Jeannie Haddaway on O'Malley - Brown Administration's 'Better Results' Political Event

For immediate release: 8.28.13

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit

Lt. Governor candidate and state Delegate Jeannie Haddaway released the following statement regarding the O'Malley - Brown Administration's "Better Results Forum" held in Baltimore this morning.  

"The O'Malley - Brown Administration is once again holding a political marketing event intended to try and persuade voters that job growth is not as bad as the numbers say there are.  One number that won't be discussed among the political spin today is Maryland's 7.1% unemployment rate as compared to Virginia's 5.7%.  The difference in these unemployment rates is the highest it has been in over ten years.  An effective use of time would be for Martin O'Malley and Anthony Brown to drive to Richmond and learn about the better choices our neighbor has made on policies that foster economic development and job growth."

Importance of Safe Boating Practices During Labor Day Weekend

Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police are Reminding Boaters ~ the Importance of Safe Boating Practices During Labor Day Weekend.

BALTIMORE — As the 2013 boating season comes to a close, the Coast Guard and Maryland Natural Resources Police are reminding boaters about the importance of safe boating practices during Labor Day weekend.

The Coast Guard urges the public to always think about safety and to anticipate any possibility when going out on the water.
Here are some tips to help boaters have a safe and prepared time on the water during the remainder of the summer:

•Life jackets save lives. Out of all the 2012 fatal boating accidents where drowning was the cause of death, 85 percent were reported as not wearing a life jacket. Accidents can leave even a strong swimmer injured, unconscious and exhausted in the water.

•Boating under the influence or boating while intoxicated is just as deadly as drinking and driving. It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in every state. Penalties for violating BUI and BWI laws can include large fines, suspension or revocation of boat operator privileges and jail. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents.

•File a float plan. A float plan states where you are going and how many people are aboard your vessel. It also gives a vessel description, details your destination and what time you expect to arrive there. If you are delayed for some reason, make sure you let someone know.

•A VHF-FM radio is the best method of communication while on the water. Although cell phones are a good backup, they can be unreliable due to gaps in coverage area and are reliant on batteries.

Submitted:
U.S. Coast Guard

Others May Not Be As Well As You Are...

PA MAN CHARGED FOR ARMED CARJACKING OF TAXI

(August 27, 2013) – On August 24, 2013, at approximately 6:15 p.m. Ocean City police responded to the area of 118th Street and Assawoman Drive in reference to a carjacking involving a taxi. The taxi driver informed officers that he had picked up a fare from 49th Street. The fare, later identified as Ian Edward Keim, 36, of Neville, PA, then grabbed the driver by the throat, brandished a knife and threatened the driver.

During the investigation, the taxi driver, who is not being identified at this time, stated that he was then able to stop the taxi in the area of 91st Street and exit the vehicle. Keim then got into the driver’s seat of the taxi and began driving north on Coastal Highway. A nearby off-duty Clarkstown, NY police officer who witnessed the incident then stopped and allowed the taxi driver to enter his vehicle and followed Keim north on Coastal Highway.

Keim stopped the taxi in the area of 118th Street and Assawoman Drive and then fled on foot toward the beach. Officers located Keim in the surf on the beach at 119th Street where he was placed under arrest.

Keim has been charged by Ocean City police with armed robbery and armed carjacking. Keim was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and has been transferred to the Worcester County Jail on $100,000 bond.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Monday ~ Northampton County Circuit Court

Monday  - August- 2013
Northampton County Circuit Court

Antwine Jermaine Reid of Machipongo pled guilty to three counts of possession with intent to distribute cocaine. The sentencing was continued pending preparation of a presentence report.

Charles A. Robbins of Capeville had his probation revoked on an original charge of petty larceny for which he received 12 months in jail with 8 months suspended and 100 hours of community service. The original sentence of 8 months suspended was re-imposed with all but 2 months suspended and 12 months of community service.

Antonio Ellis of Nassawadox was sentenced to 5 years with 4 years suspended, a $1000 fine for a third DUI offense, 5 years with all but 5 months suspended for DUI and unlawful wounding and 12 months with 11 months suspended for driving with a suspended license all of which will run consecutively for a total of 1 year and six months to serve.

 Robert L. Holley  of Plymouth, NC was given 5 years for possession of a gun by a convicted felon and 12 months for possession of a concealed weapon. The sentences will run concurrently with all but two years suspended.

Joseph Lamont Hines of Birdsnest received 3 years with all but 30 days suspended and had his drivers license suspended for 6 months for possession of cocaine.

Source:

Things are just getting harder and harder for me to get anything done

There was a bit of  confusion at Ace Hardware this morning. When I was ready to pay for my  purchases of gunpowder and bullets, the cashier said, "Strip down, facing  me!"
 
Making a mental note to complain to my congressman  about the gun registry
people running amok, I did just as she had instructed. When the hysterical shrieking had finally subsided, I found  out that she was referring to my credit card.
 
I have been  asked to shop elsewhere in the future.
  
They need to  make their instructions to us seniors a little clearer!

Haddaway and Colburn Call For Delay in Anti-Agriculture Regulations

Jeannie Haddaway, a candidate for Lt. Governor running with David Craig,  is calling for the O’Malley-Brown Administration to delay adoptions of regulations that would prevent farmers from using locally produced organic fertilizer and re-consider defining them as "emergency" status which short circuits the normal review process.

In a letter to the Governor and the Secretary of Agriculture, Haddaway explained that the regulations as currently drafted not only prevent poultry and dairy farmers from using organic fertilizer, they will cause complications with responsible storage and transportation of poultry manure leaving farmers no choice but to use chemical fertilizers instead.

“This will not only deprive farm families of income but also poses significant health and environmental risks to Marylanders and to the animals themselves," said Haddaway.  "With that in mind, the Administration should reconsider these regulations or at least revoke the emergency status so that the industry and stakeholders have adequate time to develop a workable solution.”

Senator Richard Colburn (District 37) who is a member of the Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review Committee agreed with Haddaway's position and has called for a public hearing on the issue which is before his committee.  In response, a hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 28, 2013 in Annapolis.

David Craig called for a common sense approach that values the input of all stakeholders.

"Regulations often have unintended consequences, which is why they need to be thought out beforehand," said Craig. "The poultry industry is one of the most heavily -regulated industry sectors in Maryland, at the local, state and federal level.  The state needs to exercise due diligence."

From: Jim Pettit <jamesmpettit@gmail.com>

Community Emergency Response Team Program

Community Emergency Response Team Program scheduled to begin

Citizens can make a difference for their families by enrolling in the Community Emergency Response Team course planned to begin in September 2013 at the Ocean City Public Safety Building.

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training is designed to help citizens help themselves and their families in the event of a catastrophic disaster. Due to the fact that emergency services personnel will not be able to help everyone immediately following a disaster, CERT is a free training course that aims to provide citizens with basic information for preparedness and techniques when dealing with emergencies. Training covers basic skills including CPR/AED, first aid, recognizing natural and manmade hazards in our local communities, disaster preparedness such as emergency plans and disaster supply kits, hazardous material emergencies and basic fire suppression.

CERT courses are being offered by the Ocean City Emergency Services Department. The courses are now offered as part of OceanCityUniversity. Citizens who complete a 16-week general studies program through OC University as well as the CitizensPoliceAcademy, can earn a Ph.D by completing the CERT program.

CERT classes begin Thursday, September 26, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. and will run each Thursday evening for seven weeks, ending on November 14, 2013. There will also be one class on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 8:00 a.m.


To register or for more information, contact Ocean City Emergency Services at 410.723.6616 or email cboyles@oceancitymd.gov. Additional information can also be found at www.oceancitymd.gov.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Artist Katrina Hand's debut exhibit

Contact:

Jennifer Rafter

Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce
www.pocomoke.com
410-957-1919

#####

The Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to host artist Katrina Hand's debut exhibit for the month of September. We invite you to visit Katrina and watch her work during the September 20th Downtown Pocomoke Art Stroll from 5 to 7 pm.  At 7 pm, watch the Brown Box Theatre perform a Mid Summer Night's Dream in the lawn just next to the Pocomoke Chamber building at 6 Market Street.


We are proud to introduce you to artist Katrina Hand.  She was born and raised in Lancaster County and moved to the Eastern Shore in 2011. She has been creating art since she could hold a crayon and was in the Art Honor society her senior year.  We invite you to stop by the Chamber and view this gifted young artist's work during the Pocomoke Downtown Art Stroll. Experience extended hours at many downtown locations which will host artists for the September 20th Art Stroll, to include Enchanted Florist, Market Street Boutique, Lusby’s, A 2nd Time Around, Style Center, The Pincushion and the Delmarva Discovery Center.  

Featured artists include Kefford Linton, Robin Spaulding, Jenny Somers. Jan Coulbourne, Leslie Brett, Jean Mason, Jo Ellen Ellis, Janet Baker, Charlotte Poore, John Rafter, Dee Brua, and Lindsay Fuller.  Friday, September 20th, join us for the Pocomoke Downtown Art Stroll and enjoy chatting with local artists, live music, live Shakespeare, and a great time!

ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT WAS A BIG HIT!

Pocomoke City Police Department

ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

PHOTO BW

Many Pocomoke City school students from various grades stopped by the Pocomoke City Police Department on Saturday between the hours of 10 to noon for the Department's Annual Back To School Event.

Chief Sewell with two students beginning Pocomoke elementary school this year.
PHOTO BW

Councilman Clarke hands a bag of kindergarten supplies to this little guy who will be starting school for the first time on Monday. 
PHOTO BW

Supplies varied from notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, crayons and selections were made  from Kindergarten through the eighth grade.

PHOTO BW

Supplies varied from notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, crayons and selections were made  from Kindergarten through the eighth grade.

PHOTO BW

Pocomoke schools open tomorrow:  Monday, August 26, 2013.



Please use CAUTION as you travel the city streets and roads.

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

Shifting Sand and Changing Direction Shifting Sand and Changing Direction-Business Climate in MD
By Delegate Mike McDermott

August 22, 2013


The governor made an appearance on the boardwalk the other day to laud the success of the beach replenishment program which began 25-years ago.  If only the other problems faced by our state received the same attention, we would be like Virginia dealing with billion dollar surpluses instead of deficits.


Perhaps beach erosion is easier to see, but similar destruction is apparent elsewhere across Maryland for those who care to look.


The erosion of Maryland businesses more closely resembles Ocean City when the inlet was formed and our response has been lackluster. When Governor O’Malley and his senate choir took over from the Ehrlich administration, Maryland had risen to #26 in the rankings as a state in which to do business. That ranking has now fallen near the bottom of the barrel at #41.


If Ocean City had received similar attention 25-years ago, Ocean Pines could be advertising “Ocean views!”  When the situation dictated business relief, the liberal-progressive response was to increase the regulatory environment. Instead of reducing the tax burden, they doubled down in every imaginable way.


In fact, the past seven (7) years has seen 72 tax and fee increases signed into law. The same folks who seem to understand the effects of storm surge and high winds on a strip of sand can’t seem to make a connection between a weak economy and the severe stress being leveled against business and industry in Maryland.


You pump sand onto the beach, not away from it. Maryland has been taking from businesses and, at the same time, reducing the amount of discretionary dollars in the pockets of consumers. Contrast this approach with other states in our region and you can see why we are not competing effectively. The democratic plan for Maryland’s economic development is welcome news to surrounding states whose ratings already reflect better policies: Delaware #14, Pennsylvania #19, West Virginia #23, and Virginia #27 (Maryland #41).
 
We should be leading the way with natural gas development and exportation; instead we opt for a moratorium costing us billions. We should have protected our grain and poultry farming interests, yet we are watching the decline of both with each new storm surge of regulations. We should be sheltering our families from these destructive economic winds, not taking more from their paychecks.

Maryland’s democratic leaders keep government interests afloat at the expense of all else. How else can one explain increases of over a billion dollars annually in state spending? A 29% increase in spending during the worst recession in our history is absurd. They believe that government spending will result in job creation. By that theory, we should pump sand from the beach out into the ocean so we can achieve replenishment!


Increasing taxes on income, sales, gasoline, electricity, rain, and septic do not “replenish” our people. Fee increases for businesses from 50% to over 500% do not “restore” our economy.  “Erosion” is apparently in the eye of the beholder, but O’Malley and his senate democrats must have sand in their eyes if they are missing all of these signs.


Marylanders, take back your state.

TIME MACHINE ... 1903, 1971, 1954, 1884, 1909

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)



(A Pocomoke City Connection)

October, 1903
(The Daily News- Marshall, Mich.)

THE BISHOP DISAPPROVES.

TURNS DOWN CLERGYMAN MARRIED TO DIVORCED WOMAN.

SENSATIONAL CASE IN PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.

MAY BE CARRIED INTO THE CIVIL COURTS.

Philadelphia. Oct 17.- A matter that may become a celebrated case in the Protestant Episcopal Church in America became public Friday when announcement was made that Bishop John Scarborough of the diocese of New Jersey had refused to approve a call to a church within his jurisdiction of a clergyman married to a woman who had been granted a divorce from her first husband, and also an Episcopal clergyman.

The case is that of the Rev. George F. Kettel, formerly assistant rector of Christ Church, Baltimore. His wife was originally Miss Bessie Broughton of Pocomoke City, Md. She married the Rev. Clarence Frankel in February, 1900, and six months later they moved to Nebraska where her husband was a missionary. 

Later she secured a divorce in South Dakota on the grounds of non-support, unfaithfulness, and cruelty. She then came back to Pocomoke City, became acquainted with the Rev. Dr. Kettel, and the couple were married July 29 last, by Rev. Charles A. Hensel, vicar of Grace Church Chapel, Baltimore. Shortly after this Mr. Kettel resigned from Christ Church. 

Christ Church of Palmyra, N.J., about ten miles from Philadelphia, offered the rectorship of that church to the young rector, on the recommendation of Bishop Scarborough, before he (Kettel) was married. He accepted after informing the vestry of the church that he had married a divorced woman, but when he went to Trenton, N.J., to get the approval of the bishop, which is necessary when a clergyman of the church goes from one diocese to another, he was refused.

The parishioners of Christ Church took up the matter and appealed to the bishop to render his decision, but this he would not do. Meetings were held at the church and the parishioners finally became divided, a majority of them, it is said, deciding to take the view of Bishop Scarborough. Some of the more ardent supporters of the Rev. Mr. Kettel wanted to take the matter to the civil courts and, it is said, this will probably be done. 


　
December, 1971 (Time Machine archive)

An investigation was continuing into a fire which destroyed the old Pocomoke High School building on Market Street which had become Pocomoke City Elementary School after the new High School building was constructed near the south end of Cedar Street. Students were safely evacuated from the building when the school fire alarm sounded, most thinking it was a routine fire drill. Principal John W. Tatem discovered the fire which was believed to have started in an area near a boiler room but there was no indication that the boilers were a cause of the blaze. Flames quickly enveloped the structure. The building was bricked on the outside but most of the internal framing was wood. Following the blaze only the shell of the walls remained. Portable classrooms near the building were saved. 


　
May, 1954
(Oakland Tribune- Oakland, Ca.)

VERY CONSERVATIVE- The residents of Somerset County, Md., will have to mark their "X" on the ballot in the same old way in the June 28 primary and the general election next fall. There will be no voting machines. Supervisors voted against the purchase of machines for fear they would probably bring confusion to the primary.


　
February, 1884
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)

ATTENTION FARMERS!

GREAT LABOR-SAVING FARMING IMPLEMENTS!

The undersigned begs leave to call the attention of the farmers of Accomac and Northampton counties to the fact that he has the agency for the sale of the renowned Sulky Plow, Two-Horse Corn Planter and Improved Cultivator — three of the greatest and best labor-saving machines ever put upon the market. They are very strong and durable, being made of the best wrought iron and steel, and will last a farmer an ordinary lifetime. Being riding machines the operator has but little more labor to perform than if riding in a carriage. With these three machines or implements, costing $150, one man can cultivate a four-horse farm. The agent used these implements on a farm in Missouri for four years, and knows that their value to a farmer cannot be overestimated. A trial will satisfy the most incredulous. Call at once and leave your name.

Wm. W. White, Pungoteague,

Agent


 
January, 1909 (Hutchinson Daily News- Hutchinson, Kansas)

Horse Makes Mysterious Trip

Frankford, Del.- After traveling forty miles a horse and empty buggy belonging to L. Long of this place, was found in Snow Hill, Md. The horse, left in front of a store, wandered away while Long was inside. The odd part of the incident is that the only way to Snow Hill is to go through the town of Berlin, where it might be supposed it would be noticed. But at no time in its forty mile trip through Selbyville, Bishop, Berlin and other towns was the stray horse noticed.　


　
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!

Worcester County Sheriff's Office ~ Your Info Is Needed

facebook image

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office is looking for anyone who may have been approached by 3-4 white males driving a burgundy Dodge 4 door pick up with Virginia registration, asking to pave your driveway or do work for you, on Friday August 23rd.

Please contact Lt. Schreier at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111.

Wallops To Launch LADEE Lunar Satellite On September 6th

NASA Photo

Wallops will be the site of an attempt to return a United States probe to the moon next month. September 6 is the target date for the launch of the LADEE or the Lunar Atmosphere Dust Environment Explorer. 

The launch is scheduled for 11:30 p.m. Friday night September 6. NASA held a news briefing Thursday afternoon on NASA TV and online.

The LADEE will orbit the moon and try to determine if any dust is escaping into the lunar atmosphere.

"The moon's tenuous atmosphere may be more common in the solar system than we thought," said John Grunsfeld, NASA's associate administrator for science in Washington. "Further understanding of the moon's atmosphere many also help us better understand our diverse solar system and its evolution."

The launch will be the very first from Wallops to go beyond the earths atmosphere.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1903.. Church controversy has Pocomoke City connection; 1971.. Fire claims Pocomoke school building; 1954.. "X" will mark ballots in Somerset County; 1884.. Labor saving machines for farmers; 1909.. Mysterious trip for horse and buggy.

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!

Annual Delmarva's Got Talent / Mar-Va Theater

The Mar-Va Theater will host the fifth annual Delmarva's Got Talent on September 26, 27 and 28 at the historic Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center in Pocomoke City, Maryland.

The theater is asking for your support by being a sponsor or advertising in the programs. Previous years' shows have been very well attended, and huge crowds are expected this year. We had excellent talent on the stage and expect even better for this year.



Sponsorships

We offer two sponsorship levels:
$500
* 10 tickets to the show ($100 value)
* Full Page ad in each of the programs ($100 value)
* Name recognition on all publicity, radio, newspaper, magazine, and online ads
(Our email list consists of 900+ contacts and our Facebook audience is 2000+.)
$250
* 5 tickets to the show ($50 value)
* Half Page ad in each of the programs ($75 value)
* Name recognition on all publicity, radio, newspaper, magazine, and online ads
(Our email list consists of 900+ contacts and our Facebook audience is 2000+.)


Advertising Opportunities

Your ad will appear in all three programs of the event, which features singers, musicians, and other 
performers competing for the grand prize. We will be offering two divisions this year - adult and youth.

The ad rates are as follows:
* Business Card (2" x 3"): $30 ($10 per program)
* 1/4 page (3.5" x 2.75"): $40 ($13 per program)
* 2/3 page (4.5" x 3"): $50 ($16 per program)
* 1/2 page (3.5" x 6" or 7.5" x 2.75"): $75 ($25 per program)
* Full Page (7.5" x 6"): $100 ($33 per program)

Worcester County ~ Community Watch Events and Presentations

September 6th at 6 p.m. at the Germantown Heritage Center, Trappe Rd; Germantown Community Watch with picnic.

September 19th at 10 a.m. at the Saint John A.M.E Church, Berlin; presentation on Home Security and Safety.

September 20th at 6 p.m. at the Stockton Fire Department, the Stockton Area Community Watch.


September 27th thru 29th at the Airlift Field, Route 575 the 1st Annual Law Enforcement Expo (Equipment displays, public is invited).

September 29th at 3 p.m. at the Bishopville Fire Department, the Bishopville Community Day, exhibits, displays and food.

JOIN POCOMOKE CITY POLICE FOR THEIR ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

 

 

 

 FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES

 

(Pocomoke Residents Only and while supplies last)

4th thru 8th grades

 

SATURDAY
 AUGUST 24, 2013

10:00 a.m. until NOON

 

 

~Rain or shine~

 

Pocomoke City Police Department

1500 Market Street

Worcester County Dept. of Recreation & Parks ~ Men's Basketball League

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

 

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Press Release

 

On Monday, August 19, 2013 a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to a West Ocean City business, for a reported employee theft. 

 

The suspect was identified as Charles Joseph Mitchell, Jr 21 of Berlin Md. who was employed at the establishment. Mr. Mitchell had been video allegedly stealing from the business.

 

Mr. Mitchell was charged with one count of Theft less than $1,000.00 and released pending trial in the District Court of Maryland.

 

 

On Monday, August 19, 2013 a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy stopped a vehicle for speeding on Assateague Road near Harrison Road, Berlin.

 

The Driver was identified as Paul Edward Koehrsen, 51 of Berlin Md. appeared to have been drinking alcohol. Mr. Koehrsen did poor on field tests and was arrested.

 

 

Mr. Koehrsen was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol and released pending trial in the District Court of Maryland.

 

 

On Tuesday, August 20, 2013 a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy was dispatched to a business in Berlin Md. for a shoplifter being detained by security. Upon arrival the Deputy Sheriff met with Loss Prevention and Identified Bobbi Michelle Morey 23 years old of no fixed address, as a suspect in the theft.

 

Ms. Morey allegedly stole items valued at about 500 dollars.

 

Ms. Morey was charged with one count of theft less than $1,000.00. She is being held on a $4,000.00 bond at the Worcester County Jail pending trial.

 

Submitted:

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1903.. Church controversy has Pocomoke City connection; 1971.. Fire claims Pocomoke school building; 1954.. "X" will mark ballots in Somerset County; 1884- Labor saving machines for farmers; 1909.. Mysterious trip for horse and buggy.

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! 

The hurricane of 1933 battered the Eastern Shore and created the Ocean City inlet 80 years ago today.. August, 22, 1933.  See below sites:

 

http://www.ocmuseum.org/index.php/site/oc-history_article/the_storm_of_1933

 

http://www.ocmuseum.org/index.php/site/video_article/storm_of_1933

 

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!

Global Hawks Arrive At Wallops

Global Hawk/NASA

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. The first of two NASA Global Hawk unmanned aerial vehicles supporting the Hurricane and Severe Storm Sentinel mission has arrived at Wallops Flight Facility. During August and September, NASA will fly the two Global Hawks over the Atlantic Ocean to study tropical storms and the processes that underlie hurricane formation and intensification. The aircraft are equipped with instruments to survey the overall environment of the storms and peer into the inner core of hurricanes to study their structure and processes.

The range of the global hawk aircraft is far greater than manned hurricane hunter aircraft and can provide valuable data on storms forming near the Cape Verde Islands off of Africa. This data gives the National Hurricane information on the stage of development of these storms.

The Global Hawk aircraft are based at Edwards Air Force Base in California but travel to Wallops during hurricane season to watch developing storms in the Atlantic.

Source:

Gaithersburg Man Charged In Connection With Sexual Assault

Luis M. Calderon

During the week of June 10, 2013, Ocean City police detectives began investigating an alleged sex offense which occurred on June 8, 2013. Police met with a 20-year-old female victim who advised that she had come to Ocean City with several other persons and was sexually assaulted by one of them, who was later identified as Luis M. Calderon, 25, of Gaithersburg, MD.

Investigators determined that on June 7, Calderon came to Ocean City with his fiancé and other friends, including the victim.  When the group arrived at their rented condominium the victim and others in the group started consuming various alcoholic beverages and became intoxicated.  The victim told police that she remembers going to sleep in one of the bedrooms where she was later sexually assaulted by Calderon.

On July 16, OCPD detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Calderon charging him with second degree sex offense, third degree sex offense, fourth degree sexual contact, sodomy, and second degree assault.

On August 11, 2013, the outstanding arrest warrant for Calderon was served by authorities in Montgomery County, Maryland.  Calderon was later released after posting bond.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

The Delmarva Discovery Center Fundraiser

- Bankruptcy Auction Nets Approximately $13.8 Million-

By Wesley Edwards

Murry Wise Associates of Champaign Ill. auctioned off 3,228 acres of the Eastern Shore. The property belonged to East Coast Packers which declared bankruptcy earlier this year. Thirty one properties across both counties were first bid off as separate parcels. Then bidders were then allowed to bundle any two or more of the thirty one parcels and the bidding process started again. On the first round of single parcel bids a grand total of $7.6 million dollars was bid. Fourteen different bundles of parcels were created in the bundling process lasting more than four hours.

In the final process only eight bidders were successful from approximately 200 attendees at the Moose lodge in Belle Haven. Many of the bidders were on the phone with companies and or individuals not actually in the room. The high bid for what was called bundle L making up 20 of the 31 properties brought $11.9 million dollars. Bundle L was made up of approximately 2,532 acres plus several labor camps, sorting houses, and homes. The lowest successful bid was $21,000 dollars making the range of the eight successful bidders $21,000 dollars ---- $11.9 Million dollars. Many bidders were closed out of the process as the fourteen bundles were put together.

In the end thirty-one parcels brought a grand total of $13.8 million dollars.

Although the identities of the winning bidders were not disclosed it is believed that much of the property was purchased by vegetable suppliers and that at least some of the facilities may reopen at some future date.
 
The properties will not change hands until a bankruptcy court in Florida approves the sale.

Several residences owned by the company in locations that ranged from Marsh Island near Chincoteague to Cape Charles were auctioned off Monday.

Source:

Hit & Run Collision Involving Pedestrian

OCPD Investigating Hit & Run Collision Involving Pedestrian

On August 17, 2013, at approximately 2:30 a.m. Ocean City police responded just south of the intersection at 62nd Street and Coastal Highway in reference to a motor vehicle collision involving a pedestrian. The pedestrian was crossing Coastal Highway from west to east and was struck in northbound lane three. The vehicle then fled the scene.

During the investigation, police found a vehicle part near the collision site that is believed to be from the vehicle involved. The part is thought to have possibly come from a newer model Volkswagen Jetta. A search of the vehicle was conducted with negative results. The victim, whose name is not being released at this time, was transported to PRMC with non-life threatening injuries.

Anyone with information about the vehicle involved in this incident is asked to contact PFC Joseph Centofranchi at 410-520-5381.

Those with information may remain anonymous.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Boat Docking Contest Winners

Cindi Major Pietroski Photo

In spite of the rain there was fierce competition on the Pocomoke River during the 1st Annual Boat Docking Contest on Sunday, August 18, 2013.








Winners in the competition were:

Small Class:
 1st Benny Horseman
 2nd Jamie Marshall
 3rd Kevin Marshall

Large Class:
 1st PT Hamblton
 2nd Scoot Jones
 3rd Glad Tyler

Team Class:
 1st Jamie Marshall
 2nd Benny Horseman
 3rd Derick Hoy

Shoot Out Champion:
 Benny Horseman


 Congrats to all the men that came all the way up the river for this event. It was great to have you all here and we hope we reached your expectations this past weekend.

See you next year in Pocomoke!!

CASH Bingo!

 Mar-Va Fundraiser

 

CASH Bingo!

 

 

Friday,  August 23, 2013

7:00 pm - 9:30 pm

 

Tom's Cove Park - Chincoteague, VA

 

Description:
$20 per book, $5 per special game
 50/50
 Door Prizes
 etc.

 

 

Doors open at 6 PM!

 

 

Build A Scarecrow !!

Mar-Va Theater: "Forced To Close Doors" Without Digital Upgrades

By Kody Leibowitz
WMDT
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. - Another busy weekend at the Mar-Va Theater has manager Katy Fleming looking at the projectors.

Fleming says the theater sold-out during their weekend viewing of Despicable Me 2. Two nights, five dollar tickets and a 548 seat house brought in $5,480 in ticket sales. With 40 percent due back to the movie company, that's at least $2,192 in sales for the theater, not including popcorn and candy.

"It was a fantastic film for us," Fleming said.

But Fleming admits that the film strips used last weekend are becoming more and more obsolete and soon could put theater out-of-business.

"All of the smaller theaters are being forced to upgrade from 35 mm film to this new digital version," said Fleming. "Honestly, it looks like we'll be forced to close our doors if we don't make this upgrade."

The theater manager added that they have until November before the switch needs to be made. Upgrades would cost the non-profit organization $110,000 for the 86-year-old Pocomoke City landmark and its only a few years after renovations that totaled almost $1 million, according to Fleming.

Shannon Walker, 15, says he's been volunteering at the theater for the past three summers. He calls the news "an absolute shock, it really made me emotional" when he first heard about the upgrades and possible closure.

"What's going through my mind is losing a historical place, which stands as an icon for most people in this city," said Walker.

Walker says several volunteers are going to start fundraising to save the Mar-Va, but he knows he only has three months left. Among his ideas, "car washes, bake sales, yard sales, anything just to earn money for the Mar-Va."

But volunteers have only been one source of fundraising.  The theater itself has raised $10,000, or about a tenth of what's needed for the new equipment. Fleming says she has applied for two grants through the city. Pocomoke City manager Russ Blake, who also serves as vice president on the board of the Mar-Va Theater, says the city is looking into as many options as possible to try to keep the theater afloat.

"The city has worked closely with the Mar-Va Theater since the volunteers took over operation of the theater and have helped with the restoration of the theater all this time," said Blake. "We're still interested in helping them, because the Mar-Va Theater is one of the most important anchors of the downtown.

"As we revitalize the downtown, along with the other non-profit groups downtown, the new restaurant and several new businesses downtown, so we want to make sure that the Mar-Va Theater is able to continue in operation."

 Fleming says the theater has been accepting donations in-person and online.

Source:

 

OOPS!! Full Sturgeon Moon, a 'Blue Moon' To Some, Rises Tonight

DON'T MISS IT!!!

 

Tuesday night's full moon will be a blue moon, according to one definition of the term.

Most know a blue moon as the second in a calendar month, but an earlier definition classified it as the third full moon in a season with four full moons (most seasons have just three full moons).

 Read more about the history of the debate over the two definitions at EarthSky.org or Space.com.

Whether you consider it blue or not, it's also known as the Full Sturgeon Moon, Green Corn Moon or Grain Moon.

Source:

 

JOIN POCOMOKE CITY POLICE FOR OUR ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

 

 

ANNUAL BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT

 

 

FREE SCHOOL SUPPLIES

(Pocomoke Residents Only and while supplies last)

4th thru 8th grades

 

SATURDAY
AUGUST 24, 2013

10:00 a.m. until NOON

 

~Rain or shine~

 

Pocomoke City Police Department

1500 Market Street

East Coast Brokers Property To Be Auctioned - Today Last Day...

East Coast Brokers and Packers Inc. of Florida has filed a Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the Middle District Court of Florida. According to the Murray Wise and Associates web site, the local assets of the former major tomato grower on the Eastern Shore will be auctioned off on today August 19 and Tuesday August 20.

The company's local assets include 31 properties totaling 3220 acres in various areas of the Eastern Shore. The assets of the company include two luxury homes at Bay Creek in Cape Charles, a colonial style home South of Painter and a home on Marsh Island near Chincoteague. The real estate includes major parcels formerly operated by Byrd Foods. It also includes packing facilities in Mappsville, Hallwood, and Tasley.

The company owned by the Madionia Family of Mulburry, Florida stopped producing tomatoes in December of 2012. At that time the company owed more than $15 million in judgments and liens to state and federal governments and crop production services.

The auction for the houses is scheduled for today. The farmland and farming facilities are scheduled to be auctioned at 1 PM Tuesday August 20 at the Exmore Moose Lodge.

According to various news reports the reasons for the bankruptcy included an outbreak of salmonella poisoning that affected tomato consumption, competition from imported tomatoes, freezes in Florida in 2010 and 2011 and damage to company assets from Hurricane Irene in 2011.

The bankruptcy filing stated that the company has liabilities of $50 to $100 million and assets of $50 to $100 million.

East Coast Brokers and Packers was once a major tomato producer on the Eastern Shore.

Source:

Drunk Driver 10 Years Ago Back In Jail For Another DUI Charge

ONLEY, Va. (WAVY) - An Eastern Shore man, who was driving drunk when he killed a Virginia State trooper 10 years ago, is back behind bars for another DUI charge.

Virginia State Police say 65-year-old Larrie Taylor is accused of DUI again after he crashed a pickup truck around 10 p.m. Sunday on Boggs Road in the Painter area. Police say he was driving alone.

"It was like here we go again," said Jeff Martin, a resident of Exmore, who knows the man Taylor killed almost a decade ago. "You'd think that you would learn a lesson, you had a lot of time to think about it."

Taylor spent eight years in prison for his part in the deadly crash on the Eastern Shore 10 years ago.

He was drunk when he slammed into a car on Route 13 containing Virginia State Trooper Anthony Daryl Campbell and his 9-year-old son Andrew.

"When the accident happened, it was just devastating," Martin said. "What a great loss for the community."

Martin remembers that crash like it was yesterday. The memories remain and so do two crosses at the intersection of Route 13 and Costal Boulevard where the crash happened.

"It was Drew's birthday coming up and they were going up to Salisbury for the opening of a Harry Potter movie," Martin added.

Campbell and his son never made it to the movie. They were killed when Taylor hit them from behind.

"Daryl Campbell was just a great guy and a great neighbor to have," Martin added.

Taylor was convicted and spent most of the last decade at the Greensville Correctional Center. He was released September of last year and was serving three years probation when he crashed again Sunday night.

Troopers say he ran his truck into a utility pole and that he was drunk at the time. He was charged with 2nd Offense DUI.

Taylor injured himself in the crash and was taken to Accomack County Jail, without bond, after being released from a local hospital. There are many on the Eastern Shore who believe a cell is where he should stay.

"He should have know better," Martin said. "I don't think there should be any leniency for this, but a leopard doesn't change his spots. I guess he didn't learn his lesson."

Taylor is scheduled to be arraigned in Accomack County General District Court September 25.

Source:

BOAT DOCKING TODAY ~ RAIN OR SHINE

Photo/Boat Docking  Association

Come on out today RAIN or SHINE!!

 

14-15 boats lined up for the contest

 

Gates open at 10am, Contest starts at 1pm!