Nature Trail Progress Report ~ Be A Volunteer

WOW!  There are SO many great things going on in Pocomoke City I can't keep up with all of it!

Sadly, I have missed a few of  Ritch Shoemaker's informative stories and progress on what has been done on the Pocomoke Nature Trail.  I'm sure you will find his writings quite humorous and if I do say so myself, the volunteers are working so hard but still having fun. 

 Tentative supply moving and construction date  Friday May 17- from what I can determine.  Phone numbers are listed at the bottom the post- just give one of those numbers a call. jmmb

Nature Trail Progress Report

Photo/BW

April 28, 2013

 by Ritch Shoemaker MD, project chairman

So far, we have obtained a line of credit to purchase the materials we need for the 600 foot long “Missing Link” that will let us walk around Stevenson’s Pond and loop back to the main Trail in the high ground. We have our first buyers of a “Foot of the Loop,” as Pamela and Professor Matthew Hudson donated double the cost of two feet. Don’t be bashful about buying the Famous bird T-shirt! We will have an excellent selection next week to complement our dwindling supplies.

Why donate to the Trail? Simple. It is a magnificent project. With all the talk about government doing dumb things with tax dollars, here is a model for community self-help. Keep the gubmint out of here! We can do this work privately just fine.

Just think, walkers will now be able to see flame azaleas of the banks of Stevenson’s Pond (blooming right now) up close and touch massive cypress knees growing from the root systems of cypress trees that might have not been touched by people for a long time. The origin of our Trail is blazed through a logged-over cypress swamp but the missing link doesn’t have any cypress stumps that I can find. The swamp is just too deep to cut and drag out huge cypress trees. I wonder who has visited this unfound ground in the last 50 years.

And yet we would like to open access into this hidden forest to anyone who can walk on a boardwalk. The job really is a bit ambitious for old men like Don Malloy, Jim Norton and me. Larry Fykes has already volunteered for the job of construction foreman and now his fellow volunteer fireman, Andy Clarke, has agreed to be in charge of transporting materials from our stockpile at the City Works lot to the loop site. I can almost feel a passing of the hammer here and this is a good thing. Andy was 10 years old when the original Trail was build yet even back then he was helping out. Larry was right at the “Head of the Trail” for the section of 300 feet of boardwalk we added several years ago to join the Trail to the City Dock in Cypress Park.

The guys at the Head get wet, dirty and lots of satisfaction by setting in the “sleepers,” long structural beams, which are then held together by 16 foot racks of cross-braced 2x8 boards. As the developing structures weaves its 16 foot lengths through the swamps, avoiding disturbing the vegetation as much as possible, the “mules” bring in the materials for the joist layer of more 2x8x16 foot boards.

 

We initially walk on the joist layer placed flat until such time as we can attach the boards on end to the racks and then attach the treads to make the top layer of the boardwalk. By staggering the angle of attachment of one rack to another the entire structure can wind sinuously on top of the floor of the wooded wetland, as the Trail interlaces by trees and hummocks, it can resist forces of winds and tide that could tear apart a straight line structure.

Here is where the next generation of builders comes in. We’ve got to access the loop staging area by crossing a 40 foot-wide stream (or gut, as they are called around here). The bridge we built 20 years ago that crosses the gut lasted until Hurricane Sandy surged the bridge abutments up onto the bank, twisting the 4 foot wide structure into a good imitation of a salt treated Mobius strip. I have no decent plan for what to do to fix the bridge. If we can’t cross the gut, the idea of finishing the loop is just an old man’s fantasy.

Andy looks at the bridge and talks with Larry for a moment. “We can use a come-along like the house movers do. We can move the four-ton bridge back into position, level it up and we are then set to start moving materials in. Shouldn’t be much of a problem.”

And it wasn’t. The next day when Larry and Andy started finagling with the come-along, using different trees to be the solid end, we could get the free end of the bridge levered out of the swamp only to have it slip back when the tension increased on the come-along. Andy didn’t get frustrated, just looking for a place to attach the come-along with a different chain angle and a different height of the solid end on the tree. “Let me try just one more time. If I can’t get it then, I will be surprised.”

With Larry guiding the free end of the bridge (but not pinning his leg between the nearby tree and the bridge abutment), Andy cranked her up one more time. Slowly the bridge eased past the roots, and up the bank. Larry yelled out, “Just a little more, Andy, we are almost there.”

And then the job was done. The bridge dropped right where it had to be in its new perfect position. The structure is solid and it will carry the weight of hundreds of 2x8s and 100 200-pound sleepers, not to mention a herd of mules.

Well done, Larry, good job! And the gold star goes to the Come-Along King, Andy Clarke. Next weekend we will start on building the racks.

Come out and help us. There is hard work ahead but we sure have a good time. Call the Chamber at 410-957-1919 or Dr. Shoemaker’s office at 410-957-1550 for more information.

And don’t forget to donate to the Trail project!

Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce
 

Arson Reward Funds To Be Distributed Among Fire Companies

WESR
The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will have their regular monthly meeting tonight. The Board will consider distributing some $25,000 in reward money from the arson fire reward fund plus other monies donated to help defray the costs of responding to the fires.

Tonya Bundick and Charles R. Smith were arrested on April 2 and charged with arson after they were caught in the act of setting a residence on fire outside of Melfa.

Since the arrest was not the result of a public tip,the Board agreed to distribute the money to the volunteer fire companies to help defray the costs of responding to the 76 arson fires over a five month period starting in November. 

The Supervisors are considering distributing the money on a per call basis for each fire company that responded to the arson fires. Parksley, Bloxom, Onancock, Tasley and Onley were the units that responded to the largest number of calls during the string of arsons.

 Both Bundick and Smith remain behind bars in the Accomack County jail awaiting a preliminary hearing on the Melfa arson charge. Numerous other charges are pending against the couple. The Virginia State Police continues its investigation into the case.


 Both Smith and Bundick are scheduled for preliminary hearings on charges of arson and conspiracy to commit arson in Accomack County General District Court at 1:30 PM on June 17.

Source:

Warrant Issued For Recently Released Sex Offender/

The Worcester County Sheriff’s Office has obtained a warrant for Delmar James Cubbage, a white male date of birth 08-27-1990 for failing to register as a convicted sex offender.

Mr. Cubbage was released from the Worcester County Detention center on 05-02-13 after serving a nearly yearlong sentence for failing to register as a sex offender and violation of probation. 

Since his release Mr. Cubbage has absconded and moved to an unknown location.

Mr. Cubbage was originally convicted of fourth degree sex offense in July 2010. Mr. Cubbage has two prior convictions for failing to register as a sex offender.


Submitted:

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

This Weekend At The Mar-Va Theater ~ TWO Great Movies

SHOWING AT THE MAR-VA THEATER THIS WEEKEND

 

Friday, May 17th

Saturday, May 18th

 7 PM

Tickets: $5

 

SUNDAY SHOW AT THE MAR-VA THEATER

Presented by Remson United Methodist Church

To avoid time in jail, three wily men agree to be ministers at a local church. While bungling through their duties, they uncover a greedy plot to steal from the church. When they try to rescue the church, the men wind up getting rescued in a God encounter they never expected.

Sunday, May 19th

5 PM

Tickets: $5

 

www.marvatheater.com

Dozens Charged Nationwide in Massive Health Care Fraud Takedown

May 14, 2013

At a press conference in Washington, D.C. today, FBI Assistant Director Ron Hosko joined Attorney General Eric Holder, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, and other officials in announcing charges against 89 individuals—including doctors, nurses, and other licensed medial professionals—for their alleged participation in Medicare fraud schemes involving approximately $223 million in false billing.

This coordinated operation was the multi-agency Medicare Fraud Strike Force’s sixth national takedown—thus far, nearly 600 individuals have been charged in connection with health care fraud schemes involving almost $2 billion in false claims in these national takedowns alone. Regionally, Medicare Fraud Strike Force operations in nine locations have resulted in charges against more than 1,500 people who collectively have falsely billed the Medicare program for more than $5 billion.

The defendants charged today are accused of various health care fraud-related crimes, including conspiracy to commit health care fraud, violations of the anti-kickback statutes, and money laundering. The charges are based on a variety of alleged fraud schemes involving various medical treatments and services, primarily home health care, but also mental health services, psychotherapy, physical and occupational therapy, durable medical equipment, and ambulance services.

“We all feel the effects of health care fraud,” said FBI Assistant Director Hosko. “It leads to higher health care costs and makes it harder for seniors and those who are ill to get the care they need. The FBI and our law enforcement partners are committed to preventing and prosecuting health care fraud at all levels.”

FBI Press Release

Black Guerrilla Family Gang Member Being Held In Poor Conditions, Lawyer Says

Tavon White

Baltimore Crime Beat

As the alleged leader of the Black Guerrilla Family gang at the Baltimore jail, Tavon White could get access to pretty much whatever he wanted, according to federal prosecutors: drugs, phones, money and sex.

 

But he is now being held under more straightened circumstances at a state prison in Cumberland, according to his attorney, who is asking a judge to reconsider the conditions of his detention.

 

“The totality of his belongings were as follows: a jump suit, one pair of underwear, shower sandals, a sheet for the bed. Period,” the lawyer, Gary E. Proctor, wrote in a court filing.

 

White is accused of running a lucrative smuggling operation at the Baltimore City Detention Center, coordinating with gang members on the outside and corrupt corrections officers to bring contraband into the jail. White also had sexual relationships with the officers, getting four of them pregnant, according to prosecutors.

 

Rick Binetti, a spokesman for the corrections department, said White’s property arrived a couple days after he did but has since been given to him.

 

Proctor wrote the judge that he went to visit White but was only allowed to confer with him for an hour and then only through a glass screen.

 

“It appears possible, if not probable, that Mr. White’s continued incarceration by the Maryland Department of Corrections will harm the attorney-client relationship and effective preparation for trial,” Proctor added.

 

The U.S. attorney’s office, which is prosecuting the case, has agreed to have a hearing on the issue, Proctor wrote, but no court date has been set.

 

Binetti said prison authorities have been working to accommodate Proctor’s requests.

 

“The warden has been personally coordinating visits and phone calls with the lawyer since White's arrival,” he said. “The warden has spoken with his lawyer personally.”

 

READ MORE

 

 

HSI seeks public's help to identify 'John Doe' .....

HSI seeks public's help to identify 'John Doe' producer of child pornography and rescue child from ongoing sexual abuse

WASHINGTON – U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is seeking the arrest of an unidentified man for producing child pornography and the rescue of a 7 to 9-year-old victim of sexual exploitation.

A criminal complaint and arrest warrant for "John Doe" was signed Friday in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. HSI is seeking any tips about the possible identity or whereabouts of John Doe, who is believed to be located somewhere in the United States.
HSI is requesting that anyone with information about this person contact the agency immediately, in one of two ways:

• Call the ICE Tip Line, which is staffed 24-hours a day
• (866) 347-2423 from the U.S. & Canada
• (802) 872-6199 from anywhere in the world
• Complete an online tip form at www.ice.gov/tips/

All tips will remain anonymous. Individuals should not attempt to apprehend the suspect personally.
HSI's Victim Identification Program seeks to rescue child victims of sexual abuse and exploitation and bring the perpetrators to justice.

This investigation was part of Operation Predator, a nationwide HSI initiative to protect children from sexual predators, including those who travel overseas for sex with minors, Internet child pornographers, criminal alien sex offenders and child sex traffickers. HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free hotline at 1-866-347-2423 or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators.

Suspected child sexual exploitation or missing children may be reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, an Operation Predator partner, via its toll-free 24-hour hotline, 1-800-843-5678.

HSI is a founding member and current chair of the Virtual Global Taskforce, an international alliance of law enforcement agencies and private industry sector partners working together to prevent and deter online child sexual abuse.

You may also visit us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, or access this news release on your mobile device.

Legislative Updates By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

 

How Not to Grow an Economy, Part 2

By  Delegate Mike McDermott

May. 14th, 2013

When Pennies Become Dollars:

How To Not Grow an Economy, Part 2

 

When it comes to raising taxes, no one can minimize like a Maryland liberal. During the previous two regular sessions of the General Assembly, one can find unimpeachable evidence of how they sell a tax by the penny while beguiled Marylanders will pay a pound at the register. Consider these examples of their “bait and switch” mastery:

 

The “Rain Tax” (HB-987) was tucked away in 2012 with an action date set for 10-counties on July 1st of this year. The lower shore local governments are not compelled to collect a Rain Tax from their people, though some jurisdictions are moving ahead with plans to do so. This tax is designed to pay for infrastructure improvements to address storm water management issues (many believe that this is what they pay Property Taxes for in the first place). This tax is being “marketed” as being only $20 to $50 per homeowner annually as they are assigned a flat rate no matter the size or scope of their property. The same rates do not apply for business property.

Commercial properties, hospitals, churches, schools, etc. will be required to pay a tax rate based upon the square footage of impervious surface which they have on their respective properties. Sidewalks, driveways, and rooftops all count in figuring how much the owner, corporation, or congregation must pay. Suffice it to say, there will be no $20 bills for these properties. In fact, some of these commercial properties with their significant parking lots could easily find themselves paying in the $15,000 range and up. Just imagine the bill for a mall property!  What do you suppose a business owner or corporation with a tight bottom line  is going to do about paying this new tax? They will have little choice but to pass it on to their customers through higher costs at the register…yet they tell us it will “only cost a homeowner $20 per year!” That 20 bucks is the least of our worries.

How about those “green” wind turbines off our coast? (SB-275)  Well, those same folks claim the new Electricity Tax will cost you less than “$2.00 per month”. What a deal! What they do not tell you is the Electricity Tax for business and commercial properties is going to be significant and will be in proportion to the amount of electricity utilized. It is so significant; the poultry growers were able to lobby hard to be exempted from most of this new burden, but not so for every other business entity in the state.

Supermarkets are big consumers of electricity as are retail stores. Who is going to pay for the added expense that these business entities will be forced to absorb to pay for this boondoggle? It will be those same folks who were told, “You will pay less than $2.00 per month on your bill”. The folks that propose this nonsense appear to have zero conception of how a business actually operates, or perhaps they believe our business community is flush with cash and will simply take it out of their marginal profits. Well how about local government? Schools, government buildings, street lights, all will be subjected to these higher rates resulting in a direct pass through to the taxpayer. How’s that “$2.00” sounding now?

 

These are the same people who just handed you a perpetual gasoline tax (HB-1515) which will increase like clockwork every July 1st and be forever linked to the consumer price index (CPI). So, when the cost of everything else goes up in your hard working life, the price of your misery at the pump will rise in proportion to the pain you experience everywhere else in your budget.  Don’t worry, if the CPI ever drops, the same legislators rejected any amendments to make the tax decrease in like manner. They also rejected the idea of some type of cap on this tax.

 

Keeping this in perspective and doing the math, if they had established this same tax in 1992 linked to the CPI, Marylanders would be paying over $10.00 per gallon to fill their tanks. This adjustment would have been bad enough, but they have also added a new Sales Tax to the cost of fuel which will be phased in over the next four years. The net result will be an 80% increase in the Gasoline Taxes (currently at 24.5 cents per gallon).  Of course, this was sold to the public as “mere pennies” at the pump.

 

So, what about the fact that 90% of the goods utilized on the Eastern Shore are trucked in overland? The cost of shipping goods always comes with the fuel cost factored into the overall price.

Again I ask you, is there anyone who thinks that we will not be paying for increased cost of folks doing business with every purchase we make at a register? All of those “mere pennies” quickly add up to real dollars.

 

As the government draws more money out of the economy through these new taxes and fees, taxpayers/consumers find themselves with fewer discretionary dollars. This always results in fewer dollars being put back into our local economy and every point of commerce suffers. When business slows, expansion is put on hold. When business suffers loss, people lose jobs.

 

I am not sure where the disconnect lies with legislators who see nothing wrong with this tax and spend approach at governing, but I am quite sure the public is fully able to connect the dots. I was recently at a meeting of local business owners and entrepreneurs when a senator told them that what they could “conceive…the government would help them achieve”.  Sadly this was repeated so there was little doubt where he was coming from in his thoughts regarding the purpose and scope of government.

The American dream is the recognition that if you can conceive an idea or a concept, your freedom and liberty will allow you to achieve it through personal dedication and the sweat of your own brow.  Liberty is the mortar that binds Conceiving and Achieving together. When our dreams become dependent upon the government to fulfill, we extinguish liberties flame and, along with it, the American Dream.

 

Marylanders…take back your state.

 

Armed Forces Appreciation Weekend ! Visit the Delmarva Discovery Center

DON'T FORGET!


20th Annual    "DRUMS ON THE POCOMOKE"    Pow Wow has  free admission to Veterans and Active Service members of the Armed Services!  All you need is your I.D.

The Skipjack Hilda M. Willing joins the Cypress Festival

Celebrate Pocomoke’s  Heritage at the 38^th Annual Cypress Festival

The Skipjack Hilda M. Willing joins the Cypress Festival

Photo/Skipjack Hilda M. Willing facebook

This year’s Cypress Festival, Wednesday June 12 to Saturday June 15, will celebrate Pocomoke’s heritage as a shipbuilding town. 

Board the skipjack Hilda Willing, built in 1905 and learn about this historic working boat from her crew.

Join in the fun by building your own boat and racing with a team for cash and bragging rights in the Raft Regatta. 

This year’s Cypress Festival will have more artists and vendors than ever, especially for Heritage Saturday when artisans from Furnace Town and the Julia Purnell Museum along with local crafters will have hands-on demonstrations.

All your favorite rides and foods will be there too! Come join our “boathemian” community for 4 days of fun by the Pocomoke River, Wednesday June 12 to Saturday June 15.

Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commercewww.pocomoke.com
410-957-1919

 

Skipjack Hilda M. Willing on Facebook

RIBBON CUTTING / Chesapeake Bay Farms in Pocomoke

From:
Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce

Ribbon Cutting

photo/Chesapeake Bay  Farms

Chesapeake Bay Farms in Pocomoke

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

 9:30 am.

As soon as you see Chesapeake Bay Farms in Pocomoke you know you have reached a special place.  Black and white cattle graze in the fields looking like something out of a painting. 
 A friendly (artificial) cow awaits you as you turn in to the parking lot of the charming wooden store.
Children will love this location, as will adults. 
 Homemade ice cream, local cheeses, fresh churned butter and local grass fed beef are available. 

 

Photo/ Chesapeake Bay Farms

Address:

 4111 Whitesburg Road

Pocomoke City, Maryland
(Take Dividing Creek Road)

LIKE Chesapeake Bay Farms on Facebook

CLICK IT OR TICKET / Pocomoke City Police Department

CLICK IT OR TICKET

 

 The Pocomoke City Police Department will be increasing high-visibility seat belt enforcement efforts around the clock to save more lives on our roadways. Motorists are urged to fasten their seat belts, day and night, for each and every trip; and encourage your loved ones to always buckle up too … you could save their life.

 

Click It or Ticket.

As the busy summer driving season kicks off and Pocomoke City motorists take to the roads, it’s important that everyone buckles up every time they go out, both day and night – no excuses. Not wearing a seat belt at night is especially dangerous, when the risk of being involved in a crash triples.

Riverside Grill Pocomoke Honors Police Officers and Military

Thanking all of the brave men and women who serve us 24/7, on holidays, special occasions and on days you wish you could just stay home with your family.

RIVERSIDE GRILL   POCOMOKE

*National Police Week May 12th-May 18th: police officers 15% off your check with ID

*Armed Forces Day May 18th: military personnel 15% off your check with valid military ID

Thanking you for all you do!

Pocomoke Raft Regatta ~ Two Categories To Enter

Pocomoke Raft Regatta

Make your own craft and compete for cash and bragging rights!

 Rafts can compete in two categories:

 Fastest Raft

 and

Most Creative/Original Raft

 

Saturday, June 15, 2013

2:30 PM

 For more information and sign up forms see www.pocomokecypressfestival.com

 

By:  Pocomoke Area Chamber of Commerce

Greenbackville VFD 2013 Summer Raffle

 

Our 2013 Raffle has begun.

 Please see any member or visit the Fire Station at 1

479 Stockton Avenue in Greenbackville to purchase tickets.

 

 

 Thank you for your continued support!

Saxis Volunteer Fire/Rescue Spaghetti Dinner

National Police Week....

In 1962, President Kennedy proclaimed May 15th as National Peace Officers Memorial Day and the calendar week in which May 15th falls, as National Police Week.

Established by a joint resolution of Congress in 1962, National Police Week pays special recognition to those law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty for the safety and protection of others.

The Memorial Service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of approximately 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Decades later, the event, more commonly known as National Police Week, has grown to a series of events which attracts thousands of survivors and law enforcement officers to our Nation's Capital each year.

NATIONAL POLICE WEEK.... continue reading

The First Medical Cannabis Dispensaries Expected To Open In Nation's Capital Later This Month

The movement to legalize marijuana has arrived at Congress' back door.

Later this month the first medical cannabis dispensaries are expected to open in the nation's capital, including one just eight blocks from the Capitol dome.

The milestone is lifting the spirits of pot enthusiasts who believe a safe and profitable marijuana micro-industry in D.C. could help nudge along efforts to decriminalize the drug nationwide.

ABC News recently toured the Metropolitan Wellness Center, one of the district's three soon-to-open shops, located on Capitol Hill.

While pot products have yet to hit shelves – the shop is still awaiting a license from the district – general manager Vanessa West said they will soon offer multiple varieties of cannabis, paraphernalia and a mix of pot-infused products, including brownies, cookies and drinks.

West, a veteran operator of dispensaries in California who admits she "smoked a little grass in college," said the sleek, modern set-up of her "product selection and payment room" underscores a serious focus on patients and treating their pain.

"When we find out what a patient's symptoms are, we can make a recommendation about what the best strain is for them and what the best possible route for ingesting that strain is," she said.

"Forget about the recreational part for a second," she says to skeptics. "Listen to how cannabis has changed patients' lives for the better."

Only employees and patients registered with the District of Columbia Department of Health will be allowed inside the dispensary once weed sales officially commence. The shop will effectively go on lockdown, protected by a high-tech security system of a dozen cameras and motion sensors keeping watch.

READ MORE ....

Motor Scooter Collides Into Police Vehicle

On May 13, 2013, at approximately 2:15 a.m., an Ocean City Police vehicle was hit by a motor scooter on Coastal Highway at 41^st Street. The Ocean City Police officer involved was stopped in his patrol vehicle at a traffic light in the southbound turn lane at 41^st Street.

The driver of the scooter, who was later identified as Edward Thomas Johnson, 25, of Salisbury, then collided into the rear of the patrol vehicle causing him to be ejected from his scooter.

The officer involved immediately began to render aid to Johnson, who was wearing a helmet; however, it became dislodged as a result of the collision and failed to fully protect him. Johnson was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center by Ocean City EMS for treatment. His medical status is unknown at this time.

 The officer involved was also treated and released at Atlantic General Hospital for minor injuries.

Police are continuing to investigate this incident. Johnson is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

Property and Vehicle Recovered In Jenkins Orchard Thefts- Arrests To Be Made

 

 

COMMUNITY ALERT  UPDATE

As a result of a joint investigation with the Pocomoke City Police Department, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Princess Anne Police Department we have collectively identified a suspect deemed responsible for the rash of thefts from vehicles and have located the stolen vehicle reported stolen from the Jenkins Orchard area of Pocomoke City. Pocomoke City Police conducted and will continue diligent saturation enforcement patrols daily in the Jenkins Orchard area during the day and evening hours.

All of the above named agencies are currently in the process of obtaining Arrest Warrants for this individual and will soon have the suspect in custody. Property from the thefts as well as the stolen vehicle have been recovered.

Pocomoke City Police want to remind residents that the hot summer months are fast approaching and with it brings the increased opportunity for individuals to steal from vehicles that are left unlocked and the windows open. I encourage residents to make sure you do not leave your keys in the ignition, the vehicle running and to keep your vehicles locked at all times. In addition, do not leave items such as; money, loose change, wallets, computers, headsets, etc. in plain view as these will be an enticement for a thief to enter your vehicle.

Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police

Pocomoke City Police Dept. Gun Turn-In Day A Success

Pocomoke City Police participated in Maryland’s first statewide Gun Turn-In Day on Saturday, May 11th.

Officers from the department were on hand to collect any handguns, rifles, ammunition, BB Guns or other dangerous weapons from the Pocomoke City Community.

Chief Kelvin D. Sewell announces that Pocomoke City’s event was a success and thanks the Pocomoke City Community for taking steps to ensure the welfare and safety of our residents.

Kelvin D. Sewell
Chief of Police
May 13, 2013

Somerset County Deputy Troy Durham Files New Lawsuit

Written by
Liz Holland

May 9 2013
PRINCESS ANNE — A Somerset County sheriff’s deputy involved in a drawn-out legal battle with Sheriff Robert N. Jones and county officials filed a new lawsuit this week against the Maryland Police Training Commission for deprivation of rights under the First Amendment.

Commission members denied James “Troy” Durham’s request to be recertified as a police officer following an April 10 hearing. Durham has been working since last September monitoring security cameras at the Somerset County Courthouse, but he has been without a uniform, service weapon or arrest powers.

Jones and Chief Deputy Ronnie Howard “have interfered with and impeded with, among other things, the Plaintiff’s right to regain his police powers,” according to the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore.

The lawsuit alleges the commission members “have worked hand-in-glove with Sheriff Jones and others in seeking to deny law enforcement certification to the Plaintiff, tantamount to a conspiracy to deny the Plaintiff the legal victories that he has earned.”

Among the commission members named in the lawsuit is Wicomico County Sheriff Michael A. Lewis, who the suit alleges is “closely aligned” with Jones and Howard. Lewis could not be reached for comment Thursday.

Durham is seeking $5 million and a reversal of the commission’s decision.

Earlier this week, a federal judge in Durham’s lawsuit against Jones and the county agreed to remove himself after lawyers for the county’s insurance company complained of “deep-seated favoritism” for the plaintiff.

Additionally, U.S. District Judge William M. Nickerson was involved in a previous case filed by Howard Hoffman, attorney for Deputy James “Troy” Durham. In that case, Hoffman had filed his own employment discrimination lawsuit in 2004 against the Baltimore Police Department after his job there was terminated.

Attorneys for the Local Government Insurance Trust said Nickerson failed to disclose he had been involved in Hoffman’s case, according to court documents.

The judge said he disagreed he showed bias in the case, but had the case reassigned.

Durham’s case against Sheriff Robert N. Jones started in 2008 when Durham filed a grievance against the Sheriff’s Office, alleging internal corruption and accusing co-workers of forcing him to change a police report.

He was later fired, but after winning two court battles — including a $1 million judgment against Jones — was allowed to return to work in September.

Source:

MORE ON TRIAL GO HERE

Pedestrian Charged With Illegally Crossing Roadway .....

Pedestrian Charged with Illegally Crossing Roadway after Being Struck and Fleeing the Scene

On May 12, 2013 at approximately 2:00 a.m., Ocean City Police responded to the area of 49^th Street and Coastal Highway in reference to a motor vehicle crash involving a pedestrian.

Officers arrived at the scene and met with the driver of the vehicle, whose name not being released. The driver and several witnesses told police that an unidentified male attempted to cross the highway from west to east at 49^th Street when he was struck by the vehicle travelling southbound. The pedestrian, who was crossing against the traffic signal, rolled on to the vehicle’s windshield causing damage to the vehicle and then immediately fled from the scene.

Police were unable to locate the pedestrian in the area of the collision at the time of the incident.  Later that morning, Ocean City Police and EMS responded to the Quality Inn Hotel located at 54^th Street for a report of an injured male who was bleeding.  Once at the scene, police determined the injured male was the pedestrian who had been struck while crossing the highway at 49^th Street.  The injured male was identified as Samuel Louis Cribbs, 24, of Murrysville, PA.  Police noted Cribbs appeared to be intoxicated.   Cribbs was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Based on all of the information provided by the driver and witnesses, police have charged Cribbs with:
-
          Pedestrian Unsafely Crossing Roadway (21-502b)

During the investigation, police determined the driver was sober and was released at the scene.


Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

"Drums On the Pocomoke" This Weekend

Photo/ Assateague People

Once again the sound of Native Drums will echo down the banks of the Pocomoke River and throughout the town.

The 20th Annual

“Drums on the Pocomoke”

will take place at Cypress Park

 in Pocomoke City on

Saturday and Sunday,

May 18 & 19, 2013

 

 

The park opens to the public at

10:00 am and closes at 5:00 pm each day 

 the Grand Entry at noon.

 

This event is hosted by

 Chief Larry “Medicine Cat” Smack

 and the Assateague Peoples Delmarva.

 

Also this year there will be two drums featured. The host drum NaMaWoChi (which stands for Native Man Woman Child) from North Carolina. Guest drum will be the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe from New York.

 

The song that they sing and drum too, are hundreds of years old and are about the Native religion and sung in the native language.

 

The Head Lead Male Matt Clair and Head Lead Lady Chris Wheeler and the MC will be Doug “Deer Dreamer” Vass.

Photo/ Assateague People

 

The tribe is expecting more than 100 dancers demonstrating the different styles of native dance that include Northern and Southern Traditional, Fancy, Jingle and Hoop.  There will be a large and impressive display of Eastern Shore Indian Artifacts provided by Mark Greenly of Virginia.

Dozens of Pow Wow vendors will be on hand selling some of the finest Native American crafts available. Some of those items may include Dream Catchers, beadwork, Turquoise jewelry, breast plates, hand fans, herbs, soaps and different crafting items.

There will also be two Native Food vendors 

(Accohannock Tribe and the American Indian Society of Washington, DC) so that everyone can taste Native inspired foods such as Buffalo Burgers, Fry Bread and Indian Taco’s. Also,  Eastern Shore favorites like Oyster Fritters, Fried Clams and Fish to mention a few. 

Sacred Friends - Wildlife Rehabilitation who work to educate the public concerning  the coexistence with wildlife will have a booth set up so that anyone can get a close glimpse of two red tailed hawks that are part of their educational programs.  This program is completely dependent on donations for food, housing and medicine for rehabilitant injured animals so that they can be released back into the wild.

Photo/ Assateague People

 

There a lot of people who know they have Native American heritage that seek to know more about the culture and information pertaining to their ancestors.  Pow Wow’s are the best place for spectators  to interact and learn about Native Dancers, singers, drummers, artist craft persons and the culture.

 Chief Medicine Cat states that he always loves this pow wow, because of the "making of new friends and renewing old friendships. Celebrating all the gifts that the Creator and Mother Earth have been generous to bestow upon us. To remember the old ways and to preserve his tribes heritage and traditions". He and the Assateague People can not express enough gratitude to the Citizens and Government of Pocomoke City for all of the support over the last 20 years.

 

If you have never been to the Drums on the Pocomoke Pow Wow this is the one time you do not want to miss this great opportunity.

 

Admission

$5.00 for Adults

 Ages 5 to  11 ~ $3

children 4 and under FREE

 

**Veterans and Active Duty Military are Free with I.D. **

 

**The Pocomoke Discovery Center will offer half price admission to everyone who attends the pow wow with a hand stamp.**

 

  For more info:  Assateague People on Facebook.

 

Thanks, Valerie!

Singing For Free Gas

This is hilarious, take 5 mins. out of your day and laugh.

~ HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY ~

The modern holiday of Mother's Day was first celebrated in 1908, when Anna Jarvis held a memorial for her mother. She then began a campaign to make "Mother's Day" a recognized holiday in the
United States. Jarvis' holiday was adopted by other countries and it is now celebrated all over the world.

TIME MACHINE ... 1913..1990..1941..1930..1885

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　
(Two articles on the conclusion of Salisbury's Wainwright case)

September, 1913
(Lock Haven Express- Lock Haven, Pa.)


GIRL'S DEATH IN OFFICE TO REMAIN A MYSTERY

Salisbury Grand Jury Finds No Indictment in Case of Florence Wainwright.

EXONERATION FOR SMITH.

Suspect Released From Bail and Victim's Family Glad Case is Closed.

Salisbury, Md., Sept. 16.- What will be remembered as one of the greatest mysteries in Eastern Shore court annals was closed yesterday when the grand jury, which has been in session a week, investigating the death of Miss Florence Wainwright, the 25-year-old bookkeeper, found dead in the Home Gas Company office, June 20, and for whose death Harold W. Smith, general manager of the firm, was held in $5,000 bail by the coroner's jury, was discharged without finding any indictment against Smith. This action practically exonerates Smith, and although any subsequent grand jury can take up the case if it so desires, it is not likely that another investigation will ever be made.

The action of the jury came as a surprise to the people who have been anxiously awaiting their decision. Although the jury summoned a number of new witnesses, it was said by one of them that the evidence presented would not present a verdict against Smith.

The family of Miss Wainwright seems to be very glad that the case was closed and it was said that they will make no further effort to have their daughter's death investigated.

Smith still refuses to make any statement other than he is innocent and knows nothing concerning Miss Wainwright's death. He will still retain his position with the gas company. His bondsmen have been released.


　
September, 1913
(The News- Frederick, Md.)


FAILS TO INDICT SMITH

Salisbury, Md., Probers of Girl's Death Fail to Find True Bill.

Salisbury, Md., Sept. 16- Harold W. Smith, who for nearly three months has been held under $5,000 bail on the charge of felonious homicide, in connection with the death of Miss Florence Wainwright, the pretty bookkeeper for the Home Gas Company, of which Smith is manager, is a free man.

The Grand Jury announced a true bill had not been found. The court immediately discharged the twenty-three jurors, who have been investigating the case for a week.

Smith's bondsman was released.

The failure of the Grand Jury to find a true bill is looked upon by many as exonerating Smith.

At home Mr. Smith would make no statement except that he knew nothing of the death of Miss Wainwright. Since he was held by the Coroner's jury he has maintained a dignified silence.
　


June, 1990
(The Frederick Post- Frederick, Md)

To Expand Operation

State OK's grant, loans for Italian pistol maker

(Excerpt)

ANNAPOLIS (AP)- The Board of Public Works approved a financing package Wednesday that includes a $115,000 grant and loans of almost $1.7 million to help Beretta improve its plant in Prince George's County and open a new one on the lower Eastern Shore.

The Italian gun maker will use the new plant in Pocomoke City to manufacture parts for the 9mm pistol it makes for U.S. military forces and many police agencies as well as parts for a smaller civilian pistol.

Pocomoke City mayor Curt Lappolt told board members that the Beretta plant "is something the state and Pocomoke City have been working on for a long, long time."

He said the plant, which will employ about 80 people when it is in full operation, will go a long way toward replacing the jobs lost by the closing of vegetable processing plants in Pocomoke City and Crisfield.

　
　
November, 1941
(Salisbury Times)

(Excerpt)

Denton, Md., Nov. 21-(AP)- Lack of wire, frozen under government priority, is keeping some 500 lower Eastern Shore farm families from obtaining electricity from rural electrification lines- and that in turn is hampering their efforts to increase production to meet defense needs.

Officials of the Choptank Cooperative, which is carrying out a large scale rural electrification program on the Shore, said that extension lines to many farms were being delayed because the necessary wire is being held in a Philadelphia warehouse under OPM priority.

The Cooperative's present program of erecting 678 miles of electric lines in Worcester, Somerset, Wicomico and Dorchester Counties is about 80-percent complete. The system of lines has not been connected, however, because of stream crossings, right-of-way delays and other hindrances, and the small amount of copper conductor necessary to complete the job is held under priority orders.


　
August, 1930
(The Daily Mail- Hagerstown, Md.)

LIGHTS MATCH AND BUS CAUGHT FIRE

POCOMOKE CITY, Aug 25. (AP) - At 3 o'clock in the morning 14 passengers en route on a bus from New York to Cape Charles that halted here for a few minutes were hurriedly driven into the open as fire destroyed the vehicle. Some were cut and bruised in rushing for the door. Blame was placed on a passenger who alighted as the stop was made at a filling station and stuck a match to light a cigarette. The passengers were transferred to a train for the rest of the journey. The bus was owned by the Pennsylvania Railway Transit Company.

　
August, 1885
(Daily Index Appeal- Petersburg, Va.)

The Baltimore Sun Says: On Saturday of last week an unexpected incident took place on board a sailboat which was lying off Old Point Comfort with a party of pleasure seekers from Fairmount, Somerset County, Md. One of the young ladies of the party surprised everybody by becoming a mother. A young man living near Princess Anne, the county seat of Somerset, was notified of what had occurred, and as soon as the young lady reached home he married her.


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!

Eastern Shore of Virginia Firefighters and Rescue Workers Kicking Off a Fund Raising Campaign

Raising money for Line of Duty Death memorial for firefighters, EMTs

Written by
Carol Vaughn
Staff Writer

MELFA -- Eastern Shore of Virginia firefighters and rescue workers are kicking off a fund raising campaign to build a memorial honoring those from the Shore who have died in the line of duty.
The Eastern Shore Line of Duty Memorial will be built on the grounds of the Eastern Shore Regional Fire Training Center in Melfa, which is operated by Accomack and Northampton counties jointly.

Plans to raise funds include a letter-writing campaign soliciting donations from local businesses and civic organizations and fund-raising events including a radiothon.

Donations should be mailed to the Accomack County Department of Public Safety, P. O. Box 102, Tasley, Va. 23441. Make checks payable to Accomack County with a note designating the donation for “Line of Duty Memorial.”

Organizers hope to receive enough donations by January 1, 2014 to construct the first of two planned phases of the memorial, with the goal being to formally dedicate it in July 2014, memorial committee member Jimmy Rowley of Parksley Volunteer Fire Company said.

“It’s an excellent way for the community to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice,” said Rowley, who also serves as chaplain of the Delmarva Firemen’s Association.

The first phase of the memorial, which will cover a 20-by-40-foot area on the training center grounds, includes a circular concrete pad topped with engravable brick pavers and surrounded by grass, along with a wall holding two memorial plaques, one for firefighters and one for rescue personnel.

The design was developed by a committee of six, which included members from Accomack and Northampton county volunteer fire departments and the Accomack County Department of Public Safety.

Members are C. Ray Pruitt of the Accomack County Department of Public Safety, who replaced former Public Safety Director Jason Loftus when Loftus moved away from the area; Susan Leonard and Vince Savona, both also of the ACDPS; Jim LeCato of Northampton Fire and Rescue; Freddie Matthews of Parksley Volunteer Fire Company; and Rowley.

Committee members credited Loftus with spearheading the effort to have a memorial constructed.

After doing research including studying line of duty death criteria set by the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial and asking older volunteer firefighters for their recollections about past line of duty deaths, the committee concluded the memorial initially will include eight names of Shore residents who died in the line of duty—Milton Eugene Taylor; Thomas W. Griffin Jr.; Steven A. Colona; Kenneth T. Miller; Page O. Outten; Walter Pond; William Harold “Hal” Clark; and David R. Chew Jr.

Volunteer fire departments on the Eastern Shore were asked to make a contribution to jumpstart the effort and some $8,000 in donations has been collected so far. About $35,000 is needed to complete the first phase.

The second phase will add to the memorial two benches, a flagpole, a bell and two statues, one of a firefighter and one of a rescue worker.

The total price tag is $75,000.

The committee has been working on plans for the memorial since July 2011 and has presented the design to the fire and rescue commissions of both Accomack and Northampton counties.

Source;

CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL -REPAIR AND REPAVE TUNNEL ROADWAYS

CHESAPEAKE BAY BRIDGE-TUNNEL COMMISSION PREPARES TO REPAIR AND REPAVE TUNNEL ROADWAYS

Cape Charles, VA – The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel Commission has selected Conrad Brothers of Chesapeake, VA to repair and repave the roadways of the tunnels and the open approaches of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. This project was awarded through a competitive bidding process in the amount of $4,986,343.03. Commission Chairman Aubrey L. Layne, Jr. remarked, “While the Commission is very pleased to have experienced a 22-year life out of the existing asphalt in the tunnels and open approaches, it is a great time to perform this necessary project. Not only will this project improve the wearing surfaces that are evident to the public, but it will also provide an opportunity to provide rehabilitation to the tunnel roadway foundation below the asphalt.”

The project will include the removal and replacement of the asphalt concrete overlay at the roadway level in both Thimble and Chesapeake Tunnels as well as along the open approach roadways at the trestle abutments, located at the end of each portal island. In addition, concrete repairs will be made to the underside and topside of the concrete slabs, while concurrently rehabilitating the tunnel roadway manholes.

Work for this project will begin in the second week of May 2013 on the underside of the tunnel roadway inside the lower air duct.

This initial phase will not impede traffic. After the completion of the summer travel season, concrete repairs and re-pavement of the topside of the tunnel roadway will begin. This phase will be conducted only at night to minimize travel delays for customers.
 
The entire project is expected to be completed by November 30, 2014.