Saturday, April 5, 2014

Motorcyclist Killed In Crash In Temperanceville

Driver charged in crash that killed motorcyclist on Eastern Shore

TEMPERANCEVILLE -- Virginia State Police said a motorcyclist died Saturday after an SUV driver failed to yield the right of way.

Sergeant Michelle Anaya said troopers got a call about a crash on Route 13 at Saxis Road at about 2:50 p.m.

52-year-old Corlas Dorel Dennis was heading south on a 1999 Suzuki Intruder. Troopers determined 81-year-old Freddie Ray Fair, Sr. who was driving a a 2003 Chevrolet Suburban, turned onto the highway from Saxis Road and into the path of Dennis.

Dennis was thrown from his motorcycle. A medical crew flew him to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he died..

Dennis lived in the 6700 block of Basket Switch Road in Newark, Maryland.

Fair, who lives in the 1500 block of Old Virginia Road, Pocomoke City, Maryland, faces a charge of Failure to Yield Right of Way.

Source:

Community Crime Watch Meeting

Community Crime Watch Meeting
Stockton Area

Community Crime Watch Meeting on April 8th at 6 p.m. at the Stockton Fire Department.

Special guest will be from the Worcester County Health Department.

Cygnus Cargo Spacecraft Readies For Launch

( Photo-Patrick Black/NASA)
Orbital Sciences Corp. of Dulles, Va., mated the Cygnus Service Module to the Pressurized Cargo Module Friday, April 4, in Bldg. H-100, payload processing facility, at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Va.

The Service Module for the Orb-2 mission, which will deliver approximately 1,650 kg of supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), arrived at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility March 31, 2014.

The Pressurized Cargo Module, which arrived at Wallops in late January, was loaded with initial cargo the last weekend of March.

The fully-fueled Cygnus spacecraft will be integrated with the Antares rocket in late April in anticipation of launch, scheduled for May 6 at 3:44 p.m. EDT, from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad 0A at NASA Wallops.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.


1958.. Pocomoke Rotary Club marks 35 years of service; 1977.. Study recommends a hospital for Worcester County; 1894.. Exams for teaching are scheduled on Eastern Shore of Virginia; 1905.. Lower shore postmasters to receive $100 annual salary increase; 1943.. Bahaman laborers in Pocomoke to give native Fire Dance performance; 1890.. Worcester County tomato canners refuse farmers price demand. 

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Friday, April 4, 2014

Locals Appreciation Weekend At The Delmarva Discovery Center


This weekend is
 Locals Appreciation Weekend at

 50% off admission to all residents of Sussex, Wicomico, Somerset, Worcester, and Accomack Counties!

 Also, make sure you stop by and say "Hi" to our staff and animals at the Tortoise and Hare Dare 5K Run/Walk at Shad Landing on Saturday!

Brochures with discount coupons, as well as information on upcoming events, summer camp, and volunteer opportunity will be available!




Come enjoy "NASA Wallops Flight Facility Through The Ages" now at the Delmarva Discovery Center through April 2014.

Arsonist Tonya Bundick Back In court For Motions Hearing

Tonya Bundick will be back in court on Thursday April 10 for a motions hearing to entertain a motion to move her trial to another location, her request for 62 separate trials for all 62 additional charges she is facing and her request to be allowed to wear makeup in court.

Bundick's trial had originally been scheduled for April 10, but was postponed and a trial date has not been set. Bundick entered an Alford plea on one count of arson and one count of conspiracy to commit arson after she and her accomplice Charles R. Smith were apprehended after a fire was set in Melfa on April 1, 2013. She awaits sentencing on those charges.

Bundick was indicted for the other 62 counts by a grand jury. Smith has admitted his involvement in 62 of the 77 arson fires that occurred in Accomack County between November 2012 and April 1 2013.

Source:

TROOPERS FOCUS ON DISTRACTED DRIVERS THROUGHOUT APRIL

Maryland State Police

April Is Designated National Distracted Driver Awareness Month


(PIKESVILLE, MD) – While April is designated National Distracted Driver Awareness month, troopers across the state will focus their efforts on distracted driving using intense traffic enforcement initiatives.

Motorists across the state are reminded that April is National Distracted Driver Awareness month. Maryland State Police will be using a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to target motorists who use cell phones illegally while driving. Extra patrols of troopers will be out specifically looking for distracted drivers. This effort is part of a high-visibility enforcement initiative that combines intense enforcement with further educating the public of the dangers of distracted driving. The ultimate goal is to save lives by convincing motorists to obey the law.

“Driver distraction presents a serious and potentially deadly danger to everyone on Maryland roads,” Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police said. “When motorists text while driving, they take their eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, and mind off the task of driving, which puts everyone’s lives in danger.”

Based on information provided by the Maryland Highway Safety Office, in 2012, 246 people lost their lives on Maryland roads because of a collision where at least one form of distracted driving was noted as a cause. Approximately six percent of observed drivers are using hand held cell phones. This translates into about one out of every seventeen vehicles is being driven by someone using a cell phone.

Drivers are reminded to remove all distractions while driving including any wireless devices. A wireless device is described as a handheld or hands-free device used to access a wireless telephone service or to send or receive electronic messages. The penalty for this violation is a fine not more than $75.00 for the first offense, not more than $125.00 for a second or subsequent offense or not more than $175.00 for a third or subsequent offense. Points may be assessed by the Motor Vehicle Administration if the violation contributes to a motor vehicle crash. 

The additional state police patrols coincide with the Maryland Highway Safety Office distracted drivers initiative and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiative “U Drive. U Text. U Pay”. Overtime funding for additional patrols is provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

FIRST FRIDAY PIZZA !

NEW CHURCH VOL. AND RESCUE COMPANY
 

5:00pm - 8:00pm
Large pepperoni or cheese pizza for $12

 
No need to call ahead or even get out of your car...
just come by and get it!!!!
 

Proceeds benefit the New Church Vol. Fire & Rescue Co.

The Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack Seeking Identity of Suspect

Shared by Worcester County Sheriff's Office

The Maryland State Police Berlin Barrack are looking to identify a suspect, who is accused of photographing a woman in a public restroom. Maryland State Police say they received a call from Walmart Security, saying a white male walked into the ladies bathroom, and used a cell phone, to take pictures or a video of a victim who was using the restroom.



According to the report, the victim was using the bathroom, when she noticed a cell phone suddenly appear under the stall door, and immediately confronted the suspect. Police say the suspect left the restroom, then the Walmart store, and started running towards the Home Depot, next door. The victim and the Walmart store employees reportedly continued following the suspect until they lost sight of him.


Troopers searched the area for the suspect, but weren't able to find him. Officials say they aren't sure if the suspect fled on foot or in a vehicle from the area.

He is described as a white male, 35-40-years-old, 6' - 6' 2" tall, weighting between 275 and 300 pounds, who was last seen wearing a dark brown zippered sweatshirt, black or dark blue jogging pants, a black knit cap, and Reebok tennis shoes with bright orange outsoles. The suspect also apparently had a gray goatee/facial hair.

Anyone with information on the suspect, or this incident, is asked to contact Maryland State Police - Berlin Barrack at 410-641-3101.

POCOMOKE GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE GRAND OPENING / FREE GOLF WEEKEND

POCOMOKE SCHEDULES GRAND OPENING
OF NEW
GOLF COURSE CLUBHOUSE
and
FREE GOLF WEEKEND
 
 
 

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ SUMMER CAMPS

Keep the kids active and learning through the summer with these two great summer camp opportunities at Delmarva Discovery Center
 
 


10 Reasons Why Summer Camp is GREAT for Kids!
 1. Spend their day being physically active
 2. Experience success & become more confident
 3. Gain resiliency
 4. Unplug from technology
 5. Develop life-long skills
 6. Grow more independent
 7. Have free time for unstructured play
 8. Learn social skills
 9. Reconnect with nature
 10. Make true friends

Suspects Sought In Onancock, Virginia Shooting

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on April 2, 2014 at approximately 11:42 PM, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of a subject shot on Hill Street in Onancock.

Onancock police and deputies arrived on the scene and found a victim with multiple gunshot wounds to the body. Assistance was requested from the Accomack County Sheriffs Office Investigative Division who responded and processed the crime scene.

The victim was transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and was later transferred to another medical facility to receive additional medical treatment. The victim is listed in stable condition at this time and further details will be released as they become available.

The Virginia State Police and the Onley Police Departrment also assisted in this incident.


Anyone with information on this or any other incident is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666 or the Onancock Police Department at 757-787-8577.

Tips may also be submitted through the sheriffs office website at www.accomackcountysheriffsoffice.org.

Thursday, April 3, 2014

PRESS RELEASE From Delegate Mike McDermott



Delegate Mike McDermott 

‘Capital Budget Passes - McDermott Votes
Against…


Mathias Votes In Favor’

 

 
(ANNAPOLIS)

 Today, the Maryland House of Delegates passed a Capital Budget of $1.17 billion and another $300 million taken from the General Fund.  The $300 million is supposed to be covered by property
tax revenues, so there may be a very large increase in those
taxes forMarylanders in the future.  Delegate Michael McDermott (R - Worcester& Wicomico) voted against the Capital Budget (Senate Bill 171), while Senator Mathias (D - Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset) voted
to support it and, thus, a further increase in Maryland’s state debt far beyond the taxpayer’s ability to pay.

 
There have been over eighty major tax, fee, and toll increases since 2007.  Borrowing money over and over again will put Maryland in a place where it is impossible to cover its debt payments.  Without any other supplements from the General Fund, Maryland’s only option will be to further increase state taxes. “There are many good projects in the Capital Budget, but quite frankly, voting for the Capital Budget is irresponsible with this state’s
economy. Making your grandchildren pay for their parents playground is immoral.”  Delegate McDermott told the House during the debate,  “You’re using a credit card with your kids name on it.”
The Capital Budgetincluded many earmarks far outside the scope of what taxpayers  should be funding.  For instance, it included $50,000 for the pro-amnesty illegal immigrant group Casa de Maryland. Another earmark included an appropriation the Community Forklift Facility, which may not have beenvetted through the normal Bond Bill process. The Capital Budget also included extensions for some projects that have been going on for a decade, and requests to exempt many of these organizations from required matching fund requirements.
As he has done for the past 8-years, Senator Mathias voted in favor of growing our state debt. Hehas also guaranteed that Property Tax rates will rise in the future for all
shore residents.
“His vote goes to support extremist liberal groups like Casa de Maryland who receive funding for their illegal alien advocacy at the expense of Eastern Shore familiesstruggling to live paycheck to paycheck. This must stop!” concluded McDermott.



News Release: Hogan Airs First TV Ads of MD GOP Gubernatorial Primary


Hogan for Governor 
NEWS RELEASE
 
Hogan First Republican to Launch TV Campaign
                                                               
ANNAPOLIS – APRIL 3 - Candidate Larry Hogan today will launch the first TV ads of the Republican gubernatorial primary.  The TV buy is the first in what the Hogan-Rutherford campaign promises will be an aggressive media effort leading up to the June 24 primary.
  
Hogan said, "Just two months ago I announced my candidacy, and since that time we have focused on building a campaign that will compete head-to-head with the Democratic nominee.  The incredible outpouring of support from Marylanders we have received enables us to begin our TV and radio campaign earlier than we ever anticipated," said Hogan.  "This next phase of our campaign will help take our message of fiscal restraint and common sense government to every corner of the state."
 
The first 30-second TV spot highlights Hogan's experience as a business owner and founder of a nonpartisan grassroots organization and the failure of status-quo politics in Maryland over the past seven years.

  

 


 OR VIEW CLIP:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kLlS9qjiVY

AD VOICEOVER:
"The largest grassroots organization dedicated to changing Maryland wasn’t started by a politician, but a businessman, a community leader, a father.  Larry Hogan.  Like you, Hogan was fed up with 40 tax increases in a row, even taxing the rain.  Too many lost jobs.  And a failed health care exchange.  Today, Larry Hogan is running for governor.  To turn this state around, with fresh ideas that benefit everyone.  Larry Hogan. 
 
Because we can’t change Maryland without changing governors."

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office - SCAM Phone Calls

SCAM Phone Calls Demand Money to Prevent Arrest

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

PRESS RELEASE
 
Scammers are now using the guise of a sheriff’s deputy to extort people into immediately sending money to avoid arrest. According to Montgomery County Sheriff Darren M. Popkin, a phone scam currently going around the country has reached Montgomery County, Maryland residents.
 
A caller, falsely claiming to be from the sheriff's office, says that a warrant has been issued for your arrest that will be served unless, of course, you pay up.
 
“Montgomery County Deputy Sheriffs will never call and threaten to arrest you unless you immediately send an electronic payment,” said Sheriff Popkin. “Deputies will never ask you to place funds for payment on a pre-paid credit card to cancel an arrest warrant.”
 
The scammer may get specific by giving you his name and “official” rank. The caller might also request personal information so he can clear your name and cancel the mythical arrest warrant.
 
The scammers may tell their victims to go to a store, get a pre-paid credit card, load it up with money, and then call a phone number with the card information.
 
Several Montgomery County residents have been targeted. After getting several concerned calls from the public Sheriff Popkin assigned a security deputy to investigate the phony calls.
 
This scam may not be limited to Montgomery County only.
 
People can protect themselves from becoming victims of identity theft by never giving out any personal information when getting an unsolicited phone call. Giving out sensitive information over the phone — both personal and financial — can put people at risk for fraud.
 
If you have received a scam phone call from someone claiming to be a Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputy or Montgomery County (Md.) Deputy Sheriff who is going to arrest you unless you immediately send money, contact the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1111 or the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 240-777-7000. Please save any recorded messages, record the date and time of the phone call, the purported name of the caller, the call back number, and their phone number as displayed on caller ID.
 
 

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Responded To a Motor Vehicle Crash On Lewis Road

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Press release

On Wednesday April 2, 2014 around 6:25 pm Deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to a motor vehicle crash on Lewis Road near Dicarlo Lane.  The Berlin Fire Department was also dispatched as the crash was reported to be serious. 

 First arriving units located a 2 vehicle crash involving a 2005 Hyundai and a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse.  Preliminary investigation reveals that the Hyundai was traveling north around a curve and the operator lost control of the vehicle striking the Chevrolet sideways.  


The operator of the Hyundai, Eltee Thomas Shockley Jr, 63 of Snow Hill, was pronounced dead on the scene.  The operator of the Chevrolet as well as the 2 young passengers were transported by Berlin EMS to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.



The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Collision Reconstruction Unit is investigating the crash that clos ed Lewis Road for 5 hours.  Shockley’s body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for a autopsy and toxicology test.  If you have any information about the crash contact Cpl Chris Larmore at 410-632-1112 or clarmore@co.worcester.md.us 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.


1958.. Pocomoke Rotary Club marks 35 years of service; 1977.. Study recommends a hospital for Worcester County; 1894.. Exams for teaching are scheduled on Eastern Shore of Virginia; 1905.. Lower shore postmasters to receive $100 annual salary increase; 1943.. Bahaman laborers in Pocomoke to give native Fire Dance performance; 1890.. Worcester County tomato canners refuse farmers price demand.

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!



Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Worcester County To Host National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Opening Event

From:   The Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County
 
 
 
Worcester County to Honor Crime Victims and Advocates at National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Opening Event
 
Worcester County State’s Attorney Office will open 2014 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (April 6-12) with a ceremony honoring crime victims on the eastern shore—local champions of crime victims’ rights. This year’s theme—30 Years: Restoring the Balance of Justice.—celebrates the spirit that will advance the progress these heroes achieved.
 
Only 30 years ago, crime victims had no rights, access to crime victim compensation, or services to help rebuild their lives. They were often excluded from courtrooms, treated as an afterthought by the criminal justice system, and denied an opportunity to speak at sentencing.
 
Yet through decades of advocacy and hard work, we have come a long way. Today, all states have enacted crime victims’ rights laws and established crime victim compensation funds. More than 10,000 victim service agencies help victims throughout the nation. Every year, states and localities receive millions of federal dollars to support these services.
 
But National Crime Victims’ Rights Week reminds us that many challenges remain. Crime victims’ rights are not universal and are often not enforced. Only a small percentage of victims receive crime victim compensation, which is usually limited to victims of violent crime. According to last year’s National Crime Victimization Survey, more than 50 percent of violent crimes were not reported to police in 2006-2010. In addition, a 2011 report called the Use of Victim Services Agencies by Victims of Serious Violent Crime showed that only 9 percent of violent crime victims received needed services in the 1993-2009 timeframe.
 
Advocates also face a host of new challenges as they strive to provide culturally competent services for increasingly diverse populations (e.g., seniors, teens, immigrant populations) and victims of newly prevalent crimes (e.g., trafficking and technology-related stalking and identity theft). As funding sources decrease, providers must target their services even more strategically.
 
National Crime Victims’ Rights Week will be held April 6–12 in communities throughout the nation. In Washington, DC, the U.S. Department of Justice will hold OVC’s annual Service Awards ceremony that month to honor outstanding individuals and pro-grams that serve victims of crime. Worcester County will also observe National Crime Victims’ Rights Week with special events and programs, including the 25th Annual Maryland Statewide Memorial Service. OVC encourages widespread participation in the week’s events and in other victim-related observances throughout the year. For additional information about 2014 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week and how to help victims in your community, please contact the Office of the State’s Attorney for Worcester County at 410-632-2166, or visit at http://www.co.worcester.md.us/sao/default.aspx.

For more ideas on how to volunteer to help crime victims, visit the Office for Victims of Crime website, www.ovc.gov.


INDOOR YARD SALE


NASA Celebrates Earth Day

Image Credit: NASA/JPL
NASA Celebrates Earth Day with "Global Selfie" Event
 
For the first time in more than a decade, five NASA Earth-observing missions will be launched into space in a single year. To celebrate this milestone, NASA is inviting people all around the world to step outside on Earth Day, April 22, take a "selfie," and share it with the world on social media.

Designed to encourage environmental awareness and recognize the agency's ongoing work to protect our home planet, NASA's "Global Selfie" event asks people everywhere to take a picture of themselves in their local environment.

On Earth Day, NASA will monitor photos posted to Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Google+ and Flickr. Photos posted to Twitter, Instagram or Google+ using the hashtag #GlobalSelfie, or to the #GlobalSelfie Facebook event page and the #GlobalSelfie Flickr group will be used to create a crowd-sourced mosaic image of Earth – a new “Blue Marble” built bit-by-bit with #GlobalSelfie photos.

NASA’s 17 Earth science missions now in orbit help scientists piece together a detailed "global selfie" of our planet day after day. Insights from these space-based views help answer some of the critical challenges facing our planet today and in the future: climate change, sea level rise, freshwater resources, and extreme weather events. NASA Earth research also yields many down-to-earth benefits, such as improved environmental prediction and natural hazard and climate change preparedness.

For more information on getting involved in the #GlobalSelfie Earth Day event, visit:


 
For more information about NASA's Earth science activities in 2014, visit:


Hogan: O'Malley-Brown Statement on Health Exchange Doesn't Add Up‏


Hogan: O’Malley-Brown Statement on Health Exchange Doesn’t Add Up

Annapolis, MD - April 2 - Gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan criticized Governor Martin O’Malley and Lt. Governor Anthony Brown’s joint statement on their plan to abandon their $125,000,000 failed health exchange and start anew with a $50,000,000 platform.  The GOP front runner also said the Administration’s claim of exceeding their enrollment goals is “pure fiction.”

“The Governor and health insurance pointman Anthony Brown now admit their $125,000,000 taxpayer-funded Health Benefit Exchange is a complete failure.  Yet rather than learn from their mistakes as they claim to do in their statement, they’ve decided to double down and bet another $50 million on a new platform.  Without a change in management, this too is doomed to fail.

It is pure fiction that O’Malley and Brown met their enrollment goals.  Let’s remember, they promised to sign up 150,000 uninsured residents in private insurance plans under the ACA.  They failed.  They then said they really meant 75,000.  They failed again.  Now they claim that 60,000 or so have applied for private plans under their watch but they’re not saying if they were uninsured to begin with or have paid their first month’s premium.  And left out of the statement were the 73,000 summarily dropped from insurance plans due to the ACA.
  

In summary:  The person who so far wasted $125,000,000 of our hard-earned tax dollars, who got 150,000 mixed up with 75,000 and who thinks another $50 million may do the trick, believes he’s earned a promotion.  That just doesn’t add up.  If this were the private sector Martin O'Malley and Anthony Brown would both have already been terminated."

Authority: Larry Hogan for Governor, John C. Wobensmith, Treasurer.

Wednesday, April 2, 2014

SEARCH ENDS WITH ARREST OF WICOMICO CO. FUGITIVE

Edwin L. Fletcher
Maryland State Police Press Release 04/02/2014

(DOVER, DE) – The search for a fugitive wanted for an assault that injured three police officers in Wicomico County one week ago has ended with his arrest tonight in Delaware.

Edwin L. Fletcher, 32, of Salisbury, Md., was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. today by members of the Maryland State Apprehension Team, in cooperation with Delaware law enforcement. Fletcher was arrested without incident at a home in the 200-block of Dundee Road, Dover, Delaware. At this time his relationship to others at the residence is unknown.


Fletcher will be taken before a Delaware Justice of the Peace for an extradition hearing. It is not known at this time if he will waive extradition.

Fletcher had been sought by police throughout the Lower Shore region since the evening of March 26, 2014, when he fled after ramming a pickup truck into a police car as a multi-jurisdictional team of police officers was attempting to arrest him on a drug felony warrant in Wicomico County. Fletcher drove up onto and over the police car, inside of which were two state troopers and a sheriff’s deputy, all of whom were injured.

Other details concerning the arrest are not currently known. The investigation is continuing.
  

From The Desk of Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

PRESS RELEASE

Pocomoke Police Department
1500 Market Street
Pocomoke, Maryland   21851
410-957-1600

March 1, 2014 – March 31, 2014
 
 
 

3-5-14   Benjamin Jackson, age 25 of Oxford, GA was arrested by the  Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less
Than $100.00. 
3-6-14    Tremayne Rogers, age 32 of Pocomoke was arrested by the  Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Disorderly Conduct and CDS: Possession – Marijuana.
 
3-6-14    Linda Kartak, age 57 of Delaware, OH was arrested by the  Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft Scheme Plus $500.00.

3-8-14 Tacola Austin, age 36 of Wilmington, DE was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.00.

3-8-14 Ethel Encarnacion, age 52 of Wilmington, DE was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.00.

 3-8-14 Michael Blake, age 23 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for
 Failure to Appear thru Worcester County.

 3-8-14 Jennifer Baylis, age 33 of Wilmington, DE was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Driving on a suspended license and driving on a revoked license thru Hartford County Sheriff’s Office.

 3-9-14 Megan Bowden, age 28 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – not Marijuana and Assault – 2nd Degree.

 3-10-14 Renee Knox, age 54 of New Church, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.00.

 3-11-14 Tremaine Giddens, age 36 of Belle Haven, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for a Parole Violation thru the Maryland Parole Commission.

 3-11-14 Francis Crippen, age 33 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for two counts of Failure to Appear thru the Pocomoke City Police Department.

 3-11-14 Michael Acevedo, age 29 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Escape in the 2nd Degree thru the Baltimore City Police Department.
 
 3-14-14 Timothy Finstad, age 22 of New Church, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.00.

 3-14-14 Megan Bowden, age 28 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession – not Marijuana.

 3-15-14 Kristy Godwin, age 24 of New Church, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $500.00 value and on a warrant for Theft less than $100.00 thru Worcester County.

 3-15-14 Jonathan Nelson, age 32 of Crisfield, MD was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft Scheme Plus $500.00.

 3-15-14 Patrick Richards, age 25 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with DUI.

 3-16-14 Terrence Gale, age 31 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Theft under $1,000.00 thru Worcester County.
 
 3-18-14 Jocelyn Hurley, age 19 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with CDS Possession: Marijuana.

 3-18-14 Keydrick White, age 23 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Violation of Probation thru Worcester County.

 3-18-14 Tyrone Nixon, age 34 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for
 CDS: Possession with intent to Distribute and three counts of CDS
 Possession – not Marijuana thru Worcester County.

 3-19-14 Bryant Kellam, age 21 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Disturbing the Peace.

 3-19-14 Valisceya Pugh, age 43 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Interfering with Arrest.

 3-19-14 Kevin Taylor, age 37 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for
 Failure to Appear thru Worcester County.

 3-19-14 Terrence Snowden, age 23 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft under $1,000.00 and Rogue and Vagabond.

 3-20-14 Robin Johnson, age 20 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Assault 2nd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property, and Trespassing thru the University of Maryland Eastern Shore Police Department.

 3-21-14 Yakema McBride, age 21 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for CDS Possession: Marijuana thru the Pocomoke City Police Department.

 3-23-14 Bonnie Bishop, age 42 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $500.00 value.

3-23-14 Derek Hairston, age 43 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for being a Fugitive from Justice thru the Accomac County Sheriff’s Office.

 3-25-14 Thomas Abbott, age 22 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Malicious Destruction of Property.

 3-26-14 Claude Treherne, age 61 of Oak Hall, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Assault thru Worcester County.

 3-26-14 Heather Sturgis, age 18 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Tobacco Purchase Selling to Minors.

 3-26-14 Keonne Laws, age 22 of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Assault 2nd Degree and Driving on the Highway without a Required License thru Worcester County.

 3-27-14 Ali Qaza, age 23 of Brooklyn, NY was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Transportation of Unstamped Cigarettes and Driving a rented Motor Vehicle in Violation of a Rental Agreement and seized from person $8,500.00.

 3-27-14 Frederick Hall, age 53of Pocomoke was arrested by the
 Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $500.00.

3-28-14 Arthur Robinson, age 42 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Disorderly Conduct.

 3-28-14 Tavon Watson, age 31 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged on a Warrant for Failure to Appear thru the Pocomoke City Police Department.

 3-29-14 Daquan Collins, age 22 of Exmore, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with DUI.

 3-30-14 Albert Shillingford, age 37 of Norfolk, VA was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with False Statement to an Officer.

 3-30-14 Cecelia Briddell, age 52 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Theft less than $100.00.

 3-31-14 Cecelia Briddell, age 52 of Pocomoke was arrested by the Pocomoke City Police Department and charged with Failure to Obey.

A Pocomoke juvenile, age 12 was arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property less than $1,000.00, and Malicious Burning 2nd Degree.

 A Pocomoke juvenile, age 15 was arrested for Burglary 3rd Degree, Malicious Destruction of Property less than $1,000.00, and Malicious Burning 2nd Degree.

 Thirteen (13) additional arrests were made for various traffic violations during the month of March 2014.


Kelvin D. Sewell
 Chief of Police
 April 2, 2014


Field Notes By Delegate Michael A. McDermott


Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities
By Delegate Michael A. McDermott
 
Week 12 March 21-25, 2014
 
Wednesday Morning Voting Session: Bills on Third Reader
 
Thursday Morning Voting Session: Bills on Third Reader
 

This week the House debated the budget (SB-170) and transgender rights (SB-212) for two entire days, and I saw nothing that reflected on the nature or scope of these bills. The reporters wrap up for the week did not even mention it! So allow me to provide a few details that apparently were not “fit to print”.
 
BUDGET
 
Overall, the proposed budget, SB-170, will increase total spending by over 4%. Unfortunately, our revenues will only increase, optimistically, by 1%. They had to get the money from somewhere, so they robbed the Teachers and Employee Retirement Trust Fund of another $200 million this year with another $200 million to be taken next year (along with $700 million in the next few additional years out). This gamble will cost us a boatload of money. Delegate Conway told us they would replace the money in the coming 20 years, but this includes a $600 million balloon payment. Now tell me this, if we are a state that cannot even stick to a plan for 12-months to return $100 million…what odds would you give me on us replacing $600 million?
 
They also raided all of the other, so called, “trust funds” in order to balance out their spending increases to the tune of $4.5 billion transfers. This included the Chesapeake Bay Trust, the Transportation Trust Fund and a host of lesser funds collected for a variety of set aside issues. The Republicans take exception to the robbing of these established funds and diversion to non-specified purposes. When the government takes money from the public for a specific issue, it is a violation of trust not to use those funds for their stated and intended purpose.  I co-sponsored bills to keep this from happening, but the ruling party simply cannot live with access to the kitty on every account.
 
Further, we do not return the Highway User Money to local governments. Instead, we are totally funding the Red and Purple Transit Lines that are used by only 6% of our population. 94% of our people rely on roads and bridges and pay fuel taxes to cover their upkeep and maintenance, and yet they fail to direct funding back to those who pay the bill. In a word, shameful!
 
The budget increase in spending since O’Malley took office will come close to 40% this year. It would be easy to blame the governor for his part in this reckless package, but he finds willful accomplices in the Democrat controlled General Assembly. On the lower shore both Senator Mathias and Delegate Conway voted in favor of the budget and spending bill.
 
Republicans offered 15 Floor Amendments aimed at controlling spending or doing away with funding for non-existent program areas which were all rejected. For the fourth year in a row, we also offered up an alternative budget that would have eliminated the pension theft and restored some financial integrity to the budget, but they would have none of it. (there were a few of us who refused to even vote for this increase on principle).
 
 
TRANSGENDER RIGHTS (aka “The Bathroom Bill”)
 
Granting specified “Civil Rights” to those who are physically one sex but believe themselves to be another is something we could debate. For instance, John Hopkins University Hospital has discontinued sex change surgery following years of many of their patients wanting to be changed back…and then back again. The American Medical Association classifies these individuals as “mentally ill.” Having said that, if the debate were simply about fair housing or not being denied service at a business, most would probably not stand in the way of adopting these changes; however, “public accommodations” goes a lot further.
 
Senate President Miller made it clear that SB-212 had to pass with no amendments or it would die in the Senate. Sadly, the House leadership acquiesced to these demands. We went from a deliberative body to a rubber stamp for the Senate in short order. That did not stop the Republicans from offering some great amendments; they were amendments that the bill desperately needed to even have a chance of being operationally effective. All attempts at change were rejected, even when glaring problems were pointed out.
 
When the governor signs this nonsense, here is what you could face or will face in the future:
 
 
  By definition of law, a person is a “transgender” if they simply feel or desire to be of the opposite sex. There are no precursors and somebody who has never dressed differently or expressed themselves in such a way in the past could simply decide, “today, I am a woman” and have the power of law to allow them full access to facilities dedicated as a women’s bathroom.
 
·         By definition, the same is true for any private facilities such as YMCA, spa, or gym facilities that have separate locker rooms for men and women. There are simply no barriers and the action revolves around the state of someone’s mind and how they see themselves today.
 

·         There is an exception when it comes to bathroom and private facilities: if the owner/operator provide facilities that are substantially equivalent to those available to women or men, those who consider themselves to be transgender could be required to utilize those facilities. (How long before we hear the “separate but equal” argument on this legislation?)
 

We fought this bill for hours, but the Democrats prevailed. The costs to the business community could be significant if they elect to put in a separate facility. Most simply cannot afford to do so which assures us that somewhere along the way, there will be a conflict. I think I summed it up best in my closing remarks on the floor: “We are in serious trouble when a confused state offers up confused legislation on behalf of some very confused individuals."
 
Thursday Afternoon Judiciary Hearings:
 
 SB 223    Sen Muse          Crimes - Threat of Mass Violence SB 272    Sen Jacobs, et    Sentencing Procedures - Statement by Victim or
           al                Victim's Representative (Alex's Law)
 SB 283    Sen Jennings,     Public Safety - Handgun Permit Background
           et al             Investigation - Armored Car Company Employees
 SB 476    Sen Colburn       Criminal Procedure - Limited Immunity - Alcohol-
                             or Drug-Related Medical Emergencies
 SB 512    Sens Gladden      Criminal Injuries Compensation Board - Membership
           and Muse          - Family Member of Homicide Victim
 SB 542    Sen Muse, et      Law Enforc Offcrs - Entrance-Level and In-Service
           al                Training Requirements (Christopher's Law)
 SB 558    Carroll County    Carroll County - Local Government Tort Claims Act
           Senators          - Industrial Development Authority
 SB 659    Sen Gladden       Crimes Relating to Animals - Surgery on Dogs -
                             Penalties
 SB 660    Sens Gladden      Crimes Relating to Animals - Unauthorized Surgical
           and Brochin       Devocalization of Cat or Dog - Penalties
 SB 815    Montgomery        Crim Law - Telecomm Dvcs in Place of Confinement -
           County Senators   Montgomery Co Work Release and Prerelease Pgms
 SB 867    Sen Benson        Correctional Services - Revocation of Parole -
                             Repeal of Sunset
 SB 897    Sens Brinkley     Frederick County - Orphans' Court Judges - Salary and Young

Friday Morning Voting Session: Bills on Third Reader





            





 

Pocomoke City Police Department ~ Annual Easter Egg Hunt ~



Don't miss out on this fun time for the children of Pocomoke City!

The Easter Bunny will be there!!!

 Feel free to take pictures!

Pocomoke City Police Department

Today Is ARBOR Day In Maryland

Today  is Arbor Day in Maryland
 
Celebrate Arbor Day and plant a native tree in honor of a loved one! Your Gift of Trees is actually three gifts --- one to someone you care for, one to future generations, and one to the environment. TREE-MENDOUS MARYLAND will arrange for the trees to be planted in Maryland in the county in which the recipient of the certificate lives. Receive a coupon for $25 off and register every tree you plant at trees.maryland.gov.
 
Give the gift of trees in Honor or Memory of family or friends