Former Mayoral Candidate to Pay $75K Fine

Written by

Scott Muska
Staff Writer

POCOMOKE CITY -- Frank J. Ward III, a former Pocomoke mayoral candidate and Salisbury businessman, faced administrative law hearings in October and November after an agreement in a mortgage fraud case against him fell through.

A full-fledged administrative hearing was scheduled after the agreement didn't pan out for Ward, defense witnesses and witnesses provided by the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation.

The commissioner investigated Ward and issued Ward, his company -- The Money Centre Ltd. -- and an employee a summary cease and desist order in December 2010.

The agreement made in a March administrative hearing stated Ward had to modify close to 50 mortgages in the 30 to 60 days following the agreement. He was also barred from lending to homebuyers in Maryland for at least seven years. Ward was also ordered to pay $75,000 to the state for civil penalties and investigation costs, and was to have refunded to borrowers any interest collected fraudulently.

Administrative Law Judge Laurie Bennett is in the process of reviewing the evidence and testimony presented during the hearings, and Tom Koehler, investigator for the commissioner, said he doesn't expect a decision to be made for at least a few months.

"There's quite a bit of evidence to go over," said Koehler, adding an administrative law judge usually has somewhere in the area of 90 days to go over the evidence and make a ruling. This is often followed by an appeals process, he said.

Among other allegations, the commissioner's investigation revealed that Ward failed to provide a "written contract, any other loan papers or disclosure forms" for the purchase of one house until the time of settlement, which violates Maryland and federal law.

In another complaint, Ward was accused of misappropriating at least $1,890 of fees collected and put in an escrow account intended for payment of outstanding property taxes.

Ward is accused of operating as both an unlicensed mortgage lender and an unlicensed mortgage loan originator.

Ward did not answer a voicemail asking for comment placed to his office Wednesday.

Source:  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111117/NEWS01/111170364/Former-mayoral-candidate-pay-75K-fine

Emergency Authorization Passed by Accomack Board

By Candy Farlow

Delinquent taxes were at the root of an issue addressed by the Accomack County Board of Supervisors Wednesday evening. County Attorney Mark Taylor advised the supervisors of a situation where work has been stopped on the replacement of a roof on a business in New Church.

The work was halted due to the fact that no building permit had been issued for the project as delinquent taxes are owed on the property. In the meantime, rainwater continues to pour into the building causing further damage.

Supervisor Grayson Chesser described the dire need for the roof replacement calling the situation a safety hazard. Referring to dilapidated property elsewhere in the county, Chesser said, "We dont want to be causing another Whispering Pines."

 Ultimately, the board voted to approve an emergency amendment to the ordinance regulating the issuance of building permits to allow them to avoid waste on an emergency basis. That action will allow the countys building department to permit the roof replacement despite the delinquency.

The amendment must be brought back for a public hearing and final action within 60 days.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Frightened Dog Reunited With Family

I posted on Monday, November 14 about an accident that occurred on Route 13 South on Sunday November 13, 2011.

None of the occupants were injured but the family's Golden Retreiver ran. Fire and emergency crews searched for the dog but were not  able to locate it.

I am happy to report that the dog was found the following day and has been reunited with its owner.

Thanks for your calls and emails of concern.

Pocomoke Ramps Up Christmas Cheer

Thank you Mayor Morrison for deciding to go the extra mile for downtown Pocomoke!  I remember many years of Christmas' in downtown Pocomoke and I know how enchanting they can be.  What a wonderful idea Mayor Morrison, Angela Manos, (Pocomoke City Downtown Coordinator), and everyone else that has added some small idea to this week of an enchanted Christmas.  (I've never ridden in a sleigh and I can't wait!)

Written by

Brian Shane

Staff Writer

POCOMOKE CITY -- When the Outer Banks hamlet of Manteo, N.C., held its latest Christmas tree lighting last December, the light bulbs went off for Bruce Morrison, too.

"They're this tiny little town," said the first-term Pocomoke City mayor, who has had a home there for years, "and I saw them bring out 1,000 people for a Christmas tree lighting, and I thought, why can't we do this in Pocomoke?"

Inspired by what he saw, Morrison has masterminded a brand-new holiday experience for his downtown.

They're loosely calling it Christmas Week in Pocomoke, and organizers hope the old-fashioned holiday celebration will be the start of a grand annual tradition for the Friendliest Town on the Eastern Shore.

"I see other small towns doing things -- Berlin doing things, Snow Hill doing things -- I need to step up and think out of the box to do things for our town," he said.

It will begin Nov. 28 with the annual Pocomoke Christmas Parade, an event that's stood on its own for almost 40 years. Other holiday events are being scheduled during that week, including home tours.

The festivities wrap up on Dec. 2 with "An Old-Fashioned Christmas Evening" in front of City Hall, where Santa Claus will be visiting, a bonfire will be roaring and a horse-drawn carriage will be touring the holiday decorations.

"It was something I've been thinking about," Morrison said. "I've been trying to find ways to promote our downtown. This was my whole thing when I became mayor -- I was going to work on revitalizing downtown Pocomoke. We need people to visit and come eat and do things in our town."

Angela Manos, Pocomoke's downtown coordinator, says the town hopes to build momentum on the success of other revitalization efforts, including their Fall Festival.

"This is the first real Christmas event we've had outside of the parade," she said. "We think that it's important, not only for the business leaders and officials to believe in what we're doing, but also the residents. If the residents don't feel good about their town, we're not going to have the visitors come, so we need both."

Manos said they considered having some sort of festival of lights, but it was too expensive. Rather, they are considering buying one piece of light-up animation, which will be placed along the river for display.

"When we were thinking of this event, we were thinking of that movie 'A Christmas Story,'" Manos added. "It seems like collectively, everyone loves that movie. We thought it would be so nice to have a warm feeling around Christmastime, like it was in the '50s. We really want to build on the collective goodwill and spirit that's around the holidays."

She said the primary focus of Christmas Week is to ensure residents are enjoying their downtown.

"You talk to a lot of people who have been residents of Pocomoke City their entire lives, they talk about yesteryear a lot. When people talk about Pocomoke City as a downtown, they talk about Mayberry. Even the younger generation, they like the idea of having a quaint downtown. That community spirit that you know your neighbor, you can count on your neighbor, so we're trying to return to that."

The Downtown Pocomoke Association is working with the city, and already a handful of stores are committed to participating in the event.

They include Enchanted Florist, Lusby's Appliances, Mar-Va Theater, Robinanne's Quilting Service, Salty Dog Grooming, Scher's Bridal and the Delmarva Discovery Center. Several free activities, as well as free s'mores and hot dogs, will be available. Meeting Santa Claus also will be free.

Downtown businesses will be collecting canned goods for the Samaritan Shelter. Bringing a can to the Christmas event gets a person a free glass of wine or soda.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111117/WCT06/111170329/Pocomoke-ramps-up-Christmas-cheer?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|p

New Jersey Student, Suspended For Wearing Confederate Flag Sweatshirt

It goes without saying that wearing historically racist symbols should never be in vogue, right? Well, 14-year-old Torri Albrecht had to learn that lesson the hard way.

The eighth-grader from New Jersey says she was suspended from Melvin H. Kreps Middle School for wearing a Confederate flag sweatshirt to class. But she later said she was suspended for being "disrespectful in her refusal to take it off."

Albrecht, who was born in Virginia and lived there for only a year, believes that the Confederate flag is simply a representation of Southern heritage and that school is at fault for making her remove it. Jane West, Albrecht's mother, stands by her daughter's clothing choice and has threatened to sue. Albrecht has received online death threats after she began to make news.

"The bottom line is there's no proof that anyone complained about the sweatshirt or that my daughter was disrespectful about taking it off. The only thing I have proof of is that Blount lied to me," West told the Times of Trenton. 

Now West is demanding a formal apology to her daughter, a repeal of the suspension and permission to transfer Albrecht to another school in the district. "If I can't get those things I'm suing," she says.
This isn't the first time a fashion faux pas has gotten Albrecht into trouble. Last year she was approached by school officials for sporting an "I love boobies" bracelet and then again last month for wearing cat ears and whiskers on Halloween.

West says that she and her daughter are "far from racist." When asked by an ABC news anchor if she knew the racially charged history behind the flag, Albrecht replied "I don't pay attention. I don't know."
Sidenote: It doesn't help that Albrecht is sporting a version of the new haircut many are calling the "Hitler Youth" in the video above.

Source; Huffingpost.com

MarVa Theater This Weekend

THANK YOU To Our Soldiers.....cont...

 

PLEASE continue to send me the names of your soldier- veteran or active.

These are but a few of the names of those that have fought for and protected  this great land that we travel about freely in every day.  There should be no limitations on what it takes to protect them.  

  

"May no soldier go unloved."

from Soldiers' Angels

www.soldiersangels.org 

Thank you to each one of you.......

ACTIVE DUTY

Richard C. Brown, Jr., Air Force

Jacob Gibbons, SSgt. Air Force

Veterans

David Greene, Air Force

Patrick A. Dize, Navy

Richard S.  (Steve) Lawrence, Army, VietNam

Rick Choquette, Army

Bruce Glenn Merritt, Jr.,  Navy
Here's what his mom had to say about him:
 ("MT2/E5/SS He served on the USS Kamehameha and the West Virginia from 1990-1994.

Those that might not know the navy meaning of the above they stand for missile technician, second class, E5 pay grade, sub surface qualified.

Both submarines were nuclear....the big ones. He has seen parts of the world we will never see, including Scotland! He was so young and did an amazing job! We will always be proud of him and thank him for his service to our country.")

Roy Woodrow Wilkins, Navy


James Walter  Morris, Navy


Orland E. Howard, Marines, Korean Conflict


Buddy Hughes, Army, Korea


William Byron Schoolfield, Navy, WWII Pacific Theater


Byron Dorsey Schoolfield, Army WWI

Jack Sipilia, WWII, Navy (Retired)

Billy Hall, Army, Vietnam (Deceased)

James W. Maddox, WWII, Army (Deceased)

Art Sexton, Corporal, Marines, Vietnam


John Carey, Rank E-4, Airforce

Richard  Hitchens, Army and National Guard, 1st Sergeant, Vietnam, Afganistan (40 yrs. later)

Larry Fykes, Coast Guard, Senior Chief, Desert Storm, Operation Iraq, Deep Water Horizon (Katrina)

Lawrence Tull, Airforce, Captain

Kenneth Tull, Airforce, A2c

James B. Maddox, Army National Guard, Vietnam and Desert Storm

Jason Harris, Airforce, 167 AW, Kuwait

Larry Wood, Navy

Paul Hill, Navy, Chief, WWII


Michael Hill, Navy

William Byrd, III Cpl E4, First Marine Brigade, Vietnam

Michael Coutu, Navy AZ3 (SCW)


Nicholas Jones, Marines, PFC

Cornell Ginn, Air Force, Master Sgt. E-7 Veteran of Foreign Wars

This is just a start.  There are so many more names out there.............PLEASE send them to me.  Help me keep this list of names of our brave American men and women growing  so everyone will know who they are and how proud we are. 

 

Please fly your flags and yellow ribbons!  Let the active military know they are in our hearts and NOT forgotten.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Abandoned Island's Former Life

A history you may not be aware of..on Hog Island, Va.

Read about it this Sunday on 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. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Annual Pocomoke City Christmas Parade

A POCOMOKE CITY TRADITION

FOR OVER 35 YEARS

Monday night, November 28, 2011, Pocomoke City will be transformed into a “Winter Wonderland” as Pocomoke City plays host to one of Delmarva’s largest nighttime Christmas parades.

Always held on the first Monday night after Thanksgiving, the Pocomoke parade has become an Eastern Shore tradition and will attract over 100 units from Maryland, Delaware and Virginia along with thousands of spectators.

Each year the parade features marching bands representing high and middle schools from seven counties in three states.  Also featured will be beautifully decorated and lighted floats entered by schools, civic organizations, churches, and commercial enterprises.

 

Clowns, marching units, fire departments,

equestrian units,

and of course Santa Claus

will round out the two-hour event, slated to kick-off

at 7:00 p.m. sharp. 

The route will take the parade north on Market Street

beginning at  14^th Street  and ending at the Pocomoke River.

                                         

In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be postponed until Tuesday, November 29, at 7:00 p.m.

Deadline to register in November 25th
For more info: http://pocomokechristmasparade.com/Home_Page.html

SHORE BEEF and BBQ SPECIAL

THURSDAY SPECIAL

MADE BY

SHORE BEEF and BBQ

Beef Brisket Sandwich/ w Side

Drink ~ $7.50

~ ALL DAY ~

Annual Winter Watermen's Festival

Winter Watermen's Festival

Delmarva Discovery Center

December 10th

10 AM to 4 PM

Join the Delmarva Discovery Center for our 2nd annual Winter Watermen's Festival. The Winter Watermen's Festival is a celebration of our Delmarva heritage. Local watermen will share their stories from 11 AM - 1 PM. We'll have delicious food samples from local favorites such as Bill's Seafood, Watermen's Inn, the Upper Deck, Don's Seafood & Chicken House, the Crusty Crab, and Bay Queen Galley. Local artists will be displaying and selling their work as well!
 New to the Festival are wine from Bishop's Stock and beer from Burley Oak Brewery!

This is the perfect time for holiday shopping and celebrating Delmarva!
Don't miss out! 

Event is free with paid admission.

 

Phone Scam In Accomack County- Caller Posing As Law Enforcement

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office has recently received reports of alleged fraud involving victims who received phone calls from an individual portraying themselves as a law enforcement officer. The caller in these cases claims that the victims' family members are in need of money for various reasons, and the money is being requested to be sent through Western Union to a specified location.

It is recommended that if anyone receives a phone call of this nature, attempt to speak with the family member who is allegedly in need, as well as obtain the identity of the law enforcement officer by requesting the officers name, badge number and agency. This information could then be verified by contacting that law enforcement agency's phone number as it is listed in the phone book.

It is recommended that an individual never send any money, or give out any personal information, based on a phone call, email or by any other means, until the identity of the requester and the purpose of the request has been verified.

 If you receive a call of this nature, contact your local law enforcement agency for assistance.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Makuchal Brothers Exhibit Opens Tonight - At Delmarva Discovery Center

REMINDER

Makuchal Brothers Exhibit Opening

Thursday Evening

November 17th

5 PM - 7 PM



Wally Makuchal, Jr.



Join us in welcoming the Makuchal Brothers' regionally & nationally awarded works. See some of their work, meet the artists and learn the history behind their awarded works.

Paul Makuchal

 Paul & Wally's works will be on display in the changing exhibits room throughout the remainder of November and all of December.

Ten Years For Convicted Drug Dealer

Tony Nathaniel Harmon
Wor.Co.States's Attorney's
Office Photo

SNOW HILL - A convicted drug dealer was sentenced to 10 years in prison Nov. 15 after being found guilty of cocaine possession with intent to distribute.

Maryland State Police arrested Tony Nathaniel Harmon, 27, in March. At the time of his arrest, he exited his still-moving vehicle and fled on foot. Troopers eventually caught him after a short chase. Police found a large plastic bag containing three smaller, individually-wrapped plastic bags containing crack cocaine.

Harmon never placed his car in park before exiting, and the vehicle eventually collided with the southbound rail guard on Rt. 113. A closer inspection of his vehicle also produced more drugs. Police later learned that his drivers license had been suspended and revoked.

Harmon's 10-year sentence was influenced by his criminal history. In November 2007, a sheriff's deputy was doing a pat-down on Harmon, who had been caught on a warrant check, when Harmon assaulted the deputy and tried to get hold of his gun.

Police later found crack cocaine and marijuana on him. He eventually was sentenced in a plea deal to two years in jail for crack cocaine possession.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20111116/NEWS01/111116019/WORCESTER-10-years-drug-dealer?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7Cfrontpage

Hospice Thrift Stores Black Friday Sale

Annual Bicycle, Coat and Toy Drive Has Begun

Accomack Parks and Recreation, WESR as well as the Saxis and Parksley Fire Departments have announced the Annual Bicycle, Coat and Toy Drive.

 Drop off your new and slightly used coats, toys and bicycles to WESR in Accomack, Roses Four Corner Plaza in Onley, Giddens Do-Drop Inn in Weirwood, the Accomack County Parks and Recreation Office in Accomac, The Center for Independent Living in Exmore or Riverside Shore Rehabilitation Center in Parksley.

Applications for bicycles are currently being accepted at the Accomack County Parks and Recreation Office. All applications must be submitted by 5:00 PM on December 6.


Bicycles and toys will be distributed at 9:00 AM on December 17 in the parking lot near the Accomack County Jail.


For more information please call 787-3900.

THANK YOU To Our Soldiers... cont.

Pocomoke City Flag
Cypress Park

PLEASE continue to send me the names of your soldier- veteran or active.

These are but a few of the names of those that have fought for and protected  this great land that we travel about freely in every day.  There should be no limitations on what it takes to protect them.  
  

"May no soldier go unloved."

from Soldiers' Angels

www.soldiersangels.org 

Thank you to each one of you.......

ACTIVE DUTY

Jacob Gibbons, SSgt. Air Force

Veterans
Rick Choquette, Army

Bruce Glenn Merritt, Jr.,  Navy
Here's what his mom had to say about him:
 ("MT2/E5/SS He served on the USS Kamehameha and the West Virginia from 1990-1994.
Roy Woodrow Wilkins, Navy


James Walter  Morris, Navy


Orland E. Howard, Marines, Korean Conflict


Buddy Hughes, Army, Korea


William Byron Schoolfield, Navy, WWII Pacific Theater


Byron Dorsey Schoolfield, Army WWI


Jack Sipilia, WWII, Navy (Retired)

Billy Hall, Army, Vietnam (Deceased)

James W. Maddox, WWII, Army (Deceased)


Art Sexton, Corporal, Marines, Vietnam


John Carey, Rank E-4, Airforce


Richard  Hitchens, Army and National Guard, 1st Sergeant, Vietnam, Afganistan (40 yrs. later)

Larry Fykes, Coast Guard, Senior Chief, Desert Storm, Operation Iraq, Deep Water Horizon (Katrina)

Lawrence Tull, Airforce, Captain

Kenneth Tull, Airforce, A2c

James B. Maddox, Army National Guard, Vietnam and Desert Storm


Jason Harris, Airforce, 167 AW, Kuwait

Larry Wood, Navy

Paul Hill, Navy, Chief, WWII


Michael Hill, Navy


William Byrd, III Cpl E4, First Marine Brigade, Vietnam

Michael Coutu, Navy AZ3 (SCW)


Nicholas Jones, Marines, PFC


Cornell Ginn, Air Force, Master Sgt. E-7 Veteran of Foreign Wars


This is just a start.  There are so many more names out there.............PLEASE send them to me.  Help me keep this list of names of our brave American men and women growing  so everyone will know who they are and how proud we are. 

Those that might not know the navy meaning of the above they stand for missile technician, second class, E5 pay grade, sub surface qualified.

Both submarines were nuclear....the big ones. He has seen parts of the world we will never see, including Scotland! He was so young and did an amazing job! We will always be proud of him and thank him for his service to our country.")

Please fly your flags and yellow ribbons!  Let the active military know they are in our hearts and NOT forgotten.

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting - Minutes - October 2011

October 3, 2011

The regular meeting of the Pocomoke Mayor and Council was held in the Council Chambers at City Hall on Tuesday, October 3, 2011. The meeting was called to order at 7:30 P.M.

Present: Mayor Bruce Morrison

Council Members: Tracey Cottman, Diane Downing

Rob Clarke, Bob Hawkins, Donald L. Malloy

City Attorney William Hudson

City Manager Russell W. Blake

City Clerk Carol L. Justice

Review Minutes:

In a motion (Clarke, Cottman passed), to approve the minutes of September 12, 2011.

Review Bills:

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

Mr. Mike Kleger, Vice President of P.K.S. to present annual audit report for year ending 6/30/11:

Mr. Kleger stated that the purpose of his 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.

Mr. Kleger explained the General Fund Revenues by source, stating that total revenues were $4,955,972. Property taxes accounted for 69.42% of the total revenue, followed by intergovernmental revenues of 20.99%. Mr. Kleger stated that the City’s financial position remains stable. The Ambulance Department continues to present a financial challenge for the City, although this year there was a great improvement. He thanked City Finance Coordinator Monna VanEss and the City staff for being well prepared for the audit again this year.

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

Discuss letter from Delmarva Discovery Center requesting additional funding for their operations (letter dated 9/20/11):

Mayor Morrison stated that he and City Manager Blake had met with Brian Garrett of the Delmarva Discovery Center. Mr. Garrett stated that UMES is not willing to make a decision on their involvement with D.D.C. at this time due to having an interim president. The D.D.C. would like for the City to take over paying the electric bill to help them with utilities expenses.

Councilman Clarke stated that he would like to see the D.D.C. see the revenue and expense accounts before he voted so that they could give suggestions on how to cut the expenses.

In a motion (Hawkins, Malloy passed) to support the Delmarva Discovery Center’s request for their electricity expenses retro-active to July 2011 with an understanding that D.D.C. give the Council their accounts to look over to see if they could offer some suggestions regarding their expenditures.

Review of bids for demolition of vacant house at 707 Clarke Avenue:

Mayor Morrison stated that the City had received three bids to demolish the house at 707 Clarke Avenue owned by Sadoria Wallop, with the low bidder being Harry White in the amount of $10,000. The other two bidders were Beauchamp Construction Co in the amount of $12,860 and Rocky Kimbrew in the amount of $18,320.

In a motion (Downing, Malloy passed) to accept the low bid of $10,000 from Harry White to demolish the vacant house at 707 Clarke Avenue owned by Sadoria Wallop.

Resolution No. 451 authorizing the submission of 2011-2012 Community Legacy Grant Application (Emergency Resolution):

Mayor Morrison read for the record Resolution No. 451.

A RESOLUTION OF THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL OF POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND APPROVING THE DESIGNATION OF A COMMUNITY LEGACY AREA AND APPLICATION AND RECEIPT OF FINANCING FOR A COMMUNITY LEGACY PROJECT(S) IN POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND TO BE FINANCED EITHER DIRECTLY BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (THE”DEPARTMENT”) OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND OR THROUGH OTHER DEPARMENTS OR AGENCIES OF THE STATE OF MARYLAND.

In a motion (Malloy, Hawkins passed) to authorize the Mayor to sign Resolution 439 to submit Community Legacy Grant Application. Roll call: Downing, aye; Cottman, aye; Hawkins, aye; Malloy, aye; Clarke, aye.

Resolution No. 452 authorizing Mayor to sign revised agreement with Shore Bank for acquisition and renovation of property at 1500 Market Street for use as police station. (Emergency Resolution):

Mayor Morrison read for the record Resolution No. 452 which states:

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Pocomoke City on

May 2, 2011 passed Resolution 446 regarding acquisition and

renovation of a building at 1500 Market Street: and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council now wish to revise that

Resolution based on bids received for the proposed renovation

work: and

WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of Pocomoke City wish to secure from Shore Bank the amount of $532,500 for the acquisition of real property at 1500 Market Street and an additional amount of $550,000 for renovation costs, and engineering, for a total maximum mortgage of $1,082,500.

In a motion (Cottman, Clarke passed) to authorize Mayor Morrison to sign revised agreement with Shore Bank for acquisition and renovation of property at 1500 Market Street.

Roll call: Downing, aye; Cottman, aye; Hawkins, aye; Malloy, aye; Clarke, aye.

Continue discussion of certain delinquent business taxes recommended to be written off:

Mayor Morrison stated that this was continued from last month’s meeting regarding one (1) business tax write-off that City Attorney Hudson was to review.

City Attorney Hudson stated that he concurred with previous decision to write off all of the delinquent business taxes.

In a motion (Cottman, Hawkins passed) to write-off all delinquent business taxes from previous meeting.

Discuss request from the Samaritan Shelter for gift certificate for their “Annual Christmas Gift Basket.”

Mayor Morrison stated that the Samaritan Shelter is requesting the City donate something for their “Annual Christmas Gift Basket”. Mayor Morrison asked Rev. Tasker if they were looking for anything in particular.

Rev. Tasker stated anything that they would like to donate would be helpful.

In a motion (Malloy, Hawkins passed) to donate four (4) rounds of golf with cart with a deadline of June 30, 2012 to the Samaritan Shelter “Annual Christmas Gift Basket.”

Review letter from Chamber of Commerce requesting use of Winter Quarters Golf Course for annual golf tournament on 10-21-11:

Mayor Morrison read a letter from Chamber of Commerce to use Winter Quarters Golf Course for their tournament.

In a motion (Hawkins, Downing passed) to allow Chamber of Commerce to use Winter Quarters Golf Course on October 21 for their annual golf tournament.

Consider request from Pocomoke High School for placement of ad in 2012 yearbook:

Mayor Morrison stated that Pocomoke High School was requesting an ad for their 2012 yearbook. He stated that in the previous years that City had a half page ad.

In a motion (Clarke, Malloy passed) to place a half page ad in the Pocomoke High School 2012 yearbook at a cost of $90.

City Manager to present summary of proposals for replacement of butterfly valves at water treatment plant:

City Manager Blake stated that this was a budget item, to replace leaking valves at the Quinn Avenue Plant. The City had budgeted $13,000 for this project; we received three bids and the low bid was $11,836.23 from Hill’s Electric of Linkwood, Maryland.

In a motion (Hawkins, Clarke passed) to accept the low bid in the amount of $11,836.23 from Hill’s Electric.

Comments from Council:

Councilman Hawkins stated that shrubbery at 10^th and Market needed to be trimmed.

Councilman Clarke stated that there are potholes at Hampshire Terrance and 804 Walnut Street.

Comments from Audience:

Rev. George Tasker stated that the new P.A. system at the bandstand in Cypress Park is very nice. Rev. Tasker also asked if there was anything the City could do concerning the house at 807 Market Street with overgrown vegetation in the front yard.

Following a motion by Councilman Malloy and seconded by Councilwoman Cottman, the Council voted to meet in a closed session at 8:17 P.M. in the Council Chambers. Present were: Mayor Morrison, Councilman Clarke, Councilwoman Cottman, Councilman Hawkins, Councilman Malloy, Councilwoman Downing, City Manager Blake, City Attorney Hudson, and City Clerk Carol Justice. Items discussed were the new Ethics Law and personnel matters. The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 P.M.

The next meeting is November 7, 2011.

Remembering The Countless Cats Who Also Served



Iraq war veteran, Pfc. Hammer

Pfc. Hammer is just one of countless numbers of cats employed during wartime, in service to those who serve and protect us.

 From at least the time of ancient Egypt’s greatness to this very day, cats have served in many ways. They are thought to have been used by the ancient Persians to keep the Eygptians from engaging in warfare, due to the Egyptians’ respect for felines. They have controlled vermin and disease, and protected food supplies when employed as mousers. They have been used to alert their human comrades to chemical agents, most notably in the trenches of WWI, where they were employed by the hundreds of thousands. Mostly, they have provided comfort, companionship, therapy, friendship, and a sense of some normalcy to men and women confronting the stresses and horrors of wartime.

Pfc. Hammer is just one of those many thousands, perhaps millions, of cats who have served those who have served us. The well known Iraq war veteran was born on his unit’s base and lived the experience of war with his fellow soldiers. He kept mice away from the food supply, he jumped at the sounds of too-close gunfire and explosions along with his mates, he soothed the soldiers’ frazzled nerves as they soothed his, and he was a sweet friend to all.



Thanks to his chief pal, Staff Sgt. Rick Bousefield, along with US advocacy organization Alley Cat Allies and Military Mascots, Hammer followed his fellow soldiers back to the States, and retired from military service, taking on the role of family pet to Rick Bousefiled.

We salute the famous cats and those who’ve been forgotten. Thank you for your service.

Source;  http://www.lifewithcats.tv/2011/11/11/11-11-11-remembering-the-countless-cats-who-also-served/

New Exhibit Opening - Delmarva Discovery Center

Makuchal Brothers Exhibit

Makuchal Brothers Exhibit Opening Thursday Evening November 17th 5 PM - 7 PM Join us in welcoming the Makuchal Brothers' regionally & nationally awarded works. See some of their work, meet the artists and learn the history behind their awarded works. Paul & Wally's works will be on display in the changing exhibits room throughout the remainder of November and all of  December.

Wally Makuchal, Jr. Wally Makuchal, Jr. is an Eastern Shore of Maryland native who loves to enter regional and national duck stamp competitions. Painting since early childhood, Wally has spent countless hours of birdwatching on the water and in the fields and woods to get a clear view of his favorite subjects - waterfowl. Wally is the owner of Makuchal's Signs in Girdletree, MD. Much of his artwork is posted and for sale on MakuchalSigns.com

Paul Makuchal Since the age of five, Paul Makuchal has always drawn the wildlife he sees around him. Coming from a family of artists such as his late father, Wally Makuchal, Sr., who was a very popular commercial artist on Maryland and Virginia's Eastern Shore and his brother, Wally Jr., also a well known artist, you could say talent runs in his blood. Primarily a self taught artist, his attention to color, contrast, and detail have allowed him to gain local, regional, and national recgonition. He started gaining attention for his work when he placed third in the 1994 Federal Junior Duck Stamp Contest, when his work represented Maryland in the nationwide contest. Some other awards from his acrylic paintings include being Maryland Ducks Unlimited Sponsor Artist of the Year. He is also a two time winner of the Maryland Duck Stamp Contest in 1998 and 2006. He still holds the honor of being the youngest artist to win the award at the age of just 21. He has also won the 2000 Oklahoma Duck Stamp Contest, placed second in the Delaware contest, and numerous top 5's in other states nationwide. His artwork has been featured on TV, videos, DU magazine, and the Indiana Outdoors calendar. He has exhibited his artwork at such venues as the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art and the Waterfowl Festival in Easton, Maryland. When not painting, he spends his time hunting, fishing, gathering reference for paintings or just enjoying the outdoors. He is an active member of Ducks Unlimited and donates time and artwork to many conservation organizations. Paul currently resides in Pocomoke City, Maryland where he has his studio.

Safety Pup To Greet Children At Snow Hill Elementary School

Buckle Up With Safety Pup

 The Worcester County Sheriff's Office and the Snow Hill Police Department will partner with the Maryland State Highway Administration to conduct a safety seat inspection as children are arrive at Snow Hill Elementary School.

The seat inspection is scheduled for Nov. 17 at 7:30 a.m. There will be a special visit by Safety Pup, the nationally-recognized character for Safe Kids. Safety Pup will greet kids and be available to help promote safety.

For additional details, contact Det. Dale Trotter at the sheriff's office at 410-632-1112.

Pocomoke City Fire Dept. and Emergency Crews Respond to Accident

The Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company and Pocomoke City EMS responded to a single vehicle accident on Sunday, November 13, 2011.  There were three occupants and one dog in the vehicle that had run off the highway and overturned.  All occupants were wearing seatbelts and  there were no injuries.

The accident occurred in the south bound lane on Route 13 just before the traffic light.  (Market Street Extd.)

Here's where YOU can HELP!!

The  family DOG riding in the car ran away from the scene!



The above picture is the area firefighters seached for the lost dog. These are the tracks just north of the Pocomoke River. Too the right of the tracks is a swampy area and then Market St. Extended. The dog was last seen in this area. (Photo/Caption Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Dept)

The missing dog is a Golden Retreiver.  Pocomoke City fire and Emergency crews searched until dark and could not locate the missing, frightened dog.

Please be the eyes and ears for the family that misses their dog.  If you know anyone that lives or works in the area please contact them so that this dog can be returned to his family.  I'm sure he is friendly- just tired and hungry not to mention scared.

Just another wonderful thing the Pocomoke Fire Dept. and Emergency Personel do!

More info  and photos on the accident: http://pocomokefire.com/mvc11-13-11rt13.htm

Annual Turkey Shoot