Saturday, April 19, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

                                                                                                  
1917.. Colonel Chaille Long of Somerset County was a noted author, explorer, and foreign dignatary; 1950.. Pocomoke newspaper editor "Jukey" Clarke is 90; 1920.. Eastern Shore native leads anti-prohibition campaign; 1884.. Onancock couple's unplanned marriage on a steam boat; 1994..Snow Hill triplets in TV mini-series.

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!

NASA Completes LADEE Mission with Planned Impact on Moon's Surface

Concept art showing LADEE over the lunar surface
Image Credit: NASA
Ground controllers at NASA's Ames Research Center in Moffett Field, Calif., have confirmed that NASA's Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE) spacecraft impacted the surface of the moon, as planned, between 9:30 and 10:22 p.m. PDT Thursday, April 17.

LADEE lacked fuel to maintain a long-term lunar orbit or continue science operations and was intentionally sent into the lunar surface. The spacecraft's orbit naturally decayed following the mission's final low-altitude science phase.

During impact, engineers believe the LADEE spacecraft, the size of a vending machine, broke apart, with most of the spacecraft’s material heating up several hundred degrees – or even vaporizing – at the surface. Any material that remained is likely buried in shallow craters.

"At the time of impact, LADEE was traveling at a speed of 3,600 miles per hour – about three times the speed of a high-powered rifle bullet," said Rick Elphic, LADEE project scientist at Ames. "There’s nothing gentle about impact at these speeds – it’s just a question of whether LADEE made a localized craterlet on a hillside or scattered debris across a flat area. It will be interesting to see what kind of feature LADEE has created."

In early April, the spacecraft was commanded to carry out maneuvers that would lower its closest approach to the lunar surface. The new orbit brought LADEE to altitudes below one mile (two kilometers) above the lunar surface. This is lower than most commercial airliners fly above Earth, enabling scientists to gather unprecedented science measurements.

On April 11, LADEE performed a final maneuver to ensure a trajectory that caused the spacecraft to impact the far side of the moon, which is not in view of Earth or near any previous lunar mission landings. LADEE also survived the total lunar eclipse on April 14 to 15. This demonstrated the spacecraft's ability to endure low temperatures and a drain on batteries as it, and the moon, passed through Earth's deep shadow.

In the coming months, mission controllers will determine the exact time and location of LADEE's impact and work with the agency’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) team to possibly capture an image of the impact site. Launched in June 2009, LRO provides data and detailed images of the lunar surface.

"It's bittersweet knowing we have received the final transmission from the LADEE spacecraft after spending years building it in-house at Ames, and then being in constant contact as it circled the moon for the last several months," said Butler Hine, LADEE project manager at Ames.

Launched in September 2013 from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, LADEE began orbiting the moon Oct. 6 and gathering science data Nov. 10. The spacecraft entered its science orbit around the moon's equator on Nov. 20, and in March 2014, LADEE extended its mission operations following a highly successful 100-day primary science phase.

LADEE also hosted NASA’s first dedicated system for two-way communication using laser instead of radio waves. The Lunar Laser Communication Demonstration (LLCD) made history using a pulsed laser beam to transmit data over the 239,000 miles from the moon to the Earth at a record-breaking download rate of 622 megabits-per-second (Mbps). In addition, an error-free data upload rate of 20 Mbps was transmitted from the primary ground station in New Mexico to the Laser Communications Space Terminal aboard LADEE.

LADEE gathered detailed information about the structure and composition of the thin lunar atmosphere. In addition, scientists hope to use the data to address a long-standing question: Was lunar dust, electrically charged by sunlight, responsible for the pre-sunrise glow seen above the lunar horizon during several Apollo missions?

"LADEE was a mission of firsts, achieving yet another first by successfully flying more than 100 orbits at extremely low altitudes," said Joan Salute, LADEE program executive, at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "Although a risky decision, we're already seeing evidence that the risk was worth taking.”

A thorough understanding of the characteristics of our nearest celestial neighbor will help researchers understand other bodies in the solar system, such as large asteroids, Mercury and the moons of outer planets.

NASA also included the public in the final chapter of the LADEE story. A “Take the Plunge” contest provided an opportunity for the public to guess the date and time of the spacecraft’s impact via the internet. Thousands submitted predictions. NASA will provide winners a digital congratulatory certificate.

NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington funds the LADEE mission. Ames was responsible for spacecraft design, development, testing and mission operations, in addition to managing the overall mission. NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md., managed the science instruments, technology demonstration payload and science operations center, and provided mission support. Goddard also manages the LRO mission. Wallops was responsible for launch vehicle integration, launch services and operations. NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., managed LADEE within the Lunar Quest Program Office.

For more information about the LADEE mission, visit:


For more information about LLCD, visit:

Friday, April 18, 2014

Maryland State Police I-95 CRASH UPDATE II

Maryland State Police Press Release

(Havre de Grace, MD) -- Two travel lanes are now open on I-95 in northern Harford County, but northbound traffic remains slow as the investigation into the passenger bus crash continues.

Four passengers on the bus have been transported by ambulance to Harford Memorial Hospital as a precaution. All of the approximately 75 passengers on the commercial tour bus have been transported off the interstate to a nearby park and ride by state troopers, Maryland Transportation Authority Police officers and courtesy patrol units, as well as fire department personnel. Arrangements are being made to move all the passengers to the Maryland House rest area until a replacement bus can arrive.

Lanes one and two of the northbound interstate are now open. Those are the fast lane and the lane to its immediate right. The bus will have to be towed from the scene, so at least some lane closures are expected until a heavy duty tow truck can arrive and remove the bus.

The crash was reported to Maryland State Police at 3:39 p.m. The bus apparently left the highway, traveled across the right shoulder and struck the guardrail. The investigation is continuing.


Pocomoke City Police Department ~ EASTER EGG HUNT THIS SATURDAY


Maryland State Police - I-95 CRASH UPDATE

Maryland State Police Press Release

(Havre de Grace, MD) -- Maryland State Police on the scene of the northbound I-95 bus crash near exit 89 are reporting it is a single vehicle crash that caused no visible injuries to any passengers, but EMS personnel are responding as a precaution.

The crash involved a commercial tour bus carrying about 75 people, none of whom are showing signs of visible injury. Emergency medical services personnel have been summoned to the scene and are evaluating the passengers as a precaution.

Troopers and Maryland Transportation Authority officials are working to obtain shuttle vehicles to move the bus passengers off the interstate to a nearby location until a replacement bus arrives. Until that occurs, the passengers are standing on the shoulder of the interstate.

Traffic is able to move by the scene on the left shoulder of the interstate, but all travel lanes of the interstate remain closed. It is unknown how long the closure will occur, but lanes will be reopened as soon as possible.

The investigation is continuing. Preliminary information indicates the bus traveled onto the right shoulder of the interstate and struck the guardrail. It remained upright and no other vehicles were involved.


Larry Hogan Significantly Expands TV and Radio Advertising


Annapolis, MD – April 17 – Two days after his campaign reported raising more than $450,000 in its first filing period, gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan significantly expanded his TV and radio advertising campaign.  His first 30-second ad entitled “Dedicated” which began running in 11 Maryland counties on April 3 is now airing on cable networks in a total of 19 counties.  The small businessman, grassroots leader and former Ehrlich cabinet secretary’s first radio spot is now running statewide.
 
Larry Hogan said, “Through our one-on-one meetings with voters in their homes, places of work and communities and now with statewide advertising, Boyd and I are bringing our message of fiscal restraint and common sense reform to Marylanders who simply can’t afford another four years of single party rule and  incompetence by Annapolis elites.   
 
“Dedicated” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kLlS9qjiVY



AD VOICEOVER:

"The largest grassroots organization dedicated to changing Maryland wasn’t started by a politician, but a businessman, a community leader, a father.  Larry Hogan.  Like you, Hogan was fed up with 40 tax increases in a row, even taxing the rain.  Too many lost jobs.  And a failed health care exchange.
 
Today, Larry Hogan is running for governor.  To turn this state around, with fresh ideas that benefit everyone.  Larry Hogan.  Because we can’t change Maryland without changing governors."
 
Larry Hogan is an Anne Arundel county small businessman, former state cabinet secretary and founder of Change Maryland, the state’s largest non-partisan grassroots o rganization advocating fiscal restraint and common sense government reform.  A lifelong Marylander, he and his wife Yumi, a teacher, artist and first generation Korean-American, reside in Edgewater.  They have three daughters.
 
 

FIRST ANNUAL ROMP IN THE SWAMP

 
At the Pocomoke Fairgrounds!
 A weekend long Jeep party put on by the Eastern Shore Jeep Association.
 



Show N Shine event begins at 8am on Saturday the 26th followed by:

Mud Pit Rock Garden
 Tire Boneyard
 Car Crushing
 Jeep Tug O' War
 Kill the Cone Competition
 
 
 
And whatever else they can get into!
 
 

A Tremendous Opportunity/ Hogan for Governor


Dear Pocomoke,
The opportunity for change in Maryland has never been as great as it is today. Our momentum is proof!
 
 This week, we released our first finance report showing we have outpaced all of the other candidates for governor – in both parties. In just 68 days, over 2,000 grassroots contributors have donated to our campaign, and because of their generosity, we outraised both Doug Gansler and Anthony Brown in the same time frame. In fact, in our first 68 days we raised more than all of the other Republican candidates combined raised in 2013.
 
 But we aren't just winning the money race. The grassroots are on our side, too!
 
 Over 3,000 fed-up Marylanders have attended our recent events, and our social media presence has grown by over 11,000. Our campaign has visited 20 of Maryland's 24 counties, and our aggressive TV and radio advertising campaign is growing our number of volunteers and supporters rapidly.



Even better, the political environment in Maryland is tilting in our favor. A recent poll released by the Gansler campaign shows that support for Lt. Governor Brown has fallen 14 points as the election draws closer and his failures in leadership are brought to light.
 
We cannot let this opportunity to finally change Maryland for the better go to waste. We have had much success over the past two months, but there is still so much work left to do.
  
Pocomoke, can we count on your support to keep our momentum going? Our campaign relies on the grassroots support of people like you to finally stand up and fight back for a change.



Click here to donate now.
 
Together, We Can Win!
 
Thank you, 



Larry Hogan

POLICE CONTINUE TO SEEK LEADS IN SALISBURY HOME INVASION

Maryland State Police Press Release
04/17/2014

(SALISBURY, MD) – Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit continue to seek leads in the investigation of a home invasion that left one dead and another injured early yesterday morning in Salisbury.

The deceased victim is identified as Donald G. Mariner, 72, of the 27,000-block of Pemberton Drive in Salisbury. Mariner was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. The cause and manner of death are pending autopsy results.

The identity of the second victim remains undisclosed at this time due to safety concerns. He is being treated for injuries sustained during the incident at Peninsula Regional Medical Center.
 

The suspect is described as an African American male. Police believe he was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans at the time the crime occurred.

The preliminary investigation indicates the injured victim made the 9-1-1 call to police, reporting the home invasion on Pemberton Drive. Upon arrival, troopers from the Salisbury Barrack, sheriff deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, and officers from the Salisbury Police Department found the injured victim, who told police he had been assaulted with a blunt object. He was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Police also found Mariner inside the home. He was pronounced dead by emergency medical personnel. Police believe the two victims were roommates.

During the initial stages of the investigation, police learned that Mariner’s Ford F150 pickup truck had been stolen from the residence. Police believe the truck may have been operating sometime between the hours of 11:30 p.m. on Monday night to 1:45 a.m. on Tuesday, April 15th.

The truck was found abandoned on West Main Street near the VFW, approximately two miles from location of the crime. Anyone who may have seen the black Ford F150 in the area of Pemberton Drive or West Main Street is urged to call police.

Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore at 410-548-1776 is offering a reward of up to $2,000 to anyone with information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Maryland State Police Homicide Unit continues the investigation…

Thursday, April 17, 2014

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview


1917.. Colonel Chaille Long of Somerset County was a noted author, explorer, and foreign dignatary; 1950.. Pocomoke newspaper editor "Jukey" Clarke is 90; 1920.. Eastern Shore native leads anti-prohibition campaign; 1884.. Onancock couple's unplanned marriage on a steam boat; 1994..Snow Hill triplets in TV mini-series.

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!

Body Found On Racoon Island Identified

A body recovered on Racoon Island on April 2 has been identified by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Norfolk.

The recovered body is that of Gary Edward Webb, 56, of Williamsburg, Virginia.


 According to Sheriff David L. Doughty, Jr., Mr. Webb was reported missing on December 17, 2013 by his family, after he failed to return home from a fishing trip on the York River the evening prior. His boat was later recovered on the Gloucester County side of the York, approximately one mile south of the Coleman Bridge.

Officers from the Virginia Marine Resources Commission investigated the initial report and also assisted Northampton County investigators with the recovery on Raccoon Island, a remote barrier island at the southern tip of the Eastern Shore , near the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay.

The medical examiners office reports that a cause of death is still pending.

Source:

The Costen House Museum ~ Annual May Day Tea

Annual May Day Tea
 
The Costen House Museum
 206 Market Street
 Pocomoke City
  
 
Sunday Afternoon
 May 4th, 2014
 
2:00 P.M.
 
Contact Rita Ullmann at 443-783-5285 or Kathleen Palmer at 443-783-4471 for tickets.
 
 Seating is limited.
 
 As always, there will be a special activity for the children.
 
 Adults $12.00 / Children under ten $5.00.
 
 

Coast Guard Reflects On Titanic Anniversary

NEW LONDON, Conn. – Members of the U.S. Coast Guard International Ice Patrol reflected on the sinking of the RMS Titanic and the importance of their mission during a ceremony held in New London, Conn., today. 
 
The annual ceremony serves as a way to remember and honor those who lost their lives during the Titanic’s maiden voyage, which ended tragically on the evening of April 14, 1912, when the ship struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic.

"It is with great respect and reverence that we commemorate the 102nd anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912," said Cmdr. Gabrielle McGrath, commander of the IIP. “We remember over 1,500 souls who perished on that fateful morning." 

During the annual ceremony, Coast Guard Cmdr. Keith Shuley, chaplain of the Coast Guard Academy, dedicated floral arrangements in remembrance of the more than 1,500 passengers who died.

Every year, the IIP conducts a ceremony to remember the passengers and crew who lost their lives as a result of the Titanic sinking.

A special moment of silence was held to honor Edward Kamuda, president and founder of the Titanic Historical Society, who died April 13, 2014.

“Delegate McDermott Receives Award for Youth Advocacy”

April 16, 2014   

ANNAPOLIS- Delegate McDermott has been recognized by Youth for National Change, a national youth advocacy organization, for his steadfast efforts to ensure the safety of our youth through school security legislation.
 
I am extremely grateful for this award, and I am thankful to have had the opportunity to bring awareness to an issue as important as school security,” Delegate McDermott said. “I am appreciative for being recognized for something that I believe in so strongly”.
 
Delegate McDermott will be receiving this award from the YNC this April in response to House Bill 15 that he sponsored during the 2014 legislative session. HB 15 sought to improve security in public school facilities by establishing a security improvements program that would receive funding from the Governor’s capital budget.
 
It is imperative that the safety and well being of our youth be at the forefront of our concerns as elected officials”, McDermott said. “I am exceptionally grateful to be receiving this award, and will continue to advocate for causes like this in the future”.
 
 

SAVE THE DATE ~ "DRUMS ON THE POCOMOKE"


Wednesday, April 16, 2014

STATE POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE MURDER SUICIDE IN WORCESTER COUNTY

Maryland State Police PRESS RELEASE

(Berlin, MD) Maryland State Police are investigating a possible murder suicide in Worcester County.

    The deceased victim is identified as Ada Wright, 91, of the 600 block of William Street in Berlin.  She was pronounced deceased at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

    The deceased suspect, believed to be Ada’s husband, is identified as Lester Wright, 90, of the same address.  He succumbed to his injuries at Peninsula Regional Medical Center shortly after the incident occurred.
 

 
At 8:45 a.m. this morning, the Worcester County 911 center received a call from a family member reporting a possible shooting at the residence.  The family member informed police that he found the victim deceased in her bed and the suspect lying on the floor next to the bed with gunshot wounds.

    Upon their arrival to the scene, officers from the Berlin Police Department and emergency medical service personnel pronounced Ada dead at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound.  Police found Lester on the floor with what also appeared to be gunshot wounds.  He immediately received medical treatment and was transported by ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center where he later succumbed to his injuries.

   Maryland State Police crime scene investigators are currently processing the scene for evidence.  Interviews with family members and friends of both the victim and suspect are being conducted.  

    Autopsy results are pending examination by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.  There are no other suspects identified at this time.  

Maryland State Police Homicide Unit investigators were requested by the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation (WCBI) to assume the lead role in the investigation.  The Maryland State Police investigators from the Criminal Enforcement Division in both Berlin and Princess Anne and investigators from the WCBI are assisting with the investigation.  Officers from the Berlin Police Department, sheriff deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Worcester County State’s Attorney also responded to the scene. 

ONE DEAD ANOTHER INJURED IN SALISBURY AREA HOME INVASION

Maryland State Police Press Release

(SALISBURY, MD) – Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit are investigating a home invasion that left one dead and another injured early this morning in Salisbury.

The deceased victim is identified as Donald G. Mariner, 72, of the 27000-block of Pemberton Drive, Salisbury, Md. Mariner was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel. His body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.
 

The second victim is not being identified at this time due to concerns for his safety. He was transported by emergency medical personnel to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for treatment of injuries sustained during the home invasion.

The suspect is described as an African American male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and blue jeans. Investigators are continuing to develop further leads regarding the suspect.


The investigation began just after 1:00 a.m. this morning, when troopers from the Salisbury Barrack along with officers from the Salisbury Police Department were dispatched to the 27000-block of Pemberton Drive in reference to a home invasion. When they arrived, troopers contacted the second victim who advised he had been assaulted with a blunt object. Troopers and officers continued to check the residence and found Donald Mariner injured. Emergency medical personnel were immediately requested. Once on the scene, medical personnel attempted to treat both victims. Mariner was pronounced dead by medical personnel, while the second victim was transported to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for further medical treatment.


Investigators from the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit have taken the lead in this investigation. Crime scene technicians from the Maryland State Police Crime Lab have responded and are collecting items of evidential value. Members of the Salisbury and Berlin Barracks Criminal Enforcement Divisions, Wicomico Sheriff Department, Wicomico Bureau of Investigations and Salisbury Police Department are assisting in the investigation.

Investigators are encouraging anyone with information concerning this home invasion to contact the Maryland State Police Salisbury Barrack at 410-749-3101. The Crime Solvers of the Lower Eastern Shore are offering a $2,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and indictment of the suspect. They can be contacted at 410-548-1776. Callers may remain anonymous.

The investigation is ongoing.

A&N Electric Cooperative - Beat the Peak

Beat the Peak:
Thursday, April 17th
 
from 6 to 8 a.m.
 
Why?

We're "beating the peak" tomorrow morning because of the cold. During times of peak energy use, your co-op pays a premium price for energy. By reducing the amount of energy you are using in your home, you can lower your co-op's energy costs. The demand charge is expensive and we try and lower energy use during times when engineers think we'll hit our energy peak. Even though temperatures won't be brutally cold tomorrow morning, energy use may still peak for the month so we've issued the Beat the Peak alert. Because A&N Electric Cooperative is member-owned, those savings are passed on to you. 

What should I do?
To lower your energy consumption during the alert period, please turn off any unnecessary lights and delay using appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees can also significantly lower the amount of energy you are using.
 
A&N Electric Cooperative

Coast Guard Monitoring Damaged Drilling Rig in Gulf of Mexico

HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is overseeing response efforts, Tuesday, for an offshore drilling rig that began taking on water into a ballast tank after a large wave hit them in heavy seas more than 100 miles south of Galveston.

Tuesday morning the Coast Guard received a report that the ENSCO 8506, an offshore semi-submersible drilling rig, had been damaged causing one of the rig’s column ballast tanks to take on water. The capacity of the ballast pumps onboard are keeping up with the ingress of water in the column ballast tank.  The rig is maintaining an even keel and remains in a stable position without resorting to using the emergency pumps, or performing an emergency disconnect from the riser.

There are no reports of injuries or pollution.

The rig was conducting exploratory operations and did not have any oil product onboard from drilling operations. The drilling rig is operating in an area with a 3,800-foot water depth and was not conducting actual drilling operations when the incident occurred. All rig operations have been suspended and preparations are being made for normal disconnect procedures if necessary to make repairs.

The Coast Guard has deployed the Coast Guard Cutter Skipjack, homeported in Galveston, and an aircrew aboard an HU-25 Falcon airplane from Air Station Corpus Christi to provide on-site intelligence and to assist if necessary.

The onscene weather Tuesday afternoon was 20 knot sustained winds and 12 foot seas.

MarVa Theater ~ GRAND RE-OPENING!

THIS WEEKEND
GRAND RE-OPENING!
AT
The MarVa Theater
 

 
Friday, April 18th at 7 PM
Saturday, April 19th at 7 PM
 
Tickets: $5
 
SPECIAL PROMO-
 
First 25 people each night get in for FREE!
Valid only on April 18 & 19, 2014. 
 
 

 

Hogan Raises More Than $450k In First 68 Days; Outpaces All Dem and GOP Rivals


Larry Hogan fundraising surges past early estimate; $453,397.45 raised in first filing period.

Business leader outpaces Democrat and Republican rivals in early donations; funds raised in smaller denominations donations than Brown, Gansler and GOP challengers.

Annapolis, MD – April 15 – In the first campaign finance report of his bid for governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan raised $453,397.45 in mostly small donations from more than 2,000 individuals.  The haul is considerably higher than the campaign’s earlier estimate of having raised $422,000 in just under 70 days.   The sheer amount of money raised puts the Anne Arundel County business owner and grassroots leader ahead of where Anthony Brown was at the same stage of his campaign yet with more than double the sitting two-term Lt. Governor’s number of early donors.

The early financial support also puts Hogan well ahead of where Attorney General Doug Gansler was days after his announcement and is nearly the amount raised by his all Republican challengers combined in the last full calendar year.  The finance report filed to today covers the first 68 days of the Hogan-Rutherford campaign and will be posted online at campaignfinance.maryland.gov.

Hogan said, “The message we’re hearing as we tour the state and meet one-on-one with voters in their homes, businesses and communities is that they’re ready for a governor who’ll put working families and small businesses ahead of Annapolis elites,” Hogan said.   “Boyd and I are humbled that so many Marylanders are joining with us in our effort to bring fiscal restraint and common sense government back to Annapolis.

The campaign also reported “surging” grassroots support, a robust social media presence and its first TV and radio ads.  In the first months the campaign, Hogan had visited 20 of Maryland’s 24 counties, had more than 3,000 people attend events, and strengthened its social media presence by an additional 10,500 followers.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Press Release


Information for parents and home owners.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

This past weekend five juveniles were charged with theft in relation to stealing Freon from an unoccupied home in Ocean Pines.

Investigation revealed that the suspects would steal Freon from A/C units of homes that they know are unoccupied for the season. In this particular incident they used trash bags for storage. They pull the hose from the A/C unit which allows the Freon to flow freely into the bag. They fill up trash bags with Freon then tie them off.

Huffing, as it is called, usually takes place by persons discreetly inhaling from a bag. They inhale a gas to the point where they achieve a high or they pass out.When one inhales the gas they are replacing the oxygen their brain requires to function with a gas.

It should be noted that there have been several documented cases of death caused by exposure to Freon.

Please keep a check on your homes and your neighbor’s homes for people near the A/C units.

Report any suspicious activity to the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office at 410-632-1111, or your local Police Department.
 

DELMARVA DISCOVERY CENTER ~Photography Class


VIRGINIA - Burn Law IN EFFECT until April 30

The statewide law restricts burning until after 4 p.m. each day.



ALWAYS  check with your local fire department or Sheriff's office prior to burning.

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Tax Day - Larry Hogan "Record High Taxes Hurt MD Families and Drive Jobs Out Of State


Tax Day 2014; Gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan says O’Malley-Brown tax hikes backfired, killing jobs, hurting families and driving employers out of state


Annapolis, MD - APRIL 15 - Tax Day 2014 will hit Marylanders, whose personal income taxes are now the fifth highest in the nation, harder than ever this year according gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan.   Hogan says the O’Malley-Brown taxes have had a significant economic impact on Maryland and are the primary reason why the state’s recovery since the great recession has lagged far behind its neighbors and the nation as a whole. 

According to Hogan, “Tax Day 2014 will be the most painful yet for Maryland families and small businesses thanks to 40 straight job destroying tax hikes from the Martin O’Malley and Anthony Brown Administration and their Annapolis allies.  The tax and spend policies of the past seven years have backfired, driving employers across state lines and making everything Maryland families purchase more expensive,” says Hogan.  

Since O’Malley and Brown took office more than 6,500 small business and large employers, including most of the state’s Fortune 500 companies, have relocated to other states.  Hogan, a business leader and former state cabinet secretary favors bringing Maryland’s tax rates in line with those of neighboring states in order to retain and attract employers.

This year, average Maryland taxpayers will have to work from January 1st until April 23rd just to pay their combined federal, state and local tax obligations, later in the year than all but five states.

Taxpayers and small business owners interested in learning how much the O’Malley-Brown tax hikes are costing them can visit Facebook.com/ ChangeMaryland and click the O’Malley-Brown Tax Hike Calculator. 

Previously, Change Maryland, a non-partisan grassroots organization advocating fiscal restraint founded by Hogan several years ago, determined that overall, 31,000 Maryland taxpayers and retirees had moved to states with lower costs of living, taking with them $1.7 billion a year out of the state economy.  According to Hogan, “with the O’Malley-Brown taxpayer exodus, it’s no wonder that Maryland’s foreclosure rate is now the second highest in the nation.”


“Yet despite taking $10.6 billion more in taxes from Maryland families and employers, O’Malley and Brown still diverted $100 million out of state worker’s pensions in order to cover their budget shortfall. 

Beat the Peak ~ A & N Electric Cooperative

A & N Electric Cooperative


Beat the Peak:
 
Wednesday April 16th, 6-8 a.m.
 
Why: We're "beating the peak" tomorrow morning because of the cold! During times of peak energy use your co-op pays a premium price for energy. By reducing how much energy you are using in your home, you can lower your co-op's energy costs.

 What To Do During a Fall/Winter "Beat the Peak"
 
 
 What Should I do? To lower your energy consumption during the alert period, please turn off any unnecessary lights and delay using appliances like your dishwasher or washing machine. Turning the thermostat down a few degrees can also significantly lower how much energy you are using.

Meet and Greet With Senate Candidate Mike McDermott


Lotto Scam Poses as Consumer Protection Bureau

Better Business Bureau | US

This lottery scam is up to the same old tricks… with one big exception. They built a website for a fake consumer protection agency and are using BBB’s mailing address. Watch out!

How the Scam Works:

You get a call from someone claiming you won a lottery. Your prize is $500,000, but you need to pay $5,000 for “delivery insurance” first. The caller assures you that this is a real prize and even directs you to the “US Consumer Protection Bureau” website to verify its legitimacy.

You decide to check out the offer, so you go to the website and call the phone number at the bottom. An “agent” answers and asks if you are calling about a lottery. He/She offers to check out your $500,000 prize, and, sure enough, verifies that you are real lottery winner.

Don’t fall for it! This lottery scam has an extra layer of deception. The website and the “Consumer Protection Bureau” are fake and just part of the scam. The bureau doesn’t exist, and the address given on the fake website is really for BBB’s office in Arlington, Va.

Tips to Protect Yourself From a Sweepstakes Scam:

Lottery and sweepstakes scams are common. Here are tips to avoid them:

  • You can’t win a contest you didn’t enter: You need to buy a ticket or complete an application to participate in a contest or lottery. Be very careful if you’ve been selected as a winner for a contest you never entered.

  • Verify — but not by using a source scammers gave you. Check if an offer is real, but don’t call the phone number in the email or website you suspect may be a scam. If it is a con, chances are the person on the other line will be involved too.

  • Don’t pay up to claim your prize: You should never have to pay money or buy products in order to receive a prize. Be especially wary of wiring money or using a prepaid debit card.

  • The only legal lotteries in the United States are the official state-run lotteries. Foreign lotteries are illegal.
Source:

Man Drowns Attempting To Retrieve Car Keys

On April 14, 2014, at approximately 1:21 a.m., Virginia State Police Trooper J. Renas was called by the Northampton Sheriffs office in reference to a possible drowning which occurred at 2175 Morleys Wharf Road (fishing pier) in Wardtown, Virginia.

Witnesses called into the 911 center stating that a male subject had entered the water and never resurfaced.

Troy S. Tankard, age 30, of Nassawadox, Virginia, entered into the water to retrieve his car keys that had been thrown earlier into the water with his wet clothing.

 After entering the water, Mr. Tankard never resurfaced, and witnesses at the scene attempted to locate him prior to calling emergency personnel.

The Virginia State Police Search and Rescue Team were called in to assist in the search and at approximately 8:55, Mr. Tankards body was recovered twenty feet from the pier.


This incident is being treated as an accidental drowning with no signs of foul play. Family members were notified at the scene.

Source:

Pocomoke City Police Department ~ ANNUAL EASTER EGG HUNT


Snow Hill Man Arrested For First Degree Assault and Other Charges

Worcester County Sheriff's Office
On April 14, 2014 at approximately 1146 hours Deputies with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to Libertytown Road, in Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland in reference to a female being dragged across the roadway by a male.

The witness then observed the male picked the female up and carry her in the residence.

Within minutes Deputies arrived on scene and found the residence to be vacant.

A short time later the victim arrived at the Worcester County Sheriff's Office reporting she had injuries sustained from an assault that occurred on Libertytown Road in Berlin, Worcester County, Maryland.

Due to her injuries, the victim was transported to Atlantic General Hospital in Berlin, by the Snow Hill Fire Company.

 Through further investigation the suspect was identified as Michael Davon McBride, 31 years old of Snow Hill, Maryland.

 Michael McBride was located and arrested at 100 N Washington Street, in Snow Hill by the Worcester County Sheriffs Office and Snow Hill Police Department. Michael McBride was charged with 1st Degree Assault, 2nd Degree Assault, Reckless Endangerment, and False Imprisonment.

 Michael McBride was taken in front of the District Court Commissioner where a $25,000.00 bond was placed on him and he was held at the Worcester County Jail.

Adult Recreation Dodgeball -



Adult Recreation Dodgeball starting Tuesday, April 29th.
The program will occur on Tuesdays from 7:00 - 9:00 pm.

 Drop-in program where you will get the chance to play dodgeball with or against your friends.
 
Cost: Only $3/session or $25/entire program.

Ages: 14+
 Location: Worcester County Recreation Center


 For more information contact Aaron Sweet: 410-632-2144 x106 or asweet@co.worcester.md.us

POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE LINK IN FREDERICK CO. SEXUAL ASSAULTS

Maryland State Police

POLICE INVESTIGATE POSSIBLE LINK IN FREDERICK CO. SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND DEVELOP POTENTIAL WITNESS

(WALKERSVILLE, MD) –Investigators have identified numerous similarities between a sexual assault that occurred along a jogging path in Frederick County two weeks ago and another case which occurred in the same area in November 2013, while developing the description of a witness who may have been in the area when both assaults occurred.  

Investigators from the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Command have developed a possible link between the sexual assault that occurred in the Walkersville Community Park on April 6, 2014 and another sexual assault which occurred in the same park on November 10 of last year. The victim in the earlier incident has been contacted and confirms a similar description of the suspect.

The November incident also has many other similarities to the recent attack. The attack occurred on a Sunday around noon. The victim, a 57 year old female, was walking through the community park with her three year old grandson when she was attacked from behind by the suspect. She was able to fight off her attacker and escape.

State police investigators have also developed a description of a potential witness to the most recent assault. During multiple interviews, people in the area have placed a young adult African American male riding a black bike in the area of the park at the time of the April 6 attack. He is also known to ride throughout the Walkersville area. Investigators would like to identify and speak with this person. It is believed he has information vital to this case.

State police continue to search for the suspect in both assaults. He is still described as a young adult African American male about, 5’6” to 5’ 8” tall, 150 pounds, with a thin build. He has a dark complexion with a very short, even-cut hair style and little to no facial hair. At the time of the assault, he was wearing light khaki cargo shorts, with a long-sleeved gray shirt with black block-style lettering on it.

Anyone recognizing the young man riding the bike, or the description of the suspect, or has any information regarding these assaults is encouraged to contact the Maryland State Police Frederick Barrack at 301-600-4150 or contact Sgt. Rick Bachtell of the Maryland State Police Criminal Enforcement Division at 443-463-2164. Callers may remain anonymous.
  

Monday, April 14, 2014

Lunar Eclipse

Stay up all night with us to watch the total lunar ‪#‎eclipse‬!

 You can view and learn more about the eclipse on NASA television.

 Coverage begins at 2 a.m. EDT and will last about three hours.

The eclipse’s peak, when the moon will enter the Earth's full shadow or umbra, will occur at 3:45 a.m.

 Live NASA TV coverage and commentary will begin at 1 a.m. To view the coverage and access eclipse streaming video, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/nasatv


NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Marshland Fire Keeps Many On Their Toes!

Photo BW
Yesterday morning began as a beautiful Spring Sunday morning.  Windows were opened early in the warm sunny, but breezy,  morning and as I prepared breakfast my husband took to the task of cutting the grass.

I know in my heart that getting things done today either before church or after  were on the minds of many residents in the area. 

Then the sirens...and the clouds of dark smoke clouded the sky. A quick ride to the Sanford area indicated that the marshlands were on fire.

Saxis Fire Department was responding and a few minutes later the Division Forestry, Atlantic, Bloxom along with rescue personel from Oak Hall and Parksley. 


My best guess was the winds at the time were blowing from the NE with gusts up to 30 miles per hour, away  from land for the present time.  Suddenly the perfect day turned into a heart in the throat kind of day.

Photo Martha J. Linton

The origin nor cause is not known by me at this time but I do know that the fire ravaged a great deal of the marshlands on Sugar Hill Lane, Shad Landing Road and burned towards Saxis into the area of a crab house on the causeway which is a lively business for a local family. Clouds of smoke could be seen as far away as Delaware.

Since fire has a mind of its own, this beast, brought under control many times by fire personel, seemed to dance it's way into a small portion of a wooded area and across the roads in certain places.    It was quite apparent that if the wind shifted the quiet tiny town of Sanford along with Tall Pines Harbor Campground  , an extremely beautiful and popluar campground would be in danger.  Owners of the campground were kept busy informing and reassuring camp goers that all was being taken care of.

Photo Tall Pines Harbor Campground

Fire personel were on the scene until late yesterday evening.  One report is that a local fireman was injured and has been taken to a burn center in Baltimore.  It should be known that yesterday was not an easy, relaxing Sunday for many.  These fireman put their day on hold, lives  on the line and in listening to their voices via scanner, never faultered in judgment, never lost their temper and never, ever gave up hope!

Photo Parksley Volunteer Fire Company, Inc

The fire department was called out once again early this morning for a rekindle and am hoping that was resolved quickly.

What a day for our local fire departments and forestry.  Hats off to all of them with many thanks for a wonderful, professional and couragous job.  They always come through for us - that's why we love and respect them.

Please keep in mind that there should be NO control burning until 4 PM daily. 

When conducting a control burn in your area
PLEASE:  always check with your local fire department or Sheriff's office prior to burning

REMINDER: April Is Designated National Distracted Driver Awareness Month

Motorists across the state are reminded that April is
National Distracted Driver Awareness month.
 

April is designated National Distracted Driver Awareness month. Troopers across the state (and in all states) will focus their efforts on distracted driving using intense traffic enforcement initiatives.


Maryland State Police will be using a combination of traditional and innovative strategies to target motorists who use cell phones illegally while driving. Extra patrols of troopers will be out specifically looking for distracted drivers.

 This effort is part of a high-visibility enforcement initiative that combines intense enforcement with further educating the public of the dangers of distracted driving.

The ultimate goal is to save lives by convincing motorists to obey the law.

READ MORE....

Sign Up For SUMMER CAMPS At The Delmarva Discovery Center

Keep the kids active and learning through the summer with these two great summer camp opportunities at
 

10 Reasons Why Summer Camp is GREAT for Kids!

1. Spend their day being physically active
 2. Experience success & become more confident
 3. Gain resiliency
 4. Unplug from technology
 5. Develop life-long skills
 6. Grow more independent

 
7. Have free time for unstructured play
 8. Learn social skills
 9. Reconnect with nature
 10. Make true friends

Sunday, April 13, 2014

MARSH FIRE

 
MARSH FIRE
 
 
 
There is a HUGE marsh fire in the Sanford, Virginia area this afternoon.  Fire units and Forestry have been on the scene for quite some time. 
 
PLEASE USE CAUTION when driving Saxis Road through Sanford, Virginia

TIME MACHINE ... 1969, 1973, 1954, 1920, 1907, 1903



(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

 
March, 1969
The Sunday Times (Salisbury)

Annie Oakley, Famous Marksman., Once Lived In Dorchester Town

By ORLANDO WOOTTEN Of The Times Staff

(Excerpt)

CAMBRIDGE — An exhibition of photographs in the Dorchester Historical Museum recalls one of Cambridge's most glamorous residents.

Annie Oakley, the most famous woman rifle shot and gun expert in the world, and for many years the star of "Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show," lived here with her husband for several years.
 
Annie and her husband, Frank Butler — himself a professional gun expert — bought a lot on Hambrooks Ave. in 1913 from Robert Matthews, local realtor, and soon built a substantial home there overlooking the Choptank River. It is now known as the Douglas Sites home on Bellview Ave.

The Butlers had visited Cambridge with a traveling show, and so liked the quiet Dorchester county seat with its tree-lined streets and easy-going ways that they decided after many years on the road, to spend a part of their life there. They lived off and on in Cambridge until 1922.

A few people in Cambridge can still remember Annie and Frank, or at least remember tales their parents told about these famous show people. Milton Hubbard, on High St., said his father, Samuel E. Hubbard, kept a hardware store in those early days, and that this store became a natural hang-out for persons interested in gunning and target shooting — including the Butlers. Sewell Matthews, whose father sold them the lot, remembers tales of the Butlers' kindness to other persons and of Annie's demonstrations with a rifle for local Girl Scouts.

Annie came a long way to Cambridge. From her birth on a lonely Ohio farm, through years with Buffalo Bill on the road, to visits as a guest of many kings and nobles in Europe, and the famous in this country, she came to a quiet middle age and semi-retirement along the banks of the Choptank.

 
September, 1973
Salisbury Times

Meteor Reported Over Delmarva

A bright blue meteor flashed across Maryland skies last night and was visible over a wide area.

The control tower at Friendship International Airport at Baltimore said it got reports from various fliers on the meteor. The pilots said it trailed off into amber sparks after rocketing from east to north. It was visible over the Eastern Shore for abou 20 minutes, starting about 6:30 p.m.

Fliers over Southern Maryland, over the Washington area and over Southern New Jersey reported seeing it.

Maryland State Police said residents in Dorchester County and Queen Anne's also reported the brilliant blue light—some figuring it was a plane crash.


 
April, 1954
Salisbury Times

Big League Baseball Comes To Baltimore

Boring Brownies Become Bright Orioles

(Excerpts)

By Jimmy Breslin

NEA Staff Correspondent

BALTIMORE (NEA) — The cab was taking you along North Charles Street, in the heart of Baltimore, in a city which this year gets its first glimpse of major league baseball In more than 52 years.

Yet, the woman cab driver was talking baseball in a way which made you think you were on Flatbush Avenue in Brooklyn.

"Pitching," she said. "If Turlie and Larsen come up with any sort of a year, we'll be right up there.

(Orioles starters are Don Larson, Joe Coleman, Duane Pillette, and Bob Turley)

"There will be a big parade," says Mayor Thomas D'Alesandro, "the night the Orioles come to town for the April 15 opening day. And the parade will top anything we ever had here. There will be 5,000 orchids strewn over the route. This is a big thing to us."

Baltimore residents, all of whom are now baseball fans, purchased 600,000 reserved tickets before the Orioles even had them printed. Attendance in this long-time International League town- and not a good one at that — can come  very close to a million and a half this year. Last year, the minor league Orioles, drew less than 300,000. The Browns, in St, Louis, did even worse.

Footnote: For their 1954 major league debuting season at the new Memorial Stadium, Orioles attendance was 1,060,910.

 
May, 1920
Daily Times-Enterprise (Thomasville, Ga.)

HITS MAN FOR JEERING AT ENLISTMENT, FREED

Princess Anne, Md.—The case against William Whitney was tried before a jury here. The charge was assault and the accused was found not guilty.

Dr. S. Alexander Rosse, formerly a physician of Smith Island, was the prosecuting witness. He testified that in July 1919, Whitney met him in front of a store and struck him in the face.

Whitney admitted that he had struck Dr. Rosse but said that he did so because, while he was a member of Company L. of Crisfleld, and serving in the trenches in France, Dr. Rosse had told his father, John Whitney, that he was a "d___ fool" for enlisting in the army. He said his father told him that Dr. Rosse had made this remark and that three days afterward he met the doctor and struck him.

June, 1907
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House)


Mr. William S. Dickinson, the leading merchant of Pocomoke City, and one of the most prominent and successful business men on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, died in a sanatarium in Philadelphia, of organic heart trouble, complicated with other diseases last Monday, in the 46th year of his age. He was also president of the Pocomoke City National Bank and Pocomoke City Building and Loan Association. He is survived by one daughter, Miss Miriam Dickinson.

The deceased was well-known in Accomac and the news of his untimely death is received with sincere sorrow and regret by his numerous friends in every part of thc county.

Footnote: The W. S. Dickinson & Son store in Pocomoke City offered a large stock of dry goods, notions, clothing, furs, and furniture.
 

 
April, 1903 (Time Machine archive)
(The Portsmouth Herald- Portsmouth, NH)

A Wild Goose Farm

What is said to be the only wild goose farm in the world is located on Chincoteague Island, says the Richmond (Va.) Times. The farm is a never ceasing object of interest to the visitor and of joy and profit to the owner. There are now between 300 and 400 in the flock. The progenitors of this remarkable flock were two which were "winged" in shooting, then tamed and used as decoys. The annual shipments from the farm are now about 400 to 600 fowl. Most of these are wild geese, but there are some Japanese ducks, brant and other game. The geese bring about $5 a pair. In summer they feed on the marshes of Chincoteague and Assateague, but as the cold weather comes on they gradually gather together near the owners residence, where food is provided for them. Mingled with the geese are many kinds of bird and fowl and fancy breeds of chickens and ducks and even some swans. Particular care is being taken with the swans, and the experiment of their culture bids fair to be a success in every way.
  

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!