[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6585583,"mediaKeyId","5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3","parentId",5608829,"title","NAACP, community leaders press council on potential 287(g) arrangement; sheriff says no street-level ICE enforcement planned","audioSeconds",1400,"startMs",3330000,"endMs",4730000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3&start=3330&end=4730","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3/thumbnail_3330000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6585583/Wicomico-County/Maryland/NAACP-community-leaders-press-council-on-potential-287g-arrangement-sheriff-says-no-street-level-ICE-enforcement-planned","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585583-3d2e5c72d3659652c7481f99ded07fd9/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568997&Signature=PC6EPs0wrPbKsgmEVwgVX~8I8z0mVqWhMnB1Lg9VA9SsKkx0GJjANn0ZbR-PoVf91BPRgn1f9fBnQr-FRzy8eOv1AXX-2Fh~H2qSyELT1OW5TXA9pHIA2qdtMel9Wti0CuFxYmadPpteCwRyB11gSQ8wVWEmffpOSYV~ji3~KpBcsn38OmP6-XYfDApUrsNbfsglDDBPvG9ObHO83hGAFNoiYTWkh4Xxp2nT6qOHP698VHaAWtQ4cJLtdTpZdBriPEBSS28nmB7jf5yVKx9Tv4I1Wta5PzgHU4ogQ8Rp6X-JzOaKs6Gjl63fs2H~CiGm8f6SR3v7ElLp9YfA5Cn98A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Wicomico County, MD","date","2025-08-20T18:41:10.647Z","article","Community leaders from the Wicomico NAACP, the Caucus of African American Leaders and One Voice ministerial groups pressed the County Council on Aug. 19 to oppose local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under a 287(g)-type agreement, voicing concerns about trust in law enforcement and potential effects on immigrants and their families.

Why it matters: Agreements under Section 287(g) of the federal immigration code authorize local jurisdictions to work with ICE on immigration enforcement. Community members said such cooperation undermines public trust and can deter residents from reporting crimes or seeking services.

What advocates said
- Speakers including Mary Ashanti (NAACP) urged the council to publicly oppose any memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the sheriff’s office and ICE and to insist on a public hearing if the county is asked to authorize such an agreement. They argued 287(g)-style cooperation can chill community cooperation with police and disproportionately affect immigrant families.

What county and law-enforcement representatives said
- County Attorney Paul Wilbur told the group that the proposed Human Rights Advisory Council and anti-bias training remain under legal and human-resources review; he said the Human Rights Advisory Council resolution should reach the council within a month.

- The sheriff’s office (via correspondence summarized in the meeting) said it has not entered into a formal 287(g) agreement, that it has held conversations with the county executive and county administration about possible options, and that any relationship with ICE would be limited to detention-center processing after individuals are taken into custody on unrelated criminal charges. The sheriff’s office emphasized it would not deploy deputies on street-level ICE enforcement or involve school resource officers in immigration enforcement.

Council response and next steps
- Council staff said that, if the sheriff and executive submit a proposed MOU for the council’s consideration, the normal process would be to place it on the council agenda and, at the council’s discretion, hold a public hearing. Legal staff said they will advise the council about whether a public hearing is required. The council president and legal staff told community representatives they would notify the NAACP and other groups if an MOU or related item appears on an agenda.

Public concerns and context
- Community speakers cited recent local reports and experiences that people believed ICE and local officers were operating together; speakers said even if an agreement limited enforcement to the jail, the public perception of cooperation erodes trust. Several called for the council to publicly state a position opposing 287(g)-style agreements and to increase transparency in any discussions with federal immigration authorities.

What the record shows
- At the session, county legal staff and the sheriff’s office (in a written letter summarized for the meeting) said there is no active MOU in force and that no school-level enforcement by ICE is planned; the council agreed to notify the community if an item is brought forward for council action.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Wicomico County Council Legislative and Open Work Session August 19 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Community leaders and NAACP representatives pressed the Wicomico County Council on Aug. 19 over reports that the sheriff’s office may pursue a memorandum of understanding with ICE under a 287(g)-style arrangement, citing fears such cooperation would erode trust and deter immigrant residents from engaging with authorities.","taxTitle","Wicomico County, Maryland","taxId",4258,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585590,"Wicomico County Board of Education outlines school-safety, discipline and program expansions ahead of 2025–26 school year",829,1861000,2690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3&start=1861&end=2690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3/thumbnail_1861000.jpg","/articles/6585590/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Wicomico-County-Board-of-Education-outlines-school-safety-discipline-and-program-expansions-ahead-of-202526-school-year","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585590-02bcf8871f1d66cc096e2acbd6ad9cb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568997&Signature=VYJI52t3PIPSU1EJzVqSBPzmHrRJai6cN3Sz6p84hCF5rAvcZXNG6w6-Tb5CIW1hCEJGrSxc8fKxumIegmY6GUSJGKRVGMHb8s8gMWTAPedlvpcg7BvTZSUISs~CdbSKC2Bau-tGSrGS3vliwk6ZdO2auFoUtn7kvGmJyLPP8JXMcEWfSn10XE5Zn-riBrZCMpeoKDg3f3C7v5jSRAPfdwxe9~rjturpwWz1mWxWfUVGFtbuXlK5FiPnIjqCcEGLozsecLd0amh481EkIBI6vSyR~yvocU58~g1rVetmuAXREhN0uossN8bF2dKPzdabu0TLpPFcdL2i-XrKqkGBdw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","School system leaders briefed the Wicomico County Council during an open work session on Aug. 19 on safety, discipline, prekindergarten expansion and capital projects as the district prepares for the 2025–26 school year.

Why it matters: The school presentation outlines operational and budget moves that affect classroom safety, student services and capital planning for the county’s roughly 15,600 K–12 students. Officials described investments aimed at reducing out-of-school suspensions, expanding early-intervention capacity and adding mental-health and telehealth services.

What officials said (high-level)
- Safety and staffing: Superintendent Myka Stauffer and the board said the district will maintain 12 school-resource officers and is adding campus-security managers and campus-patrol staff in secondary schools. The district has contracted Maryland Center for School Safety training and added a second safe-schools coordinator; officials said these measures are part of a layered approach to prevent weapons and maintain building security.

- Discipline and interventions: Assistant Superintendent Miles and student-support staff reported a 10.2% decrease in discipline referrals from 2023–24 to 2024–25 and a 10.6% decrease in total suspension days. The district said it will expand tiered supports in elementary schools (pre-K–2 and grades 3–5) and contract targeted services (two High-Road classrooms with CESI) for students needing intensive interventions.

- Telehealth and mental health: The district plans a telehealth pilot for secondary students (grades 6–12) tied to the existing school-based health centers. Year-one services will provide four hours per school per week (30-minute appointment slots) and will operate under parental consent and the centers’ clinical oversight. District staff said telehealth services will begin after the first marking period and will be rolled out with parent communications and required consent forms.

- Pre-K and enrollment: Officials reiterated the scale of the state-mandated pre-K expansion under Maryland’s Blueprint for the Future and noted the county has seats for about 840 pre-K students but that demand exceeds that number; the board said some private providers are participating under a state–local funding split and clarified that FY26 funding responsibility for participating private providers is the county’s local share.

- Career and technical education (CTE) and middle-school sports: The board described growing CTE options across high schools, apprenticeship-style workforce partnerships with local employers, and continuing expansion of middle-school athletics (flag football, cross-country, volleyball, basketball, track, soccer and cheer), supported by the Education Foundation and Pohanka. Middle-school participation topped 1,900 last year; the district aims to exceed 2,000 participants this year.

- Capital projects: Mardela Middle/High School is nearing completion and will open for students with site work and punch-list items outstanding; Fruitland Primary construction is underway with a projected move-in in 2027 and subsequent site work. Parkside and other building repairs (roofs, doors, fire suppression) are in active project phases.

Budget transfers and resourcing
The board presented three fiscal transfers related to classroom space and new intervention programs: purchase and setup of a four-classroom portable at Beaver Run Elementary and funds to equip early-learning-transition and PATH instructional spaces. Officials said the portable was needed because original construction plans were developed before the statewide pre-K expansion and that the modular classroom will provide immediate capacity while a permanent addition is completed.

Public-safety, school-entry and ICE-related questions
Board staff said they had not had any ICE-related visits to schools and reiterated policy: a student is released to anyone only if the person is a parent or legal guardian listed on the school’s contact list or if a legal warrant requires different action. School officials pointed to FERPA protections, Maryland COMAR guidance and a state superintendent advisory (Feb. 13, 2025) for details; they urged anyone with questions to contact the district’s administrators or the district point of contact listed in the presentation.

Closing and next steps
Board leaders said follow up files and letters (including the district’s telehealth procedures and capital updates) will be shared with the council and the public. The board asked the council to continue partnership on facility, safety and program funding as the district implements the expansions and safety upgrades.","Wicomico County Public Schools told the County Council on Aug. 19 that expanded school-safety staffing, tiered discipline interventions, a secondary-telehealth pilot, and ongoing capital projects are priorities as the district opens the 2025–26 school year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585591,"Wicomico County Council approves series of resolutions, code update and appointments",1414,661000,2075000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3&start=661&end=2075","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3/thumbnail_661000.jpg","/articles/6585591/Wicomico-County/Maryland/Wicomico-County-Council-approves-series-of-resolutions-code-update-and-appointments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585591-678c6ed21724070f11063c835f928e16/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568997&Signature=nzdmiU~6x43n9mfdVTvgnYE8q8aleHpnIjR-oSfLUefqXzy4OgH25kyzpDSYX~amM5trRqwHJGIRcgkjQG5btbMxByLDfGJ7NpAzvYxSbdLOkthKc9XvzMsb35i5WHAdRkjT6uGc3P5PWn6-8-ibNxcCDW-mxZ0dVkeMX9huCYV0pi0lnLP~ExAPXLd~geVxTahKB8AI0i-ShXwXtOY7VvOewlQxjhpvOH1QGmTRcf0AU9Msf8a2mFiMig99eCKB4KexLEabebwnaXr7BAt1jSijvYgRhjb~9hDxBLPepMai2xfaCEX62jzf~BGaJ7hzH-ofXoj1I4dp0ZOf8fyQ8Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wicomico County Council on Aug. 19 voted unanimously to approve a series of resolutions and a local code update, including a $200,000 transfer to fund electrical upgrades for a county nursing home generator and an introduction and passage of Legislative Bill 2025-12 to adopt the 2023 National Electrical Code.

Why it matters: The package included several economic-development approvals, personnel confirmations and a technical code update that the council said keeps local construction standards aligned with the latest national code. The transfer for the nursing-home generator addresses an immediate public-safety need, council members said during a public hearing and debate.

Votes at a glance
- Resolution 115-2025 — Amend FY26 capital budget to transfer $200,000 from the Hurdle Building exterior wall project to the nursing home generator project. Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5). Notes: public hearing held; speakers raised questions about the larger Verizon building purchase and how restricted capital funds are tracked. (See actions entry below.)

- Resolution 116-2025 — Declare Westwood Commerce 1 LLC eligible for Maryland State Enterprise Zone benefits (1630 Westwood Drive, Salisbury). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).

- Resolution 117-2025 — Declare Westwood Commerce 1 LLC eligible for Maryland State Enterprise Zone benefits (address recorded in the meeting as 61610 Westwood Drive). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).

- Resolution 118-2025 — Declare Opportunity Street LLC eligible for Maryland State Enterprise Zone benefits (200 Cypress Street, Salisbury). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).

- Resolution 119-2025 — Confirm appointment of Timothy J. Chrysler as deputy director of emergency services. Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).

- Resolutions 120–127 series — Confirm appointments to the Wicomico County Planning & Zoning Commission and Recreation & Parks Commission (including Charles R. Dashiell Jr., Daniel Marino Holt, Minister George Mandel Copeland, Tanisha Siggers, Mary T. Denton, James R. Thomas Jr., Sarah Bynum King, and George Hochschwander). Outcome: each approved unanimously (yes 5).

- Legislative Bill 2025-12 — Act to amend Chapter 138 (Electrical Standards) of the Wicomico County Code to adopt the 2023 edition of the National Electrical Code and to formalize the process for future code promulgation. Outcome: passed on roll-call vote (Hastings Aye; Wynne Aye; Nettles Aye; Vice President Merrick Aye; Chair Aye). Public hearing scheduled for Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.

- Resolution 128-2025 — Approve hotline service agreement between the Council of Ethical Organizations and Wicomico County (internal-audit hotline). Outcome: approved unanimously (yes 5).

What council members said: During debate on the capital-transfer resolution, Council members pressed for clearer tracking of capital projects and restricted funds in the county’s capital-improvement program (CIP). Staff described the transfer as moving FY24-identified hurdle-building funds that went unused after the county purchased the Verizon building; the nursing home generator work also requires an electrical-panel upgrade so the new generator can power the entire facility.

Formal actions (excerpts from meeting record)
- Action: Resolution 115-2025 — Motion to approve the transfer of $200,000 from the Hurdle Building exterior wall project to the nursing-home generator project. Mover/Second: not specified in minutes. Outcome: approved unanimously. Notes: Public hearing held; resident Joe White commented requesting public transparency on the larger Verizon building project referenced during the hearing. Staff said a CIP review item will list completed and remaining projects in the county’s capital fund ('32 fund').

- Action: Legislative Bill 2025-12 — Motion to approve introduction and final passage adopting 2023 NEC. Mover/Second: not specified. Outcome: passed on roll call (Hastings, Wynne, Nettles, Vice President Merrick, Chair all voted Aye). Public hearing set for Sept. 16 at 10 a.m.

Other routine confirmations and appointments listed on the agenda were all approved without recorded opposition. The council adjourned the legislative session and continued into scheduled work sessions and closed meetings.","The Wicomico County Council on Aug. 19 approved a package of budget, zoning, personnel and code actions, including a $200,000 capital transfer to fund electrical upgrades associated with a new nursing-home generator and adoption of the 2023 National Electrical Code.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6585586,"New scrutiny and inspections curb out-of-county trash at Newland Park landfill, county staff say",411,7001000,7412000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3&start=7001&end=7412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5608829-dfb04531af742a0d9145703298d2b1d3/thumbnail_7001000.jpg","/articles/6585586/Wicomico-County/Maryland/New-scrutiny-and-inspections-curb-out-of-county-trash-at-Newland-Park-landfill-county-staff-say","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6585586-1c3d5888fff4a26b78582c2bb09acee5/orig.mp4?Expires=1773568997&Signature=WylLhUImuIe~nYFp1wrpLqSA0PvG73e8~dv0THId8luVY5LGJHoRlPC599rFCQrkxlAvD4niw5Tc1D92xTDPJmff~1thxhhxDWSjQ50I4L97hWezalM-3C05yxJ-Z98d-4EQApOCVpw-avHdsXVTgZAetwcSA6gsxdZeozaiKDfhdO8Lb0JyMtfGhcU-Arq6asJbWsSJAu7PR-o5qMx71jP9k2xZtFTGCBVl72-rS9YK2cV0Y3qZwLvcX96vrR~omUlCDIYPOAyY1l7qlDB1X6SVp6Fw37FlEDw2vzGW5Gg5oVsGFQ8Dl7~QKXE6oPJagQ3dSd-aIjZKYe7zqmutmw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Wicomico County landfill staff told the council on Aug. 19 that stricter enforcement and a recently adopted emergency ordinance have reduced the number of out-of-county municipal solid-waste (MSW) trucks arriving at Newland Park.

Why it matters: County officials said reductions in incoming waste traffic have eased operational pressure at the landfill, improved compliance capacity and opened a path toward a formal permitting process for commercial haulers that would require manifesting and prequalification.

What staff reported
- Enforcement and inspections: Acting Landfill Superintendent Adam Corey said the county has implemented random waste-load inspections and a standard operating procedure for those inspections. The approach includes visual and manifest checks, segregation of inspected loads, and audio-visual documentation of inspections when performed.

- Hauler cooperation: Corey told the council nearly all large haulers have cooperated and produced manifests during inspections; one hauler refused to provide manifest details and has held up processing of its loads pending further review. Staff said the county has notified the executive and legal department and is prepared to pursue enforcement steps if cooperation does not improve.

- Operational effects: Inspectors reported fewer MSW-style trucks, which reduced queueing and allowed landfill crews to perform other essential site functions. Staff noted revenue has not decreased so far, attributing that to a tipped increase in the county’s per-ton fee. Staff said it is too early for a full financial trend analysis and recommended monitoring through the next quarter.

- Next steps: Staff said they plan to present a permitting program to the council (modeling elements on Delaware and Cecil County programs). The proposed permit would require haulers to register and provide route and manifest information in advance, which staff said would create a stable universe of permitted haulers and make future notifications and enforcement more efficient.

Public and council questions
Council members asked whether staff anticipate needing fewer employees; landfill staff said operations and planned renewable-energy projects (landfill-gas-to-energy) and cell expansions will likely require existing or higher staffing levels rather than reductions. Council members asked that staff continue to coordinate with neighboring jurisdictions to monitor waste flows and to give the public clear guidance on any new permitting and inspection rules.

Staff said they will publish the inspection SOP and begin stakeholder outreach; they estimated a draft permitting program could be presented to the council in the coming months.","After emergency legislation and stepped-up truck inspections, landfill officials reported a decline in out-of-county municipal solid-waste trucks at Newland Park. Staff described random waste-load inspections, cooperation from most haulers and one noncooperative operator; county staff said a formal permitting program is planned.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

NAACP, community leaders press council on potential 287(g) arrangement; sheriff says no street-level ICE enforcement planned

Wicomico County Board of Education outlines school-safety, discipline and program expansions ahead of 2025–26 school year

Wicomico County Council approves series of resolutions, code update and appointments

New scrutiny and inspections curb out-of-county trash at Newland Park landfill, county staff say