Pocomoke Christmas Parade 2012 ~ "Winter Wonderland" (PHOTOS)

POCOMOKE CITY'S 40TH ANNUAL

 CHRISTMAS PARADE

Forty years later....some things never change.......I miss my kids on this night for one thing.  And I suppose I am like everyone else who, a few days before parade day begins to take the weather forecast seriously.  Then,  on the day of the parade,  waiting for the go-ahead if the weather is iffy on parade day.  This year with almost a full moon overhead, clear skies and no wind made a perfect evening! 

This year I opted to stand downtown...something I haven't done in many years due to the rough crowds after parade time.  Wow!  What a difference this year was from years gone by.  I never heard a terse word from the crowd, no pushing, no arguing and actually felt very comfortable and completely safe.  Thank you to the police departments that patrolled the area constantly that evening.

Mike Shannon and all those that are on the parade committee did another wonderful job this year organizing the Pocomoke parade.  Being reponsible for the largest nighttime parade on Delmarva year after year can not be easy.  Fantastic job!!

PHOTOS- Not in any order

Pocomoke City Police Dept. Color Guard

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Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Co.

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MarVa Theater Entry

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Judges Choice Award went to ECI for their amazing float Ice Age - complete with snow! And bubbles!

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There's more............

Accomack County Arsons

Posted below is the Press Release from the state and local investigators concerning the serial arsonist in Accomack County.  It highlights what type of person they think this person may be.

For the past few days there has been much speculation among citizens  as to who this person(s) in the Accomack County area could be.  I have gathered information from my many posts on here and feel the need to try to bring all of this up to speed the best I possibly can.  Maybe this will help squash any rumors that may be still floating around.....

David Clifton Parks

David C. Parks was arrested and sentenced for the many fires he set in Wicomico County in 2006.  He was a fireman and it was once believed that Parks had set fire to the Bloxom firehouse but later confirmed that he did not.  A resident of Melfa, Vriginia at the time.  He was sentenced to 8 yr. in jail with 3 yrs. probation but was released before  all time was served.  (I am

Sheephouse Rd. Barn Fire
Photo Wor. Co. Fire Marshall's Office

sure this was within the legal guide lines)   In April 2012, in an investigation by the Worcester County Fire Marshall's Office, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation and Virginia State Police, Parks was arrested once again for arson and other charges.  To the best of my knowledge he remains in the Worcester County Jail with a trial in January 2013.

Red Hill
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There were two barn fires.  There were also numerous fires around Accomack County during April and to my knowledge no arrests have been made.  One of those fires including the burning of the wooded area located in the Red Hills area.

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James M. Wood

James. M. Wood was arrested along with three juveniles for setting fires between September 23 and November 30, 2011.

Fires they were charged with:

Sept. 23 – 26000 block of Saxis Road
Oct. 16 – Stump Town Road
Oct. 24 – Hammock Road
Nov. 26 – Wessells Farm Road
Nov. 30 – 23000 block of Belinda Road

House Fire/Saxis Road
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Two of the fires occurred in vacant houses and the other three were brush fires.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fires.

Photo on right was once a general store and until it was burned was home for seasonal workers and only occupied a few weeks during the summer months.  Since the fire the area has been cleaned and all debris was removed. 

I have no record to indicate that Wood and the three juveniles have been to court on this matter.

REPOST

STATE AND LOCAL INVESTIGATORS PURSUING LEADS IN
SEARCH FOR ACCOMACK COUNTY SERIAL ARSONIST

$5,000 Reward for InformationVSP arson investigators and the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office are working several new leads in their efforts to identify and apprehend a serial arsonist at work in Accomack County. Since Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, through the morning of Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, a total of 20 abandoned structures have been destroyed by fire at various locations within the Eastern Shore county. There were no fires set overnight Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, or overnight Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

The locations of the arsons have ranged from Melfa to Parksley to Oak Hall. The fires target abandoned structures, to include vacated houses, abandoned barns and even chicken coops. The fires have been set any time between 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. in the morning. No injuries or deaths have resulted from the fires.

"The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police have received a significant number of tips related to these arsons," said Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin. "We want to thank the many residents who have reached out to us in the past week with information. As a result of the public’s overwhelming response and assistance, we have developed several strong leads we are currently pursuing at this time."

Investigators are still encouraging anyone with information about the fires or recalls seeing any vehicles or individual(s) near the destroyed structures is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or at (757) 424-6820; or contact the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131.

"Based on our ongoing investigation, we feel certain that the person or persons responsible for these fires is a resident of Accomack County and is known to local residents," said Capt. Tim Reibel, Commander of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Chesapeake Field Office. "This individual is going to be coming and going at different hours of the night, may be acting differently in his or her behavior, and will probably show an unusual interest in media coverage of the fires and/or consistently steer conversations to talking about the fires."

Information that leads to an arrest and conviction could result in an award of up to $5,000 from the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (http://www.vaiaai.com/

1-Year Anniversary For Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

**It is an honor for me to post this**

Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

One year Report Card – A+

Upon the one (1) year anniversary as Chief of Police for Pocomoke City on December 01, 2012 I would like to share with you some of the accomplishments I am expressly proud of in the reduction of crime this past year. This reduction is due to officers being more visible in the public’s eye by getting out of their patrol vehicles and being more pro-active and approachable in the Communities in what was once our high crime areas. Due to the increased Omni-presence, crime in the below listed categories has taken a significant decrease:

 Murders decreased by 200%

 Robberies decreased by 50%

 Thefts & Larcenies decreased by 87%

 Burglaries decreased by 64%

With the acquisition of a new police department building and the re-invention of the wheel with a superior Chain of Command leadership and thoroughness of report writing it is certainly a command presence within the agency. Officers are working diligently, effectively and aggressively every day to make the Pocomoke City Police Department one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the State of Maryland.


Our Mission for the Pocomoke City Police Department members is dedicated to providing the highest quality police services in order to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and reduce crime and the fear of crime. To do this, we pledge to develop a partnership  with the community, lead a community commitment to resolve problems, and improve the safety and quality of life in our city. We will perform our duties with honesty, zeal, courage, discretion, fidelity, and sound judgment. It is essential that all members of the Pocomoke City Police Department  remember that in the execution of their duties they act not for themselves but for the good of the public. It is our Duty to Serve, an Honor to Protect.                                 

Under the leadership of Chief Kelvin Sewell the Pocomoke City Police members have found an invigorating atmosphere conducive to optimal professionalism among the ranks. The pride within the department runs rampant and the officer’s attentiveness and thorough observations as a combined patrol effort have greatly improved crime in Pocomoke City. Chief Sewell has a certain flair which radiates confidence among his officers and with his vast experience in law enforcement in all areas of criminal justice his experience is a wealth of knowledge. Chief Sewell’s applications of new divisions and operations have kindled a fire within the department to push beyond the norm and reach out to all areas of the community to increase public awareness and confidence.

Chief Sewell has connected with outside agencies and engaged in close working relationships to provide a thorough knowledge of County crime trends and pro-active events that will benefit Pocomoke City. By working together with outside agencies a wealth of information and assistance is available while working towards a common goal of a safer and brighter community, county wide.

Reference Contacts:
Sheriff Reggie Mason -  Worcester County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Todd Godwin -  Accomack County Sheriff’s Department

Mayor Bruce Morrison -  Pocomoke City

Bishop Isaac Jenkins -  New Macedonia Baptist Church

Ms. Joy  - Pocomoke City Resident
Beau Oglesby -  Worcester County States Attorney

3rd Annual Bountiful Basket Fundraiser

From Samaritan Shelter Director, Shelly Daniels:

Just a reminder this is the last week to purchase tickets for the 3rd annual Bountiful Basket Fundraiser the value is around $900.00.

The drawing will take place on Sat. December 1st at 1 pm at Enchanted Florist Christmas Open House

on Market St in Pocomoke City.

 Enchanted Florist has some beautiful arrangements for sale and some other fun things happening at the open house.

On Saturday we are also doing a Bake Sale and in need of some yummy bake goods. If interested in bringing bake goods for the bake sale you can drop them off at the shelter on Friday or at Enchanted Florist on Saturday at 9 am.

 We are also going to be set up at the

Old Fashion Christmas Evening

in Pocomoke on Friday November 30 from 5 pm to 9 pm to sell the Basket Tickets and excepting donations.

Come out and enjoy the evening there will be lots to do( Live entertainment, vendors, bonfire and more).

If you have any questions about either event please call the shelter at 410-957-4310.

Thank you for your continued support

Mother Of Student Accused Of Stealing From Marching Band Boosters

Tracey Whittington Colbert

Written by
Staff Writer
Brian Shane
POCOMOKE CITY — A former mother of a high school student is accused of stealing more than $2,200 from the marching band boosters, and now faces several felony charges of theft and forgery.

Police say Tracey Whittington Colbert, 39, of Crisfield, depleted the booster’s account on fast food and retail purchases, while also writing herself hundreds of dollars in checks with forged signatures.

In August, marching band boosters from Pocomoke High School picked Colbert as their president.

Colbert ended up obtaining the boosters’ checkbook from the old treasurer, instead of it being given to the new treasurer, police said.

As the 2012 school year got under way, a dry cleaning bill for marching band uniforms came due. The treasurer began asking Colbert for the checkbook, according to court documents. It wasn’t long before several emails and phone calls to Colbert asking about the checkbook went unanswered, police said.

By Oct. 5, Colbert withdrew her 17-year-old son from Pocomoke High and re-enrolled him in Somerset Count schools. On Oct. 9, detectives met with officials with Pocomoke High School and the Worcester County school board.

Pocomoke High School Principal Annette Wallace and the boosters’ treasurer, Terry Batson, finally went to examine the boosters’ bank account with First Shore Federal bank. They found numerous purchases made at Walmart as well as checks made out to Colbert and her 19-year-old daughter.

According to court documents, Colbert wrote herself 19 checks between Aug. 15 and Oct. 9, paying for McDonald’s food, Domino’s pizza, a bill for mini-storage and items at Walmart.

Police said Colbert wrote her daughter a check for $300, wrote herself a check for $550, and forged signatures on three $100 checks made out to herself.

The total amount spent was $2,271.36. None of the purchases went toward marching band items or expenses, police said.

After the last check was written, for $57.84 at Walmart, there were four insufficient fund charges issued against the account for a total of $100.

The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges against Colbert in Worcester County Circuit Court on Nov. 19. She is scheduled to face her charges in a jury trial on Feb. 11, 2013.

Her charges carry a maximum penalty of 80 years in prison and $26,000 in fines.
Source:

Riverside Grill ~ Wednesday Specials

DAILY SPECIALS

Wednesday 

 November 28, 2012

HAPPY HOUR

4  TO  7 PM

w.$1.00 OFF all appetizers !

-Reuben Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 5.99
-NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ hush puppies and cole slaw 6.99
-Pear and Bleu Cheese Salad w/ house vinaigrette 7.99
-Buffalo Shrimp w/ carrots, celery and cole slaw 8.99

@ 8 Pm till close

 $5 crab dip!

 $2 house wines

$2 coors lt drafts

 $5 pink or white cosmos

ESO School of Dance Presents "Nutcracker"

"Turtle Stories and Art" ~ Delmarva Discovery Center

For more scheduled events and to see photos of how to have lots of exciting fun at the Worcester County Library go to their FACEBOOK PAGE

An Old-Fashioned Christmas Evening/Community Fundraiser

2012 Pocomoke Christmas Parade Winners List



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40th Pocomoke City Christmas Parade

2012 Winner's List

ALL MONEY & AWARDS WILL BE MAILED OUT

Grand Champion Band                                     $100 & Trophy                           Snow Hill HS




1st Place Div I Band - L                                    $150 & Trophy                          Stephen Deactur HS



2nd Place Div I Band - L                                   $100 & Trophy                           Mardela HS



1st Place Div 2 Band – S                                   $150 & Trophy                            Snow Hill HS



2nd Place Div 2 Band - S                                  $100 & Trophy                            Crisfield HS



1st Place Div 3 Band - M                                  $125 & Trophy                            N. Dorchester MS



2nd Place Div 3 Band - M                                $100 & Trophy                              Salisbury MS



1st Place Comm. Float                                     Plaque                                               Lowes



2nd Place Comm. Float                                   Plaque                                           Tractor Supply



1st Place Non-Com Adult Float                      $150 & Plaque                               Parsonsburg VFC



2nd Place Non-Com Adult Float                    $125 & Plaque                                US Navy



1st Place Non-Com Youth Float                    $150 & Plaque                              Redliners Football Team



2nd Place Non-Com Youth Float                   $125 & Plaque                               Relay For Life



1st Place Dance Units                                    Plaque                                             Feet of Fire Dance



2nd Place Dance Units                                  Plaque                                                 Dance Dynamics



1st Place Marching Units                               Plaque                                               Snow Hill ROTC



2nd Place Marching Units                             Plaque                                                Somerset AFROTC



Best Appearing Fire Co.                              Plaque                                                    Stockton VFC



2nd Appearing Fire Co.                               Plaque                                             Crisfield/Lower Somerset



Best Fire Co Marching                                Plaque                                                 Princess Anne VFC



Best Antique Equipment                               Plaque                                                   Fruitland VFC



Best Modern Equipment                              Plaque                                                   Dagsboro VFC



Best Equestion Unit                                     Plaque                                             Chicoteague Drill Team



Judges Choice Award                                 Plaque                                                   ECI



Judges Choice Award                                  Plaque                                                     The Lone Ranger





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 Pocomoke Christmas Parade website:  www.pocomokechristmasparade.com

Federal Disaster Assistance Approved To Aid State & Local Governments

Federal Disaster Assistance Approved to Aid State and Local Governments with Recovery Costs from Hurricane Sandy

– Individual Assistance for those in Accomack County Remains under Consideration –

RICHMOND-Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that his request for federal disaster assistance to help local and state governments recover from the impact of Hurricane Sandy has been approved by President Obama. Assistance for individuals in Accomack County also was requested by Governor McDonnell and is still under consideration.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program was approved for the counties of Accomack, Arlington, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Essex, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Highland, King and Queen, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Mathews, Middlesex, Nelson, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince William, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Surry, Warren and Westmoreland and the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church and Manassas. Additional local governments can be added at a later date if sufficient damage information is collected.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program makes funding available to reimburse state and local governments for costs associated with response and recovery efforts, such as debris removal and related emergency services, as well as the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

"I thank President Obama for his prompt decision to grant federal disaster assistance for local and state governments. This action will go a long way toward reimbursing local governments for their costs," said Governor McDonnell. "I encourage FEMA to take a close look at the situation in Accomack County where a disproportionate number of citizens were affected by Hurricane Sandy and to move to approve individual assistance for them as soon as possible."

Emergency management officials at the state and local levels have been working with volunteer groups to assist people who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy. Homeowners and renters should report damage to their local emergency management officials, who may be aware of volunteer groups in their communities that are actively assisting with clean up and repair efforts.

In addition, Governor McDonnell announced that FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was approved for all Virginia localities.

This funding source helps local and state governments take actions to reduce the impact of future disasters, such as elevating homes in flood zones, flood-proofing businesses and other measures.

Source:

Accident ~ Pocomoke City

Pocomoke City, Maryland

PLEASE USE CAUTION!!

ACCIDENT

ROUTE 13 and STOCKTON ROAD

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Accomack County Arsons- Virginia State Police

STATE AND LOCAL INVESTIGATORS PURSUING LEADS IN
SEARCH FOR ACCOMACK COUNTY SERIAL ARSONIST

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$5,000 Reward for Information
VSP arson investigators and the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office are working several new leads in their efforts to identify and apprehend a serial arsonist at work in Accomack County. Since Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, through the morning of Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, a total of 20 abandoned structures have been destroyed by fire at various locations within the Eastern Shore county. There were no fires set overnight Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, or overnight Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

The locations of the arsons have ranged from Melfa to Parksley to Oak Hall. The fires target abandoned structures, to include vacated houses, abandoned barns and even chicken coops. The fires have been set any time between 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. in the morning. No injuries or deaths have resulted from the fires.

"The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police have received a significant number of tips related to these arsons," said Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin. "We want to thank the many residents who have reached out to us in the past week with information. As a result of the public’s overwhelming response and assistance, we have developed several strong leads we are currently pursuing at this time."

Investigators are still encouraging anyone with information about the fires or recalls seeing any vehicles or individual(s) near the destroyed structures is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or at (757) 424-6820; or contact the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131.

"Based on our ongoing investigation, we feel certain that the person or persons responsible for these fires is a resident of Accomack County and is known to local residents," said Capt. Tim Reibel, Commander of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Chesapeake Field Office. "This individual is going to be coming and going at different hours of the night, may be acting differently in his or her behavior, and will probably show an unusual interest in media coverage of the fires and/or consistently steer conversations to talking about the fires."

Information that leads to an arrest and conviction could result in an award of up to $5,000 from the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (http://www.vaiaai.com/
).

Pocomoke Band Booster's President Charged With Theft

WMDT

Leanne Murray

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. - A woman has been arrested after allegedly stealing from a local school organization.

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation says that the President of the Pocomoke City High School - Band Booster, 39-year-old Tracey Whittington Colbert, of Crisfield, had been taking funds from the organization to use for herself.

An investigation showed that between August and October of this year, Colbert stole $2,271 from the Band Boosters account, and had forged another member's signature on a check.

Colbert is charged with theft $1,000 to under $10,000, forger and uttering, theft scheme: $1,000 to under $10,000.

Source: SEE MORE

Riverside Grill Pocomoke

$4 burgers starting at 5 pm this Monday night until close

MONDAY

NOVEMBER 26, 2012

-Chili w/ ½ turkey sandwich or side salad 5.99
-1 Chili Cheese Dog w/ fries 4.99 or 2 dogs 6.99
-Pear & Bleu Cheese Salad 7.99
-Soft Shell Crab Platter w/ mac n cheese and green beans 9.99

AppetizersCrab Pizza 9.99
Chili Nachos 5.99
Single Fried Oysters 10.99

HAPPY HOUR
4  to  7 PM

w/$1 OFF  appetizers

@8 pm $1 tacos and quesadillas, $3 margaritas
½ price appetizers & import bottles

Reform Economic Development To Attract Jobs

Annapolis, MD - Change Maryland proposed solutions today to generate jobs, focusing specifically on the state's economic development efforts. The National Governor's Association recently examined what states can do to advance job creation by re-evaluating traditional approaches to economic development, providing much of the underpinnings in Change Maryland's proposed solutions. Developing a performance monitoring system - a key recommendation of the nations' governors - will enhance the state's credibility within the government itself,  business community and individuals of all political parties interested in job growth.

"People demand a modern government that is honest, open and transparent in the way it does things," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.  "Nowhere is that more important than the critical task of attracting jobs to Maryland."

The NGA report highlights “Virginia Performs” which tracks a wide range of data, most notably business climate and employment growth.  A performance trend indicator - improving, maintaining, worsening – discloses the strengths and weaknesses in Virginia's economy.  Such a system in Maryland would evaluate and transform data into actionable intelligence for forging bipartisan policy solutions in the General Assembly and regulatory agencies.    Data available to inform such policy decisions range from federal economic statistics to private third-party metrics which Change Maryland has been collecting, reporting and analyzing.  

"There is no reason that Democrats, Republicans and Independents can't work together on the shared goals of increasing employment," said Hogan.  "First we need to get on the same page and provide basic economic information in one place so we can see where we are going and how to get there."

The Change Maryland report, "Solutions for Increasing Economic Performance and Jobs," is a candid assessment of the state's current economic development efforts, the focal point of which is Maryland's Department of Business and Economic Development.   Both culturally and organizationally, DBED is a political marketing agency, not a job creating organization.

"We need to ramp up our state's economic development efforts and return to our core mission of attracting jobs," said Hogan. "Maryland can become a leader in economic development and attracting jobs."

Another key Change Maryland solution to attracting jobs is to reorganize DBED to emphasize recruiting business facilities - corporate headquarters, warehouses, office space and the like - to Maryland.  Currently, department resources prioritize administrative and marketing functions over facilities recruitment.

Change Maryland proposes sweeping reforms to DBED in three broad areas:

1. Increase Transparency
2. Measure Internal Performance
3. Reorganize to Attract Jobs

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Background: 

"Solutions for Increasing Economic Performance and Jobs"

http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/DBED-final.pdf

changemaryland.org
facebook.com/changemaryland
@changemaryland