OPEN
SATURDAY 10:00 TO 4:00
SUNDAY 1:00 TO 4:00
Stop by and say hi to Gary the box turtle!
Enjoy the many exhibits
See what's new in the museum gift shop!
Downtown Pocomoke City
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting
A G E N D A
POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2013
City Hall
- Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
- Review and approval of minutes from meeting of January 7, 2013.
- Review and approval of bills to be paid.
- Chief Kelvin Sewell to introduce new patrol officer Karl Klinke.
- Mr. Ed Young, of G.E.Y. Engineering Co., to present report on storm drainage project near Lynnhaven Drive.
- Consider requests from Chamber of Commerce:
- Use of Winter Quarters Golf Course for tournament on April 20, 2013
- Use of Cypress Park for second annual Pocomoke Octoberfest/Beer and Wine Festival on September 7, 2013.
- Discuss request from Major East and others regarding use of City properties for bow hunting.
- Review letter from Tim Fry regarding City-owned property at 408 Laurel Street.
- Approve appointment of Ms. Tracey White to the City’s Board of Elections Supervisors.
- Recommendation from Pocomoke City Revolving Loan Committee to approve new loan for Market Street boutique at 145A Market Street. (owner, Kimberly Jackson)
- First Reading of Ord. No. 414 regarding nuisance growth problems.
- Discuss letter from Building Inspector Harvey Davis recommending repair or demolition of three houses on Second Street. (owners, Molock Group)
- Authorize purchase of materials:
- Pipe and other materials for looping of 6” water line between Winter Quarters Drive and Greenway Avenue.
- Golf carts for Winter Quarters Golf Course (18)
- Discuss golf course club house damage from Hurricane Sandy.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.
AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.
Stockton Neighborhood Crime Watch Meeting
The Stockton Crime Watch Meeting that was postponed on Jan. 25 has been rescheduled for Friday, February 8, 2013.The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM at the Stockton fire department.
STOCKTON VOL. FIRE DEPT. ON FACEBOOK
Friday, February 1, 2013
Warming Specials For Friday ~Riverside Grill
FRIDAY
FEBRUARY 1, 2013
Warm up with a nice bowl of Jambalaya
-Maryland Crab Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Mahi-Mahi Wrap (grilled, blackened or fried) w/ fries 9.99
-Tropical Salad w/ chilled shrimp and fresh fruit 8.99
Ale-Batter Fried Shrimp Platter 9.99
Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
@ 8 pm:
$3.50 Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry drinks,
$1.50 Bud lt
Coors lt
and Yuengling drafts
MD. State Police: Celebrate Responsibility
A RESPONSIBLE CELEBRATION IS
THE BEST GAME FOR THE SUPER BOWL
XLVII
At the direction of Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, each of the 22 barracks will have additional patrols specifically focusing on impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday. When not answering calls for service, troopers on regular patrol will also target impaired drivers.
“Our patrols will target those who elect to ignore the law and endanger others by drinking and driving,” Colonel Brown said. “We want everyone to be able to have a safe celebration and to cheer for the Ravens!”
Troopers encourage motorists to plan ahead. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. Be responsible, call a family member or friend, use public transportation or arrange for lodging at a hotel nearby your celebration.
As a reminder, the penalty for driving under the influence can be up to one year in jail and a thousand dollar fine for a first offense. There are also administrative penalties from the Motor Vehicle Administration including a suspension of your driver’s license. Legal fees, insurance and tow cost can also add to your financial burden.
Last year, on Super Bowl Sunday, troopers arrested 38 drunk drivers. Driving with a blood alcohol content of .07 (driving while impaired) is illegal in Maryland and .08(driving under the influence) or higher is illegal in every state. A driver under the age of 21, with any measurable alcohol in their system is in violation of alcohol laws in Maryland.
MD. State Police Press Release
Another Abandoned Structure Fire In Accomack County
Thursday evening fire units from Nassawadox, Melfa, Painter and Exmore responded to an fully involved fire in an abandoned store at the intersection of Boston Road and Sheilds Bridge Road in Pungoteague (Accomack County). The fire was reported to 911 around 9:40 Thursday evening.Fire Investigators from the Virginia State Police are investigating
but it is believed to be the work of an arsonist.
A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the
Accomack County Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
If you have ANY information call:
1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.
Broadwater Academy Gives Back To Community
No snow, ice or fog in the forecast for Monday but Broadwater students will be going in two hours late.
Headmaster Jeremy McClean granted the free time to reward the students for collecting over two tons of food for the Food Bank. Broadwater senior Logan Holland and the Broadwater Student Council organized the drive which will provide over 3000 meals for the needy on the Eastern Shore.
Food Bank manager Charmin Horton stated that the drive came at an especially good time since the holidays are now over. She said she is delighted with the efforts by Holland, the student council and all of the students and parents who supported the effort.
So Broadwater students will get a little extra sleep and have extra time to get to school the Monday after the Super Bowl.
Source:
The students from Broadwater Academy made themselves busy back in October 2012 a few days after Hurricane Sandy. Students, parents and grandparents spent a huge part of their weekend cutting trees and cleaning up debris in the Sanford and Saxis areas. jmmb
The Bay Queen Cruises ~ EAGLE TOURS
THE BAY QUEEN CRUISES
EAGLE TOURS IN FEBRUARYLeaving from Sturgis Park
Snow Hill, Md.
Snow Hill, Md.
Beginning :
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
TOUR TIME: 3 PM
$20.00 PER PERSON
(must have at least 12 passengers per trip)
(must have at least 12 passengers per trip)
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Call 410-632-1415
Call 410-632-1415
DRESS WARM !!
Hot Chocolate will be provided
The migratory eagles are here. We've seen both adults and juveniles, and even a juvenile golden eagle. They are only here for a short time so book now. ~ Capt. John Raggi ~
Pocomoke Spring Open Golf Tournament
Registration 11:30
Shotgun Starts 1 p.m.
Big fun on a little course!
Join us to support Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce in promoting local businesses. Entry fee $50 per individual, $200 team. Cart and lunch included. Great prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.
Come out and show your support!
To get involved contact Jennifer at pocomokechamber@gmail.com
or 410-957-1919.
Thursday, January 31, 2013
OCPD Arrests Suspect in Connection With The Death of Michael Post
On January 26, 2013, Officers of the Ocean City Police Department responded to 216Somerset Street, for a report of an unconscious male subject lying on the ground. Upon arrival, officers located the victim, identified as Michael Post. Ocean City EMS transported Post to Atlantic General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. Ocean City Police Detectives investigated this incident and learned that a male, identified as George Daron Nottingham, 39, of Ocean City, had assaulted Post in front of 216 Somerset Street, causing Post to fall and strike his head on the ground.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland determined that Post died of head injuries related to the Assault.
On January 31, 2013, OCPD Detectives arrested Nottingham at his residence on Townsend Road in West Ocean City and have charged him with Manslaughter and Second Degree Assault.
Nottingham was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and is being held on $500,000.00 bond.
Ocean City Police Dept. News Release
Riverside Grill Pocomoke
Thursday
Riverside Grill Pocomoke
-Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 5.99
-Cold Plate- Chicken, shrimp, and pasta salads 7.99
-Open-Face Roast Beef w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
-Shrimp and Clam Strip Basket w/ fries 8.99
-Cold Plate- Chicken, shrimp, and pasta salads 7.99
-Open-Face Roast Beef w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
-Shrimp and Clam Strip Basket w/ fries 8.99
Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
@ 4 pm: $4 burgers
@ 8 pm: $3.50 Bacardi drinks
@ 4 pm: $4 burgers
@ 8 pm: $3.50 Bacardi drinks
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview
.
Super Bowl Sunday items... and a look back to local happenings in 1976, 2001, 1901, plus more from "Memories Of Accomac, 1890.
It's this Sunday right here at 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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
Super Bowl Sunday items... and a look back to local happenings in 1976, 2001, 1901, plus more from "Memories Of Accomac, 1890.
It's this Sunday right here at 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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
Locals Appreciation Weekend !
The Delmarva Discovery Center
LOCALS APPRECIATION WEEEND
FIRST WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH
50% off Admission for Locals!
(Sussex, Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Accomack Counties)
Phone Scam Related to New Refund Debit Card
The Department has received reports of phone calls being made to individuals, telling them that their “Way2Go prepaid MasterCard is locked for security reasons.” The automated caller then tries to get the listener to divulge personal information.
This is a phone scam. The Department never makes automated calls and never solicits personal information in this manner. If you receive such a call, hang up immediately. If the call is recorded as a voice mail, delete it.
The Department goes to great lengths to protect the confidentiality and privacy of taxpayer information. This scam is not related in any way to the security of the new tax refund debit card or any information that taxpayers may submit to the Department. The Department cautions individuals never to give personal information to anyone calling unless they can verify the source.
A division of Xerox Corp. administers the new Virginia Tax Refund Debit Card and refers to it as the “Way2Go” card.
The Department is working with other government agencies, law enforcement, the debit card vendor, and the telephone companies involved to try and end the phone scam.
Questions should be directed to the agency’s Customer Services Department at (804) 367-8031.
Statement by Secretary Larry Hogan, Chairman of Change Maryland
Statement by Secretary Larry Hogan, Chairman of Change Maryland:
Response to
today's State of the State Speech
by Governor O'Malley
Annapolis - "Governor O'Malley's slogan used to be 'believe' but that speech was
pure make believe. The Governor continues to misuse facts to portray a false
narrative of his administration's legacy. Only Martin O'Malley could actually
call a 30 percent increase in spending and a budget he has increased by $9
billion as making government smaller and cutting more spending than any governor
in history.
"The governor said he cut $8.3 billion but that's just not true. He has increased spending every single year since he has been governor, a total of more than $9 billion. So his math is off by more than $17 billion.
"He talked of making tough choices, but after 24 consecutive tax and fee hikes, the only tough choice he has to make is what can we possibly tax next?
"Governor O'Malley said we have the worst traffic congestion in the nation. On this we agree. But he failed to tell you that he is the reason we are in this predicament because he diverted funds from the transportation trust fund to pay for other things, and then of what was left in the transportation budget, he only allocated a tiny amount to roads.
"He talked about what he inherited. I was a cabinet secretary in the previous administration, and I can tell you that when we turned the keys over to the O'Malley administration, we had a billion dollar cash surplus in the bank, and the state was in the best fiscal shape it had been in decades.
"Just six years later and by any objective measure, by any objective group, the state is in far worse shape than ever before. Businesses, jobs and taxpayers are fleeing our state in record numbers. We have fallen behind all the states in our region and most states across the country in nearly every economic indicator.
"O'Malley's primary focus of this session seems to be making gas and electricity more expensive for working families and small businesses. He is again pushing the gas tax and an expensive windmill project guaranteed to drive up electric bills.
"Under Martin O'Malley there are 207,000 unemployed Marylanders. Since 2007, the private sector employment base Maryland desperately needs for long-term job growth has eroded. Approximately 6500 small businesses have left the state and Fortune 500 companies have left as well. I believe that's where he should have focused his attention.
"The governor is good at making up numbers, spinning magical tales, with no basis in reality. But, sadly the Governor's real legacy is a record of lost businesses, lost jobs, higher spending, record tax increases, and broken promises.
"Unfortunately he checked out of this job some time ago, and is focused on his next one. His entire focus is about his national political aspirations and not about the needs of average hard-working Marylanders who continue to struggle."
"The governor said he cut $8.3 billion but that's just not true. He has increased spending every single year since he has been governor, a total of more than $9 billion. So his math is off by more than $17 billion.
"He talked of making tough choices, but after 24 consecutive tax and fee hikes, the only tough choice he has to make is what can we possibly tax next?
"Governor O'Malley said we have the worst traffic congestion in the nation. On this we agree. But he failed to tell you that he is the reason we are in this predicament because he diverted funds from the transportation trust fund to pay for other things, and then of what was left in the transportation budget, he only allocated a tiny amount to roads.
"He talked about what he inherited. I was a cabinet secretary in the previous administration, and I can tell you that when we turned the keys over to the O'Malley administration, we had a billion dollar cash surplus in the bank, and the state was in the best fiscal shape it had been in decades.
"Just six years later and by any objective measure, by any objective group, the state is in far worse shape than ever before. Businesses, jobs and taxpayers are fleeing our state in record numbers. We have fallen behind all the states in our region and most states across the country in nearly every economic indicator.
"O'Malley's primary focus of this session seems to be making gas and electricity more expensive for working families and small businesses. He is again pushing the gas tax and an expensive windmill project guaranteed to drive up electric bills.
"Under Martin O'Malley there are 207,000 unemployed Marylanders. Since 2007, the private sector employment base Maryland desperately needs for long-term job growth has eroded. Approximately 6500 small businesses have left the state and Fortune 500 companies have left as well. I believe that's where he should have focused his attention.
"The governor is good at making up numbers, spinning magical tales, with no basis in reality. But, sadly the Governor's real legacy is a record of lost businesses, lost jobs, higher spending, record tax increases, and broken promises.
"Unfortunately he checked out of this job some time ago, and is focused on his next one. His entire focus is about his national political aspirations and not about the needs of average hard-working Marylanders who continue to struggle."
Accomack County Schools ~ Public Hearing Concerning Budget
At a public hearing on the 2013-14 Accomack County School Budget, Superintendent Dr. Bruce Benson presented a power point presentation showing the highlights of the proposed budget. He explained that the budget was not yet completed and any and all comments made tonight would be considered before a final budget was approved.
Benson went on to say there were 66 new teachers in the 2012-2013 school year equaling about 16% of the total number of teachers in the system. With it taking 7-8 years to become a good teacher and with Accomack having 25% of its teachers with less than four years experience, this group needed the most attention.
The section of his presentation that got almost all the attention from speakers was the phasing out of the early retirement plan. Twelve speakers from the audience of about 70 people spoke about how important this benefit was to all of them. All twelve of the speakers had more than 20 years experience and felt it was unfair to jerk it away from them at this point in their life. Only one of the twelve speakers mentioned salary.
Gary Reece a 32 year teacher and now athletic director at Nandua High School spoke about the retirement benefit also but gave equal time to how important athletics are to keeping children in school and off the streets. He went on to comment about how poorly coaches are paid and their effect on children's lives asking for consideration of this group. He used himself as an example stating he managed 26 different programs and got paid $90 for each program.
The School Board will now consider requests made at the public hearing and will prepare a final budget to submit to the Accomack County Board of Supervisors.
Source:
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
Wednesday Riverside Grill Specials
WEDNESDAY
JANUARY 30, 2013
 |
| Ale Battered Fried Shrimp |
-NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ cole slaw and hush puppies 6.99
-Cold Plate w/ shrimp salad, chicken salad, and pasta salad 7.99
-Apple Cranberry Salad 7.99
-Ale-Batter Fried Shrimp Basket w/ fries 8.99
 |
| Crab Dip |
Our Crab Dip is only $5 after 8 pm on Wednesdays!
Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
8pm:
$5 crab dip
$5 pink or white cosmos
$2 house wine
$2 Coors light drafts
Early Morning Fire In Accomack County
Early morning fire on Drummondtown Road developing
An early morning fire on Drummondtown Road is being investigated as a possible arson. The fire was reported at 12:08am at an abandoned house at the intersection of Drummondtown Road and Chancetown Road near Wachapreague. It is believed this is another in the series of arson fires.
According to Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Virginia State Police, as of 6:00 this morning, the fire was still smoldering and the State Police will be investigating as soon as it is possible.
Wachapreague, Melfa and Onley and Tasley responded to the early morning blaze.
A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
If you have ANY information call:
1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.
Source:
An early morning fire on Drummondtown Road is being investigated as a possible arson. The fire was reported at 12:08am at an abandoned house at the intersection of Drummondtown Road and Chancetown Road near Wachapreague. It is believed this is another in the series of arson fires. According to Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Virginia State Police, as of 6:00 this morning, the fire was still smoldering and the State Police will be investigating as soon as it is possible.
Wachapreague, Melfa and Onley and Tasley responded to the early morning blaze.
A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
If you have ANY information call:
1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.
Source:
Mar-Va Theater This Weekend
~The movie so many have been waiting for ~
FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
FEBRUARY 1st & 2nd
7PM
Tickets $5
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tuesday Specials ~ Riverside Grill Pocomoke
TUESDAY
JANUARY 29, 2013
-Beer & Cheese Soup w/ 1/2 turkey sandwich or side salad 5.99
-Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
** -Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99**
-Buffalo Shrimp Wrap w/ fries 8.99
-Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
** -Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99**
-Buffalo Shrimp Wrap w/ fries 8.99
 |
| Special today Raspberry Walnut Salad @ 4 pm: 99 cent kids meals Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers @ 8 pm: 50 cent wings Kids Menu: Kids meals are only 99 cents Tuesday after 4 pm Grilled Cheese Kids Meal  |
High School Principal Removes ALL Toilet Paper From Boys Bathrooms
Karen Yedsena, Mahanoy City, spoke during the public portion of Thursday's school board meeting, asking about the policy.
"I'm asking about the high school and why the boys are not allowed to have toilet paper except if they go to the nurse or the office to get it," Yedsena said.
The boys' bathrooms in the high school do not have toilet paper due to vandalism. Any boy needing the bathroom tissue must ask for it and sign it out.
High school Principal Thomas Smith said it was a solution to a major problem.
"We've had serious destruction to our bathrooms for the past two years," Smith said. "We have a case pending with the police where a bathroom down by our gymnasium was absolutely destroyed. I'm sure Mr. (Robert) Pastucha (district facilities director) could tell you the times that our toilets have been jammed with toilet paper and other papers. And after we took the toilet tissue out of there, people were throwing books. It was our way to try to curb the destruction in the bathrooms."
Smith explained the procedure in getting the toilet tissue.
"Our policy is that if you need toilet paper, you would come to the office. We're not refusing anyone toilet paper," Smith said. "You would sign out and then sign back in. I randomly go in to check if anything is going on. Since we've done that, we've cut down on the destruction."
Yedsena said there are students who have been embarrassed to go to the office for toilet paper and instead would go to the nurse saying they're not feeling well and go home instead. Thomas said he was unaware of any such problem from the monthly reports from the nurse.
"I think it's been pretty much accepted," Superintendent Joie Green said.
"Well, it's not," Yedsena said.
Yedsena also asked about the restrictions that students can only go to the bathroom during the first five minutes of a class.
"We're cutting down on people walking through the hallways for no reason," Green said. "What we're trying to do, is that they're going to the bathroom at the beginning and end of class."
Yedsena asked if the toilet paper policy could be changed, to which Smith said it could.
"I'm not against putting toilet paper back in (the boys' bathrooms). I could do that but if there's destruction to the bathroom, then it would go back to my policy," Smith said. "We had the policy last year, but at the beginning of this year, it was destroyed in the first day. I made warnings, talked to students, talked to class presidents to talk to their students and student body.
"I agree with you that it's a drastic measure," Smith said.
Board member Julie Fazio asked Yedsena, "What happens if we put the toilet paper back in the bathroom and your son is in the bathroom and two other kids come in and destroy the bathroom? And then we find out your child was in bathroom at that time?"
The policy is set by Smith as principal of the high school. The elementary and middle schools do not have a similar policy.
"I'm willing to communicate with anybody," Smith said. "I'm willing to put the toilet paper back, but if the bathroom is destroyed, it will be removed."
Thomas told Yedsena that he would be willing to speak with her about the matter during a school day.
MORE.....
Attorney General Acts On Gun-Data Sharing and Collection
The first of Mr. Holder’s proposals would expand access to information on gun permits to Indian tribal law enforcement agencies; the second would allow local law enforcement to access the FBI’s national criminal database to conduct background checks on people they’re transferring weapons to; and the third would authorize the FBI to maintain records on denied firearms transactions in a separate database for longer than 10 years.
All three were published Monday in the Federal Register for comment.
“These proposed changes are intended to promote public safety, to enhance the efficiency of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) operations, and to resolve difficulties created by unforeseen processing conflicts within the system,” Mr. Holder wrote.
Under the Brady Act of 1993, background checks are required for any gun transfer from a federal firearms licensee to any unlicensed person. But access to NICS for background checks unrelated to those outlined in the law currently is limited to providing information in connection with a firearm- or explosives-related license or responding to an inquiry from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey said after a meeting Monday with Mr. Obama, Vice President Joseph R. Biden and Mr. Holder that such measures are important “low-hanging fruit” even thought they may not get the attention of more contentious proposals such as on so-called assault weapons or limits on high-capacity magazines.
“Let’s get meaningful legislation on the books that’s going to actually make a difference, even things like universal background checks, which may seem simple on the surface but are something that would be of help,” he told CNN. “Knowing when a gun is lost or stolen or transferred to another owner — we lose an enormous amount of man hours just tracing a gun, only to find out it was lost or stolen, you know, five years ago or 10 years ago.”
Mr. Obama has said he will take the steps that he can on gun violence unilaterally, but he won’t be able to get major pieces of his package — an assault weapons ban, limits on high-capacity magazines, expanding background checks — without action from Congress. He signed three “presidential memoranda” when he rolled out his proposals earlier this month directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct research on gun violence; ensuring firearms recovered from crime scenes are traced; and directing Mr. Holder’s Justice Department to outline guidance for federal agencies on submitting records to NICS.
READ MORE
Change Maryland Cites Dysfunctional Transportation Policy
Change Maryland Cites Dysfunctional Transportation Policy
Annapolis - Change Maryland charged that several years of poor budgeting decisions are causing elected officials to propose drastic transportation policy changes including leasing the Inter-County Connector, establishing new layers of government in the form of regional taxing districts and what is emerging as a perennial favorite - raising gasoline taxes.
"Our elected officials are throwing mud up against the wall to see what sticks," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "If the Governor, Senate President and House Speaker really cared about improving transportation, they would not have let it reach crisis proportions."
Compared to fiscal year 2007 levels, counties' transportation funding has declined nearly $380 million through what state government calls highway user revenues. For every jurisdiction except Baltimore City, fiscal year 2013 levels are 90% lower than just six years ago. The dollar amounts Maryland counties have lost is staggering. Compared to 2007 levels, Baltimore County went from $45.7 million to $3.7 million; Montgomery County went from $40.4 million to $3.3 million; Anne Arundel went from $31.8 million to $2.6 million.
“Maryland transportation policy seems to be done on the fly as an afterthought. Governor O'Malley's legislative priorities this session are focused on pet issues and reacting to the latest headlines," Hogan said.
Last year O'Malley floated raising gasoline taxes on a radio station towards the end of last year's session and the initiative subsequently flopped in the legislature. Nearly seven months has lapsed since O'Malley has named a transportation secretary leaving a massive state agency a rudderless ship.
Senate President Mike Miller last week proposed to raise gasoline taxes 3% and establish regional taxing districts to allocate money for local projects. House Speaker Micheal Busch has expressed doubts about Miller's proposal. Meanwhile, there is still no consensus of how any new or existing transportation revenues derived from gasoline taxes and vehicle fees would be dedicated to that purpose.
"The three-ring circus approach to making transportation policy must stop," said Hogan. Hogan said the current approach is backwards and outlined specific steps to restore the public's confidence that state government can address the challenges of maintenance and undertaking new road and mass-transit projects.
First, sound budgeting must apply to transportation. Second, the public must be assured that the transportation taxes and fees already collected are dedicated to this purpose. Third, elected officials must come up with cuts to other parts of the budget before even discussing additional taxes and fees. O'Malley's latest budget is up 30%, more than $9 billion since 2007.
The Change Maryland Chairman and its 26,000 members say no gas tax increase is needed. The state already collects enough from motorists to maintain roads and bridges. One of the problems is that revenues collected from motorists is disproportionately spent on expensive mass transit and even for non transportation related expenses.
Monday, January 28, 2013
Bronze Stolen From Turner Statue
Sometime over the weekend a large quantity of bronze was stolen from Turner Sculpture on Lankford Hwy. near Melfa. The Accomack County Sheriffs Department is investigating. Turner Sculpture is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft.
If you have that information contact Turner Sculpture at 787-2818.
Source:
Get Involved And Help Support Our Troops!!
Team Britt's Support Our Troops project was started in July. The first adopted soldiers name was brittaney and the creator of the team as well as the sender is Brittany. After adopting one and sending packages she adopted another and another..and so on.... We have adopted 6 soldiers and their group...CONTINUE....
Delicious Specials From the Riverside Grill Pocomoke
MONDAY
JANUARY 28, 2013
* N E Clam Chowder w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 6.99
(It was so good and popular we made it again!) * Cajun Shrimp Caesar Wrap w/ Fries 8.99
* Taco Salad 6.99
* Chili Cheese Dog w/ fries 4.99 or 2 Dogs 6.99
(It was so good and popular we made it again!) * Cajun Shrimp Caesar Wrap w/ Fries 8.99
* Taco Salad 6.99
* Chili Cheese Dog w/ fries 4.99 or 2 Dogs 6.99
Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
@ 8 pm: 1/2 price appetizers, 1/2 price import drafts
@ 8 pm: 1/2 price appetizers, 1/2 price import drafts
Come get some yummy clam strips tonight during all of our great appetizer discounts!
Remembering January 28, 1986
Do you remember this day in NASA history?
Remembering the Challenger CrewThe NASA family lost seven of its own on the morning of Jan. 28, 1986, when a booster engine failed, causing the Shuttle Challenger to break apart just 73 seconds after launch.
NASA /facebook
Correction: 41st Arson For Accomack County
Once again an unexplained fire for Accomack County fire departments, emergency personnel and investigators. Just as the arsons settle down and we begin our lives again with some normalcy the fire alarm sounds and once again the citizens are wondering WHO! 41 fires since the first declared arson that occurred on Dennis Drive on November 12, 2012.
Without exact evidence to link these fires to a person or persons, even if there is an arrest, charges will not stick. I've said this from the very beginning: Someone has to know exactly WHO in this area is responsible for this type of destruction! It should NOT matter that the majority of buildings have been abandoned properties and have been for many years. What DOES matter is that someone has taken destruction into his/her/their own hands wasting time, jeopardizing the lives of our beloved community fire departments, emergency personnel, law enforcement officers and the list goes on.
The reward for information leading to an arrest in these arsons has been set at $5,000! Many in the area seem to think that the reward should be more! More??? That being so, it is truly a sad day in Accomack County when someone feels that the information they hold is worth MORE.
But then it has occurred to me that perhaps it isn't the amount of reward money the citizens are holding back for. Maybe, just maybe, it is the fear of having to testify in court. Maybe someone in law enforcement should take the time to reassure the citizens that they will remain totally anonymous!
Here are the numbers to call if you have any information:
1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.
What State Police are calling an outbuilding fire in Parksley Saturday night is another in the string of arson fires that have plagued the Eastern Shore since early November.
The fire occurred Saturday night and will be arson number 41. The fire occurred in an outbuilding on Cassat Ave. in Parksley. There were no injuries and the building was not a total loss.
State Police are asking anyone who may have any knowledge that could help them catch the arsonist to contact either them or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.
There is a $5000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fires.
Source:
Without exact evidence to link these fires to a person or persons, even if there is an arrest, charges will not stick. I've said this from the very beginning: Someone has to know exactly WHO in this area is responsible for this type of destruction! It should NOT matter that the majority of buildings have been abandoned properties and have been for many years. What DOES matter is that someone has taken destruction into his/her/their own hands wasting time, jeopardizing the lives of our beloved community fire departments, emergency personnel, law enforcement officers and the list goes on.
The reward for information leading to an arrest in these arsons has been set at $5,000! Many in the area seem to think that the reward should be more! More??? That being so, it is truly a sad day in Accomack County when someone feels that the information they hold is worth MORE.
But then it has occurred to me that perhaps it isn't the amount of reward money the citizens are holding back for. Maybe, just maybe, it is the fear of having to testify in court. Maybe someone in law enforcement should take the time to reassure the citizens that they will remain totally anonymous!
Here are the numbers to call if you have any information:
1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.
The fire occurred Saturday night and will be arson number 41. The fire occurred in an outbuilding on Cassat Ave. in Parksley. There were no injuries and the building was not a total loss.
State Police are asking anyone who may have any knowledge that could help them catch the arsonist to contact either them or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.
There is a $5000 reward for information leading to the capture and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fires.
Source:
Beginning Yesterday New Credit Card Fee Kicked In
How big a surcharge depends on how much the merchant pays in processing fees, but the amount legally permissible will be between 1.5 percent and 4 percent of your purchase price.
No one knows how many merchants will exercise this right, but Gerri Detweiler, director of consumer education at Credit.com, expects the number to be small, at least at first.
READ MORE: Credit card settlement may not help consumers.
Smaller merchants, she says, typically feel gouged by processing fees and are more likely than big chains to pass the cost along to their customers. Service providers, she says—your accountant, your massage therapist—are the most likely to pass the charge along. Among big retailers, however, only gas stations have historically distinguished between cash and credit customers, offering a discount to customers paying cash or imposing a surcharge for those using credit cards.
MORE STORY....
Hackers Take Over Sentencing Commission Website
The website of the commission, an independent agency of the judicial branch, was taken over early Saturday and replaced with a message warning that when Swartz killed himself two weeks ago "a line was crossed."
The hackers say they've infiltrated several government computer systems and copied secret information that they now threaten to make public.
READ MORE..........
National Review Online: Mickelson the Migrant
The golfer is far from alone in seeking a place with lower taxes.
By Jim Pettit
"So if Governor Jerry Brown and the California legislature plan to
ever balance the budget, they can start by figuring out how to stop
nearly $380 million in annual income from leaving their state to Texas alone.
"However, there will be no public-policy changes if powerful elected
officials are in denial. And, make no mistake, they are in denial."
http://www.nationalreview.com/articles/338882/mickelson-migrant-jim-pettit
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