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Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Opening Tomorrow In Pocomoke........
Former Extension Agent Begins Prison Sentence
Brenda Holden who was a former family and consumer sciences Extension agent for Virginia Tech will serve two years in prison and will face $100,000 in fines. Holden pled guilty and was sentenced earlier this month but was allowed to spend the holiday season with her family.
Holden who has worked as an Extension agent for years continued to serve the community as a volunteer for the Salvation Army this Christmas despite her legal difficulties.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Chincoteague Causeway Now Snow Drift Free
Holiday travelers were held up for hours as they tried to drive on the only road that leads to the island.
Exmore Without Water Yesterday
In order to repair the break, the entire water system had to be shut down which left all houses on the system without water.
According to Exmore Town Manager Artie Miles crews working on repairing the break completed work at 11:45 PM Tuesday evening. The town was without water for less than a half day.
www.shoredailynews.com
Sirens To Sound In Worcester County
In the event of an actual emergency, the sirens would be used as additional means to warn the surrounding communities of imminent danger and the need to tune to either radio, television or the Internet for information.
Sunday, December 26, 2010
By 3:00 PM 11 Inches of Snow Or More Have Fallen
As much as 14 inches are expected.
The winter storm warning for Northampton and Accomack counties expires at 5 a.m. Monday.
Blizzard conditions have just been announced. Please use good judgement and good sense and stay where you are. The police and emergency people are having a rough time out in this weather. Don't jeopardise your life or theirs!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Level One Restrictions On Bridge Tunnel
This means that the following types of vehicles will not be allowed to cross the bridge ... large pick-up's with campers ... towed camping trailers ... house trailers ... anything being towed ... automobiles with car top carriers, luggage racks etc.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
BEWARE- Possible Phone Scam In Virginia
Worcester County Opts Out On Sprinkler Systems
In a 5-2 vote, Commissioners Virgil Shockley, James Purnell, Bud Church, Merrill Lockfaw Jr. and Jim Bunting Jr. voted to opt out, while Louise Gulyas and Judy Boggs voted to retain the sprinkler requirement.
Several of the commissioners who voted to opt out said phone calls and e-mails from constituents expressing concern about the price of the sprinkler systems had convinced them opting out was the right choice.
"The majority of my constituents are in favor of the county opting out, and the main reason is economics," Lockfaw said.
He later said the Pocomoke City Fire Department is not in favor of mandating residential fire sprinklers either.
"There is mandate after mandate after mandate," Purnell said. "There are too many mandates."
At a Sept. 21 public hearing, commissioners listened to arguments for adopting the law from Worcester County Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon and the National Fallen Firefighter's Foundation. Real estate agents, developers and some residents spoke against letting the rule go into effect.
After attempts to get a consensus, commissioners were unable to reach a vote on opting out or amending the mandate. The legislation would have taken effect Jan. 1 if commissioners had not voted.
Boggs, who voted against the measure, said it is the responsibility of the government to protect citizens.
"I have been thinking back to the public hearing," Boggs said. "The welfare of residents and life safety would be better served by mandating."
Church said he had brought the item back up because several commissioners asked him to, noting Lockfaw and Bunting were not commissioners during the previous vote. Those two should have the opportunity to vote on the legislation, Church said, because they will represent their constituents when it takes effect.
Even though commissioners have opted the unincorporated areas of Worcester County out of the mandate, new homes with four or more stories, as well as new modular homes, will still be required to install the sprinklers.
In addition to Worcester County, Pocomoke City has opted out of requiring residents to install residential fire sprinklers; Ocean City has let the legislation stand; Berlin has opted out for one-family dwellings; and Snow Hill is scheduled to hold a vote Dec. 28.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Suspect In Handy Murder Has Been Arrested
POCOMOKE CITY — A suspect in a Pocomoke murder case was arrested without trouble outside the Walmart store Friday night, police said. They arrested Skylor Dupree Harmon, 19, who days ago was charged with murdering Reginald Handy Jr., 22, in May.
A state police fugitive apprehension team, assisted by a special team of Worcester sheriff's deputies, caught Harmon Friday at about 6 p.m., police said, and he is being held without bond.
At a news conference last week, prosecutors and police said they believe Harmon killed Handy. A different man, Alexander Crippen, 36, was the first person charged with murder in Handy's death, but those murder charges were dropped before Crippen's trial; he was later convicted of attempting to kill a different man, based on testimony about what he did at the same scene where Handy died.
Harmon is currently the sole suspect in Handy's death, and police had said he was at large in southern Worcester or Somerset counties, and possibly armed and dangerous.
Commissioners To Discuss Sprinkler Law
Although the meeting is not a public hearing, President Bud Church said it will allow new commissioners a chance to express their views and get all of the facts.
"A number of people requested it be brought back up, including the new commissioners," Church said. "We'll see if we can get a vote, whether it's up or down, so we're not in limbo anymore."
The commissioners originally held a public hearing Sept. 21, during which homeowners, firefighters, real estate agents and Fire Marshal Jeff McMahon expressed strong views on the issue. A motion to exempt all county homebuilding from the rule failed to win a majority of votes, and a proposal that well-water properties be allowed to forgo the sprinklers also failed. As a result, the rule is scheduled to take effect next year if commissioners take no further action.
Newly elected commissioners Jim Bunting Jr. and Merrill Lockfaw Jr. have expressed opposition to the legislation, saying if it were to be brought up, they would vote against it.
Several of the municipalities in Worcester County have also addressed the issue. So far, Pocomoke City has opted out; Berlin amended the law so new single-family homes will be free from the mandate; and Ocean City and Snow Hill have yet to take a vote.**
** If my memory is correct Ocean City has already voted in favor for the new state law requiring sprinklers.
Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Accomack County Sheriff's Office Asks Citizens Help In Two Robberies
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 30 years of age, 5'8, 180 lbs.
The Sheriff's Office is also looking for a suspect wanted in connection with a robbery that took place on Saturday, December 11 at approximately 6:44 PM, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of a robbery of two men at Captain's Quarters.
Further investigation revealed that two black males approached a vehicle occupied by two men parked in front of a residence at Captain's Quarters. The suspects robbed the victims at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of money and property and then fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival.
During the investigation, information was received that led to the identification of one suspect to be Cardell Shavar Mears, age 22 of Drummondtown Road, Accomac. Mears is described as a black male, 5'11, 180lbs.
Felony warrants have been obtained by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office charging Mears with 2 counts of robbery and 1 count of use of firearm in commission of a felony. He has been entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center as a wanted person.
Anyone with information concerning these crimes is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.
www.shoredailynews.com
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Recess Still Under Discussion With Board of Education
Board President Bob Hulburd told the audience that the matter was too significant to be decided without every member’s input.
“We’re upset with the delay,” he said, referring to the group of parents he represents. “We were under the impression that we’d have an answer tonight.”
“We’re disappointed there was no decision,” Voss said. “We’re really looking for an unambiguous statement [from the board].”
Friday, December 10, 2010
Change In Accomack County Christmas Dismissal
Accomack County Schools have annoucned a change to their Christmas dismissal schedule, according to a press release.
Students will be dismissed two hours early on Wednesday, December 22. Schools and the Central Office will remain closed on Thursday, December 23 through Tuesday December 28 for the Winter Holiday.
The Offices will also be closed on Friday, December 23.
All schools and the Central Office will reopen on Monday, January 3.
Va. State Police Ask Hunters Help In Tracking Narcotics
"The discovery and destruction of these illegal grows have played a significant role in preventing marijuana from reaching the streets and Virginia's youth," said Lt. Richard A. Childers, Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Richmond Drug Enforcement Section. "In addition to the more than 180 arrests resulting from the 2010 GIANT initiative, millions of dollars have also been kept out of the hands of drug dealers."
Because the cultivation of marijuana is a year-round process, law enforcement needs Virginians - especially hunters - to be on alert to what may indicate an area being used to illegally grow marijuana.
Signs include:
- an obscured/hidden clearing in the woods, swamp or corn fields possibly near or with reasonable access to water;
- shovels, pails to haul water, bags of fertilizer and/or chemicals discarded near the clearing;
- random, well-trampled trails leading into the woods or swamp.
Hunters are advised not to confront anyone they may encounter near a clearing or possible grow site. Instead, please take mental notes of what you see, smell and hear at that location, and then report it to law enforcement.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Drug Diversion Unit at 1-800-553-DOPE (3673). You can also contact your local law enforcement to report illegal activity. Information you provide can result in a cash reward and all information is confidential.
www.shoredailynews.com
One Arrested, Police Searching For 2 More In Burglaries
Authorities say the first burglary occurred Tuesday, Dec. 7, at a home on Critcher Road in Pocomoke City. Deputies with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and determined that the suspects had gained entry into the home by prying open one of the exterior doors. The victim determined that more than $43,000 in personal property had been taken from his home.
Detectives from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation were contacted to assist with the investigation.
The next day, on Wednesday, Dec. 8, Maryland state troopers were dispatched to a home on Brantley Road. According to police, the homeowner had arrived at his home and observed three male suspects walking out of his house carrying his wrapped Christmas presents, as well as other personal property.
Police say that while the victim was on the telephone with authorities, the three suspects fled the scene.
State troopers, assisted by sheriff's deputies and officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department, searched the area for the suspects.
One of the suspects, identified as LeAnder Ward, was arrested and charged with the aforementioned crimes. He is being held in the Worcester County Jail on $20,000 bond.
The other suspects drove off in a car described as a black four-door Taurus, with Maryland registration.
Anyone with additional information about these incidents, or knows of the identities or whereabouts of the other two suspects, is asked to call the WCBI at (410) 352-3476.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Four Men Arrested For Dash In Robbery Charged For Second
Let's hope that the courts begin to do something about crimes like this instead of letting these creeps back onto the streets!
BERLIN, Md.- Police have arrested four suspects wanted in connection with last week's armed robbery of a convenience store in Berlin. The suspects are also alleged to have robbed another convenience store in Willards on the same day.
Jordan Criner, 23, of Berlin, Takeyah Mason, 21, of Melfa, Va., Akeem Mason, 17, of Painter, Va., and Dalton Entzminger, 17, of Accomac, Va., are each charged with armed robbery, robbery, theft, first- and second-degree assault and conspiracy.
The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation says the arrests stemmed from an armed robbery that occurred Dec. 1 at the Shore Stop store on 11121 Racetrack Road in Berlin.
According to detectives, an investigation revealed that Akeem Mason and Entzminger entered the store, with Mason allegedly armed with a handgun. Police say the pair then robbed the store clerk, and stole an undetermined amount of cash and cigarettes. The suspects then fled the area in a vehicle also occupied by Criner and Takeyah Mason who was driving, according to investigators.
Police say the same four suspects also robbed the Dash In convenience store in Willards, and were apprehended by deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. Police say the four were later identified as the individuals who robbed the Shore Stop.
All four suspects are being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center in Salisbury in default of bond.
The investigation into the robberies is continuing, and anyone with any information about this case or any related case is asked to contact the WCBI at (410) 352-3476, or the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at (410) 632-1100.
Three From Pocomoke Arrested For Stealing From Local Business
Christopher D. Joseph, 19, Stephen E. Petitt, 23, and Travis A. Parsons, 24, all of Pocomoke City, were each charged on a criminal summons with theft over $1,000 and conspiracy.
The arrests stemmed from an incident alleged to have occurred at Nock's Tire on Ocean Highway during the overnight hours of Nov. 30. According to detectives with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, the three suspects stole 25 vehicle tire rims from the business.
An investigation into the incident led to the arrests of the aforementioned suspects. The investigation is continuing, and anyone with any information about this case is asked to contact the WCBI at (410) 352-3476, or the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at (410) 632-1100.
Pocomoke Mayor and Council Vote On Sprinkler Installations
Instead, the town will offer owners of a new home a rebate on property taxes if they decide to install a sprinkler system. The amount of the rebate will be decided later.
Two-family homes are not affected by the town's decision since they already come under the code that calls for structures with more than one family to have the systems.
Worcester County Commissioners have so far decided to let the state regulations stand, meaning they would go into effect in the new year. But the two newly elected commissioners who were sworn in Tuesday -- Merrill Lockfaw Jr. and Jim Bunting Jr. -- want to revisit the issue.
In Ocean City, the Town Council is on track to clear the way for the state regulations to take effect in the resort.
Other business
Chris B. Derbyshire, representing George, Miles and Buhr, also gave the mayor and council an update this week on the upgrade to the town's sewer plant.
He said work on the upgrade is 82 percent complete. The original completion date was Dec. 29, but an additional 48 days is needed because of a change order in the original contract. Because of the increase in time, the architects requested an additional $32,234 to monitor the construction. The request was approved.
City Manager Russell W. Blake said no local funds will be needed to cover this cost. Derbyshire also said bids should be opened in about two weeks on the UV disinfection project. This addition, costing about $225,000, will disinfect sewage leaving the plant and reduce the cost of operation because it will eliminate the need for chemicals. Again, no local funds will be needed to cover the cost of this project.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
First Stage Of Taurus II Rocket Has Arrived At Wallops
A team of Ukrainian rocket engineers arrived at Wallops Flight Facility last month in advance of the rocket stage and will be working there on the Taurus II project.
Taurus II's first launch is scheduled for early 2011.
Orbital Sciences was one of two companies awarded a NASA contract for missions to take supplies to the International Space Station after the space shuttle program ends. NASA, in December 2008, awarded the company a $1.9 billion contract for eight missions.
The first Taurus II mission, under a NASA Commercial Orbital Transportation Services agreement, will be a risk reduction test flight, followed by a demonstration mission to show the vehicle's capability to perform the commercial re-supply missions, which are slated to begin in early 2012.The first stage core structure is nearly 13 feet in diameter and weighs 29,000 pounds with no fuel in it.
It was transported on a 95-foot-long trailer specially designed by Diamond Heavy Haul Inc. of Shandon, Ohio -- a company that specializes in arranging transportation for unusual supersized cargo -- along Route 13 and Chincoteague Road to the NASA Wallops Flight Facility, where it will remain in the payload processing facility until a new horizontal integration facility under construction near the launch pad on Wallops Island is completed.
The stage likely will be moved to the island in January, NASA Wallops Flight Facility spokesman Keith Kohler said.
It was shipped by rail from the city of Dnepropetrovsk in Ukraine to the Black Sea port of Oktyabrsk, from where it was transported by ship to the United States. It arrived at the Port of Wilmington on Nov. 21, but transport to Wallops was delayed for nearly two weeks due to highway restrictions associated with the Thanksgiving holiday.
Two Ukrainian companies, Yuzhnoye and Yuzhmash, designed and manufactured the rocket component, which includes a liquid oxygen tank, a kerosene fuel tank, an intertank assembly and an aft bay where the main engine interfaces with the booster, according to the Orbital Sciences website.
Other aspects of the Taurus II program also are coming together around the world, including the delivery in September of the first Taurus II AJ26 engine to NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, where it is being tested before being sent to Wallops, and the production in Turino, Italy, of the Cygnus cargo modules at the Thales/Alenia Space facility.
The cargo modules will carry up to 4,400 pounds of supplies during missions to the International Space Station. The first payload fairing for the rocket was manufactured in Stockton, Calif., by Applied Aerospace Structures.