Accomack County Arsonist Smith Enters "NOT GUILTY"

WMDT
Written by: Kody Leibowitz 
Smith Enters "Not Guilty" Plea For 68 Counts Of Arson

ACCOMAC, Va. - The man accused of setting the majority of the 77 fires in a nearly four-month long string of arsons pleaded not guilty.

Charles Smith, with his hands cuffed was walked into Accomack County circuit court on Monday by several Accomack County sheriff deputies about thirty minutes before his arraignment. Smith and his lawyer Carl Bundick first asked the court to be arraigned on only the first two charges from the April 1st arrest.

Bundick said he hasn't had a sufficient amount of time to review evidence for the remaining 66 charges.

But that was denied by circuit court judge Glen Tyler. However, Tyler allowed Smith's lawyer one month of access to acquire evidence from the commonwealth through a discovery order. By doing this, it pushed back what would have been a November trial of only those two charges to now an unknown date to be tried on all 68 counts.

According to Tyler, the first two charges would have gone to trial first, due to a "speedy trial" code in Virginia legislation.

Code 19.2-243 or the limitation on prosecution of felony due to lapse of time after finding of probable cause; misdemeanors; exceptions states that "...if he is held continuously in custody thereafter, shall be forever discharged from prosecution for such offense if no trial is commenced in the circuit court within five months from the date such probable cause was found by the district court."

Tyler then gave Commonwealth attorney Gary Agar and Bundick until Friday to agree on a start date for the trial. If not, the judge said court will reconvene to figure out a time.

Inside the courtroom, Bundick said he's hopeful to have the trial in January. Smith's trial will be in front of a judge and not a jury of his peers.

Also, Bundick attempted to acquire a second psychiatric evalution, which would look at "mitigating factors" behind Smith's mental state during the period of the arsons. These are the factors which according to Law.com, "do not excuse or justify criminal conduct, but are considered out of mercy or fairness in deciding the degree of the offense the prosecutor charges or influencing reduction of the penalty upon conviction would contribute to the severity of any sentence Smith would receive if convicted."

Tyler said that the evaluation is an "ultimate issue that will impact [sentencing]."

Due to this, the judge postponed this motion until later in the case. Both Agar and Bundick declined our requests for an interview.

While Smith won't likely face trial in November, his fiance will.

According to the court docket, Tonya Bundick will be tried in front of a jury of her peers on November 6th, at least to face one charge of arson of an unoccupied building, and potentially also for the other charge of conspiracy to commit arson.

In August, a judge ruled that the woman could be released from jail  if she posts $30,000 secured bond.

But as of Monday afternoon, she has yet to post bail.

SEE VIDEO

Delmarva Discovery Center Presents "FEATHERED FIESTA"

FREE Car Seat Check ~ September 17th

This week is National Child Passenger Safety Week making this week a great time to ensure that your child is safely buckled in. The Berlin Police Department, in conjunction with the Worcester County Health Department, will be holding a free car seat check tomorrow, September 17, 2013 between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m at the Worcester County Health Department’s Berlin Office.

Contact the Berlin Police Department at 410-641-1333 for more information or visit the following link to view an event flyer: 
http://oceancitymd.gov/Police/media/wp-content/uploads/css-check-2013-09-17-WoCHD-1.pdf.

Fall Festival to Support Alzheimer's

Fall Festival to Support Alzheimer's

Hartley Hall Nursing & Rehab Center

1006 Market Street

Pocomoke City, MD

Saturday, September 21, 2013

8:00 am until 2:00 pm

Rent a Yard Sale Table for $10.00

Buy a Hot Dog, chips and drink

Shop from our Vendors

Wonderful Baked Sale Items:

sweet potato, pumpkin pies

apple dumplings

breads

And sooooo much more!!!!

Bring the kids!!

The Kona Ice Truck will be at the Fall Festival 

Music by Damian Magarelli

SEE YOU THERE !!!

Maryland Rain Tax Media Advisory

 (Editor)
If the Washing, Md. liberal leftist are so insistent about taxing rain-fall will this be measured and averaged and if so if the average rain-fall is less than projected (drought) will we receive a rebate? And when it does rain or snow, while falling both displace air, will we receive an air tax rebate because the fluid and solid has displaced whats normally available? Hey, makes as much sense as their B.S.


Attached is a Media Advisory announcing a news conference for
tomorrow, September 17, with Harford County Executive David R. Craig
on the Rain Tax. The point of contact is:



Sherrie A. Johnson

Public Information Officer

Harford County Government

220 South Main Street

Bel Air, MD  21014

Ph:    410-638-3258

Cell:  443-752-3210

Fax:  410-638-1387

sajohnson@harfordcountymd.gov

GM Dealership Gets Hosed by Maryland Rain Tax

GM Dealership Gets Hosed by Maryland Rain Tax

For immediate release: 9.16.13

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit

Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David R. Craig released today an economic impact analysis of the so-called rain tax which soaks a typical business that depends on parking lots, roofs and other impervious surfaces with thousands of dollars in fees.  Illustrating the haphazard approach under the new Maryland law, a family-owned General Motors dealership used as a case study in the analysis would be required to pay anywhere from one penny in an outer suburban county to $12,000 per year in Baltimore City.

“If you wanted to open a business with a parking lot, would you want to come to Maryland and figure out this new tax?" asked Craig. “It is easier in our small state for many businesses to simply locate in Delaware, Pennsylvania or Virginia.”

The law, formally known as the “Stormwater Management - Watershed Protection and Restoration Program,” stems from the Obama Administration’s EPA mandate to reduce run off into the Chesapeake Bay.  The O’Malley-Brown Administration signed the measure into law in 2012 with an estimated fiscal impact projected to be a staggering $14.8 billion.  It is the costliest documented stormwater fee regime in the nation that the campaign could determine.   The first stormwater fees were implemented in some jurisdictions across the country beginning in the mid 1970’s to help meet federal Clean Water Act requirements.

Baltimore City alone estimates it will collect $24 million from the rain tax per year. Baltimore, which already has the state’s highest property and individual income taxes, leads the state in taxpayer exodus according to the latest Internal Revenue Service data.

“Baltimore City is sealing its own fate like Detroit – a downward spiral caused by raising taxes and fees on a shrinking base,” said Craig. “Baltimore especially can ill-afford to saddle residents and businesses with the highest rain tax in the state; it will only circle the financial drain that much faster.”

Craig will hold a press conference on the rain tax on Tuesday, September 17 at Boyle Buick and GMC Truck in Abingdon.   The announcement coincides with a scheduled visit to Maryland from Texas Gov. Rick Perry who is waging a media attack on the state’s business climate under the O’Malley-Brown Administration and a nascent grassroots secessionist movement in western Maryland that is likewise gaining media attention.

The O’Malley-Brown Administration has increased taxes, fees and tolls 40 times that remove an additional $3.1 billion out of the economy per year.

“There is a pattern here,” said Craig. “There is a growing class of ‘forgotten Marylanders’ – people who are left behind from all walks of life and from every part of our state who are required to pay record amounts of taxes, fees and tolls to support radical political rulers who no longer represent them.”

 

The Bloxom Volunteer Fire Company Fire Prevention Pageant

The Bloxom Volunteer Fire Company held it's annual Fire Prevention Pageant on August 24 2013. 

There was one entry for the 15-17 age group and 6 entries for the 4-6 age group. All the young ladies performed exceptionally well!!!

PHOTO/ Sunday Morning Photography

Miss Bloxom Fire Prevention 2013 was awarded to Miss Jasmin Holden of Nelsonia, Va. 

Little Miss Bloxom Fire Prevention was awarded to Miss Olivia Ratzlaff of Bloxom, Va. 

Little Miss Bloxom Fire Prevention, 1st Runner Up was awarded to Miss Haley Justis of Mears, Va.

More photos on BLOXOM VOL. FIRE COMPANY FACEBOOK PAGE

BINGO FOR A GREAT CAUSE....

Antares Launch Postponed Until Wednesday

Image Credit: NASA/Brea Reeves

Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va., has confirmed it will postpone by at least 24 hours the launch of its Antares rocket and Cygnus spacecraft on a demonstration mission to the International Space Station from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia. 

The new launch window is targeted for 
Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013
between 10:50 to 11:05 a.m. EDT from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad-0A at Wallops.

 Rendezvous with the space station remains scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 22. NASA Television will air pre- and post-launch news conferences and provide live launch and rendezvous coverage of the mission. 

The postponement is due to a combination of Friday’s poor weather, which delayed roll-out of Antares to the launch pad, and a technical issue identified during a combined systems test held Friday night involving communications between ground equipment and the rocket’s flight computer. Additional testing is underway to resolve the issue.

TIME MACHINE ... 1977, 1894, 1914, 1952, 1929

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
　
August, 1977
(The Progress Index- Petersburgh, Va.)

Soviet Ship Crew Tours Va. Shore

CHINCOTEAGUE, Va. (AP)- The Soviet hydro-meteorological ship Akademik Korolev sailed from here today for a brief visit to Baltimore before heading home to Vladivostok.

Its 134 scientists and crew members carried from this Eastern Shore area a genuine glimpse of American life, and left some new friends.

As a farewell gesture, Akademik Korolev's captain, Cleg A. Rostovset, entertained about 25 U.S. news reporters aboard the ship Tuesday.

The reporters and the crew members toasted each other and world friendship with Russian vodka and wine during a buffet luncheon aboard the ship, which has been here since early this month. It has been cooperating with the National Aeronautics And Space Administration in joint experimental rocket launches from NASA's research complex on Wallops Island. Russian and U. S. scientists have been collecting and comparing atmospheric data.

Last week the Russians trouped ashore at Pocomoke City, Md., and here to sightsee and visit residents of the mostly rural area.

Captain Rostovset's dog, "D.Z." helped usher the reporters and photographers through the ship, scampering between their feet, scratching at doors and, finally, sharing the buffet.

Rostovset told reporters they could look at anything and take photographs of "anything or anybody you want."
Among the most popular camera subjects were the Soviet flag, banners that were draped in nearly every compartment, paintings of Lennon and other Soviet leaders, and a mural showing a Russian submarine, surface warship, and diving jets in a collage that exhorted the Soviets to show their might.

Reporters were intrigued by the presence of more than 30 Russian women aboard.

Rostovset said about half the women are scientists. The others are cooks, stewardesses and sailors.

Rostovset, who lives in Vladivostok with his wife and two daughters, said there are no married couples aboard, but he added that the presence of the women had caused no sex-related problems.


　　
March, 1894
(The Daily News- Frederick, Md.)

(Excerpts)

The Forestry Division of the Maryland Academy of Science has collected specimens of 60 of the 187 species of trees found in Maryland.

In making this collection of woods the academy has discovered that the Louisiana tupelo, or large leaved tupelo, flourishes in Worcester County, near the Pocomoke river, back in the cypress swamp. No less than five factories in the neighborhood of Pocomoke City are making vessels of this wood, such as bowls, bread trays, peach and berry boxes, and pint and quart baskets. The tupelo in Worcester County obtains a diameter of four feet, and height of over one hundred feet. It is found in no other part of the State. In the next ten years not one of these trees will be left in Maryland. During the last ten years from four to five miles of this timber have been cut.　


　
June, 1914 (Time Machine archive)
(The Daily News- Frederick, Md.)

Controversy Over Road

The State Roads Commission, with Governor Goldsborough present, heard rival delegations from Somerset and Worcester counties on the route of the highway southward from Westover, about six miles south of Princess Anne, Somerset County, to which point the highway has already been improved. The Worcester delegates want the road diverted from Westover to Pocomoke City and thence to the Virginia line, to connect at that point with a road which Virginia will build through Accomac and Northampton counties. The Somerset people argued for the extension of the road southward from Westover to Crisfield. 

The Commission did not announce a decision on the controversy. The opinion prevailed, however, that the advocates of the Pocomoke City route will win. 


　
(Pocomoke City Poultry Auction Branch Operating)

August, 1952
(Denton Journal)

 (Excerpt)

Poultry Auction Averages A Quarter Of A Million Chickens Daily

Last Friday marked the close of the eighth week of operation of the Eastern Shore Poultry Growers Exchange, a non-profit corporation formed by poultry leaders of the Delmarva Peninsula for the purpose of assisting with the marketing of the many millions of chickens produced here in the broiler capital of the world.

This eighth week also saw the first sale consumed through the Pocomoke City branch of the auction. Through the installation of special telephone equipment, owners of flocks in the southern part of the peninsula can participate in each day's sales by stopping at the V.F.W. home in Pocomoke. A direct wire with amplification equipment permits the sale being conducted by Auctioneer (Carroll) Long, in the principal office of the exchange in Selbyville, to be heard at the Pocomoke branch office. Purchases can be made at the branch station by any buyers who find it more convenient to be in that part of the Peninsula. 　


　
March, 1929
(The Daily News- Frederick, Md.)

(Ad- Sam Miller's Shoes And Clothing in Frederick)

We bought out the entire stock of pants at S. Levy's at Crisfield, Md., and we are going to offer these pants at a 10-days sale at $1.00 a pair.

(Included: All sizes of Men's Dress Pants, All Wool Army Pants, Corduroy Pants, Khaki Pants, Best Work Pants, Riding Breeches; Men's Work Shirts 3 for $1.00.)　


　
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!

Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro Creates Special Enforcement Unit

The Ocean City Police Department has recently established a new unit within the department. Beginning this month, the Special Enforcement Unit will be patrolling throughout Ocean City. The Special Enforcement Unit will be a proactive criminal investigative unit which will focus on working closely with the community to identify problems and solve crime. Officers assigned to this unit will primarily be working in a plain clothes capacity much like the department’s Narcotics Unit.

“The new Special Enforcement Unit will act as a stepping stone between our Patrol Division and our Criminal Investigation Division,” said Chief Buzzuro. “The Unit will look very closely at growing crime trends in various areas of Ocean City and serve as proactive crime fighters.”

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Accomack County Vehicle Crash Kills 82-Year-Old Local Woman

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. - One person has died from a two-vehicle crash in Accomack County.

The accident happened Saturday at 10:54 a.m, at the intersection of Highway 13 and Taylor Road.

Virginia State Police say one driver, an 82-year old woman from Tasley, Va., died at the scene. She was not wearing a seat belt. Police say the other driver, a 50-year old man from Onancock, Va., was taken to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital for serious injuries. Morris was wearing a seat belt.

Virginia State Police said the man was driving a 1993 Chevrolet S10 pickup truck southbound on Highway 13 in the left lane. Police say the elderly woman was driving a 1987 Dodge Caravan and pulled right in front of the other vehicle. The man was heading east on Taylor Road and crossed onto Highway 13. Police say the male driver couldn't stop quick enough and hit the driver's side of the minivan.

The crash is still under investigation.

Source:

Accomack County Circuit Court

Accomack County Circuit Court
Thursday, September 12, 2013

Fredrick Parks was charged with two counts of grand larceny. Restitution has been paid in full and with no record in Virginia Mr. Parks was sentenced to three years on each count, all but four days suspended. Mr. Parks was unprepared to go straight to jail therefore was told to report by Friday at 5 pm to serve the four days.

Roy Shreaves was charged with burglary and grand Larceny. With a letter from August 2013 letter from Dr. Bulett, first felony, and the fact that he worked two jobs Mr. Shreaves was sentenced to five years with all but 60 days suspended with a work release.

Antonio Brown was charged with two counts of robbery with the use of a firearm. Mr. Browns brother, mother and his Pastor testified on his behalf. Judge Revell Lewis III said to the defendant that he had been in and out of trouble with a complete disregard for the law therefore he was sentenceing him to 25 years on each count to run concurrently with all but eight years suspended. Restitution was set at $1400 dollars.

Jason Reinert was charged with probation revocation and a new burglary charge. Mr. Reinerts grandfather testified that he awoke at 5 am and found his grandson in the house going through his pants pockets. Jason with a record of assault, robbery, and an addiction problem was sentenced on the probation revocation charge to three years, five months, and 23 days all but 12 months suspended + 100 hours of community service. On the new robbery charge the sentence was 10 years with all but timed served suspended.

Cornell Nock was charged with probation revocation. The original charges were unauthorized use; and shoplifting. With 8 years, 8 months, and 23 days remaining of the original sentence his attorney tried to explain that Mr. Nock was on medication and had been in the mental unit on two different stays. Mr. Morgan for the commonwealth read a long record into the record. Probation was revoked and sentence was reinstated with all but 3 years suspended.

Assiha White was originally charged with credit card fraud and was sentenced to 1 year and 8 days with all but the 8 days suspended. She was to have served four weekends. Serving only one weekend since August 9th 2012 and was to have to shown cause on August 29, 2013 and did not show up for court on that date but has served one weekend since August 29, 2013 Judge Lewis sentenced her to four days starting immediately.

Dion Church went before the court with a motion for work release. Mr. Church was convicted back in 2004 of carnal knowledge with a 13 year old without force. Mr. Church walked out of court on that date with a appeal bond and up until August 9th 2013 when he was rearrested has gone on with his life. He was originally sentenced to 7 months but never reported to serve his time. Both Mr. Church and his mother testified that they had called Mr. Churchs previous attorney(Marsha Carter) many times but was never told to report or the outcome of the appeal. The motion for work release was denied and he was told he would have to serve the balance of the 7 months.

Marquire Tankard charged with possession of marijuana and transporting more than five pounds of marijuana. Charged one was continued until February third 2014. The defendant then entered a guilty plea to the more than five pound transportation charge. This offense occurred on November 6th, 2012 with a traffic stop along highway 13. The officer found 8lbs, 3oz of green marijuana in a garbage bag. Mr. Tankard and a passenger were both charged with the same charges. At the traffic stop Mr. Tankard told the officer that the passenger had nothing to do with the marijuana and that he was only in the car because he had a drivers license and that he Mr. Tankard only had a learners permit. With a guilty plea this case was continued for a pre-sentencing report.

Dontrelle Walker was charged with distributing cocaine . A plea agreement had been reached for possesion at trial time with Mr. Walker guilty plea the case was continued for the pre-sentencing report. 

Source

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1977.. Eastern Shoremen host Soviet scientists and their ship's crew; 1894.. Forestry scientists predict demise of a valued tree variety that, in Maryland, flourishes exclusively in Worcester County; 1914.. Somerset and Worcester want different routes for main road south of Westover; 1952.. An auction branch of the Poultry Growers Exchange opens in Pocomoke City; 1929.. Look at what $1.00 will buy!

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!　

Fall Car & Truck Show TODAY

STOP BY MIDWAY TODAY !!

SPCA Eastern Shore Pet Walk ~ SAVE THE DATE

Free Concert in Cypress Park / SAVE THE DATE!

U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Band 

FREE

Concert in Cypress Park

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

6:00 pm until 7:30 pm

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and listen to the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Band from Fort Meade, MD for free! 

Concessions will benefit the Samaritan Shelter. 

In case of rain, concert will be held at the 

Mar-Va theater. 

Sponsored by the City of Pocomoke and the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce.

Delmarva's Got Talent Coming Soon

KGB Thug Lectures US

Michael Davidson
AND Magazine


Recently Vladimir Putin, current head of the kleptocratic gang that controls Russia, demonstrated that a leopard can't change its spots. In Putin's case, he hasn't even tried to change. His attitude, his tactics, his strong-arm methods all attest to the fact that he is an unreconstructed KGB thug. Putin's homily to the United States arrived in the form of an op-ed in everyone's favorite newspaper, "The New York Times," on the anniversary of 9/11.

If the ineptitude of the Obama administration provided Putin an opportunity to saunter to center stage and play the great diplomat intent on resolving the Syrian chemical weapons problem, the blatant hypocrisy of his words now risk achieving the opposite. The verbiage sounds like vintage Putin and is reminiscent of the classic Soviet propaganda that nurtured his youth.

This is a man who presides over a regime that stifles dissent, murders journalists who dare oppose him, dispatches FSB assassins to foreign countries to harass and murder opponents, who lectures us piously about the sanctity of the United Nations where "decisions affecting war and peace should happen only by consensus" when it was he who invaded Georgia and ordered military operations in Chechnya that amounted to genocide and gave impetus to the Islamist rebellion that now has engulfed the Northern Caucasus.

He then offers up another whopper when he claims the Russians "… are not protecting the Syrian government, but international law." He then contends that "… the law is the law, and we must follow it whether we like it or not." This statement must have elicited guffaws from his own countrymen. Of course, it is Russia that supplies Syria with modern weapons systems, including the latest anti-aircraft missiles, artillery shells, etc. etc. etc.

And finally, he decries American exceptionalism, noting (it can but be with sarcasm) that "God created us equal." Uh huh.

Apparently Putin could not resist the opportunity to rub Obama's nose in his own mess the way a dog's owner might train a puppy. This was a mistake, but one that a man with Putin's deeply flawed personality could not resist. Putin's litany of lies and insults can only bring domestic support to Obama that he otherwise would not merit. He may have blown a golden opportunity.

READ MORE

Poetry Reading at the Chamber On Saturday

The Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce Presents : 

Poetry Reading by Archita Buch and Robin Butler

Saturday,  September 14, 2013

 3pm - 5pm 

At the Chamber

6 Market Street

Pocomoke, MD.

Come and hear the poets read from their latest anthology, revealing the alchemy of pen, ink and inspiration.

Come join us for an intellectually stimulating, heartwarming and unforgettable time!

 (3 -4pm Poetry Reading followed by “Ask The Authors”—open question answer session, book signing and light refreshments -4-5pm)

Texas Governor Jolts Maryland’s Anti-Business Politicians

Texas Governor Jolts Maryland’s Anti-Business Politicians
David Craig Campaign releases business climate data showing dismal contrast

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit

Maryland Lt. Governor candidate and state delegate Jeannie Haddaway said Texas Governor Rick Perry’s media onslaught of the state’s business climate and job growth potential is well-deserved as the David Craig campaign for Governor released today a comparison of the two states’ business climates according to third-party sources.

Maryland’s average ranking is 32 compared to Texas’s 4 when compared to other states.  Preventing Maryland’s free fall to the bottom quintile overall in the national business climate comparisons are factors including quality of life, education attainment levels and proximity to research and development facilities such as universities and federal government installations.

“Texas Governor Rick Perry understands something that the O'Malley-Brown Administration is in denial about -states compete with one another for jobs and economic development,” said Haddaway.  “Raising taxes, fees and tolls 40 times that will remove an additional $9.5 billion out of the private sector economy by 2014 sends a loud message to other governors who are concerned about job growth that Maryland is easy pickings.”

The O’Malley – Brown Administration frequently cite narrow metrics in categories other than tax burdens in order to avoid responsibility for the damage they have caused in driving away small businesses at rates that are among the highest in the region and have left the state with just three Fortune 500 companies.  These other metrics are largely based on benefits derived from world-class universities and a high concentration of research and development activity stemming from the post-World War II expansion of the federal government.

“Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown have absolutely nothing to do with the number of PHD’s living in Maryland nor the federal government and university-sector involvement in medical research, cyber-security and information technology that has been going on for years. Yet they take credit for it every day as if they created Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health and Fort Meade,” said Haddaway.  “I am very concerned that as the federal government downsizes due to record debt, that ever-increasing numbers of working Marylanders are going to be left behind.”

Financial service firms, business media outlets, think tanks and site selection consultants routinely rank states’ economic development potential according to a variety of factors.  The Craig campaign released the most recent annual business climate studies from Chief Executive Magazine, CNBC, Forbes, Moody’s and the Tax Foundation. Averaged together, Maryland falls 28 notches below Texas.

In some cases a comparison is not even possible, since Maryland is not included in top-performing states in two reports issued this summer.  According to corporate relocation industry media outlets Area Development Online and Site Selection magazine, Texas ranks number one in the country.

Harford County Executive David Craig said the Lt. Governor will have a meaningful role in his Administration with economic development being a much-needed focus.

“Governor Perry’s visit to Maryland is a wake-up call to every anti-business politician in the state,” said Craig. “The rain tax alone has become a national embarrassment and one of the most blatant anti-business policies Marylanders have ever seen. My Administration will review, reduce or repeal any tax, fee and toll that impede job growth."

####


Chief Executive Magazine “Best and Worst States for Business”

1 Texas

41 Maryland

http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business-2013



CNBC  “America’s Top States for Business”

2 Texas

40 Maryland

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100824779



Forbes Best States for Business

7 Texas

16 Maryland

http://www.forbes.com/best-states-for-business/list/



Moody’s Analytics State Economic Outlook

2 Texas

21 Maryland

http://www.economy.com/state/precis-snapshot.aspx?g=TX&src=medc-ppstatehttp://www.economy.com/state/precis-snapshot.aspx?g=MD&src=medc-ppstate



Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index

9 Texas

41 Maryland

http://taxfoundation.org/article/2013-state-business-tax-climate-index

Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament

Friday, September 13, 2013 

 7:30 pm

Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

All levels of players welcome. 

$15 buy in $10 re-buy. 

Hundreds of $$ in prizes.

 Great food sold on sight. 

Support your local fire companies!!

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

“Delegate McDermott Named as Consumer Committee Champion”

(Annapolis) --  On September 10th, the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition (MCRC) named Delegate Mike McDermott (R - Worcester and Wicomico Counties) as one of MCRC’s 2013 Consumer Committee Champions.  A statement released by MCRC explains how each Consumer Champion was chosen: “These...members... stood up for consumer rights by earning overall scores of 80% or better during the 2013 session even as they cast more difficult and strongly contested committee votes on consumer rights issues than members of other committees did.” The full statement can be read here.  While in the Judiciary Committee, Delegate McDermott made some key votes for consumers including House Bill 930, which prohibits disclosure of certain private records of other people, and House Bill 596, which gives more due process rights to people arrested in debt cases by allowing for expedited release.  He also made an important vote for consumers by voting against House Bill 130, which allows awards of attorney's fees in civil and constitutional cases.

Delegate McDermott received an 86% on MCRC’s Legislative Scorecard for his House Floor Votes. MCRC's Full Legislative Scorecard can be found here. While on the House Floor, Delegate McDermott voted against House Bill 89, which allows energy companies to add a surcharge of up to two dollars per month on energy bills.   He also voted in favor of pro-consumer bills such as House Bill 1297, which allows state officials to put a security freeze on credit reports of foster children, and House Bill 286, which limits foreclosures due to liens on homeowners in condominium communities.  For more information on Delegate McDermott's key votes, go here.

Corporal Charles “Josh” Kelley Promoted To Sergeant

Sgt. Charles "Josh Kelley"

Chief Ross Buzzuro is proud to announce the appointment of Corporal Charles “Josh” Kelley to the rank of Sergeant. “Sgt. Kelley has proved his worth time and time again within the Ocean City Police Department,” said Chief Buzzuro. “He is a true asset to our department and is the epitome of a great law enforcement officer.”

Sgt. Kelley is originally from Chestertown, Maryland and is a former platoon sergeant in the US Marine Corps. During his eight years of service in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Kelley earned the Navy Commendation Medal in Combat Operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After being honorably discharged in May 2008, Sgt. Kelley continued his education at Salisbury University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communications & Conflict Resolution.

Sgt. Kelley began his career at the Ocean City Police Department as a seasonal police officer in 2004 and was hired as a full time officer in 2006. Sgt. Kelley serves as a mentor to many young officers and is a member of the Drill & Discipline Team for the 

Chief Ross Buzzuro & Sgt. Charles "Josh" Kelley

seasonal police academy. He has been in the patrol division throughout his time with OCPD. During the course of his career, Sgt. Kelley has received many commendations and awards including Neighborhood Watch and OC Knights of Columbus Officer of the Year in 2009. He was also awarded by the Worcester County Drug & Alcohol Abuse Committee for making over 80 drug arrests in the year of 2010.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Mar-Va Christmas Production ~ ANNIE ~ OPEN CASTING CALL

Mar-Va Christmas Production

2013 AUDITIONS

2013 Production: 

"ANNIE"

AUDITIONS – OPEN CASTING CALL 

Annie is a Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and the book by Thomas Meehan. Presented with permission by Music Theater International (MTI). 

WHEN:  Saturday, Sept 21 2013 10am – 2pm and Sunday, Sept 22, 2013 from 2- 4pm

Callbacks to be held Sept 23 at 7pm 

WHERE:  Mar-Va Theater, 103 Market Street Pocomoke, MD 21851

What to bring: 

Actors should come with a prepared song in the musical theatre style and sheet music or background track.

Please bring a current photo (snapshot is fine) and a resume (optional).

Please wear comfortable clothing as we may have actors do some script reading or movement during the audition.

Bring your calendar in order to review possible conflicts with rehearsals

PLEASE NOTE: If invited to callbacks, you may be asked to sing part of a song from the show. 

Available Roles (teens and adult)

Cast of 30 ranging in age from 8 to Adult. All primary roles require strong solo singing ability.

Rehearsal Schedule

Read thru Sept 28 10-12

September and October: week days Tuesday 7 - 9 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM

November: Monday and Tuesdays 7 - 9 PM, Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM

December rehearsals: December 1 at 2 - 5 PM, December 3, 4, 5 at 7 - 9 PM.  You are expected to be at all rehearsals.

Performance Schedule

December 7 at 7 PM

December 8 at 2 PM

December 13 at 7 PM

December 14 at 7 PM

December 15 at 2 PM

Click here for production details! (Cast List)

Saxis Island Museum NOW OPEN

Another amazing video by Charles Paparella.  This time he ventures to Saxis Island, Virginia where things seem to be happening lately with the opening of their first museum.


Title: "Saving the Story of Saxis"
By: Charles Paparella

I-55 Bandit Surrenders to FBI

The FBI announced on Wednesday that the man known as the I-55 Bandit surrendered in St. Louis, less than 24 hours after the agency asked for the public's help.

 Nineteen-year-old Andrew Maberry was arrested and charged with one count of bank robbery in connection with a July 3 robbery at Commerce Bank in Missouri. 

"We want to thank the news media and digital billboard companies for providing coverage on the I-55 Bandit," said Special Agent in Charge Dean Bryant. "We have no doubt Maberry's surrender was a direct result of the extensive media attention. We also appreciate the dozens of solid tips we were provided by the public. The FBI has long relied on the public to help identify and capture criminals."

 The I-55 Bandit is believed to have robbed 10 banks and attempted to rob two others in five states - Illinois, Missouri, Maryland, West Virginia and Tennessee. 

Maberry is from O'Fallon, Illinois.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1977.. Eastern Shoremen host Soviet scientists and their ship's crew; 1894.. Forestry scientists predict demise of a valued tree variety that, in Maryland, flourishes exclusively in Worcester County; 1914.. Somerset and Worcester want different routes for main road south of Westover; 1952.. An auction branch of the Poultry Growers Exchange opens in Pocomoke City; 1929.. Look at what $1.00 will buy!

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!　

Million American March Against Fear Sparsely Attended

NBC Photo

Attendees at the Million American March Against Fear -- previously called the Million Muslim March -- were met with protests by a small group of Christians on the National Mall Wednesday

Attendees at a sparsely attended Million American March Against Fear were met with protests by a small group of Christians on the National Mall Wednesday, on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

U.S. Park Police kept the group of protesters back. Several displayed signs with messages such as "Muhammad is a liar" and were yelling to the Muslim attendees, reported News4's Mark Segraves.

About 25 people -- including activist Cornel West -- were at the march as of 12:30 p.m., Segraves reported.

The event was known as the Million Muslim March during planning stages, but organizers said on their website they thought the earlier name was "scary."

Approximately 20 protesters were also at the scene, Segraves said. It was not clear whether they were from a specific church or organization.

The rally included prayers, speeches and a moment of silence to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

The rally was planned by the American Muslim Political Action Committee (AMPAC), whose members say they are "patriotic Muslims" who are demanding new laws to protect their First Amendment rights.

"In the past 12 years since 9/11 the United States government as failed to protect and promote Constitutional liberties and human life, here and abroad," read part of a statement on AMPAC's website. "We feel that accountability in government has been ignored and the time has arrived to collectively speak truth to power."

READ MORE

Woman Faces Charges For Home Invasion In Accomack County

Jay Diem Photo

Written by
Carol Vaughn
ACCOMAC — A woman arrested in connection with a home invasion near Sanford last month was arraigned in Accomack General District Court Wednesday after being extradited from Wicomico County.

The incident left Lamesha Cropper, 26, of Salisbury, wounded and a male suspect fatally shot by the man they apparrently intended to rob. Two other alleged accomplices have been arrested.

Cropper appeared in court in a wheelchair, handcuffed and shackled at the waist and ankles.

Master Caine Wesley, Jr.

Cropper was wounded and Master Caine Wesley Jr., 24, of Nelsonia was fatally injured during a shootout that apparently took place after four suspects entered the home at 9293 Marsh Market Road at night, intending to rob it.

Court documents identify the robbery victim as Tyler Williams. Documents do not specify who fired the shots that killed Wesley and wounded Cropper.

Cropper was taken into custody Sept. 4 in Wicomico County and is charged with robbery, armed burglary and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

She is being held without bond in the Accomack County Jail.

Deputies responding to a call around 10 p.m. Aug. 28 found Cropper and Wesley with gunshot wounds at a nearby convenience store.

The two apparently fled to the store by car after a confrontation in which multiple gunshots were fired at the home, according to Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin.

Also being held without bond are Titus Floyd Jr., 20, of Mappsville and Leon O’Bryan Crippen, 22, of Temperanceville.

Floyd is charged with armed burglary, robbery and brandishing a machete.

Crippen is charged with robbery, armed burglary and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Cropper according to court documents has been employed by the U. S. Army for the past seven years.

She repeatedly leaned back in the wheelchair and stared at the ceiling while waiting for court to start, at one point turning to speak with two young women seated behind her.

She later mouthed unintelligible words to her supporters and smiled as a deputy wheeled her back away the bench after the brief proceeding.

General District Judge Gordon Vincent upon her request for a court-appointed lawyer appointed attorney Carl Bundick to represent Cropper.

Read more - VIDEO

Teacher Appreciation Night ~ TONIGHT!!