Showing posts with label snow hill. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow hill. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Our neighbor Snow Hill looks for a fresh image and more.

(The Dispatch)


Snow Hill Earns Maryland Grant For Rebranding


SNOW HILL – Efforts are underway to rebrand Snow Hill with the help of a state grant.
(Read article)
https://mdcoastdispatch.com/2019/02/14/snow-hill-earns-maryland-grant-for-rebranding/

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

~2011 Blessing of the Combines~

Celebrating Worcester County's Agricultural Heritage
13th Annual
BLESSING OF THE COMBINES

What a way to honor the farmers of Worcester County!

My husband has been a volunteer for the past few years and I had never attended- even after living in Worcester County just about all my life.  This event is one that everyone should see.

Some photos of the parade..........
Have you ever power washed a combine?  Well, these farmers do before they enter them into the parade!
According to a Worcester County Farmer, Virgil Shockley, some combines are 14 feet long and can weigh (when loaded) up to 35,000 pounds!

 Combine-Byron Hauck


State's Attorney Beau Oglesby
Combine - Virgil Shockley

Combine- Fred Holloway

Congressman Andy Harris
Combine-Clayville Farms

Senator Jim Mathias
Combine-Roger Richardson Farms

Watson Powell
Combine-Powell Farms
Combine- David Shockley
Indian Town Farms

LOTS of hard work goes into planning for this wonderful day and I don't remember when I have ever seen so many happy people and excited children!

 
Combine- William Figgs
"It's great for the kids, because they see the combines out in the field when driving by and this way they get up close and personal with them."
(Farmer Virgil Shockley)

So many vendors!
Lots of great food available.

Ahhh..... A cooling station.
Warm temperatures with low humidity on this day
so the cooling station wasn't in high demand.
I never knew so many beatiful items could be made
with duct tape!  This young lady and her friends
did a wonderful job with their creations.

Activities for every child and even a petting zoo!
These little furry animals really got the attention from big
and little kids.
Even though the Blessing of the Combines
has celebrated its 13th year the hard work
that goes into making this day a success
is with the helping hands of the many volunteers.
This is just two of the many volunteers.
What a wonderful way to celebrate and  receive a true appreciation for the farmers of Worcester County AND
 all farmers across America.  Even with todays modern equipment their job is not easy.

Just think.......... to enjoy all of this you don't even have to like your vegetables.

Saturday, August 13, 2011

Worcester County Fair Continues Saturday and Sunday

Saturday, August 13th
11 a.m. - Fair Opens
SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th
Fair Opens   11 AM

11 a.m.-2 p.m. - Classic Car & Truck Show
11 a.m. Beef Show (Pavilions)
11:30 a.m. Childrens Limbo Contest
12:30 p.m. Childrens Watermelon Eating Contest
1 - 7 p.m. Bay Queen Cruises
1 p.m. Meat Goat Show (Pavillions)
1 p.m to 5 p.m. Jam Session with George Hall
1:30p.m. Childrens Pedal Tractor Event (in Childrens Area)
2:30 p.m. Childrens Extra Large Kool Pop Eating Contest
3:30 p.m. Childrens Chicken Scratch
4 p.m. - Dairy Goat Show (Pavilions)
4:30 p.m. Childrens Pie Eating Contest (coolwhip)
5:30 p.m. Childrens Hula Hoop Contest
6 p.m.- Swine Show
6 p.m.  Adult Talent Show AND Youth Talent Show
6:30 p.m. Childrens Egg Toss
8 p.m. - Fair Closes for the Day

**Also dont miss**
Gun Fight by the Del Rio Rangers
Native American Dancing & Storytelling
Quilters
Carriage Rides
Chain Saw Carving Demonstrations
Williams Blacksmith & Ironworks

Friday, August 5, 2011

~Blessing of the Combines In Snow Hill

The Thirteenth Annual Blessing of the Combines

Saturday August 6

Combines are a familiar sight on the Eastern Shore, moving purposefully and efficiently through fields of grain, corn and soy beans, offloading their harvest into waiting trucks. But seeing a combine from afar is very different from being close enough to touch one. 
 
The Thirteenth Annual Blessing of the Combines, held in Snow Hill on Saturday August 6, will have eight combines parked on Green Street (after a parade down Route 12), thanks to the owners of these multi-thousand dollar machines.  
 
 Children stretch to gently touch the top of a tire; adults stretch to touch the cab. A sense of awe comes after a noisy and impressive “throttle thrust” as the combine drivers power-down their behomoths.
 
Festivities begin at 10:45 with a performance by Pam Ward’s Snow Hill Dance Studio. 
 
Exhibits and displays are set up along Green and Pearl Streets, including a Petting Barnyard, face painting, tie-dye, sand art, a soy bean pit, and a moon bounce, with additional activities for children by Lollipop the Clown. 
 
Hayrides and carriage rides will be available.  
 
The Program Stage will feature talented local young people between 11:00 and 11:30, when the arrival of the Parade of Combines signals the beginning of a brief program, featuring keynote speaker Nelson Brice and Combine Blesser Rev. Rick Edmund. At 12:15 Mike Short Jr. and his musical group will provide an afternoon of entertainment. 
 
Festival food vendors on Bank Street join Harvest Moon, The Emporium, The American Legion and The Palette in offering a wide selection of delicious treats. Further down Bank Street craft vendors join Lost in the Country, Artique’s Gallery by the River, Bishop’s Stock, Adcock Studio Gallery, Pages and Pearls, Snow Hill Flower and Gifts and The American Art Gallery.
 
 The Wheels That Heal Car Club will host a car show along the PocomokeRiver.
 
At 3:00 the festival ends as the combines leave Green Street
 
For details contact Becky Payne at 443-783-1715, or email kfisher44@verizon.net .
 
 

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

News Release From Worcester County State's Attorney

On July 30
Team conducted a two day operation stemming from a six month drug distribution
investigation focusing in the communities of Snow Hill and Pocomoke, Maryland. The
purpose of this investigation is to have an immediate and major impact on the drug trade
in those communities by targeting low level, mid level, and high level distributors of
controlled dangerous substances. During the course of this investigation Circuit Court
Indictments and District Court Arrest Warrants relating to the distribution of crack
cocaine, cocaine, and marijuana, were issued for forty four (44) individuals in Snow Hill
and Pocomoke, Maryland.

During this two day operation, nine (9) drug related search and seizure warrants were
executed at residences in Snow Hill, Maryland and Pocomoke, Maryland. Entry into
these residences was made utilizing tactical teams from the Worcester County Sheriff’s
Office, Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Ocean City Police Department and Berlin
Police Department.

The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team is composed of the Worcester County
Sheriff’s Office, the Maryland State Police, the Ocean City Police Department and the
Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office.

As a result of this two day operation the following listed individuals were taken into
custody along with two juveniles:
th and July 31st, 2011, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement

Breon Odale Ayres – Age 19, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $100,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - School Zone
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
3) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - School Zone
7) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
8) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
10) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Patrick Lee Schoolfield – Age 28, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $75,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Javon Tyree Schoolfield – Age 25, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $200,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
7) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - Conspiracy
8) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine - Conspiracy

Richard Wayne Williams – Age 36, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $50,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Honiss Webster Cane – Age 40, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $150,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Gabriel Devon Hayes – Age 34, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $200,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Broadus Lorenzo Mason – Age 32, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $75,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
7) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
8) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
10) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
11) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
12) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
13) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Donald Edward Sturgis Jr. – Age 29, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $125,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Antonio Lopez Wise – Age 39, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $150,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - School Zone
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
3) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - School Zone
7) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
8) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
10) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Sharon Raye Benoit – Age 49, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $75,000.00
1) CDS Common Nuisance

Kaniesha L. Johnson – Age 18, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $25,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – Conspiracy
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – Conspiracy

Martel Lamel Costen – Age 26, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $100,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Minaster Fate Nixon Wright – Age 55, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $75,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Marijuana
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana
3) CDS Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Marijuana
6) CDS Distribute Marijuana
7) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana
8) CDS Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
9) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
10) CDS Possession Marijuana

Tamar Gilbert Cutler – Age 27, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Held without Bond
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Gregory Darnell Snead Jr. – Age 23, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $50,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Marijuana
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana
3) CDS Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Marijuana

Eric Vincent Bishop Sr. – Age 55, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $50,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
3) CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
7) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
8) CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
10) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
11) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
12) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
13) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
14) CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
15) CDS Possession with Intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
16) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Marcus Delonte Fletcher – Age 36, 2011, Pocomoke, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $75,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
7) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
8) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Devin Devon Bryant – Age 22, Pocomoke, Maryland
District Court Arrest Warrant – Bond $20,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Marijuana
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana
3) CDS Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Marijuana

Tyrone Kurtis Nixon – Age 32, Pocomoke, Maryland
On View Arrest / District Court – Bond $5,000.00
1) CDS Possession Marijuana
2) CDS Possession Cocaine

Deron Raymont Ames – Age 19, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $25,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Marijuana
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana
3) CDS Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Marijuana

Joshua Handy Pitts – Age 43, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $100,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Anthony Lamont Bibbins – Age 28, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $200,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Jamon Keith Byrd – Age 27, 2011, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $200,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Clinton Wilson Waters – Age 38, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $150,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
7) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
8) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

John Donzell Ginn – Age 42, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $125,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Christopher Kinsey Johnson – Age 19, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $25,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Gloria Jean Smith – Age 53, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $25,000.00
1) CDS Common Nuisance

Tanya Rena Jenkins - Age 36, Snow Hill, Maryland
District Court arrest Warrant – Bond $10,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Marijuana
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana
3) CDS Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Marijuana – School Zone
5) CDS Possession Marijuana

Brent Hamill Marshall – Age 37, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $50,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - School Zone
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
3) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - School Zone
7) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
8) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
10) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Stefan Dante Allen Sr. – Age 31, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $50,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Earl Finney Tull – Age 42, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $75,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
6) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
7) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
8) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
9) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Craig Lamont Shockley – Age 33, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $50,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Andrew Lamont Snead – Age 43, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $50,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine - Conspiracy
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine – Conspiracy
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – Conspiracy

Pecoro Lynn Jackson – Age 25, Snow Hill, Maryland
District Court Arrest Warrant – Bond $35,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine - School Zone
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine – School Zone
3) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine

Betty Jane Williams – Age 42, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $25,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine
2) CDS Possession with intent to Distribute Crack / Cocaine
3) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
4) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – Conspiracy
5) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine – Conspiracy

Dawn Rochelle Hudson – Age 51, Snow Hill, Maryland
Circuit Court Indictment – Bond $25,000.00
1) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine – Conspiracy
2) CDS Distribute Crack / Cocaine

Robert Steven Jackson – Age 44, Snow Hill, Maryland
On View Arrest / District Court – Released on Personal Recognizance
1) Fail to obey reasonable and lawful order
2) Disorderly Conduct
3) Resisting Arrest

Charles Benjamin Powell – Age 47, Snow Hill, Maryland
On View Arrest / District Court – Released on $10,000.00 Unsecured Bond
1) CDS Possession Crack / Cocaine
2) Paraphernalia
This investigation is still ongoing and the following individuals are still currently wanted
by the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office relating to this investigation.
Jeremy Lonnel Fitch – Pocomoke, Maryland
Gerry Marshall Laws – Pocomoke, Maryland
Torrance Demar Davis – Horntown, Virginia
Kelvin Knock – New Church, Virginia
Travis Antonio Bowen – Snow Hill, Maryland
Terrell Maurice Holley – Snow Hill, Maryland
Larry James Davis – Snow Hill, Maryland
Jonathon Purnell – Snow Hill, Maryland
The following listed agencies assisted during this two day operation:
Worcester County Sheriff’s Office
Worcester County States Attorney’s Office
Ocean City Police Department
Snow Hill Police Department
Berlin Police Department
Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office
Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force
Somerset County Narcotics Task Force
Salisbury Police Department
Maryland State Apprehension Team
Maryland State Police – Gang Unit
Maryland State Police – Berlin Barrack
Accomack County Sheriff’s Office
Eastern Shore Virginia Drug Task Force
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms

Thursday, July 7, 2011

"Between Fences" Exhibit Comes To Snow Hill Library

SNOW HILL -- The Julia A. Purnell Museum and the Snow Hill community, in cooperation with the Maryland Humanities Council, will begin its exploration of the cultural history of fences and land use when it hosts the local showing of "Between Fences," a Smithsonian Institution traveling exhibition.


"Between Fences" will be on view at the Snow Hill library from July 1 through Aug. 20.


Through a selection of artifacts, photographs and illustrations, "Between Fences" examines the multiple meanings behind this everyday icon.

Between Fences will be in Snow Hill from July 1 to August 21.

The open hours of the exhibition are as follows: Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-4pm. Wednesdays: 12-7pm, except on Aug. 3 and Aug. 10, 3-7pm. Fridays: 10am-5pm, except July 1 (4-8pm) and Aug. 5 (1-8pm) Saturdays: 9am-1pm, except Aug. 6 and Aug. 13 (9am-4pm)

It is free to the public.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Pig Roast and Karaoke Tonight At Furnace Town

PIG PICKIN’ PARTY SATURDAY NIGHT
AT FURNACE TOWN

WHEN: Saturday, June 18, 2011

TIME: Pig Roast starting at 6:00 p.m.

Music/karaoke 8:00 p.m. – 12 midnight

COST: $20.00/person includes dinner and admission
$6.00/children ages 2 – 13
$5.00/admission without dinner

WHERE: Furnace Town Living Heritage Museum

Located on Old Furnace Road, off Route 12, five miles north of Snow Hill, Maryland
Music provided by
"BIG AL"
Beer available
Please call 410-632-2032 for more info


Friday, June 17, 2011

Jury Finds Man Guilty of First Degree Murder

This is one of the best articles I have read concerning coverage of the Sheddy murder trial. 
Being a juror during this  trial had to have a few confusing moments.


Beau Oglesby, who so many expected to fall flat on his,  face didn't.    He proved that he could handle a trial like this and he also let everyone know that he is fully aware that his job is not finished with this trio.


I'm sure we all will agree that this is not the end  of this story by a long shot.  As Paul Harvey would remark, "the rest of the story"........., this is it

Written by
News Editor,
Shawn Soper
Md. Coast Dispatch

SNOW HILL -- After three days of dramatic testimony, a Worcester County jury on Wednesday found a Texas man guilty of first-degree murder in the death of the Delaware woman reported missing near Pocomoke in November 2007 whose remains were discovered buried on the grounds of a bed-and-breakfast in Snow Hill over two years later.

Justin Hadel, now 20, of College Station, Texas, was found guilty of first-degree murder this week for the beating death of Christine Sheddy, a 26-year-old Delaware women reported missing in November 2007 from a farm near Pocomoke where she had been staying with friends.

Sheddy had moved to the Byrd Rd. residence just about two months earlier and shared the residence with another couple, Clarence “Junior” Jackson and Tia Johnson, along with Johnson’s two children, and Hadel, who is Johnson’s cousin. Sheddy was reported missing on Nov. 13, 2007, touching off a massive search in the area of the Byrd Rd. residence where she had been living with her two young children.

After an extensive two-year search, Sheddy’s remains were discovered buried on the grounds of the River House Bed and Breakfast in Snow Hill, where both Jackson and Johnson had worked prior to Sheddy’s disappearance. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled Sheddy had been killed by as many as four blows from a blunt object. Investigators identified Hadel as the suspect and he was arrested in Texas and was charged with first-degree murder.

It later came to light Hadel had confessed to Tia Johnson about committing the murder after two unsuccessful attempts to tell his cousin about what had happened. In addition, Hadel later confessed to killing Sheddy to his jail cellmate, Jonathan Handy, while awaiting trial. Both Johnson and Handy testified this week Hadel had confessed.

Johnson, who had refused to testify in the months leading up to trial under fear of incriminating herself in the crime, was compelled to testify this week by the court under the doctrine of “use immunity.” Use immunity is granted to a witness in a criminal case that prevents the use of the witness’s compelled testimony against that witness in a criminal prosecution. A witness with use immunity may still be prosecuted, but only based on evidence not gathered from the protected testimony.

This is what the writer is referring to doctrine of'use immunity
Document Name: ORDER OF COURT


 ORDERED that if called to testify or provide other information in the criminal prosecution in the above captioned matter, Tia Johnson is required to give testimony or provide other information which Tia Johnson has refused to give or provide on the basis of the individual's privilege against self-incrimination; and it is further ORDERED that no testimony or other information compelled under this Order, and no information directly or indirectly derived from the testimony or other information, may be used against Tia Johnson in any criminal case, except in a prosecution for perjury, obstruction of justice, or otherwise failing to comply with this Order.



Oglesby also acknowledged defense’s notion Hadel was somehow the mastermind.

“There is no suggestion that Justin Hadel was ordering anyone around,” he said. “If you believe Handy, the order came from Junior to finish her off. But the question of why is not a question that has to be answered by you. If you believe Christine Sheddy died of injuries inflicted on her, and Justin Hadel inflicted those injuries, than you can find him guilty of murder.”

The jury did find Hadel guilty of first-degree murder after deliberating for three hours on Wednesday. Afterward, one juror, who preferred to remain anonymous, said the jury was convinced Hadel was responsible for inflicting the blows that killed Sheddy.

“We took an initial vote and while we weren’t immediately in total agreement, I think everybody realized he was guilty of killing her,” the juror said. “I think we all agreed he was guilty of something, but there was considerable discussion about the pre-meditation issue.”

After carefully reviewing the evidence, the juror said reaching the verdict wasn’t difficult.

“Everybody wanted to carefully go over the evidence again,” the juror said. “We wanted to make sure we got it right. We wanted to treat it with respect and carefully and thoroughly reach a decision. Somebody was dead and another person was likely going to spend the rest of his life in jail, so you want to do the right thing.”

The juror also said, while it wasn’t an issue for the jury to decide, most on the panel believed others were involved.

“I would suggest all of the jurors believed two other people should be charged with something in this case,” the juror said.

Johnson’s lengthy testimony on Tuesday laid out the events leading up the Sheddy’s disappearance in great detail. Johnson testified she had returned to the Byrd Rd. residence on the evening of Nov. 13, 2007, to find the typical bonfire blazing on the property with no one else around. Hadel and Jackson returned a short time later and told Johnson that Sheddy had run off.

Johnson made arrangements for Sheddy’s children to be picked up, while Hadel and Jackson went to search for Sheddy. The two men returned about two hours later and the three adults and Johnson’s two children packed some belongings and inexplicably went to the River House in Snow Hill for the night.

During the trial, testimony showed Hadel had struck Sheddy as many as four times with a shovel during a dispute over sex. Johnson testified Hadel had been intimate with Sheddy after she came to live at the Byrd Rd. residence. It also became apparent Jackson and Johnson were involved in the cover-up, although the extent of how much Johnson knew and when she knew it was not entirely clear.

What is clear is that Hadel eventually confessed to Johnson while the two were in a car together at a gas station in Salisbury after two earlier attempts to tell his cousin what happened that night. By the end of the trial on Wednesday, it was clear Jackson and Johnson were involved, at least in the cover-up, but the guilt for Sheddy’s death was squarely on Hadel. During his closing argument, State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby told the jury the evidence and testimony showed Hadel deliberately and willfully killed Sheddy.

“The defendant intended to kill Christine Sheddy,” he said. “He thought about it. He had enough time to reconsider before hitting her. You’ve heard the evidence, you’ve seen the pictures, you heard from the Medical Examiner who tells you a minimum of four blows were inflicted on a 5’3”, 104-pound woman.”

Oglesby pointed out with emphasis the Hadel’s willful and deliberate actions met the standard for premeditation.

“Was it premeditated?” he asked. “When he was preparing to strike her, it was willful, deliberate and pre-meditated,” as he pounded the jury box with his hand to punctuate each word.

Public Defender Arch McFadden, however, pointed to Johnson’s testimony that Hadel told her it was an accident.

“If you believe Tia, you’re probably somewhere in the area of first-degree assault,” he said. “He said he swung the shovel and hit her and that it was an accident. An accident is not homicide.”

McFadden attempted to paint Hadel as a pawn in a larger cover-up constructed by Jackson and possibly even Johnson.

“To believe he was the mastermind, that he ordered around Tia and Junior, both grown adults, is just incredible,” he said. “It was Junior’s decision to go to the River House. He had the key, he picked the room and he had the key to the shed where the tools were located. In order for the state’s theory to be true, a 16-year-old had to kill her and direct two grown adults to cover it up. It’s just incredible.”

McFadden also suggested Johnson lied on the stand to protect Jackson.

“As early as November 2007, Tia has already lied to protect Junior,” he said. “She lied to protect him then, and she is lying to protect him now. The only way to get Tia out of this, and get Junior out of this is to lie about what really happened, and they’re the only ones who really know. She made up stories to protect the man she loves.”

McFadden referenced a picture from the scene where the remains were recovered showing a piece of wood with the name Junior carved into it with a crown over top to hammer home his point.

“King Junior killed Christine Sheddy and they got Tia and Jonathan Handy to come in here and tell us Justin Hadel did it because it’s all they have,” he said.

However, Oglesby countered two independent witnesses testified Hadel had confessed to them.

“Justin Hadel confessed to two separate people and said he killed Christine Sheddy,” he said. “Two people with no connections. The defense would have you believe two witnesses both lied and completely fabricated confessions out of thin air. There is not a single piece of evidence that points a finger at anyone other than the defendant.”

Oglesby did not discount the assertion Jackson and Johnson were involved, at least in the cover-up, but told the jury that issue was not in front of them at this time.

“I do not doubt that it was Jackson’s idea to take the body to the River House,” he said. “He knew about the place and he had access to the place, but Justin Hadel is not charged with getting rid of the body. Who decided where to take the body is not at issue here today. The question before us is who killed Christine Sheddy, who struck her at least four times. It is uncontradicted that anyone but Justin Hadel killed Christine Sheddy.”

Source; http://www.mdcoastdispatch.com/articles/2011/06/17/Top-Stories/Jury-Finds-Man-Guilty-Of-First-Degree-Murder