Craig calls on Sebelius, O’Malley and Brown to Work Together to Fix Zip Code Bug

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit

Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David Craig urged U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and Administration healthcare point man and Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown to solve a problem on the federal health care website which sends Marylanders to other states to seek in-person assistance.  The so-called navigator program and other iterations such as application assisters are provisions of the Affordable Care Act intended to help people sign up for health insurance coverage.

Sebelius wrote in the op-ed, “A happy, healthy New Year,” which ran in the Baltimore Sun January 1, that people could seek “in person” assistance by consulting a local help section on health care.gov. 

The section allows consumers to enter a zip code to get assistance in person if they are having difficulty with the Maryland exchange.  Entering a Baltimore zip code, however, sends consumers to distant areas including York, Pennsylvania and Alexandria, Virginia.

“This should be a relatively easy fix for the two Administrations to work together on to incrementally reduce mass confusion over the Affordable Care Act,” said Craig. “The federal and state government should be directing people to the correct resources in a consistent and accurate manner, and the misleading data on the federal website only makes matters worse for people already having trouble getting health insurance in Maryland.”

It turns out Baltimore zip code 21201 is served by an organization on 201 E. Baltimore St within that same zip code.  The non-profit has received 30 major grants, $23 million in cumulative funding and $8 million in taxpayer funds from the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange which administers Maryland Health Connection.  Maryland is one of 14 states administering their own exchange.

It appears a software glitch causes zip code searches to direct people to neighboring states that opted to use the federal exchange.   The David Craig campaign used a live chat customer service feature on the federal site attempting to clarify if it is the government’s intention to send Maryland consumers to Virginia to seek in-person assistance. When asked if it was required to go to Virginia to seek assistance, the federal government’s live chat representative said, “Yes that is correct.”

“This is unacceptable,“said Craig. “Federal and state information need to be integrated at least on a basic level, or they need to disable the zip code search function.”

Typing in “Baltimore” on some computers directs consumers to a link to Maryland Health Connection, where ultimately resources can be found within the state.   Many individuals, however, are accustomed to providing zip codes in daily transactions, which in this case, will either send people across state lines or cause them to give up on seeking assistance.

###

Background:

Sebelius Op Ed:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-sebelius-20131231,0,2355924.story

Healthcare.gov “local help:”

https://localhelp.healthcare.gov/

In-person assistance in Baltimore City:

http://www.healthcareaccessmaryland.org/healthcare-reform/enrolling-in-health-insurance/

Live chat session transcript:

[4:25:44 pm]: Thanks for contacting Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat. Please wait while we connect you to someone who can help.

[4:25:49 pm]:  Please be patient while we're helping other people.

[4:26:19 pm]: Welcome! You're now connected to Health Insurance Marketplace Live Chat.

Thanks for contacting us. My name is (redacted) To protect your privacy, please don't provide any personal information, like Social Security Number, or any other sensitive medical or personal information.

[4:27:06 pm]: CALLER

It says when I type in a Baltimore zip code for local help with my insurance application that I should go to Alexandria, VA - is that correct?

[4:28:14 pm]: (redacted)

Yes that is correct

[4:30:30 pm]: '(redacted)' has left the chat session.

Craig and Haddaway Release Plan to Bypass Problem-Plagued Maryland Exchange

Up to $150 million would be re-allocated to promote alternative enrollment options

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit


Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David Craig released today a plan to avoid the under-performing state health exchange and enable people to obtain health insurance through other means.   The plan consists of ending the current emphasis on Maryland Health Connection and instead diverts marketing and outreach resources to promoting direct enrollment options through insurance carriers or utilizing the assistance of Maryland-based insurance brokers.

“The O’Malley-Brown Administration needs to understand what everyone else does - that the cure is worse than the disease,” said Craig.  “The task before us is how to mitigate this situation so people can get health care, because Maryland citizens are still having trouble with the website.  The state exchange enrollment numbers are simply not holding up and continue to lag behind other states. The Administration is also not able to give a precise number of how many people are not getting coverage even after they believe they have enrolled in a plan.”

Maryland’s latest enrollment numbers on private Affordable Care Act-compliant plans are 18,257.   Maryland is in a group of state-led exchanges experiencing chronic under-enrollment figures which includes Minnesota, Hawaii and Oregon.  On the other hand, California, Connecticut, Kentucky, New York,  Rhode Island and Vermont are enrolling people at far higher rates than Maryland among the 14 states in all running their own exchanges.  For example, Kentucky, which has a population significantly less than Maryland, reports enrollment numbers of 33,289 in private plans.

According to the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, people may directly enroll through insurance carriers or seek the assistance of brokers.  The problem is there is no public awareness campaign to inform individuals of these other options.

According to the Congressional Research Service, Maryland has received over $123 million in what the federal government deems “level II” grants.   In the grant solicitation Gov. Martin O’Malley submitted to Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, the funds will in part support advertising and public relations of the exchange. Additionally, the O’Malley – Brown Administration has allocated $24 million in state funds in part to promote exchange outreach efforts according to a Maryland Reporter.com analysis.  And the price tag is increasing as up to $14 million in taxpayer dollars are needed to hire a contractor to fix the web site and address enrollment problems.

“Up to $150 million dollars is going towards promoting a failing exchange, and throwing good money after bad needs to end now,” said Craig.  “The Administration must realize that their intended solutions are only causing more problems, creating mass confusion, ruining credibility in government and harming our quality of life.”

Craig’s proposal would seek an HHS waiver to re-program funds to launch a public awareness campaign informing consumers of their right to obtain health insurance directly through carriers.   A complimentary awareness campaign would inform people of their rights to utilize Maryland insurance brokers who are licensed and experienced in helping individuals with health insurance.  Utilizing call centers for those needing assistance with the website would remain in place. Craig, however, would re-examine the navigator model in which people having problems with the website must set appointments with temporary workers disbursed among several organizations.

As for the vexing issue of low-income individuals seeking subsidies, Craig supports U.S. Sens. Ben Cardin and Barbara Mikulski’s proposal to HHS to enable a direct data hub allowing people to obtain financial assistance without going through an exchange.

O’Malley recently committed more money to re-double a marketing campaign to direct more consumers to the online exchange after numerous technical failures of the website caused a delay in these plans.

Last Friday, the O-Malley-Brown Administration acknowledged systemic problems with transmitting enrollment data to insurers but did not give a precise number of how many are affected which means among the over 18,000 the state counts as having enrolled,  a significant number of those may not have health insurance. The Administration will submit emergency legislation to the General Assembly to shuffle those people to another state program, the Maryland Health Insurance Plan.

Lt. Governor candidate and Maryland Delegate Jeannie Haddaway expressed concerns about adding yet more bureaucratic complexity under this approach.

“By simply re-allocating resources, state leaders have the power to mitigate the botched roll-out of Obamacare in Maryland,” said Haddaway.  “It will not be successful in doing so, however, by adding more bureaucratic complexity as the Administration's latest proposal does.  The priority needs to be enabling consumers not bureaucracy by ensuring that our citizens have access to health insurance as well as access to quality, affordable care.”


###


Background:

Maryland enrollment:
http://dev.marylandhealthconnection.com/assets/MHC_Dec_27_2013_Update.pdf

 

Kentucky enrollment:
http://governor.ky.gov/healthierky/Pages/default.aspx

 

Federal Funds:
http://www.fas.org/sgp/crs/misc/R43066.pdf

 

O’Malley grant application:
http://dhmh.maryland.gov/exchange/pdf/Level2_site.pdf

 

State Funds:
http://marylandreporter.com/2013/08/11/md-health-insurance-exchange-to-open-this-fall-at-cost-of-200-million-24-million-in-state-funds/

 

Additional Funds:
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2013-12-18/health/bs-hs-exchange-contractors-20131218_1_state-exchange-federal-exchange-federal-affordable-care-act

 

Cardin / Mikulski press release:
http://www.mikulski.senate.gov/media/pressrelease/11-19-2013-3.cfm

 

Emergency legislation and more funds:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/omalley-to-push-emergency-health-insurance-legislation/2014/01/03/b2a28306-74a9-11e3-8b3f-b1666705ca3b_story.html

 

Pocomoke Mayor and Council Minutes ~ November 2013

 

 

The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Monday, November 4, 2013. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.

Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison

Council Members: Rob Clarke,

Tracey Cottman, Diane Downing

Don Malloy, George Tasker

City Attorney William Hudson

City Manager Russell W. Blake

City Clerk Carol L. Sullivan

 

Review Minutes:

         In a motion (Downing, Clarke passed), to approve the minutes of October 7, 2013

 

Review Bills:

         In a motion (Cottman, Tasker passed), the bills presented to be paid. (Copy of bill list attached to original minutes).

 

Authorize Mayor to sign proclamation for Native American Heritage Month:

        Mayor Morrison read the Proclamation declaring November as Native American Month and November 29, 2013 as Native American Heritage Day. He presented it to Valerie Miller, of the Assateague Peoples tribe.

 

Representative of PKS, Inc. to present annual audit report for year ended June 30, 2013:

        Mr. Kleger stated that the purpose of their attendance was to make a formal presentation to highlight the annual audit findings. He added that the firm’s audit opinion was “a clean or unqualified opinion”, which is the highest opinion that they can render regarding the City’s audit.

         Ms. Michalik stated that there was an error reconciling the bank statements from July last year. She stated that is looked as if it was balanced but it was not. It took extra time to find the error which was that several numbers were lumped into one posting transaction. She then discussed the General Fund Revenues by source, stating that total revenues were $4,595,067. Property taxes accounted for 69% of the total revenue, followed by intergovernmental revenues of 23%. Mr. Kleger stated that the City’s financial position remains stable.

       City Manager Blake stated that the City has enjoyed working with Ms. Michalik and the staff of PKS, Inc.

       Mayor Morrison thanked them for coming and going over the financial report.

Reappoint Councilwoman Tracey Cottman as representative to Tri-County Council:

        Mayor Morrison stated that Councilwoman Cottman is no longer able to attend the meetings and asked if anyone else would like to be appointed to this very important committee.

        In a motion (Malloy, Downing passed) to appoint Councilman Clarke to represent Worcester County towns on this council for two years.

City Manager to recommend purchase of new tasers for police officers:

        City Manager Blake presented a summary that describes the Tasers, stating that Taser International is the sole source for the Tasers. The Tasers will be utilized by officers as a safety measure to keep the officers and community safe from harm. The budget was approved for $8,500, and the cost of the Tasers will be $8,537.46.

        In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to approve to purchase of eight (8) Tasers in the amount of $8,537.46, and waiving the bidding process.

        City Manager Blake stated that Chief Sewell did a TV interview this afternoon.
        Councilman Clarke thanked the Chief for solving several cases in a short period of time, and he stated that he was very pleased with his efforts.
        Chief Sewell thanked the Mayor and Council.

Authorize Mayor to sign proclamation for Dysautonomia Awareness Month:

        City Council Vice President Clarke read the proclamation for the record and presented it to JoEllen Gladding on behalf of Brittney Lewis.

        In a motion (Malloy, Cottman passed) to authorize Mayor Morrison to sign proclamation for Dysautonomia Awareness month.

City Manager to present three-month budget summary report:

        City Manager Blake presented a summary of revenues and expenses. It appears that we are doing as we expected at this time. General Fund Revenues for the first quarter are more than expected at 49.54%. Ambulance Fund revenues are low because we have not received $367,000 in County funds yet. With all three funds we have received about 39% of projected revenues. City Manager Blake stated that the City budget is in good shape for the first 90 days.

 

Comments from audience:

         Mr. Gary McLhiney from Schlachman Belsky & Weiner stated that he was a labor consultant who was approached by some police officers to open a dialogue between the them and the Council concerning certain “working conditions” in the Police Department. 

        Mayor Morrison stated that personnel issues would not be discussed during an open meeting. He stated that we would be interested in speaking with Mr. McLhiney about the concerns in a closed work session and that the City would contact him.
        Ms. Leona Hill asked the City for property to be donated for a science playground near the Discovery Center. She stated that the playground would go hand in hand with the Discovery Center. It would take up all City owned property between Clarke Ave. and Riverside Drive and between Willow Street and Maple Street.

Councilwoman Cottman asked if she had applied for grants to help with this project.

        Ms. Hill stated that she needed the land before she could apply for grants.
        Councilman Clarke asked how much property she would need. He stated that it sounded like a good project but not sure about the location of the property.

         Ms. Hill stated that the playground would belong to the City but she had set up a foundation to maintain the equipment, so the City would not be out any monies just the property for the equipment.

        Councilwoman Cottman asked if the property was currently being used.

        City Manager Blake stated that it is used for the football practices, fall festival and over flow parking for the restaurant, as well as a community garden providing educational opportunities and produce for the Samaritan Shelter. It has been operating there for two years.

       Mayor Morrison stated that the Council would have a work session and would have an answer for Ms. Hill in the near future.

Comments from Council:

        Councilman Tasker stated that there is a leaking water valve near Fifteen Street and Linden Drive. He also mentioned that there are some potholes in Lynnhaven Drive.

        Councilwoman Downing stated that the Mayor and Council are invited to the MLK Banquet January 20, 2014 at 6:30 P.M. at the Wicomico Youth Center.

        Councilman Clarke suggested that the City send a letter to Donnie Drewer concerning the condition of Market Street. City Manager Blake offered to call Mr. Drewer.

 

        With no further discussion, a motion was made by Councilman Malloy and seconded by Councilwoman Cottman to adjourn at 8:17 PM.

 

Approved:_________________2013

　

　

　

　

______________________________

Carol L. Sullivan

City Clerk

 

 

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Tonight

 

 

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, January 6, 2014

City Hall

 

1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance.
    
2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of December 9, 2013.
    
3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.
    
4. Opportunity for hearing regarding repair/demolish orders.
    
5. Authorize Mayor to sign proclamation for Scout Week in Pocomoke City (February 2-8-2014).
    
6. Police Chief Kelvin Sewell to present summary report of police activities for calendar year 2013.
    
7. City Manager to present summary of bids received for downtown sidewalks repairs. (Phase 2, CDBG Grant, $25,000), (Bid opening 11:00 A.M, 1/6/14).
    
8. Appoint members of the City’s Board of Elections Supervisors for two-year term beginning February 2014.
   
    
9. City Manager to present five-month budget summary.
   
10. Comments from the Audience
    
11. Mayor and Council items.
    
12. Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and perform executive actions.

 
AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Virginia ~ Senate Election Held Tuesday

Voters of Virginia's sixth Senate District will go to the polls tomorrow (Tuesday, January 7, 2014) to help decide which party will control the Virginia Senate for 2014.

 The Senate  is currently divided at 20 Republicans and 20 Democrats.

If Democratic Delegate Lynwood Lewis is elected, that will maintain the even split, but Ralph Northam's election to the Lt. Governors office would make the Democrats control the tie breaking vote.

Another special election will be held to replace Democratic Senator Mark Herring of Northern Virginia who was narrowly elected to the Attorney General's seat. Northern Virginia usually votes Democratic so the Republicans best shot at gaining anything out of the 2013-14 political season would be to win the election Tuesday.

This is an official election and voters usual polling places will be open from 6 AM to 7 PM.

For election news and results:  WESR

Antares Launch Moved To Wednesday

NASA Photo

Mission Updates

Orbital, in consultation with NASA, has decided to reschedule the Antares CRS Orb-1 Space Station Resupply Mission launch for no earlier than Wednesday, January 8, 2014. The new target date was set due to the extreme cold temperatures that are forecasted for early next week, coupled with likely precipitation events predicted for Sunday night and Monday morning. While we are preserving the option to launch on January 8, it is more likely that the launch will take place on Thursday, January 9 because of a much improved weather forecast for later in the week.

The launch window on Wednesday is 1:32 - 1:37 pm EST (18:32 - 18:37 GMT). If weather conditions on Wednesday do not prove favorable, the launch window for Thursday, January 9 is 1:10 - 1:15 pm EST (18:10 - 18:15 GMT).

Rollout of the rocket to the pad will occur as previously scheduled tomorrow night, January 4, due to the relatively favorable weather, and the fact that the cargo has already been loaded onto the Cygnus. The team will execute on-pad preparations (mating the rocket to the pad, rotating the rocket to its vertical position, connecting umbilicals, etc.) immediately after rollout.

The Launch Readiness Review is currently scheduled to take place on Monday January 6. If the launch occurs on either Wednesday, January 8 or Thursday, January 9, Cygnus rendezvous and berthing with the space station will occur early in the morning of Sunday, January 12.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... 1948, 1895, 1969, 1861, 1881.

 
(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

March, 1948
(The Sunday Morning Star- Wilmington, De.)

Princess Anne Now Md. State College

Special to The Sunday Star

Maryland State College is now the official name of the Eastern Shore School that formerly was known as Princess Anne College, according to a recent announcement by Dr. J.T. Williams, president of the institution. In a brief interview Dr. Williams observed that such a recommendation had been before State authorities for some time, and that the recent official approval was fitting inasmuch as the College derives its support from state funds.

　
February, 1895

The state of Maryland was snowbound with 16 inches reported in Pocomoke City. Waterways were icebound. The New York Times reported "The eastern shore of Maryland is almost entirely cut off from the outside world." 

　
August, 1969 (Time Machine archive)

Some available properties being advertised by an Ocean City real estate firm included the following:

Oceanfront- Four 2-bedroom apartment buildings, facing directly on the ocean. Knotty pine wall, wall to wall carpet, completely furnished. Each with tile bath, modern kitchens. These apartments are completely rented for 1969. $65,000 complete. 

Bayside- Modern 2-bedroom home. Suitable for year around living. Hot water, baseboard heat. All tiled bath. Spacious lawns. Residential neighborhood. Completely furnished. Lots of closet space. $21,000.

Oceanfront- Condominium apartment. 1-bedroom. Wall to wall carpet. Paneled walls. All electric heat and air conditioning. All electric kitchen. Full tile bath. Sun deck. Directly on the ocean. No ground rent to pay. $19,950. 


　 August, 1861
(The Banner Of Liberty- Middletown, N.Y.)

(Excerpts)

You were advised last week that a movement of a rebel force from the Eastern Shore of Virginia into Maryland was on foot. This maneuvre of the enemy begins to assume formidable proportions and considerable importance.

The lower part of Delaware is filled with rebels. There are companies of rebels already organized and armed there, as well as in the lower counties of the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Rebels from all the other parts of Maryland have been recently flooding that section. Numbers have come across in open boats from the western shore of Virginia to Eastville, Northampton County, Virginia. Quantities of arms and munitions of war have been carried into the Eastern Shore of Virginia from Philadelphia, either by the railroad running through Delaware to Salisbury, Md., near the Virginia line, or by vessels seaward and landed on the coast of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, convenient to Drummondtown, Accomac county. It is estimated that there is now in that section of Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware a large force of rebels, partially armed and equipped, and ready to be thrown forward by way of the railroad from Salisbury, upon the lines of the Philadelphia and Baltimore and Newcastle and Frenchtown railroads, and the Chesapeake And Delaware Canal, so as effectually to cut off communication from Philadelphia, at the moment of the greatest need, and to aid another uprising by the rebels in Baltimore and the secession counties of southern Maryland along the Potomac. Washington thus would be completely begirt with rebel forces, and if compelled to surrender or stand a siege, it would take weeks for a new Union army to be concentrated on the banks of the Susquehanna, and force its way through Maryland to the relief of the capital.


　 November, 1881
(Reno Evening Gazette- Reno, Nevada)

An island thirty miles away was beautifully brought to view to the people of Accomac county, Virginia recently, as a mirage. The sun rose behind a thick fog bank which soon grew thinner, and suddenly Chincoteague Island appeared with its tall white tower, its dwellings, its trees and shrubbery. A little boy was seen driving a flock of sheep along the shore, and even a little girl in the door of the lighthouse keeper's home, fondling a doll. It lasted but a moment.　



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!

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1948.. A new name for Princess Anne College; 1895.. Pocomoke City snowbound; 1969.. Ocean City real estate prices; 1861.. Rebel activity on Eastern Shore is concern; 1881.. Mirage of Chincoteague reported.

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about 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!

SURF DOG RICOCHET ~ MILITARY FATHERS BROUGHT TO TEARS BY THIS SPECIAL SURF SESSION!

SURF DOG RICOCHET SPENT THE LAST DAY OF THE YEAR SURFING WITH VETERAN WITH PTSD & AUTISTIC DAUGHTER OF MARINE JUST HOME FROM AFGHANISTAN

 

 

 

Surf Dog Ricochet, the SURFice™ Dog celebrated New Year’s Eve with a special ocean therapy tandem surf session for members of our military and people/kids with disabilities. Ricochet is the only dog in the world that surfs as an assistive aid and SURFice dog™ to those with physical, emotional and psychiatric challenges including kids with special needs, adults with disabilities, wounded warriors and veterans with PTSD.

 

Ricochet surfed with retired Staff Sergeant Randall Dexter who served two tours in Iraq and now suffers with PTSD. “Ricochet has given me a new lease on life. PTSD makes it very difficult to go out, but now that I’ve met Ricochet I get to enjoy the things I used to love. To me she’s a guardian angel”, said Dexter. Ricochet and Dexter have also created the PTSD Battle Buddy Initiative to help other active duty service members and veterans with PTSD. Every 65 minutes a veteran with PTSD dies by suicide. Ricochet and Dexter are committed to changing that alarming statistic through their efforts at http://bit.ly/1e3Roha.

 

Also on board was Gina, the 9 year old daughter of Bradley Gill, a Marine who just returned home from Afghanistan after 11 months. Gina has autism and when asked what it’s like to surf with Ricochet she said, “She helps me have the courage for popping up and being brave.”

 

As Gill watched his daughter with Ricochet, he brushed away a tear and said “It’s really special for me today because it’s the first time I’ve actually gotten to see Gina surf with Ricochet and it was amazing. It makes me feel proud and gives her more confidence. This is a child who is afraid to try and ride a bike without training wheels, but has no problem going out in this cold water and hopping on a surfboard with Ricochet”.

 

Also carving waves with Ricochet at this celebratory session was 7 year old West who has autism and was afraid of the water until he met and surfed with Ricochet and Jacob Benarth who has Ataxia-Telangiectasia.

 

  Ricochet instinctively adjusts her surfing style based on the individual’s disability. You can learn more at http://www.surfdogricochet.com and see more videos and news segments of this special surf session on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SurfDogRicochet. “When you put the healing power of the ocean and the healing power of a dog together, you can’t match it! Judy Fridono, Ricochet’s guardian said.

 

Happy New Year from Surf Dog Ricochet!

 

Watch news segments at these links…

 

CBS - http://bit.ly/WoundedWarriorsRideWavesWithSurfDog

 

San Diego 6 http://bit.ly/SurfingDogHelpsAutisticKidsAndWoundedVetsOvercomeHardship

 

Tribute video http://bit.ly/RicochetSurfMilitaryTribute

 

 

MISSING FROM NEWARK, MD. / WORCESTER COUNTY

MISSING:  Lisa Kolarik

UPDATE:
As of this morning, 1/4/14,  Lisa Kolarik has been LOCATED and found unharmed.


MISSING:  Lisa Kolarik

Missing since the morning of January 2, 2014.

Last seen in Newark, MD leaving her home driving a blue Toyota FJ Cruiser with Maryland plates.

Kolarik is 5'3" and approximately 120lbs.

If you think you might have seen her or her vehicle, please contact  443-513-1196 or the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111.

No Sewage Or Contaminants Released Into the Groundwater Or Pocomoke River

State Asks City To Finish Cleanup By Jan. 31
Written by:  Ted Shockley
Staff Writer

POCOMOKE CITY — The state environmental department alleges Pocomoke City broke the law by operating an “open dump” at the site and seeks a cleanup plan by Jan. 31.

Municipal officials say they were following a state recommendation to solidify a berm at the city’s wastewater treatment plant. The resulting construction debris hadn’t been removed.

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce A. Morrison said the town likely will submit the plan to the state Department of the Environment by Friday.

“We are in the process of correcting the problems, in the process of getting the plan together,” he said.

An environmental department spokesman said inspectors found “piles of soil containing sewage sludge, concrete, asphalt and solid waste” at the city wastewater plant.

The department ordered the refuse removed in accordance with a cleanup plan, but Morrison said removal was the idea all along. He said the city moved concrete and soil to stabilize a berm on an asphalt-lined retention lagoon. The state asked that the berm be reinforced.

But the state also asked that the grass on the berm be mowed, and the rocky surface left no way to keep the grass down, Morrison said.

READ MORE

Virginia ~ Lowcost Rabies Vaccination Clinics for 2014

Worcester County Public Works Collecting Christmas Trees

Worcester County Public Works Collecting Christmas Trees For Recycling

Worcester County residents can bring their Christmas trees in for recycling through much of this month.

The Worcester County Public Works Department’s Solid Waste Division will be collecting Christmas trees through January 25.

Residents can drop off their trees at the Homeowners Convenience Centers in Berlin and Pocomoke, free of charge. Decorations need to be removed from the trees.


Businesses and organizations that sell trees can’t drop off trees at the Homeowners Convenience Centers, but can bring them to the Central Landfill in Newark for a disposal fee of $70 per ton.

The trees will be recycled by being turned into mulch.

PIZZA NIGHT ~ New Church Volunteer Fire and Rescue

Here's a GREAT idea for dinner on a cold, snowy evening!!

 

 

You don't even have to get out of your vehicle!!

FIRST Robotics Season Opens At Wallops Visitor's Center

FIRST Robotics competition seasons kicks off Saturday, January 4 as high school students from across Delmarva will learn about the 2014 challenge that will pit them in competition with other students from the mid-Atlantic, to across the nation, and around the world.

From 8:45 a.m. to 2 p.m., January 4, at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitors Center, students from several Eastern Shore teams will gather to learn what task befalls them in the 2014 FIRST Robotics competition. The public is invited to attend.

Amy Davis, FIRST Robotics coordinator at NASA Wallops, said, Every year there are more and more students and adults on the Eastern Shore interested in robotics programs. There is a lot of excitement when these students get together and use their ingenuity to solve the challenges placed before them. Its a lot of fun!

This years kick-off day will include check-in from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. An engineering challenge will be conducted from 9:30 to 10:15am. This will lead up to the live announcement of the 2014 game challenge from FIRST headquarters in Manchester, New Hampshire,
Davis said, "The kick-off day is open to the public to encourage more students in elementary, middle, and high school to take part in the robotics programs in their schools and across the Shore. You don't have to be a member of an established robotics team to attend."

SOURCE;

Reception for Delegate Mike McDermott

Restrictions at Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel reports Level 3 restrictions now in place with winds gusting over 55 mph.

All but passenger cars and pickups will not be allowed to cross.

MARKET STREET BOUTIQUE ~ Celebrate the New Year!

Celebrate the New Year!
 Come Shop and Pop!!!

 

 

DRIVING SAFELY IN THE SNOW ~ Maryland State Police

 From:  The Maryland State Police

Photo BW

DRIVING SAFELY IN THE SNOW

 

If you must travel, prepare!

 

 1--Clean all windows for good visibility.

 

 2--Brush your hood, trunk, and roof clear of snow.

 

 3--Clean off headlights and turn signals so you can see and be seen.

 

 4--Reduce speed and keep your headlights on low beam. High beams will cause glare and affect your ability to see.

 

 5--Drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic, and road conditions.

 

 6--Leave additional space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

 

 7--Use safety belts. With restraints you have better vehicle control and you can react with more precision.

 

 8--Accept the fact that the going may be slow and there will be delays and inconveniences. Resign yourself to a slower pace. Relax and concentrate on your driving. It's better to take more time and arrive safely. Use common sense.

PLEASE Take Care Of Your Pets!!

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1948.. A new name for Princess Anne College; 1895.. Pocomoke City snowbound; 1969.. Ocean City real estate prices; 1861.. Rebel activity on Eastern Shore is concern; 1881.. Mirage of Chincoteague reported.

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about 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!

Celebrate New Years Eve @ The Saxis Fire Department

New Years Eve @ The Saxis Fire 
Department

Tuesday, December 31, 2013

8:00 PM

Live Music By:

"Gideon Groove"

 BYOB

NO COVER CHARGE

(However, if possible, please leave a small donation of whatever you can afford to the fire department)

Come out to the Saxis Firehouse and let "Gideon Groove", groove you in to 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!

Editors Note: THERE WAS A BIG COVER CHARGE

 I canceled everything that I had planned to go help the Saxis VFD... I was gonna donate 60 bucks for my wife and myself and just before we went in they put up signs on the doors that said they charge 20 bucks per head...

We turned around and left... some young lady came running out and wanted to know why we were leaving so I told her it was because they had people inside that came in for donations and now they want waaaay to much per head cover after advertising no cover and I had a problem with people that don't keep their word...

she said the band made them do it because people were not donating enough....well punish the band not the people and why was the band even charging at a charity event like that anyway?

That band ain't that good anyway...I mean my goodness a bar only charges 10 bucks cover for bands like ICU, Surreal, Great Train Robbery, etc. I could have gone to a lot of places and listened to good bands or DJ's for no cover. I'm done with Saxis sorry Saxis VFD

SAVE THE DATE ~ "Pirates of the Chesapeake"

 

Mar-Va Theater and Performing Arts Center

 

The Ballet Theatre of Maryland

Presents

"Pirates of the Chesapeake"

 

Saturday,  February 1, 2014

 

ONE SHOW ONLY !

 2 pm – 4 pm
Tickets: $10

 

 Sponsored by Worcester County Library Foundation, Worcester County Arts Council, and PNC Bank

 

Purchase your tickets at any branch of the

 Worcester County Library

 

Tickets on sale now

 

marvatheater@gmail.com

New Years Eve Specials ~ Riverside Grill

 

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR!

New Years Eve Specials  ~  Riverside Grill

 

 

-Cream of Crab soup w/ 1/2 sandwich or side salad 6.99
Meatloaf with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans 6.99
Crab Cake Caesar Salad 16.99

6 oz. Filet Mignon with 2 sides 16.99

 6 oz. Filet Mignon with a Crab Cake and 2 sides 26.99

-Oysters Chesapeake 10.99

Sides...

Fresh Cut Fries
Pasta Salad
 Cole Slaw
Mashed Potatoes with gravy

 Green Beans

 Mac and Cheese

Fresh Fruit

 

Soup du Jour
 Cream of Crab Cup 4.59

Bowl 5.79

Happy hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
 4-Close: 99 cent Kids meals
 8-close: 1/2 price appetizers & import bottle beer

 

*Complimentary Champagne Toast at Midnight*

Contractor Hired to Fix State Health Exchange Website Gave $650,000 to O'Malley-Led Political Group

ANNAPOLIS – The company hired to clean up the O'Malley-Brown Administration's health insurance exchange website debacle is also a subsidiary of one of the largest contributors to the Democratic Governors Association during Governor O'Malley's tenure as its Chairman, Change Maryland has uncovered.

"Yesterday, the Baltimore Sun sounded the alarm on a potential conflict of interest between the subsidiary and its parent company with regard to the healthcare exchange," commented Larry Hogan, founder and Chairman of the nonpartisan Change Maryland. "Now, we found this same group of companies donated $650,000 to a political organization led by O'Malley."

The company brought in to fix the exchange, Optum/QSSI, is a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group, which owns one of the insurers selling policies through the state exchange, according to a weekend article in the Sun. UnitedHealth Group is also the parent company of United Healthcare Services, a group that Change Maryland found donated $650,000 to the DGA throughout O'Malley's tenure as chair. UHS lists the same Minneapolis address on the DGA disclosure reports as the UnitedHealth Group website.

"The O'Malley-Brown Administration handed over an emergency contract to a company that gave hundreds of thousands of dollars to the governor's organization, and that has already received over $2 billion dollars in state contracts," Hogan continued. "The governor needs to immediately address these conflicts of interest, and explain how this no-bid contract was awarded."

Change Maryland is completing an ongoing investigation into the relationship between state contractors and their donations to the DGA. The group found dozens of instances similar to this one, where contractors donated large sums of money and were subsequently rewarded with significant benefits from the state in the forms of contracts, extensions, and advantageous legislation.

"This additional data further suggests a disturbing pattern of behavior that, at the very least, is unethical and inappropriate," said Hogan. "I think the public has a right to know the truth about these practices. Did the governor and/or others in his administration solicit large contributions from contractors, then reciprocate by rewarding those donors with huge state contracts, extensions, or other favors or decisions in return?" he added.

Obviously this has serious implications and gives the appearance of the potential for decisions being influenced by millions of dollars in "donations." Recognizing the inappropriate and unethical nature of these relationships, state law currently prohibits state contractors from making contributions to an elected official's campaign account. This evidence indicates the possibility of a deliberate, coordinated effort by this administration to circumvent the intent of the law by soliciting huge, unlimited contributions to a federal, rather than state, account.

Larry Hogan is a business owner with over 25 years of experience in the private sector. As President & CEO of Hogan Companies, he has attracted hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs to Maryland. After a lifetime of experiences as an outsider political activist, Hogan founded Change Maryland in 2011 to advocate for fiscally responsible government and to give average Marylanders the opportunity to hold their elected officials accountable. 

Change Maryland: Did O’Malley-Brown Administration Shake Down state Contractors for Huge Contributions?

More Questionable Donations from State Contractors to O’Malley-Led Organization

###

www.ChangeMaryland.org

fb.com/ChangeMaryland

@ChangeMaryland

SOURCES:

Company helping fix Md. health exchange linked to firm selling policies

The Baltimore Sun, December 28, 2013 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/sun-investigates/bs-md-sun-investigates-qssi-20131227,0,7266301.story

Democratic Governors Association

OpenSecrets.org

http://www.opensecrets.org/527s/527cmtedetail_contribs.php?ein=521304889&cycle=2012

Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce Aloha Annual Dinner

Saturday, January 4th is the last day for Early Bird pricing for the Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce Aloha Annual Dinner.

Join the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce for a tropical celebration of businesses and community.

Our Annual Dinner will be held on Saturday, February 1st from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. at the elegant Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Department Company Center at 1410 Market Street in Pocomoke. 

This year’s theme is the Aloha Lounge, and costumes are encouraged. Prizes will be given for the best men's costume, best women's costume, and best group/table of costumes.  

Join us as we honor the winners of the Community at Heart, Business Person of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards. Tickets are $25 until January 4th, and $35 from Jan. 5th until Jan. 18th.  January 18th is the final day for ticket sales.  Tickets are available at our office at 6 Market Street in Pocomoke, by phone at 410-957-1919, or online at pocomoke.com.