Saturday, September 14, 2013

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview


1977.. Eastern Shoremen host Soviet scientists and their ship's crew; 1894.. Forestry scientists predict demise of a valued tree variety that, in Maryland, flourishes exclusively in Worcester County; 1914.. Somerset and Worcester want different routes for main road south of Westover; 1952.. An auction branch of the Poultry Growers Exchange opens in Pocomoke City; 1929.. Look at what $1.00 will buy!

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! 

Fall Car & Truck Show TODAY

STOP BY MIDWAY TODAY !!




SPCA Eastern Shore Pet Walk ~ SAVE THE DATE


Free Concert in Cypress Park / SAVE THE DATE!

U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Band 
FREE

Concert in Cypress Park

Wednesday, September 25, 2013
6:00 pm until 7:30 pm

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets and listen to the U.S. Army Jazz Ambassadors Band from Fort Meade, MD for free! 

Concessions will benefit the Samaritan Shelter. 

In case of rain, concert will be held at the 
Mar-Va theater. 

Sponsored by the City of Pocomoke and the Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce.

Delmarva's Got Talent Coming Soon


KGB Thug Lectures US

Michael Davidson
AND Magazine


Recently Vladimir Putin, current head of the kleptocratic gang that controls Russia, demonstrated that a leopard can't change its spots. In Putin's case, he hasn't even tried to change. His attitude, his tactics, his strong-arm methods all attest to the fact that he is an unreconstructed KGB thug. Putin's homily to the United States arrived in the form of an op-ed in everyone's favorite newspaper, "The New York Times," on the anniversary of 9/11.


If the ineptitude of the Obama administration provided Putin an opportunity to saunter to center stage and play the great diplomat intent on resolving the Syrian chemical weapons problem, the blatant hypocrisy of his words now risk achieving the opposite. The verbiage sounds like vintage Putin and is reminiscent of the classic Soviet propaganda that nurtured his youth.

This is a man who presides over a regime that stifles dissent, murders journalists who dare oppose him, dispatches FSB assassins to foreign countries to harass and murder opponents, who lectures us piously about the sanctity of the United Nations where "decisions affecting war and peace should happen only by consensus" when it was he who invaded Georgia and ordered military operations in Chechnya that amounted to genocide and gave impetus to the Islamist rebellion that now has engulfed the Northern Caucasus.

He then offers up another whopper when he claims the Russians "… are not protecting the Syrian government, but international law." He then contends that "… the law is the law, and we must follow it whether we like it or not." This statement must have elicited guffaws from his own countrymen. Of course, it is Russia that supplies Syria with modern weapons systems, including the latest anti-aircraft missiles, artillery shells, etc. etc. etc.

And finally, he decries American exceptionalism, noting (it can but be with sarcasm) that "God created us equal." Uh huh.

Apparently Putin could not resist the opportunity to rub Obama's nose in his own mess the way a dog's owner might train a puppy. This was a mistake, but one that a man with Putin's deeply flawed personality could not resist. Putin's litany of lies and insults can only bring domestic support to Obama that he otherwise would not merit. He may have blown a golden opportunity.


Friday, September 13, 2013

Poetry Reading at the Chamber On Saturday

The Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce Presents : 

Poetry Reading by Archita Buch and Robin Butler

Saturday,  September 14, 2013
 3pm - 5pm 

At the Chamber
6 Market Street
Pocomoke, MD.

Come and hear the poets read from their latest anthology, revealing the alchemy of pen, ink and inspiration.

Come join us for an intellectually stimulating, heartwarming and unforgettable time!

 (3 -4pm Poetry Reading followed by “Ask The Authors”—open question answer session, book signing and light refreshments -4-5pm)

Texas Governor Jolts Maryland’s Anti-Business Politicians

Texas Governor Jolts Maryland’s Anti-Business Politicians
David Craig Campaign releases business climate data showing dismal contrast

Contact: Jim Pettit
@jamesmpettit

Maryland Lt. Governor candidate and state delegate Jeannie Haddaway said Texas Governor Rick Perry’s media onslaught of the state’s business climate and job growth potential is well-deserved as the David Craig campaign for Governor released today a comparison of the two states’ business climates according to third-party sources.

Maryland’s average ranking is 32 compared to Texas’s 4 when compared to other states.  Preventing Maryland’s free fall to the bottom quintile overall in the national business climate comparisons are factors including quality of life, education attainment levels and proximity to research and development facilities such as universities and federal government installations.

“Texas Governor Rick Perry understands something that the O'Malley-Brown Administration is in denial about -states compete with one another for jobs and economic development,” said Haddaway.  “Raising taxes, fees and tolls 40 times that will remove an additional $9.5 billion out of the private sector economy by 2014 sends a loud message to other governors who are concerned about job growth that Maryland is easy pickings.”

The O’Malley – Brown Administration frequently cite narrow metrics in categories other than tax burdens in order to avoid responsibility for the damage they have caused in driving away small businesses at rates that are among the highest in the region and have left the state with just three Fortune 500 companies.  These other metrics are largely based on benefits derived from world-class universities and a high concentration of research and development activity stemming from the post-World War II expansion of the federal government.

“Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown have absolutely nothing to do with the number of PHD’s living in Maryland nor the federal government and university-sector involvement in medical research, cyber-security and information technology that has been going on for years. Yet they take credit for it every day as if they created Johns Hopkins, the National Institutes of Health and Fort Meade,” said Haddaway.  “I am very concerned that as the federal government downsizes due to record debt, that ever-increasing numbers of working Marylanders are going to be left behind.”

Financial service firms, business media outlets, think tanks and site selection consultants routinely rank states’ economic development potential according to a variety of factors.  The Craig campaign released the most recent annual business climate studies from Chief Executive Magazine, CNBC, Forbes, Moody’s and the Tax Foundation. Averaged together, Maryland falls 28 notches below Texas.

In some cases a comparison is not even possible, since Maryland is not included in top-performing states in two reports issued this summer.  According to corporate relocation industry media outlets Area Development Online and Site Selection magazine, Texas ranks number one in the country.

Harford County Executive David Craig said the Lt. Governor will have a meaningful role in his Administration with economic development being a much-needed focus.

“Governor Perry’s visit to Maryland is a wake-up call to every anti-business politician in the state,” said Craig. “The rain tax alone has become a national embarrassment and one of the most blatant anti-business policies Marylanders have ever seen. My Administration will review, reduce or repeal any tax, fee and toll that impede job growth."

####


Chief Executive Magazine “Best and Worst States for Business”

1 Texas

41 Maryland

http://chiefexecutive.net/best-worst-states-for-business-2013



CNBC  “America’s Top States for Business”

2 Texas

40 Maryland

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100824779



Forbes Best States for Business

7 Texas

16 Maryland

http://www.forbes.com/best-states-for-business/list/



Moody’s Analytics State Economic Outlook

2 Texas

21 Maryland

http://www.economy.com/state/precis-snapshot.aspx?g=TX&src=medc-ppstatehttp://www.economy.com/state/precis-snapshot.aspx?g=MD&src=medc-ppstate



Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index

9 Texas

41 Maryland

http://taxfoundation.org/article/2013-state-business-tax-climate-index
Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc

Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament
Friday, September 13, 2013 
 7:30 pm
Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc.

All levels of players welcome. 

$15 buy in $10 re-buy. 
Hundreds of $$ in prizes.
 Great food sold on sight. 

Support your local fire companies!!


Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott


“Delegate McDermott Named as Consumer Committee Champion”

(Annapolis) --  On September 10th, the Maryland Consumer Rights Coalition (MCRC) named Delegate Mike McDermott (R - Worcester and Wicomico Counties) as one of MCRC’s 2013 Consumer Committee Champions.  A statement released by MCRC explains how each Consumer Champion was chosen: “These...members... stood up for consumer rights by earning overall scores of 80% or better during the 2013 session even as they cast more difficult and strongly contested committee votes on consumer rights issues than members of other committees did.” The full statement can be read here.  While in the Judiciary Committee, Delegate McDermott made some key votes for consumers including House Bill 930, which prohibits disclosure of certain private records of other people, and House Bill 596, which gives more due process rights to people arrested in debt cases by allowing for expedited release.  He also made an important vote for consumers by voting against House Bill 130, which allows awards of attorney's fees in civil and constitutional cases.

Delegate McDermott received an 86% on MCRC’s Legislative Scorecard for his House Floor Votes. MCRC's Full Legislative Scorecard can be found here. While on the House Floor, Delegate McDermott voted against House Bill 89, which allows energy companies to add a surcharge of up to two dollars per month on energy bills.   He also voted in favor of pro-consumer bills such as House Bill 1297, which allows state officials to put a security freeze on credit reports of foster children, and House Bill 286, which limits foreclosures due to liens on homeowners in condominium communities.  For more information on Delegate McDermott's key votes, go here.

Corporal Charles “Josh” Kelley Promoted To Sergeant

Sgt. Charles "Josh Kelley"
Chief Ross Buzzuro is proud to announce the appointment of Corporal Charles “Josh” Kelley to the rank of Sergeant. “Sgt. Kelley has proved his worth time and time again within the Ocean City Police Department,” said Chief Buzzuro. “He is a true asset to our department and is the epitome of a great law enforcement officer.”

Sgt. Kelley is originally from Chestertown, Maryland and is a former platoon sergeant in the US Marine Corps. During his eight years of service in the Marine Corps, Sgt. Kelley earned the Navy Commendation Medal in Combat Operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom. After being honorably discharged in May 2008, Sgt. Kelley continued his education at Salisbury University earning a Bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communications & Conflict Resolution.

Sgt. Kelley began his career at the Ocean City Police Department as a seasonal police officer in 2004 and was hired as a full time officer in 2006. Sgt. Kelley serves as a mentor to many young officers and is a member of the Drill & Discipline Team for the 
Chief Ross Buzzuro & Sgt. Charles "Josh" Kelley

seasonal police academy. He has been in the patrol division throughout his time with OCPD. During the course of his career, Sgt. Kelley has received many commendations and awards including Neighborhood Watch and OC Knights of Columbus Officer of the Year in 2009. He was also awarded by the Worcester County Drug & Alcohol Abuse Committee for making over 80 drug arrests in the year of 2010.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Mar-Va Christmas Production ~ ANNIE ~ OPEN CASTING CALL

Mar-Va Christmas Production


2013 AUDITIONS

2013 Production: 
"ANNIE"

AUDITIONS – OPEN CASTING CALL 
Annie is a Broadway musical based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, with music by Charles Strouse, lyrics by Martin Charnin, and the book by Thomas Meehan. Presented with permission by Music Theater International (MTI). 

WHEN:  Saturday, Sept 21 2013 10am – 2pm and Sunday, Sept 22, 2013 from 2- 4pm

Callbacks to be held Sept 23 at 7pm 

WHERE:  Mar-Va Theater, 103 Market Street Pocomoke, MD 21851


What to bring: 
Actors should come with a prepared song in the musical theatre style and sheet music or background track.
Please bring a current photo (snapshot is fine) and a resume (optional).
Please wear comfortable clothing as we may have actors do some script reading or movement during the audition.
Bring your calendar in order to review possible conflicts with rehearsals

PLEASE NOTE: If invited to callbacks, you may be asked to sing part of a song from the show. 

Available Roles (teens and adult)
Cast of 30 ranging in age from 8 to Adult. All primary roles require strong solo singing ability.

Rehearsal Schedule
Read thru Sept 28 10-12
September and October: week days Tuesday 7 - 9 PM, and Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM
November: Monday and Tuesdays 7 - 9 PM, Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM
December rehearsals: December 1 at 2 - 5 PM, December 3, 4, 5 at 7 - 9 PM.  You are expected to be at all rehearsals.

Performance Schedule
December 7 at 7 PM
December 8 at 2 PM
December 13 at 7 PM
December 14 at 7 PM
December 15 at 2 PM


Saxis Island Museum NOW OPEN


Another amazing video by Charles Paparella.  This time he ventures to Saxis Island, Virginia where things seem to be happening lately with the opening of their first museum.


Title: "Saving the Story of Saxis"
By: Charles Paparella






Thursday, September 12, 2013

I-55 Bandit Surrenders to FBI

The FBI announced on Wednesday that the man known as the I-55 Bandit surrendered in St. Louis, less than 24 hours after the agency asked for the public's help.

 Nineteen-year-old Andrew Maberry was arrested and charged with one count of bank robbery in connection with a July 3 robbery at Commerce Bank in Missouri. 

"We want to thank the news media and digital billboard companies for providing coverage on the I-55 Bandit," said Special Agent in Charge Dean Bryant. "We have no doubt Maberry's surrender was a direct result of the extensive media attention. We also appreciate the dozens of solid tips we were provided by the public. The FBI has long relied on the public to help identify and capture criminals."

 The I-55 Bandit is believed to have robbed 10 banks and attempted to rob two others in five states - Illinois, Missouri, Maryland, West Virginia and Tennessee. 

Maberry is from O'Fallon, Illinois.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview


1977.. Eastern Shoremen host Soviet scientists and their ship's crew; 1894.. Forestry scientists predict demise of a valued tree variety that, in Maryland, flourishes exclusively in Worcester County; 1914.. Somerset and Worcester want different routes for main road south of Westover; 1952.. An auction branch of the Poultry Growers Exchange opens in Pocomoke City; 1929.. Look at what $1.00 will buy!

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! 

Million American March Against Fear Sparsely Attended

NBC Photo
Attendees at the Million American March Against Fear -- previously called the Million Muslim March -- were met with protests by a small group of Christians on the National Mall Wednesday


Attendees at a sparsely attended Million American March Against Fear were met with protests by a small group of Christians on the National Mall Wednesday, on the anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks.

U.S. Park Police kept the group of protesters back. Several displayed signs with messages such as "Muhammad is a liar" and were yelling to the Muslim attendees, reported News4's Mark Segraves.

About 25 people -- including activist Cornel West -- were at the march as of 12:30 p.m., Segraves reported.

The event was known as the Million Muslim March during planning stages, but organizers said on their website they thought the earlier name was "scary."

Approximately 20 protesters were also at the scene, Segraves said. It was not clear whether they were from a specific church or organization.

The rally included prayers, speeches and a moment of silence to remember the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

The rally was planned by the American Muslim Political Action Committee (AMPAC), whose members say they are "patriotic Muslims" who are demanding new laws to protect their First Amendment rights.

"In the past 12 years since 9/11 the United States government as failed to protect and promote Constitutional liberties and human life, here and abroad," read part of a statement on AMPAC's website. "We feel that accountability in government has been ignored and the time has arrived to collectively speak truth to power."


Woman Faces Charges For Home Invasion In Accomack County

Jay Diem Photo
Written by
Carol Vaughn
ACCOMAC — A woman arrested in connection with a home invasion near Sanford last month was arraigned in Accomack General District Court Wednesday after being extradited from Wicomico County.

The incident left Lamesha Cropper, 26, of Salisbury, wounded and a male suspect fatally shot by the man they apparrently intended to rob. Two other alleged accomplices have been arrested.

Cropper appeared in court in a wheelchair, handcuffed and shackled at the waist and ankles.

Master Caine Wesley, Jr.

Cropper was wounded and Master Caine Wesley Jr., 24, of Nelsonia was fatally injured during a shootout that apparently took place after four suspects entered the home at 9293 Marsh Market Road at night, intending to rob it.

Court documents identify the robbery victim as Tyler Williams. Documents do not specify who fired the shots that killed Wesley and wounded Cropper.

Cropper was taken into custody Sept. 4 in Wicomico County and is charged with robbery, armed burglary and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

She is being held without bond in the Accomack County Jail.

Deputies responding to a call around 10 p.m. Aug. 28 found Cropper and Wesley with gunshot wounds at a nearby convenience store.

The two apparently fled to the store by car after a confrontation in which multiple gunshots were fired at the home, according to Accomack County Sheriff Todd Godwin.

Also being held without bond are Titus Floyd Jr., 20, of Mappsville and Leon O’Bryan Crippen, 22, of Temperanceville.

Floyd is charged with armed burglary, robbery and brandishing a machete.

Crippen is charged with robbery, armed burglary and use of a firearm in commission of a felony.

Cropper according to court documents has been employed by the U. S. Army for the past seven years.

She repeatedly leaned back in the wheelchair and stared at the ceiling while waiting for court to start, at one point turning to speak with two young women seated behind her.

She later mouthed unintelligible words to her supporters and smiled as a deputy wheeled her back away the bench after the brief proceeding.

General District Judge Gordon Vincent upon her request for a court-appointed lawyer appointed attorney Carl Bundick to represent Cropper.

Read more - VIDEO

Teacher Appreciation Night ~ TONIGHT!!


Parksley Gets Fire Fighter/Police Officer Themed Restaurant

The Station Family Restaurant, in the old Lunch Box, is dedicated to first responders
The Station
18572 Cassett Ave., Parksley, Va. 
Phone 757-665-5195. 
Hours will be 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily
(subject to change)
plans to begin serving breakfast and offer delivery 

Written by
Carol Vaughn

PARKSLEY — A new firefighter- and police-themed restaurant is opening in a well-known spot in Parksley.

The Station is located at the former the Lunch Box restaurant, a Parksley institution for 44 years until it closed in 2008.

“It seems like we’re bringing back a historic part of the Eastern Shore,” said Shannon Lewis, one of the owners.

The inspiration for the family-owned eatery sprang in part from the five-month arson spree in Accomack County that ended with the arrests of a Hopeton couple in April.

Lewis’ sister, Jessica Fitchett, who managed Pan Pizzeria in Onley for four years, often kept the restaurant open late to accommodate firefighters returning from arson calls, including her sister and brother, both members of Tasley Volunteer Fire Co.

“Our sister has always been a fan of me and my brother,” said Lewis, who is a volunteer firefighter and company secretary.

Fitchett’s concern heightened as the arsons, which began in November 2012, continued almost nightly for months.

“It got where she would cry every day when the arson spree was going on. She was worried about our safety,” Lewis said.

Fitchett fired up the pizzeria’s grill long after closing time many nights to feed hungry, weary firefighters returning from putting out another intentionally set blaze.

The owners want The Station to continue that spirit of support.

“We feel like this is going to be a special place where they can all gather and really feel like home,” said Lewis.

The family has firefighting in its blood — in addition to Lewis and her brother Richard Bridges, lieutenant of Tasley Volunteer Fire Co., many other family members were or are firefighters.

Lewis tallied the list: their grandfather was a firefighter in the Navy; their cousin, Bo Mason, who designed and painted the restaurant sign out front, is assistant chief at Onley Volunteer Fire and Rescue; another cousin is a member of Melfa Volunteer Fire and Rescue Co.; and their mother, Jodi Bridges, is a support member of Tasley, among other relatives who follow the tradition.


Bikers Roll Into D.C. For The 12th Anniversary Of 911

NBC Photo
Thousands of motorcycle riders roared into D.C. Wednesday to mark the 12th anniversary of 9/11.

Although they didn't reach a goal of two million riders, thousands of bikers rolled through the Washington, D.C. Wednesday to mark the 12th anniversary of 9/11. 
The bikers -- riding with the group "Two Million Bikers to D.C." -- snarled traffic on the Beltway with a ride honoring the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and the members of the military called to serve after the attacks. 
Many riders participating are veterans, and said they rode to protect Americans' freedom in the midst of tumultuous times. 
"The enemy has a say when the war is over," "I believe they're saying it's not, so we're here." 
On their Facebook page, in all caps, the group said they will stand by the Constitution and Bill of Rights, adding that they're "against any fundamental transformation of America."
Thousands of motorcycle riders roared into D.C. Wednesday to mark the 12th anniversary of 9/11.


The ride began at Harley Davidson of Washington in Fort Washington, Md., at 11 a.m. Many drivers pulled over along the side of the highway to wave and take pictures. 

"I could stay here for half an hour; I don't care; this is America," said Santana Sensenna while stuck in the traffic.

The bikes rolled in a steady stream for 50 straight minutes before heading to the Beltway. The ride wasn't smooth for everyone. At one point, a motorcycle went down on the Outer Loop in the Bethesda area, causing traffic to back up for miles.

At the National Mall, another motorcyclist ran his bike into the back of a pedicab.
"I think the heat got to me and I kind of blacked out a little bit," said the rider, Bill Eisenheart. "You know, I didn't see him."
But the overarching theme of this day was remembering what happened Sept. 11, 2001.
"9/11 happened then, but it's still happening," said rider Ken Mortello.
Mortello, a Desert Storm veteran and full-time firefighter, came down from New Jersey to be a part of the ride. He remembers vividly what the day was like for one of his friends in New York City who rushed into the World Trade Center to help.
"He had a woman with third-degree burns. As he came through a tunnel, one tower collapsed. The tunnel that he was in collapsed -- missed him by about two feet. Buried everybody else that was with him," Mortello said.
He says some friends have still not gotten over that day, and that's why he was riding Wednesday.
The group apologized on their Facebook page in advance of the event for the gridlock they expected to cause.
Organizers tried to get a last-minute permit to close some intersections near monuments and on Capitol Hill in D.C., but the National Park Service denied that request.
According to US News and World Report, park service spokesperson Carol Johnson said allowing the road closures "would cause a severe service disruption of traffic."
However, permits are not required to hold a rally in the city. It will be up to individual riders whether they choose to enter the city, WTOP reported.
"What could have been a one or two hour ride through will now likely be an all day event," the organizers said in the Sept. 6 post.
Another group of participants made their way up Interstate 95 in Stafford at around 9 a.m. and reached D.C. after 11 a.m. I-95 North at exit 143 in Stafford County was closed for about 15 minutes as motorcyclists began their trip.

TWO ARRESTED ON HEROIN CHARGES


On September 9, 2013, at approximately 2 a.m. Ocean City police conducted a traffic stop in the area of 85th Street and Coastal Highway after noticing a vehicle swerving in and out of the traffic lanes on northbound Coastal Highway. As the officer approached the vehicle, the officer noticed the smell of marijuana emanating from the vehicle.

During a search of the vehicle, officers located six packages of heroin and numerous drug paraphernalia items, including items typically used for packaging and distributing drugs. Officers also located approximately 10 assorted perscription pills. The driver of the vehicle was identified as Hannah Knoll Norris, 24, of Fairfax, VA, and the passenger was identified as Scott Edward Kahler, 25, of Falls Church, VA.

Both Norris and Kahler were charged by Ocean City police with possession of heroin, possession with intent to distribute heroin, removing the label on a perscription drug, transporting heroin into Maryland, and six counts of possession of drug paraphernalia. 

Norris and Kahler were seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to Worcester County Jail on $10,000 bond.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Fall Car and Truck Show


Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Craig: O'Malley, Brown, Gansler must protect gun owner's privacy



For immediate release: 9.11.13
Contact: Jim Pettit
@jamesmpettit

Candidate for Maryland Governor and Harford County Executive David R. Craig said using up to 200 front line employees at several state agencies to process record numbers of firearm purchase applications is the wrong approach that invites errors and security breaches.   
Craig called on the Governor, Lt. Governor and Attorney General to develop a plan that protects sensitive information and uses sworn police officers to process a backlog of the forms required for background checks. The paperwork glut is an unanticipated consequence of some of the nation's most restrictive gun laws taking effect in Maryland next month. The additional agencies have no experience processing information on a specialized form that requires social security numbers among other sensitive information.

"Numerous state agencies with no experience in this will be tripping over themselves pretending to mop up the mess created by this ill-conceived legislation," said Craig. "Moreover, in a state with the most entrenched political monopoly in the nation, there is absolutely no incentive to do the job right, because their ultimate objective has already been accomplished which is to seek media attention and exploit tragedies."

In the wake of the Sandy Hook school shootings, Governor Martin O'Malley introduced and signed into law this year Senate Bill 281, which bans certain weapons for sale, limits magazine rounds and requires fingerprints among other restrictions.  Fearing continued erosion of their second amendment rights, buyers rushed to purchase firearms.  Weekly firearm purchase applications are now running over 2400 per week, a three-fold increase over that seen in recent years. The unprocessed backlog is nearly 40,000 according to the most recent Maryland State Police data.   Lt. Governor Anthony Brown and Attorney General Doug Gansler, both gubernatorial candidates, endorsed the legislation and support the use of inexperienced state government workers to process the paperwork.

"The people who are now entrusted with the sensitive task of processing background check information  work at agencies that enable identity theft according to the state's own auditors.  Even more troubling, one of these agencies encouraged criminal activity among prison inmates," said Craig, referring to the infamous case in which correction officers enabled a criminal gang to commandeer the state-owned Baltimore City Detention Center.  "The agency whose operational personnel are charged with abetting criminal activity is now privy to sensitive information on tens of thousands of law-abiding citizens."

Employees at the Departments of Health and Mental Hygiene,Transportation, Public Safety and Correctional Services, Human Resources and Juvenile Services will be assigned to the new gun processing application detail. O'Malley successfully sought a $4 million supplemental appropriation to process the paperwork avalanche.

"Marylanders have grown accustomed to the bungling of basic government functions in the O'Malley-Brown Administration," said Lt. Governor candidate and state delegate Jeannie Haddaway.  "At the very least the attorney general, who claims to be in charge of consumer protection, should insist that basic security protocols are established."

###


Background: Maryland State Police paperwork backlog
http://www.mdsp.org/Home/tabid/40/ctl/Detail/mid/1226/xmid/21967/xmfid/4/Default.aspx


Background: Maryland comprises gun owners' privacy
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/sep/11/miller-national-gun-registry-gets-head-start-as-ma/

Background: Maryland state agencies documented IT security failures
http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2012-10-09/local/35499599_1_audit-report-state-agencies-information-technology

Paradise on the Pocomoke Gala ~ Fundraiser

DON'T FORGET YOUR TICKETS !



Arrest Made ~ Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography

Jason Gregory Root
CRIME: Possession and Distribution of Child Pornography


 On Monday, September 9, 2013, members of the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, Maryland State Police Computer Crimes Unit and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office executed a search and seizure warrant at an address on Worcester Highway, Newark, Maryland.

The search warrant was the result of several months of prior investigation which revealed that someone inside of the residence was sharing and downloading pictures and videos of Child Pornography.

Once inside of the residence, numerous items were located and found to contain hundreds of images and videos of Child Pornography. An interview of the residents revealed that Jason Gregory Root was responsible sharing and downloading the images.

Jason Root was placed under arrest and charged with 6 counts of Promoting and Distributing Child Pornography and 5 counts of Possession of Child Pornography.


Jason Root was taken before the District Court Commissioner and subsequently released on a $10,000 unsecured bond.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

'2 Million Bikers' Snaking Toward D.C. Can Parade Without Paperwork

Rolling Thunder Bikers / May 26, 2013
By Steven Nelson
The nation's capital has relatively relaxed rules concerning the exercise of First Amendment rights. Because of this, the "2 million bikers" en route to commemorate the victims of 9/11 won't be bothered while snarling city traffic Wednesday.
"It is not a crime to parade" through the city without a permit, Ted Gest, a spokesman for the D.C. attorney general's office, told U.S. News. That office prosecutes violations of D.C. law.
But, Gest cautioned, "I don't think we can speculate on what penalties the motorcycle riders might be subjected to for traffic or other offenses because we don't know what they're going to do."
The "2 Million Bikers to D.C." demonstration was announced in August and its last-minute request for a National Park Service event permit was denied.
Organizers had sought the temporary closure of some city roads and intersections to allow an efficient inflow and outflow of riders from the National Mall area, but park service spokesperson Carol Johnson told The Blaze "it would cause a severe service disruption of traffic... We couldn't provide adequate park police services and park police escorts and it would require a lot of road closures so it was denied."
In a Friday post on Facebook, the organizers apologized to city residents for what will likely be gridlock as the patriotic bikers rev their engines in remembrance of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, and the U.S. soldiers who shipped off to fight al-Qaida in Afghanistan 12 years ago.

"What could have been a one or two hour ride through will now likely be an all day event," the organizers said. The plan is to meet up outside D.C. and cross into the city sometime after 11 a.m. The exact route isn't being made public, they said, because of "security purposes."

The Costen House Museum ~ Seventh Annual Art Show



The Costen House Museum in Pocomoke City 
 is seeking artists for its 
Seventh Annual Art Show


which will be held in the Delmarva Discovery Center 
on
 Saturday, October 19, 2013

10 am until 3 pm.

For the past seven years this show has brought talented local and regional artists together in a museum setting to exhibit their works. 

Proceeds from the show benefit the Costen House Museum and its garden. 

For more information and applications artists can contact Diane Kerbin at 410-957-4579.

NEW MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2013

NEW MARYLAND MOTOR VEHICLE LAWS
 EFFECTIVE 10/01/2013 


SEAT BELTS AND CHILD SAFETY SEATS

This bill increases the penalties associated with violations of the seat belt and child safety seat laws from $25 to $50. The bill also removes the “floater exemption” that allowed a driver to transport more children in a vehicle than the number of proper securing locations. 

Finally, the bill expands the adult passenger (at least 16 years of age) seat belt requirement to “ALL POSITIONS” in the vehicle, but makes violation in a back seat a secondary violation, enforceable only when the driver is detained for a suspected violation of another provision of law. 


USE OF WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE

This bill makes the handheld use of cell phone by a driver enforceable as a “PRIMARY” offense, meaning that the police may stop an individual for these offenses without the driver committing any other offense. The bill also increases the maximum fines applicable to violations by drivers who are 18 years of age or older to $75 for a first violation, $125 for a second violation, and $175 for a third to subsequent violation. 

However, the bill prohibits imposition of points for violations by drivers who are 18 years of age or older unless the violation contributes to an accident.

Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office



9/11 ~ Day of Remembrance, Patriotism and Prayer

Governor Robert F. McDonnell
COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA


9/11 Day of Remembrance, Patriotism and Prayer

WHEREAS, the events of September 11, 2001 profoundly affected - and continue to affect - all aspects of our society, and the lives of Virginians, Americans and people across the world were changed forever following the destruction of the World Trade Center complex in New York City, the attack against the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, and the crash of Flight 93 in Stonycreek Township, Pennsylvania; and

WHEREAS, twelve years later the citizens of our Commonwealth and these United States continue to mourn for the more than three thousand innocent voices that were tragically silenced-including 184 in Virginia at the Pentagon-by terrorists on that infamous day of death and destruction; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative that we never forget our shock and revulsion at the needless destruction, the bravery of our first responders who risked all for their neighbors, our anguish from the sudden loss of so many precious lives, or how we as a people did not succumb to a state of fear as the terrorists intended, but instead set aside our differences and united as patriots in our country's hour of need; and

WHEREAS, while we reflect upon the memory of the departed, it is important that we also pause to remember and honor the sacrifices of all those members of our armed forces who have given their lives in heroic service to our country and all members of our military who have volunteered to bring those responsible for the 9/11 attacks and their supporters to justice during the Global War on Terror; and

WHEREAS, prayer has long served as a measure of our nation's strong heritage of faith and has been an indispensable source of moral and spiritual guidance for citizens throughout our Commonwealth's history, and it is fitting that our Commonwealth reserve a day in which our citizens may reflect and mourn - consistent with their own faith traditions - with those who have suffered as a result of terrorism, to humbly ask God for the strength and fortitude necessary to protect our lives, liberty and property from future transgressions, and to give thanks for the freedoms with which we as a people are fortunate enough to be blessed;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert F. McDonnell, do hereby recognize September 11, 2013 as a DAY OF REMEMBRANCE, PATRIOTISM AND PRAYER in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens; and


FURTHERMORE, I urge all citizens of our Commonwealth to display the flag of the United States of America wherever possible, and I invite all to witness a one-minute, statewide Moment of Silence starting at 9:39 AM - when American Airlines Flight 77 impacted with the Pentagon in our County of Arlington - and I encourage all Virginians to reflect upon the lives lost and heroic sacrifices made on that fateful eleventh day of September.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

  • Firearm Application Form 77 & Breach of Privacy

  • DELEGATE MCDERMOTT URGES MARYLAND STATE POLICE TO STOP THE PRACTICE OF INFORMATION SHARING

September 10, 2013      

(Annapolis)--  On Monday, September 9th, Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Eastern Shore) delivered a letter to Governor Martin O’Malley urging him to stop the practice of information sharing between the Maryland State Police and other state agencies with regards to Firearms Application Form 77, the form filed by individuals seeking to purchase a regulated firearm.

Delegate McDermott spoke about the gravity of this information in a statement he released last Friday: “The Form 77 contains an incredible amount of identity information including: name, birth date, address, Social Security number, Drivers License number, and information relevant to the firearm being purchased. With so many issues surrounding identity theft and compromised personal information, citizens filling out these forms do so with the idea that the only people visiting and accessing the information are law enforcement personnel.” To see his full statement, click here.