USNS Comfort Moves To Norfolk

USNS Comfort
WAVY/Larry Carney

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Hospital ship  USNS Comfort arrived to Naval Station Norfolk Friday morning.

USNS Comfort was docked in Baltimore and was moved to Norfolk in an effort to save money.

Photos: USNS Comfort arrives in Norfolk

The Navy says the move will save $1.7 million in its first year and $2.1 million every following year.

The move will give the USNS Comfort's 59 permanent military members better access to military facilities. A naval release states Norfolk will also provide "better use of the naval logistics hub and industrial base in Norfolk and a reduction in transit time to typical mission areas."

The number of service members assigned to the ship will increase when the USNS Comfort gets ready to do missions.

The ship provides acute medical and surgical care for forward deployed operational forces. In disaster relief and humanitarian efforts, the USNS Comfort also functions as a full-service hospital asset.

Source:

Legislative UPDATE ON GUN BILL

~Update on Gun Bill-From the Hearing~

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Mar. 1st, 2013

Update on House Joint Hearing on HB-294 (Gun Bill)

By Delegate Mike McDermott
(Annapolis) The House Joint Hearing on HB-294, the Governor’s Gun Bill, continues on into the night and is passing 8-hours of testimony at the time of this writing. Well over a thousand signed up to testify against this bill and only a very few testified in favor of the bill. In fact, except for the “professional” panels that came in support of the governor (about 20 people), everyone else has been opposed.

We have heard from retirees and 10-year olds, people in
suits and people in working uniforms, people of great means and people of  lesser means, people from Worcester and people from Prince George…all in all, we have heard from Maryland and they do not want this bill passed.

There have been a few good exchanges with some of those who
have come in to testify. The governor skated today and did not respond to questions as he had surrounded himself with a large panel providing insulation and the right questions were not asked.

The Speaker and Chairmen running the joint committee simply did not allow many questions and he quickly escaped out of the chamber and away from questions.As of 8:00pm, there were still over 600 hanging around to
testify against the bill. Sheriff Lewis joined several other Sheriff’s from around the state and provided passionate testimony before the committee in defense of the 2^nd Amendment. In fact, we heard from many in law enforcement who stood with the people’s right to defend themselves as they see fit.
We heard from Beretta Arms who strongly indicated that they
would look seriously at moving from Southern Maryland to another state. This echoes what we have heard from other manufacturers of firearms in Maryland. Beretta alone would mean over $400 million to our state coffers.

It was nice to see Worcester State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby
in attendance as well. It seems the only support the bill had was from inside the beltway. We will be going well into the early morning hours and may well need to come back later in the day on Saturday to insure that every Marylander who wishes to be heard on this issue is heard.

Pocomoke City Police Department PRESS RELEASE

Press Release

Pocomoke Police Department

Pocomoke, Maryland 21851

 

February 1 – February 28, 2013

 

2-03-2013 - Byrdie Johnson, age 31 of Pocomoke was arrested for 2nd Degree Assault .

02-04-2013-  David Anderson, age 28 of Pocomoke was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for Violation of Probation.

02-06-2013 -  Keith Gray, age 22 of Pocomoke was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for Theft and Failure to obey a lawful order.

 

02-07-2013 -  Honiss Cane, age 41 of Pocomoke was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

02-10-2013 -  Benjamin Byrd, age 37 of Saxis VA was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for 2nd Degree Assault & MDOP.

02-11-2013 -  Gerri Fitch, age 32 of Pocomoke was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for Forgery, Theft less than $1,000, Issuing False Documents and Theft less than $100.

 

02-12-2013 -  Jarron Crippen, age 29 of Pocomoke was arrested on an Outstanding Warrant for three counts Distribution of Cocaine and three counts Possession of Cocaine.

 

02-13-2013 -  Leon Briddell, age 19 of Pocomoke was arrested for Theft less than $100.

 

02-20-2013 -  Christopher Schoolfield, age 32 of Pocomoke was arrested for Possession of Marijuana.

 

02-21-2013  - Dale Holcombe, age 20 of Chincoteague VA was arrested for Theft less than $500.

 

02-21-2013 -  Daniel Lawrence, age 21 of Greenbackville VA was arrested for Theft less than $500.

 

02-21-2013  - Austin Parks, age 18 of Melfa VA was arrested for Theft less than $500.

 

02-25-2013 -  Demarco Moore, age 30 of Pocomoke was arrested for Malicious Destruction of Property.

 

Kelvin D. Sewell

 

Chief of Police

March 1, 2013

 

 

TROOPERS INJURED WHEN STRUCK BY DRUNK DRIVER

(COLLEGE PARK, MD) – Two Maryland State troopers are recovering from injures sustained after their marked patrol car was struck by a vehicle operated by an impaired driver, just after midnight.

The troopers are identified as Trooper First Class Manuel Moreno, 42, a four year veteran and Trooper John Cabrera, 34, a three year veteran, both are assigned to the College Park Barrack. Tfc. Moreno and Tpr. Cabrera were transported by Prince George’s County, emergency medical personnel to Prince George’s Hospital with non life threatening injuries.

The driver of the 2001 Pontiac Sunbird is identified as Arcenia D. Macklin, 48 of the 9000 block of Cherry Lane, Laurel, Maryland. Macklin refused medical treatment at the scene. She was taken into custody and later charged with driving under the influence.

The preliminary investigation indicates that shortly after 12:00 a.m., Tfc. Moreno and Tpr. Cabrera were investigating a crash which occurred northbound Interstate 95 in the area of Sandy Springs Road in Prince George’s County, Maryland. After establishing a flare pattern warning oncoming traffic, both troopers returned to their marked Maryland State Police patrol vehicle with its emergency equipment activated. While completing the necessary reports, a 2001 Pontiac Sunbird proceeded through the flares and struck the patrol unit in the rear. The crash injured both troopers.

Emergency medical personnel from Prince George’s County were called to the scene.

Arcenia Macklin has been charged with driving under the influence and for violating the move over law.

Both troopers were transported to Prince George’s Hospital and are being treated for non life threatening injuries.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police 

Congressmen Leave Washington Ahead of Looming Spending Cuts

CNN Photo

By Alan Silverleib and Dana Bash, CNN
Thursday, February 28, 2013
CNN Washington, DC

Washington (CNN) -- Absent an unforeseen agreement, $85 billion in widely disliked spending cuts begin to take effect Friday. The cuts are a product of the sequester, which Congress and President Barack Obama agreed to in hopes of making such slashing so unpalatable that it forces them to reach an alternative.

 

So what did many lawmakers do the day before the painful cuts take effect?

 

Skip town.

 

"I think the sequester is crazy, I think the president had to show more leadership, Congress should do more," said Rep. Peter King, a Republican heading back to New York. "But just to sit here by myself serves no purpose."

 

King was one of many congressmen who, before noon on Thursday, walked down the Capitol steps and into awaiting cars to leave Washington. Democrats criticized Republicans for not even sticking around when the cuts start coming; Republicans, in turn, blasted Democrats for not stepping up to do more to reign in spending.

 

Thus, there was plenty of blame to go around -- but not a lot of action.

 

The Republican-controlled House held one vote Thursday on the Violence Against Women Act. The chamber had no votes scheduled on Friday. Neither did the Senate.

 

There will be some movement Friday, if for no other reason than that's when Obama would be required to start implementing the cuts through the end of the current fiscal year.

 

Also, the president is set to meet with congressional leaders from both parties at the White House.

 

Expectations for that meeting are low. Most observers think both sides will use the occasion to underline their positions heading into the next round of the budget wars -- a possible government shutdown on March 27, when current federal funding authority expires.

 

"I mean, we could stay here ... and not pass ... a bill," said Rep. Adam Smith, D-Washington, as he left the Capitol. "That's not any better."

 

Obama says spending cuts would be bad for business

 

Senate holds show votes on Democratic, GOP alternatives

As expected, a sharply divided Senate voted Thursday afternoon to reject alternative plans put forward by Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nevada, and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky. Reid's plan got 51 votes in support while McConnell's got 38 -- well shy of the 60 needed to clear the 100-member chamber.

 

Reid had proposed replacing the current spending cut package with a $110 billion blueprint that included placing new taxes on millionaires while cutting agriculture subsidies and defense spending.

 

Most Republicans object to new defense cuts and have called any new taxes unacceptable.

 

McConnell wanted to give Obama more flexibility to pick a set of replacement cuts by March 15. Democrats considered the proposal a trap, designed to put more responsibility for the cuts on Obama's shoulders. Critics in both parties considered the idea an abdication of Congress's power of the purse.

 

KEEP READING-

 

 

Spring Concert This Weekend

"Be The Samaritan" Spring Concert

 

 

 

Saturday, March 2nd:  7:00pm
Sunday, March 3rd:  2:30pm

 

Performance at:
 Pocomoke High School

 

Admission is $10.00 per person at the door or at

 Taylor Bank in Pocomoke, T's Corner,

and First Shore Federal of Pocomoke.

 

Performing ~
 Blue Crab Crossing
Holly Grove Christian School Honors Choir
The Eastern Shore Madrigal

 

Bring a household item (cleaner, paper product, etc.) donation for entry in door prize drawings.

Outside Group Distorts Rigell's Record on Gun Rights

"Today a special interest group began airing a radio spot in Hampton Roads that deliberately distorts my conservative position and voting record on the Second Amendment.  The group claims, falsely, that I am among “the gun grabbers in Washington, D.C.” working to “introduce a massive new gun control scheme” that would open the door for the ATF to “terrorize gun owners” and could “force law abiding citizens to register their firearms with the government.”
What is true, and what I stand by in my service to our district, is that I co-sponsored H.R. 452, a bill tightly limited to two gun related crimes:  trafficking in firearms and deliberately engaging in a “straw purchase.” To say the bill creates a federal registry is laughable.  You can read the two-page bill here. 

As a gun owner, hunter, and lifetime member of the NRA, I have not and will not support legislation which establishes in any form a national registry of guns or gun owners. 
The false radio spots now airing in Hampton Roads are a great example of what is so wrong in America:  some special interest groups, from the left and from the right, deliberately choose to use false, inflammatory messaging not to inform but to incite. (For perspective on the group running the radio spots, it claims that the NRA is “signaling a surrender” on the Obama Administration’s gun policies.) Their goal is not good policy but self-preservation which requires an “enemy” to fight if they are to raise more money.  I’ll defend this group’s right to make charges against me, even if the charges are false.  And in protecting the Second Amendment I’ll defend my right to set the record straight."                

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Feb. 28th, 2013

‘HB 837 -- Protecting Maryland’s Farm Families’

 

(ANNAPOLIS) -- “The farming community plays an important role in our state’s economy. Since farmers are particularly vulnerable in these difficult economic times, we should not hesitate to ease their burden wherever we can, and stave off the frivolous environmental lawsuits taken against them.  HB 837 seeks to do just that,” declared Delegate Michael McDermott (R-Worcester and Wicomico Counties).

“The traditional family farm is a recognized heritage and treasure,” stated Delegate McDermott, “and farmers have proven themselves to be the original conservationists, continuing a strong tradition of protecting natural resources.” But a farm family today of limited means can find itself in court up against a multi-million dollar environmental group with endless resources at its disposal. As the cost of attorney fees runs up, the expense of the litigation alone can crush a farm into bankruptcy, regardless of its culpability in the case.

Under current law, a federal court can award legal expenses on behalf of a farm cleared of a clean-water regulatory violation, but no such recourse is available for a case in the state courts.  HB 837 (Family Farm - Prevailing Party - Attorney’s Fees and Expenses) allows a court to award reasonable attorney’s fees and expenses to a family farm  that is sued for causing water pollution but is successful in the case outcome.  This law would cover cases similar to the one that was brought against the Hudson Family Farm.  In 2010, the University of Maryland Environmental Law Clinic, the Assateague Coastkeeper, and the Waterkeeper Alliance filed a suit against Alan and Kristin Hudson, alleging that the farm’s operations were polluting Maryland’s waters.  In December 2012, the judge ruled in favor of the Hudsons, since there was insufficient evidence to show that their farm was the source of the pollution.  However, the Hudsons now face $3 million in legal fees and expenses.

The bill does not apply to local governments and does not undermine their authority and duty to enforce local environmental laws. It does however, protect farms from spurious suits by putting the burden of paying legal expenses on the prosecution.

Yesterday HB 837 was heard in the House Judiciary Committee.  Both the Maryland Farm Bureau and Delmarva Poultry Industry voiced their strong support for the bill.  HB 837 has not yet received a vote from the Committee.

“Sadly, this is something that Maryland has never had to contemplate before, but today we must take action to insure that our future farmers will have the hope of carrying on their family legacy.  The time has come to stand up and draw a line in the sand.”  said Delegate McDermott.

 

Pizza Shop Owner Comes Under Fire For Gun Discount

Wednesday - February 27, 2013
Written by
Rachael West
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WAVY) - CNN Personality Piers Morgan had some harsh words for a Virginia Beach pizza shop owner who is offering a discount to gun owners.

All Around Pizza and Deli owner Jay Laze appeared on Morgan’s show 'Piers Morgan Tonight' via satellite from his restaurant on Holland Road. Video from the brief appearance was posted to Morgan’s blog Tuesday.

“I would imagine that the profits you’re making from this extremely cynical commercial exercise involving armed people who you’ve no idea who they are come into your restaurant, would perk up your profits nicely,” Morgan began. “I mean, that’s why you’re doing it, to make money, isn’t it?”

“I am trying to make money because that will…how it’s supposed to work is I can save money and then I can use it later in life to support me when I put my work into society,” Laze responded.

Laze has received both support and criticism for offering a 15 percent discount at his restaurant for gun owners. Anyone who comes into the restaurant with a gun or shows a concealed weapon permit would receive the discount.

Morgan then addressed several statistics, stating 12,000 gun murders occur in America every year as well as 18,000 suicides involving guns. Morgan also stated 100,000 people are hit by gunfire a year and claimed that by inviting people with guns into his restaurant, the likelihood of accidents occurring rises.

“Accidents do happen,” Laze said. “I mean, that’s life, that’s what we have to deal with is accidents happen. And there are bad people and there are people on drugs that don’t have any control over their body but we have to deal with it because that’s real life. Car accidents happen every day, people lose their life, it’s a tragedy, but it’s something that we have to live with.”

When Morgan asked Laze how many people had been shot at his restaurant since he’s owned it, Laze responded with “zero.”

“Zero. So actually there’s been no gun threat to your restaurant whatsoever,” Morgan said. “The only threat now is you’re encouraging all these people who may or may not be criminals or mentally insane people to come in armed to the teeth with weapons, the likelihood of there being an accident in your place or somebody doing something stupid has just massively increased, so actually, rather than making your restaurant safer, going from zero shootings, you have now raised a massively higher probability of their being a shooting in your restaurant.”

But Morgan did not end his criticism there.

“That is why I called you an idiot the other night, because it’s an idiotic premise to work off to somehow going from no shootings in your restaurant to encouraging everybody in the area without any way of checking who they are to come in armed to the teeth is going to make your restaurant safer. And it’s exactly the kind of attitude that is unfortunately causing America the most hideous gun violence problems. Mr. Laze, good luck with your promotion, I hope it fails spectacularly. Thank you for joining me.”

Laze told WAVY.com last week 80 percent of his customers came into the restaurant carrying guns.

The plan was for the discount to only run until March, but he may make it permanent due to the response.

It is unknown at this time if the plan is still in the works after the national attention Laze received.

Source:

Delegate McDermott on HB-837: Family Farm - Prevailing Party - Attorney's Fees

Published on Feb 28, 2013

 

On February 27, 2013 Delegate McDermott addressed HB-837: Family Farm - Prevailing Party - Attorney's Fees and Expenses.

Details of HB-837: Authorizing a court to award reasonable attorney's fees and expenses in a civil suit against a family farm alleging that the family farm caused water pollution in any waters of the State as the result of an agricultural operation; and applying the Act prospectively.

 

Reminder: Baseball & Softball Sign-ups

Just a reminder:
Little League (Baseball & Softball) Sign-ups
TONIGHT at the Pocomoke YMCA, 6-8PM and
THIS SATURDAY at the Pocomoke YMCA, 10AM-12PM

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

　
　
1895.. An old fashioned winter; 1910.. Automobile sightings!; 1953.. Pocomoke's newspaper is sold; 1977.. Wallops employees get awards; 1949.. Pocomoke physician speaks against federal efforts for compulsory health insurance; 1934.. Part 1 of first-hand remembrances of life on lower shore in mid-1800's.
　
Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it 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!

Upper Deck Seafood Restaurant and Lounge - Thursday Specials

Thursday Specials

February 28, 2013

 

 Spaghetti with Meatballs & Garlic Bread...$6.00
 BBQ Pork Sandwich with FF and Slaw....$6.99

SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia/ Pet Care

 

 

The Neuter Scooter will be here Thursday, February 28th and Friday, March 1st.

VA Beach's SPCA mobile surgical clinic, The Neuter Scooter, comes to the SPCA Eastern Shore a couple times each month to offer low-cost veterinarian services.

*Appointment IS needed for spay/neuter services*

 *NO appointment needed for:

Vaccinations (fee varies), microchips ($25.00 which includes registration fee), heartworm testing, FIV/FELV testing, heartworm & flea & tick monthly medications. For these services please arrive between 10am-noon.

For more information on services or fees please contact Sheila at the SPCA Tuesday-Saturday (10am-3pm) @ 757-787-7385.

Weekend Public Programs ~ Delmarva Discovery Center

Interpretation Programs are back!

Starting March 2, every weekend on Saturday and Sunday, the Delmarva Discovery Center will host educational programs for the family!

Saturday's program Critter Corner featuring Diamondback terrapins, including our very own Scorchy! Here is a list of our interpretation programs for March.

 

Come check us out!

 

 

 

For More Info :  Delmarva Discovery Center
OR
Delmarva Discovery on Facebook

Mar-Va Theater This Weekend

 

Friday, March 1st

Saturday, March 2nd

7 PM

All Seats  $5.00

Structure Found Smouldering.....Accomack County

Wednesday February 27, 2013
Reported structure fire at the end of Orchard Road in Parksley, Virgina. (Fisher's Corner)  It is believed that the fire began sometime in the early morning hours but due to the weather conditions Tuesday evening and location of the structure the fire was not reported until much later as (people began to go to work) and had burned to the ground before fire departments were  notified.

Virginia State Police are investigating and have not commented as to whether this is another arson.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this or any other of the more than 50 arson fires reported since November 13, 2012.

The number to call, text or email is 757-655-1437.

"A Minute With Mike" - Keeping Schools Safe without Compromising 2nd Amendment

Published on Feb 27, 2013

"A Minute with Mike" is an approximately one minute vlog (video blog) where Delegate Mike McDermott, who proudly represents the people of District 38B in the Maryland General Assembly, speaks on various topics in Maryland Legislature.

In this vlog, Delegate Mike McDermott shares his thoughts on ways in which we can keep Maryland schools safer with three of the bills he is sponsoring that do not compromise your 2nd Amendment rights.

www.delegatemcdermott.com
www.facebook.com/electmikemcdermott
www.twitter.com/Del_McDermott

REMINDER !! Tune Into Delmarva Life Today

 REMINDER

Don't forget - -
Pocomoke City Police Chief  Kelvin Sewell will appear in an interview on Delmarva Life  TODAY!

Be sure to tune into  Delmarva Life  TODAY at 4:00 PM on WBOC

Photo/BW

EXPECT DELAYS ON ST. PATTY’S PARADE DAY IN OCEAN CITY

OCEAN CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

REMINDING CITIZENS

 TO EXPECT DELAYS ON ST. PATTY’S PARADE DAY

 

The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens to expect traffic delays this St. Patrick’s Day, as the Delmarva Irish-American Club host their 32^ndAnnual Parade and Festival. The tradition, which has become one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the state, will take place on Saturday, March 16, 2013, and begins at 12 noon at 58^th Street and marches south on Coastal Highway to the 45^th Street Shopping Center.

 

In order to offer an ample amount of space for the parade’s participating floats, bands and motorized units, southbound traffic with be reduced to two lanes from 62nd Street to 43^rd Street. Northbound traffic will remain open, however, no left turns or u-turns will be allowed along the parade route from the northbound lane including 62^nd Street.

Residents and visitors are likely to see traffic delays on southbound Coastal Highway as early as 9 a.m. and should expect congestion until 2 p.m. To avoid traffic delays, viewers are urged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. and to view the parade from 58^thStreet south to 45^th Street. Ocean City Police are highly recommending motorists entering the Town of Ocean City to use Maryland Route 50, as traffic is not expected to be as heavy.

In addition, heavy pedestrian traffic is also expected along the parade route and in surrounding areas. Pedestrians are encouraged to use the crosswalk and cross with caution.

Submitted by:
Ocean City Police Dept.
 

 

Riverside Grill Specials For Wednesday

WEDNESDAY

FEBRUARY 27, 2013

 

 -Turkey & Rice Soup w/ 1/2 roast beef sandwich or side salad 5.99
 -Pear-Mango Salad (spinach, pear, mangoes, candied pecans, feta) 6.99
 -NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ cole slaw and hush puppies 6.99
 -Thai Chili Shrimp Wrap w/ fries 8.99

 

 

 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers

 

 @ 8pm

 $5 crab dip

 $5 cosmos

$2 house wines

 $2 Coors light drafts

THROWBACK THRUSDAY This Week At Mar-Va Theater

THROWBACK THURSDAY

 

Thursday

February 28th

7 pm

All Seats  $5

 

A Minute With Delegate Mike McDermott- Video

Published on Feb 26, 2013

On February 22nd, the Maryland House of Delegates heard HB 226 - Maryland Offshore Wind Energy Act of 2013 on "third reader." The bill passed 86-48. In this video, Delegate McDermott addresses why he voted against the bill.

Monday Night Fire Continues The Count - 53

The abandoned structure fire on the corner of the Saxis Road and Wessells Farm Road that occurred Monday, February 25, 2013 has been classified by investigators as arson.

This was the third fire in three days. Fire fighters and other emergency personel, along with police and investigators, were busy on Drummondtown Road in Wachapreague on Saturday evening.

Sunday evening another fire in an abandonded structure kept units busy also. These two fires have also been classified as arson.

Monday night's fire is the second fire set in an abandoned building in eight days to be set in the Saxis Road area.  On February 17, 2013 fire was set to an abandoned dwelling in the 29000 block of the same road.

Photo/BW

No injuries  within the fire and emergency departements have been reported and it must be said that these brave men and women are doing a remarkable job in protecting properties and lives when they are called on at a moments notice.  They are volunteers that Accomack County residents can be proud of. 

These have been trying times for the residents of Accomack County and I don't suppose any people know that better than the families of the fire/emt/emergency personel, Accomack County Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police and all the investigators who have been anxiously seeking an answer to the fires that have plaqued Accomack County since November 12, 2012.

Monday nights fire brings the total of arson to 53.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this or any other of the more than 50 arson fires reported since November 13, 2012.

The number to call,text or email is 757-655-1437.

Interview With Pocomoke City Police Chief Sewell To Be On TV

A little bird just told me that Pocomoke City Police Chief  Kelvin Sewell was interviewed last week and the taped recording will appear tomorrow on WBOC's DelmarvaLife.

Be sure to tune into DelmarvaLife on WBOC tomorrow - Wednesday, February 27 at 4:00 in the afternoon.

There will also be an in-studio interview with the chief.

Nonprofit/Nongovernment Pet Food Program in New Mexico

Written By
Celina Westervelt
ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - A new program to offer pet food stamps is getting a big response from New Mexicans.

The nonprofit Pet Food Stamps is not a government program but works just like human food stamps. Families who qualify for state assistance could qualify for assistance in feeding their pets as well.

Local animal shelters hope the assistance will ease their overpopulation problems.

"We distribute roughly 3,000 pounds of pet food each week in Albuquerque," said Dawn Glass, marketing director at Animal Humane New Mexico.

Animal Humane's emergency food bank feeds about 400 families every month in Albuquerque, but the help is only for dire situations. There is no long-term help.
Now a new national group Pet Food Stamps is changing that.

"It's aimed at preventing people from having to choose feeding themselves or their animals or having to surrender them to a high-kill shelter," explained founder Marc Okon.

Okon launched the New York based nonprofit two weeks ago, and It's already seeing a huge response from New Mexicans.
"We've had tons of people that have submitted applications," Okon said. "I think about 300 to 400 people to be exact."

And that's in New Mexico alone. In just two weeks the prgram has had more than 12,000 requests for assistance.

To qualify families must prove they're receiving state assistance. If approved they'll get a monthly allotment to spend at national retailer Pet Food Direct.

Local shelters say they're thrilled about the idea of long-term relief.
"If we can have an ongoing source for these families while they're trying to get on their feet, that's huge" Glass said.

Glass hopes it will also keep more families with their families instead of state and city facilities.

"When people are going through difficult situations, where they've lost their jobs or their home is foreclosed, the last thing they need to do is lose their very best friend," Glass added.

Applications can be filled out on the Pet Food Stamps website .

Because the organization is a nonprofit, it is also in need of monetary donations while they search for federal funds and grants.

Source:

Midway Is Looking For Driven Individuals....

*** MANAGEMENT TRAINEE

POSITIONS AVAILABLE***

Want to increase your earnings potential?

Midway is looking for driven individuals to join our sales force.
Experienced sales professionals are encouraged to apply, however, we will accept entry-level applicants who show the drive and energy that we desire. Competitive salary and benefit packages, as well as bonus pay!

Please bring us your resume in person, or email our general manager, Wib Davenport, at wibdaven@gmail.com.

Beretta’s Future In Maryland Tied To State’s Gun-Control Debate

Great article!  Especially the last sentence on page 2.  Please read.


By Aaron C. Davis  
    

Feb 24, 2013

 

On the production floor of Beretta USA sits a hulking new barrel-making machine ready to churn out the next object of obsession in America’s love-hate relationship with guns: a civilian version of a machine gun designed for special operations forces and popularized in the video game Call of Duty.

Beretta, the nearly 500-year-old family-owned company that made one of James Bond’s firearms, has already invested more than $1 million in the machine and has planned to expand its plant further in Prince George’s County to ramp up production.

But under an assault-weapons ban that advanced late last week in the Maryland General Assembly, experts say the gun would be illegal in the state where it is produced.

Now Beretta is weighing whether the rifle line, and perhaps the company itself, should stay in a place increasingly hostile toward its products. Its iconic 9mm pistol — carried by every U.S. soldier and scores of police departments — would also be banned with its high capacity, 13-bullet magazine.

“Why expand in a place where the people who built the gun couldn’t buy it?” said Jeffrey Reh, general counsel for Beretta.

Concern that the company will leave, and take its 300 jobs with it, is palpable among state lawmakers who worry it could be collateral damage from Gov. Martin O’Malley’s proposed gun-control bill.

Among other restrictions, O’Malley’s bill would ban assault rifles, magazines with more than 10 bullets and any new guns with two or more “military-like” features. Gun experts said it’s a near-certainty that Beretta’s semiautomatic version of the ARX-160, now only a prototype, would be banned under O’Malley’s bill.

“I’m concerned. I think they’re going to move,” said Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert). “They sell guns across the world and in every state in the union — to places a lot more friendly to the company than this state.”

In Beretta’s low-slung factory along the Potomac River in Accokeek, where walls are lined with trophy heads of caribou, wild boars and black bears shot by employees, the legislation proposed by O’Malley (D) feels like an affront.

In testimony this month in Annapolis, Reh, who oversees the plant, warned lawmakers to consider carefully the company’s future. Reh pointed to the last time Maryland ratcheted up gun restrictions in the 1990s: Beretta responded by moving its warehouse operation to Virginia.

“I think they thought we were bluffing” in the 1990s, Reh said. “But Berettas don’t bluff.”
READ MORE....
Washington Post 

In Case You Missed It: Change Maryland in the News

Md. businesses hope for more influence in Annapolis

Baltimore Sun 2.24.13

"Almost 400 gathered to hear speakers at the event, organized by Change Maryland."http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-maryland-business-voice-20130224,0,2396206.story

Economic summit looks to become more pro-business
Carroll County Times 2.22.13

"Change Maryland, which was formed in 2011, is a collection of 30,000 members who are calling for a more pro-business Maryland, said founder Larry Hogan."http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/news/business_technology/economic-summit-looks-to-become-more-pro-business/article_cd5a3dbc-2d22-5a5b-ad51-bd8eccb4bea7.html

Group rallies to change Maryland’s business climate
Maryland Reporter 2.22.13

"Hogan told the crowd, 'My hope this morning is that you will never give up hope in this state.”http://marylandreporter.com/2013/02/22/group-rallies-to-change-marylands-business-climate/

Maryland’s business climate scrutinized
Baltimore Post-Examiner 2.22.13

“This event today was to raise awareness in the business community,” Hogan said.http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/group-rallies-to-change-marylands-business-climate/2013/02/22

Summit: Fixing tax policies will attract, retain businesses
Annapolis Capital - Gazette 2.22.13

“We’re slipping in terms of our demographics. We’re slipping in terms of our business community, both small and large,” said panelist Anirban Basu, CEO of Baltimore consulting firm Sage Policy Group.
http://www.capitalgazette.com/news/annapolis/summit-fixing-tax-policies-will-attract-retain-businesses/article_c0585bfa-3be3-5574-88b5-b63fec1b634b.html

Md. business climate must be improved, speakers say
Baltimore Sun 2.21.13

"Nearly 400 people packed a conference room Thursday to hear leaders argue that Maryland is in critical need of a better business climate as big federal spending cuts loom."
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-02-21/business/bs-bz-change-maryland-business-climate-20130221_1_business-climate-change-maryland-sequestration

Business leaders gather to find way to improve MD competitiveness
Fox 45 2.21.13

"Five years ago, Maryland was home to eleven Fortune 500 companies but only three remain. In six years, lawmakers have raised 24 taxes, tolls and fees - hardly what a perspective business wants to hear."
http://foxbaltimore.com/news/features/featured/stories/business-leaders-gather-find-ways-improve-economic-climate-md-569.shtml#.USkmwB0p_dd

Yes to jobs, no to higher minimum wage
Frederick News-Post 2.20.13

"Raising the minimum wage would also add to Maryland's anti-business reputation. Turning that around is the subject of a summit (where I am a panelist) in Annapolis Thursday sponsored by Change Maryland."
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/opinion/display_columnist.htm?StoryID=147108

In gauging Maryland's competitiveness, stick to the facts
Baltimore Sun 2.19.13

"This week, Change Maryland is convening a bipartisan gathering of 400 business and community leaders from across the state."
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-02-19/news/bs-ed-business-climate-20130219_1_marylanders-governor-o-malley-gas-tax-proposals

Change Maryland: We Have Work To Do On Jobs and the Economy
Rockville Patch 2.18.13

"Maryland is lagging behind other states in the region in economic performance, and this forum is the first of what will be many bi-partisan, tangible steps towards a much-needed course correction."
http://rockville.patch.com/blog_posts/change-maryland-we-have-work-to-do-on-jobs-and-the-economy

Change MD talks to Jimmy Mathis
WBAL 2.14.13

"This situation with our lopsided tax code is not impossible to fix."
http://www.wbal.com/article/97591/template-story/Jim-Pettit-from-Change-MD-talks-to-Jimmy-Mathis

Two bills filed to reduce Maryland's corporate income tax rates
Red Maryland 2.20.13

“It’s too late for timid half measures,” Hogan said.  “The corporate income tax needs to be reduced immediately and dramatically, perhaps even eliminated altogether, to stop the bleeding of 6,500 businesses and chronic economic under-performance in the region."
http://redmaryland.blogspot.com/2013/02/two-bills-filed-to-lower-marylands.html

No consensus on how to fund state’s transportation needs
Daily Record 2.19.13

“Basically, it's just a tax shifting scheme that places the onus on local governments," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.
http://thedailyrecord.com/2013/02/19/no-consensus-on-how-to-fund-states-transportation-needs/

O’Malley Makes Big Push For Wind Energy Legislation
OC Dispatch 2.15.13

“It seems Martin O’Malley’s priority is to make electricity and gas more expensive,” said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan
http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/articles/2013/02/15/Top-Stories/OMalley-Makes-Big-Push-For-Wind-Energy-Legislation

O'Malley proposes wind energy bill 

Easton Star-Democrat 2.12.13

Hogan said the bill is a "scheme, is really a tax increase by another name and a financial waste."
http://www.stardem.com/article_837198f0-7569-11e2-873f-001a4bcf887a.html

O'Malley spinning magical tales in state of state speech

Washington Examiner 1.31.13

"Sadly, the governor's real legacy is a record of lost businesses, lost jobs, higher spending, record tax increases and broken promises."
http://washingtonexaminer.com/omalley-spinning-magical-tales-in-state-of-the-state-speech/article/2520138

Budget scrutiny on transportation

Gazette 1.21.13

“Nowhere in this budget document is any mention made to helping Maryland’s blue-collar workers or other working people,” Chairman Larry Hogan said.
http://www.gazette.net/article/20130116/NEWS/130119281/0/gazette&template=gazette

O'Malley's budget gets mixed reviews
Easton Star-Democrat 1.16.13

"Hogan said what's missing from the budget is an understanding on how to bring jobs and businesses back to Maryland."
http://www.stardem.com/news/local_news/article_ada85342-6061-11e2-8e56-0019bb2963f4.html

Odds and Ends No. 69

Monoblogue 1.19.13

"Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan also had some suggestions for Martin O’Malley on rebuilding Maryland manufacturing."
http://monoblogue.us/2013/01/19/odds-and-ends-number-69/

State quickly replaces Johansson
Gazette 12.19.12

"DBED has not been aggressive in job creation,” he said. “Maryland is not on the radar screen for most national site selection consultants,” said Larry Hogan.
http://www.gazette.net/article/20121219/NEWS/712199463/0/gazette&template=gazette

New economic development chief named for Md.
Baltimore Sun 12.19.12

"But the new appointment was criticized by Change Maryland, a group that has characterized the economic development department as primarily focused on positive-spin marketing."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-new-economic-development-secretary-20121219,0,801460.story

Tax data Maryland needs — and almost lost
Baltimore Sun 12.19.12

"Virginia, here I come" is a popular refrain on social media posts on groups like Change Maryland's Facebook page, with 25,000 followers who have legitimate qualms about the state's relatively high corporate and individual income tax burdens."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-taxpayer-migration-20121219,0,6782551.story

Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies Assist In Inauguration Parade Route

January 19^th through the 22^nd - Eleven  Worcester County Sheriff’s Deputies had the honor in assisting the Washington Metropolitan Police Department in securing the parade route for the 57^th Presidential Inauguration.

 

The 11 Deputies endure cold temperatures and long hours while posted along the Inauguration Parade Route. The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office worked together in securing a city block during the parade.

“It was great to be a part of history.” One Deputy stated.

 

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office looks forward to participating again for the 58^th Inaugural Parade.

-

 

Submitted:

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff's Office