05 July 13 - Heavy Rains Flood the County. See the full story here: http://www.delmarvanow.com/somerset/stories/20050713/2178958.html

05 July 27 - Photography of county residences and commercial buildings to be taken soon!

As part of a comprehensive digital mapping project which will help 911 personnel pinpoint the actual location of an emergency call, a countywide property imaging project will be underway in Somerset County beginning Monday, August 1, 2005. Mobile Video Services, Inc. is photographing all residential and commercial buildings in the county.

Property imaging is very important to emergency responders according to Captain Billy Joe Lewis with the Somerset County Sheriff's Department. "This county project will provide our 911 center with more accurate information and digital photographs to aid in the dispatching of fire, EMS, rescue and law enforcement personnel to the citizens of Somerset County. Being able to locate a 911 caller is critical to our emergency service system because it reduces the amount of time it takes for help to arrive at the caller's home or business."

There are several other benefits to the project: The digital photographs will allow verification and correction of any addressing discrepancies and assist in preparing emergency management recovery reports that are necessary to receive state and federal assistance after disasters or emergencies. Additionally homeowners and business owners will have access to historical pictures if ever they need to file a property loss claim.

One important feature of the project is funding. According to Steve Marshall, Director of Emergency Services, "This project is not being funded through local taxes, but rather through the 911 surcharge that is collected by each telephone company every month. This surcharge money is used to make improvements and upgrades to the County's 911 system without the need to increase taxes. This project will benefit all areas in Somerset County including the City of Crisfield and the Town of Princess Anne."

The photographers will be easy to spot. Two crews will photograph properties from inside white vans with Missouri tags. They will be clearly marked with signs indicating they are conducting a mapping project for the county and will carry photo ID cards issued by the county. The crews are expected to be in the area for 6 - 8 weeks. During this time they will be in constant communication with the 911 office and information concerning their routes will be provided to the 911 dispatch center.

Marshall says, "If there are any questions or concerns about the project, feel free to contact me at (410) 651-0707." Lewis echoes that sentiment, "We recommend that anytime you are suspicious of persons and/or vehicles in your neighborhood you should call 911 and report this activity."