Weekly Update

Police Activities:

• Police dealt with two Pit Bull Terriers that were on the loose in Woodland Manor. Worcester County Animal Control Officers responded to assist and were able to capture one of the dogs. A trap was set for the other.
  
• Worcester County Animal Control assisted officers with a raccoon which was located in the wooded area near Pocomoke Elementary School. The animal was located and removed.


• Denotta Sturgis (28) was charged with Shoplifting (theft) at Wal-mart.


• A hit and run property damage accident was reported in front of Lusby's downtown. A vehicle described as a white truck struck and damaged a DP&L pole and fled the area.


• The 200 block of Walnut Street had several vehicles with windows broken out by someone apparently using a brick.


• A New Jersey traveler called police and stated she had lost her wallet at the Dunkin Donuts. Police responded and were able to locate the wallet which had been picked up by a relative.
  

The Commission for Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) had an audit team in the city during this past week to review our police department operations and procedures. You can view their standards on line at: http://www.calea.org/Online/AboutCALEA/Commission.htm. They also toured the city and conducted a public forum which I have written about in an earlier post. The audit team was quite impressed with this city and our police department. We are well in line to receive certification known as CALEA Recognition following their review and our making any changes identified in their critique and review.

This is a huge step for an agency our size and we can be proud of the work that has been accomplished thus far. Earning this recognition will assist in lowering our insurance premiums and will further assist the agency in holding to established standards of excellence in law enforcement. Congratulations Chief Ervin, Lt. Michael Switowski, Lt. Lee Brumley, and the rest of the department on a job well done!

Reverend Thomas Wall

A viewing will be held at Salem United Methodist Church on Tuesday night from 7:00-9:00. The funeral service will be conducted at Salem United Methodist Church on Wednesday afternoon at 2:00.

YMCA Goose Hunt

Officials will conduct a special hunt September 1st for the local birds which over populate the ponds on the YMCA property.

Public Works

Sewer repairs were completed on a partially collapsed line on Second Street near Cedar Street. Downtown power washing of pedestrian areas continued.

Planning and Zoning

• The Board of P&Z has forwarded recommendations to the Mayor and Council to retain Third Street as a two-way street. They have recommended new loading zones and a new parking pattern for the entire street.


• Hardwire Corporation completed all of their required submissions and have contracted with M.L. Blades Construction for the 58,000 square foot building to be built this fall on the old footprint of the former Campbell's Soup Plant.
  

Department of EMS

Director of EMS Barrie Contee reported that Pocomoke EMT-B Sergio Castillo is currently in Montana helping fight wild fires which have plagued that region of the country. Please pray for his safety.

Ethanol Plant Concerns

I will be meeting with the Somerset County Commissioners on Tuesday at 3:00 pm during their regular public meeting to discuss our concerns with the proposed Ethanol Plant just across the river in Somerset County. I have provided more details in earlier posts on this subject. Our primary concerns are:

• Public Safety



• Securing Municipal Water Supply Aquifer

As with all things, I will keep you posted!