rob Clarke.

Titled:

"Reflections on Pocomoke........
...reflections on a new day for Pocomoke City."

Image of the American flag in downtown Pocomoke Cypress Park as it reflects in the windows of the restaurant that is nearly completed across the street.

Many thanks Councilman Rob Clarke.

Pocomoke Budget Proposes 7-cent Property Tax Increase

Written by

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- In presenting his proposed budget for fiscal year 2013, City Manager Russell W. Blake is calling for an increase of 7 cents to 82 cents per $100 valuation in the owner-occupied property tax rate.

However, he assured property owners they would not see an increase in their tax bills because the assessments have decreased.

He is also recommending a 10-cent increase in the tax rate for commercial properties, to 90 cents per $100. Other rates including those for business corporations, railroads, utilities and manufacturing equipment would remain the same.

Other rates impacting nearly all city residents, the water and sewer rates, will not be increased in the coming year. The rates are remaining stable even though the new upgrade to the sewer plant will be operational July 1, creating additional costs.

Costing $4 million to construct, the plant cost the town $102,078; the rest is being covered by grants. The half-million dollar ultraviolet project, a part of the new plant, will also be 90 percent funded by grants. That project will save the town $40,000 per year.

Some other major projects are the new police headquarters and the new restaurant on the Pocomoke River. The construction cost of the restaurant is 80 percent covered by grants. Plans call for covering the cost of a loan for the balance with rental income from the occupant.

A long-term low interest loan from the United States Department of Agriculture will cover most of the police building cost.

At $115,000, room taxes in town have grown to become a major source of revenue. Another major source is septic truck haulers. Coming mostly from Virginia, they are expected to pay the town about $330,000. The manager is planning on a $400,000 contribution from Worcester County in undesignated economic development funds.

With the county expected to contribute $415,500 toward funding the ambulance department, Blake expects it to be self-sustaining. The town is also planning to purchase a new ambulance, using a $50,000 USDA grant and a loan of about $150,000.

Another large capital purchase in the budget is a new trash truck at an estimated cost of $140,000. The present truck having been paid off three years ago, this one will be financed by a new loan.

Some other grants in the budget include: $140,000 for radio read water meters for the first phase of the town, $25,000 for a new police car and $57,500 for downtown improvements and for a new projector for the Mar-Va Theater.

Other economic ideas proposed by Blake include $20,000 budgeted for a part-time employee who is concentrating on downtown and other economic development issues (coming from a special downtown business account); and the suggestion that the city look into building a new shell building at the Industrial Park. However, this is not included in the budget.

Blake said the proposed budget is balanced at nearly $8.3 million, including water and sewer, ambulance and general funds.

Source:

Rides Wristbands for Cypress Festival On Sale

Rides wristbands for the 2012 Cypress Festival will be on sale at a discounted price at the Chamber office:

Monday ~ June 11, 2012

2:00 until 4:00

**Tuesday ~ June 12, 2012**

12:00 until 2:00

Tuesday will be the last day to purchase wristbands for a discounted price.
**NOTE that these hours have changed from what was posted previously**