Holiday Boozers BEWARE.....

 

HOLIDAY BOOZERS BEWARE: THOSE RED AND BLUE LIGHTS ARE NOT MEANT FOR HOLIDAY CHEER: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

(PIKESVILLE, MD)— This holiday season troopers remind motorists if you decide to drink and drive, be ready for an alternate ride.

The Maryland State Police provides fair warning to all party goers this holiday season, urging motorists to make alternate plans before driving drunk. State troopers will be out in force, conducting various enforcement initiatives with a focus on impaired, aggressive, and distracted drivers.

Data reveals the holiday season is a particularly dangerous time of year on the roads, due to the increased number of impaired drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a total of 830 fatalities occurred last year during the holiday season alone. In Maryland, during the Christmas period from December 25 through December 29, there were 3 fatalities as a result of drunk driving.
“The holidays are a joyous time of the year, and troopers are going to make every effort to keep our roads safe for travelers heading to visit friends and family,” said Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent Maryland State Police. “There will be zero tolerance for impaired drivers on the road. If you choose to drink and drive, you will be arrested.”
Impaired drivers often face jail time, the loss of their driver licenses, higher insurance rates, and dozens of other unanticipated expenses ranging from attorney fees, court costs, car towing and repairs, to lost wages due to time off from work. Even worse, a drunk driver can cause a traffic crash that claims someone’s life, or their own.

Please follow these tips to keep the holidays safe and happy:

• Even one drink can impair your judgment and increase the risk of getting arrested for driving drunk—or worse, the risk of having a crash while driving.

• If you will be drinking, do not plan on driving. Plan ahead; designate a sober driver before the party begins.

• If you have been drinking, do not drive. Call a taxi, phone a sober friend or family member, use public transportation.

• Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel.

• If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save someone’s life, and inaction could cost a life.

The additional state police patrols coincide with the Maryland Highway Safety Office initiative “Towards Zero Deaths” and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiative “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”. Overtime funding for additional patrols is provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

 1878.. An Eastern Shore island's lively Christmas Eve celebration;  1970.. PPE reader remembering downtown Pocomoke City at Christmas time; 1888.. Balmy weather for Christmas; 1941.. Holiday dancing at Pocomoke tavern; 1970.. An annual Pocomoke Christmas Party; 1924.. Childhood's Christmas memories.


Do you have a Christmas Memory or other 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!

Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office~ ARREST REPORT

Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office
ARREST REPORT

Stephen Kirwin Ent of Princess Anne, arrested 12-7-13 on a warrant for 1st and 2nd degree burglary, malicious destruction of property, and theft under $10,000. The arrest was the result of a burglary investigation that occurred on July 5th, in the area of PerryHawkin Rd, where several weapons had been stolen. Ent was later held on a $20,000 bond.

Myeish Januior Gillette of Eden, criminal summons served 12-7-13 for theft less than $100.00/ Gillette was released on signature pending court actions.

 Jayson Broadus Coons of Westover, arrested 12-7-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Coons was held on a $500.00 bond.

Shawn Joseph Rybyzynske of Crisfield, arrested 12-8-13 for driving under the influence of alcohol, driving while impaired by alcohol, and negligent driving. Rybyzynske was later released on citations pending court actions. The arrest was the result of a traffic stop conducted by deputies in the area of Old State Road, Crisfield.

 Suewaun Lanette Lewis of Princess Anne, arrested 12-8-13 on warrants for failing to appear in court. Lewis was later released on personal recognizance.


Tarsha Lynn Brooks of Snow Hill, criminal summons served for driving without a license, taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent, driving without a license, and negligent driving. Brooks was released on signature pending court actions.
Christopher Shawn Jester of Princess Anne, arrested 12-12-13 on a warrant for theft under $10,000. Jester was released on an unsecured bond.

 Scott Michael Stier of Delmar, arrested 12-14-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Stier was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

 Ashely Renee Hitch of Princess Anne, criminal summons served for 2nd degree assault. Hitch was released on signature pending court actions.

 Shashawna Renee Johnson of Salisbury, arrested 12-17-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Johnson was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.
 Kevin Lamont Whidbee of Parsonsburg, arrested 12-17-13 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Whidbee was released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

 Kris Edward Somers of Marion, arrested 12-17-13 on warrants for affray, disorderly conduct, disturbing school functions, 2nd degree assault, and failing to obey a lawful order. Somers was released on a $5,000 unsecured bond.

Coast Guard Seeks Assistance in Identifying Hoax Caller

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard is asking for assistance with locating a hoax caller after they received 11 false distress calls between Oct. 19 and Dec. 16 and conducted searches involving multiple air and boat crews from the Coast Guard and local authorities.

All 11 false distress calls were determined to have originated from the area of Kent Island and involved the same male voice transmitting over VHF-FM channel 16.

The Coast Guard’s cost for the searches is estimated to be approximately $45,000.

In addition to cost, there is significant operational impact caused by making false distress calls.

"Making false distress calls limits the Coast Guard and our rescue partners' capabilities to assist those boaters who are in actual emergency situations," said Capt. Kevin Kiefer, commander of Sector Baltimore. "Hoax radio calls also place first responders in unnecessary danger as they work to assist the boating public." 

Making a false distress call is a felony punishable by law. The maximum penalty for making a false distress call is six years in prison, a $5,000 civil fine, a $250,000 criminal fine and reimbursement to the Coast Guard. The Coast Guard Investigative Service is offering a reward of $2,000 for information that leads to the positive identification of the person involved with the hoax call.

Anyone with information regarding the calls is asked to contact Coast Guard Investigative Service Baltimore at 410-576-2515.

Click here to listen to an audio clip of the mayday calls.

 Submitted:
United States Coast Guard

Two Arrested In Accomack County House Shooting

Virginia State Police and the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force assisted in the investigation.

(Parksley, VA)  According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on Tuesday, November 19 at approximately 8:48 am, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report that a residence located on Germaine Lane near Parksley had received damage from gunfire that had occurred the night prior. Deputies responded to the scene and determined that no injuries had occurred during this incident. 

Through the investigation into this incident, suspects were identified and warrants were issued against 20 year old Tyvon Smith of Parksley and 22 y/o Jaquan Cortez Portier of Oak Hall. Both suspects have been arrested and charged with:

DISCHARGE A FIREARM AT AN OCCUPIED BUILDING
DISCHARGE A FIREARM FROM A MOTOR VEHICLE
POSSESSION OF A FIREARM BY A CONVICTED FELON

Smith is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied. Portier is incarcerated in the Chesterfield County Jail with bond denied for charges in Chesterfield County and Accomack County.

Anyone with information into this or any other incident is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666 or submit a tip though our website at www.accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1878.. An Eastern Shore island's lively Christmas Eve celebration;  1970.. PPE reader remembering downtown Pocomoke City at Christmas time; 1888.. Balmy weather for Christmas; 1941.. Holiday dancing at Pocomoke tavern; 1971.. An annual Pocomoke Christmas Party; 1924.. Childhood's Christmas memories.


Do you have a Christmas Memory or other 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!

Pocomoke City Police Deprtment 2013 Youth Christmas Party

Photo  BWise

The 2013 Pocomoke City Youth Christmas Party hosted by the Pocomoke City Police Deprtment was held Saturday, December 14, 2013 at Bethany United Methodist Church.

This program was created by the Pocomoke City Police Department to provide Christmas gifts and community fellowship to families within Pocomoke City who would not be able to provide for their children this Christmas season.    Over 120 families  received an invitation to bring their children to spend an evening with  Santa and Mrs. Claus and receive presents along with a warm delicious meal.  Each family invited were from recommendations from the Worcester County Social Services, Pocomoke Middle & Elementary schools and members of the Pocomoke City Police Department.

Photo BWise

Photo BWise

Photo B Wise

Santa and Mrs. Claus with Pocomoke Police Chief Kelvin Sewell and Hardwire, LLC owner George Tunis
Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

This annual event is in collaboration with the Pocomoke City Police Department and the Toys for Tots program.  Pocomoke Save the Youth along with Long and Foster donated additional toys.  George Tunis, owner of Hardwire, LLC in Pocomoke donated $5,000 towards the  special evening.  Employees of the Pocomoke Police Dept. were Santa's elves for the evening and even Chief Sewell's lovely wife Rhonda was on hand to help Santa!  

Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell and wife Rhonda
Photo B Wise

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison and Chief  Sewell
Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

From the smiles on the faces of the children the evening was a success!  Santa worked his magic!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Worcester County Sheriff's Office ~ WANTED

WILLIAM KENNETH JOHNSON

AKA  "WILL"

Tips To the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation Gets Shoplifter Arrested

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

PRESS RELEASE

DATE: December 18, 2013

CBI Case #:13-0293

LOCATION: 12641 Ocean Gateway

Mark Lee Donoway, Jr.

CRIME:First Degree Assault

SUSPECT: Mark Lee Donoway Jr.

33 y/o, White Male

Salisbury, Maryland

#######

Charges: Assault 1st Degree

Assault 2nd Degree

Theft Less Than $1,000


Multiple Traffic Violations

#######

NARRATIVE: On December 10, 2013, the Maryland State Policeand the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation were called to respond to the White Marlin Mall, 12641 Ocean Gateway, Ocean City, Maryland, regarding an assault that had occurred. During the investigation, it was found that a member of loss prevention for one of the outlet stores had attempted to stop a shoplifter from fleeing the business. The suspect exited the store and was followed by the loss prevention employee.

The loss prevention employee attempted to convince the suspect to return items that he had taken from the store. The suspect refused and entered a vehicle, identified as a newer model lime green Kia Soul. The suspect fled the scene, striking the loss prevention employee with the vehicle in the process.

During the investigation, the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation received numerous phone calls and tips regarding the identity of the suspect. Investigators were able to use the information obtained to positively identify the suspect as Mark Lee Donoway Jr.

Based upon the investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained chargingDonoway with Assault 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, Theft, and multiple traffic violations. Donoway was apprehended in Wicomico County on December 16, 2013, by members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force. 

Donoway was taken before a District Court Commissioner and was ordered held on $100,000 bond.

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2013

Contact:
Steve Crim
scrim@changemaryland.org
(410) 353-3116

Change Maryland has released new information that seems to reveal the appearance of a "pay-to-play" system within the O’Malley-Brown Administration where contractors received significant benefits from the state either before or after their donations to the Democratic Governors Association during Governor O’Malley’s tenure as its chairman.

"This additional data further suggests a disturbing pattern of behavior that, at the very least, is unethical and inappropriate," said Larry Hogan, Chairman of Change Maryland.  "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, contract extensions, or other special 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.

The report released today by Change Maryland shows that healthcare services company Express Scripts received a $2.3 billion contract despite serious concerns about the company’s legal issues in Maryland and 28 other states.  In 2008, the company paid over $9.3 billion in settlement costs to these states. 

From March 2011 to February 2012, the Maryland Board of Public Works was deciding whether to approve the lucrative contract to Express Scripts to provide prescription drug services to state employees.  In March 2011, two of the three members voted to postpone a decision out of concerns about the company’s legal issues and several flaws in the procurement process.  Governor O’Malley was the lone vote to move forward with the contract. 

During this same time, Medco – a company looking to merge with Express Scripts – donated a combined $225,000 to the DGA.  In fact, their first contribution came just six days after Governor O’Malley cast the lone vote to move forward with the drug contract.

In late January 2012, the Board of Public Works again voted to delay the contract award, drawing significant criticism from Governor O’Malley at the time who complained about the endless delays.  One month later, the BPW reversed course, awarding the contract to Express Scripts in a two to one vote.  On March 27, 2012, Medco made their second and final donation to the DGA: $125,000.  Medco and Express Scripts received final Federal Trade Commission (FTC) approval for their merger on April 2, 2012.

"Maryland’s working families deserve better from their elected leaders," Hogan said. "This is what happens when you have an arrogant monopoly that feels they can get away with anything. What Maryland desperately needs is a healthy and competitive two party system, open and honest debate, and some real checks and balances to keep some of these outrageous abuses from taking place."

In addition to this most recent research, Change Maryland released other questionable contributions from state contractors to the DGA, including:

• $375,000 from United Healthcare Services in 2011. Since 2008, the state Department of Mental Health and Hygiene has paid UHS over $2 billion in state contracts.

• $125,370 from 2009-2011 from Scientific Games Management Corporation, a gaming corporation that provides services to state lotteries. While SGMC donated $25,000 in 2009, they doubled their contribution in 2010 and 2011. In 2011, Governor O'Malley and the Board of Public Works approved a contract extension with the company.

• $10,000 from Beowulf Energy in 2011. Beowulf is interested in building an offshore wind farm off the coast of Maryland. In 2013, Governor O'Malley signed his signature wind legislation into law.

• $30,000 from Colorado Energy, a company with ties to Beowulf Energy, in June of 2011. In July of 2011, the Maryland Board of Public Works approved a lease of 250 acres of former state prison land to Maryland Solar, a company created by Beowulf Energy.

Change Maryland is the state’s largest and fastest-growing grassroots organization. Founded by Hogan in 2011, the nonpartisan group is dedicated to advocating for fiscally responsible, common sense government. Change Maryland currently has over 70,000 members – Republicans Democrats, and Independents – from every county in the state. The organization is continuing its investigation and hopes to release its full report on DGA contributions in January 2014.

###

www.ChangeMaryland.org

fb.com/ChangeMaryland

@ChangeMaryland

 

SOURCES:

City accepts payment in pricing dispute

Baltimore Sun, December 21, 2006

http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2006-12-21/news/0612210244_1_express-scripts-inspections-and-permits-audit

 

Did O'Malley-Brown Administration Shake-Down State Contractors for Huge Contributions?

Change Maryland, December 10, 2013

http://www.changemaryland.org/2013/12/change-maryland-did-omalley-brown-administration-shake-down-state-contractors-for-huge-contributions/#.UrC9gmRaJPo

Information Being Sought On Attacks On Dogs With Baseball Bat

On the evening of December 6th two dogs in a red pickup truck were savagely beaten in the Walmart parking lot. 

The Town of Onley Police is asking for your help in identifying the suspect in this attack. The person is described as a white male with a gray goatee possibly in his 30s or 40s who wore blue jeans and a black hoodie carrying a baseball bat. 

Surveillance video showed that there are several witnesses to this crime. 

The man was driving a dark colored Ford F250 extended cab pickup truck. 

Anyone who might have information about this crime should contact the Onley Police Department at 787-3985. 

All information received will be strictly confidential.

Antares Launch Postponed Until January

NASA managers are postponing the upcoming Orbital Sciences commercial cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station to proceed with a series of spacewalks to replace a faulty pump module on the space station.

NASA Television will air a news briefing at 3 p.m. EST on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to preview the spacewalks.

Orbital Sciences' Cygnus spacecraft, atop its Antares rocket, now will launch no earlier than January. The postponement of the Antares launch will allow ample time for the station crew to focus on repairing a faulty pump module that stopped working properly on Dec. 11.

NASA currently plans for two Expedition 38 astronauts to venture outside the space station Dec. 21, 23 and 25. NASA astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Mike Hopkins will remove a pump module that has a failed valve. They will replace it with an existing spare that is stored on an external stowage platform. The pump is associated with one of the station's two external cooling loops, which circulate ammonia outside the station to keep both internal and external equipment cool. Each of the three spacewalks will begin at 7:10 a.m. and is scheduled to last six and a half hours. NASA TV coverage will begin at 6:15 a.m.

Remember Your Tickets For the Aloha Lounge !

Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO Matthew and Andy!  Best of luck!

Picture from left to right are, Chief Deputy Dale Smack, Deputy Bertino, Sheriff Mason, and Deputy Clarke

On Tuesday December 17th 2013 Worcester County Sheriff Reggie Mason welcomed two new graduates from the Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy, Deputy Sheriff Matthew Bertino and Deputy Sheriff Robert (Andy) Clarke. 

Both Deputies will be assigned to patrol duties for the Sheriff’s Office. Deputies Bertino and Clarke will begin their formal training over the next few months with a Field Training Officer.

 We are excited to welcome them to our law enforcement family and wish them a long and safe career in the Law Enforcement profession.

**Deputy Sheriff Andy Clarke is a native of Pocomoke City, graduated from Pocomoke High School and is the son of Rob and Donna Clarke.  Wishing you the very best, Andy!**  BW

Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce ~ Business After Hours

Business After Hours 

at 

The River Gem Bed and Breakfast

 at Littleton's 

407 2nd  Street

Friday, December, 20, 2013

5 pm until 7 pm

Wear you best (or worst) Christmas attire and join us for a celebration!

Worcester County Recreation & Parks

Futsal is only one month away!! 

Futsal is soccer with an outdoor feel, but played indoors. Futsal is played within the borders of a basketball court and offers players another option to play soccer during the colder months. The ball is smaller and has less bounce, therefore the game stresses fundamental ball handling skills. 

Accepting team registrations for the league!

Location: Worcester County Recreation Center
Cost: $210/team + ref fees. 

Dates/Times: Fridays, starting January 17th. Games begin at 6:00 pm.


Ages: U10, U12, U14 divisions.

Beautiful Poem by Bob Welsh

From the Desk Of Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

UPDATE: STABBING CASE

Marcus Dennis

On 16 December 2013 members of the Pocomoke City Police Department received a call to respond to Lynnhaven Apartments in Pocomoke City, Maryland. The caller stated, Martel Blake a.k.a. Puff, was at that location. Blake is wanted for the stabbing of Desmond Roberts that occurred in the 400 block of 4th Street in Pocomoke City, Maryland on November 7, 2013. 

Pocomoke City Officers arrived on the scene and were able to arrest Martel Blake. Officers then recovered a six inch Gerber hunting knife from the scene. 

Torrance Davis AK Gator

Martel Blake is one of four suspects who attacked Desmond Roberts on November 7, 2013.

 Torrance Davis a.k.a. Gator and Marcus Dennis have already been arrested for the stabbing incident. There is still an outstanding warrant on file for Javon Schoolfield. 

Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company ~ ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

7:00 am until 11:00 am

Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company

10071 Atlantic Road

Atlantic, Virginia 

MENU

Eggs, Scrapple, Sausage,

Pancakes, Coffee, Juice, Milk

$7 Adult (Carry Outs Available)

$3 Kids 6 and Under

Digital color photos available for $3

For information call:

Dawn Joyce 757 824 0505

Accomack Sheriff's Office Annual Toy Drive ~ LAST DAY ~

Sheriff Todd E. Godwin wishes to announce 

The Annual Toy Drive

of the Accomack County Sheriff's Office.

Our annual toy drive is underway and we need your help to put a smile on the faces of some less fortunate youngsters in Accomack County. The struggling economy makes it difficult for families to purchase toys for their children and this is where you can make a huge difference. To donate a new toy (unwrapped), please drop it off at the:

Accomack County Sheriffs Office

23323 Wise Court

Accomac, VA 23301

(Donations will be accepted through December 17, 2013)

Additionally, please feel free to contact our office at (757) 787-1131 with the names of families who may be in need of assistance. Together we can make a positive impact upon the less fortunate children within our community.

On behalf of the Accomack County Sheriffs Office, I want to thank you in advance for your contributions and wish you and your families a Happy Holiday Season.

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Respond To Burglary In Progress

On December 14, 2013 at approximately 2247 hours, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to a residence on George Island Landing Rd, Stockton, Maryland, for a burglary in progress.

Upon arrival a Deputy made contact with the complainant who advised their door had been kicked in by a white male, The suspect was identified as Eric Todd Apgar of Stockton, Maryland, and he had left the scene on foot. 

The Deputy was able to direct other responding Deputies in the direction Mr. Apgar was walking where Deputies located Mr. Apgar. Mr. Apgar allegedly attempted unsuccessfully to enter the residence at the back door. He then proceeded to the front door where he was able to kick in the door, destroying it.

Mr. Apgar was placed under arrest for 4th degree burglary and malicious destruction of property. Mr. Apgar was taken before the District court Commissioner where he was released on his own recognizance.

Submitted:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Consumer Energy Costs Skyrocket Under O’Malley-Brown Administration

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 16, 2013

CONTACT:

Steve Crim

stevecrim@gmail.com

(410) 353-3116

ANNAPOLIS — Change Maryland released today a report card that shows consumer energy costs skyrocketing under the O’Malley-Brown Administration.  The release of the report card comes on the heels of a state announcement Friday that the Public Service Commission (PSC) approved the second rate increase this year requested by Baltimore Gas & Electric (BGE), as well as an increased monthly service surcharge.

"Yet another rate increase for working Maryland families is unacceptable," said Change Maryland Chairman, Larry Hogan.  "The responsibility for which falls directly in the lap of Governor O’Malley, who was elected governor on a promise to all Marylanders to keep electricity and heat affordable during his tenure."

Change Maryland’s study attributes the dramatic increase in costs to a misguided policy which forces energy companies to meet quotas while also allowing these companies to pass unnecessary costs on to consumers.  It also attributes higher costs to a general lack of oversight and accountability within the PSC.

The group’s findings are in stark contrast to the past campaign promises made by O'Malley.  He ran for governor on the promise of "taking on BGE to stop the rate hikes," giving us a “detailed plan to make energy more affordable," and appointing "competent, qualified, professional regulators," to the Public Service Commission.  Change Maryland has graded the governor and his administration on keeping those promises, and determined they have failed across the board.

"O’Malley certainly deserves an F," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.  "It’s seven years later; the rate hikes happened, and we’re still waiting for that detailed plan.  Just as he campaigned against fees and taxes and then dramatically increased them, O’Malley ran on lower energy prices but then pushed an agenda which forced them to increase year over year."

According to the United States Energy Information Agency, the average per kilowatt-hour rate for residential electricity in Maryland before Governor O’Malley took office was 9.71 cents.  As of August 2013 (date for the most current available data), the average per kilowatt-hour electricity rate is 13.89 cents, an increase of 43%. Furthermore, the latest rate increase approved on behalf of BGE is the fourth increase in three years that has Marylanders digging even deeper into their pockets.

"We have discovered that this administration’s energy policy has been more tilting at windmills than actually pursuing a real policy that keeps utility rates low for consumers," charged Hogan.  "The fact of the matter is that Martin O’Malley is more concerned about checking off all the boxes for his next job than he is about the prices working families pay for electricity and heat."

Despite lofty promises, it seems the O’Malley-Brown Administration has done everything possible to increase the cost of energy in Maryland. Change Maryland has documented:

●      The rapid increase in residential electricity rates;

●      O’Malley’s EmPower Maryland scheme that allowed utilities to charge customers for power they didn’t use during outages;

●      O’Malley’s handpicked PSC Commissioners who dropped the ball on utility reliability standards;

●      O’Malley’s renewable portfolio standard (RPS), which hasn’t increased renewable energy generation, in fact it has decreased;

●      O’Malley’s RPS and RGGI programs, that allow Wall Street firms and banks to speculate in Marylanders’ utility bills.

"It’s clear that Governor O’Malley’s campaign promises come with an expiration date stamped: inauguration day," Hogan concluded.

###

www.ChangeMaryland.org

fb.com/ChangeMaryland

@ChangeMaryland

 

SOURCES:

O’Malley-Brown Administration Energy Report Card

Change Maryland, December 16, 2013

http://www.changemaryland.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/OMalley-Brown-Energy-Report-Card-Draft-1.pdf

Md. approves BGE rate increase, surcharge
The Baltimore Sun, December 13, 2013
http://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-bz-bge-rate-case-decision-20131213,0,835902.story


Martin O’Malley campaign ad
YouTube, May 25, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9gIcoRIzc74

Maryland State Profile and Energy Estimates
U.S. Energy Information Administration, accessed December 16, 2013

http://www.eia.gov/state/rankings/?sid=MD#series/31

Antares Launch Postponed to December 19

NASA Photo

NASA and Orbital Sciences Corp. Saturday moved the targeted launch date of the Orbital-1 resupply mission to the International Space Station to no earlier than Thursday, Dec. 19 to enable engineers to continue their analysis of data involving a suspect Flow Control Valve in a pump module on the starboard truss of the station that malfunctioned on Wednesday. Orbital’s Antares rocket and the Cygnus commercial cargo vehicle are now scheduled to launch from Pad 0A at the Wallops Flight Facility, Va. no earlier than Dec. 19 at 9:19 p.m. EST. NASA TV coverage of launch will begin at 8:45 p.m. EST.

The delay will allow Orbital’s engineering team to load late scientific cargo into the Cygnus craft on Sunday to protect several days of launch opportunities through the end of next week. Under current planning, the Antares rocket with Cygnus would rollout to the launch pad at Wallops in the early morning hours on Tuesday, Dec. 17. A launch on Dec. 19 would result in Cygnus arriving at the space station for a grapple and berthing to the Earth-facing port of the Harmony module on Sunday, Dec. 22.

The launch is still dependent on NASA engineers resolving a problem with the station’s pump module flow control valve that experienced a problem Wednesday in properly positioning itself so that ammonia coolant can flow properly through the cooling lines of the station’s truss while keeping heat-rejecting equipment at the correct temperature.

Overnight, engineers conducted testing with a component in the Pump Module called a Radiator Return Valve, which is a ball valve that operates in concert with the suspect Flow Control Valve in the pump to control heating in the cooling lines to the Interface Heat Exchangers. The Radiator Return Valve was commanded to various positions to see how the Flow Control Valve might be placed in a fixed position to help actively control cooling loop A, and in turn, allow the system to warm up sufficiently so that the heat exchangers in the loop can operate at a proper temperature. Engineers continue to pore over the data and other techniques to manage the flow control valve. The cooling of station systems is currently being managed through cooling loop B that employs a pump module on the port truss.

In the meantime, Expedition 38 crewmembers Rick Mastracchio and Michael Hopkins worked Saturday in the Quest airlock to begin preparing their spacesuits in the event they are called upon to conduct spacewalks to change out the faulty pump module. If managers direct the crewmembers to perform those spacewalks beginning late next week, the launch of the Orbital-1 mission would be delayed until January.

NASA Flight Facility on Facebook

Pocomoke City Police Chief To Speak To Rotary Club

Pocomoke Rotary Meeting

Monday, December 16, 2013

6:15 pm - 8:00 pm

Meeting  held at  American Legion in Pocomoke City, 

Bypass Rd.

Rotary presents Police Chief Kevin Sewell speaking about his exploits as well as the news  from the Pocomoke City  Police  Department.

Call Carole Krueger for reservations. 410-430-2243.

Looking for a holiday gift?

In case you did't know- Pocomoke City Police Chief Sewell  had another career   for many years in police work before he moved to Pocomoke City and has written a book along with Stephen Janis.  

The book,  "Why Do We Kill?"  The Pathology Of Murder In Baltimore is available in most book stores and on line.  Makes a wonderful Christmas gift !!

I PROMISE you will enjoy the book~