Thursday, January 23, 2014

A&N Electric Cooperative ~ BEAT THE PEAK

Announcement From A & N Electric


Due to the extremely cold temperatures recently A&N Electric Cooperative has announced a
"Beat the Peak" on Thursday, January 23
 6:00 a.m. until 8:00 a.m.

 During times of peak energy use your co-op pays a premium price for energy. By reducing how much energy you are using in your home, you can lower your co-op's energy costs, these savings are passed onto you.

YOU can lower your energy consumption during these "alert periods" by lowering your thermostat a few degrees, turn off unnecessary lights, avoid using the dish washer, washing machine or dryer. 

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

Virginia DOT Reports On Road Conditions

According to Chris Isdell at the Accomack County VDOT, all roads on the Eastern Shore are "passable", i.e. they are not closed.

Route 13 is now 95% cleared. Primary roads have been 50% cleared by VDOT and secondary roads, which include back roads and necks, have been 15% cleared.

Temperatures will drop back down into the teens tonight and any wet roadways will refreeze, which is likely to re-create hazardous roadways Thursday morning. Isdell said VDOT crews will be out in force Wednesday evening to try and keep the roads clear.


Isdell said he was hopeful that temperatures would increase Thursday enough to help melt the snow on the road. However, temperatures are only forecast to be in the low 30s for a high Thursday, the low 20s for a high Friday, and will finally rise into the 40s on Saturday.
WESR

 

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Announces the Passing of K-9 Dino.

K-9 Dino
Worcester County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff Mason and his entire staff are saddened to announce the passing of K-9 Dino.

 K-9 Dino began suffering a medical condition in early 2013 which started to impact his breathing and performance.

K-9 Dino was retired by his handler, Cpl.... Bethany Ramey this past summer.

K-9 Dino was integral part of the CET team and Road Patrol during his time with us. K-9 Dino located numerous narcotics, U.S. Currency and was dual trained as a tracking dog as well. 

All of our thoughts are with his handler and her family and the entire K-9 Unit.

 There is no greater bond than what a K-9 Handler and their partner have.

The loss is great and felt for a long time. All of us at the Sheriff's Office feel the loss today.

###########
Note:  It was announced in October 2013 that K-9 Dino would be retiring. 

So sorry for your loss. bw
Retirement of K-9 Dino From Worcester County Sheriff's Dept.

Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and Wife Indicted On Federal Corruption Charges

RICHMOND, Va. (WAVY/AP) - Former Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell and his wife have been indicted on federal corruption charges.

Peter Carr, a spokesman for the U.S. Justice Department, says McDonnell and his wife, Maureen, were indicted Tuesday. The 14-count indictment includes conspiracy, wire fraud and other charges.

Document: McDonnell Indictment

The indictment shows the McDonnells’ scheming, using businessman Jonnie Williams’ private jet and receiving more than $135 thousand in loans and gifts from him as well as more than $7 thousand in golf outings and thousands more for his daughter's wedding. In exchange, the indictment alleges McDonnell arranged meetings for Williams, but in the end, McDonnell says Williams got nothing from his administration.

In a news conference Tuesday evening, Bob McDonnell addressed the public about the charges filed against him, claiming federal authorities are “stretching the law to its breaking point.”
“Law is clearly on our side,” he said. “ … I did nothing illegal.”

VIDEO: McDonnell's full news conference

McDonnell left office earlier this month after four years in the governor's office. A federal investigation overshadowed the final months of the only term as governor he is allowed under Virginia law. Authorities began looking into gifts the once-rising star of the Republican Party and his family received from a political donor and Richmond-area businessman.

In July, McDonnell apologized and said he had returned more than $120,000 in loans and other gifts from Johnnie Williams, the CEO of pharmaceutical company Star Scientific.

WAVY News 10's Andy Fox sat down with former Gov. McDonnell in December and pressed him about the possible indictments. He asked McDonnell if he was confident he wouldn't be indicted.

"I can't. I can only say that I'm focused on what I can control,"

McDonnell said. "Other people that are doing these reviews are doing them on their own timeframe."

VIDEO: Andy Fox's full exit interview with McDonnell

The time is here and so is the 14-count indictment, which includes charges of wire fraud, obtaining property under color of official right, and one count making false statements to a federal credit union.

The indictment paints a picture of the McDonnell family constantly with hands out to Jonnie Williams. The worst offender appears to be McDonnell's wife, Maureen, who sent an email to a senior McDonnell staffer demanding an inaugural clothing budget.

"Bob is screaming about the thousands I'm charging up in credit card debt. We are broke ... unconscionable amount in credit card debt ... this inaugural is killing us,” Mrs. McDonnell wrote in the email.

READ MORE....

Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office ~ Recent Arrests

RECENT ARRESTS ~ Somerset County (MD) Sheriff's Office

 Jessie Lamont Copes Jr. - Salisbury, arrested 1-6-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Copes was later returned to the Somerset County Detention Center, and held without bond.

 George Barton Crocket  - Crisfield, arrested 1-6-14 on warrants through Wicomico and Worcester Counties. Crocket was later released on an unsecured bond.

 Ronald Lee Hall Jr. - Crisfield, arrested 1-6-14 on a warrant for failing to appear in court. Hall was later held on a $1,000 bond.

 Chad Michael Bozman -  Crisfield, arrested 1-10-14 on two warrants for violation of probation. Bozman was later held without bond.

 Kristen Marie Ott  -  Westover, arrested 1-13-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Ott was held on a $20,000 bond.

 Alonzo Darryl Johnson Jr.  - Westover, arrested 1-15-14 on a warrant for contempt of court. Johnson was held on a $25,000 bond.

 Ralph Maurice Taylor Jr.  - Princess Anne, arrested 1-16-14 on a warrant for violation of probation. Taylor was later returned to the Somerset County Detention Center and held without bond.

UPDATE......CLOSED TODAY ~ POCOMOKE CITY

Market Street Boutique
CLOSED - Will re-open on Thursday at 10:00AM conditions permitting.





Delmarva Discovery Center
The Delmarva Discovery Center and Delmarva Discovery Center Museum Store will be CLOSED today.




Heart N Home

Heart ~n~ Home will be closed today, Wednesday, January 22, 2014 due to the snow storm.
 
Will reopen Thursday, January 23rd.


Enchanted Florist~ Pocomoke
Closed




Riverside Grill ~ Pocomoke
Closed


UPDATE: VA. CLOSINGS


Please NOTE this is NOT a complete listing of closures in the Virginia area.  Check with your local NEWS.

Accomack County Government Offices: Closed Today
 
Accomack County Juvenile & Domestic Relations District Court: Closed Today

Accomack County Public Schools: Closed Today

 
Accomack General District Court: Closed Today

Northampton County Public Schools (VA) Closed

Northampton County Circuit Court (VA): Closed

 
Northampton County General District Court (VA): Closed Today
 
Eastern Shore Community College: Closed

Eastern Shore Community Services Board: Closed Today

 
Star Transit: Delayed Opening Until 10:00 AM

Tyson Foods, Temperanceville: No First Shift. Night shift will report on time Wednesday. Maintenance Call your Supervisor.

Broadwater Academy: Closed Today

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Virginia/ Closings and cancellations for Tuesday January 21, 2014

Virginia CANCELLATIONS
01/21/2014
Market Street United Methodist Church: Terrific Tuesday Dinner will be Wednesday at 5:45 Pm. Trustee meeting is cancelled. Kids Alive program is cancelled.

Annual celebration of the E.S. Literacy Council cancelled will be held Thursday at ESCC.

Accomac Parks and Recreation's Basketball games cancelled for tonight.

Basketball games for girls and boys between Northampton and Chincoteague cancelled tonight.

The Una Familiar tutoring at Melfa UMC scheduled for Wednesday evening has been cancelled however this Sunday evening outing to the YMCA will still go on as planned.

Shore Christian Academy will have a regular dismissal but no after school activities and no school Wednesday.

ESCC closing at 4 PM Tuesday.

Knights of Columbus Social at 6:30 today is cancelled.
Northampton and Accomack County Public School's will close today at 1:00 PM.

Central Baptist Academy will close today at 12:30 PM and will remain closed Wednesday.

Head Start in both counties will close at 1:00 PM.

Holly Grove Christian Academy is closed.

No limits ES is closed.

All branches of NMA Federal Credit Union will be closed Wednesday, January 22nd.

Choir practice is canceled tonight for St. Thomas United Methodist Church in Clam.

Due to the approaching inclement weather, the Eastern Shore Public Service Authority meeting, scheduled for tonight (January 21, 2014) at 7:00 p.m. in the County Administration Building in Eastville, has been cancelled. The meeting will now be held next Tuesday, January 28th, commencing at 7:00 p.m. in the second floor conference room of the County Administrators office, 16404 Courthouse Road, Eastville, VA 23347
Broadway Baptist Church in Cashville has canceled its business meeting tonight.

Melfa Town Council meeting is canceled tonight.

ESO Art Center, Belle Haven, closing at 4PM today.

St. Paul on the Shore Day Care closing at 5 PM.

Northampton County Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court will be closed Wednesday. Please contact the office on Friday 757-678-1025 for new court dates.

The regular Accomack County School Board meeting has been moved to Thursday night at 7:30 PM at the Accomack Board of Supervisors Chambers.

Grace United Methodist Women's meeting is cancelled tonight.
FMC Dialysis Clinic in Nassawadox will open 2 hours late Wednesday morning. Patients do not report until 7 AM.

Accomack-Northampton Planning District Commission meeting schedule for Tuesday night has been canceled, as well as the VIrginia Housing Alliance Meeting scheduled for Wednesday night.

Accomack JDR Court closed Wednesday.

Tea Party meeting at Little Italy Restaurant Wednesday canceled.
Attitudes Fitness Wednesday classes are canceled.

Take Care Of Those Animals!!!

REMEMBER:  If YOU are COLD- THEY are COLD also!!

 
This includes ANY household pet!
If YOU don't want to be outside they don't want to be either!
It's  just plain CRUEL!

Worcester County Recreation & Parks ~ Closing


Worcester County Recreation and Parks evening activities are cancelled for Tuesday January 21st.

The recreation center will be closing at 4:30 p.m

Announcement Rally Tonight POSTPONED - Rescheduled for 7pm, Wednesday, January 29.

Dear Pokomoke --

Given the extreme weather conditions today, we have postponed our announcement rally scheduled at 6pm tonight in Annapolis. The rescheduled date for our announcement rally will be 7pm Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at Mike's Crab House.

We have already started our work to change Maryland for the better so an extreme snowstorm will not slow our efforts. However, our primary concern today is your safety. Due to extreme winter storm warnings we strongly advise you to stay home and stay off the roads.

Please stay safe during this weather event and we hope you will be able to join us at our rescheduled rally on Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 7:00pm.

Sincerely,

The Larry Hogan for Governor Campaign
(855) 23-HOGAN

-=-=-
Hogan for Governor · 2635 Riva Rd, Suite 100, Annapolis, MD 21401, United States

HOGAN ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR GOVERNOR Postpones Evening Rally Due to Extreme Winter Weather


ANNAPOLIS – Today Larry Hogan announced his candidacy to become Maryland’s next governor:

“An overwhelming majority of Marylanders, regardless of party, feel that we are way off track, heading in the wrong direction, and that new leadership is needed in Annapolis. And one thing is clear: we can’t change Maryland without changing governors. So after serious reflection, I have decided to answer the call, and step up to this challenge.”

“The establishment in Annapolis has just been expecting another coronation in November. But today, regardless of the weather, we're putting them on notice that we're going to give them the toughest fight of their lives.”

Hogan planned to make his announcement this evening before an overflow crowd of more than 500 enthusiastic supporters from all across Maryland. However, facing what forecasters are describing as ‘the largest storm in three years’ and an expectation of up to ten inches of snow in the Annapolis area, the Hogan for Governor campaign has postponed this evening’s announcement rally, and rescheduled it for Wednesday, January 29, 2014 at 7PM.

“While our initial intention was to continue despite the weather, as we monitored the situation overnight, it became clear this was going to be a significant weather event," Hogan continued, “we've postponed today’s event, but no amount of snow is going to stop our grassroots army of 75,000 fed-up Republicans, Democrats, and Independents from bringing real change to Maryland.”

“We have already started our work to change Maryland for the better,” said Hogan, “but our primary concern today is the safety of Marylanders. Due to extreme winter storm warnings we are strongly advising our supporters to stay home and stay off the roads.”

A business owner for over 25 years, Larry Hogan has helped attract hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs to Maryland. He took time away from his successful business to serve as a Cabinet Secretary in the Ehrlich Administration, and founded the state’s largest non-partisan grassroots organization, Change Maryland, focused on bringing fiscal responsibility and common sense policies to Annapolis.
###
Adam Schmidt
(443) 221-4450 office
(410) 897-7050 mobile
aschmidt@hoganforgovernor.com
Hannah Marr
(443) 221-4450 office
(443) 935-3684 mobile
hmarr@hoganforgovernor.com
@Hogan4Governor | www.HoganforGovernor.com | fb.com/ChangeMaryland
Authority: Larry Hogan for Governor, John C. Wobensmith, Treasurer

LEGO ® @ the Library Contest / Pocomoke Branch

LEGO ® Contest

Registration required by January 22, 2014

For more information and for rules and regulations, contact the Pocomoke Branch at 410-957-0878.

 For 5 -12 year old children.

Maryland State Police 18th Annual Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics

From: Maryland State Police
BEARS HEADED TO THE BEACH - PLUNGE COUNTDOWN IS ON!

(ANNAPOLIS, MD) – The temperatures are down, but the tents are up as final preparations are being made for Maryland’s largest and most unusual outdoor winter events set to occur this Friday and Saturday at Sandy Point State Park.

The 18th Annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge for Special Olympics will be the main event of 2014 Plungefest this weekend, as thousands of warm-hearted people brave the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Their “plunges” will raise money to support year-round sports training and competition provided free to children and adults with intellectual disabilities. 

Governor Martin O’Malley is set to complete a perfect record of plunging every year since he has been in office. He will be joined by Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus Brown, Natural Resources Police Superintendent Colonel George Johnson, Anne Arundel County Executive Laura Neuman, and many others as they take a quick dip in the Bay for a great cause.

Plungefest Weekend will begin Friday morning as more than 40 Super Plungers begin their quest to plunge once an hour for 24 hours. At noon Friday, more than 400 police officers are expected to hit the beach in the Police Plunge. Friday afternoon, polar bears from multiple area businesses will participate in the Corporate Plunge. 

Sandy Point State Park will open at 8:00 a.m. Saturday to begin welcoming the more than 10,000 who are expected to plunge in the main events, along with their families, friends and a lot of spectators. A kid’s plunge will be held on the beach at 11:00 a.m. The MSP Polar Bear Plunge will occur at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Those interested in registering to plunge, sponsoring a plunger, or learning more about the events are urged to visit www.plungemd.com. Potential plungers can also register on-site the day of the plunge. Plungers are asked to raise a minimum of $75 for Special Olympics. They will receive an official Plunge sweatshirt, will qualify for other great prizes, and will know they have helped thousands of Marylanders with intellectual disabilities realize their full potential. 

Plungefest is free and open to the public. The Carnival Funfest tent will be filled with a 40-ton sand sculpture, along with vendors selling food and other products. The Rams Head Live tent will feature live music all day long. The 98Rock Hot Spot tent will also have music and an assortment of vendors. There will be a variety of other sights to see and locations to visit throughout the Plungefest venue.

Plungers and spectators are urged to use the free Polar Express shuttle service, which is available at Navy-Marine Corps Stadium, Anne Arundel Community College, and Kent Island High School. There will be no general parking at Sandy Point. All those parking at the park must have a pass issued by Special Olympics.

Alcohol is not permitted in the venue except in three specific areas. Security will be in place to ensure the alcohol restrictions are adhered to. Plungefest is hosted by the Maryland Park Service. All visiting the park are urged to respect the venue and help preserve the park by obeying all rules and respecting this great natural resource.

Plungefest is produced by Special Olympics Maryland with assistance from a team of law enforcement agencies, business sponsors, and committed citizens. The event is part of the Maryland Law Enforcement Torch Run, which coordinates year-round events to support Special Olympics. Special Olympics is the adopted charity of law enforcement worldwide. Law Enforcement Torch Run programs exist and support Special Olympics in all 50 states and 45 foreign countries.  

A More Effective Way To Treat Ice/Snow Covered Roads

Did you know?



Beet juice is becoming a very popular as a  snow/ice fighting tool. Beet juice is organic, reduces corrosion, melts to very low temperatures and reduces the amount of material needed for each application on those slippery roads many travel before, during and after any snow storm.

The concoction of beet juice and salt is kinder to concrete and metal and is being used in a number of states, cities and counties.

Valentine Cabaret! At the MarVa Theater


 
 Menu:
 Course One Braised Pork on Sweet Potato Biscuit w/ Chipotle Aioli
 *wine TBD
 
 Course Two
 Sliced Beef Tenderloin & Crab Cake w/ Red Wine Reduction, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Sautéed Green Beans
 *wine TBD
 
 Finale
 Bread Pudding w/ Golden Raisins, Walnuts and Warm Vanilla Sauce
 *wine TBD

RSVP by January 31st

UPDATE: WINTER STORM WARNING / Virginia

EARLY CLOSINGS:
Accomack County Public Schools Closing at 1:00pm

Northampton Co. Schools (VA) Closing at 1:00pm  / All evening activities canceled

Photo BW
Snow Storm February 6, 2010

Winter Storm Warnings issued for Eastern Shore

Issued At: Tuesday, 21 Jan 2014, 4:02 AM EST
 Expires At: Wednesday, 22 Jan 2014, 12:00 AM EST


GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS-ACCOMACK-NORTHAMPTON VA- INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...CHINCOTEAGUE...WALLOPS ISLAND...MELFA... EASTVILLE

WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 1 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO MIDNIGHT EST TONIGHT

 * AREAS AFFECTED: PORTIONS OF THE MIDDLE PENINSULA AND THE VIRGINIA EASTERN SHORE.
 * HAZARDS: SNOW AND GUSTY WINDS.

 * ACCUMULATIONS: 3 TO 6 INCHES. * WINDS: NORTH WINDS WILL AVERAGE 15 TO 25 MPH...WITH GUSTS TO AROUND 30 TO 40 MPH BY LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THE EVENING.

 TEMPERATURES FALLING TO NEAR FREEZING BY LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON...THEN BELOW FREEZING TUESDAY EVENING.

* TIMING: RAIN BECOMING MIXED WITH AND CHANGING TO SNOW IN THE MID AND LATE AFTERNOON HOURS TUESDAY. THE SNOW WILL POTENTIALLY BE HEAVY AT TIMES TUESDAY EVENING.

* IMPACTS: ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL AND STRONG WINDS COULD CAUSE HAZARDOUS TRAVEL ACROSS THE AREA LATE TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THE EVENING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... A WINTER STORM WARNING FOR HEAVY SNOW MEANS SEVERE WINTER WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE EXPECTED.

 SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF SNOW ARE FORECAST THAT WILL MAKE TRAVEL DANGEROUS. ONLY TRAVEL IN AN EMERGENCY.

IF YOU MUST TRAVEL...KEEP AN EXTRA FLASHLIGHT... FOOD...AND WATER IN YOUR VEHICLE IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED....





Monday, January 20, 2014

Winter Storm Watch/ Virginia


Areas affected: Accomack, VA; Gloucester, VA; James City, VA; Mathews, VA; Middlesex, VA; Northampton, VA; Williamsburg City, VA
 

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
 NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE WAKEFIELD VA
 1011 AM EST MON JAN 20 2014
 VAZ084-086-090-099-100-202315-
/O.EXA.KAKQ.WS.A.0001.140121T1100Z-140122T0500Z/

GLOUCESTER-MATHEWS-JAMES CITY-ACCOMACK-NORTHAMPTON VA-

INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...WILLIAMSBURG...CHINCOTEAGUE...
 WALLOPS ISLAND...MELFA...EASTVILLE
 1011 AM EST MON JAN 20 2014

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
 TUESDAY EVENING...


THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN WAKEFIELD HAS ISSUED A WINTER
 STORM WATCH...WHICH IS IN EFFECT FROM TUESDAY MORNING THROUGH
 TUESDAY EVENING.

* AREAS AFFECTED: PORTIONS OF EASTERN VIRGINIA...AND THE VIRGINIA
 EASTERN SHORE.
 * HAZARDS: SNOW. 


 * ACCUMULATIONS: SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS OF 3 TO 5 INCHES OF SNOW
 ARE POSSIBLE ACROSS THE WATCH AREA.

 * WINDS: NORTH WINDS WILL AVERAGE 10 TO 20 MPH...WITH GUSTS TO
 AROUND 30 MPH EXPECTED TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

 * TIMING: LIGHT SNOW WILL BEGIN BY LATE MORNING ON TUESDAY...
 CONTINUING THROUGH TUESDAY EVENING.

THE PERIOD OF HEAVIEST
 SNOWFALL IS EXPECTED TUESDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH THE EVENING.

 * IMPACTS: ACCUMULATING SNOWFALL COULD CAUSE PERIODS OF HAZARDOUS
 TRAVEL ACROSS THE AREA TUESDAY AFTERNOON AND EVENING.

 PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
 A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR SIGNIFICANT

 SNOW ACCUMULATIONS THAT MAY IMPACT TRAVEL.

Expiring: 01/22/2014 12:00am

Larry Hogan to Announce Candidacy for Governor



Larry Hogan, a business owner for over 25 years, has helped attract hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs to Maryland. Hogan took time away from his successful business to serve as a Cabinet Secretary in the Ehrlich Administration. He founded the state’s largest non-partisan grassroots organization focused on bringing fiscal responsibility and common sense to Annapolis. Hogan has led citizen referendums to lower taxes and reform government. He has spent a lifetime fighting to change Maryland for the better.



Larry Hogan will announce his candidacy for Governor 6PM Tuesday January 21, 2014 at Mike’s Crab House in Riva, Maryland.

Mike's Crab House, 303 Riva Road, Annapolis (Riva), MD 21140

Accomack County Circuit Court Cases

Accomack County Circuit Court Cases
Thursday, January16, 2014


Richard Christian - charged with possession of cocaine and intent to distribute. The distribution charge was dropped due to lack of evidence. Mr. Christian was found on June 6, 2013 in possession. Christian pled guilty to the possession charge. Judge Glen a Tyler continued this case for presentence report.

Upsher Ayers - charged with possession and two counts of distribution for a third offense. These charges stem from incidents on May 1, 2012 and December 1, 2012. Ms. Sherry Mapp Ayres attorney made a motion to withdraw from these cases stating that a paid family attorney would be handling this case. Judge Tyler granted the motion and entered a not guilty plea on all charges. Ayres was returned to jail awaiting a new trial date.


Michael Bowman - charged with driving under the influence- third offense within five years- and driving on a suspended license. Bowman was observed by a local police officer driving a moped with the officer knowing that he had two prior convictions and should not have been driving on November 14, 2012. Bowman  pled guilty. Bowman's  attorney asked that he remain out on bond to await sentencing. Judge Tyler denied this motion sending the defendant to jail to await sentencing.

Antonio Palmer - charged with larceny. This charge was reduced from grand larceny to petit larceny primarily because the victim had recently died. This offense occurred on February 27, 2013 when a metal table and a disc plow were stolen by Mr. Palmer and his brother. The Sheriffs Department at located both items and returned them to the rightful owner therefore no restitution was rendered. Judge Tyler accepted a plea agreement sentencing the defendant to 12 years with all but time served suspended.

Warner Byrd Sr. - charged with possession of cocaine and marijuana. He was convicted on February 14, 2013 and had a long record. However,  Byrd also had an excellent employer recommendation. Byrd was sentenced to three years on  cocaine charges  with all but 30 days suspended with possible work release and 30 additional days all suspended for the marijuana charge with a $500 fine. Additionally, his drivers license was suspended for six months plus court costs.

 Keyon Townsend - tried on two counts of distribution of heroin. The two pending charges stem from an arrest on January 7 and January 8 in the Horntown area. Townsend was found guilty on both charges in this case was continued for a pre-sentence report. Townsend was remanded to jail to await sentencing.

County Drug Task Forces Now Led By Local Police.....


County Drug Task Forces Now Led By
 Local Police, Not Troopers


January 17, 2014

ANNAPOLIS – Maryland State Police have transferred the administration of county-wide drug task forces to local police, but some lawmakers are concerned about the impact on local law enforcement.

Maryland State Police representatives discussed the change Friday with members of the Eastern Shore delegation and Caroline County officials.

The reorganization, implemented in March 2013, allows the state police to operate on a regional level in order to pursue drug suppliers that are located across county lines.

The decision was department-wide and divided the state into five regions of operation. It was implemented in an attempt to create more effective task forces, said Maryland State Police spokeswoman Elena Russo.

“We are not taking troopers out of those counties [on the Eastern Shore],” said Col. Marcus Brown, Superintendent of Maryland State Police. “We are making a more strategic movement in those counties.”

That strategic movement may not physically relocate state troopers, but some are concerned that it may still harm the effectiveness of local police.

“I don’t think that this is necessarily in the best interest to the local law enforcement,” said Delegate Michael A. McDermott, R-Wicomico. “I don’t think the state has enough personnel to carry out their mission, so they’re redefining their mission.”

Reorganizing the state police’s drug task forces allows the officials to cut off “the head of the octopus,” Brown said.

However, while the state police will have more rein to pursue intercounty and interstate drug traffickers, it will require local police to invest more resources, which some counties may not have.

“We will maintain it somehow, in some way,” said Caroline County Sheriff Randy Bounds. “We will continue to conduct drug investigations.”

The new structure was implemented so quickly that the local agencies need time to gather additional personnel, said McDermott.

Both the county and state police are short on resources.


CONTINUE READING ....

"Pirates of the Chesapeake" ~ ONE SHOW ONLY !


Martin Luther King Birthday (Observed) Today

Martin Luther King, Jr.
January 15 1929 – April 4 1968
“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Sunday, January 19, 2014

Broncos WIN!!

DENVER BRONCOS are going to the
 Super Bowl!
 
 
 


TIME MACHINE ... 1990, 1939, 1941, 1891, 1893


(Reader Friendly Viewing Of Newspaper Archive Material)

January, 1990 

Efforts spearheaded by Mayor Curt Lippolt along with local and state officials resulted in the good economic news that the Italian-based gun maker Baretta would set up operation in the Pocomoke Industrial Park with prospects of employing up to 100 people in three years. Baretta USA Corp. was expected to invest $1.5 million in the plant. The company would use the 25,000 foot shell building to manufacture components for small pistols. Six states had been in consideration for the new Baretta site.


June, 1939
(Chicago Packer {Trade Publication} - Chicago, Illinois)

(Excerpts)

Big Crowd Attends Eastern Shore Potato Blossom Festival

Onancock, Va., June 16. - No more beautiful spectacle was ever seen on the Delmarva peninsula then the ceremonies for the coronation of Queen Eastern Shore V the evening of June 8, opening day of the fifth annual Eastern Shore Potato Blossom Festival, which continued the following two days at the American Legion Park at Tasley. Five thousand persons thronged the grounds for the afternoon and evening performance. Clear skies and a warm sun and bright moonlight added to the carnival spirit which prevailed.

Miss Kathryn Lawson Barnes, of Pocomoke City, Md., as festival queen, dressed in white and wearing robes of regal splendor, crossed the quarter stretch upon the arm of Herbert R. Rhodes, of Baltimore, commander of the Maryland Department of the American Legion.

Preceding the queen were the princesses dressed in deep pink, while the maid of honor, Miss Elizabeth Williams of Salisbury, Md., wore green. Each girl was accompanied by an escort.

In the afternoon, a baby revue, directed by Mrs. Adelaide Ames Phillips, of Cheriton, won applause of the audience.

 
The festival of this year, like its predecessors, was highly successful from a social and amusement point of view and served to draw attention to the shore's chief product- the potato. 

 
June, 1941 (Time Machine archive)

In Crisfield the normal peacetime production at the Briddell plant was now involved with a heavy workload related to military needs with two work shifts required. Also in Crisfield two tent factories were working overtime to fill military orders.

 
January, 1891
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac Court House) 

(Ad)

An Opportunity for a Free Visit to Pocomoke City, The booming town of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, for one month only- from December 15th, 1890 to January 15th, 1891.

I.H. MERRILL, proprietor of the Peninsula Clothing, Shoe and Gents' Furnishings Depot, Will pay in CASH at his office, upon the day of purchase, to all cash customers that are residents of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, whether they come by rail or otherwise (except for ministers, to whom we always give an extra discount), mileage according to the table below upon the following plan: customers may be waited on by any of the salesmen they may elect, who will do their best to suit them in quality, style, and price. If we cannot please them we will not expect them to buy. After having made your purchase in full and settled your bill, the purchaser must not fail to write his or her name and post office address on a card or slip of paper with the amount of goods purchased, and receive the mileage in cash, viz:

Bills amounting to over $5 up to $10 one cent per mile for the distance.

over $10 up to $20 two cents per mile
over $20 up to $30 three cents per mile
over $30 up to $40 four cents per mile
over $40 up to $50 five cents per mile
-Large bills at the same rates.-

This is very simple and every customer can calculate the amount they will make, in addition to having large and varied stocks to select from, and at guaranteed prices.

I.H. MERRILL 
POCOMOKE CITY, MD.


June, 1893
(Denton Journal) 

The heroine of Pocomoke City is Miss Nellie Dryden. Last Saturday night she was awakened by a burglar who had torn away the window slats, broken a pane of glass and entered the parlor and gathered several articles, with which he was about to encamp. As he was leaving she opened fire with a revolver. He dropped his plunder and fled.


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!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

PHS Drama Club ~ "Schoolhouse Rock Live"


There's still time to see this Drama Club Production

Pocomoke High School Drama Club
presents
"SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK - LIVE"
 
Saturday, February 18,2014
 
7:00 PM
 
Tickets $5.00
 Children under 12 are $3.00

2013 Mudbog Banquet Tickets On Sale



 The 2013 Mud Bog Banquet will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2014 at the Crisfield Elks Lodge in Crisfield, Maryland.

Dinner will be at 6:00 PM.

 Tickets to the banquet are on sale for $15.00 per person.

PLEASE get your tickets ordered early ... a total count for attendance is needed BY FEBRUARY 12th.

To order tickets or for more information contact Charlie Price at 410-330-6571.

 Many of you have asked about the 2014 racing schedule.
The track committees will be meeting towards the end of January to set the dates and places for the 2014 mud bog year.

 I will have more information as I receive it.


See you at the banquet!!

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview


1990.. Great economic news for Pocomoke City; 1939.. Big festival in Onancock celebrates Delmarva's chief product of that era; 1941.. War effort production evident in Crisfield; 1891.. Merchant offers Eastern Shore of Virginia customers "Free Travel" to Pocomoke City; 1893.. Miss Nellie stands her ground against Pocomoke burglar.

Although you may not find all of these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it this Sunday right 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? 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!

SUSPECTED DUI DRIVER FROM DE KILLED IN MD CRASH

Maryland State Police

(MILLINGTON, MD) – An erratic driver who refused to stop for police in Delaware was killed early this morning when he apparently lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a vacant house in Kent County, MD.

The man is identified as Adam M. Hughes, 25, of Clayton, Delaware. He was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash, which occurred near the intersection of Rt. 291 and Crane Street, in Millington. His body will be taken to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an autopsy.

Shortly after 2:00 a.m. today, Maryland State Police at the Centreville Barrack were notified by Kent County central dispatch of a single vehicle crash that occurred in Millington. Responding troopers found Delaware police already on the scene where a 2004 Saturn SUV had crashed into a vacant house. The driver, later identified as Hughes, was the only occupant of the vehicle.

Maryland State Police learned the driver had been seen driving erratically in Delaware. An officer from the Clayton (DE) Police Department had attempted to stop the vehicle, believing the driver may have been operating under the influence. The driver refused to stop. Police followed the vehicle into Maryland on Rt. 291, attempting to stop it.

When the suspect vehicle neared Crane Street, the preliminary investigation indicates the driver ran off the right side of the road and struck a curb. The vehicle then crossed back over the centerline, rotated 180 degrees and ran off the left side of the roadway. The vehicle struck a utility pole and then ran into the vacant house.

The Maryland State Police Crash Team responded to conduct a detailed crash investigation. The investigation is continuing.

Delegate McDermott Proposes Several Business-Friendly Bills”

Delegate McDermott Proposes Several Business-Friendly Bills for the 2014 Legislative Session


“Delegate McDermott Proposes Several Business-Friendly Bills”

ANNAPOLIS – Four bills proposed during the 2014 legislative session by Delegate Mike McDermott (R-Worcester & Wicomico) will create a more business-friendly environment for the state of Maryland. Delegate McDermott, who represents the Lower Eastern Shore, is sponsoring several legislative bills aimed at making Maryland work for business.

 “Maryland desperately needs legislation that will make it a more business friendly state.  Our current business environment does not allow it to adequately compete with our neighboring states,” Delegate McDermott said of his proposed bills. “These laws will help out not only big business, but also small business owners, contractors, electricians and the like.  We need to change the way we think about business in Maryland.”
 
McDermott’s “Truth in Permitting” bill restructures the way in which local government responds to proposed building and electrical permits. The current system in place doesn’t require the permit review board to specify why a particular permit was rejected, nor does it require the permit review board to review a permit within a “reasonable amount of time.” Delegate McDermott’s proposal will change this process and require the board to indicate exactly what is wrong with the proposed permit within a reasonable amount of time.
 
“There is a poor system in place today that often fails to tell a contractor what is wrong with their permit,” Delegate McDermott said. “This faulty process results in a back and forth between contractors and architects trying to identify the problem which is often omitted by those reviewing the permit. This adds to the time and money it takes business owners to have their permits approved often resulting in months of lost time.”
 
Additionally, House Bill 199, or the “Corporate Income Tax-Rate Reduction” bill, will reduce the corporate tax-rate from the current 8.25% to a lower 6%, helping corporations statewide. The reduction will give corporations in Maryland more breathing room, allowing them to operate more freely. It would provide a competitive response to surrounding states with lower rates and incentives.
 
Likewise, House Bill 26 will require agencies who are submitting regulations to also submit a fiscal impact statement. Currently, when an agency submits a regulation for review they do not have to assess the fiscal impact of that regulation.  The bill will make sure that before any regulations are passed, lawmakers and Marylanders alike have a chance at analyzing how the regulation will impact the economy as well as the state’s budget. The impact of this bill is far reaching and will affect farmers and other businesses across Maryland.
 
Delegate McDermott’s fourth bill aimed at aiding business will alter the penalty process presently regulated by the Department of Labor and Licensing Regulations (“DLLR”). Currently, the DLLR penalizes small businesses for “non-serious violations” without first giving them a warning. Delegate McDermott’s bill, though, will make sure that a warning is first given for non-serious violations before the DLLR can fine the business owner.
 
 
“Maryland needs to be a more business-friendly state and it can start with this legislative year,” Delegate McDermott said. “We have a real opportunity here to do what’s right, to compete with our neighboring states, and to make Maryland a more prosperous, inviting state in which to do business.”

Rabies Vaccination Clinics Begnning January 25th



732 Pounds of Cocaine Seized At Port of Norfolk

Norfolk, Va. – Customs and Border Protection (CPB) officers seized 732 pounds of cocaine concealed in cans of fruit juice in a shipping container at the Port of Norfolk on December 20th.
The wholesale value is about $12 million with a street value as much as $100 million. The seizure is the largest in the port’s history.

“I have children of my own, I’m always worried about where these drugs end up, are they getting to schools and for that reason I could not be more excited that this amount of cocaine is not going to make it out onto the streets,” said Mark Laria, Customs and Border Protection Area Port Director.

CBP tactical operations officers from the Port of Norfolk were conducting a container inspection operation when they discovered the narcotics.

There was no specific tip that led to the bust, but border patrol workers say the use of fruit cans is just one example of how creative drug traffickers are getting these days. In the past they have even used body bags.

“We used every tool at our disposal. We have large scale x-ray equipment we have small scale x-ray equipment, we have probes, we have various tools and technology that were brought to bear on this shipment and it took every bit of it plus the officers knowledge and intuition to locate the cocaine in this shipment,” said Laria.

The container carrying the drugs was flagged as soon as it left Trinidad and Tobago, but our border protection workers could not check the container until it got to the United States.

The shipment was destined for New York.

No arrests have been made at this time.

MORE...