Accomack County Board of Supervisors Meeting Wednesday

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors will meet Wednesday night at the Board room in Accomack. There's a full agenda which includes a public hearing for a conditional use permit by Virginia Endeavor Solar Farm.

Other items include reviews of several applications for Agricultiral Forrestal Districts, reports from county officials on damage by Hurricane Irene and reports from Dr. Bruce Benson on the Accomack County School System and other county officials.

The meeting starts at 5pm.

The public is invited to attend.

Accomack County Landfills Waive Tipping Fees

 Accomack County landfills will be waiving tipping fees for storm debris through Sept. 17.

Haulers will be required to provide the name and 911 address of the location where the debris originated.

From Accomack County Emergency Management Officials

10:30 P.M.  Thursday, August 25, 2011

Issuing Authorities:
Accomack County - Jason R. Loftus, EM Coordinator
Town of Chincoteague – Bryan Rush, EM Coordinator

With regard to the fast approaching and extremely dangerous Hurricane Irene, Accomack County Emergency Management officials are advising all residents to prepare for high winds, 2 to 5 foot of storm surge, freshwater flooding, high waves and tidal flooding conditions beginning Saturday afternoon until Sunday afternoon. Tropical Storm force winds are expected to impact Accomack at approximately noon Saturday. All residents should be secure where they plan to stay during the hurricane before noon Saturday.

Emergency Management is issuing a mandatory evacuation order starting Friday morning at 8:00 am for residents in mobile homes and any homes that are in bayside and seaside evacuation zones. Bayside evacuation areas include all homes generally west of Craddockville Road, Boston Road, Greenbush Road (Rt. 316), Mears Road and Neil Parker Road. Seaside evacuation areas include all homes generally east of Seaside Road, Atlantic Road and Fleming Road. A detailed map of the evacuation zones can be found on the Accomack County website - http://www.co.accomack.va.us/index2.html

Any mobile home should be evacuated as mobile homes may not withstand the high winds expected during this storm.

Areas safe from storm surge and tidal flooding include most of the "spine" of the Eastern Shore – including the towns of Painter, Keller, Melfa, Onley, Parksley, Bloxom, Hallwood and New Church.

Residents should closely monitor their local media outlets or the Accomack County website for additional emergency information.

Hurricane Info - But not much.........

HURRICANE IRENE: 8AM Update - Irene is still a category 3 storm moving through the Bahamas. A Hurricane Watch is in effect from Surf City, NC to the Virginia line. Some additional strengthening is expected today and Irene could reach to category 4 strength.

Irene is moving NW but a turn to the NNW is expected today with a north turn tonight. The center of the forecast track has Irene moving over the Outer Banks on Saturday.

Follow this link and for information regarding the location of shelters if they open, what to bring, what not to bring, etc.  Study it carefully- remember IF there is the need to evacuate there  will be many people- all of which will be just as upset as the rest of us.

This is the best information I can find at the present time.  I am unable to find anything written recently to the Accomack County residents concerning Hurrican Irene.  It would be in the interest of saving lives to post what has to happen before a shelter is opened. 

Maybe check with your local fire department or police department to see what information they may have for your area.

When I have more info I will pass it on..........

Try this link:  http://www.shoredailynews.com/hurricane-shelter.pdf

Virginia State Police and DEA Office Still Searching For Drug Dealer

Jonathan Manwell Johnson

Chesapeake -- The Virginia State Police, the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, and the DEA's Norfolk Office are currently searching for a notorious drug dealer wanted on a federal warrant stemming from a multi-agency investigation in Northampton County on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

Jonathan Manwell Johnson, 28, is a black male, 5 feet 8 inches tall, and 160 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes. His last known address was in the 2700 block of Arlington Road in Northampton County. Johnson has family in the Philadelphia area, and may flee there to avoid prosecution.

Johnson is known to carry firearms and has a violent criminal history. He should be considered armed and dangerous. He is wanted for conspiracy to distribute more than 5 kilos of cocaine.

A reward is being offered for information resulting in the arrest of Johnson.

Anyone with information on this subject is asked to contact the following agencies. Anonymous tips are welcome.

Virginia State Police: 1-800-582-8350 Toll-free in Virginia

Eastern Shore Task Force: 757-414-0746

Northampton County Sheriff's Office: 757-678-0458

Accomack County Sheriff's Office: 757-787-1131

Source; http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-cocaine-charge-vsp-search,0,7733491.story

Double Fatality In Accomack County

At 10:15 Monday night a double fatal accident occured on Bobtown Road. Melfa, Painter and Exmore responded to the accident.

On August 1, 2011 at approximately 2214 hours Virginia State Police was called to a single vehicle accident on Route 178 north of Route 609 in Pungoteague, Accomack, Virginia.

A single vehicle, 1996 Buick Century was traveling on Route 178 when it ran off the road to the right struck a tree stump and overturned, killing the driver and front seat passenger.

The vehicle was occupied by four occupants The back two passengers were taking to the local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.


The driver Cecilio Purneda Alaniz, 53 YOA, of Craddockville, VA. died at the scene. The front seat passenger Shirley Mae Tate, 72 YOA, of Craddockville, VA also died at the scene.


Notification to family members has been made. All occupants were wearing their seat belts, alcohol was a factor.

Currently the investigation is on-going.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Man Shot In Parksley~ Arrest Made

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, on Friday, July 22 at approximately 2:18 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received information from the Eastern Shore 911 Center that a man had been shot in the area of Germaine Lane in Parksley and then driven to a nearby convenience store.


The victim was transported by Parksley Ambulance to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital and later transferred to Sentara Norfolk General where he is listed in stable condition.


Further investigation led to the identity of the suspect to be Anthony Lee Wise, age 32 of Melfa. On July 28th Wise was located at a residence in Onancock and apprehended without incident.


He was arrested on charges of Malicious Wounding and Use of Firearm in Commission of a Felony in addition to 2 Court Capias. He is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.


The Accomack County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Eastern Shore Drug Task Force, Onancock Police Department and the Northampton County Sheriffs Department.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Fire At Ray's Shanty Restaurant

Sometime around 4 o'clock Monday afternoon several local fire departments were called to the scene of a structure fire at  a very popular local restaurant, Ray's Shanty on Chincoteague Road located in Wattsville. 




Photos by Barry Outten, Sr., Diane Massey and Brian Justice
Eastern Shore Fire

Upon arrival fire fighters found fire in the bar area of the restaurant.  Responding fire fighters were able to quickly extinguish the fire but  the restaurant was left with smoke and water damage.

Virginia State Police and V.D.O.T. were also on the scene. The fire in being investigated by VSP.

Responding departments were: New Church, Atlantic,  Chincoteague, Greenbackville, Pocomoke, Wallops, Oak Hall, and Parksley.

Photos by Barry Outten, Sr., Diane Massey and Brian Justice
Eastern Shore Fire

No cause of the fire has been determined and no date has been set for reopening of the restaurant as of this writing.

Homicide Near Gargatha

Accomack County Sheriff’s Department officers responded at about 4 a.m. Thursday, July 21, 2011, to the scene of a shooting on Lankford Highway near Gargatha.



Pictured are (from left) Godwin, Investigator
Chuck McPherson, Lt. Gerald Goga and Capt. Shane Childress
Photo By Linda Cicoira

The incident reportedly occurred in a large grassy area outside of the old Godwin’s Nursery,which was more recently being used as a church community center.

 Maj. Todd Godwin said the victim died while being transported by Parksley ambulance to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital a short time later.

The victim was identified only as a Hispanic man, pending notification of next of kin.  Officers investigated what they believe was the victim's pick-up truck, found at the scene.


Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Accomack County Sheriff's Department  at
 787-1131 or 824-5666.

Source;  http://www.easternshorepost.com/

UPDATE:  7.27.11The man shot  in a church community center  parking lot  has been identified as Belarmino Escalante, age 25. 

Escalante,  a native of Guatemala,  and had four young children.  had worked at McDonald's  in Onley and was also a chicken- catcher. 

Escalante was also a member of the Candelero de Oro Church (once Godwin's Nursery) where the shooting occurred.

Witnesses at the scene said the fatal shooting happened after about a half-dozen men who were meeting in the church parking lot to share a ride to their job as chicken- catchers were confronted by a group of young black males who asked them if they wanted to buy marijuana.

When they declined, "they just shot the guy and drove away," a witness said.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 757-787-1131 or 757-824-5666.

Accomack Board Debates Stricter Reporting Standards for Fire and Rescue

Fire and Rescue Funding Accountability was a hot topic at the Accomack County Board of Supervisors Meeting on Wednesday, July 20.


But first, during the public comment part of the meeting, Belle Haven Resident and candidate for District 9s seat in the November election, Wesley Edwards addressed the board. He told them that the number one item on the meetings agenda should be the 13 million dollars of uncollected taxes, noting that it wasnt discussed at last months meeting and it wasnt on this months meeting agenda either. Edwards noted that the board did decide on funding another audit, something he said, the board was famous for. He went on to tell the board that a quote he made 5 years ago now seems appropriate; more paralysis by analysis. He added that the county doesnt need new taxes, but to collect the ones they have and suggested that by getting a judgment against those who owe could extend the collection period to up to 20 years.

Mark Baumgardener of Virginia Beach addressed the board concerning the proposed sewage treatment facility in Atlantic. He talked about why facility is needed stating that a study in 2008 showed that there was a dramatic need and one done in January of 2011 found that it was critical for the environmental condition of Chincoteague Bay and the Countys groundwater and for Chincoteagues businesses, noting there are people pumping weekly. He added that studies show that the best place for the system in on the mainland, northeast of Accomack County.


James Bagwell of Bloxom spoke to the board on behalf of the Accomack County Fire and Rescue Commission. He told them that the commission had met last month about the proposed accountability and that the majority was in favor of the policy with the exception of how the money would be distributed. He said they dont want the County holding the funds and asked the board to continue doing business the way it has been done in the past. He added that they were willing to do audits and to provide cancelled checks and receipts along with the year-end reports.


Mike Mason, Director of Finance made a presentation on that proposed accountability for the Fire and Rescue Commission as requested by the Supervisors in April. Mason stated that over 1.2 million dollars of County funds are distributed to fire companies each year and that the County needs a written policy that governs what the funds can be used for. Both the Board of Supervisors and Mason want it known that there as been no alleged inappropriate use of County funds or any other negative action that has prompted the policy. The fire companies have done nothing wrong. The primary purpose of the policy is to provide assurance that the County funds dispersed to volunteer fire and rescue companies are used only for the public good and are accounted for in a clear and transparent manner. Basically the proposed policy would require the fire companies to claim reimbursements, although the County recognizes the companies may have a cash flow problem. To avoid this, advances would be permitted for large purchases. Funds would be disbursed to the companies two times per year, as currently practiced. But if the fire company does not spend all funds awarded during the fiscal year, funds would be held by the County in the fire companys name and would be available for distribution the following year, assuming that report requirements are met. Any interest on funds held by the County would be given to the fire company.


Supervisor Robert Crockett was in favor of the proposed policy stated that he bears in mind an audit letter that another county received as a result of accountability similar to that of the County. He added again, that he wanted it clear that no fire company has done anything to prompt this policy. Supervisor Wanda Thornton felt differently. She reminded the board that the majority of the fire and rescue personnel were volunteers and she doesnt think enough is done to pay these people back for what they do. Thornton went on to say that to make them pay ahead of time creates more paperwork and she doesnt understand what the big deal is.

Noting that if the County had to pay for all these volunteers, the County would be bankrupt. Supervisor Ron Wolf agreed with Thorntons comments about gratitude for their service, but said that the Board is responsible for how tax payers money is used. The discussion ensued for about another hour but the issue ended up being tabled. Supervisor Donald Hart said that he thinks the policy is discriminatory and that all organizations receiving funds needs to be treated the same.

Source;  http://www.ask4direct.com/infoRead.asp?InfoID=725519&print=on

Atlantic Residents Speak Out Against Septic Plans

Written by

Carol Vaughn

ACCOMAC -- A roomful of Atlantic residents this week spoke their piece about a proposed sewage facility in the town.

But despite a flurry of last-minute phone calls, the Accomack County Planning Commission failed to achieve a quorum.

The commission adjourned its regular monthly meeting without conducting any business.

Atlantic Town Center Properties LLC in April applied for a conditional use permit to construct a remote wastewater treatment plant on Nocks Landing Road in Atlantic to treat sewage from a planned unit development several miles away near the former Dream Roller Rink.

The plant also could be used to treat sewage from Chincoteague, 9 miles away, according to a principal with the company.

But a citizens' group that has been meeting for the last two weeks or so opposes the project. A recent meeting held at the Atlantic firehouse attracted some 130 people.

About 140 people have signed a petition sent to county officials opposing the facility.

Atlantic resident Ronnie Thomas said about 120 people opposed to the sewage plant were prepared to attend this week's Planning Commission meeting, but he said, "I had heard rumors it was going to be tabled, so we called everybody off."

Some who came prepared to speak during a public comment period wondered aloud afterward whether the lack of a quorum happened purposefully.

Jack Waterfield, who with his brother owns a farm on the north side of the proposed plant, spoke after the meeting about a July 13 memorandum from Accomack County zoning administrator Dave Fluhart to interim planning director Tom Brockenbrough.

In the memo, Fluhart stated that in his opinion, the conditional use permit application "should not be accepted or processed" because the plant, as a remote, private facility that is not replacing a failing facility, does not meet requirements of the county zoning ordinance for the agricultural district.

Waterfield had planned to speak to the Planning Commission about his concern about a pond on the property where the facility is proposed, which he said flows into White's Branch and then into Watt's Bay.

Two county planning department employees this week toured the site and Waterfield showed them where the branch flows through three adjacent properties and then joins tidal wetlands on his farm, where it empties into Watt's Bay -- making the branch a resource protected area under county law, Waterfield said, citing potential problems from stormwater runoff as well as hurricane flooding.

"Seven hundred thousand to 1.5 million gallons of sewage per day won't stop coming and has nowhere to go but into Watt's Bay in any of these scenarios," he said in a prepared statement.

Bill Paige, president of the homeowners' association of Eagle Sound Estates, a subdivision located at the eastern end of Nocks Landing Road, also had planned to speak to the Commissioners.

In his prepared statement, he said he did not know a wastewater treatment plant was planned for less than a mile away from his home until he read about it in the newspaper.

"Like many who live in Atlantic, I felt blindsided and disrespected," Paige said, also citing the developers' "unusual decision to apply for the permit to construct before first applying for (a) Virginia Pollution Abatement" permit from the Department of Environmental Quality.

Dan Hoppe, a resident of nearby Wishart's Point, also planned to speak. He has two concerns, he said, the first being: "If I have to have a closed septic system living by the water, how can you have an open system that large on that side of the water without concerns about spillage into the water?"

Hoppe said he is also con-cerned about a decline in property values if the sewage plant is built, which would affect tax revenue.

"We're looking at $500,000 homes going down $200,000 -- that's lost revenue to the county," he said, adding, "Do we need a septic system? Yes, we do; but we do not need a developer to tell us where we need it. We need the Planning Commission to do a study on what's best for Accomack County."

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110717/NEWS01/107170304/-1/7daysarchives/Residents-speak-out-against-septic-plans

Rural Sign Painter

Suspect Arrested For Stabbing Man Has Bail Denied

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Thursday, June 30 at approximately 12:39 a.m., the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report from the Eastern Shore 911 Center regarding the stabbing of a male subject at Dublin Farms Labor Camp in Horntown.

Further investigation revealed that a man had been stabbed in the head as a result of an altercation with his roommate. The victim was transported by Oak Hall Ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD where he was treated and released.

The suspect was identified as George Jenkins, age 39 of Sanford, Florida. Jenkins was arrested on a charge of malicious wounding and is being held in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

The Accomack County Sheriff's Office was assisted by the Virginia Marine Police.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Accomack County Will Hire Independent Auditor

Now maybe Accomack County will begin to make progress with those unpaid taxes!

At Wednesday's Accomack County Board of Supervisor's meeting, Supervisor Robert Crockett made the suggestion that the Board hire an auditor to examine the County's tax system.

Crockett stated that he believes the best way to make a better system for tax collection is to retain the services of an independent auditor to examine the offices of the Treasurer, Commissioner of Revenue, Director of Finance and the Assessor to identify any problems that may exist.

The Board voted unanimously to spend up to $7,500 to hire an independent auditor.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Accomack County Lobbyist Is OUT

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors said no to the lobbyist and yes to Eastern Shore Rural Health at their meeting on Wednesday, June 15.

A motion was made by Supervisor Wanda Thornton to approve the contract for the lobbying firm for the next six months. During discussion, Supervisor Grayson Chesser said there was no way he would vote in favor of the lobbyist. He stated that the people of Accomack County have spoken overwhelmingly and not one person who he has talked to was in favor of it. Chesser added that he was willing to go to Washington D.C. if needed to represent the County.

Supervisor Wanda Thornton told the board "If you don't have a lobbyist, you dont get anything." She went on to say that the Wallops Research Park and NASA are an extremely intricate part of jobs for the County and if the board abandons that, people will go to Maryland and there will be no jobs here resulting in our young people not being able to find jobs. She said the board needs to do everything they can to create jobs in the County.


Supervisor Robert Crockett told the board that everyone who has contacted him was against the lobbyist and that it is his duty to represent and to listen to the people in his district.


Supervisor Ron Wolffe was in favor in the lobbyist noting that Accomack County should be on the same playing field as other Counties. He said the County needs a lobbyist to get things done.


Supervisor Reneta Major approved of the lobbyist and said Accomack County needs to be innovative. She said this is a good chance for infrastructure and called it a "no brainer." She added that no one from her district called her in opposition.

The motion failed to carry 6 to 3, with Thorton, Wolffe and Major voting in favor.

In other action, Eastern Shore Rural Health was given approval of a conditional use permit to construct a new health center near New Church. Mrs. Nancy Stern, CEO of Eastern Rural Health spoke to the board and told them that the health care organization had been serving people on the shore for 35 years and that as of June 1st, 29,000 have chosen them for health care, whether insured or not.

Stern urged the board to move forward because they were on a timeline, noting that the process was two months behind. She added that Eastern Shore Rural Health complied with everything for their new Onley facility and would do the same for the new Atlantic Medical Center.

Several citizens spoke in favor of the new health care facility and there was no opposition to the new center.

The board unanimously voted to approve the permit with a few minor revisions.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Counterfeit Bills Being Passed

According to Onley Police Chief Walter Marks, over the past weekend counterfeit $100 bills were passed at Onley businesses.


Marks said the bills were taken to a local bank where they were confirmed to be counterfeit.


Anyone who receives bills they believe to be counterfeit should contact their local police department or the Accomack County Sheriff's office immediately.


Marks added that it was easy to tell the bills were counterfeit.


No arrests have been made but the matter is being currently investigated by the Onley Police Department.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Onley Police Chief, Walter Marks To Run For Accomack County Sheriff

WESR
Former State Trooper and current Onley Chief of Police Walter Marks has announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Accomack County.


In an interview yesterday at WESR, Marks told us that his main aim as Sheriff would be to create more cooperation between different departments.


"I think it's time for a change. It's time for more cooperation between the departments where everybody is on the same page," explained Marks. "It makes for better safety for the citizens of Accomack County."


Addressing what seems to be a recent spike in violent crime around the Eastern Shore, Marks explained this cooperation would make the Eastern Shore a safer place to travel in the evening hours.


"Now as you know, at night time you can't go anywhere without hearing about shootings or fighting," said Marks, adding he wanted to be more proactive than reactive.


"As far as the drug problem goes, we do have a drug problem on the Eastern Shore. That needs to be addressed proactively also." He would increase patrols and use all police agencies to quell the Shores drug problem.


Marks also wanted to silence rumors that spread around during the last election regarding employment of current deputies.


"As far as the rumors that I'm going to clean house or I'm going to remove this one or that one, that's not so. It is just rumors that somebody has started. If I get elected Sheriff, everybody still has a job."


Marks has been a police officer for 38 years and has been a resident of the Eastern Shore since 1972. He began his career as an undercover drug officer and was a Virginia State Trooper for 35 years. He is an honorary member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of both the Onley and Melfa Volunteer Fire Departments. Marks also is a combat veteran, serving a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. He currently resides with his family in Onley.


Marks has not yet filed papers, but plans to do so by the end of the week.


As of now, only Major Todd Godwin has filed paperwork to run for the Sheriffs seat.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Over 10 MILLION DOLLARS Unpaid To Accomack County

Alot of Accomack County taxpayers would like to know what is being done to collect the monies owed to the county.  Have we become such a wealthy county that these taxes don't need to be paid ?  Or is the County Treasurer's Office just hoping none of the taxpayers that carry the burden by paying  taxes on time will ever ask?  Taxpayers of Accomack County deserve some prompt answers!

The Accomack County Board of Supervisors met for their regular meeting on Wednesday, April 20, 2011 in the board chambers in Accomac.

During the Public Comment part of the meeting, Belle Haven resident Wesley Edwards told the board that he has confirmed with the County Treasurer that over 10 million dollars is owed in delinquent taxes. He provided the board members with copies of pages from the Supervisor's manual that states that the Treasurer must prepare several lists of uncollectible taxes and delinquents by August 1 of each year.

 The lists include real estate on the commissioner's land book improperly placed with the amount of taxes charged, other real estate which is delinquent, and taxes assessed on tangible personal property which the Treasurer in unable to collect. It also stated that the board may order the lists of delinquent taxes to be published in the newspaper.


 Edwards said he has never seen any of these lists and wants to know what is being covered up and wants taxpayers and voters to know who owes these millions of dollars that are not being collected. Edwards also provided the board with the list of the top 25 people who owe delinquent taxes.


Shirley Zamora of Onancock told the board that she believes decreasing the number of supervisors is a good idea. She said it would save the county money and asked the board to consider this sacrifice for the citizens.
Zamora expressed her concerns about the Whispering Pines hotel, calling it a nuisance and liability, noting that there are derelict buildings and a pool that she believes is filled with nasty water.


County Attorney Mark Taylor said the property owner, who is an investor from Pennsylvania owes over $10,000 in delinquent taxes. He also told the board that there were someone living at the hotel, who provides security for the property. Supervisor Wanda Thornton said because they owe over $10,000, the property needs to be sold. The board voted unanimously to have the Treasurer to sell the property as soon as possible.


There will be a public hearing concerning redistricting on May 12th at the board chambers in Accomac at 7:30. Board members and staff will be available for citizens to ask questions and view the redistricting maps at 6:30 p.m. At the Redistricting Meeting held last week, the board voted 8-1 to limit the amount of precincts in a district to three. District 8 Supervisor Donald Hart was the only one who voted against the motion. Hart stated he is concerned with the way redistricting has gone so far.


He went on to say that voting should be convenient, noting that the decision means that he is losing two of his smallest precincts in his district. Quinby residents must travel to Wachapreague to cast their vote and Keller residents will now vote in Bobtown.


Hart is concerned that this will make it more difficult for elderly citizens to vote.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

'Cold Feet' Gets Groom Jail Time

Nancy Drury Duncan

Staff Writer- Daily Times

ACCOMAC -- An Accomack County man described by his attorney as having "cold feet" before his wedding will serve jail time for taking his girlfriend's money and car and trying to flee to Central America just weeks before the planned nuptials.

Gilbert Werner, 33, of Chincoteague pleaded guilty to charges of uttering, grand larceny and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle in Accomack Circuit Court.

Defense attorney Patrick Robbins said the man was having "second thoughts" two weeks before the upcoming marriage.

Werner took $500 from his fiancé, forged her checks and used her car in a way that was described as "beyond the scope of her permission."

The car was found in Salisbury where Werner left it. Werner bought an airline ticket out of the country in an attempt to meet his mother in Costa Rica, according to Robbins.

He had been abandoned by her as a child and grew up in an orphanage, Robbins told the court.

On the witness stand, Werner said he was going through a lot.

"I had just found my mother," he said. "I just kind of broke down."

He said his then-girlfriend had forgiven him for what he did. "She still loves and misses me," he said.

Robbins said his client had made restitution and even filed his 2010 tax return from jail, where he has been the past 10 months.

Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Francis Suraci presented evidence that Werner should serve time in jail because he had a criminal record. He was convicted of arson and unlawful wounding when he was 19 years old, Suraci said.

A year later, Suraci said, he served time for grand larceny and unlawful wounding.

"He was good for 13 years," Robbins said. He has been working and making "pretty decent earnings."

Werner was sentenced to nine years in prison with all suspended but 18 months.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110419/NEWS01/104190393/Groom-gets-jail-time-cold-feet-?odyssey=mod|mostview

Grader Shed Fire In Nelsonia

Fire completely destroyed an old grader shed in Nelsonia late Thursday afternoon. Fire fighters from Bloxom, Atlantic, Onancock, Parksley, Tasley and Onley responded to the call at approximately 5 PM.

The grader shed located behind Affordable Auto Sales in Nelsonia was fully involved and destroyed.

Firefighters were successful in keeping the fire from spreading to adjucent structures which included the car sales facility and a former lumber business.

No cause for the fire has been reported.

Source; shoredailynews.com