Delegate Mike McDermott's Opinion.....

Delegate Mike McDermott's opinion: Maryland's business climate needs replenishing

August 28, 2013

Maryland’s governor made an appearance on the Ocean City 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; our response has been lackluster.

When Gov. Martin O’Malley and
his Senate choir took over from the Bob Ehrlich administration, Maryland had risen to No. 26 in the rankings as a state in which to do business.

That ranking has now fallen near the bottom of the barrel at No. 41.

If Ocean City had received similar attention 25 years ago, Ocean Pines could be advertising ocean-view property. 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 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.

Compare this approach with other states in our region. The Democratic plan for Maryland’s economic development is welcome news to surrounding states whose ratings already reflect better policies: Delaware is No. 14; Pennsylvania, No. 19; West Virginia, No. 23; and Virginia, No. 27.

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.

A 29 percent increase in spending during the worst recession in our history is absurd.

They believe 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 percent to more than 500 percent 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.

Mike McDermott represents District 38B in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Source:

U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Free Concert in Cypress Park September 25th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Free Concert in Cypress Park September 25th

            The internationally acclaimed U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors of Washington, D.C., will continue its long history of presenting free public performances when it appears at Cypress Park on September 25^th at 6 pm.  The Jazz Ambassadors’ concert in Pocomoke is sponsored by the City of Pocomoke and the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or a blanket. 

            As the premier touring big band for the United States Army, the Jazz Ambassadors travels thousands of miles each year throughout the nation and abroad, keeping the will of the American people behind the members of the armed forces and supporting diplomatic efforts around the world. Since its formation in 1969, the Jazz Ambassadors have appeared in all 50 states and throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

             The Jazz Ambassadors presents a diverse program of big band swing, Latin music, contemporary jazz, popular tunes, standards, Dixieland, and patriotic selections. Maestro Marvin Hamlisch, during a joint concert with the National Symphony Orchestra, exclaimed, “I can’t think of better ambassadors for our country!” Past performance highlights include the Montreux, North Sea, and Newport Jazz Festivals, World War II 50th anniversary commemorations in the United States and Europe, and performances in India and Japan. After performing with the Cincinnati Pops at Carnegie Hall, the Cincinnati Enquirer declared that “the musicianship was superb…The Jazz Ambassadors are polished and seamless virtuosos.”

            Members of the Jazz Ambassadors are selected by highly competitive audition and represent some of the finest musical talent in America. More than three decades of touring have earned them the title, “The Musical Ambassadors of the Army.” For additional information about the Jazz Ambassadors’ performance in Pocomoke City, please contact the City of Pocomoke at 410-957-1333 or call the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce at 410-957-1919. To obtain free tickets by mail, please include a self-addressed stamped envelope with your request to:   

ATTN: U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors TicketsCity of PocomokePO Box 29Pocomoke City, MD 21851

Distracted Driving Found To Be Cause of Crash For July 19 Crash At Bay Bridge

 The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) Police released the collision reconstruction report detailing the July 19, 2013, crash at the Bay Bridge (US 50/301). The investigation concluded that the primary cause of the crash was distracted driving on the part of the commercial-vehicle driver.

"Without a doubt, the MDTA's priority is the safety of its customers and employees. This crash demonstrates how critical it is that motorists devote their full attention to driving when operating motor vehicles," said MDTA Police Chief Colonel Michael Kundrat. "A primary reason for crashes on the Bay Bridge is from tailgating. Maintaining a proper following distance is one of the simplest things drivers can do to stay safe and keep other motorists safe."
On July 19 at 8:24 p.m., a three-vehicle crash occurred on the eastbound Bay Bridge. The crash involved an International truck/tractor pulling a semi-trailer, a Chrysler Sebring passenger car and a Mazda CX-5 SUV. The tractor-trailer operator, 29-year-old Gabor Lovasz of Canada, indicated to investigators that his attention was directed to his driver's side mirror due to flashing headlights behind him. When he looked forward again he noticed that the vehicles in front of him were stopping. He attempted to steer the tractor trailer to the left to avoid contact, but struck the left rear of the Chrysler, pushing it up onto the top of the barrier wall. A second impact from the tractor trailer then pushed the Chrysler over the wall, and the car fell approximately 27 feet into the shallow waters of the bay. The Mazda also was struck by the tractor trailer during the crash.

The investigation revealed that the Chrysler had slowed to approximately four mph when it was struck by the tractor trailer. Based on a data download of the tractor's Engine Control Module and Antilock Braking System, investigators believe that it was traveling between 47 and 51 mph just prior to the crash. Vehicle inspections by the Maryland State Police Automotive Safety Enforcement Division and MDTA Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Unit indicated no mechanical defects were present at the time of the inspections following the crash.

Mr. Lovasz had emigrated from Hungary to Canada as part of Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker program, and his trip through Maryland was his first time driving unaccompanied in the U.S. The MDTA Police are charging him with failure to control speed to avoid a collision ($130 fine), unsafe lane changing ($130 fine), negligent driving ($280 fine) and speed greater than reasonable and prudent on highway ($130 fine).

The operator of the Chrysler, 23-year-old Morgan Jade Lake of Sunderland, Md., was able to unbuckle her seat belt, free herself from the vehicle and swim to safety at a nearby bridge pier abutment. She was transported via Medevac to the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where she was treated for minor injuries. Neither Mr. Lovasz nor the driver and passenger in the Mazda were injured.

The July 19 crash report also references a crash from April 13, 2013, in the same location on the eastbound span involving two passenger vehicles. The April crash involved a vehicle coming to rest on the barrier wall. There were no injuries or structural damage to the bridge from the April crash.

"Both the April and July crashes were a direct result of distracted driving. Every one of us has immense responsibility behind the wheel," said Col. Kundrat. "With two similar incidents over the last few months, we are taking a closer look at this area of the bridge to evaluate what can be done to enhance safety. We're analyzing potential strategies including flashing Congestion Ahead signs, requiring headlight use during two-way traffic operations and additional rumble strips."
In the 60-year history of the Bay Bridge, the April and July crashes are the only known incidents where passenger vehicles rode up and rested on the barrier wall or went into the water. Overall, the safety record on the Bay Bridge is four times safer than the Statewide rate.

The NTSB issued its Preliminary Report on Aug. 19, 2013. The NTSB has the MDTA's full cooperation as it works to issue a final report. A timeframe for the completion of the final report has not yet been determined.

The MDTA Police's collision reconstruction report is available online at mdta.maryland.gov. The MDTA Police will have increased patrols over the Labor Day Holiday weekend at the Bay Bridge and all MDTA facilities with a focus on aggressive and distracted driving.

Stay Alert So No One Gets Hurt!  For Statewide traffic conditions, visit md511.org.  For the most up-to-date information follow us on Twitter at TheMDTA or on Facebook at facebook.com/TheMDTA.

Suspect Fatally Shot In Accomack Co. Home Invasion

WMDT Photo

WMDT
ACCOMACK Co., Va. - Investigators have questioned the owner of the Sanford, Va. home where an overnight shooting took place.

It happened on the 9000 block of Marsh Market Road, where Accomack Co. sheriff Todd Godwin tells WMDT that police received a call at 9:49 PM for a home invasion and shooting.

One suspect was reportedly shot and killed by the homeowner. A female suspect was wounded Another female suspect remains in the hospital recovering from wounds sustained during the alleged attempted robbery.
 
Two more suspects are still at-large.

Accomack Co. sheriff deputies, with a K-9 unit have been searching the grounds, tapping off both sides of the house since last night, according to Godwin.

Don Porter, a neighbor, says he knows the homeowner, Tyler Williams.

"I've known them all their life," said Porter. "The kids were fine as far as I'm concerned. [The shooting is a] tragic situation."
Porter says his wife woke him up after 10 PM Wednesday night to police sirens and flashing lights. The scene is something he says never happens in this quiet neighborhood. It's usually secure enough to leave his doors unlocked, says Porter.

But he admits, "after last night, the doors will be locked. It was a shocker."
According to Godwin, Williams was released and any possible charges against him would come from the Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar.

Agar said via phone that he will not be making any comments during the on-going investigation.

At this time, Godwin would not release any of the suspects names.

WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

Hope you have a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend!

Hello,

I just finished reading your blog post about the importance of safe boating practices and really enjoyed the breakdown of information. As Labor Day approaches next week it marks the end of summer. All around the country people will be celebrating on the water, with a barbecue, traveling, or enjoying the last bit of sunshine on the beach.  

As many people are heading out on the water we must keep in mind proper boating safety, as the National Safety Council estimates nearly 400 fatalities will occur this Labor Day Weekend. With that our Safety Outreach Team created the “ 4 Elements of a Safe Labor Day Celebration ." I know as a boater this safety information will be helpful to you as well as your fellow sailors.

If you enjoy this information please feel free to add it to your site or blog. :)

Hope you have a happy and safe Labor Day Weekend!

Kindly,
Julia

Crisfield Mud Bog ~ Saturday

MAKE THE CRISFIELD MUD BOG PART OF YOUR LABOR DAY HOLIDAY PLANS

 

Saturday, August 31, 2013

(behind the Crisfield Elks Lodge)

 

ADMISSION:  $7.00 per person

Children under 10 FREE

( children must be accompanied by adult)

 

Foods and drinks provided by the Elks Lodge and local vendors! 

 

Photo/ BW

 

Gates OPEN ~10:00 AM
Events begin @ 1:00 PM

 

DRIVER REGISTRATION:
 10am - 12pm

 

 

"Mud Dobber" -Wright Townsend
Photo/BW

 

DON'T FORGET:

The Gambler's Race !!

 

For more info on the Gumboro~Crisfield Mudbog go to

http://www.gumborocrisfieldmudbogs.net/

 OR

 

Gumboro~Crisfield Mudbog

on facebook

 

 

To all my mud bog friends:  Due to illness I haven't been able to be at many of the mud bogs this year.  I am doing my best to make this one tomorrow and I can't wait!  Please stop by our tent to say hello!  Brenda.

CHECKPOINT STRIKEFORCE ~ August 31, 2013

NEWS FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

2 days left to purchase pre-sale tickets for Pocomoketoberfest!

Come experience Pocomoketoberfest on Saturday, September 7^th from noon to 6 pm.  Pre-sale tickets are $20 and include a beer or wine glass and free samples. Enjoy two great live bands, local musicians Heather and Nathan and the Funky T from Philadelphia.  Over 30 vendors will be selling art, jewelry, crafts, food and more. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and enjoy a great day in Cypress Park on the Pocomoke River.  The Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce at 6 Market Street will be open Friday, August 30 and Saturday, August 31 from 10 am to 4 pm for purchase of pre-sale tickets.  When glasses are sold out, ticket sales are over!  Pre-sale tickets are $20.  Tickets may be also be purchased online at pocomoketoberfest.com or at the gate September 7^th for $25.




Jennifer Rafter
Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce
410-957-1919
pocomokechamber@gmail.com

August 30, 2013

World Water Week Calls Attention to Growing Need for Clean Water

Food Tank: The Food Think Tank Offers Four Recommendations for Facilitating Universal Access to Clean Water

 

Contact: For more information or to schedule an interview, contact Danielle Nierenberg at danielle@foodtank.org or
202-590-1037

CHICAGO, IL – The planet’s entire supply of freshwater that can be used by humans and ecosystems amounts to approximately 200,000 cubed kilometers, or less than one percent of all freshwater resources. And, unfortunately, humans are using these limited resources faster than they can be replenished. According to the U.N. World Water Development Report (WWDR), the resources of approximately three and a half Earths would be required to maintain the consumption habits of the average European or North American to keep up with population growth.

The Barilla Center for Food & Nutrition (BCFN) research shows that if everyone in the world followed typically Western consumption patterns, a 75 percent increase in water resources would be necessary to sustain them. The U.N. Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates that two thirds of the world’s population will be living in areas with water scarcity by 2025. Throughout World Water Week, from September 1st through September 7th, Food Tank: The Food Think Tank will feature solutions and innovations that households, farmers, and governments can implement to conserve water resources.

According to the most recent estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Joint Monitoring Programme (JMP) for Water Supply and Sanitation, 768 million people do not have access to clean water, and two and a half billion people do not have access to adequate sanitation facilities. Conserving the planet’s water resources and ensuring global access to clean water, while preparing for a global population of nine billion by the year 2050, is a cause for concern for eaters, farmers, and governments all over the world.

The effects of unclean water on the food system are multifold. Contaminated water plays a significant role in malnutrition—vomiting and diarrhea caused by water-borne diseases prevent the absorption of key nutrients in food. Children are particularly at risk of malnutrition caused by water-borne disease – Canadian non-profit Action Contre La Faim reports that among children, 1.5 million deaths are caused by inadequate sanitary conditions every year, 88 percent of which are directly caused by diarrheal disease.

Access to clean water is also crucial for farmers. Crops that are nourished with contaminated water can carry dangerous pollutants, such mercury and even arsenic, which can inhibit crop growth and potentially sicken people who consume the crops. Unfortunately, agriculture is not only a primary contributor to global water use – approximately 70 percent of the world’s water use is concentrated in farming – but also to water contamination. U.N. Water estimates that the food sector contributes 40 percent of organic water pollutants in industrialized countries, and 54 percent in developing countries.

“Actors in both the public and private sectors need to understand that chemical-intensive, ecologically unsustainable agricultural practices perpetuate a vicious cycle. Not only are they harmful to the soil and the water that are used to grow crops, but their environmental effects end up being harmful to the crops themselves – and the people who consume them,” says Danielle Nierenberg, co-founder of Food Tank.

Researching Simple Innovations for Providing Clean Water to Households
There are already several low-cost, simple innovations that are available to households in areas with limited access to clean water. For example, SODIS is a method of solar water purification by which untreated water is placed in transparent bottles and heated and disinfected by UV rays. Charcoal filters and biosand filters can also remove impurities and pathogens from water.

The organization ECHO is training development workers to construct low-cost biosand filtration systems. However, further research and funding needs to be directed toward developing similar methods for at-home water purification.

Building Infrastructure for Communities
Giving communities the means to access water for personal consumption and for agriculture is a crucial step in global development. In Niger, the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has constructed solar drip irrigation systems for market gardens. Their model has been replicated by other organizations, such as the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF), which implemented a similar system in a women’s farming cooperative in Benin.

Drilled wells, although expensive to implement, are useful in helping communities access underground aquifers. Governments and nonprofits, such as The Water Project, primarily fund construction of this infrastructure, but there are also opportunities for the private sector to contribute. For example, People Water is a for-profit company, and its Drop for Drop program puts money from bottled water sales toward building and maintaining drilled wells in Haiti, India, and other developing regions.

Mainstreaming Organic Agriculture
Chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and antibiotics in animal waste all contribute to water pollution, causing health problems for eaters and damaging the environment. Water runoff from land treated with chemicals can contaminate water supplies.

By implementing organic fertilizers, agro-ecological pest-management methods, and raising livestock holistically and without antibiotics, farmers can prevent contamination of already scarce water supplies.

Implementing Low-Resource Farming Practices
For centuries, farmers across the world have used traditional methods that conserve water. As population demands on agriculture increase, global agricultural water consumption is expected to increase by 19 percent by 2050, indicating a need to expand on water-conserving farming methods. Both new techniques – such as solar-powered drip irrigation methods in Benin – and old – such as zai, an effective form of rainwater harvesting in Burkina Faso, should serve to inform the future of farming.

With research and funding into innovation and infrastructure, access to clean water can be improved on household, community, and national scales.

About Food Tank:
Food Tank: The Food Think Tank (www.FoodTank.org), founded by Danielle Nierenberg and Ellen Gustafson, is a think tank focused on feeding the world better. We research and highlight environmentally, socially, and economically sustainable ways of alleviating hunger, obesity and poverty and create networks of people, organizations, and content to push for food system change.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1941.. Managing Labor Day holiday's dwindling gas supply; 1923.. Maryland gas prices drop to 22 cents; 1889.. Two Somerset "society" people sentenced for arson; 1977.. Pocomoke City loses a prominent business and civic leader; 1900.. Presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan campaigns on Eastern Shore; 1938.. Pocomoke City man was circus attraction.
　
Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about 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!　

Ladies Night Out!!

REPOST

ARREST MADE FOR DRUGS AFTER SEATBELT STOP

(August 28, 2013) – On August 26, 2013, at approximately 9:00 a.m. an Ocean City police officer on bike patrol conducted a traffic stop in the area of Somerset Street and St. Louis Avenue for a seatbelt violation. During the traffic stop, the driver, who was later identified as Dion David Boyer, 46, of York, PA, was found to be driving without a license and was arrested by officers.

Officers searched Boyer and completed an inventory of his vehicle, at which time they located a large amount of marijuana, including a heat-sealed package weighing 1.1 pounds. In addition, officers found drug paraphernalia, over $1,000 in US currency and other assorted items typically used for packaging and distributing drugs.

Ocean City police charged Boyer with possession of marijuana (10 grams or more), possession with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia and other traffic charges. Boyer was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to Worcester County Jail on $7,500 bond.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

mmmmmm.....hmmmm

 

 

A woman in a hot air balloon realized she was lost. She lowered her altitude and spotted a man in a boat below.

 

She shouted to him, "Excuse me, can you help me? I promised a friend I would meet him an hour ago, but I don't know where I am."

The man consulted his portable GPS and replied, "You're in a hot air balloon, approximately 30 feet above ground elevation of 2,346 feet above sea level. You are at 31 degrees, 14.97 minutes north latitude and 100 degrees, 49.09 minutes west longitude.

She rolled her eyes and said, "You must be a Republican.

"I am," replied the man. "How did you know?"

"Well," answered the balloonist, "everything you told me is technically correct. But I have no idea what to do with your information, and I'm still lost. Frankly, you've not been much help to me."

The man smiled and responded, "You must be an Obama-Democrat."

"I am," replied the balloonist. "How did you know?"

"Well," said the man, "you don't know where you are -- or where you are going. You've risen to where you are, due to a large quantity of hot air. You made a promise you have no idea how to keep, and you expect me to solve your problem. You're in exactly the same position you were in before we met, but somehow, now it's my fault."

 

 

Worse Choices – Worst Results for O'Malley

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

August 28, 2013

Contact: Steve Crim

stevecrim@gmail.com

(410) 353-3116

 

Governor O'Malley held a self-congratulatory, dog-and-pony show today, where he once again bragged about his "success" in job creation. The event today was the first in a series of planned events on the "O'Malley Reputation Rehabilitation Tour," where he will try to overcome his negatives by attempting to change the facts of his record. Business leader Larry Hogan said, "The governor is entitled to his own opinions but he can't just make up his own facts and pretend that they are true."

 

Governor O'Malley continues to claim that his has had tremendous success in job creation, that he is "driving down unemployment" that he has "recovered 94% of all the jobs lost" in the recession. Those statements are absolutely false. The irrefutable facts show the actual situation to be completely the opposite of his false claims. "What we saw today was a governor spinning magical tales of successes that only exist in his own mind," said Hogan, founder and Chairman of the economic think-tank Change Maryland.

 

When Martin O'Malley became Governor in January 2007 the unemployment rate was 3.6%, contrary to the governor's latest outrageous claim, unemployment is currently 7.1%. So rather than driving unemployment down, as he claims, unemployment has, in fact, nearly doubled under the O'Malley Administration.

 

When O'Malley took the reins of state government in January 2007 there were 108,096 people unemployed in Maryland, today after nearly seven years of his leadership, there are now 218,741 people unemployed. That is an increase of 110,645 additional people unemployed -- it represents an increase in unemployment of more than 100%.

 

"This is a tragedy, these aren't just terrible numbers, these are real people, fathers and mothers struggling to make ends meet, to keep a roof over their head, put clothes on their kids back and food on the table," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.

 

Hogan, a successful businessman, who has brought hundreds of companies and thousands of jobs to Maryland said, "Sometimes politicians think that if they repeat something enough times people will eventually believe it. Governor O'Malley is pretty good at weaving magical tales with no basis in reality. But, no amount false spin can change the cold hard fact that no other governor in Maryland history has ever lost as many jobs as Martin O'Malley."

 

"The time for results is long overdue. There are no more excuses left for the O'Malley Administration. After nearly seven years of failed economic policy, there is no one to blame but themselves. We need Democrats, Republicans and Independents to put aside partisanship and work together on the shared goal of increasing employment is Maryland. Governor O’Malley may think he’s moving Maryland forward but most people feel the need for a real change in direction for Maryland has never been more clear," said Hogan, a former State Cabinet Secretary.

 

Change Maryland is the largest independent citizen activist group in Maryland, and advocates for pro-jobs policy in the state. The movement is made up of more than 54,000 people from every jurisdiction in the state, and was founded by Hogan, who is also a Director of the Maryland Public Policy Institute, a respected economic think tank and policy group.

###

For a link to this release, including the above graph, click here:

http://www.changemaryland.org/2013/08/worse-choices-worst-results-for-omalley/

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

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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

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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.
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Councilman Clarke hands a bag of kindergarten supplies to this little guy who will be starting school for the first time on Monday. 
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Supplies varied from notebooks, paper, pens, pencils, crayons and selections were made  from Kindergarten through the eighth grade.

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

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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

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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.