Friday, September 26, 2014

Pocomoke Ghost Walk 9/27 at 7:30 pm


SITES ON THE POCOMOKE GHOST WALK include The Pocomoke Forest, the Armory, Costen House, Littleton Clarke House (now the River Gem B&B), the Mar-Va Theater and a walk through St. Mary’s Graveyard.
READ FULL DESCRIPTION OF THE WALK ON THE POCOMOKE GHOST WALK PAGE
COST: $15 per adult, $9 for kids 8 to 12 years old.
ADVANCED REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED
Scroll down to the bottom of this page to purchase tickets.

TIPS / GRATUITIES – Though it is not expected, our ghost walk guides certainly appreciate tips from guests who have had enjoyed their ghost walk.
TIME & WEATHER: Ghost Walk begins on time. We walk in all kinds of weather except that which threatens public safety.  Be sure to list your CELL PHONE number in the registration so we can contact you in the unlikely event the tour is cancelled.
  • Bring your umbrella if it looks like rain
  • Wear comfortable shoes
  • Bring a flashlight.
  • Bring Camera
CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Full refund will be given if cancellation is made 48 hours prior to the tour’s start. If cancellation is NOT made within 48 hours of the tour, no refunds will be given. However, all registrations are transferable, so feel free to allow a friend or family member to attend in your place. Just give them your order voucher and let us know who is coming in your place

Entire freshman class using iPads at Pocomoke High


Technology is beginning to take the place of textbooks for freshmen at Pocomoke High School.

Every ninth-grader at the Pocomoke City school has been given an iPad Mini to use through the rest of their high school career. Although they’re still learning the ins and outs of the new gadgets and haven’t used them outside the classroom yet, by early October students will have access to them 24/7.

“I want my kids to be prepared for the next level,” Pocomoke High School Principal Annette Wallace said. “I don’t think we can wait.”

Wallace says she remembers struggling 15 years ago when she was in college to grasp the technology being used then. She wants Pocomoke High graduates heading to college to be able to use the array of technology available.

“It’s changed the dynamics of our whole world,” she said.

Wallace said when she learned that Jerry Wilson, superintendent of Worcester County’s public schools, wanted every freshman in the county to have an iPad or similar device by 2016, she asked if Pocomoke could be the site of a pilot program.

After researching the options and speaking to educators at schools that had already made the move to mobile devices, staff members at Pocomoke High decided to purchase 100 iPad Minis. In addition to being less expensive than the traditional iPad, the smaller version was favored by students as they could use their thumbs to type just as they did with smartphones.

“I was in a classroom today and they were note-taking with their thumbs,” Wallace said.
The smaller screen of the miniature device is also less breakable.

“The size makes it less likely to get busted in a book bag,” she said, adding that all of the school’s mobile devices were kept in cases.
While many of the ninth-graders were already familiar with how to use an iPad, Wallace said teachers took a lot of time going over digital responsibility with the students. In addition to being reminded to take care of the expensive devices, students were also instructed on how to use them appropriately, specifically with regard to social media.

“Social networking is here and it’s not going away,” Wallace said. “We have to teach kids how to harness that and use it in a positive way.”

In each classroom, a poster decorated with a stoplight reminds students that if they’re given the green light they have free access to the devices during class. A red indicator means iPads should be turned off, while yellow directs students to check with the teacher first.

Teacher Jess McInerney says the structured expectations the school has developed have shown students how to use the iPads respectfully.

“This is a tool that can be used wisely,” she said.

The devices provide educators with another way to reach students and also provide students with technology they might not have access to otherwise.

“We need to break free of teachers being the only receptacles of knowledge,” she said.
Wallace said that with the iPads, students had access to useful educational apps, were able to connect to each classroom’s SmartBoard and were able to air-drop assignments to their teachers.

“Technology has changed the way we learn,” Wallace said.

The approximately $50,000 cost of outfitting the freshman class and the school’s teachers with iPad Minis was funded through a combination of fundraising by the school and an endowment from a Pocomoke High School alumna.

cxsharpe@dmg.gannett.com
410-213-9442, ext. 19
On Twitter @SharpeCharlene
NEW APPLICATIONS
Examples of what freshmen at Pocomoke High School are using iPads for:
Homework
Research
Art
Presentations

Pocomoke Mosquito Pool Positive For Eastern Equine Encephalitis

47 ABC - Delmarva's Choice

A local county has found an area of standing water has tested positive for a mosquito virus. The Worcester County Health Department says the State of Maryland has found that a mosquito pool in southern Worcester County, has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis.

According to health department staff, the pools are reportedly monitored by state environment staff, and it is the first positive pool reported this year. The pool is reportedly located in Hickory Point Swamp near Pocomoke City, and is in a low-lying area that has standing water for most of the year.
"It's in the middle of a swamp area where there wouldn't be a lot of people in that location, but you have to remember mosquitoes travel for miles," says Kathleen Rose-Derr, Nursing Program Manager with the Worcester County Health Department.
The EEE virus is common during summer and fall, and is transmitted by mosquitoes, and spread to humans, and animals including birds, and horses. Mosquitoes can breed in as little as a quarter of an inch of water, so experts believe recent rains may have attracted more to the area.

The Worcester County Health Department provides the following tips to help prevent contact with mosquitoes and reduce risk of infection:

· Stay indoors at dawn and dusk.

· Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors.

· Use an EPA-registered insect repellent and follow package instructions.

· Get rid of mosquito breeding sites.

· Remove all discarded tires from property.

· Dispose of water-holding containers.

· Change the water in pet dishes and replace the water in bird baths weekly.

· Drill holes in tire swings so water drains out.

· Keep children's wading pools empty and on their sides when they are not in use.

"Get rid of any cups in your yard, anything that can collect water, even bottle caps," says Rose-Derr.

People who suffer from milder illnesses typically recover on their own without even knowing they have it, but that those symptoms could last for several weeks. In severe cases, some people need to be hospitalized, and get treatment. Symptoms of Eastern Equine Encephalitis include fever, headache, irritability, restlessness, drowsiness, vomiting, diarrhea, cyanosis, convulsions, and coma. Anyone with these symptoms, should contact a health care provider to be tested for EEE.

For more tips and information about Eastern Equine Encephalitis, please visit the Worcester County Health Department's website.

Delmarva Discovery Center Fall Festival



Delmarva Discovery Center
Fall Festival
Saturday, October 11, 2014
11 am – 4 pm

Free Admission

Demonstrations
Hands on Activities
Animal Programs
Face Painting
Paint Your Own Decoy

2 Market Street Pocomoke City, MD  21851
www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org

Thursday, September 25, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

1921.. "Monster" shark caught in Eastern Shore waters; circa 1928.. Worcester County's "Del-Mar-Va Songster" Dale Wimbrow gains acclaim as composer, writer, and recording artist;  1907.. What's the leading topic of conversation in Marion?; 1961.. Nine Pocomoke students place high in state scholastic honors; 1889..  Prolonged storm ravages Worcester County; 1882.. "Sheep Country" in Accomac County's future?

Although you may not find all of 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!

Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Mommy and Me Preschool Program

Mommy and Me Preschool Program
Beginning September 23, 2014

Join us for this popular program designed specifically for children ages 3-5.
$5 for one adult and one child.  Each additional child $2.
Free with membership. 

ONE great program now TWO days a week!
Tuesday & Wednesday
10:30 am - 11:00 am

Let’s Learn About Insects & Teeny Tiny Animals
September 23 & 24 - Crickets
September 30 & October 1 - Worms

Let’s Learn About Hibernation
October 7 & 8 - Hibernating Snakes & Turtles

Let’s Learn About Color
October 14 & 15 - Color Wheel
October 21 & 22 - Color & Color

Let’s Learn About Bats
October 28 & 29 - Happy Halloween!

Delmarva Discovery Center - 2 Market Street - Pocomoke, MD  21851



Joanne Moore
Director of Operations
Delmarva Discovery Center
 

Delmarva Discovery Center Daily Programs

Daily Programs
Beginning October 1, 2014

First Sunday of the Month
Dive Dialogue - 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm
Experience human & animal communication in the underwater world.  Learn sign language & see Scorchy & her fish friends communicate in the aquarium.

Sunday
Fish Feed - 1:30 pm - 1:45 pm
What do our fish eat?  How are they fed?  Come join us for a fish feeding at our 6,000 gallon aquarium to find out!

Tuesday & Wednesday - Beginning September 23!
Mommy and Me - 10:30 am - 11:00 am
Join us for our popular preschool program which incorporates learning, crafts, and games in a fun and social atmosphere.

Thursday
Squeaky Clean - 2:00 pm - 2:45 pm
Learn how our husbandry staff keeps our tanks clean.  Watch the cleaning of our aquarium & do your own water quality testing just like our aquarist.

Saturday
Critter Corner - 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm
Come learn about the critters that call the Center home through this interactive animal program.

Delmarva Discovery Center - 2 Market Street - Pocomoke, MD  21851
 

Delmarva Discovery Center House of Pocoween

House of Pocoween
Friday, October 24, 2014
6 pm – 8 pm

6:30 - Dive Program
7:00 - ‘Terrifying Tales’ Story Time
7:15 - ‘Creepy Critters’ Animal Program
7:45 - Costume Contests w/ Prizes
Crafts, Games...and of course Candy!

Children in costume will be admitted free!
Adults $5.00 each
Members are free

Delmarva Discovery Center - 2 Market Street - Pocomoke, MD  21851
410-957-9933    delmarvadiscoverycenter.org       www.facebook.com/delmarvadiscoverycenter

Business After Hours - Thursday, September 25th


Sunday, September 21, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... 1954, 1927, 1654, 1969, 1892, 1901

"Friendliest Town On The Eastern Shore."  Our tradition runs deep.  Excerpt from a letter to the editor from a visitor to Newtown, (former name of Pocomoke City) published in the Baltimore Sun, April 28,1847.

This place (Newtown) is a pretty snug little village, containing about 500 clever and hospitable inhabitants; is has good wide streets, quite clear of that "eye sore," known mostly over the Peninsula by the name of "deep sand"; the houses, though built of frame, are generally built substantially and with some discretion and taste; there are two neat, new, and quite handsome frame churches in it; as for the merchants of the place, suffice it to state that they are very clever and hospitable.  F. Mezick, Esq., the landlord with whom I stopped, and his very obliging and jolly assistant, are richly deserving of a passing notice, for the good treatment and the extension of the many civilities to "the stranger."


(Reader-friendly viewing of news archives/historical archives material)


March, 1954
The Cumberland News (Cumberland, Md.)

Princess Anne Has Costly Fire

PRINCESS ANNE, Md., March 25. (AP)-  Flames battled by scores of firemen swept through five businesse places and the postoffice today.

Wrecked by the blaze were two furniture stores, restaurant, theater, pool hall and postoffice.

Some other buildings were damaged. A number of other establishments were threatened by the wind-swept flames. 

More than 100 firemen from six communities were called into action to help save nearby residences and business places.

No injuries were reported.

Fire Chief William Powell, Jr. estimated the loss at $150,000. 

Postmaster J. Earl Morris said he saved all the first class mail and packages.

Morris, who owned all but the two furniture stores, estimated it would cost him $100,000 to rebuild. The movie theater is over the postoffice.

Furniture dealer James B. Green estimated his losses at $75,000. J.W. Donohoe, another furniture dealer, put his losses at $30,000.

1927 (Reprinted in January, 1977)
The Daily Times (Salisbury)

Fifty Years Ago: An unfinished palace, planned upon more gorgeous and palatial lines than any Russian prince ever built, has stood unfinished and empty for eight years on Burleigh Hill, almost in the center of Berlin, Md. The estate has been on the market for several years and the asking price is $40,000. Berliners call it "Etzenger's Folly." Etzenger, believed to be a Russian nobleman, came to Berlin after the Great War and began the building. While living at Berlin's Atlantic Hotel he was investigated by the U.S. Government. Work on the building ceased abrubtly; Etzenger left town and reports of his death in New York City were recieved in Berlin.

Footnote: Anyone have any information on what became of this structure?

October, 1654

Maryland State Archives

Assembly Proceedings, October 1654

Killing of Wolves

It is Enacted and Declared that every one who shall kill a wolfe and bring the head thereof to any of the Commissionrs shall be allowed one hundred pounds of Tobacco from the County where the wolf shall be killed & that such Commissioners to whom the wolfes head shall be brought shall Cutt out the Tongue of the said head to prevent that deceit of twice or oftner payment for the same head.

March, 1969
The Sunday Times (Salisbury)

(Excerpts)

Shakespear's Globe Theater Re-created By Pocomoke Youths

By Mel Toadvine of the Times Staff

POCOMOKE CITY-  Two students at Pocomoke High School have built a replica of the famous Globe Theater of London, the spot where William Shakespear put on many of his plays.

The two boys, Richard Gladding and David Dryden, both 10th graders, built the model for their English class. Their teacher, Mrs. Martha Nutter, says the model theater contains every detail of the original. 

The boys said it took them about two months to construct the theater, working in their spare time after school hours at a cost of about $10.  They used balsa wood, plyboard, dowel sticks and cardboard.

The boys have given the model to the school so it may be used in future classes as a reference.

Needless to say, Mrs. Nutter says the boys will get a big fat "A" on their report cards.

November, 1892
Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac Court House, Va.)

F. H. Dryden, real estate agent, has sold to William T. Groten, of Wachapreague, a very valuable farm, near Pocomoke City, for $1,300.

August, 1901 (Time Machine archive)
The Semi-Weekly Landmark (Statesville, N.C.)

Knocked Preacher Down For Kissing His Bride.

Chincoteague, Va., Special, 25th, to Philadelphia Record.

When the minister kissed his bride, Joseph McDuff, the groom, last night knocked down Rev. James Porter, rendering him partially unconscious.

McDuff and Miss Agnes Talley, both of whom reside on Chincoteague Island, drove to the parsonage, and after the ceremony the minister as usual kissed the bride. The next instant McDuff's fist shot out and caught the minister square in the jaw, laying him limp in the corner of the room.

Friends seized the angry groom and explained to him that it was the custom of ministers. McDuff was mollified, and as a peace offering drew forth two $10 notes which he tendered to the dazed and surprised clergyman.



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!



"Somewhere over
the rainbow
Bluebirds Fly.."

Flying on for JMMB.
Her Pocomoke Public
Eye postings (April,
2008 to June, 2014)
kept us informed.

Saturday, September 20, 2014

Every Sunday On The Pocomoke Public Eye..

<1800<1850<Time<1900<1950<Machine<2000<<

It's reader-friendly viewing of news archives and historical archives material, primarily of local interest. 

This week we share items from 1954, 1927, 1654, 1969, 1892, and 1901.

Check back tomorrow, 9/21, right here!

Thursday, September 18, 2014

Update on Duck-In Robbery






UPDATE:



            On October 22, 2013 Pocomoke City Police Officers were dispatched to the Duck-In Sunoco Gas station located in Pocomoke City, Maryland for an Armed Robbery Report. Upon the Officers arrival they began the investigation with WCBI Detectives. While conducting the investigation, the suspect in the case Kevin Presco returned to the scene and was detained and later arrested while investigators continued their investigation.  Kevin Presco was subsequently charged with Armed Robbery. 


            On September 05, 2014 The Armed Robbery case involving Kevin Presco was heard by The honorable Judge Bloxom in Worcester County Circuit Court and tried by Deputy States Attorney Abby Marsh. The jury found Kevin Presco guilty and he was sentenced to 25 years in prison.



            Great job to Worcester County Deputy States Attorney Abby Marsh, Pocomoke City Police and Worcester County Criminal Bureau of Investigations.  
_________________________________
 Original post.

Ducks Inn was robbed in Pocomoke City by a suspect who entered the liquor store with a gun.


Lt.  Green from Pocomoke City  Police examined the footage from  the store video camera and identified a suspect. The suspect then returned to the scene and was detained by Pocomoke City Officers.

The Criminal Bureau of Investigation was contacted and the suspect and the suspect's vehicle was transported to the Pocomoke City Police Department.

After the interview by The Criminal  Bureau of Investigations,  the suspect was charged by Pocomoke City Police with armed Robbery and First Degree Assault.

During the robbery the suspect assaulted one of the workers in the store. A piece of a toy gun was recovered from inside the suspect's vehicle. CBI and Pocomoke City Police are attempting to serve a search warrant at the suspect's residence in Pocomoke City.
Over three thousand dollars was taken from the store in the robbery.

 The suspect is identified as Kevin Presco from Pocomoke City.


 Two victims who work at the store were  assaulted by the suspect during the robbery.


Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

Kevin Presco was charged with:
  Robbery (2), Armed Robbery (2), Firearm Use/Fel-Viol Crime, Assault- First Degree (2), Assault Second Degree (2), Reckless Endangerment (2), Verbal Extortion (2), Handgun Use On Person, Theft- $1,000 to under $10,000.

Pocomoke Police Department Press Release





Press Release:

  On September 13, 2014 a Pocomoke City Police Officer was conducting Radar enforcement on Rt. 13 in Pocomoke City Maryland. The Officer stopped a vehicle driven by Steven Kareem Clark from Virginia for driving 64 MPH in a 55 MPH zone.  Mr. Clark was issued a warning for the stop.

            During the Officer’s conversation with Clark he stated he had a loaded gun in the vehicle. Pocomoke City Officers recovered a fully loaded silver in color Smith and Wesson handgun with two additional fully loaded magazines. Mr. Clark was placed under arrest and charged with possession of a handgun.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1954.. Princess Anne suffers costly fire; 1927.. Berlin's "unfinished palace"; 1654.. Compensation for killing wolves in Maryland; 1969.. Two Pocomoke High students construct miniature replica of a London landmark; 1892.. Very valuable farm near Pocomoke City is sold; 1901.. An unwanted surprise for the minister at a Chincoteague wedding.  

Although you may not find all of 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!

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

cpstools_banner

Find the Right Seat, Get Registered, and More!

It's Child Passenger Safety Week! We have a lot of new tools available to help you find the right seat for your child. We can also help you locate Child Passenger Safety events and certified Child Passenger Safety technicians who can help you check your car seat or install one the right way.
Find a Car Seat
It's easier now more than ever to find the right seat for your child. All you need is their birth date, weight, and height. Once entered, your information will provide you with car seat type results that fit your child according to NHTSA's best practice recommendations. Find your right seat here.
Car Seat Registration
When you register your car seat with the manufacturer, you'll be notified about any recalls that affect your car seat. It's easy to do through our tool: just select manufacturer and brand and we'll get you to where you need to go. Find the registration tool here.
Child Passenger Safety Techs and Events
Finding a certified tech or Child Passenger Safety event has never been easier. You can search by State or search by zip code to locate events and techs nearest you. Seat Check Saturday is a great chance to get your car seat checked out or installed the right way. Find a tech or event here.
Spanish Website
Everything on our Right Seat website is now available in Spanish. That means the Find a Car Seat and Registration tool, along with all our other resources, can be found en Español.

Forward this email on to friends and family, and share it with your followers. Our tools are free, easy to use, and meant to help parents and caregivers everywhere when it comes to car seats and child passenger safety.
Don't forget about our Child Passenger Safety Twitter chat which is tomorrow, Wednesday the 17th, at 3pm ET. Join us for tips, facts, and ways to keep your kids safe on the road. Use #therightseat to follow along or ask questions! Invite your followers to join us, too - we'll have our experts on hand to help answer your car seat questions. Join us on Twitter!
If you're on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, tell us who your why is for registering your car seat or getting your car seats checked. Use #mywhy to let us know! You can use our Vines and encourage friends to say who their reason is for registering their car seats.
Visit Parents Central for more info and tips on everything from car seats to teen drivers.

Forward this on to your followers/readers and encourage anyone interested in vehicle and child safety to join our conversation on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

app-icon

SaferCar App Can Help Keep Your Family Safe

Check out our SaferCar app for your mobile device, which gives you immediate access to key safety information to help you make informed decisions, with features including:
Help with car seats: Quickly get driving directions to the nearest child-seat inspection station and get assistance to properly install car seats and boosters.
Information for buying a car: Access our 5-Star Safety Ratings and compare different makes and models before you decide to buy.
Stay connected: Be notified of safety issues for your vehicles. Use the app to register a vehicle and we will notify you if we find it has a safety issue. The SaferCar app also makes it simple to submit complaints to NHTSA regarding possible safety problems with your car.
Safety Headlines and Alerts: Receive important news and information from NHTSA, as well as recall notices and push notices on your vehicles.

NHTSA on YouTube

Teen Youtube
Our "5 to Drive" campaign PSA is in an easy to view place: NHTSA's YouTube channel. Additional videos for multiple campaigns, along with vehicle crash test videos, can be found through our YouTube page.

Please join us for a General Membership Luncheon at Lin's Asian Cuisine

Please join us for a General Membership Luncheon at Lin's Asian Cuisine TOMORROW!  Sept 17 at 12 PM
Scheduled Speakers
 Josh Nordstrom from Midway,
Emily Rantz of Women Supporting Women
 Dave Wilson,  Executive Director of Maryland  Coastal Bays Program


Click here to RSVP


or call 410 957-1919

Downtown Pocomoke hosts 4th Friday Art Stroll

Downtown Pocomoke hosts 4th Friday Art Stroll
For Immediate Release
September 15, 2014
Pocomoke City –
On Friday, September 26, 2014, the Downtown Pocomoke Association and the City of Pocomoke will host their last Fourth Friday Art Stroll of 2014 in Downtown Pocomoke, beginning at 5:00pm and ending at 8:00pm. The event will be held within the two blocks of Market Street between Front Street and Second Street for a block party style event.

Local artists and craftsmen will fill the sidewalks of Downtown Pocomoke City to sell their art, including; paintings, photography, jewelry, home decor, fabric art, comic books, soaps and much more! Local retail stores are encouraged to stay open until 8:00pm.

Visitors of the Art Stroll will enjoy live music from PoTolo featuring Pocomoke native, Neal Hooks. 

Refreshments will be available for purchase. Downtown restaurants will offer special discounts during Art Stroll hours. An after-stroll party will be held at Riverside Grill with specials on house wines and other beverages from 8:00pm to close.
There’s fun for the kids too, including a moon bounce, sidewalk chalk art at the Sturgis One Room School, and wildlife presentations from the Delmarva Discovery Center. Local museums will offer free admission during Art Stroll hours.

For more information or to register as an artist, please visit downtownpocomoke.com or our Facebook pages “4th Friday” and “City of Pocomoke”.
In the event of rain the Art Stroll will be cancelled and will resume Spring of 2015.

Monday, September 15, 2014

This Friday at 7:30pm in Cypress Park


FREE Live Performance of William Shakespeare's "Macbeth"
Bring your lawn chairs! Bleacher seating also available.
Refreshments available for purchase.

Snow Hill Man Sentenced Following Conviction of Assaulting Officer

SNOW HILL, Md. – After deliberating for just six minutes, a jury found a Snow Hill man guilty of second-degree assault on a correctional employee following an incident last May, according to the Worcester County State's Attorney's Office.

Kenneth Foreman, 25, of Snow Hill, was charged on May 30 after correctional officers said he attacked one of them at the Worcester County Jail on May 16. The officer suffered injuries to his face and head and fractured a hand in the assault, prosecutors said.

According to law enforcement, Foreman's criminal history includes charges of a previous assault of a law enforcement officer, possession of crack cocaine, resisting arrest and attempted second-degree arson. This latest case was tried in Worcester County Circuit Court.

The judge recommended a sentence of three to 18 months, but the state's attorney's office said it asked for a sentence above those guidelines, leading to a 30-month sentence.

“This type of stiff sentence above the guidelines sends the absolutely appropriate message to the inmates at the Worcester County Jail – which is, if you assault a correctional officer you better have your bags packed for the Department of Corrections,” Oglesby said.

Reception For Mike McDermott


Parents Choice Endorses Delegate Mike McDermott


Parents Choice Endorses Delegate Mike McDermott
 
“He’s our Top Pick in District 38”-Parents Choice of MD
(Annapolis) Parents Choice of Maryland, a grassroots citizen organization, has endorsed Delegate Mike McDermott of the lower Eastern Shore for the Maryland Senate representing District 38 from Somerset-Wicomico-Worcester Counties.
Parents Choice states as part of its criteria for making an endorsement “We are looking for leaders who will do things to make life better for everyone.  We are looking for leaders who are focused on jobs, education, safety, the environment, our quality of life, transportation, equality, health care and retirement.  We are looking for leaders who are honest and transparent in their dealings and we believe that Delegate McDermott has earned his reputation as a leader in the Maryland General Assembly.”
In deciding that Delegate Mike McDermott met and exceeded these standards, Parents Choice noted his determination that government should exhibit common sense when it comes to taxes and spending priorities.  He has been outspoken on the need for transparency in government and has been at the forefront on introducing legislation that would make Maryland a better and more prosperous state. Delegate McDermott’s public safety background and knowledge has truly shaped major bills in the House and made the public safer as a result.
Parents Choice has also given credit to Mike for his support for women’s issues, particularly victims of domestic abuse; and his efforts to help preserve the Chesapeake Bay Trust Fund and for taking a common sense approach to restoring the Chesapeake Bay.
Parents Choice endorses both Republicans and Democrats, incumbents and challengers in its goal of seeking “…leaders who are committed to making Maryland stronger and better than it is today.”

5 Pinocchios for Jim Mathias



5 Pinocchios for Jim Mathias

“Capitulating verses Negotiating”

by Delegate Mike McDermott
 

It is not unusual for a politician to stand up and take credit for something they did not do. I have talked about the “posers” with those big checks before; but this week, Jim Mathias crossed a line when he stood up and took credit for the return of millions in local slot revenues  to Worcester County when nothing could be further from the truth.

When slots were first authorized in Maryland, Mathias was a delegate. He was elected and quoted on the record that he would not support or vote for slots. Yet, during the 2007 Special Session, he changed his mind, and his vote became the deciding vote when he voted for gambling in Maryland. The bill required Worcester County to fork over a million dollars a year to Baltimore City and another cool million bucks to Prince Georges County from the local government proceeds that would have stayed on the shore. Search if you like, but you will find no attempt to strike this payoff from the bill. (This has cost the lower shore millions of dollars in lost revenue since it passed).

When Mathias got back home, this pay off was soon discovered by local leaders and brought up in the press. When he was questioned about it, he claimed he did not know it was in the bill.

I’m not buying it.  After all, this bill was passed in a Special Session and was the sole piece of legislation they needed to consider. It should have been fought and eliminated; particularly if you were willing to cast the deciding 71st vote for a bill that would impact your jurisdiction significantly.

For several years, Worcester County and Ocean Downs Casino have been paying off Baltimore City and Prince Georges County.  All of that money could (and should) have been utilized for local spending. When I was elected in 2010, I was keenly aware of this wealth transfer and I looked for a mechanism to bring it back home where it belonged.

That opportunity presented itself in 2012 during our  2nd Special Session when the expansion of gaming was being sought. The issue was no longer about whether or not we would have gambling, rather it was about allowing a 6th casino to be built in Prince Georges County at National Harbor.  Gambling was no longer the issue.

This bill originated in the Senate and once again, I noticed that the payoffs to Baltimore City and Prince Georges County were still embedded in the legislation. There was no attempt by Mathias to remove these provisions from the bill.

When the bill arrived in the House, the Democrats were hunting for insurance votes to pass the bill.  I took advantage of the situation and spoke to the leader on the bill about the possibility of my supporting it. My demand was straightforward: return the local impact money to the citizens where the casinos are located. Depending on revenues, this could amount to $2 million each year that would remain on the lower shore.

To our benefit, they agreed to amend the bill and cut out the funding for Baltimore City and Prince Georges County as soon as Baltimore’s casino was open for business. In turn, I cast a deciding vote for the National Harbor expansion. The amendment was introduced by Delegate Dave Rudolph (D-Cecil) whose county also benefited directly from these local impact grants staying on the Upper Shore in Cecil County.

I could not help but see the irony of these two separate votes from two Delegates representing the same area:

  • Mathias casts the deciding vote that brings gambling to Maryland, establishes a casino in Ocean City’s backyard, and agrees to give Baltimore City and Prince Georges County $2 million of our money every year.


  • I cast the deciding vote that expands gambling to Prince George County alone and only after seeing the bill amended to strip Baltimore City and Prince Georges County from receiving one dime of our local impact money (returning $2 million to the Eastern Shore).

In a press release this past week, Mathias earned himself 5 Pinocchio's when he took credit “for amending the legislation passed in 2012” which returned the money to Worcester County. This represents a complete and utter falsehood.
The reporter took his word for it.  I do not believe the voters will be as trusting come November.

Speaker Boehner: House Is Ready to Work with President on Plan to Destroy ISIS, but White House Must Address Strategy Questions

Speaker Boehner: House Is Ready to Work with President on Plan to Destroy ISIS, but White House Must Address Strategy Questions

At his weekly press briefing, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) said the House stands “ready to work with the president to put in place a plan that would destroy and defeat ISIL,” while underscoring the need for the president to address questions and concerns that remain regarding his strategy.  Following are Speaker Boehner’s remarks:

“Last night the president finally began to make the case that the nation has needed him to make for quite some time: that we must destroy and defeat this terrorist threat.  ISIL is a sophisticated and determined enemy, and in order to be successful we must have a comprehensive strategy designed to destroy and to defeat it.

“I think that last night the president made a compelling case for action, but as I said in my statement last night, there are still questions and concerns that remain.  For example, I support the president’s plan to train and equip Iraqi Security Forces and the Syrian opposition.  But I remain concerned that those measures could take years to fully implement at a time when ISIL’s momentum and territorial gains must be halted and reversed immediately... (READ MORE)

----------
Senate Democrats Would Overturn Free Speech Protections to Silence Critics

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell made the following remarks on the Senate Floor today regarding Senate Democrats’ attempt to limit free speech:

“Earlier today, one Democrat Senator urged his colleagues to get serious about the real challenges facing our country – challenges like dealing with the threat of ISIL. He implored fellow Democrats not to focus all their time instead, quote, ‘doing things that are of lesser importance.’

“Yet, his voice seems to have been ignored by the Democrats who run the Senate. Because here we stand, debating their proposal on whether or not to take an eraser to the First Amendment... (READ MORE)

----------
Chairman Rogers Introduces Short Term Continuing Resolution to Maintain Government Operations, Prevent Shutdown

House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers has introduced a short term Continuing Resolution (CR) (H.J.Res.124) to prevent a government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2014.

The legislation continues funding for government programs and services at the current annual cap rate of $1.012 trillion until December 11, 2014. This rate of funding will remain in place for the length of the continuing resolution, or until Congress approves the annual Appropriations legislation for fiscal year 2015. The bill is “clean” and does not contain highly controversial provisions.

Chairman Rogers gave the following statement on the introduction of the CR... (READ MORE)

----------
Helping Families Keep Their Plan & Peace of Mind

House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement after bipartisan House passage of H.R. 3522, the Employee Health Care Protection Act, which would allow Americans in the group insurance market to keep or choose the plans they like

“In this tough economy, hardworking families need all the peace of mind they can get, and by helping them keep the plan they like, Bill Cassidy’s bill does just that.  It would mean getting more people back to work, lowering costs at home, and restoring opportunity.  Of course, to protect our workers from all of ObamaCare’s broken promises, we need to repeal this law and replace it with solutions that lower costs and protect jobs... (READ MORE)

----------
Help Build the Coalition
Click here and find ways you can help build our organization, promote our campaigns, and spread the word to others.  Your participation makes a difference!
Connect with Us!
You can now connect with Christian Coalition of America on YouTube, Facebook and Twitter.  It's a great way to stay informed and help spread the word to others that you know.  Connect with us today!