The Pocomoke Public Eye: 6/5/11

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Moderate Drought Conditions for Eastern Virginia

Portions of Virginia are experiencing parched conditions.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says much of eastern Virginia is now in a moderate drought, while parts of Southside Virginia and the Richmond area are abnormally dry. The Drought Monitor is a service of the National Weather Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture and other agencies

Temperatures hit 100 degrees in parts of the state on Thursday.

Last year more than two-thirds of the state experienced drought conditions and excessive heat that hurt crops and livestock.

Northampton County has experienced more than a moderate drought. The last significant percipitation event to occur in most of Northampton County was the December 26 snow storm. Accomack County has received some rain during that time however both counties are very dry right now and farmers and homeowners alike hope for some significant rain sooner rather than later.

Source; easternshorenews.com

National Get Outdoors Day

Note: There will be NO guided walk on the Cypress Park Nature Trail on Saturday (today). Members at the Delmarva Discovery Center ask that you join them for National Get Outdoors Day in Eden. There will be plenty of great things to do there!

GREAT day to get the kids outdoors and do something fun.

Saturday, June 11 · 10:00am - 2:00pm

Location: Hazel Outdoor Discovery Center

4025 Cooper Road

Eden, Maryland

Join us for a FREE event encouraging healthy, active outdoor fun!

Thanks to our exhibitors and hands-on activities, kids can learn about archery, firearm safety, wildlife watching, kayaking, camping, cycling, nutrition, and more. Parents can learn about organizations that help kids develop safe & healthy habits while exploring our great Delmarva outdoors.

Free lunch for all and free t-shirts to first 400 kids.

Exhibitors include: Maryland Bowhunters Society, Allen Fire Dept., Wicomico Air Rifle Club, Wicomico 4-H, Wicomico County Sheriff's Department, Maryland Coastal Bays Program, Delmarva Discovery Center, Pocomoke River State Park, Adrenaline High, Healthy U, and many more.

Friday, June 10, 2011

Pocomoke's 36th Annual Cypress Festival

Events Calendar

Where Are They??

Where are the Hollywood celebrities holding telethons asking for help in restoring Iowa and helping the folks affected by the floods? Where is good old Michael Moore?

Why is the media NOT asking the tough questions about why the federal government hasn't solved this problem?
...Asking where the FEMA trucks and trailers and food services are?

Why isn't the Federal government moving Iowa people into free hotels in Chicago and Minneapolis ?

When will Spike Lee say that the Federal government blew up the levees that failed in Des Moines ?

Where are Sean Penn, Bono, and the Dixie Chicks?

Where are all the looters stealing high-end tennis shoes, cases of beer and television sets?

When will we hear Governor Chet Culver say that he wants to rebuild a 'vanilla' Iowa .. because that's what God wants?

Where is the hysterical 24/7 media coverage complete with reports of shootings at rescuers, of rapes and murder?

Where are all the people screaming that Barack Obama hates white, rural people? My God, where are Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, Oprah, and Ray Coniff Jr?

How come you will never hear about the
Iowa flooding ever again? Where are the government bail out vouchers? The government debit cards?

There must be one hell of a big difference between the value of the people of Iowa and value of the people of Louisiana. Pass this unedited, un-doctored, factual information forward ..... to get Americans thinking. Where the hell are all the people that think the Haitians are more important than the good people of Iowa, for that matter.

Hat Tip; Eric

The Best Bumper Sticker Ever

2ND FRIDAYS IN ONANCOCK

June 10, 2011
5pm to 8pm

Participating shops, restaurants and galleries stay open late featuring local artists, demonstrations and specials. Sponsored by the Onancock Business & Civic Association (OBCA).

On North Street and King Street

North Street Market – 5 North St. – 5-7 p.m. Wine tasting/sampling of easy drinking summer wines, with cheeses and olives to match.

The Blarney Stone Pub – 10 North St. – The original Irish Pub on the Eastern Shore will feature the music of Greg Evans on the patio.

Janet's Cafe – 49 King St. – will offer light, fresh and healthy dinners during Second Friday: salads, pasta, desserts and coffee. Ice Cream season is here! 787-9495

King Street Exchange – 49 King St. – Check out Onancock’s new home goods consignment store! If you are looking for a perfect painting or chair to finish off a room, or have a treasure you’d like to see, stop in and talk to Kathy. Inventory changes daily!

gardenART on King St. – 44 King St. – 7th Anniversary Garden Party Celebration. New plants, gifts, and home accents at special anniversary prices. Holly Grove Vineyards will be in the garden with their award winning wines. 787-8818.

Richardson Gallery – 24 King St. – A show of paintings "Toasting Spring." New work by various artists with a spring theme. Reception for the artists with light refreshments.

At the Wharf

Mallards at the Wharf – Feed-a-Mind fundraiser for the Eastern Shore Literacy Council with celebrity waitstaff and Johnny Mo on the deck. Mention "Second Friday" and get half off Johnny Mo's famous mussels.

SouthEast Expeditions at the Wharf – Special guest: Bill McCarter of Eastern Shore Hang Gliding will have a glider you can get into. $10 kayak rentals and Kids Camp registration. 757-354-4FUN.

At the Historic Onancock School - 6 College Avenue

Art in Life Gallery - Room 109 – Stop by for door prize tickets for a free art lesson, info on the New York bus tour, Saturday workshops, and summer art camp. 665-1480 or theartinlife.com

Gailearai Ealaine – Room 115A – Open 1-8 p.m. See Marge's pieces using recycled material. Sign up for the Art Club for an opportunity to hang your work Second Friday. Refreshments. 757-665-4507.

On Market Street

Great Space ETC – 61 Market St. – Come by, have a cold beverage and see and sit in our new furniture. New fabrics, home scents, lamps, tabletop and gifts. Great square candles too!

Eastern Shore Art League Gallery – 59 Market St. – The theme of this month's show is "Splash," so get ready to dive right in! See how our local artists treat the subject of water. Light refreshments.

Red Queen Gallery – 57 Market St. – Wonderful watercolors from Diana M. Davis, photographs and sea glass jewelry from Gertraud Fendler. Light refreshments will be served.

Crockett Gallery – 39 Market St. - Come see Willie Crockett's new creations and get 20% off this evening! Willie is a Tangier native and an Onancock treasure.

Edward Jones – 25 Market St. – Join Mary McKenna for tasty refreshments, games and giveaways to celebrate summer. Schedule a free portfolio review to be well positioned in the current market.

Market Street Antiques – 20 Market St. – The store is loaded with a variety of treasures. Make sure to stop by and take a peak! Refreshments served.

NOTE FOR DOG OWNERS:

Our town welcomes furry friends of residents and visitors

alike! Look for a Pet-Friendly Decal in the windows of busi

that welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs inside. We
have two pet-friendly B&Bs and several pet-friendly events.nessesPlease respect our town leash law and if you forget your waste
bag, you’ll find one in the dispensers around town.

For more information: http://www.onancock.org/

Pocomoke Officials Plan For Main Budget Fund To Rise

Written by

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- The proposed budget for next year's municipal spending calls for the same tax rate for owner-occupied homes, 75 cents per $100 assessment, as they were charged last year. But rates for other real property would rise by four cents, to 80 cents per $100 of assessed value; and the budget calls for some increases in what property owners and businesses pay for municipal utilities.

Because the estimated value of Shore properties has declined recently, on average, no property owner should see an increase in any tax bills, town officials predicted.

The total budget for all three areas calls for spending $8.5 million next year, compared to $10.6 million in expenses in the current year. The drop in spending follows the end of one-time grants for upgrades to the sewer plant, which were taken in and spent right away in this year's budget. The water and sewer fund is shrinking from $4.8 million to $2.5 million.

The general fund portion of the budget, which pays for salaries and services like streetlights, road maintenance and trash pickup, is set to rise 3 percent, from $4.96 million to $5.1 million. A fund for ambulance service is planned to go up 5 percent, from $823,000 to $867,000.

One major cost for residents of Pocomoke City is the bill for water and sewer service, which will remain the same for owner-occupied homes. All other properties will see a 15 percent increase, the first in several years, if the proposed budget passes.

One increase for city residents is the trash disposal fee, which will be raised 50 cents per month to $9.50.
City Manager Russell W. Blake is expecting an increase in highway user funds from $22,900 to $59,200.

That's still down from recent years; in 2008 the town received $240,000 in state funding for city streets. That figure was substantially reduced the following year.

The $5 million upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant is expected to be completed by the end of this month. The only funds coming from the city will be $102,078, with the rest coming from grants, according to the budget.

Some other income expected includes $400,000 in economic development funds from Worcester County; $110,000 in room taxes; $40,000 from the county liquor department; $50,000 in franchise fees from the CATV service; and funds from other sources.

Concerning expenses, the town plans to increase employees' salaries by two percent to cover the state increase in their pension contributions. Another two percent cost of living allowance is planned because, officials said, they have not received raises for three years.

There are expected to be savings in personnel costs because of retirements and resignations in the public works department, the police department, the ambulance service and the golf course.

A major cost from the general fund is an $87,324 subsidy for the ambulance fund. The general fund will also have to subsidize the water and sewer fund to the tune of $22,356. With the purchase of the new building on Market Street for the Police Department, Blake estimates that the interior renovations next year will cost about $100,000.

Some other major costs include $150,000 for street lighting; over $100,000 for worker's compensation; $720,000 for health insurance payments, which is less than if the town had remained with Blue Cross (the town is self-insured); and $100,000 for street paving and repairs.

Blake has also included $20,000 to hire a new half-time employee to help promote downtown and work on other economic development. This money would come from a previous grant for downtown business start-ups and expansions.

The council will meet June 20 to vote on the final passage. The July meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 5.

The council granted the Rev. Barbara Bassuener, rector of St. Mary's Episcopal Church, permission to hold services one day a week in Cypress Park. Along with the service, bag lunches would be provided for homeless people attending.

Under other business Mayor Bruce Morrison presented a plaque to former Mayor Michael A. McDermott in recognition of his six years as mayor of Pocomoke City; he presented a proclamation to Bill Kerbin in recognition of his being named to the newspaper Hall of Fame; and swore in Jarmel Gibson and Jessica Villanueva as the town's new police officers.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110609/WCT01/106090310/Pocomoke-officials-plan-for-main-budget-fund-to-rise?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s

FAMILY LOSES SON, KEEPSAKE WITHIN DAYS

Christine Cullen - Staff Writer

A Worcester County family grieving the loss of a brother, son, cousin and nephew in a tragic motorcycle accident last week had to relive that pain when an item went missing from a memorial they erected in his memory.

Brandon Matthew Richardson of Bishopville died last Friday after his motorcycle crashed into a guardrail on the Route 90 bridge. He was 20 years old.

Richardson was a graduate of Stephen Decatur High School, and a private first class in the Army National Guard. His family said he loved to ride his motorcycle and often wore his older brother Brett’s helmet when he rode.

According to the Maryland State Police, Richardson was riding his 2003 Kawasaki ZX- 6 motorcycle east on Route 90 around 2:30 p.m. when he lost control and crashed into the guardrail in the median of the highway near the intersection with St. Martins Neck Road. He died of his injuries at Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin.

Richardson was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, and alcohol was not a factor in the accident, police said. Police closed Route 90 to all traffic in both directions between Route 589 and Ocean City for three hours, causing long backups of traffic heading to the beach for the weekend.

Richardson’s family erected a memorial on the side of Route 90 at the site of the accident over the weekend. The memorial included a cross, Richardson’s National Guard fatigue jacket, an American flag and his brother Brett’s special helmet, a black KBC Tarmac with a white tribal design and red pin stripes.

His uncle, Mike Richardson, said the family has kept close watch on the site since the memorial was built. They noticed the helmet was missing from the memorial around 6:30 p.m. on Monday. He said the family is upset that someone would steal an item that was clearly there to remember someone who died.

“It was his brother Brett’s helmet and it meant a lot to him. Brandon wore the helmet often when he rode motorcycles. We only want the helmet returned, no questions asked. It means a lot to our family,” he said.

Mike Richardson hoped the person who took the helmet did not realize its sentimental value and will return it to the site. He said it could also be turned in to the Ocean City Police Department, where he is an officer, no questions asked. Anyone with information about the helmet can also contact the OCPD at 410-723-6610.

“It’s heartbreaking to have this happen so soon after the accident. We’re hopeful whoever took it will have the heart to return it,” Mike Richardson said.

As news of the missing helmet spread through the community, businesses have stepped up to help. Loaded Gun Customs in Selbyville, Del., a company that customizes cars and motorcycles, offered a brand-new helmet for the memorial, and Oasis Bar and Grill in Whaleyville has offered a $1,000 reward for information that leads to the discovery of the missing helmet.

The Maryland State Highway Administration removed the remainder of the memorial Thursday morning amid concerns it was too close to the roadway. The family plans to relocate the memorial to another location.

Source; http://www.oceancitytoday.net/news/2011-06-10/Front_Page/FAMILY_LOSES_SON_KEEPSAKE_WITHIN_DAYS.html

SaturdayTruck and Tractor Pull..........

......and other power events!

Satruday - June 11, 2011

Don't miss out on the events this weekend.

Registration at 3 PM

Racing Events at 5 PM

TRUCK -TRACTOR AND LAWN MOWER PULLING

MUD BOG AND SAND DRAG!

Here's Dave and Bill's new toy!

This sand drag car tried out the muddy pit at the Crisfield Mud Hop on May 29. It made an impressive run but needed more ground clearance. Personally, I don't think it was an advantage for any racer that day to start the race in the mud and on an angle. I give them an A for making the attempt.

Dave and Bill worked on this as a winter project and now that summer racing time is here I know they can't wait to race it again. I just bet this little thing will fly down the sand track!

So bring your chairs and relax in the shade while watching the events.

Bring your own vehicle and see what you can do on the track!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

"Superheroes" Truck Gets A Mud Bath

The "Superheroes" mudtruck is popular with many mudbog fans not only for the speed it travels through the mud but for the super heroes it has painted on its body.

The colors are bright and the superheroes are not quite life size but large enough to be recognized.

Cleaned and mud free this is one eye-catching truck and once you see it you never forget it.

This isn't the best photo of the truck but you can at least see the colors used to make it so appealing.

Here's what the "Superheroes" truck experiences --

And the crowd loves it!!

Gumboro 2011-lower photos
Crisfield 2011-top photos

Please Protect Your Animals

DANGEROUSLY HOT weather is here once again. PLEASE use good judgement when traveling with your pets.

DO LEAVE YOUR PET IN A HOT VEHICLE

And remember: Animals wear fur coats that CAN NOT be removed! Would you want to wear a coat all day long in the heat??

Sprout and Keegan

Remember to provide fresh water and cool shade for your pet. It isn't fair to neglect them.

In fact, it's against the law.

Wallops Island Rocket Launch

WALLOPS ISLAND

ROCKET LAUNCH

TODAY

Terrier-Improved Orion suborbital sounding rocket from the Wallops Flight Facility.

The launch is scheduled to happen between 7 and 10 a.m. and can be viewed by a webcast that will begin at 6 a.m. weather permitting. Backup days are June 10 and 11.

The launch also can be viewed at the NASA Visitor Center, which will open at 6 a.m.

Launch status updates will be provided by NASA on Twitter and by phone at (757) 824-2050.

To learn more about the rocket program, visit www.nasa.gov/wallops.

Wednesday, June 8, 2011

BINGO ! This Friday

Arrest Made For Drug and Deadly Weapon Possession

POCOMOKE CITY — A state trooper who stopped a man walking in Pocomoke at about 2 a.m. on June 5 found a device that had been used to ingest crack cocaine and a concealed knife, police said.

Ronnie Lee Collins, 52, of the 400 block of Market Street in Snow Hill, was stopped for a pedestrian violation, according to a Maryland State Police statement. When Collins made furtive movements near his waistband, police said, he was searched, and a knife tucked under his waistband was found.

Collins was arrested, police said; during a search after his arrest, police reportedly found a smoking device containing suspected burnt crack cocaine. He was charged with having a concealed deadly weapon and drug possession.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110607/NEWS01/110607029/POCOMOKE-CITY-Knife-and-drugs-taken-from-suspect?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s

Protect Yourself and Your Pet During Tick Season

Tick season is here on the Eastern Shore.

Pets, just like humans, are at risk for contracting diseases that various species of ticks carry. The diseases include Lyme, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Erlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and more.

Several treatments and prevention strategies exist, but multiple steps may be needed to minimize our exposure to ticks and the diseases they carry. There are many topical products as well as collars on the market for dogs and cats. Remember that not all products are created equal, and to check with your veterinarian to make sure you are using the safest, most effective product for your pet. Take care to only apply cat products to cats as dog products can poison and even kill cats.

Yard sprays can be helpful, but make sure to read package directions carefully for your pets safety, as well as your own. Limiting your pets range is important also. Dogs and cats that have free range of the outdoors are almost impossible to keep from getting ticks. Applying your pets flea and tick prevention regularly will also help greatly to reduce their exposure.

There is also a vaccine available for protecting your dog from Lyme disease. Talk to your veterinarian about including this in your dogs annual immunizations.

Contact your veterinarian for the best advice on your pets prevention program.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Tuesday, June 7, 2011

"The Grey Ghost" Runs At Crisfield Mudhop

The banner across the windshield of "The Gray Ghost" reads 'drive it like u stole it' which is something that has always been told to the drivers of the Bowden Racing Team.

And that's what the drivers try to do every time they meet the muddy pit face to face.

However, it's important for everyone to understand that mud sometimes has a mind of it's own.

Lee Sturgis, behind the wheel of "The Grey Ghost" seemed to have no problem heeding the 'drive it like u stole it' advice on Sunday, May 29, 2011 in Crisfield, Md.

Lee and "The Grey Ghost" ended with a great run!

Unfortunately, there is no advice on a fast, easy way to remove the dried, caked on mud that gets carried home.

"The Grey Ghost"
Owned and driven by
Lee and Lori Ann Sturgis

GREAT JOB LEE!!