Saturday, August 10, 2013
TIME MACHINE .. This Sunday's Preview
1965.. Controversial new by-pass for Onley to Accomac; 1849.. Minister involved in Worcester County shooting; 1865.. A local ocean side vacation destination before the time of Ocean City; 1940.. Toddler uninjured in third floor fall from Pocomoke City hotel; 1936.. Prisoners are new garbage collectors in Snow Hill.
Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
1st Annual Mud Bog Sponsored By the Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Dept. ~ TODAY!
TODAY'S THE DAY !!
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| Photo/BW |
Help Support The Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department with their
1st Annual Mud Bog
The Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department
4718 Snow Hill Rd, Snow Hill, Maryland
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| Photo Justin Miller |
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Gates OPEN at 10:00 AM
Racing begins at 1:00 PM
See lots of your favorite mud trucks!
Buddy Ward will be announcer for the day!
Sweatshirts will be on sale
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| Photo BW |
ADMISSION:
Adults/Children age 10 +
$7.00
Children under 10 FREE
ALL children must be accompanied by an adult.
Friday, August 9, 2013
Pocomoke City Police Department ~ ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign
Pocomoke City Police Joins the Maryland MVA’s Highway Safety Office Statewide Crackdown to Reduce Impaired Driving Fatalities
‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ Campaign
Will Target Impaired Drivers
Pocomoke City, Maryland – From mid-August through Labor Day, local police will be out in force as part of the annual statewide “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown on impaired driving. The crackdown, which includes high-visibility enforcement throughout Maryland, will run from August 16 through the Labor Day holiday weekend.
“Impaired driving is one of the largest traffic safety problems in our region” said Ms. Gayle Waters. Every 47 hours, someone in Maryland dies in an impaired driving crash1. Last year in Maryland, impaired driving crashes killed 170 people and injured another 4,019 people. “The efforts of Maryland’s agencies, especially the Motor Vehicle Administration’s Highway Safety Office, are having a positive impact on achieving Maryland’s goal of Toward Zero Deaths. In 2012, deaths from impaired crashes decreased to 34% of the state’s total motor vehicle fatalities, compared to 37% in 2011.”
“Impaired driving is a public health issue, a highway safety priority and it’s a crime,” said Chief Kelvin D. Sewell.
Between 2008 and 2012, 875 people lost their lives in impaired driving crashes with 74% of the fatalities occurring at night. Being arrested for driving while impaired brings a wide range of negative consequences into one’s life. Impaired drivers face jail time, the loss of their driver’s licenses, and steep financial consequences such as higher insurance rates, attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of a job.
“Research has shown that high-visibility enforcement like the 'Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over' campaign reduces impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. By joining the statewide effort, we will make Maryland’s roadways safer for everyone,” .
Impaired driving takes a particularly heavy toll on young drivers, especially 18 to 34-year-old drivers. “We want to remind everyone that getting behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking or taking drugs is a terrible idea. Being impaired and under the influence affects your ability to safely operate a vehicle. It also affects your judgment and good sense about whether you can, or should drive,” added Chief Sewell.
During the campaign, Maryland drivers will be reminded to “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.” Advertisements on billboards, transit shelters and targeted gas pumps as well as radio and digital components will be visible throughout the State.
Driving impaired is simply not worth the risk. So don’t take the chance. Remember, Maryland enforcement agencies will be out in force and we will be watching, so ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
From Northampton Sheriff David Doughty ~ Arrest Activity
Arrests for July 2013: ~ Northampton County
Terrence Devon Brisco, 38, of Nassawadox was arrested July 2, 2013 for Felony A&B. He is being held in the Eastern Shore Regional Jail with no bond.
Larry H Sherman 45, of New Bedford, Ma. was arrested July 4, 2013 for Felony A&B. He was released on bond.
Torrean Vitonia Washington 31, of Birdsnest was arrested July 25, 2013 for 3 Felony B&Es and Felony Larceny. He was released on $12,000 bond. He was again arrested July 29, 2013 for Felony Attempted B&E and a Parole Violation. He is being held in the Eastern Shore Regional Jail with no bond.
A Juvenile was arrested July 23, 2013 for Felony Robbery, Assault, and reckless driving. He is being held in the Norfolk Juvenile Detention Center.
Also Served were Capiases,10 misdemeanor warrants for assault & battery, 1 summons for assault & battery, 1 misdemeanor warrant for vandalism, 1 misdemeanor warrant for obstruction, 3 misdemeanor warrants for trespassing, 2 misdemeanor warrants for drunk in public; 1 misdemeanor warrant for a spended operators license, 1 misdemeanor warrant for DWI, , 9 protective orders , and 1 misdemeanor warrant for violating a protective order.
Accomack County Circuit Court
Jonathan Belote faced charges of Robbery and use of a Firearm. Mr. Belote was asking for reconsideration of sentence for the firearm charge. As a first offender Judge Lewis set aside the no contest plea awaiting an evaluation of the defendants ability to qualify for the first offender program for the gun charge. The case was continued until 12/2/13.
Leeshawn Davis charged with intent to distribute marijuana did not appear for court today. A warrant was issued for his arrest with the instruction that he be held without bond.
Eddie Savage charged with reimposition of a suspended sentence. Mr. Savage was convicted on five counts of cocaine distribution back in 2002 and served 8 years and 6 months but while out on good behavior was convicted of possession given 30 months with 6 additional months added today. With a stern warning from the court about good behavior.
William Thompson charged with distributing diazepam(valium) on or about 11/7/11 and a second charge of distributing methylphenidate (Ritalin) on or about 2/9/12. Mr. Thompson was asking for a charge reduction to accommodation from distributing.
His wife Bonnie had plead guilty to distributing in a previous trial and sentenced to 25 years with all but 7 months suspended. Both Bonnie and William testified to being in the car at Shore Stop on Chincoteague Island for the first charge and that on the second charge she sent William to sell the Ritalin to a confidential informant. Mr. Thompson was found guilty on both charges of distributing with the case continued for a pre-sentencing report.
Source:
Driver Of Vehicle Becomes Uncontrollable To Officers
WORCESTER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
PRESS RELEASE
DATE: August 6, 2013
Incident: 1 Count 2nd Degree Assault on Law Enforcement, 1st and 2nd Degree Assault, Resisting Arrest, MDOP over $1,000, and numerous traffic charges
Location of Crime: Unionville Road, Pocomoke City, Maryland
Suspects: George A Bell 3rd W/M Age 62 Pocomoke City, Maryland
Charges: 1 Count 2nd Degree Assault on Law Enforcement, Resisting Arrest, 1st and 2nd Degree Assault, 1 Count MDOP + $1000, numerous traffic violations, and Reckless Endangerment
Narrative: On August 6, 2013 at 5:00 pm., the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched for a reckless driving report on Union Ville Road in Pocomoke, Maryland. Additional 911 calls were received over the course of a few minutes indicating the driver was attempting to strike vehicles and pedestrians in the area. The calls continued as the vehicle approached the city limits of Pocomoke City. The vehicle continued into Pocomoke nearly striking several vehicles, and persons walking in the downtown area of Pocomoke. The vehicle became disabled near 3rd Street and Market Street. A uniformed deputy and an off duty deputy pursued the subject on foot and took him into custody a block away. Pocomoke City Police also responded and assisted in transporting the subject to the Police Department. During the investigation, it was determined that the driver was suffering some type of medical issue and was transported to PRMC for evaluation. While transporting this individual, the individual who was restrained and seat belted began kicking and striking the deputy. The individual struck the steering wheel, causing the deputy to lose control of the vehicle temporarily near the Princess Anne Barrack. Additional Deputies from Worcester County, Maryland State Police Berlin, Pocomoke City Police and Maryland State Police Princess Anne, responded quickly to the scene and were able to secure the subject. The subject was transported by Princess Anne Ambulance to PRMC for evaluation.
The subject was issued 22 traffic violations and a criminal citation for MDOP. Investigation showed that he drove thru several yards striking trees and signs from Unionville Rd to the City Limits of Pocomoke. The individual faces several criminal charges from the incident in Somerset County and is waiting for processing pending a release from medical personnel.
The U.S. Navy X-47B Aircraft Departed Wallops On Wednesday
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| U.S. Navy Photo |
The X-47B, known as Salty Dog 502, was temporarily at Wallops following two successful arrested landings on USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) July 10. The unmanned aircraft diverted to the NASA facility on the third landing attempt when a minor error was detected in one of its three navigation computers.
“This was the first time the X-47B was operated at a divert site and proved to be a great real-time learning event for the test team,” said Capt. Jaime Engdahl, Navy UCAS program manager. “Our team worked closely with NASA personnel over the past few weeks to coordinate the return flight to Pax River.”
The two X-47B air vehicles will reside at Patuxent River while the Navy UCAS program continues to assess potential opportunities for additional test operations here and at-sea. These efforts will focus on reducing risks for the follow-on Unmanned Carrier Launched Airborne Surveillance and Strike (UCLASS) program and help the Navy to better understand how to operate unmanned systems of this size in the areas of research and development, said Rear Adm. Mat Winter, who oversees the Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aviation and Strike Weapons.
To date, the N-UCAS program has conducted a total of sixteen precision approaches to the carrier flight deck, including five planned tests of X-47B wave-off functions, nine touch-and-go landings, two arrested landings and three catapult launches during three at-sea evolutions in an eight-month period.
SOURCE:
Thursday, August 8, 2013
Mudbogging In Snow Hill This Saturday !! Don't Miss Out!!
Be sure you don't miss out on the 1st Annual Mudbog this Saturday being sponsored by The Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department.Location: 4718 Snow Hill Rd, Snow Hill, Maryland
Snow Hill Volunteer Fire Department
1st Annual Mud Bog!!
Saturday, August 10, 2013
Gates OPEN at 10:00 AM
Racing begins at 1:00 PM
ADMISSION:
Adults/Children age 10 +
$7.00
Children under 10 FREE
ALL children must be accompanied by an adult.
Mud bog fans will be able to watch the trucks they know run through the mud in Snow Hill!! Even the announcer I enjoy so much- Buddy Ward- will do the announcing!
For other info and a list of rules for entries go to http://www.gumborocrisfieldmudbogs.net/Home_Page.php
Sweatshirts will be on sale
Sweatshirts will be on sale
Harford County Executive and candidate for Governor David R. Craig
Contact: Jim Pettit
@jamesmpettit
Harford
County Executive and candidate for Governor David R. Craig released the
following statement today regarding "tax free" week:
"Anything that gives Marylanders some tax relief is better than nothing, and it’s a recognition from a stubborn political monopoly about the need to spur the economy, but the need for a so-called 'tax free week' raises a broader issue. Why is it just for a week, and why do politicians decide what items qualify?
"State government has collected nearly $4 billion since the enactment of a 20% sales tax increase in 2007. That is a lot of back to school clothes, and handing out some extra pocket change for shoes, shirts and pants is a sorry pittance considering this regressive, harmful tax hits working people the hardest."
Background:
The second Sunday of August to the following Saturday is designated as Shop Maryland tax-free week each year. That means qualifying apparel and footwear $100 or less, per item, are exempt from the state sales tax. Accessory items are not included. The tax-free week for 2013 will occur Sunday, August 11, through Saturday, August 17.
http://comptroller.
Coast Guard Releases Names of 2 Who Died in Boating Accident Off Ocean City
OCEAN CITY, Md.- The U.S. Coast Guard has released the names of the two men who died when their catamaran capsized about 30 miles northeast of Ocean City.
The victims were identified as 57-year-old William Gogel, of Baltimore, and 57-year-old Fredy Fabricio-Castro, of Silver Spring, Md.
The Coast Guard says a boater reported the capsized 28-foot catamaran at about 9 a.m. Monday. A helicopter aircrew from the Coast Guard Air Station in Atlantic City, N.J., arrived and recovered the bodies of Gogel and Fabricio-Castro. Another boat rescued two 55-year-old men, who are not being identified at this time.
The federal investigation into the accident is active and ongoing, according to the Coast Guard.
FIRST TIME IN POCOMOKE !! BOAT DOCKING !!!
Here is a new event coming to Pocomoke on
Aug 18 at 1:00 AM
On the Pocomoke River in downtown Pocomoke City, Md.
Sponsors have donated over $11,000 in all.
Thanks to all that helped to make this possible.
It's not to late to donate - just call 410-726-5777
Open Containers Still Prohibited In Ocean City
The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens that possession of open containers of alcohol and consumption of alcoholic beverages on public property is prohibited in the Town of Ocean City. This includes public streets, sidewalks, roadways and alleyways.
In addition to public streets, drinking alcohol on the beach in Ocean City is also prohibited. The Ocean City Police Department, in partnership with the Ocean City Beach Patrol, reminds citizens that drinking on public beaches is not only unlawful, but is also dangerous.
“When alcohol is consumed on the beach, a number of safety issues can arise,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “Not only are you at a higher risk for heat related illnesses due to dehydration but there is extreme risks in swimming in the ocean while intoxicated.”
A violation of the city’s open container law, which applies to citizens of any age, may lead to a criminal violation and can result in an arrest or criminal citation.
For more information on Town of Ocean City ordinances, please contact the Ocean City Police Public Affairs Office at 410.723.6665.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Larry Hogan, Change Maryland
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3:17 PM (6 minutes ago)
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FREE Concert in Cypress Park TONIGHT
FREE Concert in Cypress Park
Wed, August 7, 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy country/Southern style Gospel music!
Precious Memories Gospel Band
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview
1965.. Controversial new by-pass for Onley to Accomac; 1849.. Minister involved in Worcester County shooting; 1865.. A local ocean side vacation destination before the time of Ocean City; 1940.. Toddler uninjured in third floor fall from Pocomoke City hotel; 1936.. Prisoners are new garbage collectors in Snow Hill.
Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!
Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!
Ocean City Man Indicted for 2nd Degree Rape
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| James Lee Travis |
On May 29,2013, Ocean City police received a complaint of a sexual assault involving an adult female victim and a 32-year-old male suspect.
During the investigation, the victim identified the suspect as an acquaintance, James Lee Travis, 32, of Ocean City, MD.
Further investigation determined that during the early morning hours of May 24, 2013, the victim and Travis were out for the evening at an area restaurant with friends and later returned to a residence on Bayshore Drive. While at the Bayshore Drive residence, the victim went to sleep. The victim woke up to find Travis sexually assaulting her.
On July 23, 2013, a Worcester County Grand Jury indicted Travis on second degree rape and other sex offense charges. An arrest warrant was issued for Travis with a preset bond amount of $150,000. Travis was subsequently arrested on July 29, in Ocean City and is currently being held at the Worcester County Jail.
Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.
Delmarva Discovery Center ~ Wednesday
"Instead of our nature walk program, we will be doing our brand new interpretive program, "
"Wild About Puppets"
an interactive puppet show that teaches wildlife conservation.
Join us at 11 AM and 1 PM tomorrow!
Wallops Flight Facility ~Unmanned Aircraft Take-Off
The closure is required for added safety as the aircraft departs Wallops at 7:30 a.m. and flies over Rt. 175 on its return to the Patuxent River Naval Air Station, Md.
The X-47B Unmanned Combat Air System demonstrator landed at Wallops July 10 following aircraft carrier landing tests off the coast of Virginia.
The NASA Visitor Center will open at 7 a.m. Wednesday for the public to view the take-off of the X-47B.
More Information on the NASA Wallops Flight Facility is available on the Internet at:
http://www.nasa.gov/wallops
Source:
Labor Day Crackdown / “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
Regional Labor Day Crackdown Runs From August 16 to September 2, 2013 against Impaired Driving
August/Labor Day Crackdown
Fact Sheet/Talking Points
Our message remains as important as ever: “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”
• Checkpoint Strikeforce – Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over of Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia is one of the largest multi-state, cooperative efforts to stop impaired driving in the nation. The campaign creates awareness among drivers of sobriety checkpoints, saturation patrols and the severe penalties for driving impaired.
• Impaired driving continues to take a terrible toll on Maryland where every year one-third of all fatalities on our roads are caused by impaired drivers.
• Every 47 hours someone in Maryland dies in an impaired driving[1] crash.
• Between 2008–2012, 875 people in Maryland lost their lives in impaired driver related crashes. 75% of these fatalities occurred at night.
• Maryland impaired driving fatalities showed a 4% decrease in 2012 (the first decrease in 4 years). In 2012, 173 people lost their lives in an impaired driving crash (still one-third—34%—of all fatalities for that year).
• Fatal crashes showed a steeper decrease—10%—between 2011 and 2012. In 2011, there were 164 impaired fatal crashes; in 2012, there were 147.
• This year’s campaign will run from mid-August through the Labor Day holiday (August 16 through September 2).
• Our strategies and tactics are also simple: Be visible, be vigilant and let local motorists know that if they drive impaired, they will be caught and they will be arrested.
• The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign is an opportunity to keep Maryland residents and visitors safe on state road and highways and actively move Maryland Toward Zero Deaths.
SAFETY TIPS FOR DRIVERS
Here are some simple tips to help motorists and passengers keep safe this Labor Day holiday period—and all year long.
o Plan a safe way home before you start the Labor Day festivities;
o Before drinking, designate a sober driver;
o If you’re drunk, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation;
o Use your community’s sober ride
o If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact Worcester County Sheriff’s Office immediately;
o If you know someone who is about to drive while drunk, be a friend and take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Citizens Reminded to Stop at Red Lights
“Our officers continually enforce safe driving and cite drivers who run red-lights,” said Ocean City Police Chief Ross Buzzuro. “We want our residents and visitors to enjoy everything that Ocean City has to offer and arrive to their destination safely by following the rules of the road.”
The Ocean City Police Department is dedicated to keeping citizens safe and would like to remind residents and visitors to ensure the safety of yourself and others by stopping at all red lights and stop signs.
For more information about National Red Light Awareness Week or for red-light safety tips, visit:
http://oceancitymd.gov/Police/media/wp-content/uploads/red-light-awareness-brochure.pdf
ACCOMACK COUNTY ACCUSED ARSONIST INDICTED ON ARSON SPREE
Written by
Carol Vaughn
ACCOMAC — An Accomack County man who admitted to setting dozens of fires during a five-month arson spree has for the first time been criminally linked to 67 of them.
A grand jury meeting in Accomac on Monday indicted Charles R. Smith III, 38, on 67 counts of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson, according to Accomack County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Agar.
Smith, a former volunteer firefighter, confessed to setting 52 fires and said his fiancee, Tonya S. Bundick, set 15 fires, according to court documents.
Bundick, 40, was indicted on one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson.
The two, who shared a home in Hopeton next door to where one of the arson fires happened, were arrested April 2 and charged in connection with an arson fire at a vacant house in Melfa the night before.
Bundick’s indictments are linked to the Melfa fire, as are two of Smith‘s, Agar said.
The pair have remained incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail without bond since their arrest.
A police said at the time of their arrest officials are confident the two set most of the 77 arson fires reported in Accomack County since November 2012. Most of the fires were at vacant or abandoned houses and no one was hurt as result.
Both suspects underwent psychiatric evaluation at their attorneys’ request and were found fit to stand trial.
Source:
Carol Vaughn
A grand jury meeting in Accomac on Monday indicted Charles R. Smith III, 38, on 67 counts of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson, according to Accomack County Commonwealth’s Attorney Gary Agar.
Smith, a former volunteer firefighter, confessed to setting 52 fires and said his fiancee, Tonya S. Bundick, set 15 fires, according to court documents.
Bundick, 40, was indicted on one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson.
The two, who shared a home in Hopeton next door to where one of the arson fires happened, were arrested April 2 and charged in connection with an arson fire at a vacant house in Melfa the night before.
Bundick’s indictments are linked to the Melfa fire, as are two of Smith‘s, Agar said.
The pair have remained incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail without bond since their arrest.
A police said at the time of their arrest officials are confident the two set most of the 77 arson fires reported in Accomack County since November 2012. Most of the fires were at vacant or abandoned houses and no one was hurt as result.
Both suspects underwent psychiatric evaluation at their attorneys’ request and were found fit to stand trial.
Source:
The Coast Guard With Assistance From Two Good Samaritans Attempt To Rescue Those In Capsized Water
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard and two good Samaritans rescued two men and recovered two men Monday after the 28-foot catamaran the four boaters were on capsized near Ocean City, Md.
A good Samaritan aboard the Lori M contacted Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders at approximately 9 a.m., reporting a catamaran had capsized approximately 32 miles northeast of Ocean City with four people aboard.
The Just Right Five rescued 2 men, both age 55, who were responsive.
An MH-65 Dolphin helicopter aircrew from Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City, N.J., arrived on scene and deployed a rescue swimmer who recovered the other 2 men, ages 53 and 65, with the help of a good Samaritan aboard the Lori M. Both men, who were unresponsive, were brought aboard their boat.
A boatcrew aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Ocean City and the helicopter aircrew assisted in the search.
The Lori M and Just Right Five are being escorted by a boatcrew aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Indian River Inlet, Del., to station Indian River.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family members and loved ones of those recovered this morning,” said Capt. John Little, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Hamptons Roads. “We sincerely appreciate the efforts of the good Samaritans who acted quickly to report this and assist the Coast Guard in this rescue."
Monday, August 5, 2013
Accomack County Grand Jury is Hearing Evidence in the Case of Charles R. Smith III and Tonya Bundick
Investigators say Bundick and Smith are responsible for most of the fires. Each of them is charged with one count each of arson and conspiracy to commit arson in connection with an April 2 fire near Melfa.
The two were apprehended after Virginia State Troopers, who staked out the house saw someone set it on fire.
Smith and Bundick were then apprehended by the Accomack County Sheriffs Department on Lankford Highway shortly thereafter.
Source:
National Night Out On Tuesday / Step Into The Cash Vault
Hosted by the Pocomoke City Police Department
Kelvin Sewell, Chief
Please accept our humble invitation to come on down to Pocomoke City on
Tuesday August 6th
at 6:00 to 9:00 PM
and enjoy a night filled with fun, games, entertainment and food
The Pocomoke City Police are proud of their community and want to spread the word that
“Crime has no future in Pocomoke City”.
Also, advanced fundraiser tickets are available at the Pocomoke Police Department for a chance to step into our Cash Vault during the NNO event and win some free cash, see attached flyer.
Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to promote our upcoming Back to School Event and the Police Youth Christmas Party.
We hope that your schedule will permit your attendance and I look forward to sharing our town with you on August 6th.
If you need any further information, please feel free to contact our office.
Don't Be LATE!!!
OC104 and DJ Str8Up is ready to rock the park!!
Don't Be LATE!!!
OC104 and DJ Str8Up is ready to rock the park!!
Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting Tonight
A G E N D A
POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING
7:30 p.m., Monday, August 5, 2013
City Hall
- Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of July 1, 2013.
3. Review and approval of bills to be paid.
4. City Manager to introduce new Finance Director, Rochelle Taylor.
5. Mayor to present Robert Givens Certificate of Appreciation for his service on Planning and Zoning Commission.
6. Downtown Pocomoke Association representatives to request financial support for upcoming Fall Festival.
7. Brian Garrett, representing the Delmarva Discovery Center, to discuss Community Tax Credit.
8. Rob Busler, of Standard Solar, to make presentation regarding solar energy.
9. Dr. Walt Petersen to discuss current rainfall measurement project supporting the N.A.S.A. Global Precipitation Measurement mission.
10. Discuss recommendation letter from Downtown Revolving Loan Committee regarding matching loan for Lusby’s Appliances building located at 122 Market Street. (see attached support letter from D.R.L.C.)
11. Authorize Mayor to submit application for Community Parks and Playground for grant funds.
12. Res. No. 465 to authorize submission of Community Legacy application for grant funding.
13. Discuss proposal from Card’s Computers for new computer system at City Hall.
Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn to Executive Session to discuss personnel, real estate, and legal matters as permitted under the provisions of Sec. 10-508 (A), (1), (7), (8) of the State Government Article of the Annotated Code of Maryland and to perform executive actions.
AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.
Craig: Obamacare will Stick Marylanders with 83% Healthcare Tax
Harford County Executive and candidate for Governor David R. Craig announced today that Marylanders can expect a dramatic increase in health care insurance premiums under Obamacare, calling it a "massive new tax." Maryland's least expensive Obamacare plan will be 83% higher than the lowest-cost plan sold in the state this year. The analysis comes from a Government Accountability Office report that compares rates this year to what the Maryland Insurance Administration announced they will be under the new state exchange scheduled to launch October 1.
The state’s insurance agency locked down rates with private carriers last month and the new exchange for individuals is marketed as the “Maryland Health Connection.”
“What we have here is Maryland’s health disconnection,” said Craig. “This entire contraption will fall apart unless untold thousands of healthy people inexplicably decide to go online and buy expensive insurance instead of making a car payment. Private insurance carriers are not participating and not enough healthy, working people will either, and this is not going to work.”
The Maryland Insurance Administration and the GAO analyze similar policies available to similar age groups. A young person buying exchange insurance under the so-called “bronze plan” will pay $1368 in annual premiums, according to the state agency. Yet this year, according to the federal GAO, that person pays just $744 in annual premiums, an 83% difference.
“People are struggling with the worst economic recovery in our lifetimes, have faced down record tax, fee and toll increases, and now they are forced to pay 83% higher insurance costs," said Craig. “This is a massive health care tax politicians are attempting to brand as something else, and they are forcing people to buy it.”
The dramatic premium spike comes on the heels of the announcement that Aetna canceled plans to sell insurance on the exchange after state regulators drastically cut the rates it could charge consumers for its plans. Aetna, the nation's third largest health care insurance company as measured in terms of membership, acquired Bethesda-based Coventry Health Care this year.
"It is deeply troubling that Maryland has yet again soured relations with major employers and job creators. Another company acquires one of Maryland's last remaining Fortune 500 companies and takes their business elsewhere because regulators tell them what to charge. This irony is lost only on the one-party political machine in Annapolis."
Craig said this is only the beginning of the unraveling of Obamacare.
"These are only the initial, visible cracks in the foundation of the health care law, which like other federal public policy experiments, Maryland rushes into without conducting due diligence," said Craig. "I’m concerned about the cracks we don’t see yet.”
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