Saturday, November 23, 2013

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview



1833, 1901, & 1933.. Talk of Eastern Shore counties and Delaware becoming a new state; 1946.. Smith Island gets a new doctor; 1892 & 1893.. Thanksgiving!

Although you may not find all of 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! 

"Santa Paws" ~ SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia TODAY


SPCA Eastern Shore Virginia

Come ONE come All...


"Santa Paws" will be at the SPCA 
Saturday, November 23, 2013
 9 am-1 pm 

 Bring all of your fur babies for pictures! 
Treats for all your critters~


SPCA calendars, new designed t-shirts, hats, reusable bags & magnets will also be available and make great holiday gifts for you and your friends! 

Thank you for supporting the cats & dogs at our no-kill shelter!

Physical Altercation Leads To Arrest/ Worcester County

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Press Release

On November 20, 2013, Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies along with Maryland State Troopers and Berlin Police Officers, responded to 10439 Assateague Rd, Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland, for a physical domestic complaint.

Upon arrival Deputies spoke with the victim, suspect, and witnesses. During the investigation, it was found that an argument had escalated into a physical altercation between the female victim and male suspect. Further investigation revealed signs of physical injury to the victim’s chest and neck areas.


The suspect, David Lee Joyner, of Berlin, was then placed under arrest by Worcester County Sheriff’s Office Deputies for 2nd degree assault. 

Joyner was taken before the District Court Commissioner and held in the Worcester County Jail without bond.

Christmas Arts and Crafts Festival ~ TODAY !


Friday, November 22, 2013

Maryland state Police: DON’T ‘TREAT’ A CAR THIEF BY LEAVING YOURS RUNNING

DON’T ‘TREAT’ A CAR THIEF BY LEAVING YOURS RUNNING -- ‘TRICK’ HIM BY LOCKING YOUR CAR AND TAKING THE KEY 

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – As cold weather approaches, Maryland State Police are reminding drivers that an unoccupied vehicle with its engine running is an open invitation to car thieves who are prowling neighborhoods, convenience stores, and gas stations, looking for the easy steal. 

Troopers across Maryland will be working to educate drivers that leaving a vehicle running, or with the keys in it, are the quickest ways to have it stolen. Leaving a vehicle unoccupied with the engine running is also illegal. Violators fortunate enough to find their vehicle still there when they return could receive a citation that carries a fine of $70 and one point. Maryland motor vehicle law states that before a person driving a motor vehicle may leave it unattended, he or she must stop the engine, lock the ignition, remove the key, and set the parking brake. 

Although Maryland law enforcement and citizens working together have driven down vehicle thefts to record lows in recent years, there were still more than 14,000 vehicles stolen in Maryland last year. That means a motor vehicle is stolen every 36 minutes. More than 50 percent of the vehicles stolen were unlocked and more than 30 percent of the stolen vehicles had the keys inside them. Investigators estimate that as many as 4,000 of those vehicles stolen were actually running at the time they were stolen. 

Car thieves are like anyone else. They love to find ways to make their job easier. State and local police know that as the weather turns colder, they will take more reports of vehicles stolen while they sat running in front of a house, a convenience store, or a gas station. Owners always report they were just ‘warming up’ their car, or they were only inside the convenience store for a few seconds. 

Police have scores of cases involving car thieves cruising neighborhoods early in the morning just looking for the telltale plume of exhaust from an unoccupied vehicle. Other thieves loiter around gas station and convenience store parking lots watching for the driver who leaves his or her vehicle running just to keep it warm while they go inside. This especially concerns police when it involves parents who leave their children in cars with the engine running. Car thieves don’t always check to see who is in the back seat before stealing the vehicle. 

During the next several months, troopers will be especially alert for unoccupied vehicles with the engines running. State Police are reminding drivers that the most important steps to vehicle theft prevention are easy – lock your car and take the key. 

Additional layers of protection can be added, such as using a mechanical anti-theft device, etching the vehicle identification number onto various locations of the automobile, and investing in a vehicle tracking security system. 

For more information about vehicle theft, including helpful prevention tips, visit the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council at www.mdautotheft.org. The Council is an agency of the Maryland Department of State Police. 


OCEAN CITY MAN ARRESTED FOR BURGLARY

Donovan Smith
(November 21, 2013) – On November 20, 2013, at approximately 10:00 a.m., Ocean City police responded to the area of Baltimore Avenue and 1st Street for a report of a burglary. The victim reported that the suspect had entered his room, a nearby office space and another room of the hotel and had stolen numerous items.

During the investigation, Ocean City Communications broadcast a description of the suspect over police radio. Shortly after the broadcast, the suspect, who was later identified as Donovan Smith, 46, of Ocean City, was spotted in West Ocean City. Police responded to the area and arrested Smith without incident.

Ocean City police have charged Smith with multiple counts of breaking and entering and theft. Smith was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and transferred to Worcester County Jail on $50,000 bond.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Holiday Info From the Worcester County Sheriff's Office

As the Holiday Season approaches, we would like to remind you that if you are leaving for the Holidays, you can contact the Sheriffs Office for a residential check of your home while you are gone. 

Deputies will conduct periodic checks of your residence while on patrol. This information is tracked in their car computers and may give you some peace of mind while your away.

 You can contact the Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1112 Monday-Friday 830-430pm and request a Residential Check. There is no cost at all and your information is not shared and is removed on your return date. 

Our Community Policing Officer, Cpl. Trotter will answer any of your questions should you have any.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

SAVE THE DATE: The Costen House Museum


The Saxis Fire Company Turkey Shoot




They will only allow 12 gauge guns with a barrel limit of 30-inches. No extended choke tubes will be allowed. They will also have 410 shells for kids.

You will be shooting for turkeys, hams and 50/50 rounds. There will also be two special rounds for decoys made by local carvers.


The Saxis Island Museum will be open during the event so please stop by.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

OCPD REMINDS THANKSGIVING TRAVELERS TO BUCKLE UP EVERY TRIP, EVERY TIME

(November 20, 2013) –With Thanksgiving right around the corner, people will soon flock to the roads to visit and celebrate with family and friends. The Ocean City Police Department reminds all travelers, whether they are heading across the country or just across town, to ensure a safe arrival and a happy holiday by buckling up for every trip, every time.

“The risk of being involved in a serious or deadly car crash increases when the number of cars on the road increases, and the long Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel times of the year,” said Chief Ross Buzzuro. “So we want to remind everyone that your seat belts can save your life – and those you are traveling with.”
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers is reduced by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injury is reduced by 50 percent with proper seat belt use.
During the 2011 Thanksgiving period, 249 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes nationwide. Fifty percent of those killed were not wearing seat belts.
In 2011, 52 percent of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in motor vehicle crashes were NOT wearing seat belts at the time of the crash.
Chief Buzzuro continued, “We want to remind everyone who will be on the roads to please buckle up – Every Trip, Every Time – so you can give thanks this holiday season and enjoy the time with your loved ones.”
Submitted:
Ocean City Police Department

THEFT SCHEME UNCOVERED BY OCPD OFFICERS

Timothy Lee Parks
OCPD Photo
(November 18, 2013) – On November 15, 2013 at approximately 10 a.m., Ocean City police conducted a traffic stop on Coastal Highway near 112th Street. The vehicle operator, later identified as Timothy Lee Parks, 23, of Berlin, MD, was found to be in possession of trace amounts of marijuana and approximately 50 hats, all of which still had price tags attached.
Further investigation by officers on the scene determined that Parks had stolen the hats from his place of employment over several months.
Parks was arrested and charged by Ocean City police with three counts of theft (less than $100), theft scheme ($1,000 – $10,000) and possession of marijuana (less than 10 grams). 

Parks was seen by a Maryland District Court Commissioner and released on his own recognizance.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

One More Time: Arsonist Tanya Bundick Seeking Change Of Venue

When will this end for those of  us  residing in  Accomack County?  A Mother who left her children alone in the middle of the night to set fires, who risked the lives of SO many emergency personnel night after night, thinks she deserves special attention!  If she isn't satisfied  with Virginia Beach maybe the trial should be moved back to Accomack County so we all can attend!  

WMDT
By Lauren Peirce and
Kody Leibowitz

ACCOMAC, Va. - The Accomack County woman accused of arson will soon be back in court, in an attempt to move the venue of her trial for the second time. WMDT learned Tonya Bundick will be back in court with her new lawyer on December 11th for a motions to change venues hearing. Her defense says they are looking at a number of locations outside of the Norfolk television market, including Emporia, Courtland and South Hill, due to the recently released video of Charles Smith speaking with police on the night of her arrest.


Bundick was supposed to be tried in Virginia Beach on November 6th, but that was delayed after her lawyers were granted removal from the case after a conflict of interest was learned with another client.



Her lawyer tells us they are looking to limit some of the evidence in the trial. At this time, Bundick faces one count of arson and one count of conspiracy. When asked if he expects other charges to be filed against his client, he said he does. The defense adds they are looking at scheduling the trial after January first, between January and February.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview



1833, 1901, & 1933.. Talk of Eastern Shore counties and Delaware becoming a new state; 1946.. Smith Island gets a new doctor; 1892 & 1893.. Thanksgiving!

Although you may not find all of 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! 

Person Involved In Hit and Run On Stephen Decatur Highway Turns Self In

Photo/Worcester County Sheriff Office
On Saturday November 16, 2013 at approximately 1745 hours the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to Stephen Decatur Highway in the area of the Frontiertown Campground Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland for a reported pedestrian struck by a vehicle. 

Upon arrival Deputies located the victim who had been able to get himself off the roadway and call 911. The victim told Deputies that he was walking north on the shoulder of Stephen Decatur Highway when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. The victim was unable to provide any further information on the vehicle except that it continued north on Stephen Decatur Highway.

 There were no witnesses to the accident. From evidence recovered at the scene Deputies were able to determine the striking vehicle to be a dark red GM passenger car that has a missing passenger side mirror and possible passenger side damage. 

On Monday November 18, 2013 an individual who Deputies identified as Dolores Jean Miles, 92 female of Berlin, Maryland contacted police in reference to being involved in an accident on 11/16/2013 in front of Frontiertown. Deputies were able to match the evidence recovered at the scene to Miles’ vehicle, a 2009 maroon Pontiac passenger car. 

Investigation is still ongoing.

Crisfield Police Assisted By Somerset Sheriff's Office ~ Major Drug Arrest

Great job Crisfield Police Department and Somerset Sheriff's Office!!

WBOC

Crisfield Police Arrest Alleged Head of 'Florida Boyz'

Eddie Steward Neal
CRISFIELD, Md.– Police say they have arrested the alleged head of the "Florida Boyz," an ongoing drug operation in Crisfield. 

 Crisfield police said that on Wednesday, officers from the department, with the assistance of the Somerset County Sheriff's Office, arrested 32-year-old Eddie Steward Neal, of Sackertown Road in Crisfield, when they raided a home at 3145 Sackertown Road. Neal has been charged with multiple counts of distribution of CDS on a sealed grand jury indictment.

Neal is being held without bail.
William (Willie) Ames

Police said Neal has a history of dealing CDS and has been charged multiple times in Florida with distribution. He will be prosecuted as a three felon with a possibility of 25 years to life in prison. 

Ronnie Townsend
In addition to Neal, police say they also arrested 56-year-old Willie Ames, of Somers Cove Apartments in Crisfield, during the raid. 

Ames, who police said goes by the nickname "Bootsie," is charged with multiple counts of CDS distribution and is being held on $500,000 bail.


 Police said 33-year-old Ronnie Townsend, also of Somers Cove Apartments in Crisfield, was arrested during last week's drug raids and has now been charged on a grand jury indictment warrant. His bail on the additional charges is $100,000.

Source:

Shop LOCAL For Christmas


Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Throwback Thursday At the MarVa Theater

Home Alone


An 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left behind while his family flies to France for Christmas must defend his home against idiotic burglars.

Thursday, November  21st
7 PM
Tickets: $5

Winter Lunches At Salem United Methodist Church

 FREE Winter Lunches

Salem United Methodist Church
(Corner of Second and Walnut Streets) 

Thursday, November 21, & Friday,  November 22 
11 am - 1 pm

This outreach ministry helps many in our community, the elderly, children and working men and women who use the lunch to make their food dollars go just a little bit farther. 

All are welcome to stop by and have a free lunch no matter your circumstances. 

For more information salembethanyumc@comcast.net.  

The 5th Annual Reverend Tom Wall Memorial Pancake Dinner

Reverend Tom Wall
Photo/Christine Wall
The 5th Annual Reverend Tom Wall Memorial Pancake Dinner 

To benefit the Samaritan Shelter
At Lynnhaven Baptist Church

Saturday, November 23rd:  6:00 pm

The menu includes all you can eat pancakes, famous Lions Club sausage, home-made fried apples, biscuits, sausage gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, and a beverage.  

Tickets are $7.00 each, $3.00 each for children 3-6 years old, children under 3 are free, and can be purchased from all Board members, First Shore Federal, and Taylor Bank.  

Single seating dinner, carry-outs available.  

For more information, visit www.thesamaritanshelter.org.

Raffle Tickets Available For Limited Edition Print By Jenny Somers

This limited edition print by Jenny Somers is available for raffle to support the Costen House. Tickets  are on sale at the Chamber now!  


The winner will be drawn at the Christmas Open House taking place 
Friday, December 13 from 5:30 until 8 pm.

HOGAN ON O’MALLEY 'BELIEF' VIDEO: IT’S MORE 'MAKE BELIEVE'



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2013


ANNAPOLIS – Business owner and Change Maryland founder Larry Hogan released the following statement on Governor O’Malley's recent release of "Belief."  The video is the Governor’s most recent effort to gain relevancy on the national stage.

"Martin O’Malley's ‘belief' video is more like make believe," charged Hogan.  “This video is just one more item in a long list of attempts by the Governor to spin his failures into something he can campaign on."

O’Malley's "belief" video makes several claims of success.  Change Maryland, the largest non-partisan organization in Maryland released the following fact check of the video:

O’Malley Claim #1:  Racial tension down during time as Mayor of Baltimore

Fact:  The NAACP and ACLU sued Baltimore City as a result of Martin O’Malley's over-zealous "zero-tolerance" policies.  The "mass-arrest" lawsuit led to an $870,000 settlement.

O’Malley Claim #2:  Number 1 in education

Fact:  Maryland’s exclusion of certain students from submitted test scores has skewed the results in favor of the state.  According to the Baltimore Sun, "Maryland excluded 66 percent of fourth-graders with disabilities for the reading test, far higher than the national rate of 16 percent. The state with the second-highest rate of exclusion of special-education students was Georgia, with 32 percent."

O’Malley Claim #3:  Number 1 in innovation and entrepreneurship

Fact:  O’Malley's own Lt. Governor admits that the business climate in Maryland is bad – 43rd in the country. In addition, the state has lost over 6,500 small businesses and added 120,000 people to the unemployment rate – numbers that certainly don’t indicate a positive climate for businesses or entrepreneurs.

O’Malley Claim #4: Made the Chesapeake Bay healthier

Fact:  The overall quality of the Chesapeake Bay remains poor and we consistently miss self-imposed water quality goals.  In 2011, most regions of the Bay had Water Quality Index score in the poor range.  In 2012, Bay scored 47% for overall health.

O’Malley Claim # 5:  He was cutting the cost of statewide government.

Fact:  The O’Malley-Brown Administration increased spending nearly eight billion dollars since 2007. The Fiscal Year 2014 Budget, the last for Governor O’Malley, cites a record $37.3 billion, while the Fiscal Year 2007 Budget, the last for the previous administration, was just over $29 billion. He in fact increased spending by 30%.

 "This isn’t the first time Martin O’Malley has been caught cherry-picking data," Hogan continued. "In 2012, the governor refuted our Change Maryland Tax Migration Study using taxpayer-funded state resources by eliminating competitive states in our region.  Facts are stubborn things for this governor and a slick video can't hide the embarrassing performance of the O’Malley-Brown administration.

"Martin O’Malley hasn’t cut a single cent out of Maryland's state budget. In fact, he has increased spending year after year – nearly 30% since 2007, and has raised taxes and fees on Marylanders forty consecutive times in order to pay for all that spending."

Change Maryland is the state’s leading non-partisan grassroots political movement. Since the beginning of 2013, the organization has added 40,000 people from every county in the state.  Change Maryland's steadfast commitment to raising public awareness about the economic decline in Maryland has resulted in the organization becoming the leading voice of opposition to the powers-that-be in Annapolis.

###
 
SOURCES:
City approves settlement with NAACP, ACLU in ‘mass arrest’ case
Baltimore Sun, June 23, 2010
http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-06-23/news/bal-naacp-settlement-0623_1_arrests-by-city-police-zero-tolerance-naacp-and-aclu

Md. Excluded large number of special-education students in national test
Baltimore Sun, November 16, 2013
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/education/blog/bs-md-naep-exclusion-rates-20131115,0,4258634.story

The Brown-Ulman Compact with Maryland Business
AnthonyBrown.com, Accessed November 19, 2013
http://anthonybrown.com/business/

Maryland Loses 6,500 Small Businesses in Three Years
Change Maryland, July 30, 2012
http://www.changemaryland.org/2012/07/maryland-loses-6500-small-businesses-in-three-years/#.UovUHWR6yIA

Chesapeake Bay – Indicator Details: 2011
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Studies, Accessed November 19, 2013
http://ian.umces.edu/ecocheck/report-cards/chesapeake-bay/2011/indicators/water_quality_index/

Chesapeake Bay – Indicator Details: 2012
University of Maryland Center for Environmental Studies, Accessed November 19, 2013
http://ian.umces.edu/ecocheck/report-cards/chesapeake-bay/2012/indicators/bay_health_index/

Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan on FY ’14 Budget
Change Maryland, January 16, 2013
http://www.changemaryland.org/2013/01/change-maryland-chairman-larry-hogan-on-fy-14-budget/#.UovW_GR6yIA

FY 2007 Highlights
Maryland Department of Budget and Management, Accessed November 19, 2013
http://www.dbm.maryland.gov/agencies/operbudget/Documents/2007/fy07_budgethighlights.pdf
Maryland Governor Misstates State Tax Comparisons
Tax Foundation, July 10, 2012
http://taxfoundation.org/blog/maryland-governor-misstates-state-tax-comparisons

Craig Calls for Elimination of Common Core National Test


For release: 11.19.13
Contact: Jim Pettit
@jamesmpettit

Harford County Executive and candidate for Maryland Governor David R. Craig called today for the state’s withdrawal from the common core national test, citing a lack of clarity over how much the new system will cost, concerns about test questions and that only 9% of teachers feel ready to implement it.

“There are red flags going up everywhere threatening the statewide K-12 education system, and it’s time to cut our losses now,” said Craig.  “Common core has its own set of issues and the national test that is lumped in with it just compounds the problem.  The State Department of Education is embracing a federal education agenda that forces too many changes onto teachers and students at once, and it’s time to put the word ‘Maryland’ back into our schools.”

The Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers, which goes by the letters PARCC, is a national testing organization that received part of a $330 million federal grant to implement the test in 18 states that have adopted common core.  Despite the federal grant, the organization estimates the cost to administer the test will be nearly $30 per student, at least $2 million more than the Maryland state test being phased out.

“I have not seen one example of a government expenditure coming in below estimate,” said Craig. “This is a floor of what taxpayers can expect to pay to implement the PARCC test, not a ceiling. Let’s see the bill because whatever the final amount due is will be coming out of the budget for teacher salaries, school supplies and building construction.”

Harford County Public Schools has budgeted $18.5 million to implement the test. At a stop at a county public school classroom this week, Craig took note of confusion over the wording of a test question that baffled the teacher, the student and the county executive himself.

“The problem with outside groups designing tests is there is no accountability in the classroom,“ said Craig. “When I was a teacher, we developed our own tests and our students then could measure up with any other student in the world.  They are making this far too complicated.  Let teacher’s teach.”

A survey released November 13 by the Maryland State Education Association shows just 9% of teachers across the state feel that their school has the technological and physical capacity to administer the PARCC exam.  This summer, state test scores dropped dramatically as common core was being rolled out.

PARCC tests are being piloted in Maryland and other states this year and they will replace existing Maryland assessments beginning in 2014-15. By ending Maryland’s involvement in PARCC, the state would join Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Oklahoma and Utah in removing the test from state classrooms.

Craig has previously called common core a “great mistake.”

Republican Primary To Be Held Thursday

Republicans will vote Thursday to select a candidate to face Delegate Lynwood Lewis in a special election to be held in December to fill the vacant Senate seat of Ralph Northam.

The election will be held from 3 til 7 p.m. Three candidates are seeking the nomination. Norfolk businessman Wayne Coleman, Attorney John Coggeshall and Commercial Litigation Attorney Richard Ottinger will face off in the firehouse primary.

In Northampton, voting will take place at Little Italy in Nassawadox.

 In Accomack County, those who vote in the Accomac, Onley, Melfa, Onancock, Bobtown, Painter and Wachapreague precincts will vote at the Accomack Republican at Chesapeake Square in Onley.

Voters from Bloxom, Parksley, Saxis, Mappsville and Rue will vote at there Parksley Fire House. Voters from Atlantic, Greenbackville and Chincoteague will vote at the Chincoteague Community Center and voters from Tangier will vote at the Tangier Fire House.

Should Lewis win in the special election, at least one Accomack County Supervisor has tossed his hat into the ring to fill the House of Delegates seat. 

Atlantic District Supervisor Ron Wolfe has indicated his intention to run should another special election become necessary.

Source:

Arts and Crafts Festival This Weekend


The New Trooper 6 In Full Operation For the Eastern Shore

November 19, 2013--Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown joined Dr. Robert Bass of the Maryland Institute for Emergency Medical Services System and other state and local officials at the Aviation Command’s Easton Section to officially mark the commencement of full-service mission operation of the first new AgustaWestland AW 139 helicopter to be deployed on the Eastern Shore. 

The pilots and flight paramedics who staff “Trooper 6” have now been fully trained on the new aircraft. They have begun flying the new helicopter around the clock on all Aviation Command missions.

Maryland State Police/Easton

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Worcester County States Attorney & Sheriff File For Reelection

Wonderful news for Worcester County!!  jmmb


Written by
Brian Shane
Staff Writer

SNOW HILL — Two incumbent elected members of Worcester County law enforcement are seeking re-election in 2014.

State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby and Sheriff Reggie Mason both filed their candidacy paperwork Monday at the Worcester County Board of Elections in Snow Hill.

Both men took office in 2010, running as Republicans. They filed together to send a message that they’re part of one law enforcement team.

Oglesby said in a statement that he and the sheriff have worked closely with one another for the last three years to “forge a relationship which has unquestionably made the county a safer place.”

“When officers and prosecutors work together from the inception of a case to a final verdict, it ensures solid investigations and well-prepared prosecutions,” he said.

Mason agreed, saying the lines of communication between prosecutors and sheriff’s deputies are strong.

“Deputies and prosecutors are immediately discussing their cases and actively participating in the process from charge to conviction,” the sheriff said in a statement.

Oglesby, 44, lost to incumbent Joel Todd by 14 votes in the 2006 race. In their 2010 rematch, Todd lost his bid for a fifth consecutive term when he lost by 93 votes in an election that came down to absentee ballots. During that campaign, Oglesby had the unanimous backing of every Worcester County law enforcement agency.

Mason, 67, is a former U.S. Marine and Vietnam veteran. The Pocomoke City native spent almost 10 years with Ocean City police before joining the sheriff’s office in 1979, where he’s been ever since. Mason served as the sheriff’s chief deputy from 1984 until he earned the job of sheriff in his own right at the ballot box in 2010.

So far, there’s only one other candidate for sheriff in the race, according to the Worcester County Board of Elections. George Truitt of Eden filed June 5 as a Republican, meaning he and Mason will face off in the June 24 primary.

No other candidates at this time have filed to run for state’s attorney. The filing deadline for the Nov. 4 election is Feb 25.

Source:

Accomack County Circuit Circuit Court Sentencing

Accomack County Circuit Circuit Court Sentencing
Thursday, November 14, 2013

Darren West was sentenced to a Youth Improvement Program for the malicious maiming. West admittedly had had a history of drug problems and asked for the Youth Improvement program. With no felony record prior to today and remorse along with apologies for the victim and to the court and Judge Lewis said that all these offenses came within the first five months of West being 18 years old. The victim Mr. Miller was not in court but both the Commonwealth and the defense attorney agreed this was a drug deal gone bad. Mr. Morgan for the Commonwealths attorney did say this was not a one stick knifing. Miller in the presentence report claimed $60,000 worth of medical expenses. However no bills or receipts were submitted to the court. Judge Lewis accepted the Youth Improvement program plea and denied all restitution.

Noe Escalante Velasquez was sentenced to two five years to run concurrently in a case continued from last Thursday for a presentencing report which was presented today. Velasquez faced multiple charges, one hit-and-run, charge two unauthorized use of a vehicle, charge three driving with a revoked drivers license, and charge four of driving to close. Valasquez pled guilty to all. The report found that Mr.Valasquez had committed other crimes with the record in his fathers name. Having been in jail since April 29, 2013 Judge Lewis sentence the defendant to two five-year terms to run concurrently and to notify the deportation officials who also have pending charges.

William Ashbrook of Maryland was sentenced to five years on charges of burglary and grand larceny. . Ashbrook had pending charges in Maryland and was on probation in Maryland asked for a suspended sentence so that he could report for the Maryland charges. Commonwealths Attorney Gary Agar said that the defendant asked for and got a jury trial with jury recommendations of five years on each count to run consecutively. While Ashbrooks then wife had been the person who tried to sell the items of these charges he felt that the recommendations of the jury should be the minimum sentence. These charges were the result of Mr. Ashbrook being familiar with the home while he was installing carpet for a local dealer. Agar went on to say that the defendant had a multi-state drug record with six grand larceny charges back to 1990 for burglary cases, one assault case and one possession of a firearm.

Agar said that this defendant had been in jail 15 different times. Asbrook then asked for mercy told the judge that he no longer had a wife, no family, or nothing left and with 45 years hanging over his head in Maryland was again asking for a suspended sentence. Judge Lewis then sentenced Mr. Ashbrook to five years on each count of active time for a total of 10 years.

Jennifer Fears(A.K.A. Jennifer Berry) was charged with one count grand larceny, six counts obtaining money by false pretense, 11 counts obtaining money by false pretense and one count of unauthorized use. These charges were related to the Runningers Pharmacy in Parksley and the home of the owners. The combined amount of restitution was $21,226 including some family pieces of Jewelry that had been melted down and could never be replaced at any cost. The defense attorney Terri Bliss told the court that the defendants husband was gone, and with no support are no job there was no way for this defendant to have restitution. Mr. Morgan on behalf of the Commonwealth told the court that while in the home of the victims they had asked her if she had seen a particular gold necklace and that Ms. Fears had lied making these charges more horrendous. Judge Lewis called this was a breach of trust and he was therefore sentenced Ms. Fears to 10 years with all but one year suspended on the grand larceny charge. On the six counts of obtaining money under false pretense he sentenced her to one year with all but four months suspended and on the 11 other counts sentenced her to 12 years on each charge totaling 132 months all but two months suspended giving her one year and six months active jail time and restitution of $21,226.

Source:

Rocket Launch From Wallops This Evening

The  Minotaur I rocket carrying the DOD's Operationally Response Space-3 mission is set to launch on Tuesday,  Nov. 19 from Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport Pad 0B here. The window for launch is 7:30 to 9:15 p.m. EST.

The NASA Visitor Center will be open beginning at 11 a.m. and will remain open until one hour following the launch.



Live coverage of the launch is available via UStream beginning at 6:30 p.m. EST on launch day at:
 http://www.ustream.tv/channel/nasa-tv-wallops.

Monday, November 18, 2013

Laser Bowling - Support the Children's Christmas Program



Laser Bowling - Support the Children's Christmas Program

Eastern Shore Lanes
Pocomoke City, MD

Saturday, November 23, 2013
Time:  9:30 pm until 11:30 pm

Come enjoy a family night of bowling!
Cost is $20 PER PERSON
Includes:  unlimited pizza, drinks, shoe rental
 and 2 games of bowling

The bowling alley is donating half of all ticket sale proceeds to the Children's Christmas Organization. 

We will be holding a 50/50 drawing. 
If you bring in a non-perishable food item you will be entered in to win a PRIZE valued over $30!!!! 
Food will go to the Pocomoke City Samaritan Shelter for their Christmas Dinner!

Mayor's Old-Fashioned Christmas Evening


Change Maryland Blasts Lt. Governor Brown for Misleading Marylanders on Healthcare



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
November 15, 2013
Contact:
Steve Crim

ANNAPOLIS - Lieutenant Governor and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Anthony Brown indicated that he knew some Marylanders would lose their healthcare coverage after the October 1 rollout of Maryland's implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), during an interview with WBAL TV's Jayne Miller. According to reports, 73,000 Maryland residents are expected to lose their healthcare coverage.


"The O'Malley-Brown Administration has been one of the biggest cheerleaders for the ACA and Lt. Governor Brown is responsible for implementing Maryland's version of the law," said Larry Hogan, Chairman of the nonpartisan grassroots organization Change Maryland. "Last night, Anthony Brown admitted that he knew many Marylanders could not keep their insurance despite promises to the contrary.  By remaining silent, he intentionally misled thousands of mothers, fathers, and children who depend on health care insurance for the treatment they need."


During the interview, Brown stated he knew that healthcare plans would no longer be available under Maryland's implementation of the ACA.  


"As Lt. Governor, Anthony Brown has an obligation to serve the best interests of all Marylanders, which means being straightforward about the implementation of this new law," Hogan said.  "Despite all the promises from the O'Malley-Brown Administration that the state was ready for this roll out, the exchange has been plagued with one problem after another."


Since the start of the exchange on October 1, not only have 73,000 plans been cancelled, but the state has delayed the implementation of the small business exchange to April, 2014 – 4 months after the federally mandated deadline. Additionally, the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange has released inflated numbers of enrollment – over-reporting by over 3,000 enrollees.  The exchange released a report that 4,651 people had enrolled in a new healthcare plan by October 31, while an official report from the White House indicates that only 1,284 people had enrolled by November 2.


"Marylanders deserve to know whether or not people are enrolling in the Health Benefit Exchange because ultimately, the success or failure of the program will have a direct impact on their own health insurance," said Hogan. "Brown's failures have given us zero confidence that the state even knows how many people have enrolled.  


"It's time for Mr. Brown to come clean with Marylanders, take responsibility for the problems of the state exchange, and personally apologize for misleading the public. Regardless of how anyone feels about the new law, Anthony Brown obviously put partisan politics ahead of the people he was elected to represent. This falls 100% in his lap," Hogan concluded.

###


SOURCES:
Affordable Care Act rollout potentially thorny for Anthony Brown
WBAL TV 11, November 14, 2013



Delayed again: Maryland's small business health exchange will not open until April
Washington Post, November 12, 2013


Report from the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange about Maryland Health Connection, the state-based health insurance marketplace, as of Friday, November 1, 2013
Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, November 1, 2013


Health Insurance Marketplace: November Enrollment Report
Department of Health and Human Services, November 13, 2013

A Journey With Leukemia

I can certainly identify with the article posted below. Most of you probably don't know that I am currently being treated for Acute Myloid Leukemia and have been for almost 6 months.  This Mother of two small children had her world shattered far greater than I have.  I have been fortunate to not have suffered as greatly as she has while seeking treatment.  And my children are both grown.  In fact, it was my own son who was selected to be my bone marrow transplant donor.  He is a hero.  
My daughter and her boyfriend and my wonderful husband are also heroes as they are  my caregivers.

Please take the time to visit the website www.bethematch.org and be a donor - Be A Hero.  jmmb


Rebecca Eberts and Her Journey with Cancer is this week's Shore Good News

Last week was a very emotional time for Rebecca Eberts of Cashville.

You see, last year this time, Rebecca's world was turned upside down when she received a shocking medical diagnosis that not only shattered her world, but the world of those who love her.

It all started around the end of October of 2012. Rebecca wasn't feeling quite right and noticed a scratchy throat. She had been prone to strep throat in the past or thought she may have had a virus of some sort, but after seeing the doctor and getting some blood tests run, doctors were concerned they had found something much worse then a virus.

This 33 year old mother of 2 precious little boys was told she had Leukemia. At first she thought they had made a mistake. She was young and no one in her family had leukemia. How was this even possible?

She was sent to the hospital in Salisbury where the diagnosis was confirmed. She had Acute Myloid Leukemia and not only would she need chemo and radiation, but Rebecca would need a bone marrow transplant and it would be a long, hard road for this young mother and wife.

Between November 2012 and March of 2013, Rebecca had more than 30 chemo treatments and before she could receive the transplant, she had to be conditioned with 4 days of whole body radiation in 30 minute sessions, twice a day. To make matters worse, on Thanksgiving of 2012, Rebeccas spleen ruptured as a result of a rare side effect from chemo. It was touch and go that night. Five days later, her gall bladder had to be removed.

There were rough days to say the least and Rebecca missed being with her children and wanted to be home with her family so badly. But she knew she had to keep fighting.

To pass the time, she read books and her Bible. But her eyes became so affected by the chemo that she got to a point she could no longer read. So, she downloaded an app and would listen to the Bible instead.

One of the things Rebecca looked forward to the most was being able to Skype with her husband ET and her sons. She admits, however, that there were days in which she was just too weak-but it had to be severe for her to miss that special time.

Rebecca says that through it all, her family was there and she had so much support. Her husband was always uplifting and encouraging. Her parents, Chuck and Karen Parks were extremely supportive. Her sister, Hannah Annis was her rock. Shed call her sister many times in tears and Hannah would have the right words to say that brought comfort to her. And Rebecca could rest assured her sons were in good hands as Hannah took care of them every weekday so her husband could work. Her parents and other people pulled together to help take care of her children too. She says there were countless friends and supporters from the community. She received hundreds of cards from people she knew and people she didn't. She received cards from school children, missionaries and even cards from people in other countries. Rebecca says all of the support was confirmation to her that the Lord had an amazing plan in store. She says her faith in Jesus Christ is what got her through this trying time. And when discouragement came, there were always people that would bless her in such a way that her strength would be renewed over and over again.

Rebecca received a bone marrow transplant on March 27th of this year. Her donor? A stranger who cared enough to be tested and was willing to save the life of someone he doesn't even know. On the morning of the transplant, this unknown donor was put under general anesthesia and bone marrow was aspirated directly out of his hip bone and then flown to Rebecca. At exactly 11:33 p.m. the life saving marrow began infusing into her vein with her parents and husband by her side as they gave thanks to God, and her sister Hannah joining in on FaceTime at home.

Rebecca Eberts was released for good on July 17th of this year. After being in the hospital for 8 long, difficult months, Rebecca was finally going home to her family.

She says that we live in the most amazing and supportive community and her welcome home was unbelievable. There were businesses who had welcome home signs displayed and loads of people were even standing on the side of the road waving and holding up signs as she passed by. She will never forget the love and support she has had.

Rebecca's most recent test results show that the cancer is gone and she says she feels great. Life is more normal now and she's even gone back to work at Kegotank Elementary School, where this past week the staff and students wore orange and Team Eberts bracelets in honor of Rebecca. She was told that there was a meeting after school, but it was a party in celebration of her recovery.

This past Saturday a Be The Match Bone Marrow Registry Drive was held in Rebeccas honor at the Hospice offices in Onancock. They used every single registry kit and had to even refer people to the website to order a kit because they ran out. Rebecca and those who put on the drive are just thrilled with the response.

Registering is very easy and includes a simple swab from your cheek- even I registered on Saturday. I did in honor of Rebecca and in memory of my own mother who passed away from a very rare form of Leukemia. 

If you are interested in registering and possibly saving someones life, you can visit  www.bethematch.org.

Rebecca says this journey was like an emotional roller coaster, but it seemed that every time a door would close, two more opened and the outcome was better each time. She says she is here on this earth because of the power of prayer. She believes with all of her heart that the Lord heard the prayers of so many and answered. Doctors are amazing, says Rebecca, but never forget that God is our great physician! 

Source:


Sunday, November 17, 2013

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Investigates Hit and Run

Photo Worcester County Sheriff's Office
On Saturday November 16, 2013 at approximately 1745 hours the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office responded to Stephen Decatur Highway in the area of the Frontiertown Campground Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland for a reported pedestrian struck by a vehicle. 

Upon arrival Deputies located the victim who had been able to get himself off the roadway and call 911. The victim was identified as a 42 year old male from Berlin, Maryland.

 The victim told Deputies that he was walking north on the shoulder of Stephen Decatur Highway when he was struck from behind by a vehicle. The victim was unable to provide any further information on the vehicle except that it continued north on Stephen Decatur Highway. There were no witnesses to the accident. 

From evidence recovered at the scene Deputies were able to determine the striking vehicle to be a dark red GM passenger car that has a missing passenger side mirror and possible passenger side damage. 

The victim was transported to the hospital for injuries they received. Pictures of the recovered vehicle parts are included.

 Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff's Office at 410-632-1111 or their local Law Enforcement.