School Is Now Open................

A new school year begins today. Hundreds of students will descend upon the public schools in Accomack and Northampton County today as the school systems, continuing to face the burdens of state budget cuts, will work to keep quality education their main goal.

Accomack County School Superintendent Rick Bull said in a letter to parents dated Sept. 6 "Like many school divisions across the state of Virginia, Accomack County has been charged with reducing its budget while still maintaining high quality services for its students. Our long-range fiscal planning has ensured the resources needed to educate students in modern facilities with staff sizes aligned with the Virginia Standards of Accreditation. The support of the School Board and Board of Supervisors cannot be overstated. These positive working relationships have helped us achieve great things in our division."

Bull went on to say that despite difficult economic times, Accomack County Schools remain dedicated to providing each and every student in the division a quality education.

This years Accomack County Schools projected budget is 45,201,416 which is a little over $500,000 less than last years budget.

Northampton County School students and parents will be looking at a new policy regarding cell phones in schools.

Elementary students are not permitted to have cell phones at school and high school students are only permitted to have cell phones out after the instructional day has ended.

High school students must keep the cell phones in their vehicles or lockers until after school ends.

Any cell phones confiscated during the day will be kept by the school administrators until the last day of school in June.

Northampton County also faced budget cuts for the 2010-2011 school year. Those figures werent available to us at the time this story was composed.

Broadwater Academy also welcomes students today. Shore Christian Academy began its year August 25.
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Virginia School Hours

Summer vacation is over and tomorrow the students in the surrounding Virginia areas will venture back to class.

Please use caution when on the road tomorrow.

COUNTY SCHOOL TIMES

ACCOMAC -- Accomack County Public Schools has announced bus arrival and instructional day conclusion times for its schools for the 2010-2011 school year, which begins on Tuesday.

For Accawmacke, Kegotank, Metompkin and Pungoteague elementary schools, buses will arrive at school at 8 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3:20 p.m.

For Chincoteague Elementary School, buses will arrive at school at 8:15 a.m. and the day ends at 3:30 p.m.

For Arcadia and Nandua high schools, buses will arrive at 7:45 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3:18 p.m.

For Chincoteauge High School, buses will arrive at 7:40 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3 p.m.

For Arcadia and Nandua middle schools, buses will arrive at 7:55 a.m. and the instructional day ends at 3:07 p.m.

Northampton County Circuit Court

Northampton County Commonwealths Attorney Bruce Jones reports the following cases were heard in Northampton County Circuit Court:

Ernest Daniel Stith, 37 of Cape Charles, had probation revoked on an original charge of receiving a stolen firearm and will serve the original sentence of 9 years and 6 months in prison with an additional 2 years to serve.

Corey C. Wescott, 23 of Townsend, had probation revoked on an original charge of breaking and entering and destruction of property. Wesott was originally sentencd to 6 years imprisonment for the charges which was suspended pending the successful completion of the Detention and Diversion Center programs, restitution and supervised probation. Wescott will have to serve the 6 years and 7 additional months.

Bernard Anthony Brickhouse, 41 of Painter, had probation revoked on an original charge of grand larceny. Brickhouse was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with all but 6 months suspended, ordered to pay $2,000 restitution and 2 years probation upon his release. Brickhouse will serve 4 years and 6 months in prison.

Joseph Alvin Doughty, 28 of Dover, De., had probation revoked on an original charge of a 3rd offense DUI. Doughty was originally sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with all but 6 months suspended, a $2,500 fine, operators license suspended indefinitely, and supervised probation for 5 years. Doughty will serve 2 years in prison and continued probation.

Dwayntavius Tyrone Eason, 29 of Chesapeake, Va., had probation revoked on an original charge of possession with intent to distribute more than ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana. Eason was originally sentenced to 5 years in prison with all time suspended. Eason will now serve time sentenced.

Lavar Anwar Washington, 28 of Willis Wharf, plead guilty to 2 counts of entering in the nighttime, 2 counts of grand larceny and auto theft of property.

Wiliam Mapp Cullen, 43 of Painter, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment with all but 4 years suspended for 7 counts of embezzlement.

Elton Lewis Merritt, III, 20 of Cape Charles, was sentenced to 20 years for burglary and grand larceny, with all but 5 years suspended. Merritt was also sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for malicious wounding and 10 years for shooting into an occupied vehicle. The sentences will run concurrently with all but 5 years suspended. Merritt will also have 3 years of supervised probation.

Joshua Wayne Walton, 29 of Eastvile, was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for malicious wounding and 10 years for shooting into an occupied vehicle. The sentences will run concurrently with all but 7 years suspended.
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Burn Bans Lifted

As of Friday, August 20, 2010 the burn bans in Accomack and Northampton Counties have been lifted.

Both counties urge residents to adhere by all regular laws, rules, regulations and normal precautions when conducting open burns.

3 Men Sentenced in Northampton County

Northampton County Commonwealth's Attorney Bruce Jones reports the following cases were heard in Northampton County Circuit Court:

Jermaine Dontae Collins, 24 of Eastville, was sentenced to 2 years imprisonment with all time suspended conditioned upon successful completion of the Diversion Center program for distribution of cocaine.

Larry Jones, 39 of Birdsnest, was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with 3 years suspended for distribution of cocaine.

Craig Walter Turner, 32 of Melfa, as sentenced to 5 years imprisonment with 3 years suspended for uttering, breaking and entering, grand larceny and destruction of property.
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!! NO BURNING !!

ACCORDING TO THE 911 CENTER

STILL NO BURNING IN

ACCOMACK COUNTY OR NORTHAMPTON COUNTY !

Northampton County Delinquent Taxes List

CAPE CHARLES — Two of Northampton County’s bigger delinquent taxpayers are well-known professional football names who have earned millions of dollars during their careers.

Darren Perry, a Hampton Roads native who had a long National Football League career and now is a defensive coach with the Green Bay Packers, owes the county $14,140.21 for unpaid real-estate taxes over the past two years, county records released this week show.

Perry and his wife, Errika, are the listed owners of a home on a .22-acre lot at 2830 Vernon Way, Cape Charles, valued at $1.4 million, according to the Northampton County website.

The lot is near the Marina Villages area on the Chesapeake Bay, near the mouth of King’s Creek.

They have not paid their $7,070.21 annual real-estate tax bills in each of the past two years.

The Perrys also owe $2,029.50 in delinquent personal property taxes for 2007 and $880.13 in personal-property taxes for 2008.

Perry could not immediately be reached for comment through Rob Crane, a spokesman for the Packers.

DeAngelo Hall, also a Hampton Roads native who owns a .7-acre parcel and house at 122 Creekside Drive, Bay Creek, owes $6,377.35 in delinquent taxes for 2009, according to county records.

Hall is a former Virginia Tech football standout who played for the Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders before catching on with the Washington Redskins in recent years.

Hall did not return an e-mail seeking comment from the News placed through his website, DeAngeloHall.com.

The top 15 real-estate delinquencies for 2009 on Northampton County’s tax list, updated Tuesday, include:

Cherrydale by the Sea LLC, $38,347;

Shore Landvest Inc., 20,963.67;

Kimberley Starr, 14,316.33;

FFS, LLC, $12,965.89;

Seaside Preserve LLC, $11,808.51;

Platinum Partners Properties LP, $9,987.67;

Bayview Citizens for Social Justice Inc., $9,480.03;

Cape Charles Hotel LLC, $8,873.90;

Trustees of Hickman M.T. Et Als, $8,857.73;

Synergy Development and Investments, $8,484.84;

Perry, Darren and Errika, $7,070.21;

Forst, Paul E. and Kathleen M., $6,939.68;

Burns, Allen F. and Asenath P., $6,872.25;

Stewart, Dexter A. and Nassima, $6,741.42;

Hall, DeAngelo, $6,377.35.

The top 15 personal property delinquencies for 2009 on Northampton County’s tax list, updated Tuesday, include:

Shore Landvest Inc., $8,200;

Brunk Transport Inc., $3,100.63;

Two Farms Inc., $3,093.86;

Jiggetts, Willie, $3,075;

Quality Structure LLC, $2,618.12;

Rayfield, Arthur Wayne, $2,555.12;

Shore Hospitality LLC, $2,408.34;

Stewart, Nassima, $2,038.77;

Heath, Jennifer L., $1,702.89;

P&E Incorporated, $1,668.70;

Burton, Benjamin F., $1,431.59;

Tankard, Amelia W., $1,416.87;

Montalvo, Valerio J., $1,415.95;

Chesapeake Properties, $1,366.53;

Cape Charles Properties LLC, $1,163.58.

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Community Trying To Cope With Murder Of This Wonderful Woman

Sharone White Bailey was known for her selfless giving and volunteer work in her small, tight-knit Northampton community.

She regularly helped needy people get eyeglasses and medication, and she bought food for struggling families in the area.

Last month, the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce named Bailey its Citizen of the Year because of her volunteerism.

But her love of helping others ended Friday.

Bailey, 57, was stabbed at her home in the 11000 block of Occohannock Neck Road on Friday afternoon, according to the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office .

Derrick Demond Epps, 36, was charged with first-degree murder, entering a house with intent to commit murder, and assault and battery of a law enforcement officer. He is being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail without bond.

Northampton authorities say the case is under investigation.

Bailey’s husband, Roland “Butch” Bailey, a local mechanic, said Epps had lived with his mother across the street from the couple for about a year.

He said family and friends don’t know what the motive was for the stabbing, but he said he knew Epps had mental health issues.

“She didn’t expect he would be that violent,” Bailey said. “He needed help and apparently he didn’t get it quick enough.”

Family and friends were shocked and saddened by Sharone’s death. Still, they gathered at Butch’s Cars and Parts Inc. on Lankford Highway on Saturday evening to celebrate the business’s 25th anniversary.

Bailey said his wife had helped him plan the celebration, so he still wanted to hold the festivities in her honor.

“I know she would want me to do it,” he said, perched in a chair in the corner of the shop. “I just have to go ahead and take care of business.”

Family friend Charles Kellam described Sharone as a popular, active member of the community.

“She was always trying to make people better,” he said Saturday. “She never caused anyone any trouble.”

The Baileys were married for 20 years.

Sharone never had any children of her own, but she had two stepdaughters.

She received a degree in social work from Norfolk State University and her master’s from Ohio State University.

She was a board member of Eastern Shore Rural Health System and part owner of Therapeutic Intervention, where she worked with at-risk kids.

Sharone sang in the choir of Macedonia A.M.E. Church in Accomac, where she had been a member since childhood.

She was an avid gospel and jazz listener and had a fondness for old-fashioned love songs by Roberta Flack and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

On Friday, Roland Bailey said she had “I’m Blessed,” by the Rev. Clay Evans, in the CD player in her car.

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Northampton County Institutes Burn Ban

Effective Thursday, July 8, 2010, an Open Burning Ban for all of Northampton County will be imposed according to a press release from the Northampton County Administrator Katherine Nunez. Nunez cited the excessive dry conditions are the reason for the open burn ban.

Certain exemptions are still allowed under the burn ban, however. Controlled burning operations in connection with tomato harvesting, campfires conducted in designated campgrounds and other camping facilities and brush pile burning conducted by the County at the sanitary landfill will still be allowed.

The ban will remain in effect until the County Administrator deems advisable to lift the ban. According to Accuweather.com, rain is likely Thursday afternoon and Saturday as well.

Northampton Sheriff's Deputy Fatally Injured

PUNGOTEAGUE –– An off-duty Northampton County Sheriff’s Office deputy was fatally injured during a Saturday crash on Big Pine Road near here.

Brian T. Hall, 32, of Belle Haven, was killed after the motorcycle he was driving hit a Chevrolet Caprice car while Hall was traveling toward Pungoteague. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The crash happened around 2 p.m., said State Police Trooper J.N. Godwin.

The owner of the Chevrolet, 58-year-old Jean Belote LeCato, was hit as she was turning into the driveway of her home.

Units and personnel from Melfa and Painter responded to the accident.

LeCato was taken to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital to be treated for minor injuries. She was released the same day.

Police officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash.

Hall had been a deputy with the Eastern Shore Regional Jail for three and a half years.

Roger Kennedy, administrator for the jail, said Hall had a cheerful attitude that co-workers found endearing.

“He always had a smile and a good positive attitude,” Kennedy said. “I think pretty much everybody (at the jail) liked him.”

Kennedy said employees at the jail have been affected by the recent loss of Hall.

“It’s been real emotional for everybody up here. It’s bothered a lot of people,” said Kennedy.

“He was a very good employee,” said Northampton Sheriff’s Office Major David Doughty.

Memorial services for Hall will be held at First Baptist Church near Capeville on July 10 at 11 a.m.

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Child Drowns In Fish Pond In Northampton County

CHERITON — A 2-year-old boy drowned in a fish pond in the front yard of his home Tuesday.

Lorenzo Jermelle Stith Jr. was found unresponsive in the pond and was transported to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, which responded to the scene.

Preliminaryreports indicate the toddler was a drowning victim. The incident is still under investigation.

Stith was the son of Tracy Freeman of Columbia, Md. and Lorenzo J. Freeman of Cheriton.

The child’s body was taken to John O. Morris Funeral Home in Nassawadox. Funeral arrangements were pending at press time Thursday.

Northampton Sheriff Jack Robbins declined to release further details of the death.

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State Of The County Report

The Northampton County Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual State of the County Breakfast at Aqua Restaurant in Cape Charles on Wednesday, May 5th.

The morning started off with a report on the state of the Commonwealth with Senator Ralph Northam. Northam reported that 4.2 million dollars has been cut from the budget in areas of Medicaid, k-12 education and law enforcement.

He also stated how the shore needs to concentrate on turning its economy around by getting people back to work. He mentioned the wallops initiative how there are companies coming to the shore that will be hiring. He noted that the Shore needs to make sure it has the ability to train the workforce, concentrating on vocational training.

Delegate Lynwood Lewis addressed the group, giving an overview of what happened during the general assembly session in Richmond. He said Virginia isnt immune to the Economic Challenge. He compared the challenge to a Category 5 storm. Lewis also elaborated on budget cuts. And stated how Virginia has been rated by several agencies the best place in the country to do business since it has a relative low tax and positive business environment.

Sam Long was the first member of the Northampton County Board of Supervisors to speak. He reminded the group that its a tough budget year and the board is having to make very difficult choices. Long voiced how he is disappointed in the lack of funding on Regional Jail, but excited with direction of the Board of Supervisors. He mentioned that they are taking steps toward eco develop-and opportunities are being presented but being kept private at this time.

Spencer Murray, intending to give a satellite view of Northampton County, noted the Northampton County was much like the rest of the world, country and state. He encouraged the county to connect with one another and reminded the group that we are really all in this mess together and we will either sink or we'll swim together. He said if community stops caring about each other, we wont make it.

Supervisor Richard Tankard was up next and focused in on Northampton Countys School System. He believes that the school system should make the same types of changes that have been done at the county level, noting that county employees have been furloughed, positions cut, and savings in many areas. He encouraged the school system to strive for the same so taxes dont have to be raised.

He also reported that through an audit, the school system discovered $377,000 last year that they didnt know they had and over 200,000 the year before. He asked school system to adjust their budget request based on this fact. By changing the base, it would be a big step to having a balanced budget.

Re-elected Mayor Dora Sullivan reported that Cape Charles has 16 millions in government funded projects going on at the same time. She noted how important tourism is to the town and that Cape Charles is Open For Business.

Newly elected Councilman Larry Lemond represented Cheriton reporting that the town has had 4 new businesses open recently, they are working on a boundary adjustment and the waste water system with other towns and the county.

Eastville Town Mayor Jim Sturgis reported that because of budget cutbacks at the state level, that town has re-instated its own police department, water testing is now paid for by the town and VDOT is requiring Eastville to be responsible for street repairs.

Re-elected Exmore Town May Billy Moore stated Exmore is a great town, giving credit to town employees, town manager and police department. He considers Exmore the commercial hub of the county. He noted that the two new hotels seem to be busy, the town is working towards broadband coming, and that the town is working with PSA and towards water and sewage.

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Follow Up on Story

Here is a follow up on a story from 12/24


Autopsy Ordered on Woman's Body

Authorities have ordered an autopsy to be conducted on a womans body found on a beach here on the Eastern Shore.

The body of an unidentified white female was located on a private beach near the mouth of Westerhouse Creek on the Chesapeake Bay around 4 p.m. Tuesday, according to Major David Doughty of the Northampton County Sheriffs Department. The creek is near the Vaucluse neighborhood. The woman appeared to be over the age of 40 and has pierced ears.

According to authorities no one in Northampton or Accomack counties has been reported missing in recent days.

The medical examiner is conducting an autopsy and the Northampton County Sheriff's department is checking missing-person reports for other municipalities around the region.

A fish-fighting chair a heavy seat usually mounted on the back of offshore fishing boats was also found in the water in the area where the body was located. Major Doughty stated that it is impossible to tell whether the chair and body are related,

Anyone who may be able to help the identity of the woman is asked to contact the Northampton Sheriffs Department at 757-678-0458.


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