Saturday, September 21, 2013

Space Station Crew Readies for Cygnus' Sunday Arrival

With the Orbital Sciences Corporation’s Cygnus cargo vehicle gradually closing in on the International Space Station for the first time, the Expedition 37 crew conducted a final cargo and robotics review Friday to prepare for the arrival of the new commercial cargo craft.

Cygnus, which launched at 10:58 a.m. EDT Wednesday from at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, was about 1,200 statute miles behind the station as of Friday morning, closing in another 82 statute miles with every orbit as it heads toward Sunday’s rendezvous. 

› Visit NASA's Orbital Sciences Corporation information page

The two flight engineers aboard the station, NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg and European Space Agency astronaut Luca Parmitano, spent some time studying the rendezvous timeline before moving on to a review of Cygnus’ cargo manifest. Cygnus, which is capable of carrying over 3,700 pounds of cargo within its 662 cubic foot pressurized cargo hold, is delivering around 1,300 pounds of crew supplies on this demonstration flight.
Parmitano and Nyberg wrapped up their preparations Friday with a final review of the procedures for the robotic grapple and berthing of the commercial cargo craft.  Parmitano, with assistance from Nyberg, will be at the controls of the robotics workstation in the cupola to command the station’s s 57-foot robotic arm, Canadarm2, to reach out and grapple the vehicle at 7:25 a.m. Sunday.  He will then maneuver the arm to guide Cygnus to its docking port on the Earth-facing side of the Harmony node for its installation slated to begin at 9:15 a.m.
NASA Television will provide live coverage of all the activities Sunday starting at 4:30 a.m.  NASA also will post updates to its social media accounts. The public can join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #Cygnus.
Nyberg and Parmitano also participated in several ongoing medical studies Friday as researchers seek to learn more about the effects of long-duration spaceflight on the human body. Parmitano, who has been following a carefully prescribed diet and logging his meals for the Pro K experiment this week, stored some urine and blood samples in the Minus Eighty-degree Laboratory Freezer for ISS, or MELFI, to preserve them for later study by nutritionists back on Earth. Pro K examines the effectiveness of dietary changes to lessen the bone loss experienced by astronauts in space.
Meanwhile, the three crew members who will return the station to its full six-person complement are now in the final stages of preparations for launch from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.  NASA astronaut Mike Hopkins, Soyuz Commander Oleg Kotov and Russian cosmonaut Sergey Ryazanskiy will launch aboard their Soyuz TMA-10M spacecraft at 4:58 p.m. Wednesday (2:58 a.m. Thursday, Kazakh time) on an expedited 4-orbit, 6-hour trip from the Baikonur launch pad to the station.
Hopkins, Kotov and Ryazanskiy will remain aboard the station until mid-March. Yurchikhin, Nyberg and Parmitano, who have been aboard the orbiting laboratory since late May, will return to Earth Nov. 11, leaving Kotov as commander of Expedition 38.
On Thursday, the Soyuz TMA-10M was “encapsulated” inside the third stage booster of a Soyuz rocket at the Integration Facility of the Baikonur Cosmodrome.  This process set the stage for the third stage of the Soyuz booster to be mated with two other rocket stages Sunday in advance of the rocket’s rollout to the launch pad in Baikonur on Monday.

National Tell A Police Officer "Thank You" Day

Thank A Police Officer Day!




 A simple "Thank You" will go a long way. 
After all, they put their lives on the line 24/7 for 
ALL OF US!!


~THANK YOU~

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Press Release

While patrolling the area of Grays Corner Road and Friendship Road, in Berlin on Sunday September 15th, a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office came in contact with a subject who was acting suspicious.

The Deputy stopped the individual, who was identified as Betty Jane Hilton 59, from Damascus, Maryland. While the Deputy was speaking to Mrs. Hilton, Ms. Hilton became extremely nervous and stated she did not want to go to jail, through further investigation Mrs. Hilton admitted to being in possession of marijuana and paraphernalia used to smoke marijuana. Mrs. Hilton was subsequently searched and arrested for possession of paraphernalia and possession of marijuana. Mrs. Hilton was issued criminal citations and released on her signature.

On September 18, 2013 at approximately 1404 hrs. Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies were dispatched to Wal-Mart in Berlin Md. for a theft. Once at the Wal-Mart The suspect was identified as Victoria Ashley Lewis 29 years of age, from Selbyville DE. Ms. Lewis was in the Wal-Mart store in Berlin allegedly attempting to shoplift merchandise. There was an active arrest warrant for Ms. Lewis’s Ms. Lewis was arrested for theft and on the Warrant. A search of her vehicle produced drug paraphernalia which she was also charged. Ms. Lewis was held at the Worcester County Detention Center in lieu of $7,500.00 Bond.

Horse Possible Cause Of Accident

This is what Firefighters, Law Enforcement, and EMT's  found to maybe have been the cause of a 5 vehicle accident on Lankford Highway in New Church, Virginia shortly after 5:30 Friday.


Photo/Jeffrey Jump
New Church Vol. Fire & Rescue Co.

There were no serious injuries and only one minor injury to a passenger in one of the vehicles.  The unknown horse escaped injuries also. 

Accomack County Circuit Court

Accomac County Circuit Court
Thursday, September 19, 2013

Tirell Sample was charged with Distribution of cocaine 3rd offense.A plea agreement was reached, with a 25 year sentence all but 3 years suspended. The defendants drivers license was suspended for 6 months and probation for an indefinite time. This case was from the Onancock car was on July 10th 2012.

Coylen McLaughlin was charged with possession with intent to sell cocaine 3rd offense. With a plea agreement to second offense a sentence of 30 years all suspended but 5 years and 6 months was handed down.

Charles Young was charged with two counts of burglary, grand larceny, malicious wounding and one count of petty larceny. All charges occurring between October 26, 2012 and November 1, 2012.The first at the General Store in Onancock where blood was found on broken glass and the second when the wounding occurred a guilty plea was accepted. With a mental health history this case was continued for a pre-sentencing report.

Maurice Holden was charged with assault of a police officer on are about 9/18/13 while in the county jail. With a plea agreement Mr. Holden received a 12 months sentence with 11 months suspended and will be allowed to serve the time on weekends.

Jennifer Aeppli was charged with grand larceny. The charges were reduced to petty larceny and with Ms. Aeppi s clean record along with the fact that she was used by two other defendants to drive, Judge Revell Lewis III sentenced her to 12 months all but 4 days suspended. Judge Lewis told her she needed to see the inside of the jail and she was to report by 5pm tomorrow to serve her 4 days.


Dale Holcome was charged with probation revocation and show cause. Probation was revoked and Judge Lewis told him he needed to man up the 4 year 11 month 9 day sentence was re- imposed all but six months suspended. Robert Ward III was charged with probation revocation of an original sentence of 10 years + 100 hours of community service. This case was one where 10 checks were written in a two day period. The restitution has been paid in full and while on probation Mr. Ward never failed a drug test but with six other probation violations his probation was revoked and a two year eleven year sentenced was imposed with all but six months suspended.


Richard Christan charged with possession with intent to sell cocaine his bond was set at $25,000 dollars.

Friday, September 20, 2013

November 23rd Christmas Arts and Craft Festival in Pocomoke


Contact:
Jennifer RafterPocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce410-957-1919Pocomoke.com
#####
November 23rd Christmas Arts and Craft Festival to be held at the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Dept. Community Center,hosted by the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce
The Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 23rd, enjoy some pre-Black Friday shopping in a calmer atmosphere.  The lovely Community Center at 1410 Market Street in Pocomoke is the location for this first-time event.  Admission is $2 for adults and free for children.  Get a jump on your shopping with items that can’t be found anywhere else. Children’s craft activities will be available at an additional fee, so take this opportunity to shop on your own while your young ones make a gift just for you.    Food will be available from the Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Department.   Spend a relaxing morning or afternoon shopping unique craft items at the Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival on November 23rd in Pocomoke.  Now accepting applications from exhibitors.  More information available at pocomoke.com, or contact 410-957-1919 or pocomokechamber@gmail.com

2013 Chincoteague Oyster Festival


Don't wait to purchase your tickets for the 
41st Annual Oyster Festival

Only a little over 100 tickets left!

REMINDER FOR SATURDAY ~ 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 !!!

National POW/MIA Recognition Day

Today is
National POW/MIA Recognition Day


Please take a moment today to remember our nation's prisoners of war and those missing in action. 

You are not forgotten.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview



1944-45.. Nazi POW work camps are at Westover and Berlin; 1892.. Extravaganza marks Parksley Library opening; 1895.. Pocomoke sees increased demand for horses and mules; 1919.. 14- room Eastern Shore colonial home for sale; check details and price. 
 
Although you may not find all of these 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!

Sunday Mud Bog POSTPONED



POSTPONED

The mud bog scheduled for 
Sunday, September 22, 2013
has been rescheduled 
for

Saturday, September 28, 2013


"LOOK AGAIN" SIGNS INSTALLED AT DANGER INTERSECTION

Photo/ Worcester County Sheriff Office
The Worcester County Sheriff's Office recently answered a complaint from a citizen that was raised concerning a dangerous intersection. Sheriff Reggie Mason was contacted by Grayson Wainwright, a citizen of the Friendship Community; regarding the intersection of Friendship Rd and Cathell Rd. 

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

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.

REMINDER: HILL FOUNDATION ANNUAL BINGO


REMINDER: POCOMOKE CITY THIRD FRIDAY ART STROLL


Thursday, September 19, 2013

~ Soldier Returns Home ~

WELCOME HOME 
Sergeant Jeff Rantz 

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

Contacts: 

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


Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David R. Craig said public schools across the state are faltering because too many federal education initiatives are hitting them at once, namely the Obama Administration’s “Race to the Top” competitive grant program and the Common Core national education standard.

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/660/657936.pdf



Education Week 9.18.13

“GAO: Race to Top States Have Mixed Record on Teacher Evaluation”

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2013/09/gao_race_to_the_top_states_hav.html



Washington Times 7.12.13

“Craig: Common Core’s Abstraction Distraction”

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/jul/12/common-cores-abstraction-distraction/

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.com.

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)                           Transamericaoffice7u@transamerica.com

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/local/md-politics/md-gop-gubernatorial-hopeful-david-craig-seeks-repeal-of-rain-tax-in-his-home-county/2013/09/18/5e214d92-2050-11e3-b7d1-7153ad47b549_story.html
 


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/news/region/harford_county/harford-county-executive-david-craig-seeks-repeal-of-rain-tax
 


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.com/2013-09-17/news/bs-ed-craig-rain-tax-20130917_1_rain-tax-harford-county-council-stormwater-remediation-fee
 


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.com/2013-09-17/news/bs-md-craig-rain-tax-20130917_1_stormwater-fee-harford-county-executive-david-craig
 


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/news/features/top-stories/stories/harford-county-exec-introduce-legislation-repeal-rain-tax-22370.shtml#.UjnVuMakqTM
 


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/102772/3/template-story/A-Move-To-Repeal-The-Rain-Tax-In-A-Local-County
 



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/groups/politics-and-elections/p/harford-county-executive-david-craig-proposes-legislation-to-repeal-rain-tax-september-17-2013
 

Deer Feeding Ban Began September 1

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

Pocomoke City Art Stroll


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.gov/Press.cfm?PressID=3726

Monday ~ Northampton Circuit Court


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.

Exmore Town-Wide Yard Sale and More....


Launch Scheduled for 10:50 a.m. TODAY

WESR
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.



Worcester County Library October Youth Programs


Firearms Qualifications at the Worcester County Firearms Training Center In October

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office will conduct LEOSA Firearms Qualifications at the Worcester County Firearms Training Center (Langmaid Rd, Newark) on October 16th & 24th beginning at 1700 hrs. 

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!"