Saturday, February 9, 2013

Fireman's Fest Valetine's Day Raffle

The Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Department and Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department are planning to hold a Firemen’s Fest in Princess Anne, MD at the Somerset County Civic Center on
June 8, 2013
to help raise funds for both departments.

The Firemen’s Fest will be a family-friendly event which will include a music concert with various acts (including Chris Lane!), car show, firemen’s muster, vendors from various companies, and an arts and crafts show.
 
To help raise funds for the cost of the Fireman's Fest event the Princess Anne Fire Dept. and Mt. Vernon Fire Dept. are raffling off a
Valentine's Day Firemen's Fest Valentine's Day Package
 (retail value $125)!
 
Package includes:
Sterling Silver earrings donated by Bailey Jewelers
 a dozen red roses donated by Priceless Flowers
 and a box of assorted chocolates
 

Tickets: $5 each or 3 for $10
 Drawing will be held: Feb 12, 2013


For raffle tickets contact any fire department member.

Donated Acreage Is Now A NEW Park in Girdletree

Earlier in 2012 the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Company donated 3 acres of land to the Worcester Parks and Recreation.   A local contractor, Paul W. Jones & Son of Girdletree began the site work required for the new Girdletree Neighborhood Park in May 2012.


Photo/Girdletree Vol. Fire Company
The three acre site donated to Worcester County was to comprise of  two adjoining sections:  one for young children ages 2-5 and another for youth ages 6-12, with plans for a pavilion with grills and picnic tables, and a parking lot.

According to the Worcester County Parks and Recreation the Girdletree Park is NOW OPEN for a walk- through.  The playground/park is located at 5841 Box Iron Road in Gridletree, Md.  By May 2013 a pavilion will be completed.

Photo/Worcester County Parks and Recreation
Please be sure to thank the Girdletree Fire Department for their generous donation to the Worcester County Parks and Recreation.  The park is a wonderful asset to serve the community of Girdletree and the surrounding area.

For those of you living closer to the Pocomoke City area and Newtown Park on Groton Road you will be very pleased to know that the WCPR has  given the park a fresher look. 
 
A large pavilion great for family functions!
 Charcoal grills, picnic tables, sand volleyball court adjacent to pavilion, with a  playground close by.  Be sure to take a look!





Photo/Worcester County Parks and Recreation



Worcester County Parks and Recreation in now on FACEBOOK  For more information and photos take a look!
 


 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview




1827.. Bathing resort plans for Smith Island?; 1976.. Emergency Medical Technicians graduate in Pocomoke; 1965.. Country music stars headline Civic Center show in Salisbury; 1908.. Polk's new Peninsula Directory is now off the press; and the concluding portion of Memories Of Accomac, 1890.

Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!


  Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about. It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Winter Wonderland Gala Auction Items


Don't forget your tickets ...

Johns Hopkins Surgeon Speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast

Great video!  Be sure to watch the President's face as Dr. Carson speaks.  It has been quite a while since someone with some sense  has spoken. 
 
 
 

Dr. Ben Carson Talks About Entitlement Struggles in the U.S.

Renowned Johns Hopkins surgeon Dr. Ben Carson is making waves in Washington this week. Dr. Carson spoke against political correctness, the national debt, Obamacare, and big government with the president sitting only a few feet away in a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast.

Dr. Carson spoke for more than 25 minutes tackling issues ranging from education to personal responsibility. Right off the bat, he spoke about his disdain for political correctness. 

His keynote took a starkly political note, asking how the most powerful nation on the planet has such a poor educational program.

Dr. Carson added that we are usually our own worst enemy, citing ancient Rome as a prime example of how history is cyclical. 

Carson then discussed healthcare, which is a sensitive topic where the doctor and the president do not agree.


Source:Dr. Ben Carson Talks About Entitlement Struggles in the U.S.

Stop By And Meet Buddy !

DASH RESCUE
Will be in front of  the Tractor Supply in Pocomoke City, MD.
 
Saturday, February 9, 2013
10 AM  until  3 PM
 
 T-Shirts, Magnets and  other goodies for sale
DASH Photo
BUDDY
Come on out and meet Buddy, Wishbone
Wishbone

 
 and Doc !!
 
 
Help raise funds for Buddy's  surgery that is coming up in the near future.
 
 

Friday, February 8, 2013

Bay Queen Cruises ~ EAGLE TOURS

THE BAY QUEEN CRUISES

EAGLE TOURS IN FEBRUARY
 
Leaving from Sturgis Park
Snow Hill, Md.
 
Beginning :
Saturday, February 9, 2013
TOUR TIME:  3 PM
$20.00 PER PERSON
(must have at least 12 passengers per trip)
 
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Call 410-632-1415
 
DRESS WARM !!
Bring blankets for added warmth
Hot Chocolate will be provided
 
The migratory eagles are here. We've seen both adults and juveniles, and even a juvenile golden eagle. They are only here for a short time so book now.  ~ Capt. John Raggi ~
 
 
 
 
 
 

A Big Friday Shout-Out To Bel-Art in Pocomoke City !!

Local Manufacturing Co. Works To Spur Job Creation
By
Jennie Lee
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. - A local manufacturing company is working to build a business that they know will create jobs and help the local economy.

18 years ago, David Landsberger moved his company "Bel-Art Products" to the Eastern Shore. It's a manufacturing firm which makes plastic parts for scientific and medical use. "Our country was built on manufacturing jobs.

Manufacturing is the bedrock of America," he said. He moved his company to Pocomoke City from New Jersey after the state of Maryland, Delmarva Power and the city of Pocomoke offered him incentives he couldn't turn down.

He says industrial jobs can help an economy that's desperate for stability. "The tourism business is great, but it's seasonal. It creates a lot of stress on the government because a lot of the people who are involved in the tourism business wind up on unemployment in the winter," he said.

He goes further to say manufacturing offers more opportunity for advancement than retail. He's been working with local colleges to encourage students to build their careers here.

"I meet a lot of bright kids who want to get into manufacturing. They want to get jobs in either manufacturing engineering, or in tool making, or in some kind of steady job that has good benefits so that they know they can support their family. And they all keep saying to me they have to leave the Eastern Shore because they're no jobs here. They don't wTo ant to work in the chicken houses, they don't want to be a farmer and they don't want to work in the tourist business. They need to know that there are opportunities here," he said.

So he's pulling in people like Steven Ignaccolo, a student at Wor-Wic Community College, who's interning at Bel-Art. "I've been told by my school that there is a lot of manufacturing in the Salisbury area, but people do move off, so it would be nice if more people stay around," he said.

"To have a manufacturing base gives people an ability to earn their own living, raise their own family and lead a better life. I think that's important for the Eastern Shore," Landsberger said.

Bel-Art has a partnership with Wor-Wic Community College's manufacturing program. They are also working with other local community colleges including Delaware Tech, Eastern Shore Community College and Chesapeake College to push the "Tech Transfer" initiative. It's an effort to bring new technologies to the market.

For more information on Tech Transfer, click here.  For more information on Bel-Art, click here.

VIEW VIDEO --

Riverside Grill Pocomoke

FRIDAY SPECIALS
FEBRUARY 8, 2013
 
-Seafood Chowder (shrimp, crab, and clams) w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
 -Neptune Wrap (shrimp and lump crab) w/ fries 9.99
 -Open-Face Roast Beef w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
 -Blackened Shrimp Wedge Salad 8.99
 
 
 
Friday drink specials:

 *Happy Hour is starting at 3 pm today!
$1 off all appetizers and most drinks until 7 pm*
 
 
 @ 8 pm: $3.50 Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry drinks, $1.50 Coors light, Bud light, and Yuengling drafts
 
 

The Future Of Social Sharing? Why Facebook May Want To Track Your Location

(CNN) — Facebook may be working on an app that will let your friends, or even complete strangers, know where you are at all times.

If that sounds unpleasant, even creepy, you’re not alone. But it sounds an awful lot like a small but growing mobile sector in which users knowingly sacrifice some privacy in exchange for “social discovery.”

And, as Facebook works to make money off its constantly growing list of mobile users, such a feature raises questions about how the company will use the personal info it would collect.

On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Facebook is developing a smartphone app that would track the location of users. The app would run in the background of smartphones even when not opened and is designed to help users find nearby friends, according to one of two unnamed sources cited in the article.

A Facebook spokeswoman told CNN that the company has no comment about the report.

Social discovery, or stalking?  READ MORE.....

Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin Accepting Applications For Scholarship Program

Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin announced Thursday that he is accepting applications for the Virginia Sheriffs Institute Scholarship Program.

The VSI Program was established to provide an opportunity for young people across Virginia to pursue an educational curriculum in law enforcement or criminal justice. Full-time and Part-time students are eligible for this program and all applicants must meet the requirements set forth by the Virginia Sheriffs Institute in order to qualify as a recipient of the VSI scholarship award.

Applicants must live in the locality where the sheriff is a member of the Virginia Sheriffs Institute and must be accepted to Virginia Colleges and Universities with a major in the criminal justice field.

All students interested in the Virginia Sheriffs Institute Scholarship Program for the 2013/2014 school year should contact Karen Barrett of the Accomack County Sheriffs Office @ 787-1131, 824-5666, or 891-2489.

Applications may be obtained from the Accomack County Sheriffs Office and must be completed and returned by April 19, 2013. 

Accomack County Fires/ Serial Arsons Could Be Work Of a Group

Rachel West
Anita Blanton

ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Nearly four dozen arsons have been reported on the Eastern Shore in a matter of three months and officials are aggressively searching for a suspect.

Since November 2012, 44 arsons have been set in Accomack County, with the majority of them destroying abandoned buildings.

State Police say based on evidence that's been collected, there may be several individuals working in connection for the majority of the arsons on the Eastern Shore.

The agency is "aggressively pursuing leads", said Sgt. Michelle Anaya.

“From solid, old-fashioned police work to utilizing the latest in police technology, we have developed several strong leads as to who may very possibly be behind these fires,” Capt. T.A. Reibel, Commander of the BCI Chesapeake Field Office said.

WAVY.com’s Anita Blanton traveled to Accomack County and found that after three months of fires, conversations around a community in fear of the next arson make it clear that rumors are running rampant.

Martha McNair, who's lived in the area for years said, "I feel like it's an inside job. I feel like somebody obviously knows what's going on."

People in the town say their patience is wearing thin. "It's outrageous really somebody should have caught this guy by now," said Jeff Bender. 

His wife Erin agreed, "I thought we were done with it and whoever it was had moved on, but I guess that's not the case." 

To date there have been 44 arsons on the Eastern Shore since mid-November. "We hear about it the next morning and everybody's like ‘Oh did you hear about the fire happening and this and that’," said

Tony Ramirez who lives next door to one of the burned structures. 

WAVY.com also spoke with two residents who lived on property where firefighters battled flames just feet away from their homes.  Donald Carroll was in disbelief, "He (a friend) called me and he said have you looked outside? And I said no and I look and see fire trucks and the lights are going on.

Considering what could have happened and what did happen this is some kind of a miracle almost because it should have burned the whole thing down.  Sooner or later this man or men or woman or whoever keeps doing this is going to burn something and one of our local firemen is going to get killed." 

For those wondering who could be behind it all and why police haven't made an arrest, 10 on Your Side went to two experts for answers, Bernadette Holmes, a criminal justice professor at Norfolk State University and Doctor Velma Bacak, a psychiatrist at Riverside Behavioral Health Center. Dr. Bacak explained, "These are quietly angry people but they don't show it.  You see more personality disorders and alcohol abuse. Who knows if this is somebody who does it for thrills or maybe this is about revenge."

Professor Holmes added that these crimes can be extremely hard to investigate. "You're putting together those pieces of the puzzle and there's so much property damage associated with this type of crime that it can take longer to solve," said Holmes.

Investigators have released very little information about any potential leads. "We do believe it’s someone inside the community that's very familiar with Accomack County. Right now any leads that we have are under investigation,” said Sgt. Michelle Anaya, with Virginia State Police.

Professor Holmes says it’s understandable given the nature of the crimes.  "Law enforcement has to be very tight-lipped because one misstep, one misstatement could escalate the behavior of the perpetrator or it could give clues," explained Holmes. 

State Police say this investigation is extremely challenging, with the large area it covers and the fact that the crime scene is typically compromised by the time they arrive, simply from the fire fight.

"We have stepped up troopers, we have stepped up surveillance, we're bringing in different types of agencies, state, local, and federal agencies. Our utmost priority right now is the security of this community," said Sgt. Anaya.

Right now the main targets for arson in Accomack County have been abandoned or unoccupied buildings, but State Police want people to know how serious this is. According to state law, even burning an unoccupied structure is a Class 4 Felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.

Investigators are urging anyone with information to call police. They also want residents to be vigilant especially if you see someone coming in and out at late times at night.

There is currently a reward of $5,000 for information leading to an arrests and conviction.

Source:

103rd Anniversary for Scouting

Scouts raising flag at City Hall
October 2012
BWphoto
 
In honor of Scouting's 103rd Anniversary
 
Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Mayor  and  City Council
 have declared
February  6 - 12, 2013 as
Scout Week In Pocomoke City
 
Photo BW
Scouts in Cypress Park
Flag Day Ceremony
June 2012
 
 
 
Scout Sunday 2013 ~ A Scout Is Reverent
 
During the Scouting Anniversary Week in February, Scouts around the world honor this important point of the Scout Law by celebrating "Scout Sunday" or "Scout Sabbath".
 
Units throughout the Del-Mar-VA Council will celebrate Scout Sunday on February 3 or 10, 2013. Scouts and Scouters are asked to wear their Field Uniforms (class A) to their places of worship in celebration of the 103rd Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
 
 
Boy Scouts of America was founded February 8, 1910.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Delegate Mike McDermott Speaks at Pro Gun Rally/ VIDEO

On February 6, 2013, many Marylanders came out to Annapolis to let their voice be heard on their 2nd Amendment Rights.
In this video, you will see Delegate Mike McDermott speaking to the crowd at the Pro Gun Rally.

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview



1827.. Bathing resort plans for Smith Island?; 1976.. Emergency Medical Technicians graduate in Pocomoke; 1965.. Country music stars headline Civic Center show in Salisbury; 1908.. Polk's new Peninsula Directory is now off the press; and the concluding portion of Memories Of Accomac, 1890.

Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right here at The Pocomoke Public Eye!


  Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about. It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

News Release From Virginia State Police: Virginia State Police Still Pursuing Arsonist


Investigators with the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigations (BCI) Chesapeake Field Office continue to deploy numerous investigative techniques and strategies in pursuit of the criminal(s) responsible for setting fire to more than 40 structures in the county since November 2012."

"Since the first fires were set Nov. 12, 2012, state police has dedicated a multitude of resources to tracking, investigating and preventing these arson (fire)s," said Capt. T.A. Reibel, Commander of the BCI Chesapeake Field Office. "From solid, old-fashioned police work to utilizing the latest in police technology, we have developed several strong leads as to who may very possibly be behind these fires."

"We are confident that a few of the arson (fire)s are the work of some individuals seeking to take advantage of what has become a serial crime spree. But, the evidence collected from the other fires indicates that the majority of the arson (fire)s are the work of several individuals possibly working in connection with one another," Reibel stated. "Solving crimes like these does require public participation. It's that one tidbit of information that an Accomack County resident knows about that's going to affect the arrest and successful prosecution of the person(s) responsible."

From Nov. 13, 2012, through Feb. 4, 2013, there have been 44 reported structure and brush fires all purposely set in Accomack County. No injuries have resulted from the fires, which have all occurred in the overnight hours. In some instances, multiple fires have been set the same night in different locations in the county.

During the course of the investigation, State Police has increased uniformed patrols and surveillance across the county; as well as brought in additional arson and crime scene investigators from other State Police BCI Field Offices around the state. State police is also working with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, the ATF and the Accomack County Sheriffs Office on the cases.

"We sincerely appreciate all the tips called and emailed in to us from Accomack County residents. Your information has been incredibly valuable in our pursuit of the individuals endangering your community with these arsons. We also appreciate residents vigilance to protect their properties from such criminals and your patience with this expansive investigation. Please keep the tips coming in, so we can solve these crimes, put the individuals responsible behind bars, and let Accomack County residents regain a sense of safety and normalcy in their lives," Reibel continued.

Arson is one of the most challenging of criminal investigations because the crime scene has to be compromised before being thoroughly investigated. The simple act of putting out the fire can dramatically contaminate evidence at the scene, which is why State Police continues to ask residents to call 911 or 77 on a cell phone as soon as any kind of suspicious activity is suspected or spotted.


Additional numbers to reach the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters are toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or at (757) 424-6820; the Accomack County Sheriffs Office can also be contacted at (757) 787-1131.

Information that leads to an arrest and conviction could result in an award of up to $5,000 from the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (http://www.vaiaai.com).



In Virginia, state law declares the burning of a structure an unoccupied dwelling as a Class 4 Felony. A Class 4 Felony carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.


Support Our Troops Project

Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project seems to be going strong but can always use continuing  support for our troops. 

Below is a list of items that you can be donated.  The soldiers that Britt has adopted appreciate anything from home and have expressed that on her facebook page.  As always, it is important that all of us at home let them know how much we care and miss them.

Snacks- items that do not melt or spoil
cookies, crackers, trail mixes, snack packs, candy, gum, drink mixes


Personal items- deodorants, lotions (scented and non), Q-tips. cotton swaps, wet wipes /baby wipes, sanitizer, men's shampoos, soaps, disposable razors, chap stick

Also: Our soldiers love drawings and letters from children, letters of support, cards, magazines, books, small games

Use your imagination!  Keep in mind that it costs a little over $14.00 towards shipping and handling of these packages so monetary donations are always appreciated!

Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project has T-shirts, bracelets and other items for sale on her facebook page.  1/2 the cost of the items goes towards the cost of getting the packages to our troops.

Donations and items can be dropped off at
Enchanted florist in Pocomoke, Captains Cove Marina Club or Bay Country in Pocomoke.
 
Be sure to "like" this page- Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project for updates/pictures and more.

SHHS Athletic Boosters Presents A Womanless Beauty Pageant





No Municipal Election For Pocomoke City This Year

Photo BW
By
Elaine Bean
POCOMOKE CITY — Since only two incumbent council members filed to run in the upcoming municipal election, the town will not hold an election this year.

Incumbent council members Diane Downing and George E. Tasker had already filed to run in the election and will automatically be declared the winners, according to city manager Russell Blake.

“There is no election required under our rules,” said Blake. “(Downing and Tasker) will be declared the winners.”

The cancellation of the municipal election will save the town and its citizens both money and effort.

“With no other candidates, we don’t need to go through the motions and expense of an election,” said Blake.

Downing, who represents the 2nd District, will be serving her second term as city council member.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving, because I enjoy it,” said Downing. “(Running unopposed) makes me feel like I’m doing something right.”

She was involved in bringing the Riverside Grill restaurant to Pocomoke City during her first term, part of her interest in downtown revitalization.

“That’s a big thing economically,” Downing said.

Downing would also like to see improvements in the condition of homes in Pocomoke City and is also interested in developing activity programs for youth.

“Maybe something that would hold their interest — an arcade, maybe. It takes time,” she said.

Tasker, who represents District 1, was elected in 2012 to fulfill the unexpired term of the late Bob Hawkins. This will be his first complete three-year term.

“I’m glad that no one ran against me,” said Tasker. “But sometimes it makes me wonder whether people really care when no one runs against someone unopposed. …Unless everyone thinks I’m doing the job. But I haven’t been in there long enough for anybody to think I’ve done a good job.”

Bringing businesses to downtown Pocomoke City and the industrial park is high on Tasker’s list of priorities. He is also concerned about flooding and other drainage issues.

“I want to see the downtown grow, and I’d like to see more youth programs come alive in town.

Maybe some open mentoring programs,” said Tasker.

Source:

Rep. Scott Rigell makes Statement About Delay of USS Truman’s Deployment


On Wednesday the Navy announced that the USS Harry S. Truman will not deploy on Friday as scheduled.

Congressman Scott Rigell released the following statement:

“This most recent announcement concerning the USS HARRY S TRUMAN and our carrier presence in the Persian Gulf is an early indication of the challenge our region will face if sequestration is not averted. I have supported, and the House has passed on two separate occasions, measures that would avert sequestration. As recently as today, I co-sponsored legislation to be introduced by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon that would avert these cuts for the remainder of this fiscal year by offsetting them with savings through attrition in the federal workforce with a national security waiver.”

“I urge the President and the Senate to consider these alternatives passed by the House to avert sequestration. The seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated. These cuts have the potential to devastate our region and, as we can see by today’s announcement, the impact on our community and our forward presence has already begun.”

Thousands Protest O'Malley's Gun Control

WBFF Photo
A huge crowd of gun rights supporters rallied in Annapolis Wednesday to protest a comprehensive gun control bill backed by Governor O'Malley.

Among the signs displayed by protesters on Lawyer's Mall outside the State House: "Armed people are safe and free."

The bill would ban the sale of military-style assault weapons and restrict the high capacity of magazines to ten rounds.

The measure also calls for those purchasing handguns to obtain a license and complete a firearm safety course.

But Shannon Alford, a lobbyist for the National Rifle Association, told the crowd "We know that law abiding citizens are the only affected by this bill because criminals don't follow laws."

Tim Rourke, who attended the rally, said "I'm not part of the NRA, I'm not part of any group, I'm a stay at home dad and I'm here cause they're not going to take my rights away."

A short time later, Governor O'Malley testified on behalf of his bill before the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.

"This is not about ideology, this is about public safety, this is about doing reasonable things that work to save lives, to prevent hopefully the sort of slaughter that our country sadly is a witness to far too often," said the Governor.

The Governor was referring to the recent school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut where 20 young students and six staffers were killed.

"None of us having empathy in our heart and not ask ourselves is there not something that we could and we should be doing," said the Governor.

Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger also testified in favor of licensing new owners of handguns.

"Just like you wouldn't want your 15-year old to begin driving a car without proper licensing and training, we want to make sure that every gun owner also has proper training and licensing.

Senate President Mike Miller says, "It'll be a close vote on the licensing aspect but you got to remember, it only applies to future purchases, it doesn't apply to existing guns and it doesn't apply to rifles or shotguns."

The public hearing began at 1pm Wednesday but continued well into the evening, with more than 800 witnesses signed up to testify.

Source:Thousands Protest Governor O'Malley's Gun Control Bill

Woman Strikes Fiance' In Head/ Arresed Twice In One Day

Kathleen Theresa Machen
On February 6, 2013 at approximately 12:30 a.m. Ocean City police responded to 1210 Philadelphia Avenue in reference to an assault. Officers arrived at the scene and met with a male victim
who was bleeding from the head.  The victim told officers that he had been attacked while sleeping in his room by his fiancé, later identified as Kathleen Theresa Machen, 47, of Ocean City, Maryland.

The victim told police that he had been asleep, alone, in his room, when Machen came into the room and attacked him with a metal can of beans; striking him repeatedly in the head and causing several bleeding head wounds.  The victim advised he was able to get Machen off of him and get out of the room and flee to a friend’s room where he called the police.

Police located Machen and attempted to place her under arrest for assault. During the arrest Machen resisted police and was eventually subdued and taken into custody.  Prior to this incident, Machen had attacked the victim earlier in the day, striking him in the head with a beer can after which Ocean City police responded and arrested her for second degree assault. 

After the arrest for second degree assault, Machen was released on her own recognizance by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner with the specific stipulation that she was not to return to 1210 Philadelphia Avenue and to have no contact with the victim. As a result of the second attack, Machen was charged with:

 
  • First degree assault
  • Second degree assault
  •  Malicious destruction of property
  •  Resisting arrest

  • Machen was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and is being held on $250,000.00 pending a bond review later today by an Ocean City District Court Judge.  The victim was treated at the scene by Ocean City EMS. 
     

    Ocean City Police Department

    Ballet Theater of Maryland To Perform


    MEDIA ADVISORY: POLICE WARN MOTORISTS YOU HOLD THE KEY.....


    MEDIA ADVISORY:
    POLICE WARN MOTORISTS
     YOU HOLD THE KEY
     WHILE COLLEGE STUDENTS HELP PUT
    THE BRAKES ON AUTO THEFT

    Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown will be joined by Baltimore City Police Commissioner Anthony Batts, Howard County Deputy Chief Lee Lachman, Colonel Pete Evans of the Baltimore County Police Department, and Paul Holland, Vice President of the MD/DC Anti-Car Theft (ACT) Committee to educate Maryland motorists about the newest trends in auto theft.

    Maryland’s Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, in partnership with the Maryland/DC Anti Car Theft Committee, will present $7000 in scholarship money to Towson University students for their winning entries into the fourth annual radio and television PSA competition. The public service announcement entries, in both the radio and television categories, were required to focus on new trends in auto theft.

    Contrary to the belief, auto thieves do not focus solely on new vehicles. Award recipients produced thirty second spots that will be used in a media campaign to reach a target audience who is unfamiliar with the rapidly growing criminal enterprise. The PSA’s will be made available to all media for broadcast.

    WHAT: Top Cops Reveal New Trends in Auto Theft
    Scholarship Awards Presented to Student Producers

    WHEN: Thursday, February 7, 2013 at 1:00pm

    WHERE: 2013 Motor Trend International Auto Show
    Baltimore Convention Center
    Main Showroom Floor, adjacent to KIA and VOLVO
    One West Pratt Street, Baltimore, MD 21201

    Hogan: Maryland is in "Race to Bottom" if Gov. Fails to Act on Education

    Hogan: Maryland is in "Race to Bottom"
     if Gov. Fails to Act on Education
     
    Annapolis - Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan called for tighter coordination between the O'Malley and Obama Administrations on key areas of education reform. According to the U.S. Department of Education's review of Maryland's performance in the Race to the Top initiative, the state failed to set clear expectations for principal and teacher evaluation systems.

    "School reform in Maryland will be a 'race to the bottom' if the governor fails to get engaged in this," said Hogan. "It is a serious problem when the U.S. Department of Education cites a leadership failure in the state's ability to implement needed reforms."

    Federal officials cited a leadership void when the state's education department was without a permanent superintendent.

    In the second year of the $5 billion Race to the Top initiative, the Obama Administration singled out Maryland, Washington D.C. and Georgia as coming up short on progress in fundamental areas.   According to the U.S. Department of Education, Maryland did not set clear expectations for the 2011-2012 school year in the development of a teacher and principal evaluation system which rendered the data meaningless and inconsistent.  Lack of coordination between the state and local school districts was cited as the primary reason for the data collection failure.

    "I would like to see Gov. O'Malley reach out to President Obama while he has his attention today and seek assistance on properly implementing the Race to the Top initiative," said Hogan. "Our students and their parents deserve a way to measure how effective their teachers are."

    According to Education Week magazine - the source that O'Malley has used more than any other to tout his Administration's success - the rankings as weighted towards quality criteria such as evaluating teacher performance likewise show weakness in the public school system.  Under that criteria, Maryland's performance lags behind Virginia and Pennsylvania and joins Delaware and West Virginia in earning a "C" grade in that category.

    "There can be no serious effort at education reform without proper procedures to evaluate teacher performance," said Hogan.  "Maryland is behind the curve on implementing the most sweeping, fundamental and systemic changes to public schools our nation has seen in a generation."

    In the Education Week annual report card, Maryland earns a 76.5 score under the accountability for quality criteria.  Among the performance indicators this category measures are the degree to which teachers are formally evaluated.

    Wednesday, February 6, 2013

    Wednesday Specials ~ Riverside Grill Pocomoke

    Wednesday
    February 6, 2013


     -Maryland Crab Soup w/ 1/2 roast beef sandwich or side salad 6.99
     -NC Pulled Pork BBQ w/ coleslaw  and hush puppies 6.99
     -Pear and Bleu Cheese Salad 7.99
     -Cajun Shrimp Caesar Wrap w/ fries 8.99




     
    Happy Hour 4-7
     w/ $1 off appetizers
     @ 8 pm: $5 crab dip
     $5 cosmos,
    $2 Coors lt drafts
     $2 house wine

    Postal Service To Cut Saturday Mail

    WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Postal Service will stop delivering mail on Saturdays but continue to deliver packages six days a week under a plan aimed at saving about $2 billion annually, the financially struggling agency says.

    In an announcement scheduled for later Wednesday, the service is expected to say the Saturday mail cutback would begin in August.

    The move accentuates one of the agency's strong points — package delivery has increased by 14 percent since 2010, officials say, while the delivery of letters and other mail has declined with the increasing use of email and other Internet services.

    Under the new plan, mail would be delivered to homes and businesses only from Monday through Friday, but would still be delivered to post office boxes on Saturdays. Post offices now open on Saturdays would remain open on Saturdays.

    Over the past several years, the Postal Service has advocated shifting to a five-day delivery schedule for mail and packages — and it repeatedly but unsuccessfully appealed to Congress to approve the move. Though an independent agency, the service gets no tax dollars for its day-to-day operations but is subject to congressional control.

    It was not immediately clear how the service could eliminate Saturday mail without congressional approval.

    But the agency clearly thinks it has a majority of the American public on its side regarding the change.

    Material prepared for the Wednesday press conference by Patrick R. Donahoe, postmaster general and CEO, says Postal Service market research and other research has indicated that nearly 7 in 10 Americans support the switch to five-day delivery as a way for the Postal Service to reduce costs.

    CONTINUE STORY



    Story Time At Worcester County Libraries



    For more info go to:  http://www.worcesterlibrary.org/
    OR  FACEBOOK

    Frontier: The War of 1812 ~ Ballet At the Mar-Va Theater

     Frontier: `The War of 1812
    Ballet by the Ballet Theatre of Maryland
    Saturday, February 9 
     2  & 7 pm

    Mar-va Theater and Performing Arts Center in Pocomoke
     
     
    Frontier: The War of 1812 is a live dance multi-media performance that captures the fiery independence of colonial America as it forges itself into a nation. This production is inspired by the letters of Dolly Madison and other significant
    women of the period and depicts major events of the war that shaped America’s destiny.
     
     
    Tickets are $6.00 and go on sale at all branches of the Worcester and
    Somerset County Libraries
     
    This event is sponsored by the Worcester County Library Foundation, The Worcester County Arts Council,
    and the Somerset County Library.
     
     

    NASA, Industry Head To Richmond For 2013 Aerospace Days

     Leaders from NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Va., and NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Wallops Island, Va., will join industry representatives Feb. 6 and 7 to meet with General Assembly members to promote aerospace in Virginia.

    This is the eighth "Aerospace Days," which include meetings with legislators, briefings to various committees such as science and education, and other events to provide updates on current aerospace-related operations, initiatives, facilities and technology development in the Commonwealth, including:

  • ongoing efforts at NASA Langley and Wallops to continue NASA's exploration of Earth and space, support commercial cargo and crew space transportation development, and enable access to deep-space destinations with the Orion multi-purpose crew vehicle and the Space Launch System;
  • construction of a new 135,000 square foot "integrated engineering services building" at NASA Langley and the recently opened, state-of-the-art Research and Innovation Laboratories at Hampton's National Institute of Aerospace;
  • the expanding and increasingly important efforts to increase and improve science, technology, engineering and mathematics or STEM education across the state by NASA and its partners, including the Virginia Space Grant Consortium and others.

  • Astronaut Anna Fisher – NASA's first mother in space - will also be speaking with legislators and participating in NASA education outreach efforts. Fisher flew as a mission specialist on STS-51A in November 1984.

    Additional facts about aerospace in Virginia:

    • Virginia's aerospace industry employs more than 28,000 people with a direct economic output of $7.6 billion and average salary of almost $100,000;
    • NASA generates $1.2 billion and almost 11,000 jobs in Virginia;
    • NASA provides STEM-related K-12 education programs, digital learning network, teacher enhancement, summer internships, pre-college and higher education programs in the Commonwealth.

    • For more information on NASA's Langley Research Center, visit:
      http://www.nasa.gov/langley
      For more information on NASA's Wallops Flight Facility, visit:  
      http://www.nasa.gov/wallops
      For more information on the LADEE mission, visit:  
      http://www.nasa.gov/ladee

      Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/05/5167233/nasa-industry-head-to-richmond.html#storylink=cpy

      Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/05/5167233/nasa-industry-head-to-richmond.html#storylink=cpy

    Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2013/02/05/5167233/nasa-industry-head-to-richmond.html#storylink=cpy

    Tuesday, February 5, 2013

    Riverside Grill Pocomoke


    Tuesday Specials
    February 5, 2013


     -Beer-Cheese Soup w/ 1/2 sandwich or side salad 5.99
     -Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
     -Thai Chili Shrimp Wrap w/ fries 8.99
     -Apple-Cranberry Salad 7.99


     @ 4 pm: 99 cent kids meals 
    Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers

    @ 8 pm: 50 cent wings
     Buffalo Wings: 50 cents a wing tonight after 8

    Crime Watch Meetings/ February

    STOCKTON, MD.
    Community Crime Watch Meeting
    with
    DFC Trotter
    Friday
    February 8, 2013 at 6:00 PM
    To be held at the Stockton Firehouse

     Please bring you questions, comments or any concerns that you have.

    The Community Crime Watch is one of the most effective means available for keeping crime out of our neighborhood.

     When neighbors work together with Law Enforcement, it creates one of the best crime fighting teams around.

    STOCKTON VOL. FIRE CO. /Facebook


    OTHER COMMUNITY MEETINGS

     Friday, February 15, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the New Bethel United Methodist Church in Germantown

    Wednesday, February 20, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Bishopville Fire Department

    Fire Stations Have Responded To 44 Suspected Cases Of Arsons Since Nov. 14

    by Eric Kane, 13News
    WVEC.com
     
    ACCOMACK CO.-- As volunteer firefighters continue battling the rising number of arsons on the Eastern Shore, they are seeing a burning hole in their bottom line.

    The Accomack County Department of Public Safety says 14 fire stations have responded to 44 suspected cases of arson since Nov. 14,   They've sent an average of 20 volunteers to each fire and estimate hundreds of firefighters have now racked up close to 100 man-hours.

    The department says they're also paying 65% more in fuel costs in order to fight these fires, increasing from $2,000 to $3,000 per month.

    According to Virginia State Police, someone intentionally set two fires over the weekend, including an airplane hangar in Onley and an abandoned barn in Parksley.

    “It was pretty shocking, it's so close to home,” said Ann Weinheimer.

    Weinheimer lives just across the street from her brother's hangar. She says the community is fed-up with the fires, and she feels for the volunteers.

    "It's just one night after another, and the resources, and the expense is, I would imagine, very challenging for them, but also physically draining," said Weinheimer.

    With the serial arsonist still on the loose, people in Accomack County wonder what might be the next target.

    While Weinheimer says she felt violated by the fire, she has a strong message for the person responsible.

    "Get help, get help. Don't destroy our property.  I'm sorry for whatever is wrong, whatever is troubling or upsetting, but don't hurt other people."


    Source:

    Bill To Partially Close Gun Show Loophole Fails

    Bill to partially close gun show loophole fails in committee vote


    BY JIM NOLAN
    Richmond Times-Dispatch
    Richmond Times-Dispatch


    Any chance of even a modest tightening of Virginia's laws governing the ability to purchase firearms died Monday when a Senate panel overwhelmingly defeated a proposal to make available voluntary background checks for the private purchase of firearms at gun shows.

    The Senate Courts of Justice Committee voted 11-3 to kill Senate Bill 1372, with Democrats and Republicans joining forces to scrap what had just several days earlier been promoted as a compromise on gun show regulation embraced by both sides of the debate.

    In the end, some of the most ardent proponents of greater restrictions on firearms voted against the bill in protest, because they said it did too little to address the issue.

    "It would only create the impression," said Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, D-Richmond, who has previously unsuccessfully carried gun show legislation. "It wouldn't do a thing."

    And some of the traditional gun-rights opponents of background check legislation were happy to have Democratic support in killing a bill they did not find particularly offensive, but insisted would not prevent criminals from getting guns.

    The bill would have required that a background check kiosk operated by Virginia State Police be present at gun shows to offer private sellers of firearms at the shows the chance to request a background check of their prospective purchasers.

    Currently in Virginia, only federally licensed firearms dealers are required to perform background checks on prospective purchasers. There is no requirement for background checks on the private purchase, exchange or transaction of firearms anywhere in the state.

    CONTINUE STORY....