Accomack County Denied FEMA Assistance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Nov. 29, 2012

CONTACT: Bob Spieldenner
 (804) 674-2400 bob.spieldenner@vdem.virginia.gov

FEMA denies disaster assistance for Accomack County

RICHMOND, Va. – The Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied Virginia’s request for Individual Assistance to help property owners in Accomack County affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“I am disappointed that residents of Accomack County will not receive the federal disaster relief they desperately need in the wake of Hurricane Sandy,” said Governor Bob McDonnell. “I personally visited the county in the days after the storm and met individually with a number of citizens who suffered severe flooding and damage from the storm. They need federal help.

Unfortunately, that help has not been approved. We will continue to look for all ways by which to help our fellow Virginians in need.  One means is through donations to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund, and I encourage Virginians who want to help the residents of Accomack to use the fund to get involved and help out.”

The federal Individual Assistance Program would have made funding available to homeowners, renters and businesses in the form of low-interest loans and grants, unemployment assistance, disaster housing assistance and crisis counseling. 

The Virginia Department of Emergency Management will make a recommendation to Governor McDonnell on whether to appeal FEMA’s denial or to apply for disaster assistance from the Small Business Administration.

If a request for SBA assistance is approved, loans up to $200,000 would be available to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate.  Homeowners and renters would be eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property.  Businesses and nonprofit organizations of any size could apply for loans up to $2 million to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate, machinery and equipment, inventory, and other business assets.

Tax deductible donations to the Virginia Disaster Relief Fund may be made at https://payments.vi.virginia.gov/donatenow.

Source:

"Lighting of the Tower" ~ Federalsburg~ Don't Miss This!

There is nothing like childhood memories....especially during Christmas ...

Here's the result from what a community can do when they stand beside each other! 

With help from the Lions Club and other organizations, bingos and so much more you brought a tradition and  a childhood  memory  back! Federalsburg, you worked hard to make the lighting of the tower happen once again ...

"LIGHTING OF THE TOWER"

Federalsburg Lions Club presents a

Christmas Lighting Celebration

Friday, November 30, 2012

6:00 PM

Location: Town Triangle on West Central & Park Lane

Music and Caroling by

Federalsburg Elementary Chorus

The CRHS Marching Band

REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED.

I hope that all of you that have wanted this so very much for the past year get to attend the events........ 

Enjoy and have a 

Merry Christmas.

Many thanks to the  Federalsburg Lions Club  

TIME MACHINE Preview ... A Very Large Loss In A Small Eastern Shore Community

The afternoon of May 9, 1926 brought an unbelievable event to residents of Somerset County's Lawsonia as a dream they had worked hard to accomplish was shattered.

Read more about it on this Sunday's TIME MACHINE here at the Pocomoke Public Eye!

 
　 Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about, a Holiday memory? It can be just a line or two, or more if you wish. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

"Winter Wonderland" ~ Pocomoke Christmas Parade (PHOTOS 2)

"WINTER WONDERLAND"

POCOMOKE CHRISTMAS PARADE

MONDAY  NOVEMBER 26, 2012

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 The Lone Ranger~ Judges Choice Award

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Lowes~ 1st Place Commercial Float

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Redliners Football Team (3 above)

1st Place Non-Commercial Youth Float

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U.S. Navy ~ 2nd Place Non-Commercial Adult Float

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Worcester County Sheriff's Office Bike Patrol

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And last but not least ....

The arrival of Santa Claus!!

This year Santa Claus was escorted by the PHS Marching Band and the Md. State Police (below)

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.....MERRY CHRISTMAS......

Old-Fashioned Christmas ~ Evening Schedule

NEW Stage Schedule...

 Added performances!!!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

5:00PM – 5:30PM Pocomoke Elementary School After-School Choir

5:30PM – 6:00PM Mar-VA Theater “A Christmas Carol” Performers

6:00PM – 6:30PM Jay Burton & Co Performs

6:30PM – 7:30PM Sarah Bernstein, http://www.thesarahbernstein.com/

7:30PM – 8:00PM Dance Loft Christmas Performance
8:00PM – 8:30PM Pocomoke High School Show Choir
8:30PM – 9:00PM Mayor Bruce Morrison’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting & Christmas Wreath Auction (DJ Mike Shannon)

Sarah Bernstein | Singer-Songwriter | Official Site www.thesarahbernstein.com The saying, “more than just a pretty face” has never been more accurate than when describing singer-...

Abandoned Structure Fire #22

At approximately 11pm Wednesday night another abandoned structure fire was reported to the 911 Center. Melfa,Onley, Wachapreague and Melfa were dispatched to the fire at 29278 Racetrack Road near Melfa.

Firefighters arrived to find the structure fully involved and situated close to the woods. Brush trucks were called in to assist.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in approximately 10 minutes.

The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department are investigating.

This brings the number of abandoned structure fires in Accomack County since November 12 to 22. The Virginia State Police and the Accomack County Sheriff's Department continue their investigation of the string of alleged arsons.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the party responsible for setting the fires.

To report a tip, call: 1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820; or call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Source:

Pocomoke Christmas Parade 2012 ~ "Winter Wonderland" (PHOTOS)

POCOMOKE CITY'S 40TH ANNUAL

 CHRISTMAS PARADE

Forty years later....some things never change.......I miss my kids on this night for one thing.  And I suppose I am like everyone else who, a few days before parade day begins to take the weather forecast seriously.  Then,  on the day of the parade,  waiting for the go-ahead if the weather is iffy on parade day.  This year with almost a full moon overhead, clear skies and no wind made a perfect evening! 

This year I opted to stand downtown...something I haven't done in many years due to the rough crowds after parade time.  Wow!  What a difference this year was from years gone by.  I never heard a terse word from the crowd, no pushing, no arguing and actually felt very comfortable and completely safe.  Thank you to the police departments that patrolled the area constantly that evening.

Mike Shannon and all those that are on the parade committee did another wonderful job this year organizing the Pocomoke parade.  Being reponsible for the largest nighttime parade on Delmarva year after year can not be easy.  Fantastic job!!

PHOTOS- Not in any order

Pocomoke City Police Dept. Color Guard

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Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Co.

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MarVa Theater Entry

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Judges Choice Award went to ECI for their amazing float Ice Age - complete with snow! And bubbles!

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There's more............

Accomack County Arsons

Posted below is the Press Release from the state and local investigators concerning the serial arsonist in Accomack County.  It highlights what type of person they think this person may be.

For the past few days there has been much speculation among citizens  as to who this person(s) in the Accomack County area could be.  I have gathered information from my many posts on here and feel the need to try to bring all of this up to speed the best I possibly can.  Maybe this will help squash any rumors that may be still floating around.....

David Clifton Parks

David C. Parks was arrested and sentenced for the many fires he set in Wicomico County in 2006.  He was a fireman and it was once believed that Parks had set fire to the Bloxom firehouse but later confirmed that he did not.  A resident of Melfa, Vriginia at the time.  He was sentenced to 8 yr. in jail with 3 yrs. probation but was released before  all time was served.  (I am

Sheephouse Rd. Barn Fire
Photo Wor. Co. Fire Marshall's Office

sure this was within the legal guide lines)   In April 2012, in an investigation by the Worcester County Fire Marshall's Office, Worcester County Bureau of Investigation and Virginia State Police, Parks was arrested once again for arson and other charges.  To the best of my knowledge he remains in the Worcester County Jail with a trial in January 2013.

Red Hill
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There were two barn fires.  There were also numerous fires around Accomack County during April and to my knowledge no arrests have been made.  One of those fires including the burning of the wooded area located in the Red Hills area.

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James M. Wood

James. M. Wood was arrested along with three juveniles for setting fires between September 23 and November 30, 2011.

Fires they were charged with:

Sept. 23 – 26000 block of Saxis Road
Oct. 16 – Stump Town Road
Oct. 24 – Hammock Road
Nov. 26 – Wessells Farm Road
Nov. 30 – 23000 block of Belinda Road

House Fire/Saxis Road
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Two of the fires occurred in vacant houses and the other three were brush fires.

No injuries were reported as a result of the fires.

Photo on right was once a general store and until it was burned was home for seasonal workers and only occupied a few weeks during the summer months.  Since the fire the area has been cleaned and all debris was removed. 

I have no record to indicate that Wood and the three juveniles have been to court on this matter.

REPOST

STATE AND LOCAL INVESTIGATORS PURSUING LEADS IN
SEARCH FOR ACCOMACK COUNTY SERIAL ARSONIST

$5,000 Reward for InformationVSP arson investigators and the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office are working several new leads in their efforts to identify and apprehend a serial arsonist at work in Accomack County. Since Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2012, through the morning of Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, a total of 20 abandoned structures have been destroyed by fire at various locations within the Eastern Shore county. There were no fires set overnight Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, or overnight Sunday, Nov. 25, 2012.

The locations of the arsons have ranged from Melfa to Parksley to Oak Hall. The fires target abandoned structures, to include vacated houses, abandoned barns and even chicken coops. The fires have been set any time between 8:30 p.m. to 4 a.m. in the morning. No injuries or deaths have resulted from the fires.

"The Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police have received a significant number of tips related to these arsons," said Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin. "We want to thank the many residents who have reached out to us in the past week with information. As a result of the public’s overwhelming response and assistance, we have developed several strong leads we are currently pursuing at this time."

Investigators are still encouraging anyone with information about the fires or recalls seeing any vehicles or individual(s) near the destroyed structures is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or at (757) 424-6820; or contact the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office at (757) 787-1131.

"Based on our ongoing investigation, we feel certain that the person or persons responsible for these fires is a resident of Accomack County and is known to local residents," said Capt. Tim Reibel, Commander of the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Chesapeake Field Office. "This individual is going to be coming and going at different hours of the night, may be acting differently in his or her behavior, and will probably show an unusual interest in media coverage of the fires and/or consistently steer conversations to talking about the fires."

Information that leads to an arrest and conviction could result in an award of up to $5,000 from the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators (http://www.vaiaai.com/

1-Year Anniversary For Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

**It is an honor for me to post this**

Chief Kelvin D. Sewell

One year Report Card – A+

Upon the one (1) year anniversary as Chief of Police for Pocomoke City on December 01, 2012 I would like to share with you some of the accomplishments I am expressly proud of in the reduction of crime this past year. This reduction is due to officers being more visible in the public’s eye by getting out of their patrol vehicles and being more pro-active and approachable in the Communities in what was once our high crime areas. Due to the increased Omni-presence, crime in the below listed categories has taken a significant decrease:

 Murders decreased by 200%

 Robberies decreased by 50%

 Thefts & Larcenies decreased by 87%

 Burglaries decreased by 64%

With the acquisition of a new police department building and the re-invention of the wheel with a superior Chain of Command leadership and thoroughness of report writing it is certainly a command presence within the agency. Officers are working diligently, effectively and aggressively every day to make the Pocomoke City Police Department one of the finest law enforcement agencies in the State of Maryland.


Our Mission for the Pocomoke City Police Department members is dedicated to providing the highest quality police services in order to enhance community safety, protect life and property, and reduce crime and the fear of crime. To do this, we pledge to develop a partnership  with the community, lead a community commitment to resolve problems, and improve the safety and quality of life in our city. We will perform our duties with honesty, zeal, courage, discretion, fidelity, and sound judgment. It is essential that all members of the Pocomoke City Police Department  remember that in the execution of their duties they act not for themselves but for the good of the public. It is our Duty to Serve, an Honor to Protect.                                 

Under the leadership of Chief Kelvin Sewell the Pocomoke City Police members have found an invigorating atmosphere conducive to optimal professionalism among the ranks. The pride within the department runs rampant and the officer’s attentiveness and thorough observations as a combined patrol effort have greatly improved crime in Pocomoke City. Chief Sewell has a certain flair which radiates confidence among his officers and with his vast experience in law enforcement in all areas of criminal justice his experience is a wealth of knowledge. Chief Sewell’s applications of new divisions and operations have kindled a fire within the department to push beyond the norm and reach out to all areas of the community to increase public awareness and confidence.

Chief Sewell has connected with outside agencies and engaged in close working relationships to provide a thorough knowledge of County crime trends and pro-active events that will benefit Pocomoke City. By working together with outside agencies a wealth of information and assistance is available while working towards a common goal of a safer and brighter community, county wide.

Reference Contacts:
Sheriff Reggie Mason -  Worcester County Sheriff’s Department

Sheriff Todd Godwin -  Accomack County Sheriff’s Department

Mayor Bruce Morrison -  Pocomoke City

Bishop Isaac Jenkins -  New Macedonia Baptist Church

Ms. Joy  - Pocomoke City Resident
Beau Oglesby -  Worcester County States Attorney

3rd Annual Bountiful Basket Fundraiser

From Samaritan Shelter Director, Shelly Daniels:

Just a reminder this is the last week to purchase tickets for the 3rd annual Bountiful Basket Fundraiser the value is around $900.00.

The drawing will take place on Sat. December 1st at 1 pm at Enchanted Florist Christmas Open House

on Market St in Pocomoke City.

 Enchanted Florist has some beautiful arrangements for sale and some other fun things happening at the open house.

On Saturday we are also doing a Bake Sale and in need of some yummy bake goods. If interested in bringing bake goods for the bake sale you can drop them off at the shelter on Friday or at Enchanted Florist on Saturday at 9 am.

 We are also going to be set up at the

Old Fashion Christmas Evening

in Pocomoke on Friday November 30 from 5 pm to 9 pm to sell the Basket Tickets and excepting donations.

Come out and enjoy the evening there will be lots to do( Live entertainment, vendors, bonfire and more).

If you have any questions about either event please call the shelter at 410-957-4310.

Thank you for your continued support

Mother Of Student Accused Of Stealing From Marching Band Boosters

Tracey Whittington Colbert

Written by
Staff Writer
Brian Shane
POCOMOKE CITY — A former mother of a high school student is accused of stealing more than $2,200 from the marching band boosters, and now faces several felony charges of theft and forgery.

Police say Tracey Whittington Colbert, 39, of Crisfield, depleted the booster’s account on fast food and retail purchases, while also writing herself hundreds of dollars in checks with forged signatures.

In August, marching band boosters from Pocomoke High School picked Colbert as their president.

Colbert ended up obtaining the boosters’ checkbook from the old treasurer, instead of it being given to the new treasurer, police said.

As the 2012 school year got under way, a dry cleaning bill for marching band uniforms came due. The treasurer began asking Colbert for the checkbook, according to court documents. It wasn’t long before several emails and phone calls to Colbert asking about the checkbook went unanswered, police said.

By Oct. 5, Colbert withdrew her 17-year-old son from Pocomoke High and re-enrolled him in Somerset Count schools. On Oct. 9, detectives met with officials with Pocomoke High School and the Worcester County school board.

Pocomoke High School Principal Annette Wallace and the boosters’ treasurer, Terry Batson, finally went to examine the boosters’ bank account with First Shore Federal bank. They found numerous purchases made at Walmart as well as checks made out to Colbert and her 19-year-old daughter.

According to court documents, Colbert wrote herself 19 checks between Aug. 15 and Oct. 9, paying for McDonald’s food, Domino’s pizza, a bill for mini-storage and items at Walmart.

Police said Colbert wrote her daughter a check for $300, wrote herself a check for $550, and forged signatures on three $100 checks made out to herself.

The total amount spent was $2,271.36. None of the purchases went toward marching band items or expenses, police said.

After the last check was written, for $57.84 at Walmart, there were four insufficient fund charges issued against the account for a total of $100.

The Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office filed charges against Colbert in Worcester County Circuit Court on Nov. 19. She is scheduled to face her charges in a jury trial on Feb. 11, 2013.

Her charges carry a maximum penalty of 80 years in prison and $26,000 in fines.
Source:

Riverside Grill ~ Wednesday Specials

DAILY SPECIALS

Wednesday 

 November 28, 2012

HAPPY HOUR

4  TO  7 PM

w.$1.00 OFF all appetizers !

-Reuben Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 5.99
-NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ hush puppies and cole slaw 6.99
-Pear and Bleu Cheese Salad w/ house vinaigrette 7.99
-Buffalo Shrimp w/ carrots, celery and cole slaw 8.99

@ 8 Pm till close

 $5 crab dip!

 $2 house wines

$2 coors lt drafts

 $5 pink or white cosmos