STATE POLICE STAND BEHIND EXECUTIVE PROTECTION TROOPERS

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Maryland State Police believe comments made by the Maryland Attorney General today about the Commander of the Executive Protection Section are baseless and inappropriate. The Department continues to stand behind the statements made by seven troopers who made written reports in addition to other troopers who made oral reports from the Executive Protection Section whose concerns were detailed in emails recently required to be released to media pursuant to requests under the Maryland Public Information Act.

In a television interview broadcast today, the Maryland Attorney General referred to the Commander of the Executive Protection Section as a ‘henchman’ and implied his actions were motivated by politics. This reference to Lt. Charles Ardolini is unseemly and unacceptable. Lt. Ardolini has served in the Executive Protection Section for almost 13 years, as a trooper providing protection, as a supervisor, and, for the last eight years, as the commander of the section. He worked under the administrations of Governor William Donald Schaeffer, Governor Parris Glendening, Governor Robert Ehrlich, and Governor Martin O’Malley.

As Commander of the Executive Protection Section, Lt. Ardolini reports to Lieutenant Colonel William Pallozzi, Chief of the Support Services Bureau. Lt. Col. Pallozzi served as a trooper providing protection, as a supervisor, and as a commander of the Executive Protection Section for 11 years, working for three administrations. “The role of anyone assigned to the Executive Protection Section, including the commander, is to fully focus on providing for the safety and protection of the elected officials we are assigned to protect,” Lt. Col. Pallozzi said. “We are to remain completely unattached and unaffiliated with any political party, cause or candidate. To accuse someone in the Executive Protection Section of a politically motivated action impugns the integrity not only of that individual, but of every one of the dedicated troopers who works in this difficult and demanding assignment. I have worked with and supervised Lt. Ardolini for more than 20 years and find his character and his commitment as a member of the Maryland State Police to be above reproach. The concern of Lt. Ardolini was solely focused on the safety of the protectee, his troopers, and the general public. His actions, which occurred two years ago, had absolutely nothing to do with any political motivation.”

The Maryland State Police believe the members of the Executive Protection Section work very hard to be impartial. Lt. Ardolini’s conduct was nothing but professional. His memorandum was the result of ongoing safety concerns expressed to him by his troopers over a period of time that culminated with actions witnessed by the Lieutenant himself. He ultimately reported his concerns up his chain of command to the Superintendent of the Maryland State Police. Lt. Ardolini would have been considered negligent in his duties had he not done so. Lt. Ardolini did not make these documented concerns public. The documents became public due to a request by the Washington Post under the Maryland Public Information Act.

The Maryland State Police Executive Protection Section role remains that of protection, security, and safety, not politics.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Deer Season ~STAY ALERT!

As a friendly reminder to all that travel in our county, the fall season is almost upon us.

As most of you know, the notorious deer will be once again making their presence known. As farmers get back to harvesting crops, the deer population will become more active which results in motor vehicle collisions.

Please pay attention and watch for these creatures. If you are unfortunate enough to collide with one, please stay with your vehicle if its safe to do so and call your local, county or state police. Do not try to remove a struck deer from the roadway. Wait for Law Enforcement to arrive.

Please report the collision as soon as possible for your insurance company and police reporting.

Most of us locals know the popular areas that the deer like to meet at and jump in front of us to scare us.

As always, be safe while driving and arrive home safely.

~ Worcester County Sheriff's Office ~ 

Winter Hours and a Message From Pocomoke Animal Hospital, Inc.

POCOMOKE ANIMAL HOSPITAL, INC.

New Winter hours are as follows: Monday & Thursday- 7:30am-7pm
 Tuesday & Wednesday- 7:30am-6pm
 Friday- 7:30am-5pm

 

 *Please be advised we are now down to one doctor due to Dr. Hickman's maternity leave. Although we are open at these times there will not always be a vet present.

 

 Friday afternoons there will be NO vet until further notice.

 

 Please make plans accordingly.

 

 Thanks!!!

A Word From The Mar-Va Theater

Due to the Government Shutdown, the next free Pocomoke City sponsored concert of the Army Field Band,

The Volunteers

 has been cancelled

 

We apologize for this, but hope you understand.

 Mar-Va Theater

Revival Services Beginning Sunday

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH

NEW CHURCH, VA.

 

First Baptist Church Photo

 

REVIVAL SERVICES

Sun. Oct. 20 - Thurs. Oct. 24

Time:   7 p.m.

Guest Speaker & music each night

 

Monday - Thursday evenings SOUP & SANDWICHES

@ 6 P.M. -- NO CHARGE

 

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE

Locate First Baptist Church on Facebook.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/First-Baptist-of-New-Church-VA/193653323982896

Hallowen Hill & Hole Show Down / Mud Bog & Hill and Hole

 

Proceeds go towards the GOOD OLE BOY FOUNDATION

https://www.facebook.com/GoodOleBoyFoundation

 

 

 

 

Be sure to check out RULES AND REGULATIONS  ON FACEBOOK

Delmarva Discover Center ~ Program Offerings

Add caption

Voter Registration Deadline Tuesday, October 15th

RICHMOND, VA ~The deadline to apply to register to vote in Virginia for the November 5, 2013 election is this coming Tuesday, October 15, 2013. Virginia residents are encouraged to check their registration status and polling place on the State Board of Elections website at www.vote.virginia.gov, by contacting their local registrars office, or by contacting the State Board of Elections toll free at 1-800-552-9745.

Voter registration applications sent by mail must be postmarked no later than October 15, 2013. Applications are available at the local general registrars office, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and are downloadable on the Virginia State Board of Elections website.

Eligible citizens of the Commonwealth are able to submit a voter registration application or update their registration information online at www.vote.virginia.gov. In order to complete the application process online, citizens must provide their Virginia DMV customer identifier number, which is displayed on DMV issued identification cards or drivers licenses, in addition to the information normally required on an application. Citizens who do not have a Virginia DMV customer identifier may still fill out the registration application online, but will be required to print and mail and postmark or return the completed application to the appropriate local voter registration office by October 15.

To be eligible to register to vote in Virginia a person must:

Be a resident of Virginia
Be a U. S. Citizen
Be 18 years old (Any person who is 17 years old and will be 18 years of age on or before November 5th will be permitted to register in advance and also vote on November 5th)
Not be registered and plan to vote in another state
Not currently declared mentally incompetent by a court of law
If convicted of a felony, your right to vote must have been restored

All voter registration application submissions are subject to review and approval by the appropriate local general registrar.

To obtain a voter registration application or an application to vote absentee go to the Virginia State Board of Elections website at www.sbe.virginia.gov or call 1-800-552-9745.

Source:

Two Die In Vehicle Accident In Accomack County

Virginia State Police Trooper J.D. Kirk is investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash that took place in Accomack County Friday night, October 11, 2013.  The crash occurred at 8:09 p.m. on Big Pine Road less than a mile north of Shell Bridge Road.

A 2007 Ford Expedition was southbound on Big Pine Road when it crossed the centerline and struck a northbound 1998 Lincoln Town Car. The Expedition then overturned and caught fire.

The driver of the Expedition, Juan A. Escobedo Jr., 32, of Bowling Green, Fla., died at the scene.

The driver of the Lincoln, Irvin T. Costin, 65, of Onancock, Va., died at the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Source:

Happy Birthday U.S. Navy

United States NAVY

Celebrates 238 YEARS

 

 

 

October 13, 1775

 

Happy to the United States Navy!

 

 

TIME MACHINE ... 1923, 1893, 1955, 1903, 1932

 (Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
　

July, 1923

An advertisement in a Canadian newspaper (The Letherbridge Daily Harold) reported on a 2,500 mile tour of a standard stock model of the "Star" car made by the Durant motor company that included a route from Oakland, Md. to Cape Charles, Va.

"The roads were generally good, but between Pocomoke and Cape Charles- 72 miles- 62 miles were plowed dirt and sand undergoing improvement work. I was told by many not to try it. An owner of a higher priced car said that after twelve miles of it he had spent all the next day tightening up his bolts. Another owner of a car the same price as the Star had broken two springs. I knew by that time, however, the Star could go where any car could, and it did. We went through those almost impassable roads without any trouble. Never once was I bumped off the seat. It held the rough road as well at slow speed and handled as beautifully as on concrete at more than 55 miles per hour."

  Durant dealers were notified in advance so they could inform the public of the Star car's arrival along the local tour route. The Star's usual speed on the tour was said to be 25 to 35 miles per hour, with gasoline mileage of 25 miles to a gallon and "over 400 miles on a quart of oil" with no other expenses except for the gas and oil. The Star car was advertised at $810.


October, 1893
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House, Va.)

The movement on foot for the establishment of a bank in the town of Onancock, of which there is a notice elsewhere in this paper, is certainly a step in the right direction. Whether or not a bank should be established there is hardly a debatable question. The necessity for it is so great and the reasons for having a bank in the county are so many, that the only question now debatable, is not whether we shall have a bank in Onancock, but why have we not had one before this time. Of course we should have it and the bulk of the stock should be taken by our own citizens and be controlled by them.



January, 1955
(Salisbury Times)

Pocomoke Lions To Entertain Farmers

POCOMOKE CITY - Members of the Pocomoke City Lions Club will be host to the Ruritans of the Atlantic District of Virginia and to farmers of this area for a meeting Tuesday night in the firehouse.

Last spring, Pocomoke City Lions visited the Ruritans and Tuesday's meeting will give them the opportunity to play host again in the series of yearly meetings. Approximately 150 are expected to attend.

Lions President Vaughn Wilkerson also announced that the local club will sponsor the sale of tickets for a special basketball game Feb. 19 between the Greenbelt Lions Club and the Pocomoke Chiefs. Proceeds will be contributed to the Pocomoke City Boys Club.



March, 1903
(Newark Advocate- Newark, Ohio)

Tomato Growers Getting Together.

At a recent meeting tomato growers in the Fairmount district of Somerset County, Md., decided that they would not contract to grow tomatoes for less than 15-cents for a five-eighth's bushel basket to be sold by the basket, and the cannery to furnish baskets for the grower to dump his tomatoes in at the factory. There was another meeting held at Jamestown attended by tomato growers from Westover and Brinkleys districts Jan.17, and the action of the previous meeting was endorsed. A committee was named from each district present to get tomato growers of their respective districts to support the measure.　



March, 1932 (Time Machine archive)
(The Morning Herald- Hagerstown, Md.)

Mob Threatens Worcester County Prosecutor

Berlin, Md., March 24 (AP)- An investigation to establish the identity of the members of the mob which surrounded the Atlantic Hotel early today and threatened State's Attorney Godfrey Child, was promised today by Charles R. Mason of Pocomoke City, a member of the Worcester County Board of Commissioners.

Mason said the investigation would be conducted by the County Board of Commissioners.

Meanwhile, State's Attorney Child was resting comfortably at his home in Pocomoke City after being conducted there by Sheriff Wilmer S. Purnell after the latter and state troopers had dispersed the mob about the hotel. He made no intimations today concerning any actions he may take against the persons in the crowd.

The mob action followed the rendering of the decision by Justice Of The Peace William J. Bratten in dismissing the kidnapping and assault charges against Robert Allen, Chief of Police of Ocean City, and George K. Jarvis, prominent cattleman. The charges had been preferred by Charles W. Brown who said he had been waylaid and held a prisoner by Allen, Jarvis and two other men for five days last week.

State's Attorney Child presented the evidence for the complainant at the hearing last night and the attitude of the crowd wanted to know why the decision had been in the favor of the defendants. A window in the hotel where Child planned to spend the night was broken and the State's Attorney's automobile was wrecked.

 After the hotel was darkened and the doors bolted, Sheriff Purnell and state police were called to break up the mob. Later the Sheriff took the prosecutor to his home.

　
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
  


























　

　


　


　


　

 




　

 




　

SAVE THE DATE ~ Harvest Music Festival

Beaver Dam Presbyterian Church is hosting a

 Harvest Music Festival

 featuring the Beaver Dam Strings, Second Chance and Kindred Spirit.  Refreshments will be served. 

 Beaver Dam is located at 345 Makemie Rd Pocomoke. 

 The festival will be on Sunday, October 27 from 3-5

Arrest Made For Theft From Walmart

On October 10, 2013 at approximately 1352 hours, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies responded to Wal-Mart in Berlin Md. for a theft.

 

 Upon arrival Deputies and Maryland State Troopers made contact with the suspect, Identified as Mary Ellen Reid 49 years of age, from Berlin Md.  Wal-Mart associates advised Ms. Reid had made approximately 10 trips in and out of Wal-Mart over a 3 hour period, concealing merchandise inside her handbag. Deputies found in Ms. Reid’s vehicle a black trash bag with numerous items with a total value of $1,289.47 and still bearing Wal-Mart sales tags. 

 

 Ms. Reid was placed under arrest by Worcester County Sheriff’s Office for theft and theft scheme Ms. Reid was taken before the District Court Commissioner, and was held in the Worcester County Jail on $5,000.00 bond.    

 

Submitted:

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

 

 

New York Passenger Bus Crashes On Virginia Eastern Shore

Machipongo, Virginia – According to State Police, a commercial passenger bus from the Vision Tours Bus Company ran off the road and struck a ditch in the 13,000 block of Lankford Highway in Macipongo.

The bus had left New York and was traveling to Virginia Beach.
There were 55 people on board the Vision Tours Bus and 13 were transported to Shore Memorial Hospital for treatment of minor injuries.

The passengers were from New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia Beach.

Vision Tours Bus company is operated by ABC Bus Leasing of Minnesota.

The driver was 59 year-old Jeffrey Williams of New York. He was not injured and is being charged with failure to keep a vehicle on the roadway.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

There were no road closures as a result of the crash.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1923.. "Star" car successfully travels the roads from Pocomoke City to Cape Charles; 1893.. A bank for Onancock?; 1955.. Pocomoke Lions Club to host farmers; 1903.. Somerset tomato growers demand 15-cents a bushel; 1932.. Mob threatens Worcester prosecutor.

Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 

 
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

OPEN HOUSE ~ Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company

TODAY

RAIN OR SHINE

OPEN HOUSE

 

 

 

Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company

 1410 MARKET STREET

 

Saturday October 12
 10 a.m. til 2 p.m.

 

Come on out and see our station, fire trucks, and meet some of our firefighters for our open house.

 

There will be a rescue demo -- we'll show you how we extricate a patient trapped in a car.

 

Bounce house, games AND PLENTY to do for the kids !

 

 Fire prevention hand-outs

 

Refreshments

 

Display of photos and accompanying history of the organization dating back to the fire departments founding

 

 

 

**If you are interested in becoming a firefighter or a cadet this would be a good time to find out more about it**

SAVE THE DATE: DASH Bingo

Rabid Raccoon Found On Chincoteague

According to the Accomack Sheriff's Office, on Thursday, October 3, a laborator confirmed rabid raccoon was found roaming Cropper Street and Church Street on Chincoteague and was immediately euthanized.

Rabies is a fatal disease caused by a virus that is present in the saliva of infected animals. Rabies is spread when the virus enters a fresh open wound, or through exposure of a mucous membrane of the nose, eye or mouth. Rabies is endemic in raccoons, and can be found in other animals including foxes, skunks, cats and bats.

To protect yourself, officials advise keep all pets vaccination current, keep your pets on your own property, avoid contact with stray or unknown pets and report all bites to your local Health Department.

In Accomack, the number is 824-5616. You can also call the Sheriff's office at 787-1311.
Source:

HAUNTED FOREST and CORN MAZE FUN ~ Exmore, Virginia

 

 

 

Worcester County Sheriff and Deputy Meet "The Incredible Hulk"

I just love it when I see the Worcester County Sheriff and his Deputies having fun!!  Sheriff Mason, don't forget the "Roast the Sheriff" at the American Legion in Pocomoke in a few days!!  More fun! jmmb/bw

Photo/ Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Sheriff Reggie Mason and Corporal Dale Trotter were able to personally welcome Lou Ferrigno to the Ocean City Convention Center today for the 2013 Endless Summer Cruise In.

Lou starred in the 1978-1982 hit series, "The Incredible Hulk", and helped make famous the line "Don't make me angry, you wouldn't like me when I am angry."

 Lou Ferrigno, it was a honor to have met you and we wish you the best in your continued endeavors. Lou also serves the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office in Phoenix Arizona when he is not touring as the Hulk.

Submitted:
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Snow Hill Mud Bog CANCELED

SORRY !

Dirty Dog II / Driver Richie Lewis
Photo/ Brian Phillips

 Due to the Nor'easter that has visited the area recently the second  Mud Bog scheduled for Saturday, October 12, 2013  sponsored  by the members of the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Company has been

CANCELED

The fire department members are currently undecided on a makeup date but as soon as a decision is made there will be an announcement.

Fall Festival Has Been Canceled

DOWNTOWN POCOMOKE

 Fall Festival

 

The Fall Festival hosted by the Downtown Pocomoke Association has been canceled for Oct. 12.

 

Many events will be held Oct. 19.

 

Please check pocomoke.com for updates. 

 

The  Studio Day at the Chamber with Artist Doris Glovier has also been canceled for Oct. 12.

 

 

Coast Guard Rescues Virginia Boaters During High Seas

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard responded Wednesday to a sailboat taking on water near the mouth of the Great Wicomico River and another sailboat approximately 17 miles northeast of Cape Charles that was disabled and taking on water.

Crewmembers aboard the 34-foot sailboat Basta contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders at approximately 5 p.m. reporting the boat was experiencing engine trouble, and they were unable to raise their sails or lower an anchor approximately six miles southeast of Ship Shoal Inlet.

Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders issued an urgent marine information broadcast and dispatched a 45-foot Response Boat - Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles and an aircrew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., to assist.

After being underway for approximately an hour, the boatcrew was directed to return to base due to the 12-foot seas they were experiencing.

The Jayhawk crew arrived on scene at approximately 6:45 p.m., established communications with the Basta and relayed their position to the command center. Due to the 40 knot winds and 12-foot seas, the helicopter was unable to hoist the crewmembers from the sailboat.

A crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat - Medium from Coast Guard Station Little Creek, Va., and a crew aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Sea Horse, an 87-foot patrol boat homeported in Portsmouth arrived on scene at approximately 9 p.m and was not able to get the Basta in tow.

The RB-M crew from Station Little Creek arrived on scene at approximately 10 p.m. and was unable to get the Basta in tow.

One crewmember aboard the Basta was injured, and the other was unable to connect the towline.

The Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City lowered a rescue swimmer, who was able to get aboard the sailboat and secure a tow line.

The RB-M crew towed the boat to a pier at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek where the two Basta crewmembers were evaluated by an ambulance crew.

In a separate case, crewmembers aboard the 36-foot sailboat, Silver Mists, contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads Command Center watchstanders at approximately 9:45 p.m. Wednesday, reporting their boat hit a submerged object, and their boat was taking on water in the Chesapeake Bay near the Reedville Airport in Reedville.

Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard a 41-foot Utility Boat from Coast Guard Station Milford Haven to assist. The UTB crew arrived on scene, transferred the four people from the sailboat onto the Coast Guard boat and took the people shore side in Reedsville, where they stayed in a hotel overnight and arranged for TowBoat U.S. to recover the sailboat Thursday.

Submitted:
U.S. Coast Guard

OPEN HOUSE ~ Pocomoke Volunteer Fire Company

OPEN HOUSE

Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company

 1410 MARKET STREET

 

Saturday October 12
 10 a.m. til 2 p.m.

 

 

Come on out and see our station, fire trucks, and meet some of our firefighters for our open house.

 

There will be a rescue demo -- we'll show you how we extricate a patient trapped in a car.

 

Bounce house for the kids, games

 

 Fire prevention hand-outs

 

Refreshments

 

Display of photos and accompanying history of the organization dating back to the fire departments founding

 

If you are interested in becoming a firefighter or a cadet this would be a good time to find out more about it

 

The public is welcome....and please bring the kids

 

 

Annual All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner ~ TONIGHT !

It's fire prevention week -- and the Cadets are having their 2nd Annual All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner!

 

 

 

 

 

 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1923.. "Star" car successfully travels the roads from Pocomoke City to Cape Charles; 1893.. A bank for Onancock?; 1955.. Pocomoke Lions Club to host farmers; 1903.. Somerset tomato growers demand 15-cents a bushel; 1932.. Mob threatens Worcester prosecutor.

Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye! 

 
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

BINGO ~ Sponsored by Pocomoke Jr. Women's Club

BINGO

Brand Name Bingo ! 
Prizes include Thirty-One, Vera Bradley, Coach, Stella & Dot, Black & Decker, gift cards & more

 

Sponsored by Pocomoke Jr. Women's Club

 

 "Adopt a Child for Christmas" Program

 Friday, October 11, 2013
5:30 p.m. - Games @ 7 p.m.

 

 

Pocomoke Fair Grounds
Broad Street
Pocomoke City, Md.

Be sure to enjoy the
Great food from the Great Pocomoke Fair kitchen

Raffle Table

**Bring 4 can goods or personal hygiene items for the Samaritan shelter and get a special game prize**

 Tickets $20 in advance $25 at door

 

Call:

 Andrea Lilly - 410-957-2519 or

Harriet Ennis - 410-603-8534 for tickets/information

Must be 18 to play!

Virginia Fire Company Treasurer Arrested For Embezzlement

James R. Morris
Photo/ Va. State Police

James R. Morris, 82, of Onley who served as treasurer of the Onley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company was taken into custody Wednesday without incident. 

Morris arrested on multiple counts of embezzling funds intended for the use in operations  of the Onley Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company  following a State Police investigation  initiated by a Virginia State Police Special Agent  in November 2012. The embezzlement occurred over a period of several years.

As a result of the investigation, an Accomack County Grand Jury returned nine counts of embezzlement against the fire company's treasurer (James R. Morris)

Morris was released on a $1,000 bond from the Accomack County Jail and the investigation is continuing.

UPDATE On Government Shutdown From Virginia Congressman Scott Rigell

 

Rigell Urges Washington:

 Reopen the Government

Written by
Kim Mosser Knapp
 Communications Director


Dear Friends,

The government shutdown is unquestionably hurting families in Hampton Roads – particularly those who were furloughed because of the sequester earlier this year. I wanted to provide you with a brief report on Congressman Rigell’s efforts in recent weeks to prevent a government shutdown and reopen the government.

Preventing the Shutdown

Congressman Rigell has been a strong advocate for Congress returning to sane budgeting, or what’s called “Regular Order” – meaning Congress should pass a budget and all 12 appropriation bills each year in order to fund the government. (Read about the appropriations process here.)

Unfortunately, Washington has been relying on budgeting gimmicks called Continuing Resolutions (CRs) to fund our government year after year. CRs are mindless mechanisms that just continue the prior year’s funding levels without regard for the actual needs of the nation. On September 20, Congressman Rigell voted AGAINST a CR that failed to address the defense sequester or put the country back on a path to fiscal responsibility. At that point, Washington still had 11 days to work through appropriations bills before the start of the new fiscal year on October 1.

As you know, since that vote Congress and the White House failed to agree upon a plan to properly fund the government. As it became apparent there would be no agreement before October 1, Congressman Rigell voted to pass a spending bill that would keep the government open and delay parts of the Affordable Care Act, of which he has been a strong opponent. The Senate rejected this offer.  The House and Senate went back and forth several times before midnight on October 1, each time the House making additional concessions in an effort to reach an agreement. Each time the Senate rejected these offers.

You know what happened next: the federal government shut down. More than 800,000 federal employees were furloughed, government contractors were sent home, and we saw government services across the country shutter – including our national parks and wildlife refuges, which is having a direct and serious impact on the economy of our Eastern Shore. The pain is still being felt as I write this today.

Reopening the Government

Congressman Rigell was among the first in his party to call for the consideration of what is known as a “clean CR,” meaning a funding bill to reopen the government with no strings attached. That has been met with resistance in the House but Congressman Rigell is actively pursuing options that both parties can agree upon to reopen the federal government.

Congressman Rigell is an original co-sponsor of H.R. 3223, the Retroactive Pay for Federal Employees Act, which the House passed Saturday morning. The bill provides authority for retroactive pay to federal employees furloughed as a result of the government shutdown. He also supported efforts to pay the military during the shutdown with passage of H.R. 3210 – the Pay Our Military Act.

Congressman Rigell also called on Defense Secretary Hagel to apply H.R. 3210 to civilian personnel and contractors of the Department of Defense, noting their work is critical to protecting the country and supporting the military. And Congressman Rigell voted to ensure the Department of Veterans’ Affairs has all the resources it needs to address the claims backlog and pay benefits on time. 

Though these actions will help ease the burden felt in our district, the impacts of a long-term shutdown on our military, national security, and economy are dangerous. Congressman Rigell knows that the real solution is to reopen the government and get people back to work.
 

                                                     You will hear from Congressman Rigell directly in the days ahead. Please stay tuned to your email, and our Facebook and Twitter feeds for an announcement about a telephone townhall. I also encourage you to click through some of the links below to hear his message about reopening the government. As always, our staff is available to speak with you and address your comments and concerns. We welcome your questions. Our contact information is below:

Virginia Beach, VA – 757-687-8290
Eastern Shore, VA – 757- 789-5172
Washington, D.C. – 202-225-4215

Sincerely,

Kim Mosser Knapp
Communications Director

PS: Congressman Rigell is donating the salary he receives during the shutdown to the Wounded Warrior Project. As you may know, he already gives back 15% of his salary to pay down the national debt and supports the No Budget, No Pay Act which says Members shouldn't be paid without passing a budget and all 12 Appropriation bills.

Arrest Made / Investigation Continuing in Drug Theft

DATE & TIME: Tuesday, October 9, 2013
 Case # 13-0245
 LOCATION: Stockton, Maryland
 CRIME: Armed Robbery
 ACCUSED: Ecentral Brian Francois

 213 Cedar Street, Pocomoke City, Maryland

Ecentral Brian Francois

 CHARGES: Armed Robery, Second Degree Assault and Theft Under $1,000

 

 NARRATIVE: On Tuesday, October 9, 2013, Ecentral Francois was involved in a drug transaction in the Stockton, Maryland area. During the transaction Francois brandished a gun and forcibly took the drugs.

Francois was tracked through the license plate on his vehicle and with the assistance of the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Pocomoke City Police Department was detained and subsequently identified by the victim.

 

Francois was arrested and charged with Armed Robbery, Second Degree Assault and Theft Under $1,000.

 

 Mr. Francois was taken before a judicial officer and held on $40,000.

 

The investigation is ongoing.

 

 

The Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Pocomoke Police Department for their quick response and action taken in locating the suspect vehicle in such a quick manner. It is these partnerships that keep this county as safe as it is.

 

Submitted:
Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Truckers to 'Ride for the Constitution'

By Suzanne Hamner
Have you gotten your supplies for October 11-13, 2013? Have you made plans to support the Truckers Ride for the Constitution by ceasing all monetary transactions for those days? Are you making your plans to go to DC or stand on an overpass?

The Truckers Ride for the Constitution begins officially on October 11, 2013, and runs through October 13, 2013. Many
truckers will be traversing across the country and have already started their journey to Washington, DC, while others are gearing down to "park it at home" on Friday. Some truckers will be stopped alongside the roadways or at truck stops and parking areas in support of the efforts of those descending on Washington to make America's voice heard. Individuals who are not in the trucking industry are also expected to attend. They can be identified by #T2SDA on their vehicle so they may join in with the truckers and ride along with them.

Organizer Zeeda Andrews appeared on the Glenn Beck Program show to explain to Glenn and his audience a brief explanation of why the truckers are planning a DC rally.

America, we can no longer afford to have Obama in the White House. We can no longer afford to have a Congress with representatives who go against the will of the people. We can no longer afford a government that violates our God-given rights. We can no longer afford for criminals to be leading and legislating this great nation of ours.

According to Article IV, Section 4 of the US Constitution, "The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of Government, and shall protect each of them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when the Legislature cannot be convened) against domestic Violence."

Along with all the other violations of the Constitution committed by this administration and government, the guarantee of every state in the union to a republican form of government has certainly also been violated with the federal government's steady encroachment into the powers reserved to the state or the people. Each state has not been protected from invasion of illegals or terrorists who insist on perpetrating domestic violence. And, each state has certainly be refrained from executing powers reserved to it: for example, education of its residents.

Ms. Andrews, in her interview, refers to a section of the Declaration of Independence that indicates a people have the responsibility and duty to secure their God-given rights. Let us be reminded:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just Powers from the consent of the governed, – That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new guards for their future security – Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government.

As the line in National Treasure asserts, "People don't talk like that anymore" with the response being, "Maybe they should."

The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution contain more than words or the ideas of men. These documents contain the absolute recognition and confirmation that God, in his infinite wisdom, endowed man with rights that being divine in nature should not be discarded or trampled because of the transient whims of man. Many would argue the Constitution is out of date, should be rewritten or discarded. It is not these timeless documents that are out of date. It is those people that have strayed from God's infinite plan and embraced a decadent unnatural ideology that seeks to remove any source of opposition to their decadence because deep in their heart, these individuals know they are truly in violation of God's laws.

We must remember that we are a Christian nation, founded in Christian values that opened its doors to those who share the same convictions of individual freedoms and recognition of God-given rights. It is those immigrants America beckoned from across the water and across the border. We are not multicultural. We are not Islamic. We are not black, white, Indian or Hispanic. We are American.

Those who seek to change our Constitutional Republic into something else are enemies of this country and are committing insurrection against the people, who instituted this government, deriving its just powers from the consent of the governed. Regardless of the continued rhetoric of some ignorant politicians claiming we are a Constitutional Democracy or a Democratic Republic, our founding documents say different and it is those documents containing the identification of truth that we should hold dear and uphold.

It is time to take a stand America. No longer can anyone sit comfortably straddling the fence. Right now, this moment, every American must decide which side they support – the Constitutional Republic and the US Constitution or whatever government is dictated to us by our creature, the federal government.

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SEAFOOD EXTRAVAGANZA ~ Greenbackville Volunteer Fire Department

2 Boaters Rescued By Coast Guard Near Ocean City

Photo/ U.S. Coast Guard

BALTIMORE — The Coast Guard rescued two boaters from a capsized sailboat Monday in the St. Martin River near Ocean City.

A good Samaritan noticed an overturned sailboat and called Coast Guard Station Ocean City watchstanders at approximately 12:30 p.m. to make a report.

A boatcrew aboard a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft was launched and arrived on scene within approximately 15 minutes of the notification.

“When we first got close enough to see the sailboat, we noticed the mast raising and falling in and out of the water,” said Petty Officer 1st Class William King, the coxswain aboard the SPC. “We saw one boater trying to right the boat, but each time he tried the sail would catch the wind causing the hull to come back down on him.”

The crew first rescued one boater who had drifted from the boat and then returned to pull the second off the sailboat.

“It was a good thing for both the boaters that we were able to respond as quickly as we did,” said King. “The environmental conditions were a bit beyond the capability of the boaters, putting them in harms way. When we arrived on scene we noticed the second boater had drifted approximately 25 yards from the overturned boat. The best decision the boaters made was to wear their life jackets. Accidents such as this one happen in a split second, rarely giving boaters the time to don their life jackets. If during an accident a boater is knocked unconscious, or like in this case is separated from their boat, a life jacket greatly increases their risk of survival.”

The Coast Guard crew transferred both boaters to the Ocean Pines Marina where Ocean City Fire Department EMS checked the boaters for injuries.

No injuries were reported.

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David Craig on Maryland's Dismal Tax Foundation Ranking

For immediate release 10.09.13

Contact: Jim Pettit

301.704.1363

@jamesmpettit

Harford County Executive and Maryland candidate for Governor David R. Craig released the following statement today on the campaign's facebook page regarding the Tax Foundation's just-released business climate tax comparison.  

"Maryland Ranks 41st on the 2014 Business Tax Climate Index. Maryland was ranked 22nd in 2006. We can do better."

The Tax Foundation's report comes on the heels of the Craig campaign raising concerns last week about Lt. Governor Anthony Brown skipping a manufacturing event in Towson. 

All of the major candidates for governor attended the October 4th forum and their positions on the jobs and economy, except for Brown, are available here:

http://rmiofmaryland.com/rmi-gets-manufacturing-on-the-gubernatorial-candidates-agendas/

"Anthony Brown should have attended this event," said Craig.  "Voters do not know where he stands on growing jobs in the important manufacturing sector, and Maryland's business climate continues to stagnate under the O-Malley-Brown Administration's 40 tax, fee and toll increases that remove $3.1 billion out of the economy each year." 

The Regional Manufacturing Institute forum focused on a national study in which Maryland earned a "D" letter grade  in the manufacturing sector compared to the other 49 states. 

###

Background: 

Tax Foundation 2006 ranking:

http://taxfoundation.org/article/study-reveals-which-states-have-business-friendly-tax-codes-which-dont

Tax Foundation 2014 ranking: 

http://taxfoundation.org/article/2014-state-business-tax-climate-index

David Craig Facebook: 

https://www.facebook.com/DavidRCraig

SAVE THE DATE : "House Of Pocoween"

Registration Deadline For Children's Grief Camp This Friday

The 2nd Annual Camp Fragile Hearts Grief Camp for children 7-17 dealing with loss, will be held at Camp Silver Beach YMCA, Saturday October 19th. Children can still be registered up until this Friday October 11th.

Based on the popular support group introduced by Hospice & Palliative Care of the Eastern Shore 6 years ago, the camp provides Eastern Shore children with resources and support, in dealing with issues arising from the loss of a parent or guardian, divorce, foster placement, military deployment, or incarceration.

The camp is free of charge, but registration is required, If you know a child who would benefit from the extra attention this program provides, please contact Hospice immediately to start the sign up process, or download forms from hpces.org and deliver them to Hospice on Market Street in Onancock.

Camp combines group activities with certified counselors, with the many resources of YMCA Camp Silver Beach. This includes kayaking, the alpine tower, scavenger hunts, and much more.

Questions can be directed to Mozella Francis or Faye Eller at 787-3310.

Again, deadline for free registration is this Friday October 11th.

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