Wounded Bald Eagle Had To Be Euthanized

ONANCOCK -- An American bald eagle had to be euthanized after it was found severely wounded by a jogger who minutes earlier heard gunshots in the area.

The Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries is investigating the incident, which happened in Mount Nebo, near Onancock.

"Shooting a bald eagle is the equivalent of burning an American flag," said Michael Fazio of Nebo Lane, who saw the bird fall out of the sky late last week.

It is unclear whether the bird was shot or was injured some other way, according to a wildlife rehabilitator who was called to the scene. A veterinarian who examined the eagle did not find any shot in it, but its right wing was "totally destroyed," wildlife rehabilitator Kathy Cummings said.

The eagle's body was taken to the Wildlife Center of Virginia in Waynesboro, where a necropsy will be conducted to help determine what happened, Game Warden Sarah Druy said.

Bald eagles are protected under the federal Bald and Golden Eagle Protection Act, originally passed in 1940. The penalty for violating provisions of the act is a fine of up to $5,000 or up to one year in prison. Felony convictions carry a maximum fine of $250,000 or two years' imprisonment, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.

The birds also are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Lacy Act.

Cummings said eagles sometimes fight with each other during breeding season and the bird could have been injured during a fight.

Fazio was jogging along the road when a man wearing a hood and carrying a gun shot over Fazio's head. The two men had a verbal exchange in which the shooter said Fazio should not be out running on the road during hunting season and Fazio asked the man to wait five minutes before continuing in order to give Fazio time to get out of the area safely. The man said he was shooting at targets.

Fazio continued jogging and had gone about the length of three utility poles when saw the eagle spiraling out of the sky.

"I don't know if they are connected. ... We're not sure exactly what happened," he said.

Fazio ran back to his house, about a mile away, told his parents what had happened and grabbed a blanket, with the thought of trying to help the injured animal.

When he and his father returned to the spot, they found the bird about 20 feet away from the road.

They called the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, who referred them to Game and Inland Fisheries, where they got a recorded message. Fazio's father then called a local veterinarian, who gave him Cummings' phone number.

Cummings came to the scene and took the bird to Eastern Shore Animal Hospital, but its injuries were too severe and the bird was euthanized.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Department of Game and Inland Fisheries crime line at 800-237-5712.

www.delmarvanow.com

Accomack County Public Schools Thanksgiving Holiday Break

MAKE A NOTE ON YOUR CALENDAR

Accomack County Public schools announced Monday that all Accomack County Public Schools will close at 1:00 PM on November 24 for the Thanksgiving Holiday Break.

All students will have the opportunity to have lunch prior to dismissal.

All Accomack County Schools will also be closed on Thursday, November 25 and Friday November, 26.

Students will return to school on Monday, November 29 at regular scheduled times.

Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shoot

The Stockton Volunteer Fire Company will be holding their annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Shoot on Thursday, November 25 start at 7:00 AM. There will be many prizes and a lot of fun.

Come early for shooter sign up.

This event is held at the turkey shoot grounds approximately 1/2 mile north of the Stockton Firehouse.

Pre-registration is available by calling (410)-957-1541, ask for David, or by faxing (410)957-1074.

False Fire Alarm Ordinance Passed By Pocomoke City Council

POCOMOKE CITY -- With fire alarms and fire control taking up much of the Pocomoke City mayor and council's meeting this week, the council voted to pass an ordinance that would impose penalties for false fire alarms.

If a person is found guilty of intentionally activating a signal in a nonemergency situation, he or she will be given a fine of up to $500 or imprisonment or both.

A property owner or occupant will be allowed three responses to alarms within a 30-day period or eight responses in a 12-month period because of negligent or accidental activation of the alarm. Any responses in excess of the above numbers would subject the user to a $30 penalty for each false alarm.

Once the user receives a written notice, sent out by the police department, fire company or ambulance service, that the user has a defective alarm, he or she will not be allowed to use the alarm. Anyone violating this provision could be given a fine of up to $500 or given 90 days in jail or both.

Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon also presented the benefits of having sprinkler systems installed in single-family residences. A new state law calling for any new single-family homes built after Jan. 1, 2011, to have sprinkler systems will go into effect unless the council votes to opt out of the regulation.

McMahon said it would cost $1.61 per square foot or much less to install a sprinkler system in a new home, adding there could be an additional cost if there were no water source, such as a town system.

In other action, the mayor and council moved a step closer to the beginning of construction of a restaurant between the Delmarva Discovery Center and the Pocomoke River with the signing of an agreement with the Worcester County Commissioners for a $500,000 block grant.

This federal grant will come through the commissioners.

www.delmarvanow.com

POCOMOKE WARRIORS ~ 1A Field Hockey Champs

CONGRATULATIONS TO COACH PUSEY AND HER TEAM !!

State Champion Pocomoke with their trophy after winning the Maryland Division 1A High school Field Hockey Championship on Saturday against Patterson Mill at Washington College in Chestertown, Md.

info DailyTimes/photo Chuck Snyder

OH, Those Pocomoke Hockey Girls!!!

POCOMOKE HIGH SCHOOL FIELD HOCKEY TEAM WINS!!!!

CHESTERTOWN - After a scoreless first half, the Pocomoke field hockey team scored a goal early in the second half to win their eighth consecutive 1A championship as they defeated Patterson Mill 1-0 at Washington College. The championship is the program's 18th overall.

Senior forward Taylor West had the tip-in goal off of a rebound at the 19:30 mark in the half.

CONGRATULATIONS POCOMOKE WARRIORS!

info from DelmarvaNow

Oglesby and Mathias Both Claim Victories

SNOW HILL -- Beau Oglesby is the unofficial state's attorney-elect for Worcester County and Jim Mathias is the unofficial state senator-elect for District 38 after the third canvass of absentee votes was held Friday.

In the race for state Senate, Michael James called Mathias to concede and congratulate him on his victory after learning Mathias holds 23,527 votes to Michael James' 22,896 -- a margin of 631.

In a statement to The Daily Times, James said it had been "an honor and a privilege" to participate in the election.

"Though I wish the outcome was different, I truly believe we influenced and helped shape the agenda for the Eastern Shore with our ideas, our positions and with the honest and assertive nature of our campaign," James said.

Jim Mathias was unable to be reached for comment.

With 10,465 votes, Joel Todd will not be able to overcome the 90-vote lead Oglesby holds at the final canvass. Even if Todd receives all possible 85 votes in the final canvass, he would still be 5 votes shy of a tie.

"We are thrilled by the outcome and with the way the campaign was run," Oglesby said. "I am thrilled to be looking down the road and looking forward to being a productive state's attorney."

Oglesby was able to speak to Todd after the votes were totaled and said the two have already been working together and plan to continue working together to bring Oglesby up to speed on pending cases.

In a statement provided to The Daily Times, Todd said he will work to make the transition as smooth as possible.

"It has been my honor and my pleasure to serve the citizens and visitors of Worcester County as a prosecutor since July 1, 1985," Todd said. "The role of state's attorney is at times difficult and demanding with a need, sometimes, to balance what is popular against what is ethical and what is just. During my time in office I have learned that what is popular is not always right and what is right is not always popular."

In total, Oglesby holds 10,555 votes.

The next canvass is scheduled to be held Nov. 22 when 35 absentee ballots will be counted, in addition to 14 overseas ballots, which have already been received by the Worcester County Board of Elections. However, that number is subject to change.

The board mailed out 50 ballots to overseas citizens and soldiers. If they were returned to the board by Nov. 22, they will be counted in the final canvass.

www.delmarvanow.com

Pocomoke High School Hockey Team

Pocomoke High School Field Hockey Team ~ Going for their 8th straight title of East region 1A State Champion. Pocomoke Warriors field hockey team beat the Manchester Valley Mavericks 2-1 on Monday.

Today the Pocomoke High School Girls field hockey travels to Washington College to play Patterson Mill. Game starts at 4:00 PM.

GOOD LUCK PHS FIELD HOCKEY TEAM!!

GO WARRIORS!!

BREAKING NEWS From WBOC TV

Incumbant Worcester County State's Attorney, Joel Todd, conceded the race to challenger Beau Oglesby on Friday afternoon.

PHS Field Hockey Team Heads Back To State Finals

ANNAPOLIS -- The Pocomoke field hockey team will get the chance to claim their eighth straight title after the Warriors downed the Mavericks of Manchester Valley 2-1 on Monday night in the 1A MPSSAA state semifinal.

The Warriors scored twice in the first half, getting tallies from seniors Beverly Weaver and Taylor West, and were able to hold off a late charge from the Mavericks. Pocomoke will play in the title game Saturday at Washington College.

"I'm so pleased with how we played. We finally got a full good game," said Susan Pusey, Pocomoke's head coach. "Manchester Valley was a good team and they played well; it was nice to have that competition to get ready for the final game."

Manchester Valley made good use of the opening possession of the game. Off of the opening whistle, the Mavericks created one of their best scoring chances of the contest, sending a shot just wide of the post.

Pocomoke (16-2) responded by charging down to the opposite end of the field and scoring just 92 seconds into the match. Senior Kasey Tapman put the initial shot on goal, only to see it get deflected up and over the goalie. A scrum on the Mavericks goal line ensued before Weaver knocked it across.

"If you can score within the first five minutes of the game you set the tempo and the tone of the entire game," said West. "I think we dominated the game the first few minutes, but then they had their points where they were dominating as well."

Pocomoke continued to pour on the pressure, peppering the Mavericks with shots and earning multiple penalty corner opportunities. The Warriors doubled their lead with 12:36 remaining in the first half, as West stole a pass and immediately went to goal. West dribbled inside of the circle before unleashing a shot that punished the back of the Manchester Valley cage.

"Abby (Bunting) works really well with me, and she was able to force the ball to me. So we created a double," said West, explaining her goal. "From there I intercepted it and pulled right, and that was inside the circle, so I just looked up and saw an open corner."

Pocomoke continued to dominate the run of play in the second half, as the Warriors out cornered the Mavericks five to one during a 14-minute period, but they were not rewarded for their efforts.

While Pocomoke went scoreless on their many corner opportunities, Manchester Valley was able to take advantage of one of their own. Sophomore Sarah Bach inserted the ball into play for the Mavericks before a pass finally found the open stick of Jennie Frock. Frock, a freshman, was unmarked in the center of the circle and sent a shot to the bottom right corner of the Warriors' net that found its way into the back of the cage to halve Pocomoke's lead.

The Mavericks (8-6-1) pressed on for the tying goal, but it never came as Pocomoke was able to keep the ball in or near the Manchester Valley circle as time ticked away.

When the final horn sounded the Pocomoke sideline erupted with joy, as the Warriors raced on to the field to revel in their accomplishment and the chance to play in yet another state championship.

"No one can explain this feeling really -- they never get old, keep them coming," said Pusey of her multiple state final appearances. "I'm fortunate to have good kids that play hard, play well, and do what I ask them to do. As long as we keep on playing like we are, hopefully we will come out on top again."

www.delmarvanow.com

Pocomoke Hockey Team Wins State Semifinal

Monday, November 8, 2010 - Annapolis, Maryland

The Pocomoke field hockey team celebrates its 2-1 victory against Manchester Valley in a Class 1A state semifinal.



Way to go PHS Hockey Team !!

Punkin Chunkin This Weekend !!

When it comes to performing before large outdoor crowds, Discovery Channel's "Mythbusters" hosts Adam Savage and Jamie Hyneman have some experience.

After all, it was just last weekend when the duo warmed up the crowd at Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's "Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear" in Washington D.C.

On that day, aerial photography analysis commissioned by CBS News estimated that the rally drew about 215,000. So when Savage and Hyneman host this weekend's Punkin Chunkin, which drew about 80,000 people last year, their nerves should be calm.

With about 115 teams competing in the pumpkin-flinging event and Discovery Channel television crews crawling across the Wheatley farm working on this year's specials, Punkin Chunkin Association spokesman Frank Shade has a prediction for this weekend: "Absolute chaos -- controlled mayhem."

For the third year in a row, Discovery Networks will produce a special at this weekend's event to be simulcasted Thanksgiving night on both the Discovery and Science channels with Savage and Hyneman serving as hosts. A one-hour "Road to Punkin Chunkin" documentary will air the night before, Nov. 24, on the Science Channel.

"Next to football games, turkey and pumpkin pie, Punkin Chunkin is a national Thanksgiving tradition," Clark Bunting, Discovery Channel president and general manager said in a statement announcing this year's programming, which will be filmed at the event site near Bridgeville at the Wheatley Farm.

It's hard to underestimate the power of the Discovery Channel exposure for Delaware's quirkiest event, which officially kicks off Friday at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m. Sunday with the naming of this year's champion. Before 2008, the event drew about 30,000 to 50,000 spectators. Last year's record crowd of 80,000 is expected to be surpassed this year.

"We could go well into six digits," Shade predicted. "The Discovery folks have put us over the top."

Mike Sorensen, executive producer of the Science Channel's Punkin Chunkin specials, said last year's Punkin Chunkin coverage was the highest-rated special in the channel's history, drawing in plenty viewers across the country to watch what was once Delaware's own secret.

"It's American ingenuity at its best," Sorensen said. "People get a peek into this world. The machines are incredible. The people are great. And they are really into it, fighting for bragging rights."

This year, the television crew for the specials have doubled to about 40 people, he said, adding that slow motion cameras and new technology usually used to track golf balls for television audiences will be used for the pumpkins for the first time.

Punkin Chunkin's relationship with Discovery goes back to 2003, when the cable network first produced its first pumpkin-filled hour-long special. Back then, about 65 machines competed in front of about 25,000 people. The television exposure wasn't completely new. In the mid-'90s, "The Late Show with David Letterman" famously flung pumpkins down 52nd Street in Manhattan and several cable networks have aired segments on the event over the years.

Sorensen said Savage and Hyneman are perfect to host Punkin Chunkin and the pair will lean on their own engineering expertise while inspecting the machines and interviewing participants.

"This is absolutely their territory and their crowd," he said. "Their engineering knowledge is unmatched. And I think once we get them with the characters there and their machines, it'll be such a great fit. This event was really made for these guys."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: 25th annual World Championship Punkin Chunkin

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, with the winner announced at 5 p.m. Sunday

WHERE: The Wheatley farm near Bridgeville. From U.S. 113, take Del. 40 (Redden Road) west to Chaplain's Chapel Road. Turn left, and the site is straight ahead on the right.

COST: Admission is $9 per adult and $2 parking per vehicle. Children under 10 are free.

FULL SCHEDULE AND DIRECTIONS: www.punkinchunkin.com.

www.delawareonline.com

Oglesby Holds Narrow Lead In Race With Todd

SNOW HILL — The Worcester state’s attorney race narrowed when absentee ballots were counted, but candidate Beau Oglesby retained a 107-vote lead over incumbent Joel Todd.

When election officials finished counting about 1,500 absentee ballots Thursday, Todd, a Democrat, had received 739 additional votes. Oglesby, a Republican, added 701 absentee votes.

That cut down the vote lead Oglesby earned on Election Day, but did not reverse it.

“This time four years ago, I was up by two [votes], and now I’m up by 107,” Oglesby said, referring to a razor-thin 2006 contest in which Todd prevailed by 14 votes. “It’s a much better place to be.”

Several hundred absentee ballots Worcester officials mailed out to voters who asked for them haven’t yet been cataloged or counted. Ballots postmarked by Nov. 2 and received by the time officals count absentees again on Nov. 12 could still be counted as valid votes.

“We’re quietly optimistic,” Oglesby said. “There’s still enough votes out there to make a difference, so we’ll stand by and see what happens.”

Todd did not return a call for comment late Thursday.

In another close Worcester county race, for District 4 commissioner, incumbent Democrat Virgil Shockley slightly widened his lead over Republican Ted Elder.

Shockley earned 93 absentee votes, for a total of 1,257; Elder garnered 79, for a total of 1,172. Shockley now leads by 85 votes.

www.delmarvanow.com

Reggie Mason Elected New Sheriff For Worcester County

REGGIE MASON WINS!!

Reggie T. Mason,Sr. (R) 12,083

Bobby Brittingham (D) 6,709

"My mission and dedication is to continue to serve the citizens of Worcester County to keep our children and families safe. The citizens are the eyes and ears of every community and I always welcome open lines of communication between the citizens and the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office. I am a true believer in giving back to the Community in which I serve. I will be accessible to the public for any needs or concerns that they may have. We need to work together to make Worcester County a safe place to work, live and raise our children. The Sheriff’s Departments success depends on the citizens of this county." Reggie Mason

Congratulations Reggie !!

Get Out And VOTE

Let us know how YOU think the election is going!

Remember YOUR vote has the power to make the change!

Press Conference Held Concerning Mailed Election Flyers

Worcester County Times
By Jennifer Shutt

BERLIN — Worcester Republicans say they’re upset with State’s Attorney Joel Todd for sending out campaign materials falsely implying he’d gotten endorsements from key figures in their party.
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Lee McClaflin, chairman of the Worcester County Republican Central Committee, held a press conference Wednesday to draw attention to recent election mailers, sent by Todd’s campaign, which showed him pictured with several people under the heading “Community Leaders Support Joel Todd.”

Many of the people on the mailers were not aware they were on it, McClaflin said, and do not endorse Todd as a candidate for re-election. Todd, a Democrat, is being challenged by Republican candidate Beau Oglesby.

“We are not saying, because they didn’t want to be on campaign materials, that they do not support Todd; nor are we saying that means they endorse Beau Olgesby,” said McClaflin. “We are saying it was unethical to use names and pictures in a political mailer without their permission.”

Anita Todd, Joel Todd’s wife and his campaign manager, said she is responsible for the mailer. Joel Todd never saw or approved a final draft of the flyer, she said in an interview.

“I screwed up, and should not have had those four photos under the word ‘support,’” says Anita Todd. “There was no malicious intent, no intent to misrepresent.”

Four different versions of the mailers were sent out to different parts of the county. Several prominent people from each region are featured on the mailers, including Pines police chief David Massey, Worcester County Sheriff Charles Martin, Circuit Court Clerk Stephen Hales, County Commissioner Louise Gulyas, County Commissioner Bud Church and Pocomoke City police chief J.D. Ervin.

"I don’t endorse anybody but myself,” said Gulyas, in an interview. “It’s over and done with, and it really doesn’t bother me.”

www.worcestercountytimes.com

Melson Power Show Coming Soon! ~Save The Date~

DON'T FORGET TO SAVE THIS DATE!!

Final events of the season!!

Prizes will be awarded for the points winners of the days events.

This is sure to be a full day of fun for everyone!



My favorite for the Lawn Tractor Pulling? The young lady, #63! Yep! She isn't as nervous as she was at the beginning of the season and now has complete confidence in herself! She has NO FEAR!
I wish her the very best of luck and hope she will continue next year.

For more information on Melson's........

Go to www.melsonstractorpull.webs.com/ OR

You can find them on Facebook listed under Melson's Tractor Pulling. Become a friend and keep up with what goes on. Browse the photos and watch videos.........even offer suggestions if you like.

~~BE THERE NOVEMBER 13th~~

For one last day of playing in the dirt!

County Laptop Stolen- County Employee Responsible Resigns

ACCOMAC -- Accomack residents who may have had personal information compromised when a government-owned laptop computer was stolen Oct. 7 should receive official notice from the county this week.

"The notice is being provided by Accomack County as quickly as possible following the theft, given the totality of the circumstances," said county attorney Mark Taylor in an e-mail.

County Administrator Steve Miner said as many as 35,000 names and Social Security numbers, and some resident addresses, were on a computer stolen from a Las Vegas hotel room.

The computer had been taken there by county employee Joshua Taylor on a personal vacation; Miner said it was taken there without permission.

The letter states that the county has no proof that the recipient's personal information has been accessed "by any unauthorized person." It asks recipients to review account statements and monitor credit reports by providing websites and phone numbers.

It asks recipients to call the county office if they feel personal information has been accessed or misused.

It also suggests a change in how county computers are used "by ensuring that no other computers are permitted to leave county facilities containing such data."

Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department spokesman Marcus Martin said Taylor reported missing a Dell laptop valued at $1,300 and a backpack.

Taylor resigned shortly after 1 p.m. Tuesday, according to a news release issued by the county.

The theft took place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel Casino. He said there are two periods of time in which the electronically monitored room lock wasn't fully latched.

"Who did that is still up for the detective to determine," Martin said. "Was it a maid? Was it engineered? Was it the visitor's carelessness? We can't say."

While the county waited seven days before notifying the media of the computer's theft, Miner said last week that the county had to determine what exactly was on the laptop.

"Any suggestion that Accomack County has 'waited' to take action is simply wrong," said Mark Taylor, county attorney. "Responding to this computer theft has been the county staff's top priority since the theft was reported."

www.delmarvanow.com

Two Major Accidents In Virginia Over Weekend

Saturday morning at 7:40 an empty trailer became uncoupled from it's tractor and fell into the Chesapeake Bay. The accident occured at mile post 12 on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

There were no injuries.

The tractor trailer was headed to North Carolina on the southbound trestle when the fifth wheel hitch failed and the trailer became separated from the rig careened across the guard rail and fell into the bay. The accident occurred at mile post 12.

According to Bridge Tunnel Chief Executive Officer Jeff Holland, the trailer then drifted east under the northbound trestle and then sunk. Rough waters on Saturday prevented salvage of the empty trailer.Traffic on Southbound lane of the CBBT was halted for approximately 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, an accident on Rt. 13 near Nandua High School closed Rt. 13 South of Onley for several hours. Traffic had to be rerouted around the accident and was not back to normal for several hours.

www.shoredailynews.com

Accomack Property Owners At Risk For Identity Theft

An Accomack County employee returned from apersonal holiday to Las Vegas without a computer that belongs to the county. Files in that laptop contain vital information, including the Social Security numbers of local personal-property owners.

No, Josh Taylor, who works in the Information Technology (IT) Department, didn’t gamble away the equipment. Sources close to the situation say it was stolen from either his hotel room or the vehicle he rode to the airport. Taylor was not available for comment. The taxpayers could become the victims of identity theft.

Local officials said Wednesday they aren’t sure how many files were stored in the computer. They aren’t saying if it was acceptable for Taylor to have taken the laptop on the trip. But they don’t suspect foul play by any of their workers.

Finance Director Mike Mason said the computer was stolen on Oct. 7 and was reported as such to the county on Oct. 8. Another source said Mason sent Taylor home from the job on Tuesday to await further action. Central Accounting told a caller that Taylor was expected back at work Monday. Part of his duties reportedly will be fielding calls from property owners concerned about this issue.

Now officials are trying to figure out how they are going to keep the thief from accessing the programs, how they will deal with Taylor (who is still on the clock), what policies they will enact to keep this mishap from being repeated and what will happen when property owners start complaining. Sources said hiring a company to help with the problems could cost $300,000 to $500,000.

After more than an hour in a closed session. Wednesday evening, Accomack supervisors voted to release a brief statement. Supervisors Ron Wolff and Steve Mallette were absent. Supervisor Phil McCaleb voted against going into the private meeting where personnel issues were discussed and advice from County Attorney Mark Taylor (no relation to Josh Taylor) was obtained. I voted no because I did not believe that all of what we were to discuss was covered by the ‘Closed Meeting’ criteria,” McCaleb said on Thursday in an e-mail. “Our deliberations on what to do and how to handle the employee should be closed.

The stolen computer was the result of ‘brain vacuum’ idiocy and in all likelihood the result of either a lack of a clear written policy regarding laptop computers or a failure to consistently enforce same.

I made the comment in the meeting that I do not believe this is a ‘fireable’ offense unless there is a written policy requiring it.”

According to the statement released by the supervisors, “The
theft is under a separate criminal investigation. There is no allegation
of criminal wrongdoing by the employee or anyone else affiliated with Accomack County.

Accomack County believes that the stolen computer contained a file or files
from which taxpayer identity might be extracted.

Any citizen who is concerned about the security of their identity may request a fraud alert on their credit report by calling 888-766-0008, 888-397-3742 or 800-680-7289.

Citizens who may be affected will receive a more specific written notice from AccomackCounty. This is Accomack County’s entire comment on this matter pending advance of the ongoing criminal investigation and the internal personnel issue involved.” Board Chairwoman Laura Belle Gordy called for Wednesday’s meeting Eastern Shore Post that afternoon.

The announcement stated that the meeting would be closed and would only be used to discuss personnel. The session started at 5 p.m. and began with the usual prayer and
Pledge of Allegiance. Before a motion was made, Gordy said, “I know we can go into closed session for personnel, but that’s not the real reason.” The attorney suggested
that they also meet under another section of law that allows the group to speak privately with him.

County Administrator Steve Miner defined taxpayer identity as name, Social Security number, perhaps address and the personal property owned. He said real-estate holdings are not in question.

Josh Taylor did not attend the session. Miner, Mason, County Treasurer Dana Bundick, Commissioner of the Revenue Leslie Savage and another IT worker attended the private session.

Asked about the IT Department, Miner said there is only one person “who reports back to me” and others who work in IT are under other departments. He said he is unsure if the
employee in question regularly takes the laptop home. “I’m not sure but suspect the answer is no,” Miner said.

"I don’t provide anyone with Social Security numbers,” Savage explained Thursday. “Josh Taylor has been part of the project team” working on software that provides the county with the capability of twice-a-year billing.

Las Vegas Police Officer Marcus Martin said Josh Taylor reported the incident on Oct. 8. Taylor was staying at the Mandalay Bay, an upscale hotel and casino. Upon awakening that morning
he found that clothing was thrown on the floor and the laptop and a red backpack were gone, Martin said.

An investigation of the electronic entry to the room showed that between 10:53 a.m. and 12:35 p.m. on Oct 7 and from 8:14 p.m. Oct 7 and 9:21 a.m. Oct 8, the door to Room 16122, where he
was staying was “not properly latched.” Martin said it is unclear why. Taylor was out of the room between 8 p.m. Oct 7 and 2 a.m. Oct 8 and hadn’t noticed anything missing or in disarray
upon return. Martin added that the case just landed on a detective’s desk and he had not had time to check a video of the hallways.

“It appears the suspect also drank (the contents of) two mini liquor bottles” while in the room, the officer said.

www.easternshorepost.com

Wow! That's quite a story! But which is it? Was it taken from the rental car or was it taken from the room? From 8 p.m. on Oct. 7 until 2 a.m. on Oct. 8. Taylor was out of his room yet the door was not "properly" latched until 9:21 on the 8th. And whomever stole the laptop from the room was thirsty enough to sit and have a drink. I don't know about anyone else but I don't think so. Not much of this makes alot of sense.

So, because Mr. Taylor was whooping it up in Las Vegas Accomack taxpayers have endure the risk that private information has been obtained by those other than Accomack County workers. Shame on you, Mr. Taylor, for being so inconsiderate! Keeping hours like those it"s quite apparent that you did not intend on doing any "work" while vacationing.

And shame on Accomack County for not knowing if employees ARE allowed to take laptops home. Well, Mr. Taylor and Accomack County officials this isn't the "brain vacuum idiocy" you claim it is. This is lack of consideration for ALL of the people that now may be jeopardized with fraud and identity theft. And YOU expect US to straighten it up by calling the telephone numbers listed.

The county is in bad enough shape without having this happen. Besides, when hard working Accomack County taxpayers pay their taxes we assume our private information is just that. PRIVATE!! Lock those computers to the desks!

Most computer users today go to great extremes making sure that their personal computers do not become privy to hackers. We are very concious about everything we do on our computers.

Identity theft is a horrible thing to happen. And NOW because of ONE person one must be concerned about the practices of the employes hired by the county.