Weekly Update

Police Activities

• A traffic stop near Wal-Mart resulted in the arrest of a juvenile and the recovery of a stolen handgun from Accomac County, Virginia. The juvenile was charged and turned over to Juvenile Justice.
• Officers located Megan Benton, 22, and arrested her on outstanding warrants from Worcester County and Hillsborough, Florida. She was placed in jail under a bond of $50,000.00
• Jeffrey D. Hillman, 47, was located by officers and arrested on an outstanding warrant from 816 Second Street.
• An officer conducting a routine traffic stop found the driver, Stephen Petitt, in possession of a Controlled Dangerous Substance. A passenger in the vehicle, Travis Parsons, was found to be wanted on an outstanding Worcester County Warrant. Parsons was also arrested and turned over to the Worcester County Sheriff's Office.
• George Justice was issued a citation for an Open Container of Alcohol Violation.
• The Worcester County Narcotics Task Force executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at #5 Bonneville Apartments. As a result of the search, Marcus D. Fletcher and Anthony M. Westcott were arrested and charged. Powder cocaine, crack cocaine, and marijuana were located in the residence.

Public Works Activities

• Our mechanic is working on the transfer of equipment to the new police vehicles.
• Crews finished the last two remaining Fire Hydrant repairs at Fifteenth and Market as well as Homewood Drive near White Oaks. At this point, all hydrants in the city are now working properly and no valves are shut off in the street due to leaks around the hydrants.
• Crews worked downtown in preparation for the Pocomoke Fireman's Muster.
• Crews continue work on the new section of the Cypress Nature Trail as well as replacing boards on the older sections of the trail system.
• Our mechanic completed the installation of a motor into the city's mini van now utilized by Public Works on a regular basis.

Water Department

• Our contractor for annual repairs on our water towers was in town this week to flush and inspect the water tower on Seventh Street.
• Some hydrant flushing was performed in the downtown and Walnut Street areas.

Street Projects

• The city's contractor for the street widening project at Cedar Street and Eighth Street will continue work on the project beginning on Monday. They expect completion prior to November 1st.

Comcast Changes

• I received a letter from R. Thomas Worley (Area Director of Government Relations and Public Affairs) regarding some changes relative to a Blocking Requirement of Fox 21. It seems that WBOC-16, our local Fox affiliate, has formally notified Comcast Delmarva that it is invoking its right to block Fox Network and certain syndicated programs carried on out-of-market television stations on their lineup. The programs to be blocked are identical to programming which is being aired already on WBOC-16. Under FCC regulations, Comcast is obligated to carry out this request and will be doing so effective October 25th. While they regret having to make the change, they will attempt to make it appear seamless to their customers.

Room Tax Increase

• I will be attending a meeting of the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday the 16th for a Public Hearing on an Ocean City request to raise the County established Room Tax for hotel and motel accommodations from 4% to 4.5%. I am in favor of the proposal which will result in increased revenues for Pocomoke City if adopted.

Upcoming Events

• The new Shore Bank branch located at Market Square will have their Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday at 10am.
• El Gran Charro, a new Mexican Food store located on Newtowne Blvd., will hold a Grand Opening on Saturday at noon.
• A musical showcase of original songs and talent will be on tap at the Marva Performing Arts Theater Saturday evening beginning at 6pm. Cost is $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for kids. At least eight different acts will be on stage with a variety of music.
• Sunday morning downtown will the the second annual Pocomoke Fireman's Muster and Olympics. Opening ceremonies begin at 9am and the event is scheduled through 4pm. Vendors will be on hand for this free event.
• The Worcester County Developmental Center will be holding a fund raiser and awareness drive at the American Legion on Sunday beginning at 1pm.

New Business

• Another new restaurant will open its doors on Monday, October 15th. Nuevo Leon offers fine Mexican cuisine and is located on Newtowne Blvd. near Domino's Pizza.

Zoning Appeals Board

• The Board of Zoning Appeals will meet on Wednesday night. A hearing is scheduled on the transfer of ownership of the Assisted Care Home located on Market Street at Third Street.