Wednesday, April 17, 2013

How to Ban Guns: A step by step, long term process

By sporks
It's nice that we're finally talking about gun control. It's very sad that it took such a terrible tragedy to talk about it, but I'm glad the conversation is happening. I hear a lot about assault weapon and large magazine bans, and whilst I'm supportive of that, it won't solve the problem. The vast majority of firearm deaths occur with handguns. Only about 5% of people killed by guns are killed by guns which would be banned in any foreseeable AWB.
Furthermore, there seems to be no talk about high powered rifles. What gun nuts don't want you to know is many target and hunting rifles are chambered in the same round (.223/5.56mm) that Lanza's assault weapon was. Even more guns are chambered for more powerful rounds, like the .30-06 or (my personal "favorite") 7.62x54R. Even a .22, the smallest round manufactured on a large scale, can kill easily. In fact, some say the .22 kills more people than any other round out there.
Again, I like that we're talking about assault weapons, machine guns, and high capacity clips. But it only takes one bullet out of one gun to kill a person. Remember the beltway sniper back in 2002? The one who killed a dozen odd people? Even though he used a bushmaster assault rifle, he only fired one round at a time before moving. He could have used literally any rifle sold in the US for his attacks.
The only way we can truly be safe and prevent further gun violence is to ban civilian ownership of all guns. That means everything. No pistols, no revolvers, no semiautomatic or automatic rifles. No bolt action. No breaking actions or falling blocks. Nothing. This is the only thing that we can possibly do to keep our children safe from both mass murder and common street violence.
Unfortunately, right now we can't. The political will is there, but the institutions are not. Honestly, this is a good thing. If we passed a law tomorrow banning all firearms, we would have massive noncompliance. What we need to do is establish the regulatory and informational institutions first. This is how we do it:
 
The very first thing we need is national registry. We need to know where the guns are, and who has them. Canada has a national firearms registry. We need to copy their model. We need a law demanding all firearms be registered to a national database. We need to know who has them and where they are. We need to make this as easy as possible for gun owners. The federal government provides the money and technical expertise, and the State police carry it out. Like a funded mandate. Most firearms already have a serial number on them, so it would really be a matter of taking the information already on the ATF form 4473 and putting it in a national database. I think about 6 months should be enough time.
Along with this, make private sales illegal. When a firearm is transferred, make it law that the registration must be updated. Again, make it super easy to do. Perhaps over, the internet. Dealers can log in by their FFLs and update the registration. Additionally, new guns are to be registered by the manufacturer. The object here is to create a clear paper trail from factory to distributor to dealer to owner. We want to encourage as much voluntary compliance as possible.
Now we get down to it. The registration period has passed. Now we have criminals without registered guns running around. Probably kooky types that "lost" them on a boat or something. So remember those ATF form 4473s? Those record every firearm sale, going back twenty years. And those have to be surrendered to the ATF on demand. So, we get those logbooks, and cross reference the names and addresses with the new national registry. Since most NRA types own two or (many) more guns, we can get an idea of who properly registered their guns and who didn't. For example, if we have a guy who purchased 6 guns over the course of 10 years, but only registered two of them, that raises a red flag.
Now, maybe he sold them or they got lost or something. But it gives us a good target for investigation. A nice visit by the ATF or state police to find out if he really does still have those guns would be certainly warranted. It's certainly not perfect. People may have gotten guns from parents or family, and not registered them. Perfect is the enemy of pretty darn good, as they say. This exercise isn't so much to track down every gun ever sold; the main idea would be to profile and investigate people that may not have registered their guns. As an example, I'm not so concerned with the guy who bought that bolt action Mauser a decade ago and doesn't have anything registered to his name. It's a pretty good possibility that he sold it, gave it away, or got rid of it somehow. And even if he didn't, that guy is not who I'm concerned with. I'm concerned that other guy who bought a half dozen assault weapons, registered two hunting rifles, and belongs to the NRA/GOA. He's the guy who warrants a raid.
So registration is the first step. Now that the vast majority are registered, we can do what we will. One good first step would be to close the registry to new registrations. This would, in effect, prevent new guns from being made or imported. This would put the murder machine corporations out of business for good, and cut the money supply to the NRA/GOA. As money dries up, the political capital needed for new controls will be greatly reduced.
There are a few other things I would suggest. I would suggest an immediate, national ban on concealed carry. A ban on internet sales of guns and ammunition is a no brainer.  Microstamping would also be a very good thing. Even if the only thing it does is drive up costs, it could still lead to crimes being solved. I'm willing to try every advantage we can get.
A national Firearms Owner Identification Card might be good, but I'm not sure if it's necessary if we have a national database. We should also insist on comprehensive insurance and mandatory gun safes, subject to random, spot checks by local and federal law enforcement.
We must make guns expensive and unpopular, just like cigarettes. A nationwide, antigun campaign paid for by a per gun yearly tax paid by owners, dealers, and manufacturers would work well in this regard. We should also segway into an anti-hunting campaign, like those in the UK. By making hunting expensive and unpopular, we can make the transition to a gun free society much less of a headache for us.
I know this seems harsh, but this is the only way we can be truly safe. I don't want my kids being shot at by a deranged NRA member. I'm sure you don't either. So lets stop looking for short term solutions and start looking long term. Registration is the first step.
Tell Pres. Obama and democrats in congress to demand mandatory, comprehensive gun registration. It's the only way we can ban guns with any effectiveness.
 
Posted for PPE
 

Tonya Bundick DENIED Bond In Arson Case

Tonya Susan Bundick appeared in Accomack General District Court Tuesday morning seeking bond in the case stemming from her arrest following a fire near Melfa on April 1.

 Bundick is currently facing two felony charges of arson and arson conspiracy in that incident.

Bundick's court appointed attorney Shannon Dunham asked the court to release Bundick on bond due to the needs of her two children age 11 and 13. Accomack Commonweath's Attorney Gary Agar argued that due to the severity of the charge and the likelihood that quite a few additional charges are possible that Bundick's release would pose a risk to the community and there was a risk was greater that she would not return to court. Judge Gordon Vincent agreed and bond was denied.

Bundick's boyfriend Charlie Smith was also denied bond in his hearing a week ago in General District Court. In that hearing Smith stated that Bundick set 15 of the 76 arson fires that occurred starting November 13.

Both Smith and Bundick are scheduled to be in court again on May 6 at 1:30 pm for a preliminary hearing.

WESR

Bond Hearing For Bundick Scheduled For This Morning

Tonya S. Bundick
According to WESR Radio this morning.....

Tonya Susan Bundick is scheduled to appear in Accomack County District Court this morning at 10 AM for a bond hearing. Bundick has been charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson in a fire two weeks ago near Melfa.

Bundick's boyfriend Charles Smith has been denied bond in his appearance last week.Smith stated in his court appearance that Bundick started 15 of the arson fires that began in November.

WESR

SPCA Eastern Shore ~ Dogs On the Farm

A  fun-filled day for you and your dog!
 
 

U.S. Marshals Selling Russian Spy House in New Jersey

U.S. Marshals Service
Washington – The U.S. Marshals Service is selling a single family home in Montclair, N.J., whose previous owners were part of a Russian spy ring busted by the FBI in 2010.

Richard and Cynthia Murphy were the names used by the two Russian spies who lived in the Montclair house. FBI Agents and analysts watched these and eight other deep-cover operatives for years as they established themselves in the U.S. and went about leading seemingly normal lives — getting married, buying homes, raising children and assimilating into American society.

The house is listed for sale at $444,900 through Fast Track Real Estate Co. of Waldwick, N.J. Built in 1950, the 1,830 square-foot house has four bedrooms, one and a half bathrooms, a recently-updated kitchen, a garage and an unfinished basement. The lot backs to open space. The listing is online at http://tinyurl.com/spyhouse.

The U.S. Marshals Service is responsible for managing and selling seized and forfeited properties acquired by federal criminals through illegal activities. Proceeds generated from asset sales are used to compensate victims, supplement funding for law enforcement initiatives and support community programs. As part of the Department of Justice’s Asset Forfeiture Program, the Marshals currently manage more than 23,000 assets with a value of $2.4 billion.

U.S. Marshals Service

Wallops Rocket Launch TONIGHT ! (fingers crossed)

NASA PHOTO
Many have seen this rocket being taken down the many  highways section  by section over the past months.  If you were lucky you were where you needed to be instedad of behind it as it did not move fast at all, took up both lanes of a duel hightway and when it turned to make it's way onto Chincoteague Rd. it just missed the wires.

Many months later the Antares is standing erect waiting to be launched at 5:00 PM tonight. The launch is said to be the biggest and loudest launch in the 68 years of of history for Wallops Flight Center.

I wonder if the vibration from the rocket will knock you down?

The rocket launch NASA Visitor Center, Assateague or Assateague.  And some of the locals have their own viewing spots!

If you cannot see the launch in person- watch live on NASA TV or on line at www.nasa.gov/ntv

Where will you be watching the launch from?

Some Viral Stories About Boston That Are NOT True

(CNN) — In the aftermath of dramatic events like Monday’s bombing attack at the Boston Marathon, it’s a truth of our times that millions of people will get early bits of news via social media.

To be sure, sites like Twitter and Facebook were used extensively by police, relief groups and governments to share important information about the bombings. But there’s also a more unfortunate side to how the Web responds to sudden bad news.

Sometimes accidentally and sometimes maliciously, false information gets loose. And in the rapid-fire digital echo chamber, it doesn’t take long to spread.

“On days like this, Twitter shows its best & worst: loads of info at huge speed, but often false & sometimes deliberately so,” said Mark Blank-Settle, of the BBC College of Journalism, in a post on the site.

Latest news on the Boston Marathon bombings

As always, news discovered online (or anywhere else, really) should be double-checked before it’s passed along — especially in times of tragedy.

Here are some of the most widely shared untrue news items we’ve found on social media in the past 24 hours.

Man planned to propose, girlfriend killed

Among the many gripping images to emerge from the bombing’s aftermath was one of a man in a red shirt, kneeling on the ground cradling a woman in his arms. It went viral — with a heartbreaking, but fake, story attached.
 
This Boston Globe photo from the attack’s aftermath went viral, but with a fake story attached to it.

“The man in the red shirt planned to propose to his girlfriend as he crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon, but she passed away” it reads. “Most of us will never experience this amount of emotional pain.”
T
he image is, in fact, real. It comes from the Boston Globe and was shared through Getty Images. But the agency’s caption merely describes the scene as a man comforting an injured woman at the finish line.

That didn’t stop it from making the rounds in a big way. A somewhat misleading Facebook account pretending to represent actor Will Ferrell (it calls itself a “parody” but has 385,000 likes) shared the post. By Tuesday morning, the picture had more than 448,000 “likes” and had been shared over 92,000 times.

Young girl died at finish line

Another heart-wrenching image of a supposed victim went viral. In this one, a young girl running in a road race is pictured, with text saying she died in one of the blasts. As an added cruel twist, the post says she was “running for the Sandy Hook victims.”

But a quick look at the photo shows that her runner’s bib is from the Joe Cassella 5K in Great Falls, Virginia. Also, the Boston Marathon does not allow runners that young.

On Google+, one of the users who shared the image followed it with “poor little girl..got killed in boston..):” By Tuesday, it had more than 500 comments and had become a “What’s Hot” post on the site — appearing in the feeds of all users who haven’t turned off that feature.

On Tuesday, organizers of that race shot down the tale on their Facebook account.

“We would like to clarify that the picture circulating on the web and Twitter of a little girl wearing a Joe Cassella 5K bib claiming to have been killed at the Boston marathon is being used fraudulently,” read the page for the Joe Cassella Foundation. The group raises funds for the families of children who are ill in the Washington area.

Race organizers will donate for retweets

A Twitter account sprouted up under the handle @_BostonMarathon. Posing as the organizers of the race, whoever is behind the account tweeted: “For every retweet we receive we will donate $1 to the #BostonMarathon victims #PrayForBoston.”

By Monday evening, the post had been retweeted more than 50,000 times.

It was, of course, fake. And to its credit, Twitter disabled the account soon afterward.

It wasn’t the only Twitter phony. Another widely talked-about account, @Hope4Boston, shared both the image of the 8-year-old girl who supposedly died and a photo of a young boy, running in a race, who was another supposed victim.

Eight-year-old Martin Richard was one of three confirmed fatalities as of Tuesday morning. But he was watching the race, waiting for his father to finish — not running in it.

The “Hope for Boston” account was created on March 24, according to the Web tool When Did You Join Twitter? But account holders are able to change their handles and names on the site.

Authorities shut down cell phone service

Reports flew around social media, mainly Twitter, on Monday that police in Boston had shut down cellular networks to prevent an attacker from using a cell phone to detonate another explosive. At least one media report quoted an unnamed source with information to that effect, before later recanting.

In truth, Boston’s wireless network was simply overwhelmed with the volume of calls and other communications in the aftermath of the attack. Service was slow and spotty, but never shut down.

Verizon and other mobile carriers confirmed they’d never been contacted by officials asking them to shut off service.

Soon after the bombings, mobile carriers were beefing up their networks in the Boston area. AT&T made its Wi-Fi system publicly available for free to help take the load off traditional phone lines.

Conspiracy theories

We almost hate to even address this stuff. We’ll start with a bottom line: Anyone saying they know what happened at this point is making it up.

But that didn’t stop far-fetched imaginings, often based in political ideology, from flying almost immediately after the attack.

One syndicated talk show host (who won’t be named and whose content won’t be linked here) tweeted that the attacks “stink to high heaven” of a so-called “false flag,” or staged attack. “False flag” is an old naval term that’s come to be used for a military action that’s not what it appears to be.

At least one Web user was ready for this. He registered a website — bostonmarathonconspiracy.com — on Monday. Clicking the link reveals a white page with black text reading:
“I bought this domain to keep some conspiracy theory kook from owning it. Please keep the victims of this event and their families in your thoughts. Thank you.”
Source:

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Nature Photography Class~ Space Is Limited So Sign Up Soon



Pocomoke Cypress Park- So Many Things To Discover....

It seems that Easter eggs weren't the ONLY eggs of the day during the Pocomoke City Police Department's 11th Annual Easter Egg Hunt.

It seems that earlier in the day, before the Pocomoke City Police Department Easter Egg Hunt,  a gentlemen in the park saw the nest  of a Killdeer and placed  twigs around to protect  the nest.

To add some extra protection to the birds Pocomoke City Councilman Rob Clarke, who is also a Forester with the Maryland Forest Service, requested "crime scene" tape from Chief Sewell and Officer McGlotten retrieved the tape from his  cruiser.

Pocomoke City Police Officer McGlotten
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Trevor (grandson of Councilman Tasker) helped rearrange the picnic tables so that we could tie off a larger "crime" scene to protect the eggs in the nest. 
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Now I'm not sure if this can be classified as a "nest"  but it was home for her eggs, herself and her companion.  Did you know that the parent Killdeer will flop on it's side and pretend to have an injured  wing when it feels its habitat is being jeopardized?



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Can you find the Killdeer nest in these  photos?

We sighted her on the other side of the park- but not far enough away to notice when we had backed away.  Later (without getting close) I managed to get a photo of her...or maybe him, and left so they could carry on with their day.

Photo BW
Nature is such a large part of what Cypress Park is about.  Make time to walk the park as many times a week as possible.  And if you discover anything Nature related please don't disturb it. 
Be sure to take time and venture over to the foot bridge.  Here's a photo from last year during the spring.

Photo/ Donna Clarke
Spring 2012- Cypress Park
And don't forget theThe Olive Lippoldt  Tidal Wetland Garden   


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Lots of Springtime activity there also.

 
 
Killdeer eggs- Pocomoke Cypress Park 2013

Boston Marathon Bombings

Photo CNN
(CNN) -- Two bombs struck near the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday, turning a celebration into a bloody scene of destruction.
 
Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis said Monday night that the death toll had risen to three. Scores were injured at the scene.
 
One of the dead was an 8-year-old boy, according to a state law enforcement source.
 
Hospitals reported at least 144 people are being treated, with at least 17 of them in critical condition and 25 in serious condition. At least eight of the patients are children.
 
At least 10 people injured had limbs amputated, according to a terrorism expert briefed on the investigation.

Doctors are "pulling ball bearings out of people in the emergency room," the expert said, suggesting the bombs were designed to propel shrapnel.
 
Several of the patients treated at Massachusetts General Hospital suffered injuries to lower limbs that will require "serial operations" in the coming days, trauma surgeon Peter Fagenholz said Monday night. Some injuries were so severe amputations were necessary, Fagenholz added.
 
In Washington, President Barack Obama vowed, "Any responsible individuals, any responsible groups, will feel the full weight of justice."
 
Boston "is a tough and resilient town," he said, adding that Americans will stand by Bostonians "every single step of the way."
 
'Like a huge cannon'
 
The terrorist attack, near the marathon's finish line, triggered widespread screaming and chaos, shattered windows and barricades and sent smoke billowing into the air at Copley Square.
 
The blasts were about 50 to 100 yards apart, officials said, on a stretch of the marathon course lined with spectators cheering runners through the final yards of a 26-mile, 385-yard endurance feat.
 
"It felt like a huge cannon," a witness told CNN about one of the blasts.
 
Allan Panter, a doctor who was near the finish line waiting for his wife to finish the race, told CNN he was standing about 20 to 25 feet from the first blast. He said he treated victims on the street after the explosion.
 
"I saw at least six to seven people down next to me," he said. "They protected me from the blast. One lady expired. One gentleman lost both his (lower) limbs. Most of the injuries were lower extremities."
 
Bill Iffrig, 78 and a veteran marathoner, was nearing the finish when "the shock waves just hit my whole body and my legs just started jittering around." Iffrig, who can be seen in video of the explosion wearing an orange tank top, was helped to his feet by an event volunteer and had just a scratch from his fall, he told CNN.
 
Federal authorities are classifying the bombings as a terrorist attack, but it's not clear whether the origin was domestic or foreign, a federal law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation said.
 
A federal law enforcement official told CNN that both bombs were small, and initial tests showed no C-4 or other high-grade explosive material, suggesting that the packages used in the attack were crude explosive devices.
 

FBI Assists Boston Police Department Regarding Explosions

FBI Assists Boston Police Department Regarding Explosions Along Marathon Route and Elsewhere

A multi-agency response including state and federal law enforcement agencies has been activated and is investigating the cause of the explosions along the Boston Marathon route and elsewhere. The FBI’s Boston Division stands with the Boston Police Department (BPD) and remains on-scene.

The FBI is offering its assistance in whatever capacity BPD requires. The situation remains fluid, and it remains too early to establish the cause and motivation. The FBI has set-up 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324), prompt #3, for anyone who has information, visual images, and/or details regarding the explosions along the Boston Marathon route and elsewhere.

No piece of information or detail is too small.

FBI Press Release

Rocket Launch On Wednesday

Launch is scheduled for this Wednesday, April 17, 2013  with a planned liftoff of 5 p.m.

Mission: Orbital Sciences Corporation Test Flight

Launch Vehicle: Antares

Launch Site: Wallops Flight Facility, Va.

Launch Pad: 0A

Description: Orbital Sciences is scheduled to test its Antares rocket. Testing will enable the rocket to eventually carry experiments and supplies to the International Space Station.

Visibility Map of the launch.




 If you cannot see the launch in person- watch live on NASA TV or online at www.nasa.gov/ntv

Chamber of Commerce-Business After Hours

Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce 'Business After Hours'
and the opening reception for
 "Something to Crow About"
exhibit on loan from the Ward Museum.
 
 
 

Monday, April 15, 2013

STATE TROOPERS INCREASE VIGILANCE

STATE TROOPERS INCREASE VIGILANCE - CITIZENS REMINDED OF TIPS LINE AT 1-800-492-TIPS

PIKESVILLE, MD) – As the investigation into the Boston explosions continues, Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, has directed state troopers to increase vigilance, especially around critical infrastructures.


Troopers will be conducting increased patrol checks of critical infrastructures in their areas of responsibility. Although troopers are routinely vigilant and looking for suspicious activities as part of their daily duties, they have been reminded to increase their awareness.

"Our obligation to protect our citizens requires that we increase our awareness in response to this tragedy in Boston as a precaution,” Colonel Brown said. “We are coordinating our efforts with allied law enforcement at the local and federal levels. The Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center is monitoring the situation and will keep our law enforcement partners informed of the latest public safety information. I ask citizens to join police officers in being alert for any suspicious activity or situation and report that information immediately to authorities.”

Persons who see something suspicious are urged to contact the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS (8877). The Center is staffed around-the-clock and will immediately review incoming information and forward it to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up. Local, state and federal law enforcement personnel work together at the Center to ensure Maryland’s coordinated response to public safety threats.

Maryland State Police command personnel are on alert to deploy additional troopers if needed for a State Police response or to assist local law enforcement. No additional personnel have been deployed at this time, but all troopers currently on patrol are implementing increased precautions.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

DRIVER ARRESTED IN FATAL PEDESTRIAN CRASH

BALTIMORE, MD) – After consulting with the Baltimore City State’s Attorney’s Office, Maryland State Police have charged and arrested the driver who struck and killed a city employee in front of Baltimore City Hall on April 9, 2013.

The driver of the 2000 Acura TL is identified as Johnny Johnson, 43, of the 2400 block of Francis Street, Baltimore, Maryland. He was charged on a warrant with manslaughter by automobile, homicide by motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, driving under the influence of drugs, driving under the influence of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of heroin, possession of cocaine, possession of drug paraphernalia and numerous traffic violations. T

The warrant was served on Johnson today by members of the Maryland State Apprehension Team with the assistance of the Baltimore Warrant Fugitive Task Force. He is currently being processed and held at Central Booking in Baltimore, pending an initial appearance before a court commissioner. 

Investigators from the Maryland State Police CRASH Team, under the guidance of the Baltimore City States Attorney’s Office, applied for and obtained an arrest warrant today. Then, shortly after 1:00 p.m. today, Johnson was arrested without incident while walking to his residence. During this investigation, evidence has been obtained which indicated that Johnson had drugs in his system at the time of the fatal crash. The investigation is still ongoing. 

“We appreciate the Maryland State Police for conducting the investigation that resulted in these serious charges,” said Gregg L. Bernstein, Baltimore City State’s Attorney. “We now look forward to prosecuting the case in court.” 

Anyone with information regarding this crash is still asked to contact the Maryland State Police, Golden Ring Barrack at (410) 780-2700.

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Charges in Party Shooting Changed to Murder

UPDATE On Shooting

An early morning shooting on Saturday at A&E Auto repair on Sylvan Scene Drive near Treherneville in Northampton County has resulted in the death of Jessie Leon Jordan of Cheriton age 23.

When the Sheriffs Department arrived at the scene at approximately 2 am they found that the victim had been transported by private vehicle to the Emergency Room at Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital where doctors had pronounced him dead. 

Sheriff David Doughty reported that the shooting happened during a party.

The case is being investigated as a murder. Sheriff Doughty is asking anyone with information to contact the Northampton Sheriffs office at 678-0458.

This is the second murder to occur in Northampton County in the last two weeks. Gary Aaron Coble is being held in the Northampton County Jail in the Easter Sunday murder of 35 year old Bryan Keith Elliott of Cheriton.  

An arraignment in that case is scheduled for June 6 in Northampton District Court.

Source:

Antares Rocket Rehearses For Countdown On Wednesday


NASA Photo

On Saturday, Orbital Sciences Corporation conducted a wet dress rehearsal for the Antares rocket in preparation its Test Flight scheduled for later this week on April 17.

 Late in the countdown, at about T-16 minutes, the test was halted because the launch team had detected a technical anomaly in the process. Orbital has determined that a secondary pyro valve aboard one of the two first-stage engines used in the propellant chilldown process was not functioning properly.

 A replacement unit will be installed within 24 hours with the goal of maintaining the April 17 launch date.

To stay updated:
NASA.GOV

6th Annual Walk and Fun Run For Awareness


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Mt. Vernon Vol. Fire Company ~ Gun Raffle


Parksley Vol. Fire Co. ~ "Boat and Bucks GIVEAWAY"

TICKETS AVAILABLE ON LINE!
See bottom of flyer.









TIME MACHINE ... 1921..1896..1994..1893..1913

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
 
(For those who have been following the articles from 1913 on the mysterious death of a young Salisbury office worker, this week's Time Machine concludes with two updates; others will follow in future weeks.)

 
June, 1921

A road inspection tour of the "Chesapeake Peninsula" by an official of the Automobile Club Of America reported good progress being made in development of hard surface roadways through Maryland and Delaware extending down to Pocomoke City.

"Until the roadwork is entirely finished on the Dupont Highway, the completion of which is expected in 1922, motorists who intend to go as far south as Pocomoke City and Cape Charles will make better time and find all hard surfaced roads by going to Elkton and then south through Maryland. These roads, according to Mr. Wells, (head of the Automobile Club Of Maryland) are splendidly kept and might serve as examples to the other States."

However, the stretch from New Church to Cape Charles was described as poor dirt roadway. Mr. Wells stated, "It is never necessary to erect a sign to inform motorists when they cross the Virginia line, for no other State in the East pays so little attention to public roads. The result of this neglect is plainly seen in the contrast between the Virginia end of the peninsula and the Maryland-Delaware section."

 
 
December, 1896
(The Denton Journal)

Snow Hill, one of the most progressive towns on the Peninsula, is to have a complete system of waterworks. The contract has just been awarded for the constructions of the stand-pipe, mains, etc., at $15,000. The stand-pipe is to have a capacity of 600,000 gallons. There are to be forty-five fire plugs.

 
June, 1994

Christine Sigrist of Pocomoke City, a senior at Mt. St. Mary's College, was presented with the Art Club Of Frederick award for her "Best In Show" art presentation at the college's annual Student Art Exhibition. "Still Life With Eye," in charcoal, was her winning entry.



 April, 1893
(Pella Weekly Herald- Pella, Iowa)

The Eastern Shore of Maryland has been besought to give India the sweet potato for a food for the often famine-stricken millions of many East-India provinces. E.B. Francis, director of lands in the Punjaub, has written to a Mr. Bennett of Accomac County, asking for "roots well packed," as it is desired to introduce that vegetable into India, in the hope that soil and climate there will be peculiarly favorable to it.
 
 
June, 1913
(The Washington Post)

MAY CLEAR UP GIRL'S DEATH

Arrests Expected to Follow Inquest Over Miss Wainwright

Important Witnesses Sought by Authorities May be Able to Shed Light on Salisbury Mystery

Special to The Washington Post.

Salisbury, Md., June 25.- That one and perhaps two arrests probably will be made following the inquest here Friday night into the death of Miss Florence Wainwright, the 24-year-old bookkeeper of the Home Gas Company, who was found dead at her desk last Friday night, was admitted today by the authorities who are conducting the investigation.

The officers are trying to locate Joseph Niblett and C.A. White, who are wanted as witnesses in the inquest. Niblett was employed at the office of the Home Gas Company until recently, and he is expected to give some important testimony. White is also believed to be in possession of facts that will help to clear up the mystery.

Although all concerned in the investigation are sworn to secrecy, enough evidence has leaked out to convince the public mind here that the young woman was the victim on an unlawful operation.

Mrs. Wainwright, the girl's mother, said today her daughter did not complain of feeling ill when she left for work, and the presumption is the alleged operation was subsequently performed.

A score of witnesses have been summoned for the inquest Friday night, and officials say arrests may be made at its close.

They say also that when a warrant is issued a full and complete chain of evidence will be ready to present to the grand jury.


 
June, 1913
(The News- Frederick, Md.)

SUSPECT IS A MARRIED MAN


Governor Won't Interfere With Woman's Death Probe

Salisbury, Md., Citizens Criticize Police For Failing to Place Responsibility For Miss Wainwright's Death.

Salisbury, Md., June 26- Complaints are heard here that the local authorities are not sufficiently energetic in placing the responsibility for the death of pretty Florence Wainwright.

Indignant citizens started a movement to have Governor Goldsborough take a hand in the case. The governor, however, says as yet he has not been appealed to and will take no action until asked to do so.

The governor declares he has confidence enough in the local state officials to believe they will do everything in their power to bring the gullty person or persons to justice.

It is now assured that Miss Wainwright's death was due to an operation. The identify of the purchaser of a box of pills found in the young woman's desk has been definitely learned. His name is witheld, but suspicion is directed against a married man.

It is now believed that Miss Wainwright did not die at her desk in the gas office, where her body was found, and that the box of pills that were placed near her had little if anything to do with her death.

In fact, it has now become pretty well settled that Miss Wainwright came to her death from an illegal operation performed not long before her body was discovered. It is more than probable that such an operation was not performed in the gas office, and some hold to the theory that is was performed in the yard of the office, and that the young woman was then carried into the office and placed in her chair, her hands folded in her lap, to make it appear that she had died in this position.

One of the officials investigating the case stated that he had his mind fully made up as to the identity of the guilty party and on Friday there would be some witnesses from out of town, one from Philadelphia in particular, who would establish the guilt and place the missing "link" of circumstancial evidence.

The police who collected the personal effects of the young woman at the gas office went to the home of the girl, where they found that all letters and personal efffects has been destroyed. The parents refuse absolutely to discuss the case.

Miss Wainwright was a very popular young woman in Salisbury, of a good family and had a host of friends. For five years she had been the gas company's bookkeeper, and her work there was well done.

When Miss Wainwright's body was discovered there were no marks of any kind found upon it, with the exception of a small scar on the right cheek near the eye, and this may have been caused by a death struggle. Several of her hairpins were on the floor, and a part of her hair hanging down, and her dress was almost unpinned about the neck.

When the jury was first summoned on Saturday, Harry Dennis was made foreman and all the members were sworn to secrecy, but some of the evidence has come to light, and it is said to show that at least three persons were with the young woman when she died, though all had left some hours before her brother-in-law found her body.

(Another updated article will be posted on next Sunday's Time Machine.)
 
 
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. 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!

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ Come Learn What Critters Eat



It's Lunch Time ~ Come and Get It!!
 
Lunch isn't just for us.
 
Photo/Delmarva Discovery Center
 
Come learn that the critters eat at the
 Delmarva Discovery Center
 
Photo/Delmarva Discovery Center
Sunday April 14
1:30 PM
 

Delegate Mike McDermott ~ What's Next?

Delegate Mike McDermott:  "After the 2013 session, many people are asking "What's Next" - here's my response."





Website: www.delegatemcdermott.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/electmikemcdermott

Twitter: www.twitter.com/Del_McDermott

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Man Dies In Eastern Shore Virginia Shooting

MACHIPONGO, Va. (WAVY) - A man shot on the Easter Shore died early Saturday morning.

Northampton County Sheriff David Doughty Jr. said deputies responded to a shooting victim at the A&E Auto Repair at 8131 Sylvan Scene Drive just after 2 a.m.

Deputies arrived to learn a man who suffered a gunshot wound had been taken to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital in a private vehicle.  When deputies arrived at the hospital, they learned that doctor's had pronounced the victim dead.

Doughty identified the victim as 23-year-old Jessie Leon Jordan of Cheriton. 

Doughty said witnesses reported the shooting happened during a party. Anyone with information should contact the Northampton County Sheriff's Office at 757-678-0458.

The case will be investigated as a homicide.

More Eastern Shore News

Dazzling Northern Lights ~Tonight



Seattle, New York, Pittsburgh, and Washington might see a display of the northern lights after sunset. At least that's what some forecasting models are saying.

Thanks to a big solar flare that left the Sun Thursday, Accuweather.com is generating some buzz online by predicting a "dazzling" light show tonight:

"The flare is also expected to cause vibrant northern lights from the Arctic as far south as New York, the Dakotas, Washington and Michigan, with a smaller possibility of it going into Pennsylvania and Iowa, even Kansas. The lights are currently estimated for 8 p.m. EDT Saturday arrival, with a possible deviation of up to seven hours. If the radiation hits much after dark settles on the East Coast the lights may be missed and will instead only be visible for the West."

READ MORE