Check Points Continue In Accomack County

 

Check points began Friday night and will continue until Tuesday in Accomack County.  Uniformed troopers, deputy sheriffs, and police officers will be on patrol until 1 a.m.  handing out flyers in their attempt to gather information and to spread awareness concerning the 64 arsons that have struck the county since November 12, 2012.

 

Your patience and cooperation is appreciated at these random locations.

 

 

 

Arrests Made For Multiple Burglaries

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office has arrested two individuals for multiple burglaries and thefts from area businesses.

Based on the investigation into these incidents and information received by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, arrests were made for the following in Virginia:

October 18, 2012 burglary and theft from Colonna Industries in Painter

November 19, 2012 burglary and theft from Sturgis Farms in Painter

December 24, 2012 theft from Bundick Well and Pump in Painter
 
January 11, 2013 theft from Bundick Well and Pump in Painter

January 23, 2013 burglary and theft from Virginia Art Castings in Tasley

January 27, 2013 theft from Turner Sculpture in Melfa.

Jacqueline Hunter, 45 of Melfa, was arrested on February 4, 2013 and charged with 3 counts of Breaking and Entering and 6 counts of Grand Larceny and is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Keisha N. Merritt, 25 of Melfa, was arrested on February 4, 2013 and charged with 3 counts of Breaking and Entering and 5 counts of Grand Larceny and is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Monday Night Fire Continues The Count - 53

The abandoned structure fire on the corner of the Saxis Road and Wessells Farm Road that occurred Monday, February 25, 2013 has been classified by investigators as arson.

This was the third fire in three days. Fire fighters and other emergency personel, along with police and investigators, were busy on Drummondtown Road in Wachapreague on Saturday evening.

Sunday evening another fire in an abandonded structure kept units busy also. These two fires have also been classified as arson.

Monday night's fire is the second fire set in an abandoned building in eight days to be set in the Saxis Road area.  On February 17, 2013 fire was set to an abandoned dwelling in the 29000 block of the same road.

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No injuries  within the fire and emergency departements have been reported and it must be said that these brave men and women are doing a remarkable job in protecting properties and lives when they are called on at a moments notice.  They are volunteers that Accomack County residents can be proud of. 

These have been trying times for the residents of Accomack County and I don't suppose any people know that better than the families of the fire/emt/emergency personel, Accomack County Sheriff's Office, the Virginia State Police and all the investigators who have been anxiously seeking an answer to the fires that have plaqued Accomack County since November 12, 2012.

Monday nights fire brings the total of arson to 53.

A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered to anyone who can provide information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this or any other of the more than 50 arson fires reported since November 13, 2012.

The number to call,text or email is 757-655-1437.

MISSING BEAGLE

HAVE YOU SEEN LUCY?

 

LUCY - 4 year old 13 inch Beagle.
Last seen Monday, February 18, 2013 near the Jenkins Bridge area of Saxis Road in Temperanceville, Virginia
Contact 757-894-0580

 

 

$250 REWARD

 

Accomack County - New Tip Line Number

Accomack County/ Abandoned Trailer Fire

9:25 PM- Saturday, February 16, 2013
Fire companies were called to an abandoned trailer fire at 6107 Lankford Highway- behind Corner Mart in Nelsonia.  Atlantic, Bloxom, Parksley, and Tasley responded.

The trailer was fully involved when units arrived at the scene.  The evenings fire is under investigation by the Virginia State Police.  Officials stated that the owners used the abandoned trailer to block view of their private property from the public.


The reward is now $25,000 and a Tip Line has been set up.

Anyone with information about the arsons and/or individual(s) responsible is encouraged to contact law enforcement via the new Tip Line dedicated to these investigations.

Text, call or email at 757-655-1437.

Parksley Vol.Fire Co. / Boat & Bucks Giveaway

Tickets for the Boat & Buck$ Giveaway are now available online at www.parksleyvfc.org

Twin Fires For Accomack On Monday Night

**Virginia State Police have ruled the double fires last night as arson.

A third fire occurred earlier Tuesday morning in Northampton County.  No word on whether this fire can be linked to the other fires in Accomack County.**
Fire #47
Monday- February 11, 2013  9:20 pm
Abandoned structure fire- 19241 Quinby Bridge Road
When fire units arrived the back of the abandoned structure was fully involved.


Fire #48
Monday- February 11, 2013  9:36 pm
Fire units were called to a another structure fire on Rose Cottage and Seaside Road.  Fireman arrived on the second scene to find the structure fully involved and almost burned to the ground.

According to WESR,  Melfa, Wachapreague Tasley, Onley, Onancock and Parksley responded.  Multiple units responded but three engines and two tankers were retained at the scene. The other units  returned to their stations.

Virginia State Police are investigating twin fires and ask the public if you have information to please call.

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

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

Structure Fire In Accomack County

At 9:12 PM Wednesday Accomack County fire companies were called to the scene of  a structure fire on  Ticktown Lane in Accomac, Va.  The fire companies responding were Tasley, Onley, Onancock, Parksley, Bloxom, and Melfa.  Virginia Forestry also responded to the scene.

Ticktown Road is just off Wharton Road.  Passengers in a vehicle on Route 13 headed South saw the fire glow in the sky and reported it to 911.

It is not known  at this time if this fire is related to the string of arsons that have occured in Accomack County since November 12.

Reminder:

The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department are again asking anyone who sees something out of the ordinary no mater how insignificant it may seem, to contact them.

To report a tip, call: 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party responsible for setting the fires.

The Virginia State Police along with its Bureau of Criminal Intelligence and the Accomack County Sheriff's Office have been investigating the fires.

Accomack County Denied FEMA Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 29, 2012

CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner
 (804) 674-2400 bob.spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov

FEMA denies disaster assistance for Accomack County

RICHMOND, Va. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Virginia’s request for Individual Assistance to help property owners in Accomack County affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“I am disappointed that residents of Accomack County will not receive the federal disaster relief they desperately need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “I personally visited the county in the days after the storm and met individually with a number of citizens who suffered severe flooding and damage from the storm. They need federal help.

Unfortunately, that help has not been approved. We will continue to look for all ways by which to help our fellow Virginians in need.  One means is through donations to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund, and I encourage Virginians who want to help the residents of Accomack to use the fund to get involved and help out.”

The federal Individual Assistance Program would have made funding available to homeowners, renters and businesses in the form of low-interest loans and grants, unemployment assistance, disaster housing assistance and crisis counseling. 

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management will make a recommendation to Governor McDonnell on whether to appeal FEMA’s denial or to apply for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration.

If a request for SBA assistance is approved, loans up to $200,000 would be available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters would be eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size could apply for loans up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Tax deductible donations to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund may be made at https://payments.vi.virginia.gov/donatenow.

Source:

Abandoned Structure Fire #22

At approximately 11pm Wednesday night another abandoned structure fire was reported to the 911 Center. Melfa,Onley, Wachapreague and Melfa were dispatched to the fire at 29278 Racetrack Road near Melfa.

Firefighters arrived to find the structure fully involved and situated close to the woods. Brush trucks were called in to assist.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in approximately 10 minutes.

The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department are investigating.

This brings the number of abandoned structure fires in Accomack County since November 12 to 22. The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department continue their investigation of the string of alleged arsons.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party responsible for setting the fires.

To report a tip, call: 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Source:

Federal Disaster Assistance Approved To Aid State & Local Governments

Federal Disaster Assistance Approved to Aid State and Local Governments with Recovery Costs from Hurricane Sandy

– Individual Assistance for those in Accomack County Remains under Consideration –

RICHMOND-Governor Bob McDonnell announced today that his request for federal disaster assistance to help local and state governments recover from the impact of Hurricane Sandy has been approved by President Obama. Assistance for individuals in Accomack County also was requested by Governor McDonnell and is still under consideration.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program was approved for the counties of Accomack, Arlington, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Essex, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Highland, King and Queen, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Mathews, Middlesex, Nelson, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince William, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Surry, Warren and Westmoreland and the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church and Manassas. Additional local governments can be added at a later date if sufficient damage information is collected.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program makes funding available to reimburse state and local governments for costs associated with response and recovery efforts, such as debris removal and related emergency services, as well as the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

"I thank President Obama for his prompt decision to grant federal disaster assistance for local and state governments. This action will go a long way toward reimbursing local governments for their costs," said Governor McDonnell. "I encourage FEMA to take a close look at the situation in Accomack County where a disproportionate number of citizens were affected by Hurricane Sandy and to move to approve individual assistance for them as soon as possible."

Emergency management officials at the state and local levels have been working with volunteer groups to assist people who suffered damage from Hurricane Sandy. Homeowners and renters should report damage to their local emergency management officials, who may be aware of volunteer groups in their communities that are actively assisting with clean up and repair efforts.

In addition, Governor McDonnell announced that FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program was approved for all Virginia localities.

This funding source helps local and state governments take actions to reduce the impact of future disasters, such as elevating homes in flood zones, flood-proofing businesses and other measures.

Source:

Accomack County Arsons- Virginia State Police

STATE AND LOCAL INVESTIGATORS PURSUING LEADS IN
SEARCH FOR ACCOMACK COUNTY SERIAL ARSONIST

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$5,000 Reward for Information
VSP arson investigators and the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office are working several new leads in their efforts to identify and apprehend a serial arsonist at work in Accomack County. Since Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, through the morning of Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, a total of 20 abandoned structures have been destroyed by fire at various locations within the Eastern Shore county. There were no fires set overnight Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, or overnight Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

The locations of the arsons have ranged from Melfa to Parksley to Oak Hall. The fires target abandoned structures, to include vacated houses, abandoned barns and even chicken coops. The fires have been set any time between 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. in the morning. No injuries or deaths have resulted from the fires.

"The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police have received a significant number of tips related to these arsons," said Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin. "We want to thank the many residents who have reached out to us in the past week with information. As a result of the public’s overwhelming response and assistance, we have developed several strong leads we are currently pursuing at this time."

Investigators are still encouraging anyone with information about the fires or recalls seeing any vehicles or individual(s) near the destroyed structures is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or at (757) 424-6820; or contact the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131.

"Based on our ongoing investigation, we feel certain that the person or persons responsible for these fires is a resident of Accomack County and is known to local residents," said Capt. Tim Reibel, Commander of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Chesapeake Field Office. "This individual is going to be coming and going at different hours of the night, may be acting differently in his or her behavior, and will probably show an unusual interest in media coverage of the fires and/or consistently steer conversations to talking about the fires."

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

Accomack County's Most Popular Sport? Drag Racing??

Sunday after Sunday this occurs on one of the two most popular traveled roads in this part of  Accomack County.  Sadly, this afternoon event has been allowed to continue  over the past few years... And it isn't always motorcycles....sometimes there are cars.

Staging for the event on this Sunday took place on Saxis Road at around 3:00 in the afternoon.

Maybe what so many people fail to realize is the fact this type of gathering can cause great danger to anyone in the area at the time. 

Many of us that use this road pay taxes and that alone should assure us access to roads without delay- with the exception of emergencies and farming.  That's where it should STOP!

NO ONE should have to WAIT for this on a public road !!!

I'm not concerned about WHO these people are.....I'm concerned about those that drive this road in an attempt to GET somewhere. 

Families are still leaving churches at this time of day, some have errands to run.  And let's not forget that within a few miles from this point is a very popular camp ground that has hundred of visitors in the area trying to enjoy their vacations and trying to get to the highway to perhaps shop or visit many of the tourists attactions in the area.

  Traffic gets BLOCKED in both directions.

So be sure to use caution as you drive Horsey Road, Saxis Road - any  stretch of it.......

Calls to the Accomack County Sheriff's Office only gets  the racing canceled for the day...

MORE Graffiti????

Recent graffiti in the Accomack County area of Jenkins Bridge.

THIS time on the bridge- more taxpayer's money to repaint and on the Verizon equipment that is located in the very same area as where the Jenkins Bridge post office was.

Kenny Birch Gets 5 Years On Plea Agreement



2010 Surveillance photo



By Connie Morrison

He started off facing a maximum penalty of life in prison, but thanks to a plea agreement in Accomack County Circuit Court, Kenneth Corneal Birch Jr. received 10 years in the state penitentiary, with 5 years suspended, for the August 2010 robbery of the Corner Mart in Oak Hall.


According to testimony, Mr. Birch entered the store brandishing a knife and demanding money. After leaving with the contents of the till, the victim provided a description of the responsible party, along with a photo taken from video surveillance. Police asked the public for assistance in identifying the perpetrator based on his clothing, and those efforts produced Mr. Birch as a suspect. Further investigation showed a pickup Mr. Birch possessed matched the description provided by the victim.


When confronted with the evidence, Mr. Birch reportedly said that if Gary Agar would work a deal with him, he would be willing to talk about the robbery. In the end, that is what happened: he pled guilty and received a 10-year sentence, with 5 years suspended.

Source:

Elks Lodge In Accomac To Hold Hog Bash Saturday

The Elks Lodge in Accomac is planning its first Hog Bash this Saturday.


The proceeds from this fund raising event will go to support local charities. Lodge 1766 supports many local charitable organizations.

The grand prize will be a brand new 2012 Harley-Davidson Switchback motorcycle.

The event will take place starting at noon Saturday and there will be drawings every fifteen minutes for $250 cash prizes, barbecue by renowned local barbecue chefs, Tommy Hines and G.L. Smith .

Tickets for the event are available from Elks members or you can stop at F & G Automotive in Onley.

You must be 21 to purchase a ticket.

There are only a limited number of tickets to sell and they are selling fast so better hurry.  They're almost sold out.

Parksley Man Murdered Over Weekend

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on February 26, 2012 at approximately 1:54 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of shots being fired and one subject shot at a location north of Fishers Corner on Lankford Highway near Parksley. Deputies responded to the scene and located a gunshot victim who was subsequently transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital by Parksley Rescue where he died a short time later. The victim's name is being withheld until notification of the next of kin.


An investigation into this incident has revealed that a party was being held at this same location and following an altercation between individuals, several shots were fired and the victim was injured in the gunfire.

As a result of the investigation, two suspects were identified and felony warrants were obtained which led to the arrest of one as one suspect remains at large.

18 yr old Jakori Krishawn Evans of Atlantic was arrested on February 26, 2012 and charged with Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony and Discharge a Firearm at an Occupied Building. Evans is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.


35 yr old Mark Smith of Parksley is wanted on charges of Second Degree Murder, Use of a Firearm in the Commission of a Felony, Discharge a Firearm at an Occupied Building and Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon.

Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Smith is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriffs Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.


Assisting in this investigation was the Onley and Onancock Police Departments and the Northampton County Sheriffs Office.


Source:

Senior Call-In Program / Accomack County ~ Virginia

The Accomack County Sheriff's Office has started the senior citizen program to assist the elderly or disabled persons in our county with daily checks to ensure that they are safe and sound.

Every morning the members of the program call in to the Sheriff's Office. If there are any problems or someone doesn't call for what ever reason the Sheriff's Office will go and check on the person to ensure that they are alright. If there is some sort of emergency then the Sheriff's Office will be sure to notify all parties needed to assist and any persons noted on their application.

You can sign up for this service by either calling the Accomack County Sheriff's Office or printing out THIS APPLICATION and turning it in to the Sheriff's Office.

Or go here for application.

Accomack County Board Hears Recommendations On Tax Collection - AGAIN

Still talking it over and rehashing.......Now the brilliant conclusion has been drawn to hire ONE person   on a FULL TIME basis for  collecting delinquent Accomack County taxes.  Well BRAVO!  What a brilliant discovery- FINALLY!  Meanwhile, some of those that are severely delinquent are steady buying properties in the area.....just saying.......

A study ordered by Accomack County came to a conclusion at Wednesday night's meeting in Accomack. Stephanie Davis of the Public Sector Advisors Springsted gave a detailed report on objectives, methods, findings and recommendations for helping collect the County's unpaid taxes from taxpayers.

The report used onsite interviews with several Constitutional Officers of Accomack County, telephone surveys with other counties in the State of Virginia to compare with Accomack County and conversations with County Administrator Steve Miner and Finance Director Mike Mason.

According to the findings, Accomack County does not issue delinquent tax notices in a timely or consistent manner, delinquent tax collection tools authorized in the Code of Virginia are not used, the County lacks written policies and procedures in regard to delinquent tax collection for internal staff, County staff and citizens. The report also found that the County Treasurer's office is currently understaffed by approximately one employee. Several of the Counties which were compared to Accomack in the study had an employee who's sole job was collecting delinquent taxes, a position Accomack does not currently have filled.

Wanda Thorton was unhappy with the study. According to the motion that authorized the study, the study was to emcompass the Treasurer's office, the Commissioner of Revenue's office and the County Assessor's Office. The final report was centered mainly on the Treasurer's office, which Thornton told Davis was "no fault of your own."

Treasurer Dana Bundick spoke after the report was finished, claiming certain details were left out of the report by Davis because "it would make the County look bad." Bundick also stated the Board's direction for the Treasurer's office to work in cooperation with the Commissioner of Revenue's office was the reason for the deliquent taxes notices being late. Finance Director Mike Mason then chimed in and said this claim was "misleading."

Davis concluded that the collection efforts have improved and that the Treasurer's office is making improvements. Davis also recommended the Treasurer's office hire a full time position of tax collector and advertise the position as soon as possible. Currently the position is funded, but no one has been hired. Regular reporting was also a recommendation of the report. Other recommendations included clarifying language regarding customer service, job descriptions and creating an ethics policy for the Treasurer's office.

A motion for the recommendations to be placed onto a checklist to be followed by the Constitutional officers of Accomack County passed unanimiously.

Source;  shoredailynews.com