Riverside Grill Pocomoke Hours

 

Riverside Grill Pocomoke will be

 CLOSED

for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day

Will reopen at 11 am on Thursday, December, 26.

 OPEN 11 am to 2 am on New Years Eve (12/31)

CLOSED New Years Day

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS !

OCPD AND SANTA HOUSE TOY DRIVE A SUCCESS

IF the Worcester County Santa House closes its doors there will be no more Christmases like this one for the less fortunate in the county.

(December 20, 2013) –The Ocean City Police Department’s Holiday Food and Toy Drive proved to be a blessing to many local families this holiday season. OCPD partnered with the Santa House, Inc. this year. The Santa House took in the many toys and donations and OCPD served as both a drop off and a distribution point. On December 17, OCPD gave food, toys and clothes to over 50 families and the Santa House served a combined total of over 500 families throughout the three distribution points: OCPD, Showell Fire Department and the Santa House warehouse in Snow Hill.

 

“The community we live in is a very benevolent one and it was extraordinary to witness the giving spirit during the holiday season,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Partnering with the Santa House was a great idea and we hope to continue this partnership in the future. We were able to serve the families of Ocean City as well as throughout Worcester County.”

 

Several Ocean City businesses and organizations contributed to the success of the Food and Toy Drive. Contributions were made by the Toys for Tommy campaign, Delmarva Condominium Managers Association, Atlantic Physical Therapy, Ocean City Parrotheads Clubs, Fager’s Island, Caine Woods Association, Ladies Hibernians, and the many people who donated directly to the Santa House. We would also like to thank all of the community members who dropped off toys and donations throughout the holiday season.

Thanks to all of these donations, families all over Worcester County will have a joyous holiday season and children will have a gift to open Christmas morning. OCPD would like to thank each and every one of you.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

TASK FORCE INVESTIGATE INCIDENTS OF CHILD EXPLOITATION

STATE POLICE INTERNET CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN TASK FORCE INVESTIGATE INCIDENTS OF CHILD EXPLOITATION ON SOCIAL NETWORKS


The Maryland State Police and other law enforcement agencies around the state have received numerous complaints over the last few days involving sexually explicit photographs of juveniles being posted on Social Networking websites, specifically Instagram. As the lead agency of the Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the State Police Computer Crimes Section has been providing technical assistance into these investigations.

These latest images and videos have been posted on several different pages on the Instagram website. At this point, the images do not rise to the level of child pornography under Maryland law, however the Maryland State Police would like to urge the public to be aware of these issues and to report occurrences to Instagram’s Help Center at http://help.instagram.comor the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s Cyber Tip Line at http://www.cybertipline.com.

Additionally, the State Police suggests parents talk with their children and explain to them the possible repercussions and dangers of taking photographs of themselves in a sexually explicit manner and posting on the Internet. The following websites are a good resource for parents in steps to take to help protect children from being exploited on the Internet; www.netsmartz.org
 or www.ncmec.org.


     The Maryland Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force is comprised of 35 law enforcement agencies from around the state focused on preventing and investigating incidents of sexual child exploitation. A major part of the Task Force’s program is community outreach. Investigators travel around the state providing Internet Safety presentations to children, parents, schools, and community or church groups. If you would like to schedule such a presentation for your group or would like further information, you may email the State Police investigative unit at msp.ccu@maryland.gov.

Submitted:
Md. State Police

Walk Through Bethlehem

 

LAST CHANCE TO "WALK THROUGH BETHLEHEM"

Over 1,000 visitors Saturday evening!!

DON'T MISS THIS !

Live characters and animals telling the

Christmas story.

 

 

Photo by Esther Troast

Photo by Esther Troast

Photo by Esther Troast

TIME MACHINE ... Christmas Time- 1878, 1970, 1888, 1941, 1970, 1924

(Reader Friendly Viewing Of Newspaper Archive Material)

TIME MACHINE ... 1878
Forest and Stream

(Excerpt)

(A spirited former Christmas Eve on the Eastern Shore of Virginia's Hog Island)... there was a grand fashionable ball, where all the elite, beauty and style of Hog Island attended. Every gentleman was in full dress, which consisted of the boots greased with shark oil until they shone again. The ladies' costumes were short calico and homespun, with brilliant pinch-beck ornaments. Everybody had washed their face and combed their hair for the occasion, and it was a very respectable assemblage indeed. The festivities soon commenced by two musicians opening the ball. They sawed persistently on their ninety-nine-cent pine fiddles, and raised the tune, and all pitched in. Everybody danced to suit themselves: there were no partners nor figures, but each tried his own step in his own way. The cabin rocked and trembled from roof to foundation-stone; but still the fiddles' strains rose above the uproar, and the steps kept time in a rhythmical rhyme to the music. In an evil hour Edmund had his keg brought to the room and opened. The consequence was that the fiddles got too high and above their business to play any longer, so they dispersed somewhere. Seeing the position of affairs, I commenced to draw the bow, and away went the company again. I tried some weak-kneed people there that night; if there isn't any crippled Hog Islanders it isn't because I did not try to make them so. I let out the fastest of all known tunes on them -- the "Devils' Dream" -- and I thought that the plastering was coming down. The natives spread themselves, and discounted the Jardins Mablians. Then Colonel Burke became ambitious. He must have a waltz. I played one of Strauss'; but who was he to revolve with ? That dizzy dance had never yet reached the fashionable Hog Islanders -- and even the ambitious maids would not attempt it; but at last one more determined than her sisters, and carried away by Edmund's importunities, asked him to let her see the step, and so he gyrated alone over the floor to the tune of the deux temp I was playing. Then hurrying back he claimed her for the dance, saying that he could easily teach her; but the fair one was dubious, and at last to Edmund's entreaties replied, "Well, stranger, I can't; I can go the front step and go the back step, but it will make me puke sure to turn around so." Edmund was a changed man after that reply. He gathered up his keg and beat out to his quarters.

Footnote: (source: Wikipedia): Hog Island.. "is a part of the Virginia Coast Reserve of The Nature Conservancy. Starting in the mid-19th century the town of Broadwater, Virginia was located on the southern end of the island, but had to be abandoned in the 1930's when rapid beach erosion made its continued existence untenable. However, many of the houses and other buildings were floated by barge to the mainland and can be found in Willis Wharf, Virginia and Oyster, Virginia."



 (MAILBOX .. from Kathy Horney)

At Christmas time, my mind always goes back to about 1970.

I was young (20) and doing Christmas shopping in downtown Pocomoke City.  The air was crisp and cold and a light snow was falling.  The downtown area was lit up with Christmas lights in the storefront windows and Christmas carols were playing over a P.A. or loudspeaker system (I don't know what the technical term is) but I remember that it was beautiful.

At that time, you could do ALL of your Christmas shopping downtown - didn't have to go anywhere else. There was a 'five & dime' store, a 'dollar' store, a couple of department stores, a couple of shoe stores, a couple of dress shops, a men's clothing store, a couple of jewelry stores, a couple of catalog stores, a couple of hardware stores, a couple of pharmacies, a couple of banks, and a car dealer by the river.  Just turn the corner off of Market St. and go just one block down Clarke Ave. and there was a soda fountain shop, a couple of mom & pop grocery stores, and a fish market (I think). There may have even been a beauty salon on Williow St. between Second & Clarke (memory is fuzzy here). If you proceeded on to the next block down Clarke Ave., there was a second-hand store (clothing, etc.), a deli, and a small mom & pop clothing store.  Unbelievable isn't it?  Yes, all of those businesses were in the downtown area (at the same time).

I miss it when I get thinking about it.  It was different shopping like that than when you go into these huge chain stores and have to fight the crowds. Whole different atmosphere - the magic of Christmas has gotten lost in greedy commercialism.  Well, maybe that's a bit extreme, but right now I am savoring those wonderful memories of times gone by.

P.S.  You could shop without worrying about getting your purse snatched, or getting mugged or carjacked, etc.

 

December, 1888 (Time Machine archive)
(Dispatch- Richmond, Va.)
Onancock, Va., December 26, 1888.

This is the mildest, prettiest, quietest Christmas ever seen on the Eastern Shore within this generation. The weather is so mild that fires are uncomfortable, and people are going about in spring clothing.

FOOTNOTE: A month earlier, November 26, the same area experienced a blizzard.


December, 1941 (Time Machine archive) 
 
Town Tavern in Pocomoke was advertising informal dancing for Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve with music by Slim Marshall's Orchestra. Admission 75-cents per person.


December, 1970 (Time Machine archive)

The Fantastic Mystics were providing the dance music for the public two days before Christmas at the Pocomoke Holiday Inn's annual Pocomoke Christmas Party.

December 25, 1924 (Time Machine archive)
(The Lubbock Morning Avalanche- Lubbock, Texas)

(Excerpts)

Childhood's Christmas Memories

"Backward, turn backward, Oh Time in your flight, Make me a child again just for tonight."

How many of us tonight are wishing that old poem might come true just once more in our lives? Of all the days in our childhood, none stand out so vividly in our memory as those mysterious Christmas times. There is something about our Christmas memories that reach the heart of every one of us who were so fortunate as to grow up in a happy home. We did not say a big, luxuriant home, but a HAPPY HOME. A home where sympathy and LOVE, and a family understanding of one another's hearts fills the atmosphere of the whole home. A home where each member of the family believes in and rejoices with every other member of the family in their ambitions and their hopes and their accomplishments. That's the kind of home we mean when we say a happy home. It may be a humble little cottage or it may be a mansion. It is the spirit in the house and not the shell in which we live that makes happy homes. And it so happens that most of our happy homes are humble homes because we have so many more humble homes in America than any other kind.

What are your first memories of Christmas? Can you bring them back through the long years and tell them over again to the children? There is nothing children love to hear so well as Christmas stories of their own fathers and mothers. "What did Santa Claus bring you when you were a little boy Daddy?" "And what did he bring to mother?" "Did he travel then just as he does NOW? And what kind of toys did little girls and little boys send for in those days?" 

It is the unusual, the impossible, and the mysterious belief that it will happen that puts the thrill of expectancy into the heart of the little child at Christmas time. It is their faith in the spirit of Santa Claus that is so beautiful.

But if the memories of Christmas time in the old home far away are among our most treasured memories of childhood, what is our greatest privilege at Christmas time now? Is it not storing up other Christmas memories in the lives of our children to be recalled a generation from now when we are no more and other little ones yet unborn are begging for Christmas stories of long ago? This is one of our greatest opportunities and privileges for Christmas, 1924. Creating Christmas stories and Christmas memories to be retold by the generations of fathers and mothers in 1950, 1975, and even up to 2000 after the first Christmas story was ever produced.

...fill the childish hearts and childish minds around you with those Christmas memories you would be proud and happy to have them carry through their lives and tell over and over at the Christmas tides of the future to the little heads nestled near their hearts.


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

Statement From Pocomoke City Concerning MD. Department of Environment

STATEMENT FROM POCOMOKE CITY, MARYLAND

 

Date: December 19, 2013

Contact: Russell W. Blake, City Manager

Mayor Bruce A. Morrison

410-957-1333

 

Pocomoke City is working closely with the Maryland Department of Environment (M.D.E.) to resolve some concerns that have recently come to our attention. One concern relates to grading work that was begun to stabilize the berms around the lagoons at the City’s Waste Water Treatment Plant (W.W.T.P.). The City believes that this erosion control work (which was recommended by M.D.E.) was allowed under the City’s existing Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan for the WWTP as previously approved by M.D.E. However, in early December, the City was notified that another permit (Erosion and Sediment Control Plan) should also have been obtained because the area disturbed exceeded 5,000 square feet. The work done at the W.W.T.P. would have been allowed if a permit was obtained in advance. Upon notification, the City has hired an engineering firm to prepare the additional plan which should be completed before December 31. The new plan will include moving several piles of soil and [ill material from a nearby temporary storage site back to their place of origin on the bemis. to be used in the erosion control project. Once this second permit is approved, the berm stabilization work will be resumed.

Another concern relates to a City-owned lot near the WWTP that has been used recently for temporary storage of materials to be recycled. Those materials include clean fill dirt, broken concrete, bricks, and asphalt from recent street and sidewalk projects. MDE has advised the City that, since there appear to be hydric soils or hydrophytic vegetation on the site, this may indicate that there have been impacts to non-tidal wetlands. In response. the City has arranged for a wetland delineation of the site to be done within one week, with results to be sent to MDE. Following receipt of necessary approvals, the soil materials stored on the site will be removed for recycling as cover material at a local landfill, while the concrete and similar materials will be recycled for re-use in the construction industry.

Pocornoke City has always been protective of our local environment. Our state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant went on-line in 2011, and is producing clean effluent that is monitored daily before release to the river. In 2012, a new Ultra-Violet disinfection system was added to eliminate chlorine. The City operates recycling centers at two locations in town.
And in 2014, a new solar electric generating system will be built on City-owned property, which will produce enough renewable energy to cover approximately 85% of the City’s electricity usage.

No sewage or other contaminants have been released to the ground water or to the Pocomoke River. The City will continue to work diligently with M.D.E. and our engineers to resolve all
concerns within the next 60 days.

 


Readers: PLEASE before making any comments on this matter take time to educate yourself. IF you have any questions ATTEND a city council meeting, call your council person, go to city hall and ask questions. Pocomoke City is YOUR beautiful town. ALSO- don't forget to look around you and think back at what the city has done over the years to make Pocomoke the great town it is. IF you don't know what those things are then you can't be convinced about anything and you haven't been paying attention. jmmb

Worcester County Santa House Needs Christmas Miracle

WBOC

Worcester County Charity Is In Jeopardy

Santa House/ WBOC

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -He's not your typical Santa. He doesn't come flying down your chimney. He knocks on your front door, and his sleigh does not consist of deer. Instead it runs on pure Chevy horsepower. But one thing remains the same, Santa comes bearing gifts.

"You got a blanket in there and all sorts of goodies," said Dena Holloway, as she hands a bag filled with all sorts of Christmas gifts to a woman in Pocomoke City. "Alright you have a Merry Christmas sweetie."

Hollway is the director of the Worcester County charity, Santa House, and she and her team hand-deliver some gifts each year.

"It feels good to me," said Barbara Marshall, as she received her 'goodie-bag.'

Lovinia Phillips was also on Santa's list. She said it makes her "real good; real good."

But this year may be the group's last. Santa House isn't in the North Pole. It's in the Worcester County Department of Liquor Control facility, which is a problem. County officials say the independent charity has outgrown its welcome, and has to find a new home or close shop by January 15th.

"It brings tears to my eyes," said Holloway, as she fought back tears. "I hope things are going to turn around. And things are going to work out, and we are going to continue."

The Santa House serves more than 600 families in Worcester County each year, according to Holloway.

"Let's hope that there will be a place for them to stay open until they can find a new place," said Phillips.

Holloway is hoping for a Christmas miracle.

SEE VIDEO

Holiday Boozers BEWARE.....

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

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


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

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

Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office
ARREST REPORT

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Coast Guard Seeks Assistance in Identifying Hoax Caller

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Submitted:
United States Coast Guard

Two Arrested In Accomack County House Shooting

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

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

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

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

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

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

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

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


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

Pocomoke City Police Deprtment 2013 Youth Christmas Party

Photo  BWise

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

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

Photo BWise

Photo BWise

Photo B Wise

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

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

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

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

Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Morrison and Chief  Sewell
Photo B Wise

Photo B Wise

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

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Worcester County Sheriff's Office ~ WANTED

WILLIAM KENNETH JOHNSON

AKA  "WILL"

Tips To the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation Gets Shoplifter Arrested

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

PRESS RELEASE

DATE: December 18, 2013

CBI Case #:13-0293

LOCATION: 12641 Ocean Gateway

Mark Lee Donoway, Jr.

CRIME:First Degree Assault

SUSPECT: Mark Lee Donoway Jr.

33 y/o, White Male

Salisbury, Maryland

#######

Charges: Assault 1st Degree

Assault 2nd Degree

Theft Less Than $1,000


Multiple Traffic Violations

#######

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 18, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

###

www.ChangeMaryland.org

fb.com/ChangeMaryland

@ChangeMaryland

 

SOURCES:

City accepts payment in pricing dispute

Baltimore Sun, December 21, 2006

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

 

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

Change Maryland, December 10, 2013

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

Information Being Sought On Attacks On Dogs With Baseball Bat

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

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

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

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

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

All information received will be strictly confidential.

Antares Launch Postponed Until January

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

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

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

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

Remember Your Tickets For the Aloha Lounge !

Eastern Shore Criminal Justice Academy Graduates

CONGRATULATIONS TO Matthew and Andy!  Best of luck!

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

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

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

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

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

Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce ~ Business After Hours

Business After Hours 

at 

The River Gem Bed and Breakfast

 at Littleton's 

407 2nd  Street

Friday, December, 20, 2013

5 pm until 7 pm

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

Worcester County Recreation & Parks

Futsal is only one month away!! 

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

Accepting team registrations for the league!

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

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


Ages: U10, U12, U14 divisions.

Beautiful Poem by Bob Welsh

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

UPDATE: STABBING CASE

Marcus Dennis

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

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

Torrance Davis AK Gator

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

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

Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company ~ ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA 

Saturday, December 21, 2013

7:00 am until 11:00 am

Atlantic Volunteer Fire and Rescue Company

10071 Atlantic Road

Atlantic, Virginia 

MENU

Eggs, Scrapple, Sausage,

Pancakes, Coffee, Juice, Milk

$7 Adult (Carry Outs Available)

$3 Kids 6 and Under

Digital color photos available for $3

For information call:

Dawn Joyce 757 824 0505