Amish Christmas Lights

You know how creative and talented that the Amish are, well check out what they do with Christmas lights.

You know very well that the Amish don't use electricity!

I HAVE DECIDED TO BECOME A WRITE-IN CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT IN THE YEAR 2012..

HERE IS MY PLATFORM:

(1). Any use of the phrase: 'Press 1 for English' is immediately BANNED!!!. English is the official language; speak it or wait outside of our borders until you can.

(2). We will immediately go into a two year isolationist attitude in order to straighten out the greedy big business posture in this country. America will allow NO imports, and we'll do no exports. We will use the 'Wal-Mart 's policy, 'If we ain't got it, you don't need it.' We'll make it here and sell it here!

(3). When imports are allowed, there will be a 100% import tax on it coming in here.

(4). All retired military personnel will be required to man one of the many observation towers located on the southern border of the United States (six month tour). They will be under strict orders not to fire on SOUTHBOUND aliens.

(5). Social Security will immediately return to its original state. If you didn't put nuttin in, you AIN'T gettin nuttin out. Neither the President nor any other politician will be able to touch it.

(6). Welfare. -- Checks will be handed out on Fridays, at the end of the 40 hour school week, the successful completion of a urinalysis test for drugs, and passing grades.

(7). Professional Athletes -- Steroids? The FIRST time you check positive you're banned from sports ... for life.

(8). Crime -- We will adopt the Turkish method, i.e., the first time you steal, you lose your right hand. There is no more 'life sentences'. If convicted of murder, you will be put to death by the same method you chose for the victim you killed: gun, knife, strangulation, etc.

(9). One export of ours will be allowed: wheat; because the world needs to eat. However, a bushel of wheat will be the EXACT price of a barrel of oil.

(10). All foreign aid, using American taxpayer money, will immediately cease and the saved money will help to pay off the national debt and, ultimately, lower taxes. When disasters occur around the world, we'll ask The American People if they want to donate to a disaster fund, and each citizen can make the decision as to whether, or not, it's a worthy cause.

(11). The Pledge of Allegiance will be said EVERY day at school and every day in CONGRESS.

(12). The National Anthem will be played at all appropriate ceremonies, sporting events, outings, etc.

My apology is offered if I've stepped on anyone's toes .... nevertheless....

GOD BLESS AMERICA !

Guess What This Is?

picture was taken in 1956...
 It's a hard disk drive back in 1956...  with 5 MB of storage.   In September 1956 IBM launched the 305 RAMAC, the first 'SUPER' computer with a hard disk drive (HDD). The HDD weighed over a ton and stored a  'whopping' 5 MB of data. Do you appreciate your 8 GB memory stick a little more now?

Christmas Countdown

9 Days Until Christmas

Best Wishes

To All My Democrat Friends:

Please accept with no obligation, implied or explicit, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most enjoyable traditions of the religious persuasion of your choice, or secular practices of your choice, with respect for the religious/secular persuasion and/or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all. I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2011 but not without due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make America great.  Not to imply that America is necessarily greater than any other country nor the only America in the Western Hemisphere.  Also, this wish is made without regard to the race, creed, color, age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee.

To My Republican Friends:

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!  

Hat Tip; Kack

What's Happening with Seniors Benefits

A federal district court in Virginia found a part of Obamacare unconstitutional, but judicial appeals may keep the law mired in the courts for several years.

Judge Henry Hudson ruled that Section 1501, the Minimum Essential Coverage Provision, of the law (officially called the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), which requires everyone, beginning in 2014, to purchase health insurance is "beyond constitutional precedent" and "appears to forge new ground and extends the Commerce Clause powers beyond its current high water mark."

In his decision, Hudson also wrote that this provision "is neither within the letter nor the spirit of the Constitution" and that Congress lacks the power "to compel an individual to involuntarily engage in a private commercial transaction…The unchecked expansion of congressional power…would invite unbridled exercise of federal police powers."

However, only Section 1501 of the law was voided and Hudson left all other parts of Obamacare in force. 

Although the law lacked a severability clause (a routine provision in most laws stating that if any portion of it is found unconstitutional, the remaining portions are unaffected), Hudson cited several precedents in which courts stated that "the normal rule is that partial, rather than facial, invalidation is the required course."

Interestingly, the Obama Administration had argued that Section 1501 "is the linchpin which provides financial viability to the other critical elements of the overall regulatory scheme" and "the vital kinetic link" of the "overall regulatory reform."  Secretary of Health and Human Services Kathleen Sebelius had said that, without that provision, it "would undermine the comprehensive regulatory regime."

The Obama Administration scoffed at Hudson's ruling that the law was partially unconstitutional and predicted it would prevail on appeal, according to AFP.

But when Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli advocated immediate appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court, which is permitted under certain circumstances, the Department of Justice said they would rather go through the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals.  "The Department believes this case should follow the ordinary course of allowing the courts of appeals to hear it first so the issues and arguments can be fully developed before the Supreme Court decides whether to consider it."

If that course is followed, "The ultimate outcome of this case is really up for grabs," Bloomberg reported, indicating "it may be years before the justices resolve the law's constitutionality."

The Washington Post listed the 23 other cases throughout the nation that have been filed against Obamacare. 

The most significant is being brought in Florida by 20 states, the National Federation of Independent Businesses, and two individuals.  In addition to arguing against Section 1501, this case also contends that Obamacare is unconstitutional by forcing massive new spending on the states for Medicaid.  More information is available on the Florida case online at http://www.healthcarelawsuit.us/
The Virginia win over Obamacare was hailed by ConservativeHQ.com's Richard Viguerie as "a victory for the entire Tea Party movement and constitutional conservatives everywhere."
Cuccinelli was praised by Viguerie for his leadership in the fight against Obamacare and said the Virginia Attorney General "has taken his place on the national stage as an important conservative leader."    

ConservativeHQ.com has created an online Pledge of Support and Thank You to Cuccinelli for "taking on the Obama administration on behalf of the American people… and appreciation for your leadership in this battle."

VIA: 60 Second Activist 

School Closings

All local schools are closing 2 hours early

Worcester county schools closing 2 hours early

Wicomico county schools closing 2 hours early

Somerset county schools closing 2 hours early

~MISSING~

DELMAR — Police are seeking the whereabouts of a 23-year-old Delmar woman who was last seen by family on Dec. 3.

The family of Whitney L. Bennett, of the 3600 block of Susan Beach Road, contacted police on Dec. 9 after becoming concerned about her welfare.

Delaware State Police learned that Bennett may have visited a friend in Fruitland, Md., on Dec. 4.

Anyone with information is asked to call Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or visit www.tipsubmit.com

Peacherine Rag

This is great!!

Lets Say Thanks

XEROX IS DOING SOMETHING COOL
  If you go to this web site, www.LetsSayThanks.com  you can pick out a thank you card and Xerox will print it and it will be sent to a soldier that is currently serving overseas.

You can't pick out who gets it, but it will go to a member of the armed services.
   

How AMAZING it would be if we could get everyone we know to send one!!!   

It is FREE and it only takes a second.
   

Wouldn't it be wonderful if the soldiers received a bunch of these?  
 

Whether you are for or against the war, our soldiers over there need to know we are behind them.
   

This takes just 10 seconds and it's a wonderful way to say thank you.  
   Please take the time and please take the time to pass it on for others to do.
   

We can never say enough thank you's. 
  Thanks for taking to time to support our military!

"Walk through Bethlehem" Lynnhaven Baptist Church

Don't miss the "Walk through Bethlehem" at Lynnhaven Baptist Church, if you have never visited this wonderful event you have missed a really well orchestrated live Christmas display.

The "Walk through Bethlehem" at Lynnhaven Baptist Church is exactly that, it's a recreated Town of Bethlehem built and put together by volunteers. The Town has actual Bethlehem buildings, stable, manger, etc. it's complete with real animals and the scenic route and buildings are occupied by volunteers dressed in biblical attire.

This is admission free and a must see for all ages and will leave you with a life long memory.

Take the "Walk Through Bethlehem" today, you will not be disappointed. 

Please click on link below to hear our radio ad:

clientimages/43211/walk through bethleham.mp3 

  

"Walk through Bethlehem" Dates: 

December 11, 12,17,18 & 19 - 6:00 to 9:00 pm

To visit Lynnhaven Baptist Church web site CLICK HERE>>

Accomack County Sheriff's Office Asks Citizens Help In Two Robberies

According to Major Todd Godwin, on Sunday, December 12 at approximately 2:45 AM, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office received a report of a robbery at Shore Stop in Accomac, Virginia. Further investigation revealed that a white male entered the convenience store and robbed the clerk at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of money and merchandise. The suspect fled the scene on foot prior to deputies' arrival.

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 30 years of age, 5'8, 180 lbs.

The Sheriff's Office is also looking for a suspect wanted in connection with a robbery that took place on Saturday, December 11 at approximately 6:44 PM, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office received a report of a robbery of two men at Captain's Quarters.

Further investigation revealed that two black males approached a vehicle occupied by two men parked in front of a residence at Captain's Quarters. The suspects robbed the victims at gunpoint of an undisclosed amount of money and property and then fled the scene prior to deputies' arrival.

During the investigation, information was received that led to the identification of one suspect to be Cardell Shavar Mears, age 22 of Drummondtown Road, Accomac. Mears is described as a black male, 5'11, 180lbs.
Felony warrants have been obtained by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office charging Mears with 2 counts of robbery and 1 count of use of firearm in commission of a felony. He has been entered into the Virginia Criminal Information Network and the National Crime Information Center as a wanted person.

Anyone with information concerning these crimes is asked to contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Office at 787-1131 or 824-5666.
www.shoredailynews.com

This Weekend At The MarVa Theater

Friday, Dec 17 Saturday, Dec 18
Time: 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec 19
Time: 2 p.m.
Tickets: $5


PLOT:
The long-haired Princess Rapunzel has spent her entire life in a tower, but when she falls in love with a bandit who was passing by she must venture into the outside world for the first time to find him.
Rated PG

Key Part Of Obama Health Care Law Rejected By Judge

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — A federal judge declared the foundation of President Barack Obama's health care law unconstitutional Monday, ruling that the government cannot require Americans to purchase insurance. The case is expected to end up at the Supreme Court.

U.S. District Judge Henry E. Hudson wrote that no court had expanded the Commerce Clause of the Constitution to allow the government to regulate a person's decision not to buy a product.

"At its core, this dispute is not simply about regulating the business of insurance — or crafting a scheme of universal health insurance coverage — it's about an individual's right to choose to participate," Hudson wrote.


In his order, he said he will allow the law to remain in effect while appeals are heard, meaning there is unlikely to be any immediate impact on other provisions that have already taken effect. The insurance coverage mandate is not scheduled to begin until 2014.

"The outcome of this case has significant public policy implications," Hudson wrote. "And the final word will undoubtedly reside with a higher court."

Even so, Republicans in Congress celebrated the ruling as validation of the arguments they had made for months while the law was pending. Rep. Eric Cantor, R-Va., issued a statement urging the White House to agree to expedite a final ruling by appealing directly to the Supreme Court without first stopping at an appeals court.

Hudson is the first federal judge to strike down a key part of the law, which had been upheld by fellow federal judges in Virginia and Michigan. Several other lawsuits have been dismissed and still others are pending, including one filed in Florida by 20 states.

White House health reform director Nancy-Ann DeParle said the administration is encouraged by the two other judges who have upheld the law. She said the Justice Department is reviewing Hudson's ruling.

"We are disappointed in today's ruling but continue to believe — as other federal courts in Virginia and Michigan have found — that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional," said Justice Department spokeswoman Tracy Schmaler.

Hudson sided with Virginia Attorney General Kenneth Cuccinelli, who argued the mandate overstepped the bounds of the Constitution.

"The ruling is extremely positive for anyone who believes in the system of Federalism created by our founding fathers," Cuccinelli said. "It underscores that the Constitution's limitations on federal power really do mean something."

Cuccinelli, a Republican, filed the lawsuit to defend a new state law passed in reaction to the federal overhaul that prohibits the government from forcing state residents to buy health insurance.

He argued that while the government can regulate economic activity that substantially affects interstate commerce, the decision not to buy insurance amounts to economic inactivity that is beyond the government's reach.

"This lawsuit is not about health insurance, not about health care, it's about liberty," he said.

Hudson, a Republican appointed by President George W. Bush, sounded sympathetic to the state's case when he heard oral arguments in October, and the White House expected to lose this round.

Administration officials told reporters last week that a negative ruling would have virtually no impact on the law's implementation, noting that its two major provisions — the coverage mandate and the creation of new insurance markets — don't take effect until 2014.
www.wtkr.com

Man Says He Was Not Let Into Court Because Of His Hair

"I don't like looking like nobody else," says Todd.

But he says his look caused a stir at Southaven, Mississippi Traffic Court Friday.

"The bailiff said you can't come in here with your hair like that. I was like what are you saying. He said, I told you that last time. My captain didn't like how your hair was. I said how is a black man supposed to wear his hair. He asked me to leave," says Todd.

He never got to the courtroom.

"It shouldn't be a problem at all. I'm going in there to conduct business. You got people murdering, killing doing all kinds of stuff and you wanna pinpoint my hair. I just think it's wrong," he says.

At Southaven court, no one would talk to us about the incident.

There is a dress code posted outside the Southaven Court. No halter tops, revealing clothing, tank tops, shorts, t-shirts, but nothing about hair.

Todd says he usually adds ornaments and lights to his hair, but didn't Friday because he was going to court.

At the Razor Sharp Barber and Beauty Shop, he gets help putting it all together.

Workers don't think he was trying to disrespect court.

"It can be a little distracting but that's who he is. Dreadlocks can be a little distracting for some people. Loud hair color," says stylist Kori Randolph.

"Does it say in court you have to have your hair a certain way? You have to have a crew cut. Don't have no law against certain hair styles, do they?" says business owner Waheeb Hammad.

"I am not gonna change it. This is me. I'm just in the Christmas spirit. That's what I do," says Todd.

Bobby Todd says he's been wearing his hair style since 1999 and it's never been a problem, especially at the beauty supply company where he works.

No comment from a judge who sets court dress code.

www.wreg.com

Accomack And Northampton County Court

Accomack County Court

Ryan Bonniwell, 27, of Painter, was found guilty of burglary and grand larceny. A presentence report has been ordered.

Lavar Johnson, 30, of Mappsville, was found guilty of possession of cocaine with the intent to distribute. He was sentenced to 10 years with all but time served suspended.

Christopher Barcroft, 21, of Cape Charles, was sentenced to four years for two counts of burglary and two counts of grand larceny.

Keenan Goodwine, 19, of Atlantic, was found guilty of robbery and the use of a firearm in commission of a robbery. A presentence report was ordered.

Thomas Bunting, 27, of Melfa, was found guilty of aggravated sexual assault. A presentence report has been ordered.

Joann Ball, 57, of Accomac, was sentenced to 10 years with all but 12 months suspended for possession of cocaine.

Michael Sample Jr., 25, of Painter, was sentenced to 10 years each on two counts of breaking and entering and two counts of grand larceny, to run concurrently, with all suspended upon completion of detention and diversion center programs.

Jonathan Stevens, 27, of Quinby, was sentenced to five years for burglary with all suspended after completion of community service.

Jesse Mariner, 28, of Keller, was sentenced to 10 years each on counts of burglary and grand larceny, with all but three years suspended.

Derrick Reid, 22, of Nassawadox, was sentenced to five years each on counts of breaking and entering, robbery and a firearms charge, to run consecutively, for a sentence of 15 years.

Keshawn Savage, 21, of New Church, was sentenced to three years with all but one year suspended for hit and run.

Terrell Robinson, 33, of Birdsnest, had his probation reinstated.

Northampton County

Yolanda O'Sha Stines, 35, of Accomac, was sentenced to five years with all but 2.5 years suspended for writing bad checks.

Leonard Tromell Brooks, 27, of Cape Charles, was sentenced to 10 years with all but two years suspended for possession with the intent to distribute more than one-half ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana.

Cynthia Rene Weathers, 35, of Pocomoke City, Md., was sentenced to five years with all but time served suspended for four counts of welfare fraud and ordered to pay $5,005.

Terry Wayne McGee Jr., 34, of Newport News, was sentenced to five years for forgery, 12 months for receiving stolen property, 12 months for using a false identity and 12 months for driving on a suspended license, to run concurrently, with all but 12 months suspended.

William Jerome Reid Jr., 31, of Machipongo, was sentenced to five years with four years suspended for possession with the intent to distribute more than one half ounce but less than five pounds of marijuana. He also had a previous sentence imposed and received indefinite probation.

Brian Dwayne Johnson, 31, of Tasley, had his probation revoked.

Deshaun Lamont Corney, 21, of Birdsnest, pleaded guilty of two counts of robbery, one count of entering in the nighttime while armed with a deadly weapon, one count of malicious wounding, and one count of displaying a firearm in a threatening manner during a robbery. A presentence report has been ordered.
www.easternshorenews.com

Crippen Found Guilty For Attempted Murder

Alexander Crippen could be facing life in jail for attempted murder with the possibility of an extra 20 added to those years for carrying an illegal weapon. Gee, that means for the rest of his life he gets to breath, eat, exist behind bars. No matter where he is and no matter where the man that he attempted to murder may be BOTH are alive. And good for them, I guess. But what about the family of Reginald Handy?

Forensics couldn't prove Crippen killed that young man. And no one saw? Not a soul saw anyone that night but a bullet into the back of Handy? I'm just wondering, because there doesn't seem to be any closure for the family that loved and had to bury Reginald Jerome Handy.

If it can't be proven that Crippen fired that bullet into Handy's back then who did? Or is that the family just has to accept that Crippen probably did do it...........it just can't be proven beyond that "shadow of a doubt"? Where is the closure for this family?

What do you say to them? Does anything happen for them?

SNOW HILL -- Friends and family members of Alexander Crippen cried and consoled each other in Circuit Court after Judge Richard R. Bloxom said Crippen was guilty of trying to kill a man.

Testimony in the trial for first- and second-degree attempted murder, first- and second-degree assault and gun charges concluded Dec. 7. Bloxom said he needed time to review the testimony and facts of the case before giving a verdict, which he issued Friday.

During his deliberations, he recalled the instructions given to jurors when they have trouble deciphering witness testimony: that they may believe all, part or none of what witnesses say.

Crippen, who has listed residences in Fort Washington, Md., and Pocomoke City, has been held without bond at the Worcester County Jail since late May, when he was charged in the murder of Reginald Jerome Handy Jr., 22. Handy was gunned down outside a Laurel Avenue home on May 27.

In June, a grand jury indicted Crippen on murder and other related charges connected to Handy's death in addition to attempted murder. But Bloxom dismissed the murder charge against Crippen during a criminal motions hearing. Prosecutors said forensic evidence would have made it impossible to prove Crippen killed Handy. Crippen was instead convicted of attempting to kill another man, Torrance Davis, 28, who was at the scene of the shooting in May.

After the verdict was read, Deputy State's Attorney Michael Farlow asked the judge to order a presentence investigation before Crippen is sentenced.

"Now that he has been found guilty on all counts, we will be seeking the maximum penalty," Farlow said. The maximum penalty life in prison. He said a second charge, wearing and carrying an illegal weapon, can carry an additional sentence of up to 20 years.

Crippen's defense attorney, Arthur McGreevy, said he expects his client to appeal the decision.

"We are obviously disappointed but respect the judge's decision," McGreevy said.

www.delmarvanow.com

12-Year Old Missing For One Week Found Safe

ROANOKE, Va. (AP) -- A 12-year-old girl who had been missing for a week was found unharmed Friday after she and the man accused in her abduction were recognized in a store in San Francisco, police said.

Brittany Mae Smith has since been in touch with her family in Virginia, while Jeffrey Scot Easley, 32, was in police custody in San Francisco, Roanoke County Police Chief Ray Lavinder said at a news conference.

The two hadn't been seen since Dec. 3, when they were captured on store surveillance video at a Walmart in Salem, about five miles from Roanoke.

The girl's mother and Easley's girlfriend, Tina Smith, was found dead on Monday their home in southwestern Virginia. The cause of death has not been released but police consider it a homicide.

Police have refused to say whether they consider Easley a suspect in the mother's death, but they said Friday that the investigation of the slaying would ramp up now that the search for the girl is over.

Lavinder said Brittany and Easley were in a retail store around 3 p.m. in San Francisco when someone in the store recognized the pair from reports on their disappearance and called police. Easley did not resist arrest.

Asked if Easley forced Brittany on the cross-country trip, Lavinder said he didn't know.

"We're just getting bits and pieces of the facts right now," he said.

The girl was aware that her mother had been found dead. She had no signs of physical injury.

Lavinder did not know if Easley had any connections to the San Francisco area or how the pair traveled the 2,320 miles to get there. Roanoke authorities planned to travel to California as soon as possible.

Brittany's disappearance had generated more than 700 tips to Roanoke County police, who earlier Friday said they were deeply concerned after finding no trace of the girl after days of searching.

Lavinder said he had a "tremendous sense of relief" that Brittany had been found.

After learning that her granddaughter was safe, Liz Dyer told The Roanoke Times: "We're so glad. We're bouncing off the walls."

www.timesdispatch.com

Recess Still Under Discussion With Board of Education

SNOW HILL – The question of whether or not recess will become mandatory in Worcester County schools is still up in the air.

At the Board of Education’s Dec. 7 Budget Public Input Session, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jon Andes introduced a proposed revision to a policy that would require all elementary level schools, grades pre-k through fifth, to have daily recess.

However, because several members of the board were absent and others wished for more time to review the proposal, the issue was tabled until the Dec. 21 meeting.
Board President Bob Hulburd told the audience that the matter was too significant to be decided without every member’s input.

“I think we all need to be here to make the decision,” he said.

Hulburd also stressed the fact the board was not acting in confrontation with Pocomoke Middle School, whose recess policy had sparked the debate.

While Andes’ proposal would contradict the current PMS system, which does not provide daily recess, Hulburd made it clear that whatever the board decided, it in no way reflected any negativity on the school.

“Everyone here should go away knowing that Pocomoke is a great school, with great leadership,” Hulburd said.

While the draft of the proposition is a significant step forward, some people in the audience were not satisfied with the tabling of the issue for another two weeks.

Parent Todd Palmer, who originally brought the matter to the board’s attention, had hoped for more action to be taken at the meeting.
“We’re upset with the delay,” he said, referring to the group of parents he represents. “We were under the impression that we’d have an answer tonight.”

Doug Voss, another concerned parent, shared some of Palmer’s feelings.
“We’re disappointed there was no decision,” Voss said. “We’re really looking for an unambiguous statement [from the board].”

One detail that bothered Palmer was the possibility that Andes’ proposition would just be a suggested guideline, instead of county policy.

“We want a policy,” he said. “A suggested guideline can be manipulated.”

However, Voss remarked that it did seem like the proposition would be going into policy.

Palmer expressed disappointment that not all board members had been in attendance at the meeting. He did, however, clarify that he was grateful to the board for making time to listen to complaints of the public.

Palmer and several other parents plan to be in attendance at the next meeting.

by:Travis Brown

www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Deja vu: MUST SEE inspirational video - please share!

My inspirational SURFice dog video went viral last year at this time. It has a million views in 42 days. Please help me spread the message again, like you did last year by emailing it to everyone you know! Blogging, tweeting, posting to Facebook, showing it in schools & other gatherings, and sharing it with friends. 

Remind everyone that they are perfect, just the way they are!  To adjust expectations, to focus on what they CAN do, and what they HAVE this holiday season, instead of what they have not.  Everyone can use a little inspiration this time of year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4

Happy Howl-idays to you... and the universe!

Love, Ricochet
.

Pocomoke City Community Awareness meeting

The Pocomoke City Community Awareness meeting is scheduled for Saturday 12/11/2010 at 10 am

The meeting is scheduled for Saturday at 10 am at Abundant Life Apostolic Church on Front Street in Pocomoke.

New Worcester County Sheriff Will Run A 'Tight Ship'

BERLIN – Long-time Worcester County Sheriff’s Chief Deputy Reggie Mason this week was officially sworn in as the new sheriff after a successful election last month and is now preparing for a smooth transition for the department.

Mason and new Chief Deputy Dale Smack were officially sworn in during a special ceremony in Snow Hill on Monday and the new sheriff has hit the ground running. His overall goal is maintaining the continuity of his predecessor, Sheriff Chuck Martin, who held the post for 16 years, while adding his own initiatives and programs to better serve the entire county.

This week, Mason took time out of his busy schedule for an interview with The Dispatch during which he outlined some of his priorities, programs and initiatives for his new office, some of which are already underway. The following are some of the excerpts from that conversation:

"I’m very lucky. I’ve got great people here. I was chief deputy for over 24 years and I was involved in a lot of the hiring here. It’s a great agency and I’m very proud of them. My job is to make sure they come to work safe and go home to their family safe. I worry about my people just like the sheriff before me, Sheriff Martin. We always worried about our people. I was born and raised in this county and I care about this county. I have relatives in this county from Pocomoke to St. Martin’s Neck and I care about our people here. I want people to go out at night to a movie or go shopping and feel safe. That’s my job."

On increasing the department’s presence throughout the county:
I’m going to have command staff, lieutenants and above, work night patrol. The sheriff let me start this about two months ago. I brought this idea up to him. A lot of times, we leave here at five or six in the evening, but if the public calls here, they want to talk to someone in command. I don’t want the public to have to wait until morning to talk to a lieutenant or higher-up. This way, 911 can put them right through to somebody in command.

I plan on making some promotions after the first of the year and they’re going to be accessible. Somebody in command is going to be out there and is going to be able to answer the questions.

We’re doing it already. I’ve personally been doing it for about four months. I want to see first-hand what is going on in this county, and I want to let the public know that I’m out here, that we’re out here. You can’t just sit behind a desk. I want to see what my deputies need and what’s going on out there. It’s been working great. I want to boost up our patrols, so I’m going with a 4-3 program where my people work 10-hour days, sometimes four days a week. I learned that from Lee Duggan when he was chief in Ocean City. It allows us to almost double our coverage with the same manpower during the most active times on the streets and in our communities.

On new hires:
My biggest thing right now is adding more deputies to the road patrol. Right now, I have four vacancies and we’re in the process of filling them and I’m looking at these new people. I’m looking at hiring kids that have grown up in this county and giving them the opportunity to work in the Sheriff’s Office. Anyone living outside Worcester County that we hire will have one year to move into the county. Recently we hire five people, four of which are going through the last two stages. I’ll be sending four through the police academy and I think that’s the first time ever we’ve had that many.

On getting back into the communities:
I want to be a community police agency. I want to put more of our deputies back into community policing and neighborhood watch programs. I’m a firm believer in neighborhood watch programs, educating the public, what to look out for in their neighborhoods. A community police deputy is great. He or she gets to know a lot of people in the small towns. They get good information from the people in the towns and see a lot. We got away from this a couple of years ago, but I definitely want to get back into it. Years ago, when I was first here, we had deputies out in the communities riding bicycles. They had better contact with the public rather than just riding around in the car all the time. I want the residents to know they have a deputy they can talk to. If we get our manpower issues straightened out, I’d love to have one on the south end and one in the north end to go into our small communities.

On the need to finish Route 113:
That’s a priority for me. I want to do my part to make sure that gets done and gets done in a timely fashion. Every one of us who travel that road knows how dangerous it is. It’s one of the most dangerous roads in the country and the statistics bear that out. Years back, I was talking with a State Highway official and he said we’re all probably going to be dead before that’s finished and now, I’m starting to think he might have been right. There is just no way they can’t get that highway finished. When they start to do a highway project on the other side of that bridge, they don’t start until it’s finished. We need to get mobilized and unified in a single voice and tell them we want it done. That’s a priority.

On underage alcohol and tobacco sales:
The other big thing I’m after is the sale of alcohol and tobacco to teenagers. We’re going to do a lot of spot checks. The main thing is talking to the business owners and making sure that they inform their employees about the laws. We’re going to spot-check them and we’re going to have our cadets go in and try to make buys. I don’t want to put anybody out of business, but I don’t want them selling alcohol and tobacco to the teenagers. That’s going to be one of our priorities.

On managing the department’s budget:
My big thing is, I worry about my budget. I know times are very tough, but I want to get the very best training for my people. I had the opportunity when I was with the OCPD. Chief Duggan sent everyone of us to so many schools and specialized classes to make us better professionals and I want to give the same opportunities to my people. I want to give them the very best equipment to do their job. Anything we need to find in our budget to let our people better protect themselves, we’re going to find a way to do it. I’m looking at ways to save anything I can in our budget to allow us to do the things that are most important. If that means filling jobs with part-timers and retirees, I’m going to do it.

On making tough decisions:
If I see something that isn’t working, I’m going to make the tough decisions. They might not always be the most popular decisions, but I’m going to do what’s best for this county and my people. I’m always willing to give 100-percent and I expect the people working for me to do the same. If I see something that isn’t working, I’m going to make the tough choices. I’ve learned to treat people the way you like to be treated, but I’m not afraid of discipline. I’m a former Marine Corps sergeant and I’m going to run a tight ship. We have rules and regulations and that’s what they’re there for.

On forging good relationships:
I want to work with our neighbors and form new and better partnerships. We have a great partnership with Virginia and we have people deputized in Virginia and they have a Virginia state trooper and three Accomack County sheriff’s deputies deputized here. We’ve been working great crossing the lines in and around the Pocomoke area and we’ve made some nice busts. It’s working great. We’re also going to help Somerset County and Wicomico County with any resources they need. If we work together, it makes our county that much safer.

Crime doesn’t know physical boundaries. If they need anything, they’ll get it, and they’ll do the same for us. Chief DiPino is going to assign me some personnel to help with the drug problem, because it’s not only in the south end but all over the county including Ocean City. She’s going to help us with manpower. That’s what its all about, helping your neighbor. We’re all going to work together in the county. We’ve already talked about what we can help each other with and we’re going to team up, the same thing with Pocomoke, Berlin, and Snow Hill. It’s not about one individual agency. It’s all about working as a good team and helping each other. I’ve had nothing so far but great support from all the chiefs. I’d love to work more with Delaware because we’re one of the only counties that borders two states. There are opportunities for partnerships there and we’re already exploring them.

On the take-home vehicle policy:
A lot of these people are school resource officers, drug enforcement officers and SWAT team members. When I need them, I need them. Once they hit that county line, they know where they’re going and what the situation is. I don’t need them driving to the county line in their personal car and picking up one of our cars when they get here. You can lose a lot of time doing that. When I need my specialized people, I need them right away. Now, if gas prices skyrocket or it becomes too expensive, I’ll address that when the time comes, but it’s not a big problem now.
Why it became such a big issue during the election I don’t know, but some of the figures put out there about the cost of our take-home vehicle policy were just inaccurate. In county, they can use their vehicle off duty. Out of county, they can’t. In county, it’s good to see them out in their cars when they go out. They have to check in when they’re on duty and when they have to go off duty. It’s all about high visibility.

On the use of part-timers:
Part-timers save the taxpayers of this county money and they free up more manpower for me. I’ve also hired a part-time detective to work with the child advocacy program, who works with crimes involving children. We got a grant to pay for the position, and while we don’t know how long the grant will last, by hiring him part time, I’ll be able to keep him when the grant runs out. It’s so important to have this deputy work the child cases.

I also have a part-time deputy that tracks sex offenders in the county. We have about 60 right now he keeps track of. U.S. Marshals have teamed up with us on this. If one leaves our county, we contact the U.S. Marshals and they will be on their track. Our part-time deputy does an outstanding job with this. He keeps a close tab on where they reside, where they work and he does an outstanding job.
by: Shawn Soper
www.mdcoastdispatch.com

Change In Accomack County Christmas Dismissal

Accomack County Schools have annoucned a change to their Christmas dismissal schedule, according to a press release.

Students will be dismissed two hours early on Wednesday, December 22. Schools and the Central Office will remain closed on Thursday, December 23 through Tuesday December 28 for the Winter Holiday.

The Offices will also be closed on Friday, December 23.

All schools and the Central Office will reopen on Monday, January 3.

Telescoper Offices Raided By IRS Agents

(Dec. 10, 2010) Agents with the Internal Revenue Service raided an Ocean City business Tuesday morning, taking computers and boxes of files with them.

Around 8 a.m., a fleet of large, black sport utility vehicles with tinted windows and out-of-state license plates rolled up in front of Telescope Pictures on 16th Street. The crowd having breakfast at a diner across the street watched as federal agents wearing bulletproof vests and dark jackets got out of the vehicles and entered the business.

“They were wearing flak jackets and ski masks. They just rolled up and jumped out of all these cars with plates from Maryland, Virginia and D.C. tags. I’ve never seen anything this serious,” said City Council President Jim Hall, who was eating breakfast in the diner at the time and watched the raid unfold.

The agents’ jackets identified them as members of the “IRS Criminal Enforcement Division,” and some were wearing firearms. Hall said they removed some people from the property who appeared to be living in apartments above the business, and then began to empty the place.

“They took computers, books, boxes, everything,” he said.

Telescope Pictures is the company holding the city franchise to provide beach photographers. The photographers take pictures of beachgoers, who can go to the 16th Street offices to purchase their photos at the end of the day. The company is owned by Patrick McLaughlin and is also known as United Beach Photo Inc.

The company holds the two beach photo franchises and the night before the IRS raid, McLaughlin was the only bidder in an auction to hold the franchises for the next four years. Hall did not know whether the city would be able to accept his bids or have to hold another auction.

McLaughlin is perhaps the biggest player in direct business with the city through its franchises. Aside from the beach photo franchises, he also holds approximately half of the city’s beach equipment rental stand franchises, has a small stake in an ice cream vending truck franchise and holds three of the resort’s taxicab medallions.

The IRS agent in charge of the Telescope Pictures case declined to comment on the details of search and seizure or the case in general and the IRS media contact did not return calls seeking comment about the case. Calls made to the Telescope Pictures office were met by a recording announcing the office was closed for the season.

www.oceancitytoday.net

Christine Cullen, Staff Writer

Pocomoke City Police Make Arrests On Weapons Charges

POCOMOKE CITY -- Police said on Dec. 1 that they had arrested two people in recent days for possessing weapons it was illegal for them to have, in seperate incidents. Pocomoke officers went to a motel for a report of a man with a stolen gun on Nov. 26 and arrested Andre L. Doggett, 32, of Danville, Va. for possession of a concealed weapon, saying he was carrying a .22-caliber gun in his pocket. Police did not locate the gun reported stolen, a .45-caliber pistol, the Police Department said in a news release. Doggett was released on his own recognizance pending trial.

On Nov. 29, police said, they went to assist paramedics at a residence at 500 Young St. and learned a wanted person was hiding inside. With the homeowner's permission, police said, they entered the home and found Harvey D. Hall, 21, of Pocomoke City, who was wanted for violating probation. Police also found a .22-caliber pistol there, police said, and Hall was additionally charged with possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. He was held on $40,000 bond.

www.delmarvanow.com

Va. State Police Ask Hunters Help In Tracking Narcotics

With hunting season in full swing, the Virginia State Police is asking for the public's assistance with reporting suspicious activity relating to drug activity and marijuana grow sites. This summer more than 35,000 marijuana plants were eradicated throughout Virginia with the assistance of federal, state and local law enforcement officials as part of the Governor's Initiative Against Narcotics Trafficking (G.I.A.N.T) program.

"The discovery and destruction of these illegal grows have played a significant role in preventing marijuana from reaching the streets and Virginia's youth," said Lt. Richard A. Childers, Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Richmond Drug Enforcement Section. "In addition to the more than 180 arrests resulting from the 2010 GIANT initiative, millions of dollars have also been kept out of the hands of drug dealers."

Because the cultivation of marijuana is a year-round process, law enforcement needs Virginians - especially hunters - to be on alert to what may indicate an area being used to illegally grow marijuana.

Signs include:

- an obscured/hidden clearing in the woods, swamp or corn fields possibly near or with reasonable access to water;

- shovels, pails to haul water, bags of fertilizer and/or chemicals discarded near the clearing;

- random, well-trampled trails leading into the woods or swamp.

Hunters are advised not to confront anyone they may encounter near a clearing or possible grow site. Instead, please take mental notes of what you see, smell and hear at that location, and then report it to law enforcement.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation Drug Diversion Unit at 1-800-553-DOPE (3673). You can also contact your local law enforcement to report illegal activity. Information you provide can result in a cash reward and all information is confidential.
www.shoredailynews.com

One Arrested, Police Searching For 2 More In Burglaries

POCOMOKE CITY, Md.- One suspect is in custody and police are searching for two others wanted in connection with two residential burglaries that occurred in Pocomoke City over the past two days. The suspect in custody, 18-year-old LeAnder Dynte Ward of Pocomoke City, is charged with first- and third-degree burglary, theft: $10,000 to under $100,000, theft: $1,000 to under $10,000, malicious destruction of property under $500, and conspiracy to commit first-degree burglary.

Authorities say the first burglary occurred Tuesday, Dec. 7, at a home on Critcher Road in Pocomoke City. Deputies with the Worcester County Sheriff's Office responded to the scene and determined that the suspects had gained entry into the home by prying open one of the exterior doors. The victim determined that more than $43,000 in personal property had been taken from his home.

Detectives from the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation were contacted to assist with the investigation.

The next day, on Wednesday, Dec. 8, Maryland state troopers were dispatched to a home on Brantley Road. According to police, the homeowner had arrived at his home and observed three male suspects walking out of his house carrying his wrapped Christmas presents, as well as other personal property.

Police say that while the victim was on the telephone with authorities, the three suspects fled the scene.

State troopers, assisted by sheriff's deputies and officers from the Pocomoke City Police Department, searched the area for the suspects.

One of the suspects, identified as LeAnder Ward, was arrested and charged with the aforementioned crimes. He is being held in the Worcester County Jail on $20,000 bond.

The other suspects drove off in a car described as a black four-door Taurus, with Maryland registration.

Anyone with additional information about these incidents, or knows of the identities or whereabouts of the other two suspects, is asked to call the WCBI at (410) 352-3476.

www.wboc.com

Christmas Basket Drawing To Benefit Samaritan Shelter

A Bountiful Blessings Christmas Basket

A Bountiful Blessings Christmas Basket drawing is a chance to shop for holiday stocking stuffers as well as raise money to benefit the Samaritan Shelter in Pocomoke City.

The basket is stuffed with items ranging from dinner for two at Texas Roadhouse to a family membership at the Delmarva Discovery Center. Basket items are valued at more than $950.

Tickets for the drawing are $5 each or $10 for three.

The drawing will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Heart 'N Home gift store and vendor, 1532 Ocean Highway in Pocomoke City.

Call 410-957-4310

Manslaughter Trial Reset For January 11

SNOW HILL -- Jesse James Mason's manslaughter trial has been pushed to January, after State's Attorney Joel Todd filed a motion for postponement.

Mason was charged with homicide by motor vehicle, negligent homicide by auto while impaired, negligent manslaughter by auto, auto homicide under the influence of alcohol and related charges after he allegedly drove out of a parking lot while Hunter Lee Stonnell was hanging onto his vehicle. Stonnell knew Mason was drunk, police said, and had been imploring him not to drive when he was killed.

Todd said he disqualified himself in order to avoid the appearance of impropriety. The victim's family believes he has a "too close relationship" with the defense attorney, Todd said in an interview.

The case is currently scheduled for trial on Jan. 11, and incoming State's Attorney Beau Oglesby will try the case after being sworn into office on Jan. 3.

www.delmarvanow.com

Swim With Santa This Saturday

Donations of food and unwrapped toys will be accepted on behalf of the Worcester County Sheriff Department's Christmas for the Needy program.OCEAN PINES -- Bring the family Saturday, Dec. 11, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. for the fourth annual Swim with Santa at the Sports Core pool. Join Santa in a tropical setting while he floats in the pool.

The fee for this program is $3 for swim members and $5 for non-members. Only those swimming pay a fee.

Non-swimmers are welcome to visit with Santa and watch the festivities.

For more information on this event, please call the Ocean Pines Recreation Department at 410-641-7717, ext. 3050.

Four Men Arrested For Dash In Robbery Charged For Second

Let's hope that the courts begin to do something about crimes like this instead of letting these creeps back onto the streets!

BERLIN, Md.- Police have arrested four suspects wanted in connection with last week's armed robbery of a convenience store in Berlin. The suspects are also alleged to have robbed another convenience store in Willards on the same day.

Jordan Criner, 23, of Berlin, Takeyah Mason, 21, of Melfa, Va., Akeem Mason, 17, of Painter, Va., and Dalton Entzminger, 17, of Accomac, Va., are each charged with armed robbery, robbery, theft, first- and second-degree assault and conspiracy.

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation says the arrests stemmed from an armed robbery that occurred Dec. 1 at the Shore Stop store on 11121 Racetrack Road in Berlin.

According to detectives, an investigation revealed that Akeem Mason and Entzminger entered the store, with Mason allegedly armed with a handgun. Police say the pair then robbed the store clerk, and stole an undetermined amount of cash and cigarettes. The suspects then fled the area in a vehicle also occupied by Criner and Takeyah Mason who was driving, according to investigators.

Police say the same four suspects also robbed the Dash In convenience store in Willards, and were apprehended by deputies from the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office. Police say the four were later identified as the individuals who robbed the Shore Stop.

All four suspects are being held at the Wicomico County Detention Center in Salisbury in default of bond.

The investigation into the robberies is continuing, and anyone with any information about this case or any related case is asked to contact the WCBI at (410) 352-3476, or the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at (410) 632-1100.

http://www.wboc.com/

No Verdict For Attempted Murder

SNOW HILL -- The attempted murder trial of a 36-year-old Maryland man concluded with no verdict Tuesday after the judge said he needed time to review and consider the evidence.

After a day and a half of testimony, Alexander Crippen, who is alleged to have fired shots at 28-year-old Torrance Davis, will have to wait three days before the court will rule on the case.

Circuit Court Judge Richard R. Bloxom said the bench trial will resume at 1 p.m. Friday.

Crippen, who is listed as a resident of Fort Washington, Md., and Pocomoke City, has been held without bond at the Worcester County Jail since late May when he was charged in the murder of Reginald Jerome Handy Jr., a 22-year-old Greenbush resident.

Handy was gunned down outside a Laurel Avenue home May 27.

In June, a grand jury indicted Crippen on murder and other related charges connected to Handy's death in addition to attempted murder charges.

Bloxom dismissed the murder and assault charges filed against Crippen during a criminal motions hearing Dec. 1. The prosecutor and Deputy State's Attorney Michael Farlow said forensic evidence would have made it impossible to prove Crippen killed Handy.

During the trial Tuesday, two Pocomoke City women testified they saw Crippen in the area where the victim was killed before the shots were fired.

"When I first heard gunshots, I took off," 20-year-old Rashima Schoolfield said.

When she looked behind her, Crippen was 5-10 feet behind her, she said.

Shanna Harmon, 31, testified that she saw Crippen running toward Fifth Street after the shots were fired.

However, neither witness identified Crippen as the gunman.

The victim's cousin and witness for the state identified Crippen as the shooter during a recorded interview with investigators May 27; however, private defense attorney Arthur E. McGreevy of Baltimore pointed to inconsistencies in Davis' statements compared to evidence in the case and trial testimony from other witnesses.

"There really isn't a whole lot of physical evidence that links my client to this case," McGreevy said.

www.delmarvanow.com

Buy A Pet Calendar - Give As A Gift

These make wonderful Christmas gifts!The 2011 "Onancock Loves Rescue Pets" Calendar is now on sale at gardenART on King Street, SouthEast Expeditions at the Wharf, Janet's Café, Red Queen Gallery, CD Marsh Jewlers and the SPCA Eastern Shore in Onley.

They are $15 each, which benefits Onancock Business & Civic Association's pet-friendly efforts, with a portion going to the SPCA Eastern Shore.

Each of the 50 pets featured has a caption describing how they found their forever homes, many of them through the local SPCA, www.shorespca.com

Ripkens Youth Baseball Field At Memorial Stadium Now Open

It was 19 years ago — and about 30 degrees warmer — when Cal and Billy Ripken played in the last game at Memorial Stadium. But on Tuesday, when they replanted home plate in its old spot off East 33rd Street, the past returned as if on a welcome summer breeze.

"It does make you think of all the memories you have of playing here," Cal Ripken Jr., said after a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new youth baseball diamond opening in the old home of Baltimore's Orioles and Colts.

"My favorite one is hitting my first home run and shaking Dad's hand," Ripken said of his father, Cal Sr., then the third base coach and later manager of the Orioles. "No words were exchanged, but it was a good moment for a dad and a son."
Joining the Ripkens to cut the red ribbon stretched across the new home plate were Gov. Martin O'Malley, Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake, Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and other supporters of the $1.5 million project.

The funds were raised by the Cal Ripken Sr. Foundation, which was started by the Ripken brothers in honor of their late father and dedicated to bringing baseball to disadvantaged youths. The project received $400,000 from the state's Program Open Space funds.
"What a fitting tribute to have on this hallowed ground," O'Malley said.

The park will return sports, albeit at the amateur level, to a site that was home to so many great Baltimore pro teams. The diamond has a removable center field fence that will enable it to be converted to a football field — in the same orientation as the gridiron on which the Colts played.

Tuesday's ribbon-cutting was the first time former Baltimore Colt Joe Ehrmann had been back since his playing days.

"It gets your adrenalin pumping," the former lineman said of stepping back on the grounds. "You can hear the band playing in the recesses of your mind. It's great to reclaim this field."

With new housing and other buildings surrounding the site, he and the other former Memorial Stadium denizens at the ribbon-cutting said it took a couple of minutes to get reoriented. But once they did, the details were as clear as if they'd happened yesterday.

"The stadium was rocking," Cal Ripken said, remembering the heart-stopping end to the 1982 season when the Orioles were three games behind Milwaukee with four games to go. "We beat them in a doubleheader. We win Saturday. We're all tied up. The fans come with brooms. We have Jim Palmer on the mound."

Despite the 10-2 loss and the end of the season, Ripken said he still thinks of that series when he drives past 33rd Street. Now, he hopes the kids who will play there will make memories of their own.

Called Youth Development Park, it is the first of 18 such facilities that the foundation plans to open in at-risk communities in six states. This one is to be managed by the adjacent Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Family Center Y at Stadium Place.

Morgan Scroggings, 12, a student at the nearby Stadium School, was among a group of kids who attended the ceremony and said he looked forward to playing on the field. Maybe not baseball, though.

"I played it once. It's fun, but not as exciting as other sports," he shrugged. "I play football and basketball, and I wrestled for five years."

Which is probably OK with Cal Ripken, who says the park is more than a place for kids to play sports.

"You just want them to find themselves," Ripken said. "You just want them to grow and develop into being good, productive citizens."
www.baltimoresun.com

Three From Pocomoke Arrested For Stealing From Local Business

POCOMOKE CITY, Md.- Three suspects are facing charges after being accused of stealing dozens of vehicle tire rims from a tire business in Pocomoke City.

Christopher D. Joseph, 19, Stephen E. Petitt, 23, and Travis A. Parsons, 24, all of Pocomoke City, were each charged on a criminal summons with theft over $1,000 and conspiracy.

The arrests stemmed from an incident alleged to have occurred at Nock's Tire on Ocean Highway during the overnight hours of Nov. 30. According to detectives with the Worcester County Bureau of Investigation, the three suspects stole 25 vehicle tire rims from the business.

An investigation into the incident led to the arrests of the aforementioned suspects. The investigation is continuing, and anyone with any information about this case is asked to contact the WCBI at (410) 352-3476, or the Worcester County Sheriff's Office at (410) 632-1100.

www.wboc.com