POSTPONED
The mud bog scheduled for
Sunday, September 22, 2013
has been rescheduled
for
Saturday, September 28, 2013
Friday, September 20, 2013
"LOOK AGAIN" SIGNS INSTALLED AT DANGER INTERSECTION
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| Photo/ Worcester County Sheriff Office |
The Sheriff then assigned Corporal Dale Trotter of the Community Policing Division to handle the task.
After meeting with the Wainwrights and reviewing the complaint it was determined by Sheriff Reggie Mason that nearly a dozen accidents had occurred at this location in the last year, most involving injury.
Sheriff Reggie Mason requested that CPL Dale Trotter contact the State Highway Administration regarding this intersection. It was requested that the "Look Again" signs along with early warning devices be installed to curtail additional accidents.
Sheriff Reggie Mason applauds Mr Wainwright and other citizens who have stepped forward with ideas and concerns to better the community and improve the safety of Worcester County.
This is a great example of
"Citizens and Government Working Together."
Possible Government Shutdown Nears
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| Photo/clotureclub |
Experts agree: A federal government shutdown would be a dumb way to go.
Yet the risk of a shutdown on Oct. 1 is now a distinct possibility. And federal agencies have been instructed to make plans for one just in case.
The House on Friday will vote on a short-term government funding bill that will include a provision todefund Obamacare. That provision is a no-go for Senate Democrats and President Obama.
If they can't work out a compromise, many functions of the federal government will be shut down indefinitely on Oct. 1.
Besides causing inconvenience and delays, a shutdown could have larger consequences.
A long, broad shutdown could weaken an already modest economic recovery, Congressional Budget Office Director Douglas Elmendorf said Wednesday.
Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, meanwhile, noted that "a government shutdown and, perhaps even more so, a failure to raise the debt limit could have very serious consequences for the financial markets and for the economy."
To say nothing of the fact that a shutdown wouldn't come cheap. Federal agencies have to use up time, energy and resources to plan for one. Shutting down, and then reopening the government, also costs money. Two shutdowns in the mid-1990s cost an estimated $1.4 billion, according to the Congressional Research Service.
There's no telling exactly what a shutdown this October would look like because the White House has some discretion in terms of what's hit and what's not. But based on the shutdowns in the mid-1990s, the following is a pretty good bet.
What will be closed for business: Many, if not most, federal government offices, programs, museums and parks would be shuttered.
So if the shutdown lasts awhile, the travel industry could take a hit as vacations and business trips are scuttled -- whether because people can't get a visa or passport or because they have to cancel their plans to visit Yosemite.
For federal contractors, projects may be delayed because the agencies they work for can't issue the paperwork needed to move forward.
And Americans who need something from a federal office affected by the shutdown may be out of luck.
Thursday, September 19, 2013
~ Soldier Returns Home ~
WELCOME HOME
Sergeant Jeff Rantz
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| Photo/Patti McDaniel Vance |
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE !
"Ladies Night Out" Series Presentation on Domestic Violence at Market Street Boutique Oct. 3
News for immediate release
R Dale Trotter, CPL
Community Policing Division
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
1 West Market Street
Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
(W) 410-632-1112
Kim Jackson, Owner
Market Street Boutique
145A Market Street
Pocomoke City, MD 21851 410-957-0100
"Ladies Night Out" Series Presentation on Domestic Violence at Market Street Boutique
Mark your Calendar: Thursday, October 3rd from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.
As a part of the "Ladies Night Out" series, Market Street Boutique will host a discussion/educational presentation on the topic of Domestic Violence. (October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month).
Corporal Dale Trotter and Deputy First Class Mike Sand of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office will provide information and a demonstration of how to prevent or curtail an attack.
Spending an hour now, may save your life or the life of a loved one.
Please R.S.V.P. on or before Monday, October 1, 2013 at 410-957-0100.
We look forward to seeing you on October 3rd at 6 p.m.
Citizens and Government Working Together
David Craig says GAO Report Shows Maryland Fumbling National Education Reforms
David Craig says GAO Report Shows Maryland Fumbling National Education Reforms
For immediate release: 9.19.13
Contact: Jim Pettit
@jamesmpettit
In the most recent evidence of the state’s difficulty implementing national education programs, the Government Accountability Office identified Maryland’s implementation of Race to the Top as having the lowest participation rates evaluating teachers and principals among any of the 12 states cited in the study. Hawaii and Maryland are singled out for rates that are 30% and 14% respectively. Moreover, Maryland is in what the U.S. Department of Education calls a “pilot phase” meaning the state joins four others that have not even finished implementing the basic evaluation procedures that is the basis of Race to the Top. Implementation of the pilot evaluation program also sharply diverges in Maryland school districts participating in Race to the Top – with participation rates among teachers and principals as low as 4%.
“If the Maryland State Department of Education wants to show it is relevant, now is the time to do it,” said Craig. “They are missing in action regarding this GAO report that shows systemic problems in Maryland’s school districts.”
The GAO report, “States Implementing Teacher and Evaluation Systems despite Challenges,” was issued yesterday. The Maryland Department of Education previously claimed that it is not only “ready” to implement Race to the Top, “but willing and able to continue the progress that has been made.” Maryland was awarded $250 million in the competitive grant program three years ago.
The GAO found that officials in one Maryland school district, the one that piloted just 4 percent of educators, said they will implement the evaluation system without sufficient time to address problems that arose during the testing phase. In a similar situation, another Maryland school district, despite admitting they too are not ready, is nevertheless proceeding to evaluate more than 3000 educators.
“Teacher evaluations are facing a credibility gap,” said Craig. “If these complicated evaluation systems won’t work, then let’s just say so and let teacher’s teach without the fear of being evaluated incorrectly.”
Meanwhile, the state is proceeding with Common Core, a nationwide K-12 uniform education standard. This July, almost every Maryland county saw test scores decline at the elementary and middle school levels. State and some local school officials blamed the decline on an old test that was not updated for Common Core.
Craig, who worked 34 years in the Harford County School system as a teacher and assistant principal, characterized Common Core this summer as an “education fad” that attempts to change how children learn. Race to the Top grant funding is partly conditioned on adherence to Common Core. Maryland school officials told GAO that their evaluation reform efforts took precedence over implementation of the Common Core curriculum.
###
GAO Report 9.18.13
“States Implementing Teacher and Evaluation Systems despite Challenges”
http://www.gao.gov/assets/660/
Education Week 9.18.13
“GAO: Race to Top States Have Mixed Record on Teacher Evaluation”
http://blogs.edweek.org/
Washington Times 7.12.13
“Craig: Common Core’s Abstraction Distraction”
http://www.washingtontimes.
Grand Opening of Pocomoke Transamerica Oct. 11
Transamerica
Agency Network Pocomoke Office Grand Opening
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA 10/11/2013 – Transamerica Agency Network Inc. (TAN), an innovative marketing organization, announces the opening of a new office in the Pocomoke City area. The new office will allow better access to TAN’s extensive product portfolio designed to help protect the financial futures of America’s families. Join us October 11, 2013 from 3 to 7 PM for our grand opening in our new office located at 1532 Ocean Highway Suite 104, Pocomoke, Md 21851.
Mr. JD Marshall is excited about the opportunities that the new office will bring to the Pocomoke area. “We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our first Transamerica Agency Network office in the Pocomoke area. Please join us October 11, 2013 from 3 to 7 PM as we celebrate tomorrow!”
For more information, please visit www.transamericaagencynetwork.
About Transamerica Agency Network –
Transamerica Agency Network, Inc. is a licensed insurance agency and is a Transamerica company. The career and independent agents of Transamerica Agency Network make up a distribution group within Agency Group which is a business unit of Life and Protection, an operating division of Transamerica Life Insurance Company. Transamerica Life Insurance Company is an AEGON company.
About Transamerica –
The Transamerica companies offer a wide array of innovative financial services and products with a common purpose: to help individuals, families, and businesses build, protect and preserve their hard-earned assets. With more than a century of experience, we have built a solid reputation on strong management, sound decisions and consumer confidence.
For more information, visit www.transamerica.com.
Contact: Transamerica Agency Network (410-957-3010)
In Case You Missed It - David Craig on Maryland's "Rain Tax"
Md. GOP gubernatorial hopeful David Craig seeks repeal of ‘rain tax’ in his home county
Washington Post 9.18.13
Harford County Executive David R. Craig, a leading Republican candidate for governor of Maryland, said he would seek a repeal of his jurisdiction’s storm-water reduction fee — a move that would flout state law.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Harford County Executive David Craig seeks repeal of 'rain tax'
ABC 2 9.17.13
Craig, who plans on introducing his legislation to the council Oct. 1, made his announcement Boyle Buick GMC Truck in Abingdon. He chose that location to highlight the impact the fee will have on businesses with large impervious surfaces.
http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/
Repeal the Rain Tax
Baltimore Sun 9.17.13
Of the 40 new taxes, fees and tolls the O'Malley-Brown administration has enacted, the most egregious is the so-called rain tax. It is a national embarrassment and a case study in ill-conceived public policy.
http://articles.baltimoresun.
GOP's Craig calls for environmental rollback
Baltimore Sun 9.17.13
"They say they're aggressive in cleaning it, but they're saying they haven't cleaned it up. So are they being disingenuous about that? Did it actually work? Did it?" he said. "If it did, then why are they saying it's still getting polluted?"
http://articles.baltimoresun.
Harford County Exec to Introduce Legislation to Repeal Rain Tax
Fox 45 9.17.13
Delegate Kathy Szeliga said Democrats and Republicans alike see it for what it is, an unfair and ridiculous tax.
http://www.foxbaltimore.com/
A Move To Repeal The Rain Tax In A Local County
WBAL radio 9.17.13
The future of the Rain Tax in Harford County will soon be in the hands of the Harford County Council.
http://www.wbal.com/article/
Harford County Executive to Propose Rain Tax RepealPatch 9.17.13
Craig and other Harford County lawmakers lobbied against the tax, which passed through the Maryland General Assembly in 2012
http://havredegrace.patch.com/
Washington Post 9.18.13
Harford County Executive David R. Craig, a leading Republican candidate for governor of Maryland, said he would seek a repeal of his jurisdiction’s storm-water reduction fee — a move that would flout state law.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/
Harford County Executive David Craig seeks repeal of 'rain tax'
ABC 2 9.17.13
Craig, who plans on introducing his legislation to the council Oct. 1, made his announcement Boyle Buick GMC Truck in Abingdon. He chose that location to highlight the impact the fee will have on businesses with large impervious surfaces.
http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/
Repeal the Rain Tax
Baltimore Sun 9.17.13
Of the 40 new taxes, fees and tolls the O'Malley-Brown administration has enacted, the most egregious is the so-called rain tax. It is a national embarrassment and a case study in ill-conceived public policy.
http://articles.baltimoresun.
GOP's Craig calls for environmental rollback
Baltimore Sun 9.17.13
"They say they're aggressive in cleaning it, but they're saying they haven't cleaned it up. So are they being disingenuous about that? Did it actually work? Did it?" he said. "If it did, then why are they saying it's still getting polluted?"
http://articles.baltimoresun.
Harford County Exec to Introduce Legislation to Repeal Rain Tax
Fox 45 9.17.13
Delegate Kathy Szeliga said Democrats and Republicans alike see it for what it is, an unfair and ridiculous tax.
http://www.foxbaltimore.com/
A Move To Repeal The Rain Tax In A Local County
WBAL radio 9.17.13
The future of the Rain Tax in Harford County will soon be in the hands of the Harford County Council.
http://www.wbal.com/article/
Harford County Executive to Propose Rain Tax RepealPatch 9.17.13
Craig and other Harford County lawmakers lobbied against the tax, which passed through the Maryland General Assembly in 2012
http://havredegrace.patch.com/
Deer Feeding Ban Began September 1
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| Photo/B Wise |
Deer Feeding Ban To Begin September 1 - Amendments Made to Law This Year
Richmond, VA - Effective September 1, it will be illegal to feed deer statewide in Virginia. The annual prohibition runs through the first Saturday in January. In addition, the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' (DGIF) Board has made the following amendments to the deer feeding prohibition.
New this year:
• It is illegal to feed deer and elk in Buchanan, Dickenson, and Wise counties at any time.
• It is illegal to feed deer or elk in any county, city, or town during any deer or elk hunting season.
• All feed must be removed from any deer feeding site prior to September 1st.
• A regulation has been established that makes any area where deer feed has been distributed a "baited" area for 10 days following the complete removal of the food.
It is also illegal to feed deer year-round in Clarke, Frederick, Shenandoah, and Warren counties and in the City of Winchester as part of the Department's chronic wasting disease (CWD) management actions.
Problems with Feeding Deer
Problems with feeding deer include: unnaturally increasing population numbers that damage natural habitats; increasing the likelihood for disease transmission; increasing human-deer conflicts such as deer/vehicle collisions, and diminishing the wild nature of deer.
In addition, feeding deer has law enforcement implications. Deer hunting over bait is illegal in Virginia. Prior to the deer feeding prohibition, distinguishing between who was feeding deer and who was hunting over bait often caused law enforcement problems for the Department's conservation police officers.
Deer Are Wild Animals
In their natural state, deer are wild animals that have a fear of humans because we have preyed upon deer for thousands of years. However, when deer are fed by people, they lose this fear, becoming less wild and often semi-domesticated.
Fed deer are often emboldened to seek human foods, leading them into conflict with people. Despite their gentle appearance, they can become lethally dangerous during mating season, capable of goring and slashing with their sharp hooves and antlers. There are numerous cases across the country of individuals injured, and in some cases even killed, by deer they treated as pets.
People often treat the deer they feed as if they own them, even going so far as to name individual deer. Not only does this association diminish the "wildness" of "wildlife", it also leads to a mistaken notion regarding ownership of wildlife. Deer and other wildlife are owned by all citizens of the Commonwealth and are managed by the Department as a public resource.
Deer Feeding Congregates Animals, Increasing the Spread of Disease
The increase in deer feeding that has taken place in Virginia over the past decade now represents one of Virginia's biggest wildlife disease risk factors. Deer feeding sets the stage for maintaining and facilitating the spread of disease.
Diseases are a big issue in deer management today across the United States. Feeding deer invariably leads to the prolonged crowding of animals in a small area, resulting in more direct animal to animal contact and contamination of feeding sites. Deer feeding has been implicated as a major risk factor and contributor in three of the most important deer diseases in North America today. These include tuberculosis, brucellosis, and CWD. Since the first case was found in 2009, CWD has been detected in five deer in western Frederick County near the West Virginia line.
Please Don't Feed Deer
It is clear that the negative consequences of feeding deer outweigh the benefits. If you are not feeding deer, you should not start. If you are currently feeding deer, you should now stop. Feeding deer is against the law between September 1 and the first Saturday in January. If anyone sees or suspects someone of illegally feeding deer during this time period, or observes any wildlife violations, please report it to DGIF's Wildlife Crime Line at 1-800-237-5712. To learn more about Virginia wildlife regulations visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries website at www.dgif.virginia.gov.
GUMBORO MUDBOGGING THIS WEEKEND...
Mudbogging action is in
Gumboro
this weekend!!
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2013
 |
| PHOTO/B WISE |
GATES OPEN @ 10 am
RACE BEGINS @ 1pm
REGISTRATION:
10 am - 12 pm
ADMISSION:
* Adults & Children 10+ - $7
*Children under 10 FREE (All
children must be accompanied
by an adult
*Pit admission - $5 per person
*All drivers & 1 crew person
FREE in pits.
Refreshments sold on premises.
POWER WHEELS RACING @
each event!! (Must be equipped
with manufacturer's battery. NO
EXCEPTIONS!!)
 |
| PHOTO/BWISE |
SEE YOU THERE!!!!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
County Executive Craig to Introduce Legislation for Rain Tax Repeal
Harford County Executive David R. Craig announced today that he will
be introducing legislation in the County Council for a full repeal of
the county’s "Rain Tax." 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. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the state
measure into law in 2012 with an estimated fiscal impact projected to
be a staggering $14.8 billion.
Below is a link to the county-issued press release.
http://www.harfordcountymd.
be introducing legislation in the County Council for a full repeal of
the county’s "Rain Tax." 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. Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley signed the state
measure into law in 2012 with an estimated fiscal impact projected to
be a staggering $14.8 billion.
Below is a link to the county-issued press release.
http://www.harfordcountymd.
Monday ~ Northampton Circuit Court
Monday, September 16, 2013
Latoya Burton was charged with obtaining money by false pretenses and making false statements for Medicaid funds Kevin Nunnaly from the state attorney generals office was in court today to prosecute this case. With more than $10,000 involved the local commonwealth attorney Bruce Jones yielded this case to the states attorneys office. With a guilty plea the case was continued for a pre-sentencing report.
Keyon Berryhill was charged with malicious wounding and wounding by a mob. This is one of the defendants involved in the Exmore Sage restaurant mob beating. Mr. Berryhill is the defendant who struck Mr. Pruitt with a chair at the time of the mob incident. With the defendants guilty plea Judge Revell Lewis III sentenced Mr. Berryhill to five years with all but 7 months suspended with a work release if he meets the requirements of the sheriffs department.
Brandon Tankard was charged with two counts of forging checks; 2 counts of uttering checks and one count of petty larceny. As a first time felon and a guilty plea Mr. Tankard was allowed to stay out on bond for a pre-sentencing report.
Princeton Bragg was charged with possession of a gun by a felon. This case came about at the Corner Market in Cape Charles when a Northampton deputy was about to serve him with papers from another case. When the deputy was approaching the auto on the passenger side Mr. Bragg tried to hide the gun under the seat. With a guilty plea, the case was continued for a pre-sentence report.
Maurice White was charged with possession of cocaine and reckless driving. This case was to have been a bench trial but with Northampton County commonwealth attorney Bruce Jones admitting there was a problem in the chain of evidence a plea agreement was reached. The agreement was 6 months with all but time served and his operators license suspended for 6 months with a work provision and a $780 fine.
Erica Ellerbe, Brandon Rasmuseen, and Karen Duncan were all charged with breaking and entering; two counts of grand larceny and two counts of stealing property with intent to sell. With a guilty plea from these three of five defendants charged in this break in of Ms. Ellerbe grandparents home and the taking of more than $10,000 dollars worth of the grandmother jewelry Judge Lewis allowed all three of these defendants to stay out on bond continuing the case for a pre-sentencing report. Three thousand dollars of restitution has been made by Ms. Ellerbe and Mr. Rasmussen who live together and have a young child.
Launch Scheduled for 10:50 a.m. TODAY
At a Launch Readiness Review Monday, managers for Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va., and NASA gave a go" to proceed toward the Wednesday, Sept. 18, launch of Orbital's demonstration resupply mission to the International Space Station, pending the outcome of a Wallops Range Authority to Proceed meeting scheduled for Tuesday. Orbital is targeting a 10:50 a.m. EDT launch from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad-0A at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in eastern Virginia.
NASA Television coverage of the launch will begin at 10:15 a.m.
There is a 75 percent chance of favorable weather at the time of launch. Low clouds below 6,000 feet are the primary concern for a weather violation. If needed, multiple back-up launch opportunities are available through the end of September.
If you are interested in viewing the launch in the Chincoteague, Va., area, the recommended launch viewing sites are the NASA Wallops Flight facility Visitors Center (http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/wvc) or the Assateague National Seashore (http://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm).
WESR will broadcast the audio of the launch countdown beginning at 10:30 AM Wednesday. Take your radio with you to watch the launch.
SOURCE:
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott
- Press Release
- 'Delegate Mike McDermott Announces
- Run for State Senate’
Sept. 17, 2013
State Delegate Mike McDermott formally kicked-off his campaign for the state Senate representing District 38. McDermott has earned the reputation as someone not afraid to stand up for Eastern Shore values with passion and clarity. His ability to work across party lines without compromising core beliefs led to his being awarded the “2013 Legislator of the Year” by the MSAA. His advocacy for victims of abuse resulted in Delegate McDermott being awarded the “2012 Integrity Award” by POPULAR.
McDermott has also garnered recognition as a staunch defender of Maryland business and industry while at the same time advocating for consumers. For his efforts and his 100% voting record in support of the business community, Delegate McDermott has received the coveted “Blue Ribbon Award” from the MBRG for the years 2011, 2012, and 2013. He was also named a “Consumer Committee Champion for 2013” by the MCRC for his outstanding work in trying to keep costs down for Maryland consumers.
“It’s time to take back your state,” McDermott said. “Maryland is the jewel of the mid-Atlantic, but the policy of taxing everything from small businesses to gasoline to even ‘rain’ has led us down a destructive path. When you add to that the continuing loss of jobs, and the erosion of our property and 2nd Amendment rights, it’s easy to see why people are looking for leaders who will rise from their seats and say ‘enough is enough!’
McDermott said he was urged to run for the senate “by folks who believe Maryland should be a haven for families and business, not a hindrance.”Having seen his Delegate District redistricted and moved 30-miles from his home, McDermott understands the retribution and politics that come to those viewed as a threat to the status quo of the General Assembly. “From day one in Annapolis, I’ve been a strong voice for Eastern Shore values and common sense spending,” McDermott said. “And from the way I was redistricted, it is more than obvious that my core beliefs, which they wanted me to compromise, are not their beliefs.”
McDermott made it clear that he stands up for people and not for what is politically expedient. “I make my decisions based on what is right on behalf of the folks I represent; and I do not ask permission of the Senate President, the Speaker of the House, or the Governor before casting a vote. It’s past time to elect a true senator, one who works for the people and not the boys on the other side of the bridge.”
McDermott cited just a few votes of the many cast by Senator Jim Mathias (D) which are “out-of-step” with the traditionally, conservative values of the Eastern Shore and District 38:
- Mathias has voted for every O’Malley budget since taking office which has increased state spending 29% during the worst recession in Maryland history.
- Mathias sponsored Obamacare and its implementation in Maryland.
- Mathias sponsored legislation creating an electric surcharge/tax and higher rates on residents and business owners to pay for unproven windmills 20-miles out to sea.
- Mathias sponsored legislation that requires all residential homes to be equipped with sprinkler systems increasing the cost of a rural family home by $25,000.00.
- Mathias sponsored legislation that doubled, tripled, and quadrupled the fees/taxes that our Watermen must now pay to the state before they ever harvest their first crab or cast their first net.
- Mathias voted in favor of the “Millionaires Tax” which increased the tax rate for incomes exceeding $1 million to 6.25% and drove citizens and capital out of our state resulting in lost jobs and revenues.
- Mathias voted to deny the victims of domestic violence preferential treatment for firearms permitting which would have allowed these victims to protect themselves.
- Mathias continually supports the budgetary shell games which often leads to prospective tax increases at the county level while denying cuts at the state level.
- Mathias has consistently voted against floor amendments to cut wasteful spending which would have saved the taxpayers billions of dollars.
“Simply casting a vote without a word is not enough” McDermott said. “...but working in the committees, standing up, speaking out and fighting for your constituents rights is real leadership. I want people to know that, if elected, they will be getting a strong voice for the Eastern Shore, a proven leader that will work for them, and, at last, a true Senator.”
As a true Senator, Mike McDermott pledges to:
- Continue to be a strong, outspoken advocate for Eastern Shore values.
- Work to see Maryland return to the status of being a “business friendly” state.
- Make every effort to see a moratorium on any further regulations on businesses which stifle growth and development.
- Insist the state recognize and respect farmers as true conservationists and strive to see the agricultural industry protected and not crushed by over regulation.
- Stand up for our Watermen and fishing traditions and work to reverse the current trend of balancing the state budget on the backs of these hard working Marylanders.
- Work for a sound energy policy that includes natural gas and does not require the taxpayer or consumer to foot the bill for unproven technology and high energy costs.
- Fight every effort by the state to diminish our civil rights including private property ownership and the right to keep and bear arms.
- Insure that environmental policies are based upon legitimate science and not politics. To preserve and protect with balance is in everyone’s best interest.
###
Biographic Background
Mike and Laura McDermott recently celebrated their 30th Wedding anniversary. They have two grown children. Their son, Nate, graduated from Virginia Tech and is a 1st Lieutenant in the US Army assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division. He is married to the former Rachel Barrett of Girdletree, Maryland. Their daughter, Amanda, is a graduate of Salisbury University and is a Flight Attendant for US Airways.
McDermott has been a member of House of Delegates since January 12, 2011 where he serves as the Ranking Minority Member on the Judiciary Committee and as Chairman of the Worcester County Delegation. He is the former two-term Mayor of Pocomoke City, 2005-11.
Delegate McDermott is a career law enforcement officer beginning his service in 1988. He currently serves as the Commander of the Criminal Investigation Division for the Worcester County Sheriff's Office. He has also served as the Chief of Police for the Town of Snow Hill, Maryland from 2001-05.
Mike McDermott was born in Hawthorne, California in 1961. He is a graduate of Wake Technical College with a degree in Criminal Justice. He proudly served in the U.S. Army Reserve from which he was Honorably discharged in 1986. He graduated from the North Carolina Criminal Justice Academy with honors in 1982. He has served as a police patrol sergeant, a chief of police and managed a family poultry farm in Willards, Maryland.
Professionally, he has served as President of the Advisory Board for the Bureau of Investigation, Worcester County, 2003-2004, President, Lower Eastern Shore Mayor’s Association, 2007-2008 and Member, Advisory Board, Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. He is a member of the Tri-County Council serving Somerset, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties.
In the community, Mike and Laura McDermott attend Glad Tidings Church. Mike is a past member of the Boy Scouts of America; Lions Club International, Pocomoke City where he was a past vice-president; National Rifle Association, Chesapeake Bay Foundation; Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce; Worcester County Republican Club and Maryland Municipal League. He is a former member of the American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers and Instructor for Wor-Wic Community College at the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy. He has coached baseball in the Pocomoke City little league and at Pocomoke High School.
Lieutenant Mike McDermott is a highly decorated member of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and has received the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Single Gold Star Award in 1998, 2001, and 2008 and the Outstanding Leadership Award from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. He was recognized for heroism by the Worcester County Commissioners in 2009.
Firearms Qualifications at the Worcester County Firearms Training Center In October
Law Enforcement Retirees will be required to successfully complete a day and reduced light course of fire with their respective firearm in order to receive their annual certification.
Sheriff Mason is pleased to extend the courtesy of providing certification services to all retirees, regardless of their agency affiliation. Card identification will be issued from this office reflecting the certification and qualification of the retiree.
For Worcester Retirees, take advantage of this annual opportunity to get together with the other "ole timers", eat a hot dog, tell lies, and see who has the most problem seeing the target or getting up from the prone position.
On behalf of Sheriff Mason, we look forward to seeing you at the range.
Please contact Heather Horner in our office at 410.632.1112 or via email at hhorner@co.worcester.md.us with any questions and/or to register for the class, or to be put on a list for the next available class.
We anticipate a large response and will regularly schedule classes as the need grows. Each class size will be roughly 10 people.
"Citizens and Government Working Together!"
Accomack County Arsonist Smith Enters "NOT GUILTY"
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.
FREE Car Seat Check ~ September 17th
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 !!!
Monday, September 16, 2013
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
@jamesmpettitHarford 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!!!
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
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!!!
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| PHOTO/ Sunday Morning Photography
Miss Bloxom Fire Prevention 2013 was awarded to Miss Jasmin Holden of Nelsonia, Va.
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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
Antares Launch Postponed Until Wednesday
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| Image Credit: NASA/Brea Reeves |
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.
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