New Wal*Mart Opens Wednesday

A new Walmart opens this month in Onley, bringing approximately 350 planned new jobs, savings on a full line of groceries and an increase in tax revenue to support the area's economy. Nonprofit organizations will also benefit from the retailer's ongoing charitable contributions and support for community projects. The Walmart, located at 26036 Lankford Highway, will be open to customers at 8 a.m., Wednesday, July 21.

"We are excited to have Walmart here on the eastern shore of Virginia. For years our residents had to travel to Tidewater or Maryland to enjoy shopping at these stores," said Jeff Davis, president, Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce. "Not only will it now mean greater product selection and competitive pricing, it will mean important jobs to our workforce. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with Walmart and are pleased that they have elected to join our Eastern Shore of Virginia Chamber of Commerce."

Store Designed to Improve Customer Experience
In recent months, Walmart has taken major steps to refresh its stores, merchandising and customer experience. The improvements have all come together in the company's newest stores, such as the Onley Walmart.

The new Walmart features wide aisles, enhanced service and a layout designed to make the shopping experience more convenient for customers. Walmart aligned the departments that customers shop most frequently. The pharmacy, for example, is adjacent to food making it easier for customers to pick up their prescriptions while shopping for their groceries.

"The layout of the store is easy to navigate, which will save our customers time as they shop for everyday necessities," said store manager Frank Durst. "By grouping the products that our customers most often purchase including health and beauty and pet supplies, we are making one-stop shopping even easier."

A bright interior color palette creates an inviting shopping experience and helps define the store's merchandise areas. Lower shelving creates an improved sightline and directional signage on every aisle helps customers find what they are looking for quickly. Walmart also combined the customer service desk, Site-to-Store pick-up location and photo lab in one area near the entrance. Customers now have easy access to these services, as well as associates on hand to help meet their needs.

The store's opening has created approximately 350 new jobs. Three of the stores associates have worked for Walmart for more than 10 years. Durst began his Walmart career in 1993 as an hourly associate at a store in La Vale, Md.

Store Design Incorporates Environmentally Friendly Features:
The Onley Walmart, like all new Walmart stores, includes energy-efficient technology and environmentally friendly features to reduce energy and water consumption and minimize waste. The store's skylights harvest daylight and reduce the amount of energy required to light the store by up to 75 percent daily. LED lighting in the store operates 70 percent more efficiently than traditional fluorescent lighting.

The cement used in the concrete flooring is made with recycled materials, and the floors finish reduces the need for chemical cleaners. Low-flow toilets and faucets reduce the water used in the bathrooms. The new store also operates a recycling program and will promote sustainable product purchases.

Ribbon-Cutting Celebration 7:30 a.m., July 21
Community and business leaders will join Walmart associates at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday for a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony. Store associate Kendra Townsend will perform the national anthem and representatives from the Virginia Marine Resource Corporation will present the colors.

Community Organizations Benefit from Grand-Opening Grants:
Walmart is continuing its support of the community by giving $19,000 in grants from the Walmart Foundation to local organizations. The grant recipients include Accomac County Sheriffs Department, Eastern Shore Coalition Against Domestic Violence, Eastern Shore Rural Health, Lighthouse Ministries Food Bank, Olney Police Department, Southeastern Virginia Food Bank, Special Olympics and the YMCA.

Walmart and the Walmart Foundation have committed $2 billion to U.S. hunger relief efforts through 2015. The Fighting Hunger Together campaign will also engage Walmart customers and associates in the fight against hunger. More information can be found at walmart.com/fightinghunger.
www.shoredailynews.com

Teen Injured In Bomb Blast Remains In Intensive Care

Emily Kerstetter, the 16-year-old Ellicott City resident who was injured in the July 11 terrorist bombings in Uganda, had her sixth surgery in South Africa Monday, and it is still uncertain when she will return to the United States, according to her grandmother, Trish Becker.

“Emily just today had another surgery and the doctors felt very positive about it,” Becker said, adding that the surgery has also given the family a “more optimistic feeling.”

But this surgery is not the end of Emily’s medical complications resulting from the blast that occurred while she on a mission trip to help build a wall around a church and school in a poor area of Kampala, Uganda’s capital city.

In addition to a shattered tibia, Emily has suffered from “a great deal of other complications” from the blast, Becker said, though she wouldn’t specify what the complications were out of respect for Emily’s parents’ wishes.

“Her future is going to be filled with a lot of surgeries,” she said.

Emily left for the mission trip with her other grandmother, Joanne Kerstetter, and 13 other members of the Christ Community United Methodist Church in Selinsgrove, Pa., on June 15. Nine of the group members left Uganda on July 7, but Emily, her grandmother and four others extended their trip until July 13.

The remaining six group members were having dinner and watching the final match of the World Cup at the Ethiopian Village Restaurant on July 11 when the blast occurred. Emily, one of the five members of her group that was injured, was flown to a trauma center in Johannesburg accompanied by her grandmother, who had a broken arm.

Becker asked the community to keep Emily in their thoughts.

“Please just keep sending a prayer for her because she needs it,” she said.

Emily, who is going into her junior year at Mount de Sales in Catonsville, is staying in the intensive care unit of Netcare Milpark Hospital in Johannesburg. When she is stabilized, she will be moved to Johns Hopkins, but Becker said it is still uncertain when that will be.

“Our biggest fear right now is infection,” Becker said. “She’s got a lot of exposed tissue.”

Having talked to Emily’s mother, Jennifer Kerstetter, who is at the hospital with Emily, on Sunday, Becker said Emily has amazed everyone with the amount of pain she has been able to bravely endure.

“She has a very positive attitude,” she said, “and she’s in relatively good spirits.”
www.explorehoward.com

Special Ocean City Treatment For Wounded Warrior

OCEAN CITY – A U.S. serviceman wounded in Iraq last month got a hero’s welcome in Ocean City last weekend, thanks in large part to the local American Legion post and an always generous resort community.

First Lieutenant Dan Shoemaker got some well-deserved treatment last weekend in Ocean City after a request from the Wounded Warrior Project on his behalf. Shoemaker was wounded in a suicide bomber attack in Iraq on June 11 and was ultimately sent to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, D.C. for treatment and recovery.

While at Walter Reed for treatment of injuries sustained in the attack in Iraq, Shoemaker was discovered to have a cancerous brain tumor, which might not have been discovered had it not been for his war injuries. On his behalf, Sgt. Major Dan Thompson of the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that advocates for men and women wounded in action, put the word out that Shoemaker was in desperate need of some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Thompson called Ocean City American Legion Post 166 Commander-Elect Sarge Garlitz, who, in turn, quickly called upon his considerable resources to intercede on the wounded first lieutenant’s behalf. A short time later, the Harrison Group responded with a complimentary stay at the Quality Inn on the Boardwalk and General Manager Chris McFarland and his staff gave Shoemaker the VIP treatment all weekend.

Shoemaker was also feted at the American Legion Post 166 by Garlitz and his crew and received a hero’s welcome everywhere he went in Ocean City all weekend.

According to Garlitz, Shoemaker was in awe of the warm reception and supporting comments he received from everyone he came in contact with during his weekend at the beach.

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Motorist Pleads Guilty To Manslaughter

A man from Friendship (MD) admitted guilt Monday in the drunken-driving death of an elderly motorist, a man who was on his way to the home of a disabled friend whom he drove to work almost every day for more than 15 years.

Sean Kevin Fitzgibbon, 28, pleaded guilty to automobile manslaughter in the death of Robert Francis Burdette, 74, of Clinton, before Anne Arundel County Circuit Judge William C. Mulford II. Assistant State's Attorney Brian Marsh said prosecutors intend to seek a jail term followed by five years of supervised probation when Fitzgibbon is sentenced in September.

Outside the courtroom, John Hutchinson said no sentence can soften the loss of the uncle he affectionately called "Dad," who helped raise him since birth and with whom he and his single mother lived.

"He spent most of his day taking care of others," said Hutchinson, a resident of Mechanicsville. On the morning of the crash, Burdette was driving from Clinton to Dunkirk to help a disabled man he knew from church get out of bed and ready for work, Hutchinson said. Burdette generally drove the man to work at the Internal Revenue Service in Washington, returned to Clinton at 6:30 a.m., did custodial work at the Clinton United Methodist Church, then drove back to Washington around 2 p.m. to bring his friend home to Dunkirk.

Hutchinson said that since retiring from work as a cashier supervisor at an A&P grocery store, Burdette also helped several neighbors with shopping and medical appointments. After Burdette's death, others have told him of Burdette's kindness toward them, Hutchinson said.

Mulford is expected to hear about the victim at sentencing.

State sentencing guidelines recommend up to two years in jail. A typical sentence for a first-time offender in the county is no more than 18 months. Hutchinson said he hoped state legislators would increase penalties for automobile manslaughter.

About 2:30 a.m. last Oct. 7, Fitzgibbon's Chevrolet Malibu, estimated by witnesses to be going 80 mph in a 55-mph zone, rear-ended Burdette's pickup truck on rain-slickened southbound Route 4 near Plummer Lane in Lothian, launching the pickup into a tree. Burdette died Nov. 1 after 25 days in intensive care in Prince George's Hospital Center, said Carol Hutchinson, the wife of Burdette's nephew.

Fitzgibbon's blood-alcohol level was 0.21 percent at the time of the crash, more than twice the level required for a drunken-driving conviction. Defense lawyer Kevin Joyce said Fitzgibbon was waiting to be called for Navy boot camp, but the crash likely ended his enlistment. Fitzgibbon, who has been on house arrest since he was charged in March, acknowledged having an alcohol problem and completed an outpatient treatment program, Joyce said.

The Burdette family's civil suit against Fitzgibbon is pending.

www.baltimoresun.com

REMINDER~~~Parts Of Rehobeth Road To Be Closed

REHOBETH — On Sunday, July 18, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration will temporarily close Route 667 (Rehobeth Road) from Route 13 to Peach Orchard Road in Somerset County for a small structure replacement project.

Weather permitting, the closure will last approximately one week and will allow crews to replace a small structure on Rehobeth Road over Puncheon Landing Branch.
Motorists will be directed to use Peach Orchard Road and Route 13.

SHA will provide advance notice of the closure using variable message signs. Work includes replacing the existing corrugated metal pipe with two 72-inch concrete box culvert pipes, constructing new headwalls, new guardrails and resurfacing the roadway.

http://www.delmarvanow.com/

Widow Of D. Page Elmore Is Sworn In

Del. Carolyn J. Elmore was sworn in at noon today, taking the seat held for seven years by her husband D. Page Elmore, who died in June of cancer.

Carolyn Elmore, a Republican and longtime educator, will represent parts of Somerset and Wicomico counties until the new crop of 188 lawmakers takes over in January. Elmore is not running for the seat.

After Speaker Michael E. Busch administered the oath of office on the House floor, Elmore posed for photographs with friends and new colleagues and stood by her husband's desk, which was adorned with a single white rose.

Elmore said it was her husband's wish that she fill the seat in the interim between his death and the 2011 legislative session.

"I want to honor him and continue his good works on the Eastern Shore," she said. "This also helps my family make the transition, too."

The Wicomico and Somerset County Republican Central Committees submitted her name to Gov. Martin O'Malley earlier this month.

She said her appointment is also a point of fairness; this way, none of the four Republicans who have filed to run gets the advantage of holding the office. A Democrat also is running for the seat, in District 38A.

Carolyn Elmore is retired from the Wicomico County School System, according to a biography released by Busch's office. Her most recent position was director of curriculum and professional development.

"Dr. Elmore is active with Salisbury University, including serving on the Advisory Board for the University’s Eastern Shore Institute for the Advancement of Thinking and on the Salisbury University Foundation Board," the release states.

www.baltimoresun.com

Two Accomack County Men Arrested and Charged With Car Hijacking

ACCOMAC –– Two men suspected of a carjacking in Accomack County three weeks ago have been arrested and charged, according to the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office.

Issac Scarborough, 26, of Parksley, and Larry Payton, 39, of Parksley have been accused of carjacking a red, four-door Jeep Cherokee and forcing a man to withdraw money from an ATM June 28.

Around 1 a.m., the vehicle’s owner offered a ride to one of the suspects, who was standing near Lankford Highway.

After dropping the passenger off in Parksley, the driver was approached by the second assailant. The two men assaulted the driver and drove to a nearby bank ATM, where they demanded money be withdrawn from his account.

Scarborough and Payton released the victim near Mappsville and drove off in the stolen vehicle, Sheriff Larry Giddens said in a prepared release.

Scarborough was arrested on the charges of abduction, robbery, grand larceny and credit card larceny July 14.

Two days later, Payton was arrested and given the same charges.

Scarborough is currently being held in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Payton is incarcerated at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail with bond also denied.

www.delmarvanow.com

No Burning Allowed

BURN BANS are still in effect for

ACCOMACK COUNTY

NORTHAMPTON COUNTY

Suspected Female Arrested After 7 Bank Robberies

A woman who used heavy makeup as a disguise and is suspected of robbing seven Baltimore area banks was arrested on Saturday when a teller hit a panic button, trapping her inside a vestibule until police arrived.

Special Agent Richard J. Wolf, a spokeswoman for the Baltimore FBI office, said the 27-year-old suspect became "extremely aggitated" while stuck Saturday between the entrance way doors of the Madison Bank in the 6800 block of Harford Road.

Wolf identified the suspect as Darion Randle of Lansdowne. She had been sought since early July after the FBI says six banks were robbed by a woman wearing a long black wig and used notes to threaten tellers that bank employees and customers would be injured if she didn't get money. Authorities say that female bank robbers are "rare."

Police say that they've linked four bank robberies in Baltimore County and three in the city to the woman.

The latest occured Saturday about 11 a.m. at the Madison Bank on Harford Road. Wolf said the woman -- who sometimes wore an Arab head covering, but not this time -- handed a teller a note and got money. The teller pushed the alarm button as the suspect left, trapping her in the vestibule.

A city police officer said cops rushed to get a picture of her before her makeup came off. Wolf said her makeup was melting in theheat. "She was extremely agitated," he said. ""She tried to bang the glass off. She pulled some weather stripping. Her make-up was running because of the heat. There was a lot of make-up."

Peter Hermann

www.baltimoresun.com

Kids Reading Event At Chincoteague Library

CHINCOTEAGUE -- The Chincoteague Island Library invites all children ages 3-8 years old to "Make a Splash @ Your Library!" this summer. The weekly reading and crafts program takes place on Thursdays and includes books and activities on beach and island-related themes. The next session on Pirates is today from 10-11 a.m.

A special evening program will take place July 22 at 7 p.m. with Rob Wescott performing magic, puppetry and more. Celebrate Pony Swim Week with a session about Chincoteague Ponies at 1 p.m. on July 29.

For more information and a complete summer schedule, call the library at 757-336-3460, visit the website at www.chinco teagueislandlibrary.org or check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/pages/Island Library-Children's-Programs. Please note that parents are required to accompany their children to the program. The Island Library is located at 4077 Main St., Chincoteague Island.

Atlantic Boy Scout Troop Inducts Four New Eagle Scouts

Atlantic Boy Scout Troop 311 inducted four new Eagle Scouts over the weekend at Atlantic United Methodist Church. Ryan Charnock, 18, Sam Broyles, 18, Rob Borowitz, 16, and Frank Borowitz, 18, were inducted in the special ceremony Saturday afternoon.

Many distinguished guests were at the ceremony to speak and present awards. Representing Congressman Glen Nye was Sylvia Parks, who gave letters of commendation to the Eagle Scouts from Congressman Nye. Delegate Lynwood Lewis and Accomack County Supervisor Ron Wolf also gave letters of commendation to the Scouts.

The keynote speaker of the event was former Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Robert Bloxom. In his address, Secretary Bloxom spoke of the determination of the first settlers who landed in Virginia in 1607. Citing their ability to work together as a reason for their survival, Bloxom urged the new Eagle Scouts to do the same and to give back to the community.

The four new Eagle Scouts gave Atlantic Troop 311 a total of 10 Eagle Scouts since 1997 and 21 all time. According to the Boy Scouts of America, less than 3% of Scouts attain the rank of Eagle.

www.shoredailynews.com

Saturday Night At Melson Power Show

The events that were canceled at the Melson Power Show last Saturday were held Saturday, July, 17th. A "best ever" crowd attendance was on hand even though the weather was still hot, humidity remained high and the events extremely dusty. The crowd didn't seem to care!

TRACTOR PULL

The crowd didn't seem to mind that the sun was going down........

MUD HOP

Next events for Melson Power Show will be:
Friday August 13, 2010
Saturday August 14, 2010

For more information on Melson Power Show go to: www.melsontractorpull.webs.com

We will also provide more info on this sight.

Hope to see you there next time!!

Here Is What Alot Of People Have Been Waiting For..........

There's been alot of talk about the Crisfield Mud Bog this summer and here it is!!
See you there!!!

Two Virginia Men Arrested In Delaware For Marijuana

BRIDGEVILLE — Two Virginia men were arrested on trafficking charges Thursday when Bridgeville police stopped their car for a traffic violation and found 10 pounds of marijuana in the trunk.

Jerome M. Middlebrook, 35, of Virginia Beach, and Antwon L. Robinson, 34, of Norfolk, were charged with possession of marijuana, possession with intent to deliver marijuana, trafficking marijuana, maintaining a vehicle for controlled substances, possession of drug paraphernalia and conspiracy, police said.

The men were stopped for following too closely and speeding on U.S. 13, north of Del. 18.

Police said that during the stop, officers noticed the smell of burnt marijuana coming from the car. A further search uncovered 10 pounds of marijuana in the trunk, police said.

Middlebrook, who was also charged with the two traffic offenses, is being held in the Sussex Correctional Institution in lieu of $19,000 bail. Robinson is jailed on $18,250 secured bail.

www.delmarvanow.com

Ice Cream Today For Me!

In 1984 President Ronald Reagan proclaimed July as National Ice Cream Month and since ice cream is consumed more in the United States than in any other county. The third Sunday in the month of July has been declared National Ice Cream Day!



So......since today is NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY across America what better thing to do than eat all the icecream you want today!!

HAPPY NATIONAL ICE CREAM DAY!!!!

Baskin- Robbins Retires Ice Cream Flavors

Baskin-Robbins is putting five of its signature 31 flavors in the deep freeze.

The company, which has thousands of outlets around the globe, is replacing some old flavors with new ones to celebrate National Ice Cream Day in the U.S. on Sunday, and Baskin-Robbin's 65th anniversary.

Caramel Praline Cheesecake, Campfire S'mores, Apple Pie a La Mode and Superfudge Truffle are leaving the list. French Vanilla, a staple since 1945, is out, too.

Srinivas Kumar, chief brand officer at the company, said "over the decades we have retired some of our iconic flavors into our deep freeze -- like 'Miami Ice' from the 1980s and 'Beatlenut' in the 1960s -- but never before have five flavors gone into the deep freeze at one time."

That's cold. And it's ice cream lovers in the United States who'll likely miss the flavors most. The Illinois-based National Ice Cream Retailer's Association says the U.S is the world's top ice cream-consuming nation.

The U.S. ice cream industry generates more than $21 billion in annual sales, and about 9 percent of all the milk produced by U.S. dairy farmers is used to produce ice cream, according to the International Dairy Foods Association.

There's no word yet on what the new Baskin-Robbins flavors will be. And as for the old ones -- get them while you can. They'll only be available as supplies last.

www.cnn.com

Cruelty Charges Filed In Death of Dog

This is just sickening! Come on people! Use some common sense and think before you leave your animal in this type of situation. Stop and think! Would you want to sit in a car and have this happen to YOU?

Animal cruelty charges have been obtained against a woman whose dog died from being left in a car in 104-degree heat July 6, according to charging documents filed in Frederick County District Court.

A summons has been issued charging Cathryn Cordyack Washington, 67, of Fairmont, W.Va., with two cruelty charges for failing to provide adequate food, water and shelter and infliction of unnecessary suffering and pain, documents state.

Harold Domer, director of Frederick County Animal Control, said the investigation by Sgt. David Luckenbaugh found that Washington arrived at the Frederick Costco parking lot about 9:30 a.m. and found that the store did not open until 10 a.m.

Once the store opened, she left her 14-year-old yellow Labrador retriever, Delta, in the car and shopped until about 11:15 a.m.

When Washington returned to her car, she found Delta in distress and the dog died, Domer said.

Washington then went back into the store and returned dog products she had purchased, he said.

An Aug. 31 court date has been set for Washington in District Court.

A car interior on a sunny day can reach a temperature of 130 degrees within minutes, officials said.

Leaving animals unattended in vehicles in conditions that endanger their health and safety is a violation of state law, authorities said.

http://www.wtop.com/

Construction On Sunday Night To Close Bay Bridge Span

Maryland transportation officials are warning motorists they will shut down the eastbound span of the Bay Bridge late Sunday.

They will close one-lane of the eastbound span of the Bay Bridge at 9 p.m. Sunday evening, and close the entire eastbound span before midnight Sunday, according to a transportation department official. The span will remain closed until 5 a.m. Monday morning to accommodate repairs. Two-way traffic will operate on the westbound side of the bridge when the entire eastbound portion is closed.

Transportation officials also warn motorists to expect single-lane closures on both the eastbound and westbound portions of the bridge from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday while maintenance work and routine annual inspections occur.

www.wtop.com

The Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center

Theater to present 'Pippi Longstocking'

POCOMOKE CITY -- From Aug. 2-13, the Mar-Va Theater Performing Arts Center will offer young actors an opportunity to perform in a musical adaptation of "Pippi Longstocking." The famous stories about the girl wonder were created by Swedish author, Astrid Lindgren, and are among the most translated children's books in the world. The musical adaptation, including lyrics, music and stage play, are written by local composer Gwen Skeens, whose musical adaptation of Tom Sawyer was presented last year by members of Mar-Va's Theater Academy. Assisting Skeens as accompanist will be Janice Boettger, retired music teacher and noted pianist and organist at Antioch Methodist Church in Princess Anne. The cast for this production will require both male and female actors, ages 8-15, and will feature multiple actresses in the role of Pippi.

Throughout the two-week workshop, students will have instruction in singing, movement, improvisation, elocution and many other skills related to the development of stagecraft. The cost for the musical session is $200 for Mar-Va members and $250 for non-members. On the evening of Aug. 13, at 7 p.m., a public performance of the musical will be given. For further information regarding registration or tickets, call 443-614-0830.

www.delmarvanow.com

Wildlife Sanctuary On Eastern Shore Is Sold

The National Audubon Society has sold a 950-acre wildlife sanctuary it was given on the Eastern Shore to former Anne Arundel County executive Robert A. Pascal, who said Friday he plans to raise organic cattle and hay on part of it. Pascal and Audubon both declined to disclose the purchase price, though state assessment records valued the land and six homes there at $8.5 million.

The waterfront estate near Bozman in Talbot County was once a hunting preserve for the DuPont family. It was donated to Audubon 13 years ago by Jean Ellen duPont Shehan to be a nature preserve and outdoor education center. But nearly two years ago, the society, short on funds to maintain the estate and wanting to focus on its other programs and properties, elected to sell it. However, state and local governments declined the society's overtures, citing a lack of funds, and neighboring residents worried that the wildlife-rich tract might be developed or no longer accessible to the public.

Pascal, 75, said he intends to return at least part of the tract to cultivation, raising organic beef, hay and chickens there. He also said he plans to enhance its wildlife habitat to attract quail, and possibly even try raising oysters on leased bottom in Broad Creek just offshore. "I want to make it into an environmental area where the general public can come and witness how to keep it pristine," he said. Though he said he intends to preserve the land from development and allow public access, Pascal added he could not comment on whether he plans to put any of the land into permanent conservation easement.

Pascal served as county executive from 1974 to 1982, and was state senator for one term before that. A Republican, he made an unsuccessful bid in 1982 to unseat Gov. Harry R. Hughes. He now owns St. Michaels Harbour Inn and Marina and is an investor in Baltimore's Harbor East development. He lives on a 500-acre farm on the Miles River in Talbot County, and said he owns other tracts on the Shore.

www.baltimoresun.com

Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus To Be Honored

OCEAN CITY -- Sen. J. Lowell Stoltzfus will be honored by friends, family, colleagues and fellow Republicans from Worcester, Somerset and Wicomico at a dinner hosted by the Worcester County Republican Central Committee on Thursday, July 22, at the Carousel Hotel in Ocean City.

Join them for a 5:30 p.m. reception with appetizers, dinner at 6:30 p.m., and an ongoing Chinese auction featuring restaurant gift certificates, wine baskets, art and other special prizes.

Send a check for $40 to Carole Voss, 615 Market St., Pocomoke City, Md. 21851 and call Voss at 410-957-0555 to let her know the dinner choice of fish and crab cake or eggplant parmesan preferred.

For information, call 410-641-7391.

Pocomoke Bonanza Building Sold To Mexican Restaurant

POCOMOKE CITY -- The building that formerly held the Bonanza Steakhouse in Pocomoke City will be reopened as a Mexican restaurant later this year.

The former Ocean Highway buffet was sold recently for $950,000 to Tres Tacauches LLC, which owns a small chain of restaurants in Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, according to Henry Hanna, a Realtor with Sperry Van Ness.

The company also purchased the former Bonanza location in Millsboro.

www.delmarvanow.com

Where To Nap........

Don't you wish that for just one more time you could just feel small

and nap in someone's strong arms........


protected from the world?
jmmb 2010

End Of An Era For F-15's At Langley Air Force Base

HAMPTON —

— Langley Air Force Base is turning a new chapter, and it will change what you see in the skies.

The 71^st Fighter Squadron is being inactivated, part of a service-wide restructuring plan. That means the squadron's F-15 fighters are being parceled out to other Air Force bases and Air National Guard units.

The F-15 has compiled a stellar combat record, and the departure from Langley is bittersweet, says Lt. Col. Joel Cook, the squadron commander. However, he said the squadron is prepared to go out professionally and "in style."

The last F-15 will leave Langley in mid-September. The 71^st Fighter Squadron, which has served the country since World War II, will be officially inactivated on September 30.

www.dailypress.com

This Saturday At Melson Power Show

Events that were canceled last Saturnday due to rain have been rescheduled for TODAY, Saturday, July 17th.

Events For Tonight---

Tractor Pull

Mud Hop

All participants in the events must register

Racing begins at 8:00

Admission: $5.00

Bring a chair, sit back and enjoy the evening. Refreshments available.

9343 Guy Ward Road, Parsonsburg, Maryland

For questions and information call: 410-896-4597

http://www.melsontractorpull.webs.com/

"Short and Sassy" driven by Barry Wise
1st place driver in Pro-Stock Class

Obama Government to Issue New Clean Vehicles

Along with the health-care bill the Obama Administration will be giving those in need of transportation a new Government approved vehicle.

The Obama Administration is reeling as they feel the New vehicle will not only provide cheap reliable transportation to those in need but will also contribute to a much healthier public ("regular people").

The free vehicle will not be big enough to carry a gun or a bible (sorry Pennsylvania) but comes with a convenient compartment that holds an Independence card, medical card, and a pocket to organize monthly AFDC receipts.

It's the very first vehicle ever produced that will never see a fuel station. The free Obama vehicle is also the only vehicle that emits zero emissions so there will be no need to purchase any carbon credits that will soon be applied to owners of all dino fuel powered vehicles.

The Obama vehicle will also be available to those that wish to "crush their klunker" a program to lower carbon emissions. If you "crush your klunker" you will be eligible to purchase the Obama vehicle by making a "donation" to Freedy and Franny, proceeds will go directly to the bank.








.

The best part about the Obama vehicle is that it can be ordered in a variety of colors, yellow and pink, or pink and yellow. The Obama vehicle requires absolutely no maintenance, even the tires are built to last a lifetime and will never need replacing. 

Hurry and pick your color NOW, these vehicles will be going fast.  

Tea Party member stuns the crowd

If you haven't seen this...do so now!  This is a moment in time that must be seen and heard by all Americans, regardless of your politics.  I defy anyone to present a valid argument against it.   God Bless.

"Oh! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand

Between their loved home and the war’s desolation!

Blest with victory and peace, may the heav’n rescued land

Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.

Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,

And this be our motto: “In God is our trust.”

And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave

O’er the land of the free and the home of the brave!"

Hat Tip; Eric

Also Visit The Right Scoop

Broadwater Academy Employee Stabbed By Wife

EXMORE,VA--According to the Northampton County Sheriff's Office, on July 15, 2010, Sheriff's Deputies responded to Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital to take a complaint of a stabbing that occurred on Heath Lane in Exmore, Va.

Upon arrival to the hospital, the victim, Leroy Weatherly, was transported to Sentara Norfolk General Hospital where he was treated and released. According to reports, Weatherly was stabbed several times in the arm while he slept.

Police have arrested and charged Linda Weatherly, the victim's wife, 47 of Exmore, with malicious wounding of Leroy Weatherly. Linda Weatherly is currently being held at the Eastern Shore Regional Jail with no bond.

Leroy Weatherly has been on staff at Broadwater Academy for 27 years. Weatherly donates his time helping with Broadwater Academy athletics, most notably football and basketball. Weatherly is well liked and respected by students, parents and staff at the school. In 2005, the students dedicated Broadwater Academy's Annual Berserker to Weatherly.

www.shoredailynews.com

Northampton County Delinquent Taxes List

CAPE CHARLES — Two of Northampton County’s bigger delinquent taxpayers are well-known professional football names who have earned millions of dollars during their careers.

Darren Perry, a Hampton Roads native who had a long National Football League career and now is a defensive coach with the Green Bay Packers, owes the county $14,140.21 for unpaid real-estate taxes over the past two years, county records released this week show.

Perry and his wife, Errika, are the listed owners of a home on a .22-acre lot at 2830 Vernon Way, Cape Charles, valued at $1.4 million, according to the Northampton County website.

The lot is near the Marina Villages area on the Chesapeake Bay, near the mouth of King’s Creek.

They have not paid their $7,070.21 annual real-estate tax bills in each of the past two years.

The Perrys also owe $2,029.50 in delinquent personal property taxes for 2007 and $880.13 in personal-property taxes for 2008.

Perry could not immediately be reached for comment through Rob Crane, a spokesman for the Packers.

DeAngelo Hall, also a Hampton Roads native who owns a .7-acre parcel and house at 122 Creekside Drive, Bay Creek, owes $6,377.35 in delinquent taxes for 2009, according to county records.

Hall is a former Virginia Tech football standout who played for the Atlanta Falcons and Oakland Raiders before catching on with the Washington Redskins in recent years.

Hall did not return an e-mail seeking comment from the News placed through his website, DeAngeloHall.com.

The top 15 real-estate delinquencies for 2009 on Northampton County’s tax list, updated Tuesday, include:

Cherrydale by the Sea LLC, $38,347;

Shore Landvest Inc., 20,963.67;

Kimberley Starr, 14,316.33;

FFS, LLC, $12,965.89;

Seaside Preserve LLC, $11,808.51;

Platinum Partners Properties LP, $9,987.67;

Bayview Citizens for Social Justice Inc., $9,480.03;

Cape Charles Hotel LLC, $8,873.90;

Trustees of Hickman M.T. Et Als, $8,857.73;

Synergy Development and Investments, $8,484.84;

Perry, Darren and Errika, $7,070.21;

Forst, Paul E. and Kathleen M., $6,939.68;

Burns, Allen F. and Asenath P., $6,872.25;

Stewart, Dexter A. and Nassima, $6,741.42;

Hall, DeAngelo, $6,377.35.

The top 15 personal property delinquencies for 2009 on Northampton County’s tax list, updated Tuesday, include:

Shore Landvest Inc., $8,200;

Brunk Transport Inc., $3,100.63;

Two Farms Inc., $3,093.86;

Jiggetts, Willie, $3,075;

Quality Structure LLC, $2,618.12;

Rayfield, Arthur Wayne, $2,555.12;

Shore Hospitality LLC, $2,408.34;

Stewart, Nassima, $2,038.77;

Heath, Jennifer L., $1,702.89;

P&E Incorporated, $1,668.70;

Burton, Benjamin F., $1,431.59;

Tankard, Amelia W., $1,416.87;

Montalvo, Valerio J., $1,415.95;

Chesapeake Properties, $1,366.53;

Cape Charles Properties LLC, $1,163.58.

www.delmarvanow.com

Used-Car Salesman Guilty of Kidnapping

ACCOMAC -- Richard Coleman set out to buy a car on June 9, 2009, and instead was kidnapped by the seller.

Three suspects hauled Coleman to a bank and forced him to make a withdrawal from an ATM in Accomack County. But Coleman instead ran inside, freeing himself, and bank workers called police.

Richard Copes, 31, of Withams pleaded guilty in Accomack Circuit Court to the abduction of Coleman, stealing an automobile and robbery.

Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar said the victim spoke to Copes about buying the vehicle and the victim arrived in the family van.

Copes got into the passenger seat and two other individuals came from behind bushes and confronted Coleman, according to testimony.

They assumed the man had the $600 with him to pay for the used car.

"He did not," Agar said.

But they found $50 and an ATM card in the man's wallet. All three got in the victim's van to drive to an ATM to withdraw money.

From Withams, they drove to the NASA Federal Credit Union at T's Corner. Agar said the plan was for the man to get out of the van and withdraw money while they sat in the van. The victim told investigators he thought the men had a gun.

The victim got out of the van as directed, but instead of going to the machine, he ran inside the credit union.

The three men then reportedly sped off in the van. Two of the men made statements to police and named Copes. The victim knew the three defendants and was able to identify them to police.

Copes, however, contacted Coleman in an apparent attempt to buy his support.

"Give me a break. Is there a price I can kick at you?" Copes said, according to a transcript of the phone call, which Agar read in court. The call was recorded by the victim.

The accomplices have been convicted of the same crime -- one has been sentenced to five years and the other faces sentencing.

www.delmarvanow.com

Happy Birthday Today

ORVILLE REDENBACHER

Born in Brazil, Indiana on July 16, 1907

Died September 19, 1995

"My gourmet popping corn pops up lighter and fluffier than ordinary popping corn. Mine is blowing the top right off of the popper. Mine eats better too. Try my gourmet popping corn. You'll taste the difference or my name isn't Orville Redenbacher".

HAPPY BIRTHDAY !!

Vick's Family and Friends Sued For Millions In Bankruptcy Court

NEWPORT NEWS

Michael Vick wrongfully transferred millions of dollars to his friends and family in the months before he went to federal prison, Vick's bankruptcy trustee alleges in a lawsuit.

The suit, filed in Newport News U.S. Bankruptcy Court, seeks repayment of at least $2 million from Vick's mother, fiancée, brother Marcus, other family members and friends. Each was served with the court papers this week.

Vick's representatives called the suit misguided.

“He was being generous to his friends and family. He wasn’t trying to do anything illegal,” said Paul Campsen, Vick’s bankruptcy attorney.

Vick’s bankruptcy case, now more than two years old, has been one of the more complicated cases handled in the local bankruptcy courts, attorneys involved have said.

Last summer, after Vick’s release from prison, a bankruptcy judge approved a financial restructuring plan that allowed Vick to keep $300,000 of his salary with the Philadelphia Eagles while most of the rest of his millions go to pay off his creditors.

Vick, who lives in Hampton, served 23 months for bankrolling a dogfighting operation and remains on probation. When he went into prison, he claimed to owe $20 million.

www.hamptonroads.com

Small Earthquake Shakes D.C. Area

USGS Says 3.6 Magnitude Quake Centered Near Suburb of Gaithersburg, Maryland; No Immediate Reports of Damage

A minor, 3.6 magnitude earthquake shook Washington D.C.-area residents out of bed early Friday morning - a rare occurrence for the nation's east coast dwellers.

CBS News staff in the Maryland suburb of Bethesda and the Virginia suburb of Arlington both reported feeling the tremor, which the U.S. Geological Survey said was centered 20 miles northwest of the nation's capital in Gaithersburg, Maryland.

There were no immediate reports of damage or injuries, only surprised people being woken up at just past 5 a.m. Eastern time.

Lucille Baur, public information officer for the Montgomery County Police Department in Maryland, said the department received a lot of calls from people wondering what had happened.

Baur said her husband woke up when the quake struck.

"At first he thought it was a big truck going through," she said. "He felt the house shake and the windows rattle a little bit."

www.cbsnews.com

This Weekend At The MarVa Theater

Sex And The City 2

Friday July 16th at 7 p.m.
Saturday July 17th at 7 p.m.
Admission: $5
Rated R

~~ Smile....It's Friday~~

"If people did not do silly things, nothing intelligent would ever get done."

~~Ludwig Wittgenstein~~

Tom D'Armi, Duke Baseball Coach and Born in Federalsburg, Md. Dies

DURHAM, N.C. -- Tom D'Armi, a fixture around Duke University athletics for nearly three decades, died Saturday in Wilson, N.C., at the age of 75.

D'Armi coached the Blue Devils' baseball program for seven seasons and also served as the director of athletic facilities and game management for all of the school's sports - totaling 28 years of service to the university when he retired in 2004.

As a coach, D'Armi guided Duke baseball to 125 wins and five consecutive winning seasons during his seven-year tenure from 1978-84. He coached eight All-ACC selections and seven Major League Baseball draft picks during that time.

"He was my second dad, it's as simple as that," said Bob Brower, one of D'Armi's top players who went on to a Major League career with the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees in the late 1980s. "For me he was Duke, someone you could lean on in good times and bad. He taught us so many things, in his way, about being a man, about being responsible, about being accountable. He had that tough persona, but behind that was a kind man, a teddy bear who just gave and gave and never asked for much in return."

"He was certainly a good man and a great coach," recalled David Amaro, a senior on D'Armi's final team of 1984. "He was the reason I came to Duke to play baseball in 1980, and I had a great four years with him. He was funny, inspirational and he taught us that camaraderie was the most important factor in achieving success as a team. He will certainly be missed but not forgotten."

"I have such great memories of him," added two-time All-ACC catcher Tom Decker. "What I remember most was that he truly cared about his players both on and off the field. He was such a great competitor and mentor. He will be truly missed."

Mark Militello, an All-ACC baseball and football player who still owns one of the top career batting averages in Duke history, pointed to the 1981 season as perhaps D'Armi's greatest coaching job. He was named ACC coach of the year that season after leading Duke to a 29-10 record and a deep run in the ACC Tournament.

"Coach D'Armi was revered by his players as a person and as a coach. He would have his players' backs at all times, in good times and bad," Militello said. "He made us believe that we could beat the likes of Carolina and Clemson with only a limited number of scholarship players compared to their full NCAA allotment.

"Coach D'Armi fought tooth-and-nail with the likes of Carolina's Coach (Mike) Roberts and Clemson's Coach (Bill) Wilhelm, and that fighting spirit carried over to his players."

Militello noted that when he ran into South Carolina head coach Ray Tanner at a tournament last summer, their conversation quickly turned to 25 years ago when Tanner was an assistant at N.C. State during D'Armi's Duke era. "I spoke to him for about 30 minutes, and seemingly every minute was spent sharing Coach D'Armi stories," Militello said.

Born April 21, 1935 in Federalsburg, Md., D'Armi was an All-America soccer player at East Stroudsburg State and graduated in 1960. He earned his master's degree at North Carolina in 1961, then became the head baseball coach at West Georgia College in 1962. In four seasons, 1962-65, he posted a record of 59-13, directed the team to three conference (GIAC) championhips and was named league coach of the year three times. In 1990 he was inducted into the West Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

D'Armi served as the assistant baseball coach at Mississippi State from 1966-73, during a time when the school won three SEC titles and played in the 1971 College World Series.

Before coming to Duke, D'Armi also trained heavyweight boxing champion Floyd Patterson, traveled to Italy as the general manager and field boss for the Milan franchise in a European professional baseball league, and authored the book "Daddy, Will You Play Catch With Me?"

D'Armi arrived at Duke in the fall of 1976 as the assistant coach to Enos Slaughter. He was named the program's head coach following the 1977 season and remained at the helm through May of 1984, posting a record of 125-98-2.

Along with producing five straight winning ledgers, D'Armi's victory totals of 29 in 1981 and 25 in 1984 were at that time the best marks in school history behind only the 31 wins achieved by the 1952 College World Series team.

D'Armi also handled groundskeeping duties at Duke's Jack Coombs Field, grooming the field on his tractor early in the morning before every home game and lining the field himself. He eventually took over management of all of Duke's athletic facilities, including Cameron Indoor Stadium and Wallace Wade Stadium.

"One memorable moment came when President Reagan spoke at Cameron," Militello recalled. "Coach D'Armi refused to give a key to Cameron to the Secret Service. He said something like, 'I go where the key goes. No exceptions.' Coach D'Armi defeated the Secret Service."

"He was a face for Duke, just a very special person," added Brower. "You could walk into his office and you might see Enos Slaughter or Tommy John or Sandy Koufax. You might see Mike Krzyzewski and Jim Valvano hanging out as paisans. He knew a lot of people and he did a lot of networking for Duke in his own special way."

Militello and fellow former Blue Devil players Bud Copeland and Dave Coughenour helped launch a Duke scholarship in D'Armi's name. D'Armi's family has asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to the Tom D'Armi Scholarship Fund, c/o Mary Dinkins, Duke Athletics, Box 90542, Durham, NC 27708.

D'Armi was predeceased by his wife Jane D'Armi and is survived by his son Mickey D'Armi.

A celebration of his life is being planned for August.

http://www.goduke.com/

State Of Virginia Put On Drought Watch

A drought watch has been issued for Virginia as a long hot, dry spell has stunted crops, heightened the threat of wildfires and drawn down reservoirs.

The watch issued Wednesday by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality is intended to increase awareness of a possible drought as the state heads into the statistically driest months of the year.

The department is urging voluntary measures statewide to protect water supplies.

Recent rains have done little to ease parched conditions. Among the primary factors leading to the watch:

Eight-six percent of the state is experiencing abnormally dry to moderate drought conditions, as defined by the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Most of Virginia has recorded below-normal precipitation in the last 60 days; short-term forecasts do not indicate a change in that pattern.

Stream monitoring stations show water flows below normal ranges, particularly in southeast and central Virginia.

Wildfire conditions are at levels normally seen much later in the summer months. Twenty localities already have issued burning bans.

Large reservoirs such as Lake Moomaw, Smith Mountain Lake, Kerr Reservoir and Philpott Reservoir have been slowly declining since June.

Virginia growers have been especially hard hit by the scorching temperatures and dry conditions. The state commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services said the early arrival of hot, dry conditions has been difficult to overcome.

"Normally, if you have a late drought, your crops are a little better along," Matthew J. Lohr said. "It's been weeks since we've had measurable rain."

Kevin Engel farms leased land in 14 Virginia counties. He grows corn for feed and store shelves, barley, wheat and soybeans. He said conditions throughout all his fields are uniformly bad.

"A very large majority of corn in our area will not yield anything, even if it rains now," he said. He had to replant 200 acres of soybeans burned by the sun, even though the field was irrigated.

"There's going to be quite a serious blow to Virginia's No. 1 industry this year," Engel said.

Growers who usually can depend on two hay cuts a season are looking at one now, meaning they may have to thin herds if they can't store enough for the winter months.

Even poultry farmers have reported heat stress among their birds.

Lohr said Virginia needs a steady drenching of rain to salvage some crops.

While there is no widespread reports of threatened public water supplies, the DEQ is urging localities, public water suppliers and others to enact preservation measures.
www.shoredailynews.com

Balltimore Man Charged With Identiy Theft of the Dead

A British citizen is being held on charges that he obtained a U.S. passort and a Maryland driver’s license in the name of dead man from Washington and tried to use the documents to fly out of BWI Airport, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

John Skelton, 41, was arrested Monday night at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport and charged in U.S. District Court with identity theft and using a fraudulently obtained social security number.

Authorties said Skelton, of Yorkshire, assumed the identity of Washington resident Kurt Branham, who died in 1994. Court documents stated that Skelton told investigators that he was barred from traveling to the U.S. because of medical issues, and obtained the Washington’s man name from a friend.

U.S. officials had been monitoring the use of Branham’s name and social security number, saying it had been used twice before by people applying for passports. How Sekton allegedly obtained his passport was not divulged, but court documents say the name and number were on a watchlist since 2005.

Customs officials notified the U.S. State Department after Skelton few out of BWI on July 2 for a trip to London, according to court documents. An investigation ensued and Skelton was arrested when authorities say he used the fradulent passport to return to Baltimore on Monday.

Authorities said Skelton told them he lived on Wheeling Street in Federal Hill.

“Stealing another person’s identity is a very serious crime, but stealing the identity of a deceased citizen is despicable,” Stephen Dearborn, the acting director of the Port of Baltimore said in a statement. “We are very pleased to end Mr. Skelton’s charade.”

Here is a news release from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection:

Death Match Snares Brit Impostor at BWI
Feds Arrest Baltimore Resident For Allegedly Stealing Dead American’s Identity

BALTIMORE – Federal authorities arrested British citizen John Skelton at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport on Monday night on charges of identity fraud, false statements, and being an impostor to a U.S. citizen.

U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) officials discovered that Skelton41, of Yorkshire, England, allegedly stole the identity of U.S. citizen Kurt Branham, who died in 1994.
DSS teamed with Customs and Border Protection officers to apprehend Skelton after the Brit presented a fraudulently obtained U.S. passport to re-enter the country after a trip to the United Kingdom.

Skelton, who resides in Baltimore, will be prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland. The specific charges Skelton faces are for violations of 18 USC 1028, 18 USC 1542 and 18 USC 911.

“Stealing another person’s identity is a very serious crime, but stealing the identity of a deceased citizen is despicable,” said Stephen Dearborn, CBP Acting Port Director for the Port of Baltimore. “CBP and Diplomatic Security Service officials work vigorously to bring impostors to justice and to protect American citizens’ identities. We are very pleased to end Mr. Skelton’s charade.”

DSS detected the potential fraud using investigative techniques employed during Operation “Death Match.” A passport had been issued in 2005 in the name of Kurt Branham, who died more than 10 years before, a cross match of records indicated.

More than 150 individuals have been charged with federal passport fraud and related offenses as a result of Death Match investigations.

Todd Brown, Special Agent in Charge of the DSS Washington Field office said, “The U.S. passport is one of the most coveted travel documents in the world, and those who have acquired passports fraudulently could perpetrate further illegal acts. I am pleased that the collaboration between our agents, the Customs and Border Protection professionals, and the U.S. Attorney’s office in Maryland has been so successful in this case.”

CBP, DSS and Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials were at BWI when Skelton disembarked his flight from London at 7:45 p.m. Monday. During questioning, Skelton allegedly admitted he was a United Kingdom citizen and that he obtained Branham’s identity.

CBP officers paroled Skelton into the United States for prosecution and turned him over to DSS agents. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will prosecute Skelton. CBP issued a detainer on Skelton to be returned to CBP at the adjudication of his charges.

Baltimore Crime Beat/Peter Hermann

www.baltimoresun.com

Hopkins Leads List of American Hospitals

The widely regarded U.S. News and World Report is out with its annual hospital rankings and several Maryland hospitals, led by Johns Hopkins Hospital, made the list.

Hopkins placed first in five specialties (Ear, Nose and Throat; Gynecology, Neurology and Neurosurgery, Urology and Rheumatology) and ranked in 11 more categories (Cancer, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Geriatrics, Heart & Heart Surgery, Kidney Disorders, Ophthalmology, Orthopedics, Psychiatry, Pulmonology and Rehabilitation).

That gave the hospital top ranking for the 20th year in a row.

The University of Maryland Medical Center ranked in nine categories (Cancer, Diabetes & Endocrinology, Ear, Nose & Throat, Geriatrics, Heart & Heart Surgery, Kidney Disorders, Orthopedics, Pulmonology and Urology).

Ranking in three were Good Samaritan Hospital (Gastroenterology, Geriatrics and Orthopedics) and Union Memorial Hospital (Orthopedics, Heart & Heart Surgery and Neurology & Neurosurgery).

And ranking in one were Franklin Square Hospital Center (Gastroenterology), Johns Hopkins Bayview (Geriatrics), Mercy Medical Center (Neurology & Neurosurgery) and Sheppard Pratt Hospital (Psychiatry).

www.baltimoresun.com

Accomack County Sheriff Giddens To Retire

ACCOMAC — Accomack County Sheriff Larry Giddens has announced he will retire Dec. 31, 2011, at the end of his current term in office. Giddens, 54, was elected the county’s first African-American sheriff in 2007 with 49 percent of the vote, easily defeating two other men who also ran for the office after Sheriff Robert Crockett announced he would not seek a sixth term.

Giddens has served 24 years with the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, in addition to four years before that with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel police.

Among other duties over the years, Giddens was the county’s first DARE officer, a job he said was his favorite. He also served as court service deputy.

He was promoted to sergeant in 1991 and to lieutenant in charge of the patrol division in 1994 before becoming captain and the department’s chief deputy.

Giddens was instrumental in the 2003 accreditation process for the department, which was one of only 14 in the state fully accredited at the time from the Virginia Law Enforcement Professional Standard Commission.

Despite his many years of experience with the Sheriff’s Office, Giddens said he did not fully understand the pressures that come with the top job until he became sheriff.

“I didn’t imagine the magnitude, the pressure, of the job until I stepped into it,” he said.

Giddens said the sheriff’s office has within its ranks a strong candidate to replace him.

“We have a strong chain of command that is in place that knows the business, and I feel strongly that they will continue to serve the public in the way they’ve been used to,” Giddens said, adding, “My blessings and prayers are with my major, my second in command, Todd Godwin.”

Giddens said when he became sheriff two and a half years ago he had planned to run for a second term, but has since decided to retire. In Virginia, law enforcement officers with hazardous duty can retire at age 50 with 25 years of service.

Giddens’ retirement plans include substitute teaching, coaching area youth and some traveling, as well as catching up on projects around the house.

“I’m not planning on sitting down,” he said.

And Giddens had some advice for whoever steps into the position next: “The number one thing is to continue to be honest, open-minded and put people first.

www.delmarvanow.com