Courtesy of WMDT:
*** Update***
New information obtained by 47 ABC shows the June 29 firing of Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin Sewell was legal, disputing the claim made by councilmember Diane Downing that it was not.
In an August 3 interview with 47 ABC, Downing said that the vote to remove Sewell was a violation of the charter because the charter states only the city manager has power to fire the chief of police. Downing said that because former city manager Russell Blake was allegedly still in office on the day of the vote, the power to fire Sewell should have been his. However according to a memo that was sent by Blake to both the mayor and city council, Blake had officially retired days before the vote occurred.
The memo addressed June 26, 2015 reads, “I will be formally and officially retired from the position of City Manager as of 3:00 p.m. on this date.”
During the July 13 city council meeting, City Attorney Bill Hudson maintained the vote was legal, citing that Blake had already finished his term at the time of the vote therefore allowing the council to vote on personnel matters.
Despite the new evidence, Councilmember Downing still says she never received this memo, nor knew of its existence.
Family friendly and striving to be a worthy choice for your Internet browsing. Comments and material submissions welcome: tkforppe@yahoo.com . Pocomoke City-- an All American City And The Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore.
Friday, August 21, 2015
Second Complaint Filed..
(From WBOC.com)
ACLU Files Second Complaint Against Pocomoke City
Posted: Aug 20, 2015 8:40 PM EDT
By Micheal Kettelberger
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Maryland has filed a second complaint in a month against Pocomoke City officials for violations of the Maryland Open Meetings Act (MOMA).
The latest complaint concerns unannounced, closed meetings held by Town Officials in late June, during which the decision was made to fire Pocomoke’s former Police Chief, Kelvin Sewell. The complaint was filed with the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board on behalf of Stephen Janis, a reporter for The Real News Network, a Baltimore-based non-profit news organization.
As with the ACLU’s first complaint, which pertained to the media being barred from a Pocomoke Council meeting on July 13, this complaint again relates to Pocomoke City’s controversial firing of Sewell. At the time of the firing, no explanation was given for the town’s action, and many in the community were angry and upset. Pocomoke officials have so far remained silent about the process and basis upon which they arrived at their decision to terminate Chief Sewell.
Thursday, August 20, 2015
Missing Service Dog..
8/25/15 UPDATE:
http://www.wboc.com/story/29876692/lost-service-dog-found-in-pocomoke
(From WBOC.com)
POCOMOKE, MD – A California woman staying with family for several months in Pocomoke is desperately searching for her service dog that went missing Monday night.
http://www.wboc.com/story/29876692/lost-service-dog-found-in-pocomoke
(From WBOC.com)
Pocomoke Family Desperate to Find Missing Service Dog
Posted: Aug 20, 2015 4:53 PM EDTUpdated: Aug 20, 2015 6:31 PM EDT
By Chris Weimer
POCOMOKE, MD – A California woman staying with family for several months in Pocomoke is desperately searching for her service dog that went missing Monday night.
Lady is a small 3 year-old Chihuahua with a black and tan coat. She was last seen running into a cornfield near New Bridge Rd. Teona Campbell, Lady’s owner, suffers from chronic epileptic seizures. She has up to five a week and says Lady is her lifeline.
"She'll growl first and then she'll jump on me and then pat me to notify me that I'm having one,” Campbell said. “Within seconds, I'll have it."
A facebook page called "Wheresladybaby" has been created for anyone who might have any information. The family is offering a reward as well. If you have information that might help Campbell locate Lady, please call 562-673-4053.
Just an idea for clarity
For obvious reasons the city of Pocomoke is unable to release details about exactly why Kelvin Sewell was fired as the chief of police since it is a personnel issue. Now I know the public wants to know exactly why he was fired and the former chief has told his side which in certain aspects does not line up with what has been said by a few others. An idea for Mr. Sewell and his lawyer what if to clear the air because he stated in an open meeting with the city Council asking why he was fired which in my opinion opened the door for the information to be released. What if a letter signed by Mr. Sewell and his lawyer submitted a letter to the city releasing them of all liability and authorizing the full disclosure of all information pertaining to him being fired. Mr. Sewell, this could be how you can clear the air and let the citizens know what really triggered the termination and end the divide in our city. I love my city, and this could potentially solve the problem. Let what is in the dark come to light and this way potentially all could be brought out with no liability on the city.
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.
2004.. Welcoming our local troops back from duty in Iqaq and Kuwait; 1941.. What brought some 20,000 to the Ocean City area in March?; 1911.. Pocomoke City women authors battle hymn for women's right to vote; 1951.. Work to start on the most spectacular part of the new Chesapeake Bay Bridge; 1890.. A prohibition church to be built in Crisfield; 1885.. Ad- Toothache Drops (you might be surprised to see the incrediants).
It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!
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Wednesday, August 19, 2015
WOLC..
Longtime Christian format radio station WOLC, Princess Anne, signed off the air on Tuesday. Station management said the decision for JOY 102.5 FM to go silent was due to financial difficulties.
The station is being purchased, pending FCC approval, by WBOC and will be back on the air at a future date. WBOC says a programming format for the station is currently under consideration.
When you're clicking around the Internet remember to check in with The Pocomoke Public Eye. We strive to be a worthwhile supplement to your choices.
Monday, August 17, 2015
Saluting Vietnam War Veterans..
(The Star Democrat, Easton)
Veterans Dan Erdell, left, and Glenn Murray stand beside a portion of the MPT Salutes Vietnam Veterans Traveling Exhibition, which will be stationed through Friday, Aug. 21, at VFW Post 5118 in Easton. (Star Democrat photo and info)
VFW Post 5118 is locted at 355 Glebe Road in Easton. Phone 410-822-8619. For more information on the MPT Vietnam project and the traveling exhibit's schedule of appearances visit www.mpt.org/vietnam.
Read the full article:
http://www.stardem.com/news/local_news/article_42cbd60a-7964-5373-bf69-3ae4555ef9ea.html
Sunday, August 16, 2015
TIME MACHINE ... 1857, 1957, 1902, 1865, 1957-58.
"Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore." Our tradition runs deep. Excerpt from a letter to the editor from a visitor to Newtown, (former name of Pocomoke City) published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28,1847.
This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable. F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."
(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)
June, 1857
The Sun (Baltimore)
AFFAIRS IN WORCESTER COUNTY.- We copy the following from the Snow Hill Shield:
Money Digging.- It is rumored that the people residing on the beach in the vicinity of Phoenix Island are reaping a gold harvest in the way of digging up gold and silver out of the sand. It is supposed to have been deposited on the beach from the wreck of a Dutch galliot, lost on "Dead Man's Shoals" nearly a century ago, and which is said to have drifted on Phoenix Island. The galliot, besides a very valuable cargo of merchandise, had over a million of dollars on board at the time of her loss.
Footnote: Has anyone heard of Phoenix Island? Could it have been what we know as Assateague Island?
June, 1957
The Salisbury Times
Teachers Pay To Be Debated In Snow Hill
SNOW HILL - A large crowd is expected to attend an open meeting tomorrow on the question of salary increases for Worcester County school teachers.
The meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Snow Hill High School.
Members of the county's PTA instigated the meeting to air what they feel are the problems incurred by a low teacher wage scale.
It will be up to the county commissioners to make a decision on whether or not an increase will be granted. As a guide they will have a comparison of salaries now being paid in counties throughout the state.
Generally, the PTA thinks an increase of between $200 and $400 will be necessary. Present salary schedules for teachers with a bachelor's degree range from $3,300 to $4,800 over a period of 16 years.
August, 1902..
The Evening Times (Washington, D.C.)
1865 (Time Machine archive)
Before the time of Ocean City, Green Run Beach on Assateague Island was a vacation destination for lower Eastern Shore residents as well as visitors from other states along the eastern seaboard. Its Ocean House Hotel began attracting visitors in 1865. The Ocean House was noted for its local seafood menu and featured live music in a large dance hall, a bowling alley, and a bar for the gentlemen. After making their way to Snow Hill, visitors were taken by horse drawn hacks to Public Landing where the sailing sloop "Fairfield" helped complete their journey to Green Run Beach about 20 miles south of where Ocean City came into existence in the mid 1870's.
1957-58..
It's a Pepsi television commercial. View it here:
http://www.bestoldcommercials.com/pepsi-say-pepsi-please/
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This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable. F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."
(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)
June, 1857
The Sun (Baltimore)
AFFAIRS IN WORCESTER COUNTY.- We copy the following from the Snow Hill Shield:
Money Digging.- It is rumored that the people residing on the beach in the vicinity of Phoenix Island are reaping a gold harvest in the way of digging up gold and silver out of the sand. It is supposed to have been deposited on the beach from the wreck of a Dutch galliot, lost on "Dead Man's Shoals" nearly a century ago, and which is said to have drifted on Phoenix Island. The galliot, besides a very valuable cargo of merchandise, had over a million of dollars on board at the time of her loss.
Footnote: Has anyone heard of Phoenix Island? Could it have been what we know as Assateague Island?
June, 1957
The Salisbury Times
Teachers Pay To Be Debated In Snow Hill
SNOW HILL - A large crowd is expected to attend an open meeting tomorrow on the question of salary increases for Worcester County school teachers.
The meeting is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Snow Hill High School.
Members of the county's PTA instigated the meeting to air what they feel are the problems incurred by a low teacher wage scale.
It will be up to the county commissioners to make a decision on whether or not an increase will be granted. As a guide they will have a comparison of salaries now being paid in counties throughout the state.
Generally, the PTA thinks an increase of between $200 and $400 will be necessary. Present salary schedules for teachers with a bachelor's degree range from $3,300 to $4,800 over a period of 16 years.
August, 1902..
The Evening Times (Washington, D.C.)
1865 (Time Machine archive)
Before the time of Ocean City, Green Run Beach on Assateague Island was a vacation destination for lower Eastern Shore residents as well as visitors from other states along the eastern seaboard. Its Ocean House Hotel began attracting visitors in 1865. The Ocean House was noted for its local seafood menu and featured live music in a large dance hall, a bowling alley, and a bar for the gentlemen. After making their way to Snow Hill, visitors were taken by horse drawn hacks to Public Landing where the sailing sloop "Fairfield" helped complete their journey to Green Run Beach about 20 miles south of where Ocean City came into existence in the mid 1870's.
1957-58..
It's a Pepsi television commercial. View it here:
http://www.bestoldcommercials.com/pepsi-say-pepsi-please/
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers or something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? Please send to tkforppe@yahoo.com .
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Saturday, August 15, 2015
Somerset County Vaccination Clinic
(csctimes.com)
WESTOVER — The Somerset County Health Department will hold a mass vaccination clinic Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9:00 a.m. to noon to give the required vaccinations for free to 5 year old children, and first, seventh and eighth graders who will be attending Somerset County Schools this fall.
The vaccinations will be given by appointment only and you must present a current shot record at the time of the appointment. Call 443-523-1740 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
~ ~ ~
For Worcester County Health Department services visit http://www.worcesterhealth.org or phone 410-632-1100.
Thursday, August 13, 2015
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.
1857.. Gold and silver found on Worcester County beach; 1957.. Increase in Worcester teachers' $3,300-$4,800 annual salaries?; 1902.. "Sinner" Smack breaks up religious meeting in Berlin; 1865.. Maryland's ocean vacation destination before the time of Ocean City; 1957-58.. TV ad- the soft drink "For Those Who Think Young."
It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!
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It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!
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Wednesday, August 12, 2015
Meteor Shower Early Thursday..
(cbcnews)
Perseids 2015: Biggest meteor shower of the year peaks tonight
Watch for shooting stars tonight — the biggest meteor
shower of the year will reach its peak, and unusually
dark skies could make it an especially good show.
The annual Perseid meteor shower happens every
August when Earth passes through debris left by comet
Swift-Tuttle. When the tiny chunks of rock crash through
the Earth's atmosphere and burn up, they leave trails of
light that we see as meteors. The Perseids produce more
visible meteors than any other annual meteor shower.
This year, the Perseids peak early Thursday morning,
and the best time to watch is between midnight and
dawn.
Monday, August 10, 2015
Sunday, August 9, 2015
TIME MACHINE ... 1917,1925, 2003, 1904,1959.
"Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore." Our tradition runs deep. Excerpt from a letter to the editor from a visitor to Newtown, (former name of Pocomoke City) published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28,1847.
This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable. F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."
(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)
September, 1917..
The New York Age (New York)
December, 1925 (Time Machine archive)
The assistance by firemen from Pocomoke City and five other towns was credited with preventing a major fire in Ocean City from completely leveling the seaside resort. The fire started in The Eastern Shore Electric Light Plant and spread to the Atlantic and Seaside Hotels, the Ocean City pier, and several concessions. Ocean City firemen made an urgent call for help. A published report stated firemen traveled icy roads at high rates of speed to reach the scene. With no city water supply available, firemen chopped holes in the ice to draw water to fight the flames. In addition to the Pocomoke City firemen, assistance was sent from Berlin, Snow Hill, Princess Anne, Salisbury, and Laurel, De.
The charred remains of Dolle's Candyland after the fire of December 29, 1925.
Collection of Frank Parsons
(Courtesy: Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum)
January, 2003
The Crisfield Times
(Excerpts)
Green elected
DPI president
Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. the nonprofit trade association for the
Delmarva Peninsula's broiler chicken industry, has elected Douglas W. Green, Sandy Ridge Farm, Inc., Princess Anne, to lead the organization in 2003.
During his year as DPI president, Green will represent approximately 3,500
members including poultry growers, allied businesses, local businesses, poultry companies and employees of Delmarva's four poultry companies.
Joining Green in their capacities as volunteer DPI officers in the coming year are 1st Vice President Joseph E. Chisholm Sr., a Pocomoke City, Maryland-area poultry grower and banker; Ronald W. Darnell of Salisbury, a live-production manager with Perdue Farms Inc.; and Immediate Past President Dr. Henry M. Engster of Salisbury, vice president of technical services with Perdue Farms Inc.
July, 1904..
Peninsula Enterprise
August, 1959 (Time Machine archive)
Twin Towers on Route 13 south of Pocomoke announced the Grand Opening of its' new "Tower Room" cocktail lounge to complement its' restaurant. King Sterling at the organ provided dinner music. Dinner features at the popular Pocomoke gathering spot included Chinese Dishes, Broiled Steaks, and Live Maine Lobster from their lobster tank.
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This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable. F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."
(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)
September, 1917..
The New York Age (New York)
December, 1925 (Time Machine archive)
The assistance by firemen from Pocomoke City and five other towns was credited with preventing a major fire in Ocean City from completely leveling the seaside resort. The fire started in The Eastern Shore Electric Light Plant and spread to the Atlantic and Seaside Hotels, the Ocean City pier, and several concessions. Ocean City firemen made an urgent call for help. A published report stated firemen traveled icy roads at high rates of speed to reach the scene. With no city water supply available, firemen chopped holes in the ice to draw water to fight the flames. In addition to the Pocomoke City firemen, assistance was sent from Berlin, Snow Hill, Princess Anne, Salisbury, and Laurel, De.
The charred remains of Dolle's Candyland after the fire of December 29, 1925.
Collection of Frank Parsons
(Courtesy: Ocean City Life Saving Station Museum)
January, 2003
The Crisfield Times
(Excerpts)
Green elected
DPI president
Delmarva Poultry Industry, Inc. the nonprofit trade association for the
Delmarva Peninsula's broiler chicken industry, has elected Douglas W. Green, Sandy Ridge Farm, Inc., Princess Anne, to lead the organization in 2003.
During his year as DPI president, Green will represent approximately 3,500
members including poultry growers, allied businesses, local businesses, poultry companies and employees of Delmarva's four poultry companies.
Joining Green in their capacities as volunteer DPI officers in the coming year are 1st Vice President Joseph E. Chisholm Sr., a Pocomoke City, Maryland-area poultry grower and banker; Ronald W. Darnell of Salisbury, a live-production manager with Perdue Farms Inc.; and Immediate Past President Dr. Henry M. Engster of Salisbury, vice president of technical services with Perdue Farms Inc.
July, 1904..
Peninsula Enterprise
August, 1959 (Time Machine archive)
Twin Towers on Route 13 south of Pocomoke announced the Grand Opening of its' new "Tower Room" cocktail lounge to complement its' restaurant. King Sterling at the organ provided dinner music. Dinner features at the popular Pocomoke gathering spot included Chinese Dishes, Broiled Steaks, and Live Maine Lobster from their lobster tank.
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers or something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? Please send to tkforppe@yahoo.com .
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Friday, August 7, 2015
Mayor Accepts Invitation To Meeting.
Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison attended a meeting of the citizen's group that had been formed in support of former police chief Kelvin Sewell.
Details..
http://www.wboc.com/story/29731199/embattled-pocomoke-mayor-meets-group-that-called-for-his-resignation
Details..
http://www.wboc.com/story/29731199/embattled-pocomoke-mayor-meets-group-that-called-for-his-resignation
Thursday, August 6, 2015
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview
1917.. Princess Anne Academy announces Fall courses; 1925.. Major fire threatens Ocean City; 2003.. Somerset man is new president of Delmarva Poultry Industrry; 1904.. Pocomoke Ice Company is ready for business; 1959.. New "Tower Room" complements popular Pocomoke City eatery.
It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!
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Tuesday, August 4, 2015
Mayor And City Council Meeting.
Monday night's meeting of the Pocomoke mayor and city council was addressed by two local pastors representing the group "Citizens For A Better Pocomoke" who asked that former Pocomoke police chief Kelvin Sewell be reinstated to his former position.
According to an Associated Press report, Mayor Bruce Morrison said he was willing to work with the group but "I don't see that happening, bringing Chief Sewell back."
The AP report stated the meeting began on a cordial note but turned into sharp exchanges between audience members, the mayor and councilman George Tasker, and the mayor brought the meeting to a close.
According to an Associated Press report, Mayor Bruce Morrison said he was willing to work with the group but "I don't see that happening, bringing Chief Sewell back."
The AP report stated the meeting began on a cordial note but turned into sharp exchanges between audience members, the mayor and councilman George Tasker, and the mayor brought the meeting to a close.
Monday, August 3, 2015
Mayor & City Council Meeting..
The next Mayor & City Council Meeting is on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 7:30pm inside City Hall at 101 Clarke Ave, Pocomoke City.
AGENDA - POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 PM, Monday, August 3, 2015 in City Hall
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Review and approval of minutes of meeting of July 13, 2015.
3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.
4. Discuss letter of request from Chamber of Commerce for use of Cypress Park for Pocomokeoberfest - Saturday, September 26, 2015. (letter to be attached)
5. Authorize golf donation to Holly Grove Christian School for their annual Fall Festival - Saturday, October 3, 2015. (letter to be attached)
6. Discuss letter of request from Pentecostal Church of God of Lincoln, Inc. for use of City lot located at 401 Fifth Street (parcel 1250) for Community Fun Fair -Saturday, August 22, 2015. (letter to be attached)
7. Pastor Ronnie White and Reverend James Jones to address the Mayor and Council.
Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.
Concert This Week!
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Sunday, August 2, 2015
TIME MACHINE ... 1948, 1955, 1935, 1985, 1903.
"Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore." Our tradition runs deep. Excerpt from a letter to the editor from a visitor to Newtown, (former name of Pocomoke City) published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28,1847.
This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable. F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."
(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)
1948..
The Cumberland Evening Times (Cumberland, Md.)
January, 1955 (Time Machine archie)
(Citizens favor a consolidated high school to serve Pocomoke City and Snow.)
During the first week of January,1955, about 350 citizens from Pocomoke and Snow Hill, who had been organized as fact-finding groups, attended a meeting at Stephen Decatur High, the new consolidated school serving Ocean City and Berlin. They toured the school and were to gather information and opinions and forward their findings on to the Worcester County Commissioners, and legislators.
It was reported that the cost of a consolidated school would be $1,500,000, while separate schools would each cost half that amount.
Following the meeting it was reported that about half of those in attendance were favorable to Pocomoke and Snow Hill sharing a consolidated school similar to Stephen Decatur, a much lesser number favored two separate schools and the remainder were reserving opinion. Pocomoke and Snow Hill PTA 's were to host meetings the following week to gather public opinion on the matter and as to whether a county-wide referendum should be held.
At the following week's meetings, in a close vote of 184 to 166 Snow Hill residents favored a consolidated school between Snow Hill and Pocomoke. At the Pocomoke meeting the vote was 172 to 72 in favor of a consolidated school. By a wider margin both Pocomoke and Snow Hill residents voted against the issue being decided by a county-wide referendum.
Stockton residents presented the County Commissioners with a petition favoring the consolidated school, signed by 175 of 201 of its citizens who were approached.
The heads of the fact-finding committees from Snow Hill and Pocomoke expressed the opinion that a consolidated school would be more practical than two separate schools. The Board Of Education appeared to agree with proponents that better educational facilities at a lower cost could be provided with a consolidated school.
But a delegation of city officials and businessmen headed by the mayors of Pocomoke and Snow Hill told the County Commissioners that they favored separate schools for each community and their respective city councils had voted resolutions in support of that choice.
Proponents for a consolidated school claimed support for their cause was in the majority. They had meetings with the County Commissioners, Board Of Education, and members of Worcester County's state legislative delegation but the final decision of the County Commissioners was to pursue separate High Schools for Pocomoke and Snow Hill. In March the Maryland legislature passed a bond bill funding construction of the separate schools.
January, 1985
The Crisfield Times
(Excerpts)
Julian "Juke" Tyler, Crisfield's Clerk/Treasurer since February, 1977, will become the city's first City Manager within the next few days. The city council has amended its charter to add the position of city manager to the city administration. In his new position, Mr. Tyler will become deputy mayor, and with the approval of the Mayor and Council, shall appoint heads of all offices, departments, and agencies of the city government as established by the charter, or by ordinance.
When Mr. Tyler stepped up to his new position, he was replaced by Gail Rayfield as clerk/treasure. She was formerly assistant clerk/treasurer.
November, 1935
Daily News Record (Harrisonburg, Va.)
SKELETONS AND WHISKEY BOTTLES FOUND TOGETHER
ONANCOCK, Nov.12. (AP)- Excavators for the new post office which is to be built here with public works administration money have unearthed skeletons and whiskey bottles.
It is local opinion that the skeletons were left by the Indians, the whiskey bottles by the whites.
Six skulls were found and amateur archaeologists here say the spot probably served as a burial place for the Onancock Indian tribe; arrowheads and tomahawks have been found in nearby fields.
In more recent days a bar was located on the site. That is believed to account for the presence of the bottles.
Men's Fashions For Summertime..1903.
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac)
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This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; it has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable. F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."
(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)
1948..
The Cumberland Evening Times (Cumberland, Md.)
January, 1955 (Time Machine archie)
(Citizens favor a consolidated high school to serve Pocomoke City and Snow.)
During the first week of January,1955, about 350 citizens from Pocomoke and Snow Hill, who had been organized as fact-finding groups, attended a meeting at Stephen Decatur High, the new consolidated school serving Ocean City and Berlin. They toured the school and were to gather information and opinions and forward their findings on to the Worcester County Commissioners, and legislators.
It was reported that the cost of a consolidated school would be $1,500,000, while separate schools would each cost half that amount.
Following the meeting it was reported that about half of those in attendance were favorable to Pocomoke and Snow Hill sharing a consolidated school similar to Stephen Decatur, a much lesser number favored two separate schools and the remainder were reserving opinion. Pocomoke and Snow Hill PTA 's were to host meetings the following week to gather public opinion on the matter and as to whether a county-wide referendum should be held.
At the following week's meetings, in a close vote of 184 to 166 Snow Hill residents favored a consolidated school between Snow Hill and Pocomoke. At the Pocomoke meeting the vote was 172 to 72 in favor of a consolidated school. By a wider margin both Pocomoke and Snow Hill residents voted against the issue being decided by a county-wide referendum.
Stockton residents presented the County Commissioners with a petition favoring the consolidated school, signed by 175 of 201 of its citizens who were approached.
The heads of the fact-finding committees from Snow Hill and Pocomoke expressed the opinion that a consolidated school would be more practical than two separate schools. The Board Of Education appeared to agree with proponents that better educational facilities at a lower cost could be provided with a consolidated school.
But a delegation of city officials and businessmen headed by the mayors of Pocomoke and Snow Hill told the County Commissioners that they favored separate schools for each community and their respective city councils had voted resolutions in support of that choice.
Proponents for a consolidated school claimed support for their cause was in the majority. They had meetings with the County Commissioners, Board Of Education, and members of Worcester County's state legislative delegation but the final decision of the County Commissioners was to pursue separate High Schools for Pocomoke and Snow Hill. In March the Maryland legislature passed a bond bill funding construction of the separate schools.
January, 1985
The Crisfield Times
(Excerpts)
Julian "Juke" Tyler, Crisfield's Clerk/Treasurer since February, 1977, will become the city's first City Manager within the next few days. The city council has amended its charter to add the position of city manager to the city administration. In his new position, Mr. Tyler will become deputy mayor, and with the approval of the Mayor and Council, shall appoint heads of all offices, departments, and agencies of the city government as established by the charter, or by ordinance.
When Mr. Tyler stepped up to his new position, he was replaced by Gail Rayfield as clerk/treasure. She was formerly assistant clerk/treasurer.
November, 1935
Daily News Record (Harrisonburg, Va.)
SKELETONS AND WHISKEY BOTTLES FOUND TOGETHER
ONANCOCK, Nov.12. (AP)- Excavators for the new post office which is to be built here with public works administration money have unearthed skeletons and whiskey bottles.
It is local opinion that the skeletons were left by the Indians, the whiskey bottles by the whites.
Six skulls were found and amateur archaeologists here say the spot probably served as a burial place for the Onancock Indian tribe; arrowheads and tomahawks have been found in nearby fields.
In more recent days a bar was located on the site. That is believed to account for the presence of the bottles.
Men's Fashions For Summertime..1903.
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac)
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Friday, July 31, 2015
Complaint Filed..
(wboc.com)
ACLU Says Reporters Barred From Pocomoke Council Meeting
Posted: Jul 31, 2015 2:17 PM EDTUpdated: Jul 31, 2015 2:57 PM EDT
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. (AP/WBOC)- The American Civil
Liberties Union of Maryland says reporters were illegally
barred from a Pocomoke City council meeting during
which the recent firing of the city's police chief was
discussed.
In a complaint filed Friday with the Maryland Open
Meetings Compliance Board, the ACLU says city
officials violated both the state's Open Meetings Act and
the First Amendment in excluding reporters from the
meeting.
"The Pocomoke City Council is undeniably a public body
under the OPA, and the Act defines 'open session' to
mean open to all meaning both the public and the
press," the complaint says. "Not only is this true under
the Open Meetings Act, it is true under the U.S.
Constitution: The First Amendment guarantees that the
press and the public enjoy equal access to government
information and proceedings, including Town Council
meetings, making it unconstitutional for the government
to bar reporters from meetings open to the public at
large."
Pocomoke City's attorney says he is not aware of any
instructions given to police to bar reporters from
the crowded July 13 meeting.
Former chief Kelvin Sewell, who is black, says he was
fired for refusing to terminate two other black
officers who, like Sewell, have filed job discrimination
complaints.
City officials emphatically deny that Sewell was ousted
because he refused to fire the two officers.
WBOC Reports On Rally For Mayor..
(wboc.com)
Rally Held in Support of Embattled Pocomoke City Mayor
Posted: Jul 30, 2015 10:19 PM EDT
By Nicole Edenedo
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- A rally held in support of Pocomoke City's mayor and council Thursday night produced about 100 signatures pledging support for the city's leadership after some in the community have called for the mayor's resignation.
It's been nearly a month since a personnel issue sparked a firestorm in Maryland's "friendliest town."
Mayor Bruce Morrison has been in the eye of that storm fending off allegations of incompetence, corruption and racial discrimination.
In June, former police chief Kelvin Sewell was terminated by the city council with the mayor's approval. Sewell's attorney told WBOC his termination was allegedly racially motivated. Some residents have been calling for the mayor's resignation.
Until now Morrison has not appeared on camera for WBOC. But at Thursday night's rally, the mayor had his chance to finally speak out.
"It's been very very hard for our family," said Morrison. "You know, to be accused of something.
I'm not...I've always been a friendly person. I've been a good mayor," the mayor said.
And that's how the rally's supporters say they feel as well.
The rally's organizer Robert Cowger says this isn't just about Morrison.
"It's to show that the residents of this town believe in the entire mayor and council," said Cowger. "The mayor doesn't really make the decisions. The council is the one that makes the decisions. He just follows through after the decisions are made from the council."
Morrison has been asked to resign by a group that formed in the wake of the police chief controversy called "Citizens for a Better Pocomoke." But Morrison says he will not resign.
Morrison says he stands firm in his belief that the town's issues can be resolved through open discussions.
"It's what good for our whole town and that's what I want to see. I want to see this thing fixed and I want to see us to move forward," said Morrison.
Cowger says the media's portrayal of Pocomoke City as a town in the throes of racial tension and discrimination is not true.
"This town's title is the friendliest town and you know we don't have those kinds of issues and stuff down here," said Cowger. "And to try to turn that into that and make it into national news, it's just nogt right."
Cowger says the letters of support have about 100 signatures.
The letters of support will be presented at the next city council meeting on Monday August 3rd in Pocomoke City.
Thursday, July 30, 2015
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.
1955.. It almost happend- a consolidated High School to serve Pocomoke and Snow Hill; 1948.. Rotary honors one of Pocomoke City's oldest and most active citizens; 1935.. Excavation for Onancock post office unearths surprises; 1985.. Julian "Juke" Tyler becomes Crisfield's first city manager; 1903 .. Ad- Check these summertime clothing prices at I.H. Merrill in Pocomoke City.
It's this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!
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Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Wallops Program Receives "Best" Award..
(excerpts from PRNewswire)
Wallops Aircraft Office Recognized as the Best in the Federal Government
WASHINGTON, July 28, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/
-- NASA's Wallops Flight Facility Aircraft Office in
Virginia has been recognized as the best small aviation
program in the Federal government by the General
Services Administration and the Interagency
Committee for Aviation Policy.
The Wallops aircraft team provides NASA and
commercial platforms for worldwide airborne scientific
research, technology development, cargo airlift, launch
range surveillance and recovery, and remotely piloted
aircraft systems and required chase operations.
The award is provided to agencies that have
demonstrated their flight programs support for the
success of the agency's mission. An independent panel
of aviation experts judge agencies based on aircraft
administration, operations, maintenance, training and
safety.
In 2014, Wallops participated in 30 NASA airborne
science missions, flying more than 2,000 flight hours
Both were records surpassing all previous marks
during the office's 45 years.
These aircraft support NASA missions across the
United States from the east to west coasts, as well as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Africa and
Antarctica.
United States from the east to west coasts, as well as Alaska, Canada, Greenland, Norway, Africa and
Antarctica.
In addition, Wallops recently opened and conducted
missions from a new Global Hawk Operations Center
(GHOC-East) control center. The GHOC allows NASA to
conduct Global Hawk operations worldwide, including
missions to study Atlantic tropical storms.
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