Dunkin Donuts Opens Their Doors

In case you did not know it...Dunkin Donuts is now open for business in Pocomoke City! Check them out at the intersection of Rt. 13 and Rt. 113. I understand they have been doing a brisk business.

THANK YOU!

I just wanted to take a moment and thank those of you who encourage me on a daily basis to fight the good fight. It can often be discouraging, yet in those moments, someone always seems to appear on the horizon with a good word.

This is a good city and we have our Father in Heaven to thank for all of the many accolades that come our way. We will never be without areas which can be improved, but we must continue to move forward one positive step at a time. Our citizens truly make the difference.

As you continue to encourage and pray for me and my family, I just wanted to say, "Thanks!"

Police Department Community Forum

Over twenty five attended the open forum meeting conducted by the National Accreditation Review Committee held at City Hall tonight from 7-8:30 pm. 95% positive/5% negative.

On the negative side, folks wanted to see increased cooperation with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation. This is something I have been working with the Chief on during the past two years and we are making strides. We would like to see a full time detective assigned to the bureau this fall as the council provided the additional position last February.

Many were very complimentary of Chief Ervin's handling of the agency and the department in general. Some mentioned specific incidents where the officers were of great assistance. One negative was turned into a positive by the way the Chief stepped in and corrected a mishandled investigation to the satisfaction of the victim. It was very rewarding to hear this heart felt story told by the victims mother.

Several on the City Council were in attendance. These included Councilmen Cane, Clarke, and Morrison. I was in attendance as well. The meeting lasted about 90 minutes. From here, the comments will be evaluated and reviewed by other staff. The auditors will be in the area for two more days to check all aspects of the police department and their operations in our city.

National Accreditation is very difficult to achieve; particularly for departments of less than thirty officers. While the road is difficult, there is great pride in achieving this goal. Achieving National Accreditation status can also result in lower insurance premiums for local governments. That would be a great benefit to the city.

A Great Report From Councilman Clarke

I received this great report from Councilman Rob Clarke which we both wish to share with you on the Pocomoke Citizen's Forum:

The brass band concert was absolutely great! We should invite them back again soon. A wise decision was made to move the concert into the Marva, due to the heat. As it turned out, downtown was awash with rain before the concert ended. As I said, a wise decision.What a great weekend for the Marva and Pocomoke City! Three very different live shows in as many days. Friday afternoon many local, talented youth highlighted two weeks of theater camp by presenting the play "The Secret Garden". On Saturday afternoon we were entertained with a trip down memory lane by Dwight and Mamie Eisenhower (Bill & Sue Wills). Such talented actors and what a huge amount of research went into the show.Finally this evening (Sunday) we were treated to delightful music from movie themes, to blues, marching & military themes, medleys and a grand finale of the "Stars & Stripes Forever"! In addition, we learned from the narrator what an "all brass" band is all about and what instruments are included.All shows were well attended, but not sold out. Don't miss another show at the Marva. The shows are great and the memories are wonderful. This was such a fantastic weekend at the Marva I can hardly wait for the grand opening next year.The Marva is definitely back. She has had a strong pulse for a while now and due to the hardwork of countless individuals will make a complete recovery! She will truly be a shining jewel pumping energy into downtown Pocomoke once again.And to top it all off, we had the Great Pocomoke Fair, with the horse racing, cake auction, great food and blue ribbon contest in categories from soup to nuts, animals, too.

Rob ClarkeCouncilman, 5th DistrictPocomoke City

Police Feedback Meeting

Tonight (Monday) at City Hall from 7-9pm there will be a public forum to receive comments on the Pocomoke Police Department. All comments will be received by a three person committee as part of the accreditation process for the department.

This process began three years ago and this four day visitation by the accreditation staff is a rigorous inspection whereby the department will be evaluated. Following the review, a recommendation will be forwarded regarding their status under the national accreditation process.

Please feel free to come by and make your comments regarding the department. There will also be a time in the near future where comments can be received via phone calls, fax, or email.

National Accreditation would mean Pocomoke City would join with an elite list of law enforcement agencies who have excelled in their commitment to uniform standards and operational procedures. Generally, insurance premiums are also lower for agencies meeting these stringent requirements.

Terrible Fire

Our Fire Company responded to a house fire at this converted single family/five apartment home at the corner of Market and Fifth Street today.

While no firefighters were injurred, one of the residents required treatment for injuries but none were life threatening.

Five families were apparently displaced by this fire. The American Red Cross is providing aid and assistance to the families. You may be able to donate specific items needed through the Samaritan Shelter (4th Street). I will keep you posted as I learn more.

Additional photos are available on http://www.pocomokefire.com/ courtesy of Mr. Choppy Layton.

Horse Races And The Fair

We had 80 horses sign up for the annual Harness Racing at the Great Pocomoke Fair. This meant 17 races conducted from 12:30-4:45pm! Man, were those guys busy on the track and was it ever hot!

Many thanks to all of the racers who collectively took home purses totaling over $20,000.00. This was a record breaking year for entries and number of raises run. I gave out embroidered blankets to the winners as we posed for photos.

Thanks to Delegate Jim Mathias who made the trip down and helped me with the first couple of raises before traveling to Salisbury for the Little League Home Coming Parade. Also on hand was Councilmen Robert Hawkins, Bruce Morrison, and Rob Clarke. A special thanks to Jack Dolby, Chuck Barnes, Dean Ennis, Rev. George Tasker, John Smith, and so many others who make the racing possible and help make the fair such a success!