Human Remains Found Under Old Porch

CRISFIELD, Md.- Authorities say workers tearing down an old porch at a Crisfield house on Tuesday discovered human remains under the structure.

Crisfield police were called to the house on 338 Pine Street after being informed that various bones had been located in a ditch under the porch. After the scene was processed, the skeletal remains were recovered and another portion of the area was dug up to recover additional bones.

According to police, the skeletal remains consisted only of various leg bones and joints. No other parts of the body were recovered such as a skull or upper torso.

Police say the Maryland State Medical Examiner's Office in Baltimore was contacted and the bones were identified as human remains.

The remains will be taken to the State Medical Examiner's Office for further analysis and classification.

According to police, the house where the skeletal remains were recovered is more than a century old. The case remains under investigation.

www.wboc.com

Crisfield Police Officer Is "Top Cop In The State"

CRISFIELD -- A Crisfield police officer will be honored by the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association for his role in rescuing an elderly woman from a burning house last year.

Patrolman 1st Class Andrew Crockett will receive the Exceptional Police Professional Award for 2009 during the association's annual conference in Ocean City on Nov. 8.

"I think the Lord sent him that day," said Melvin Harris, whose mother, Myrtle Harris, was carried to safety by Crockett after her Minden Avenue house caught fire.

Crisfield Police Chief Mike Tabor submitted the nomination for the award and recently learned Crockett was the winner.

"He's the top cop in the state," he said during a recent City Council meeting.

In a letter to Tabor, the awards committee said it selected Crockett "as the officer who, through his dedication to duty and selfless service, best exemplified the ideals to this prestigious award."

The association will provide Crockett with a complimentary hotel room in Ocean City for two nights during the conference.

On the morning of Aug. 9, 2009, Crockett was one of the first to arrive on the scene of the fire and learned from neighbors that someone was inside.

Through a window, Crockett saw 81-year-old Myrtle Harris collapsed on the floor. He quickly broke in and carried her to an ambulance outside.

Harris was treated for smoke inhalation at McCready Memorial Hospital and released.

Soon after the incident, Crockett was recognized with his department's Bronze Star, given by Tabor during a City Council meeting and in front of family members and city residents.

Since then, Harris has been living with her granddaughter, Melissa Dixon.

"She went through a bad time, but she's perked up a little bit," said Melvin Harris, who also credits his mother's neighbor, Pat Stern, for spotting the smoke and calling 911.

Myrtle Harris' sister, Peggy Culbertson, lived in the same house but had gone to church that morning and escaped injury.

Culbertson has been living with two nieces since the fire.

Both women lost everything they owned in the blaze that was caused by an electrical wiring problem.

Melvin Harris said in spite of the material losses, no one was seriously injured.

"We've got our family; that's the most important thing," he said.

www.delmarvanow.com

Crisfield City Officials Begin Comparing Wind Turbine Proposals

CRISFIELD -- City officials plan to begin studying proposals from six companies hoping to install wind turbines at the city's sewage treatment plant where electricity bills are running about $20,000 a month.

The comparisons could take awhile, because "it won't be apples to apples," Mayor Percy Purnell said at this week's City Council meeting.

Bidders were asked for proposals that included more than just the cost of a turbine.

"It could take a month of study," he said.

Bids opened during the council meeting ranged from $4.7 million for a 1.5- megawatt turbine to $1.1 million for a 750-kilowatt model.

The city wants to build two or three large wind turbines -- about 300 feet tall -- on land next to the sewer plant to generate power for the plant.

Additional electricity would power other city-owned buildings, such as City Hall, the police station and fire department, and also be sold back to the grid.

Officials are hoping to hear soon if a $4.18 million grant application to the Maryland Department of the Environment has been approved.

If the money is awarded, the city also will need to borrow $625,300 toward the project, according to Noah Bradshaw, the city inspector who is spearheading the project.

For several months, wind speeds in Crisfield were measured with an anemometer atop a city water tower. The 18- to 19-miles-per-hour average that was captured is enough to sustain a wind farm, he said.

Bradshaw -- who has attended seminars at the American Wind Institute -- is also in the process of trying to start a smaller wind turbine project at the American Legion post in Crisfield.

Aside from the environmental benefits, wind power is expected to take a huge burden off the budget. After the city upgraded its sewage treatment plant, electricity bills jumped from about $13,000 per month to $20,000.

City officials have said they want to take the savings and put the money into street paving and other projects.

www.delmarvanow.com

Crisfield Mud Hop-- I'd Call It A HUGE Success

After weeks of waiting the Crisfield Elks Mud Hop finally became a reality on Sunday! Alot of credit has to be given to each spectator in attendance on that very, very hot day! Some had unbrella's, some erected those life saving canopy tents. But the bravest were those that sat on the bleachers and watched! What a great crowd!



By noon the area was packed with racers. Some drove campers, some drove semis to transport their racing vehicle. Others trailer towed their vehicle.

The 187 East Performance Racing Team were all there. Donald, the team mechanic, could be found almost anywhere throughout the day...... never in one spot for long.


During the intermission the young racers had their chance to compete.
No truck ever comes out of the pit looking like it did before it went in.
There were a few delays in the racing events during the day. During one race a truck ran completely over the hay bale taking the timing lights with it. That had to be restored before racing for be resumed and completed.

But nothing was quite like this wreck at the end of the day in the Unlimited Class. There were only two more vehicles to go after this one and the hot day would be behind us. The next thing everyone witnessed was this car rolling and rolling at a very fast pace towards the crowd. Luckily it stopped and I think every heart watching stopped too. Paramedics and Staff were there almost immediately and had the driver unlatched from cage and slowly the driver stood to his feet and gave the thumbs up! Whew!

Day done!

You know, this huge event just didn't happen over night. And an event of this magnitude took hours and hours of planning. It took dedicated people to work outside in the hot temperatures like Sunday. A HUGE thankyou to ALL of you that took part making this a sensational event. I honestly don't know how it could have been any better.

THANKYOU!

Crisfield Mud Hop - 2010

In spite of the high temperatures yesterday the Crisfield Elks Members did a fantastic job hosting their mud hop!Trucks were lined up first thing in the morning waiting anxiously to be registered for competition in the days events.Racers and racing fans came from up and down the East Coast. I don't think anyone left the event yesterday that did not have a good time.......unless you were sun burned.
More pictures this evening....................

Crisfield Mud Bog

Races will be held behind the Crisfield Elk Lodge

Pit is dug and waiting for racers and the racing fans.....................
Gates open at 8:00 AM
Races begin at 12:30 PM

Admission: $7.00 Children 10 and under FREE
Bring an easy chair or blanket.

SEE YOU THERE!!

CRISFIELD MUD BOG THIS SUNDAY

Discrimination Lawsuit Against Town And Fire Department

CRISFIELD -- A woman who claims she was turned down three times by the Crisfield Fire Department to serve as a volunteer firefighter has filed a gender discrimination lawsuit.

In a lawsuit filed in U.S. District Court in Baltimore, Juanita Nelson claims fire department members voted against her because if a woman was in the department, "it will never be the same."

The lawsuit names the fire department, the city of Crisfield -- because it owns the department building and equipment -- and members Ronnie Hinman, Larry Tyler and Charles Cavanaugh.

But city attorney Robin Cockey said the fire department uses a democratic process to admit new members, and that events "did not occur as the plaintiff alleges."

"The fire department and the city vehemently deny any misconduct or wrongdoing," he said.

According to the lawsuit, Nelson enrolled in a firefighter training course and passed in the Top 10 in her class. She also met all of the physical requirements.

Nelson is a 9-year member and volunteer EMT with the Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad in Crisfield.

She first applied for membership in the Crisfield Fire Department in January 2008 but was told she did not receive the necessary two-thirds majority vote from members.

She was turned down again in August 2008 and February 2009, according to the lawsuit.

The lawsuit alleges Hinman, known as "Pork Chop," began soliciting older, nonactive members of the fire department who don't normally attend meetings to turn out to vote against Nelson's application.

Among the older members reportedly attending were Bobby Tawes, Larry Tyler and Richard Scott, a former mayor of Crisfield.

"One of them openly expressed that 'if we let a female in here, it will never be the same again,' " the lawsuit claims.

But Scott said Monday he has not been to a fire department meeting in the past six or seven years.

After Nelson was denied for a third time, she asked Fire Chief Bill Reynolds for another application but was reportedly told the department was not accepting new applicants. The department allegedly admitted two male members the month before, according to the lawsuit.

Nelson is seeking $3 million in compensatory damages, $1.5 million in punitive damages and attorney fees and expenses.
www.delmarvanow.com

Here Is What Alot Of People Have Been Waiting For..........

There's been alot of talk about the Crisfield Mud Bog this summer and here it is!!
See you there!!!

Get Your Tickets While They Last

34th Annual J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake

Wed., July 21, 2010

Held every year on the third Wednesday in July at Somers Cove Marina in Crisfield, this annual celebration is named in honor of Crisfield native, J. Millard Tawes - the 54th Governor of the State of Maryland. This event, listed in Frommers Travel Guides and other National Event Directories is described as ..... "..an outdoor all-you-can-eat affair featuring crabs, clams, fish, corn on the cob, and watermelon, and in election years, lots of politicians."

WEDNESDAY, JULY 21, 2010
12:30 - 4:00 p.m.
Somers Cove Marina - 7th St. - Crisfield, MD 21817

$40.00 - all u-can-eat & drink

ALL YOU CAN EAT MENU

• 
  
  Steamed Crabs


• 
  
  Fresh Fried Fish


• 
  
  Clams: steamed, fried or raw bar


• 
  
  French fries


• 
  
  Sweet potato fries


• 
  
  Corn on the Cob


• 
  
  Onion Rings


• 
  
  Watermelon


• 
  
  Beverages included (soda, beer, bottled water)

$40 Donation - price includes free mug and mallet with customized logo, as long as they last!

This event is recognized as one of Maryland`s finest seafood festivals. Tickets must be purchased in advance through the Crisfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

Due to the tremendous response and popularity of this event, space is limited to 6000. Tickets will be sold on a first come - first serve basis.

With a purchase of 30 tickets or more, the Chamber will provide your business or organization with a hospitality space for a fee. Spaces are limited. Please inquire early.

For ticket information, please call the Chamber Office toll free at 1-800-782-3913 or email the Chamber Office Manager.

Crisfield Election Investigated

CRISFIELD -- The U.S. Justice Department is expected to begin its own investigation into the recent Crisfield election following allegations that improper and illegal voting procedures may have been used.

The ACLU of Maryland has started its own probe into the matter, and a representative met with as many as 20 concerned residents last week in Crisfield, said Deborah Jeon, an attorney for the civil rights group.

Jeon said city elections officials turned away a number of potential voters without giving them provisional ballots.

It wasn't until late in the afternoon that provisional ballots were given to people whose names could not be immediately verified as being registered voters, she said.

Jeon said, at this point, she is unsure of the number of people who were turned away.

"We're still in the process of investigating," she said.

Within days of the June 16 election, the American Civil Liberties Union detailed a number of alleged irregularities, including unlawful voter identification requirements and the failure to offer rejected voters a provisional ballot, which the group said appeared to have disproportionately affected African-American voters.

The ACLU said it was acting on behalf of mayoral candidate James Lane and several African-American voters.

Lane, who lost the election to incumbent Percy Purnell, said he knows people who were turned away or who witnessed improprieties.

"We feel very strongly there are some very serious problems," he said.

Robin Cockey, the city's attorney, said he was unaware the Justice Department planned to launch an investigation.

"That's interesting and surprising," he said. "I didn't know the ACLU thought this was still a viable issue."

Cockey said he is still in the process of conducting his own investigation, but believes the ACLU's allegations are unfounded.

When city elections officials could not find names on their lists, they called the county election office in Princess Anne for verification. Those who were registered were allowed to vote, but those who were unregistered were turned away, he said.

After the county office closed, city poll workers gave out provisional ballots to people whose names were not on the list.

"The bottom line is, anyone who was registered to vote and who wanted to vote was able to vote," he said.

This week, city elections officials verified and opened the remaining 17 provisional ballots filed during the election.

While all 17 were verified to be registered voters, one ballot was left blank, said Joyce Morgan, the city's clerk-treasurer, who was present along with election board members when the ballots were opened Wednesday.

Candidates in the election were notified that the ballots would be opened Wednesday, but none showed up, Morgan said.

With the opening of the provisional ballots, all of the candidates, except one, picked up additional votes.

In the mayor's race, incumbent Percy Purnell received 5 votes and challenger James Lane, 11.

Votes cast for City Council were Raymond Anderson, 5; Barry Dize, 4; Robert Hooks, 2; Jordan Joyner, 4; Kim Lawson, 5; Carolyn Marquis, 4; Greg Sterling, 3; and Pamela Whittington, 10.

Three incumbent City Council members --Raymond Anderson, Barry Dize and Kim Lawson, who were elected with Purnell in 2006 as part of the Clean Sweep Team --were the winners for their at-large seats.

Purnell, Anderson, Dize and Lawson are scheduled to be sworn-in for their second terms July 12.

www.delmarvanow.com

Eastern Shore - 4th of July Fireworks Shows

With the 4th of July right around the corner, several towns and groups will be putting on fireworks displays. Recreational Coordinator of Cape Charles Jennifer Lewis says their fireworks will be similar to last year.

The event will be an all-day event on Sunday, July 4 with vendors. Cape Charles will also have a 4th of July parade.

The show will be best viewed from the beachfront in Cape Charles. The Town of Cape Charles spent about $4,500 on their fireworks display.

The Moose in Exmore will have their 4th of July activities on Saturday July 3rd. Angie Ewell of the Moose says there will be childrens games starting at 3:00 PM, food will be sold. The Moose pool will be open to the public as well, normally the pool is only available to members of the Moose. At 6:00 PM, live music will be played and the fireworks will begin shortly after 9:00 PM.
The town of Chincoteague will be having a fireworks display again. Brian Rush, who is coordinating the event says the fireworks will be on Saturday, July 3rd and are scheduled to start at 10:00 PM and will be shot next to the carnival ground as usual. The rain date will be Monday, July 5th at the same time.

Rush says the Town is hoping to alleviate the traffic gridlock they normally experience on the July 4th firework night by providing free shuttle service to all who want to attend the carnival. The Pony Express will be free of charge on the 3rd and people coming to the island are asked to park at the Chincoteague High School where buses will take them to the carnival grounds.

Chincoteague's fireworks show this year will be run entirely by computer.


Many people boating on the bayside will be able to view the town of Crisfield's fireworks. Val Howard says Crisfield will be having a "Freedom Fest" on Sunday, July 4th shortly before their fireworks are set to go off from 6:00 PM 9:00 PM. There will be vendors, games and food available for those who attend. Howard also says there will be a large jumbo screen on site where they will be showing pictures of veterans and servicemen. To have a picture shown, simply bring it to the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce.

Howard the firework show will begin shortly after dusk and will be shot from the Summer's Cove Marina. The town of Crisfield's fireworks display has a price tag of $5,500.
Shucker's Roadhouse in Onancock will also be putting on a fireworks display this year on the 4th of July. Shawn McCulloch says the outside portion of the restaurant will be open all afternoon and the fireworks are set to begin just after dark. Shuckers is also planning on having live music on the 4th of July.

Crisfield's Mayor's Election Could Could Be Affected By Absentee Votes

CRISFIELD -- Mayor Percy Purnell was leading by 47 votes in Wednesday's city election, but a count of absentee and provisional ballots could change the outcome in the hotly contested mayor's race.

Purnell received 455 votes, followed by James Lane with 408 and former mayor Richard Scott with 14.

Three incumbent City Council members --Raymond Anderson, Barry Dize and Kim Lawson, who were elected with Purnell in 2006 as part of the Clean Sweep Team -- also appeared to be the winners for their at-large seats.

Lane said Wednesday night he was not ready to concede to Purnell.

"It's not over until they count the absentee and provisional ballots," he said.

City elections officials said they mailed out 51 absentee ballots, but the number returned was not immediately available Wednesday night. They will be opened this afternoon.

There also were 17 provisional ballots, as well as some people who were turned away because they were not on city voter lists.

Some of Lane's supporters said they planned to challenge the outcome of the mayor's race.

"We'll take it to the highest court," one woman shouted at reporters. "Put that in the paper."

Lane said he knows of one woman who registered to vote last month, but whose name was not on the list given to city elections officials.

"I'm sure there's going to be some examination of the process," he said.

In the City Council races, Anderson and Dize were clear winners with 513 and 465 votes, respectively, but Lawson, with 422 votes, was only 44 votes ahead of challenger Pamela Whittington, with 378 -- a lead that could change with today's absentee vote count.

Purnell said he was happy with the outcome so far.

"I think it's reassuring at this level of a challenge," he said.

Just before the polls closed, Clean Sweep Team supporters, who had camped outside City Hall all day, predicted it would be a close mayor's race.

"It was hard to tell," said Frederick B. "Fritz" Gerald, a former mayor and city manager. "This morning it was a little bit lopsided, but this evening it evened out."

Preliminary winners

Mayor

James Lane -- 408

Percy Purnell (I) -- 455

Richard Scott -- 14

City Council (3 seats)

Raymond Anderson (I) -- 513

Barry Dize (I) -- 465

Robert Hooks -- 35

Jordan "Bo" Joyner --139

Kim Lawson (I) -- 422

Carolyn Marquis -- 240

Greg Sterling -- 145

Pamela Whittington -- 378

www.somersetherald.com

Fourth Friday Events In Crisfield

CRISFIELD — The kickoff of a series of Fourth Friday events will start Friday from 5 to 8 p.m. in downtown Crisfield.

Shops in the area will stay open late and there will be live music on the streets provided by the Menno’lites.

Visitors will also be encouraged to dine in local restaurants and watch the sunset over Tangier Sound.

Fourth Fridays also are scheduled on June 25, July 23 and Aug. 27.

For more information, call the Crisfield Chamber of Commerce at 410-968-2500.

www.delmarvanow.com

Mud Racing Returns

ATTENTION MUD BOGGERS!!!

Mud Racing Returns To Crisfield!!

Sunday July 25, 2010

Elks Lodge on Route 413

Truck classes and race rules will be very similar to those in Gumboro
More details as they become available............................