Monday, September 28, 2026

Welcome new Pocomoke City Chief of Police McGee-

 

The Mayor and Council voted at Monday night's meeting to appoint Richard “Andy” McGee as Pocomoke City’s Chief of Police, succeeding Chief Arthur Hancock who retired September 1st.

(From Mayor Nock on an earlier Facebook post)

For those who may not know Chief McGee, this appointment brings his career full circle.

He began his law enforcement career with the Pocomoke City Police Department in 1993, serving as a patrol officer, patrol supervisor and K-9 handler. He later served with the Somerset County Sheriff’s Office before spending more than 20 years with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

During his career, he has supervised large numbers of sworn personnel, commanded patrol and special operations, served as a SWAT commander, coordinated major public events and emergencies, worked with local, state and federal agencies, and handled training, compliance, budgeting, policy development and community relations.

Since 2019, he has served as Chief of the Snow Hill Police Department, overseeing the department’s daily operations, personnel, budget, policies, training and public safety responsibilities.

His experience also includes crisis intervention, active shooter preparedness, cybersecurity and technology, K-9 operations, community outreach, emergency management and law enforcement instruction.

Meeting cancelled

 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 7



Coming up: Chincoteague Oyster Festival-

 

(Shore Daily News)

One of Chincoteague Island’s longest-running fall traditions will return next month as the 53rd Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival takes place Saturday, October 10, at Tom’s Cove Park.

The festival will run from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature a variety of seafood, live music and activities. Organizers say tickets are selling quickly for an event that traditionally draws thousands of visitors to the island.

(More about it)

53rd Annual Chincoteague Oyster Festival set for October 10 - Shore Daily News

Thursday, September 24, 2026

What's after Starbucks?

 

Mayor Todd J. Nock says: 

Like many of you, I am disappointed to learn that Starbucks will be closing its Pocomoke City location. This closure is part of a larger company decision affecting locations across North America.

Now, our focus has to be on what comes next.

One of the biggest mistakes a community can make is allowing a commercial building, especially a newer and highly visible one, to sit vacant. Our Economic Development team and City staff have already started working to identify potential businesses that could be a good fit for this location.

There are still things we do not know. We do not know whether the building will be offered for sale, available for lease, or what the property owner’s plans will be. Those conversations will have to take place.

This also presents an opportunity for some real conversations about highway access, visibility, traffic patterns, and how easily people traveling Route 13 can access our businesses. Our Planning Department will be evaluating those issues as we continue looking at the bigger picture of economic development in Pocomoke.

We cannot control every business decision, but we can control how quickly and intentionally we respond.

The work to determine what’s next has already started.

To the employees of our Pocomoke Starbucks, thank you for serving our community. We wish you all the best. 


Crabs, clams, & politics... not particularly in that order-

 



(View news article)

Windy, with outbreaks of handshaking and backslapping at Tawes crab feast - Maryland Matters

Worcester Sheriff heads state association-

 


Congratulations to Worcester County Sheriff Matt Crisafulli on being sworn in as President of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association, representing all 24 elected sheriffs across the State of Maryland.

(See more about it)

https://www.facebook.com/WorcesterSheriff/

Wednesday, September 23, 2026

(UPDATED) Crab and Clam Bake

 (WBOC)



The 49th Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake returned to the Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, bringing together thousands of attendees, campaign tents, and high-profile politicians despite unfavorable weather conditions.

(View news story) 

49th Tawes Crab and Clam Bake serves up politics, seafood despite roaring winds | Latest News | wboc.com


(UPDATED) Guilty plea, prison time for former Worcester schools official-

 (WBOC)


SNOW HILL, Md. - A former member of Worcester County Public Schools’ executive leadership team pleaded guilty on Wednesday to theft scheme of $100,000 or more.

Denise Shorts, former Chief Academic Officer for Grades Pre-K through 8th , was initially charged in April of 2026 with felony theft of over $100,000, misdemeanor embezzlement, and misdemeanor misconduct of office. Prosecutors allege Shorts used her school system-issued purchase card to buy over $100,000 in personal items from 2019 to October of 2025.

(View more) UPDATE: Former Worcester County Public School executive pleads guilty in $100K+ theft case | Latest News | wboc.com

Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Wallops on the grow?

 (WBOC)


WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. - NASA is exploring a potential expansion of orbital launch operations at Wallops Flight Facility that could open roughly 150 acres of the facility to new launch infrastructure.

(View news story)


NASA explores expanding orbital launch capacity at Wallops Flight Facility | Latest News | wboc.com

Monday, September 21, 2026

Mayor Nock: "Events at the Fairgrounds can move forward-"

 


Mayor Todd J. Nock says: 

... I received an email (9/21) providing much-needed clarification regarding the Pocomoke Fairgrounds.

For several weeks, we have been attempting to get clear answers from the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) regarding the recent Title 4 violation, with little to no response. Because we did not have that clarification, the City chose to proceed cautiously rather than make assumptions regarding City-owned property.

According to this morning’s email, there has now been direct communication with MDE, who confirmed that the concerns identified in the latest report have been addressed. We were advised that the Fairgrounds may continue to be used for events as it has been, provided that the non-tidal wetlands are not disturbed. We were also informed that the latest Title 4 report carries no additional repercussions.

The email also indicated that MDE employees have limitations on communicating directly with elected officials, which may explain some of the difficulty I experienced while seeking answers.

It is important to understand that Title 4 and Title 5 are separate matters. The Title 4 concerns have been addressed. The Title 5 matter is still being worked through and is anticipated to be rectified by the end of the year.

I want to thank Mike Wyatt, Mike Shannon, Dean Ennis, and John Smith for their continued work behind the scenes to address these issues and obtain answers.

Events at the Fairgrounds can move forward, while the designated non-tidal wetland areas must remain undisturbed.

Thank you to everyone for your patience while we worked to get the facts




Rec fee $ for Assateague water system improvements-

 


(WBOC)

 Assateague Island National Seashore is slated to begin a $2.5 million water line replacement project in October to improve water pressure and reliability.

The National Park Service says the project is funded by Assateague Island recreation fee revenue. Officials say it will reinvest visitor fees directly back into essential park infrastructure and improve the visitor experience. 

They say the existing water system was built in the '90s and does not meet visitor level demands anymore. 

They also add they do not expect any road closures while the project is completed, but campground loops will close on a rolling basis, starting in early November. Officials say the campground will remain open, but capacity will be reduced.

Closer ties: Wallops and Kennedy-



 (Shore Daily News)

NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility on the Eastern Shore is becoming more closely connected to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida as NASA reorganizes its launch operations.

(View news story)

Wallops and the Kennedy Space Center join forces for launch operations - Shore Daily News

Chesapeake Bay restoration-

 


(View news story)
Maryland officials grapple with 'bizarre' Trump executive order on Chesapeake Bay - Maryland Matters