USS Kittiwake Arrives In Grand Cayman Under The Command of Captain Reggie Stubbs

When I read this I just had to give a big grin. For those of us that know Reggie very well know this is something he would do and do well. I've never seen anything that Reggie couldn't do and didn't do with his whole soul! Way to go, Reggie!!!

NORFOLK -- The Norfolk-based tug America recently towed a former U.S. Navy submarine rescue ship to Grand Cayman in British West Indies for sinking as an artificial reef there.

The America, under the command of Chincoteague native Captain Reginald Stubbs III arrived in George Town, Grand Cayman, on Christmas Day.
On board the ship were also Chincoteague residents Michael Isdale, deck chief, and Salvage Captain Timothy Mullane, managing director of American Marine Group of Companies.

The America, a 105-feet, 3600-horsepower ocean tug, left Norfolk with USS Kittiwake during snow on Dec. 16, towing the ship down the East Coast and around the western tip of Cuba to arrive in Grand Cayman with a Christmas gift that will pay off for years to come.

The rest of the Mullane family and other crew members were anxiously waiting on shore for the arrival, and a traditional Christmas Dinner was hosted by the family of Nancy Easterbrook, the Kittiwake Cayman project manager.
USS Kittiwake had been cleaned and prepared for sinking as an artificial reef to provide beneficial marine habitat and a dive tourism attraction in the crystal clear waters of Grand Cayman. The Kittiwake is a 251-foot ship built in Savannah, Ga. in 1944 and served on active duty for more than 50 years in the Navy before being decommissioned and mothballed in the James River Reserve Fleet. The ship should be sunk near Seven Mile beach in Grand Cayman shortly New Year's Day.

American Marine Group is engaged in the marine services industry, to include marine salvage, towing, wreck removal, marine heavy lift services, and artificial reef development, and has deployed more than 50 vessels on artificial reefs from New Jersey to Grand Cayman, as well as deploying concrete modules on artificial reef sites in the Chesapeake and Delaware Bay.

The company is also preparing the USS Arthur W. Radford, a 563-foot destroyer, for sinking on the Del-Jersey-Land artificial reef site, 26 miles from Indian River Inlet, 28 miles from Ocean City Inlet, and 30 miles from Cape May, N.J., this spring.
American Marine Group has operations based in Philadelphia and Norfolk, with employees based in North Carolina, Virginia, the Delmarva Peninsula, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
www.easternshorenews.com

Beau Oglesby To Be Sworn In Tomorrow

On Monday, January 3, 2011 Beau Oglesby will formally take the Oath of Office as Worcester County State's Attorney.

11:00 AM until 2 PM
Worcester County Courthouse - Courtroom 1
One West Market Street
Snow Hill, Maryland

Beau is looking forward to seeing and thanking the many friends, family, and supporters who helped make this momentous day possible.

The History Of Pocomoke By Murray James (23)

This section is very interesting I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. 

[Question] Does anyone actually read these snips from this book that I publish occasionally? Please let me know because it takes a lot of time to post this and if no one reads it I'll stop posting it.

Thanks


Formerly New Town. 185 CHAPTER XXIX. SCHOOLS (CONTINUED.)

Mrs. Nettie O'Daniel was a native of Wilmington, Del., -where she received a liberal public school education, and taught in the public schools of that city and in Pocomoke City High School, in Wyoming College, Del, and in Colorado. Mrs. O'Daniel was a lady of fine accomplish- ments and showed herself to great advantage in the school room as an educator.

Miss Mary M. Hearn was also one of the first assistants in the High School. She was born in New Town, Md., on the 1 6th day of July, 1848. She went to school until she was fifteen years of age, after that she was educated by her father, Dr. John L. Hearn, at home. She was well qualified as a teacher and taught in the High School for nine years, when her health compelled her, by incessant application, to resign her position.

Indeed, her feeble constitution was so worn down that although she continued teaching until vacation, then she yielded shortly after to the inevitable and passed away. Her death occurred Aug. 24th, 1875. Miss Hearn had a fine mind and an amiable disposition. She was raised right and adorned (her name with a life worthy of imitation.

186 History of Pocomoke City,

Charles H. Council, Esq., is a native of Southampton' County, Va. He was educated at Richmond College,. Virginia, and at Columbian College, D. C, at which latter- place he graduated. ht school ten years in Vir- ginia before he came to this county. After coming here he taught two years at McMaster's School-house, two years at Pitt's Creek School-house, and has been engaged in the High School for about nine years, in which he is still engaged teaching

Mrs. Millie Primrose, daughter of Thomas F. Stevenson,. Esq., was born at Snow Hill, Md., and was educated at the Academy of that place. In 1869, she entered the High School of Pocomoke City as teach a primary class, and continued in that capacity until 1873 ; when she succeeded Miss Eudora E. Hay in the grammar class, and. has continued teacher of that room until the present. Mrs. Primrose is a lady of fine accomplishments and an efficient teacher.

As an evidence of her efficiency, I will mention the fact, that she has been teaching in the- High School in Pocomoke City for thirteen years, nine years of which she has been in charge of the Grammar School Department without a rival for the position. An interesting item of rare occurrence, in connection with Mrs. Primrose is here inserted.

She is a member of a family of five persons, representing five generations, and each one being the first born of each generation; their state and ages are as follows : Great Grand Father, 86 ; Grand Father. 66; Grand .Mother. 61 ; Mother, 42; Son 17

Formerly New Town. 187 

their ages aggregating 276 years, all living in the same house, and all enjoying good health. John W. Murray succeeded Mrs. O'Daniel as teacher of the grammar school department in the High School of Pocomoke City. He was born in New Town, Worcester County, Md., on the 13th day of November, 1848.

From his infancy he was delicate in health. He was educated at the Academy and High School of Pocomoke City, and at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn. He had an ambition to excel; he was studious and with a close application, made great progress in learning. He not only studied at school, but at home ; also, he was the last member of the family to retire at night, and the first to arise in the morning poring over his books.

John was also a lover of home, and never seemed happier than when in the society of his mother. Touching remembrances of him come up before me as I write this article, which brings the tear unbidden irom its place. Frequently in the family we would be discussing the subject of the hard struggles for an honorable livelihood, and the various casualties to which we might be subjected, when John would exclaim : "Mother," said he, "I intend to take care of you."

To illustrate his industry I will mention an incident which has always been a great satisfaction to me. At a certain commencement, the scholars as was always the case, had their pieces to get by heart against the day of exhibition. On the day appointed the large building was crowded. John's turn came to speak. The piece assigned him was a declamation of a Roman General before the Roman Senate.

188 History of Pocomoke City, 

As he approached the rostrum the principal remarked to the large audience that "Mr. Murray had only two weeks to translate that speech into English and commit it to memory besides attending to his other regular studies. He made the speech successfully, and in leaving the stand and while walking down the aisle to his seat, I noticed the eyes of all were upon him. I felt prouder that day to be the father of such a young man than the possessor of millions of money.

After teaching at Stockton and in the High School in Pocomoke City, he went to Dickinson College to finish his education? for he was ambitious to graduate with nothing; short of the highest honors conferred upon a completion of a college course ; but here his strength failed him, and he had to give up the struggle. He went to Arkansas to regain his health, but the trip only helped to shorten his days.

He came home to his native place and lingered for two years with that fatal disease, Consumption, when, like the evening zephyr that hushes into silence at nightfall, he passed away in hope of a blissful immortality on the 27th day of April, 1873, in the 25th year of his age. Eulogies have been heaped upon him . After he received his certificate from the School Board of the county the examiner was in Pocomoke City and said he was an honor to his parents and a credit to his native town. One who was associated with him in school and knew well his knowledge of Latin and Greek, said to me that John could read Latin as fluently as be could read English.

Formerly New Town. 189

  The principal of the High School and the president of Dickinson College both spoke to me in high terms of his intellect and his acquirements. His text books of English, Latin, Greek, French and German, which I still keep as reminisces of him, remind me of the long hours he would be poring over them.

190 History of Pocomoke City, CHAPTER XXX. SCHOOLS (CONTINUED.)

George S. Bell, Esq., was an assistant in the New Town High 'School. He was born in Northampton County, Ya. He was educated at Snow Hill and Pocomoke City, Md., at Newark College, Del., and at the Theological Seminary, Princeton, N. J. He was licensed to preach the gospel by the New Castle Presbytery about the year 1875. He supplied a pulpit in the State of New York and afterward received a call to the Presbyterian Church in Wrightsville, Penn., which he is now acceptably filling.

Mr. Bell was a close student, had a good mind and has reflected a credit upon himself in view of his elevation. Miss Eudora E. Hay succeeded John W. Murray as teacher of the grammar school department in the High School of Pocomoke City, and continued in that relation for two years when she retired, and afterward procured a situation as teacher in the schools of Wilmington, Del. Ebenezer Hearn was born in New Town, Worcester County, Md., on the 26th day of November, 1854. He commenced going to school at 8 years ot age. Left school in July, 1873. Served as an assistant to the princi- pal of the High School in 1874. Engaged in mercantile business with E. H. Clarke from 1874 to 1877.

Formerly New Town. 191

I 11 l877» he received an appointment from the Trustees of Rehoboth Academy, in Somerset County, as principal which position he still holds, and that school is recognized by the school board of Somerset County, as one of the best schools in the county. Ebenezer Hearn is a young man in whose favor it would be difficult for me to say too much. His mental, moral and religious qualities are of such a character as to entitle him to the highest praise of all who know him, and to positions of trust and responsibility.

Richard A. Wilson, an assistant to the principal of the High School in Pocomoke City, was a native of Cannonsburg, Penn. He was educated at Jefferson College. He studied law, graduated and removed to Missouri, where he is now practicing law. Miss Fannie Matthews is a native of Accomac County, Va. Her parents died while she was quite young, and she was taken in charge by her aunt, Miss Jane Porter, who is living in the City of Baltimore, and there in the Western High School she was educated.

In 1873, a vacancy being open in the High School of Pocomoke City, Miss Fannie was appointed to fill that vacancy, and, during the seven years of her instructions, which closed up with 1881, she exhibited such wisdom in the instruction of her class, as caused it to be said that her place in the school would be hard to fill. By her adaptation as a teacher she has gained the highest respect of the trusters of the High School, and as a lady she is known only to be esteemed.

192 History of Pocomoke City,

  There is no one upon whom she has made a more indelible impression in this direction than the principal of the High School. Indeed she contemplated, very seriously, too, a change of name, and finally concluded that she was tired of her old name and would accept of one that was more handy and she became the happy bricle of Dr. Sidney W. Hardy, principal of the High School of Pocomoke City. John S. McMaster was born in New Town, on the 29th day of December, 1859. He was educated partly at the High School in Pocomoke City, partly at Newark College, Del., and is finishing his education at Lafayette College,. Penn., where he will no doubt graduate with honor.

Mr.. McMaster is a young man of promise; his aim is the profession of the law as his life work. He will make his- mark and be an honor to his name and to his native town. As a teacher in the High School, he acquitted himself with honor. William S. Dix is a native of Accomac County, Va., but his father moving to Somerset County, Md., he was educated at the Washington Academy, near Princess Anne, and at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Penn. At the time Mr. Dix went to the Washington Academy it was a school of renown, having for its principal the Rev. Francis Waters, D.D., a man of celebrity.

After he resigned the Rev. Robert M. Laird, a Presbyterian minister, was appointed principal in his place, having the Hon. Isaac D. Jones for an assistant.

Formerly New Town. 193

 Mr. Dix engaged as teacher in the High School of New Town in 1875, and for six consecutive years he continued in that capacity, when at the close of the school term in 1881, he retired from the school. Mr. Dix is a man of high moral worth and he has the respect of all who know him as a christian gentleman. Hilary T. Stevenson and Dr. Julius T. Hall were teachers in the New Town High School, but as I have taken notice of them under another heading, I shall here pass them by.

The Misses Maggie Webb, Rose Tull, Emma Robinson, Ella Scott, Rose Marshall and Sallie Henderson were all good and efficient teachers. The last three named are still teaching in the High School. In closing up this account of the High School in Pocomoke City I will state that there are on the school roll in regular attendance 235 scholars.

I have failed to notice heretofore two of our young men of promise and consequently will have to notice them here. Edward J. Clarke, son of Littleton T. Clarke, deceased, was born in New Town on the first day of September, 1860. After the death of his father, which event occurred when he was but six years of age, the Rev. John W. Pierson being an intimate friend of his father and taking a liking to the youth, by the consent of his mother, took him into his own family and under his own guardian care to raise and educate him. He remained with Mr. Pierson until he was sixteen years of age, during which time he was schooled at the Academy in Snow Hill and Pocomoke City High School.

194 History of Pocomoke City,
 
At the age of sixteen he entered St. John's College, Annapolis, Md., where he remained five years. At the age of twenty-one he graduated, standing well up in his class. After this he taught school at Whaleyville, Worcester County, Md., one year. He is now employed as teacher in the High School of Pocomoke City. Mr. Clarke is a young man of promise and with application will make his mark.

Austin H. Merrill, son of William H. S. Merrill, was born in New Town on the 1st day of June, 1859. He was a student in the High School of this place until he was eighteen years of age, at which time he entered the Delaware College at New Ark, Del. His education at this period was sufficient to justify his entering the Sophomore Class. He graduated with the first honor, taking the decree of A. I]., and chosen valedictorian of his class. He taught school two years as principal of the Temperanceville Graded School. He then entered the National School of Elocution and Oratory in Philadelphia, Penn., where he graduated with honor. Mr. Merrill is just entering the arena of public life, having in contemplation the law as his life work, and with application on his part and no unforeseen event happening to blast the fond hopes of his friends, he will, it is anticipated, be the peer of the first jurists of Maryland and of whom his friends and the citizens of Pocomoke City have just cause to feel proud.

Formerly New Town.. 195

The school for the education of colored children in Pocomoke City was established directly after the free school system became a law in the State. This school has been kept up ever since, and is today a graded school of primary and grammar school departments.

There are on the school roll 117 scholars. The school is taught by a principal and one assistant. These teachers are quite efficient and the school is advancing. The principal, David W. Ogden, is a native of New Jersey. He attended a primary and grammer school in that State until he was sixteen years of age, when he entered Lincoln University, in Chester County, Penn. After applying himself closely for five years, he graduated with honor in 1880.

The following is the basis upon which the colored school is sustained. The school receives from the county the proportion of county taxes paid by the colored people in the county, which amounts to about eleven cents on the one hundred dollars. In addition to this the State makes a special appropriation of $100,000 annually for all the schools throughout the State, of which Worcester County receives about $3,600.

196 History of Pocomohe City, CHAPTER XXXI. CHURCHES.

As the churches are a very important factor in the history of Pocomoke City, it will be necessary, in order to give an intelligent showing of each church, to take them up in the order of time in which they were established, and bring their history down to the present time.

As the Methodist Episcopal Church is the first one of which we have any record, we will begin with- it first. But before we proceed with the history of this church it will be necessary and proper to remark that it has been said that there was a Presbyterian log church built on the lot which was called, when I was a boy, the Sacher lot. This was a nickname for Zachariah, as it belonged to one Zachariah Lambertson. This lot has been more recently known as the Adreon lot. which at present belongs to William J. S. Clarke. Upon this lot tradition says this house was built.

In the history of the Maryland Colony we have this record, that a certain Col. William Stevens, with others, got up a petition and sent it to the Presbytery of Laggan, Ireland, in 1680, for a minister of the gospel to come to the colony and preach the gospel and look after the scattered adherents of the Presbyterian faith.

Formerly New Town. 197

  This call was promptly obeyed, and in 1682, they sent over the Rev.Francis Makemie, a man of learning, sagacity and courage, by whom or under whose supervision, tradition says this church was built. If this tradition can be relied on, there is no doubt, but that it was the first Presbyterian Church ever built in America. But there is a history of the Presbyterian Church in America extant, which would seem to refute the statement of the Traditional Church. I allude to the history of the Presbyterian Church in America, by Irving Spence, a member of that church and a learned Lawyer, who speaks definitely and clearly of the Pitt's Creek and Rehoboth Churches being the first Presbyterian Churches ever built in America.

He never once intimates that such a church ever existed as the Traditional Church at New Town. There is, however, some supposable ground for the existence of this church. Mr. Makemie, in coming to the Colony and up the Pocomoke River, prospecting, may have at first view, concluded that this was the very place to commence operations, and hence, the erection of the log church ; but subsequently, he may have discovered that, Rehoboth and Pitt's Creek were prominent centers, at which he could more effectually advance the interests of his cause, and hence, the abandonment of the old log church.

198 History of Pocomoke City,

Now to proceed with the history of the Methodist Episcopal Church in New Town. The Church was built in 1808, on the site where the present one stands. But the church, proper as an organized body, existed in New Town, long years before the house was built. This fact, I think can be established, beyond a doubt, by two considerations. First, the preachers sent to the Continent by Mr. Wesley, before the organization of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in 1784, and those belonging to it afterwards, operated in New York City, Philadelphia, the states of New Jersey, Delaware, and some of them down through the Eastern Shore Counties of Maryland and Virginia, and so efficient was their preaching that, at an early date the Peninsula was a garden spot of Methodism. Indeed the gospel was like a sally of light coming down the Peninsula, and its messengers were flaming heralds entering every open door, and preaching unto the people, Jesus and the resurrection, with all boldness.

In 1778, Francis Asbury, not being permitted to preach the gospel in Maryland, retired to Delaware, where, at the house of Judge White, he found a congenial retreat, for about two years, in order to escape impressment, by the British forces, to light against the colonies. In 1780.

Freeborn Garrettson a native ol Western Maryland, was imprisoned in Cambridge jail, Dorchester County, for preaching the gospel. I mention these incidents of Asbury and Garrettson, with their dates to show that Methodism was already a settled fact in Delaware, and on the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia.

Formerly New Town. 199

 I cannot wonder at the success of the gospel, when its message was borne by such men as Bishops Thomas Coke D. D. Francis Asbury, Richard Whatcoat, and the associates, such as Freeborn Garrettson, Benjamin Abbott, Lorenzo Dow, and a host of others who were co-labon with them, who counted not their lives dear into themselves so that they might bear the gospel message and be instrumental in saving sinners.

The second, consideration is the establishment of the circuit work, embracing preaching appointments at Littleton Long's house, where Major Merrill now lives ; at William Melvin's, father of Rev. Avra Melvin, where Col. William J. Aydelotte now lives, and at Capt. Jaires Furnis' house in New Town ; this house is at present, owned by Mrs. Tipton. At these places the gospel was preached, classes formed and prayer-meetings established. So early and so thoroughly was Methodism established in New Town, that in 1800, Avra Melvin was licensed to preach the gospel, being at the time about twenty years of age, and when his father, who was an officer in the church, died, he preached his funeral.

Not only New Town but, the entire surrounding country was brought under the influence of Methodism in the latter part of the last century, so that we may safely conclude that the date of its introduction in New Town reaches back to about 1790. Some account of the pioneer Methodist preachers on the peninsula may be interesting to the reader.

200 History of Pocomoke City, 

 But as there are biographies of each one of them extant, it will only be necessary to make some passing remarks with some incidents of their lives. Thomas Coke, LL.D., was a native of England, a man of letters. Was ordained the first bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He died at sea while on a missionary tour to another land at the probable age of sixty years.

Bishop Asbury, in preaching his funeral by request of Conference, makes the following remarks of him
■ "He was of the third branch of Oxonian Methodists, a gentleman, a scholar, and a bishop to us, and as a minister of Christ, in zeal, in labors and in services, the greatest man of the last century." Richard Whatcoat, bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church was a native of England. Until information of his death Bishop Asbury makes the following note of him in his journal : "That father in Israel and my laithful friend for forty years, a man of solid parts : a self-denying- man of God : who ever heard him speak an idle word ? when was guile found in his mouth? He had been thirty- eight years in the ministry : sixteen years in England, Wales and Ireland, and twenty-two years in America; twelve years as Presiding Elder, four of this time he was stationed in the cities or traveling with me ; and six years in the superintendency.

A man so uniformly good I have not known in Europe or America. He died in Dover, Del., on the 5th day of July, 1806."

Formerly New Town  201,

Francis Asbury was also a native of England. He came to this 'country by the direction of Mr. Wesley in 1771, being then about 25 years of age. He was elected bishop at the conference of 1784, held in the city of Baltimore, and was emphatically and truly, the pioneer Bishop of the Methodist Episcopal Church.

In labors more abundant, traveling- on horseback and in carriage, averaging •a. great deal of the time 5,000 miles a year, his route extending from Georgia to Massachusetts, and as far West as Kentucky and Ohio. He pursued this route through heat and cold, through rain and storm, in winter and summer, over hills, barrens, swamps,, and Savannahs, fording rivers, creeks, etc., for thirty- two years in the Episcopacy until he was literally worn out by his arduous labors superintending the interests of the Church of Christ.

In 1816, while on his way to the General Conference, to be held in the City of Baltimore in the following May, he halted at the house of George Arnold in Spott- sylvania, Va., and there he died on the 21st day of March, 1816, in the 71st year of his age. He was afterward carried to Baltimore and buried under the pulpit of the Eutaw Methodist Episcopal Church of that city.

In speaking of Benjamin Abbott I will say he was a native of New Jersey, and although he may never have preached in New Town, yet he aided very materially in bringing the gospel down through the peninsula. He was a man of great pulpit power, and in many instances sinners fell prostrate under the preaching of the word by him, as dead men.

NEXT: 202 History of Pocomoke City, 

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Assault and Robbery Gets Snow Hill Man Arrested

Police in Worcester County have arrested a Snow Hill man after an assault and robbery on New Year’s Eve. The victim met 18 year old Kenneth Wharton along the roadside near Snow Hill Friday night. Wharton got out of his vehicle with a baseball bat, demanded the victim’s cell phone and cash, and then beat him with the bat. The victim was able to get home to call for help – he’s in stable condition at PRMC in Salisbury. Wharton is being held in default of $25,000 bond.

NEWS RELEASE: DATE/TIME: December 31, 2010
LOCATION: Snow Hill, Worcester County, MD.
SUSPECT: Kenneth Lee Wharton, 3rd. Male age 18, Algonquin Trail, Snow Hill,
Worcester County, Maryland.
Victim: Kendrick Hall, male (from) Pocomoke, MD.
CHARGES: First degree assault, Second degree assault, Reckless endangerment, Armed robbery, Theft less than $500.00 and Theft less than $100.

Narrative:
On 12/31/10 at approximately 1200 hours, Worcester County Bureau of Investigations received information that a victim identified as Kendrick Hall was transported by ambulance to Peninsula Regional Medical Center for numerous injuries regarding an assault/robbery.

Investigator’s responded to PRMC and made contact with the victim. The victim identified the suspect as Kenneth Lee Wharton, 3rd from Snow Hill, Maryland, stating the two were acquaintances.

During the early morning hours of December 31, 2010 the victim and the suspect met along a roadside, just off of Rt 113 (located) in Snow Hill, Worcester Co. Md. The victim states, upon the two of them stopping their vehicles and exiting, the suspect immediately approached the victim, with a baseball bat in his hand. The suspect demanded the victim’s cellular telephone and currency. The victim, states he gave the suspect $10 in US Currency and his cell phone (Motorola Driod “X” smart phone).

After the suspect received the items from the victim, the suspect then started to
hit the victim with the baseball bat multiple times, about the head and body area.
The victim fell to the ground and the suspect then re-entered his vehicle and left
the area. The victim, was bleeding profusely, but was able to re-enter his vehicle and drove himself to his residence, where he seek emergency assistance and was transported by ambulance to PRMC.

The suspect was located at his residence and was arrested without incident. The suspect is currently being held at the Worcester County Detention Center, on
$25,000.00 bond.

The victim is listed in stable condition at PRMC and is believed he will make a full recovery.

www.wgmd.com

Taxi Cab Robberies In Ocean City and Ocean Pines Investigated

Police are asking for the public’s assistance in apprehending suspects of two recent robberies that occurred in Ocean City and Ocean Pines. On December 30, 2010, at approximately 1:15 a.m., the Ocean City Police responded to the area of 5th Street and Edgewater Avenue in reference to an armed robbery.

Officers interviewed the victim of the robbery, who was an on-duty taxi-cab driver. The victim told officers he received a call from a restricted phone number requesting a cab ride from Ocean Pines to Ocean City. The cab driver picked up two males at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Marview Drive and brought them to Ocean City. Once at 5th Street, the two males assaulted the taxi cab driver, taking money and other items.

The victim described the suspects as follows: The first suspect is a white male, approximately 22-26 years of age, 6 foot tall and wearing a hooded sweatshirt and knit hat. The second suspect is a white male, approximately 22-26 years of age, approximately 5’-7” to 5’-9”, wearing a sweatshirt and knit hat.

A second similar incident took place on December 30, 2010 at 9:30 p.m. A taxi-cab driver responded to Brandywine Drive in Ocean Pines. Two males entered the cab, demanded money, and assaulted the driver with a weapon.

The victim described the suspects as follows: The first suspect is described as a bi-racial male, possibly “Hawaiian,” believed to be in his 20s, wearing blue jeans. The second suspect, a white male, is believed to be in his 20s, wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and carrying an edged weapon.

The Ocean City Police Department and the Ocean Pines Police Department are conducting a joint investigation of the armed robberies. Taxi-cab and pizza delivery businesses should be aware of these incidents and use crime preventive measures during their course of business. Those needing assistance in acquiring crime preventive measures are encourage to contact the Ocean City Police Department’s Office of Community Service at 410-723-6610.

Ocean City and Ocean Pines Police ask anyone with knowledge about the incident or the suspects to contact the Ocean City Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 410-723-6600.

www.wgmd.com

Pilot Error Alerts Fighter Jets

WASHINGTON - Federal officials say an airliner pilot inadvertently turned his radio to the wrong frequency, leading the plane to lose radio contact. Because of that, fighter jets were scrambled out of Andrews Air Force Base and the U.S. Capitol complex was evacuated Saturday.

Federal Aviation Administration spokesman Jim Peters says the agency is reviewing the "pilot readback error."

The loss of contact with the flight led to a brief evacuation of the U.S. Capitol and all Senate and House buildings.

Piedmont Airlines flight 4352 was flying from Hilton Head, S.C., to Reagan National Airport when it lost radio contact with air traffic controllers for about 15 minutes, Federal Aviation Administration officials said.

U.S. Capitol Police spokewoman Sgt. Kimberly Schneider says the plane entered restricted airspace heading toward the U.S. Capitol around 1:30 p.m. Saturday.

F-16 fighter jets were scrambled from Andrews Air Force Base, but the airliner was able to re-establish radio contact and landed at Reagan, said Stacey Knott, a spokeswoman for the North American Aerospace Defense Command.

Contact with the flight was reestablished, the evacuation was called off and the flight landed at Reagan National.

The evacuation order issued around 1:30 p.m. was called off about a half hour later.

U.S. Capitol Police sent Capitol Hill staffers the following e-mail to evacuate Saturday:

• An unauthorized aircraft has entered restricted air space.
  
• Evacuate immediately the Capitol, CHOB, LHOB and RHOB buildings.
  
• Remain calm and move in a safe manner to the exits.
  
• Close doors behind you, but do not lock. Avoid using elevators.
  
• Proceed south to an alternate assembly area.
  
• Check-in with your Office Emergency Coordinator at the alternate assembly area.
  
• Ford Building personnel remain inside the Ford building.

Piedmont is a wholly owned subsidiary of US Airways. Airline spokeswoman Tina Swail says the airline is working with local authorities to investigate the incident.

www.wtop.com

Pocomoke Crime Reports for the Month of December

Theft    2010-12-29    1 Block CLARKE AVENUE    THEFT LESS THAN $100.00

Assault    2010-12-25    1000 Block LYNNHAVEN DRIVE    ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE

Theft    2010-12-24    500 Block LINDEN AVENUE    THEFT $1,000 - L/T $10,000

Theft of Vehicle    2010-12-23    100 Block SIXTH STREET    THEFT $1,000 - L/T $10,000

Breaking & Entering    2010-12-21    200 Block MORGANS COURT    BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE

Breaking & Entering    2010-12-20    800 Block SECOND STREET    BURGLARY-4TH DEGREE THEFT

Assault    2010-12-19    WALNUT STREET    ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE

Theft    2010-12-18    2100 Block OLD SNOW HILL ROAD    THEFT LESS THAN $100.00

Assault    2010-12-17    800 Block FOURTH STREET    ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE

Breaking & Entering    2010-12-12    1 Block WENDY COURT    BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE

Theft    2010-12-11    2100 Block OLD SNOW HILL ROAD    THEFT $100 - L/T 1,000

Theft    2010-12-10    1000 Block MARKET STREET    BURGLARY - FIRST DEGREE

Theft    2010-12-10    400 Block LAUREL STREET    THEFT: LESS $500 VALUE

Assault    2010-12-05    2100 Block OLD SNOW HILL    ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE

Theft    2010-12-05    500 Block LONDEN AVENUE    THEFT LESS THAN $100.00

Theft    2010-12-04    2100 Block OLD SNOW HILL ROAD   

Theft from Vehicle    2010-12-04    UPPER DECK    THEFT LESS THAN $500

Theft    2010-12-03    2100 Block OLD SNOW HILL ROAD    THEFT $1,000 - L/T $10,000

Assault    2010-12-01    500 Block BONNEVILLE AVENUE    ASSAULT - SECOND DEGREE

The New Year Has Arrived!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU FROM THE PPE.

May this year be the best ever for all of us.

"Drunkest City In America" Goes To Milwaukee

Just in time for New Year's Eve, Milwaukee is named the "Drunkest City in America." That's according to a list compiled by a website called The Daily Beast.

A recent national student shows Milwaukee adults take down more drinks than any other city in the country. On average, they drank nearly 13 alcoholic drinks a month. And according to "The Daily Beast," 21.8% of those adults are considered binge drinkers.

"The Daily Beast" says it compared three factors when compiling the list. They include average alcohol consumption per month, binge drinking levels, and the rate of death related to alcoholic liver disease.

Rounding out the top five drunkest cities are Fargo, San Francisco, Austin and Reno.

Cities known for their booze like New Orleans and Las Vegas ranked in the 20s and 30s. Some barely make the top 40 list.

www.wtkr.com

Roads Still Need To Be Plowed !!!

WOW! A warm streak has hit us!!! That being said, the warmth from the sun should do alot with melting the ice and snow remaining on the roads that lead to where I live. At least one would think so............

I did see the snow plow travel by my window a few hours ago.......with his plow up. It has been a nightmare for them since Christmas night, I am sure and it is good to know that those guys are still working to clear these back roads.

But, here's the problem.......There is still plenty of snow or Horsey Road and Saxis Road that needs some immediate attention! If Accomack County and the state of Virginia have the funds to keep them riding in a nice warm trucks what is the reason they can't drop the plow on that truck to further clear the roads?!?

And don't try to tell me that they don't plow the small patches of snow and ice in the road.

These aren't......and I know better than that.

Dog Rescued From Icy Water At Inner Harbor By Baltimore Policeman

This is such a wonderful story.jmmb

Officer Americus J. Rambeau wasn't diving for a penny in the Inner Harbor on Wednesday night, but he did swim to save one.

Rambeau and other officers from the city police's marine unit rescued a black Labrador mix named Penny from a pier at Harborview Marina after she left her Federal Hill home, crossed Key Highway and leaped into the cold water.

"It was the right thing to do. [Penny] was struggling. Exhausted," said Rambeau, who donned a cold-water rescue suit and had to swim under two piers to capture the dog.

Penny's owner, Rachel Naumann, who asked to meet the officers from the unit Thursday and hugged them, said she was at work when her roommate opened the front door to sign for a package and Penny got out.

She said she spent hours searching the streets.

"I wasn't exactly sure what happened," Naumann, 25, said, but later "I heard a boat was involved" from a "friend of a friend" who saw the rescue take place. She said it was estimated that 1-year-old Penny spent nearly two hours in the cold water.

Police first received a 911 call about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday that a dog appeared to be in distress in the water, said Detective Jeremy Silbert, a department spokesman. A marine unit supervisor drove in a patrol car to the Harborview Marina in the 1000 block of Key Highway. Three officers went there by boat and spotted Penny. As they tried to get close to her, Rambeau said, she swam away underneath the pier.

He said, however, that Penny stopped struggling once she saw him in the water. She "was happy to have someone to hang onto," he said, once he got close enough to grab her.

After he got Penny safely onto the boat, she was taken by animal control officers to their facility for treatment for cold-water exposure and hypothermia, Silbert said.

Air temperatures at the time were around 38 degrees, Silbert said. According the National Weather Service, the water temperature was in the low 30s.

Rambeau did not require treatment.

Sgt. Michael Kain, who also aided in the rescue, said it was difficult to see the black dog at night in the dark water, but "it would've been the wrong thing for anyone to turn their back."

Rambeau said he loves animals — he owns cats — and didn't question jumping in after Penny. He's had to make similar rescues for dogs, cats and, more commonly, deer, he said. In 1998, The Sun wrote about another Rambeau rescue when he helped save a 79-year-old man who jumped into the Inner Harbor.

When Naumann picked Penny up from the shelter Thursday morning, she said, Penny was huddled under a pile of blankets unhurt but looked frightened. When Naumann opened the crate door, she said, Penny lifted her head and happily licked Naumann's hand.

Naumann said that Penny was wearing dog tags with her contact information, and she had a microchip implanted in her on Thursday. She had to pay a $95 fee to get Penny from the shelter, but, she said, "I'm just happy she's back."

Penny is not normally a water dog, Naumann said. She thought Penny was most likely going after a seagull.

On Thursday afternoon, Penny was still exhausted. She was a little shy in front of TV crews and her rescuers, darting behind Naumann and twisting her new purple Ravens leash.

But, Naumann said, "she's getting a big dinner tonight."

www.baltimoresun.com

Some Major Changes In Worcester County Court System

The court system in Worcester County saw a couple of major changes this week, with the top deputy prosecutor departing and a new judge appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Circuit Court Judge Theodore Eschenburg earlier this year.

Brian Shockley, 45, a partner in the Ocean City law firm, Williams, Moore, Shockley, Harrison, was named to the bench Wednesday by Gov. Martin O’Malley. Shockley earned his law degree from the University of Maryland in 1992 and practiced in Towson before returning to Ocean City in 1995 and joining his father, attorney Raymond Shockley, a partner in the firm. The younger Shockley made partner in 2000.

During his time there, he also served as an assistant state’s attorney from 1995- 1998. He also serves on the board of directors of the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore, Peninsula Regional Medical Center and Worcester County GOLD.

Meanwhile, a candidate for the position Shockley will now fill will be moving to the area full-time anyway, following the dismissal of Deputy State’s Attorney Mike Farlow.

Three days before Christmas, new State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby, who will be sworn in Monday, left a voice mail for Farlow, who was helping the Wicomico County State’s Attorney’s Office in Salisbury. Farlow then left a voice mail for Oglesby, who called him later in the day at his home to ask him to meet at the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office in Snow Hill.

There, in a brief meeting, Oglesby told Farlow he was taking the office is a new direction and that Farlow, who had been with the State’s Attorney’s Office since October 2003, was not part of that plan.

“He’s got every right,” Farlow said Wednesday, although he said he was somewhat surprised at the timing. A few weeks ago, Oglesby met with all of the attorneys working under State’s Attorney Joel Todd and said he would not make any changes for four to six months.

“I figured I had a few extra months,” said Farlow, who surmises Oglesby may have perceived him as a potential challenger in the 2014 election.

“At this time, I’m not going to discuss personnel matters,” Oglesby said. He added that once he is sworn in he would be willing to talk publicly about the changes he has made and plans to make to the office.

To replace Farlow, Oglesby is expected to bring in Cheryl Jacobs, who has worked as an assistant state’s attorney in Baltimore. Jacobs, who has a house in Ocean Pines, had also applied for the local judgeship.

Farlow was expected to prosecute Justin Hadel, who goes on trial in February for the murder of Christine Sheddy.

Lynn Dodenhoff, Sheddy’s mother, was distressed to learn Wednesday that Oglesby terminated Farlow. She had expected Farlow to work on the prosecution of Justin Hadel, the man charged with murdering her daughter. His trial is scheduled for Feb. 8-10.

“I am shocked and surprised. Mr. Oglesby recently assured me that he would not make any changes in the staff before my daughter’s case goes to trial in February,” she said.

by:Nancy Powell www.oceancitytoday.net

Better Holiday Season Than Expected At Onley Walmart

The new Walmart in Onley had better than expected sales this holiday season.

According to Frank Durst, Manager of the Walmart, beginning with Black Friday in November, the event went probably smoother than any he has seen in his 18 years with the Walmart Company. According to Durst, sales were better than expected through out the entire season. Durst said there the store was filled to capacity and that merchandise was plentiful, although he noted that he would be ordering more wrapping paper next year.

Although the Shore woke up to major snow on the day after Christmas, the Onley Walmart was open with only 11 associates able to get to work that day. According to Durst, there were about 1,400 shoppers who braved the storm to take advantage of the after Christmas sales and to purchase other merchandise. By Wednesday, things were getting back to normal and associates as well shoppers were plentiful.

When asked what he might do differently for next year, Durst says that he plans to have a bigger variety of merchandise, something shoppers will see happening all year long. Durst credits his great sales associates and very good customers for the successful beginning for Walmart on the eastern shore.

He also says that he appreciates how the community has welcomed Walmart and that he feels very much at home on Virginias Eastern Shore.
www.shoredailynews.com

Tangier Island Doctor Dies

TANGIER ISLAND, Va.- Dr. David B. Nichols, the man credited for bringing health care to Tangier Island in the Chesapeake Bay, died Thursday following a battle with cancer. He was 62.

Nichols died at his home in White Stone, Va., surrounded by family and friends.

His passing comes less than four months after his biggest dream came true- the Aug. 29 dedication of a new $1.4 million state-of-the-art medical clinic to serve the 525 residents of Tangier Island. The clinic was renamed the David B. Nichols Health Center in his honor. It replaced a clinic that was more than 50 years of age.
First by boat, then by light plane and helicopter, Nichols regularly made the 12-mile trip to Tangier Island on his day off every week for 31 years to see patients there. Nichols continued to treat the sick as the island's primary doctor even after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer.

more on www.wboc.com

WANTED - Slightly Used Coats

Onley United Methodist Church will have a free coat closet on the 2nd Saturday of each month starting November 13 from 9:00-11:00 AM for anyone in need of a coat.

For more information or if you are unable to come during this time, please call the church office at 787-4155 or Jeannette Edwards at 787-1436.

Have a coat to give? Drop it off at the church or the Onley Town office.

Check your closets. Have your neighbor check theirs. Everyone has those old coats hanging from year to year. And every year you say this will be the year to get rid of them. Well, let THIS be the year! If you have any slightly worn coats in your closets get them out and donate them to the needy.

If you are unable to drop them off in Onley ask in your area where you can take them. There are needy people all around us and alot of them would appreciate the warmth your unused coat will bring to them or to their loved one.

Do it today.

jmmb

Fingerprints Used To Identify Illegal Immigrants Charged In Crimes

Anne Arundel County joined a federal program this week that is aimed at helping identify illegal immigrants who have been arrested and accused of other crimes.

The program employs fingerprint identification using federal databases, and officials say it will be implemented nationwide by 2013.

The program, called Secure Communities, was started under the George W. Bush administration but has become a priority in the Obama administration's enforcement efforts for illegal immigration. With the help of local law enforcement authorities and jails, the ability to quickly identify illegal immigrants who have committed crimes or are accused of committing them is improved under the program, supporters say.
In Arundel, fingerprints taken at booking will go into a wider Homeland Security database. Potential matches will be identified within hours, said Terry Kokolis, superintendent of the county jail.

When there is a match, immigration officials are notified and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement generally moves to have the person detained by local authorities. After the defendant's court case or incarceration ends, he is held for ICE. At that point, ICE may pick him up and begin deportation proceedings.

Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold said Secure Communities appeals to him in part because it is based on fingerprints. "Fingerprints don't lie," he said.

County officials say the reliance on technology reduces the possibility of human error and could cut down on accusations of profiling by law enforcement.

But critics, including Kim Propeack, director of community organizing and political action for Casa de Maryland, say that while the program can help rid communities of violent criminals, it also is flawed and has led immigrants elsewhere — legal and illegal — to think that police are stopping them on another pretext because the officer suspects they are in the country illegally.

They say the program is sweeping up many immigrants whose criminal cases are dropped or who are convicted of minor charges, though Leopold countered that "so-called nuisance crimes become a breeding ground for other crimes."

Immigrant advocates in the county say a program with the potential to increase deportations creates problems of its own, including spending thousands of dollars to deport people who are in the country illegally. Immigrants who are victims of or witnesses to crime may be afraid to come forward as a result of the program, for fear of being deported.

"It's just a chilling factor," said Bob Feldmann, an outreach coordinator with OHLA, the Organization of Hispanic and Latin Americans of Anne Arundel County Inc., an immigrant aid group.

Part of the problem, he said, is that many immigrants — legal or not — live in fear of deportation and don't understand immigration law.

Capt. Randy Jones Sr., commander of special enforcement in the county Police Department, said that a lack of a fingerprint match in a federal database does not necessarily mean the person is in the country illegally, but only that the person's prints are not in the database.

But "that's the beginning of your record. If you provide a different name next time, we have fingerprints to show it," he said. And fingerprints will turn up every photo taken of that person in the government database. "It's going to catch the people that are using multiple aliases," he said.
www.baltimoresun.com

Delmarva Discovery Center Events For 2011

Attempt To Smuggle Cocaine and Heroin Into Baltimore By Cruise Ship Crew

On a frigid morning this month, customs agents lay in wait as the Royal Caribbean cruise ship Enchantment of the Seas arrived in Baltimore.

Along with tourists fresh from a 12-day excursion to the Caribbean, agents were expecting the arrival of crew members attempting to smuggle drugs into the United States.

As soon as the vessel docked Dec. 18, agents pulled aside crew member Gavin Excell, 35, suspected by the ship's security officer of bringing drugs aboard. Customs agents say they found 700 grams of heroin and 300 grams of cocaine wrapped in duct tape and hidden in his waistband and shoes.

A criminal complaint filed Tuesday accuses Excell and two other cruise line employees — John Swart Garth and Kishurn Neptune, both 27 — of picking up more than a kilogram of heroin and 500 grams of cocaine in the Dominican Republic when the cruise ship stopped there Dec. 10, with the intention of delivering it to associates in Baltimore.

In a statement, Royal Caribbean International said it maintains a "strict zero tolerance policy regarding illegal drugs on its ships." The company said it "cooperated fully with authorities during this investigation and will continue providing any assistance necessary to prosecute these individuals to the fullest extent of the law."

Cynthia Martinez, a spokeswoman for Royal Caribbean, could not immediately confirm whether the three men had been fired.

Marketed toward vacationing families, the Enchantment of the Seas began operating out of Baltimore last summer and features luxury amenities, six whirlpools, a rock-climbing wall and a solarium. The ship can accommodate 2,252 guests, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation.

According to the court filing, Garth and Neptune worked in the ship's galley, or kitchen, an area largely out of view of passengers.

Richard Scher, a spokesman for the Maryland Port Administration, which operates the cruise ship terminal, said safety at the Baltimore port has been improved, earning a near-perfect security assessment from the Coast Guard the past three years.

"It's always a concern whenever you have a case like this occur, whether it happens on land or in sea," Scher said. "But certainly when you've got a ship such as the Enchantment that is linked to the port of Baltimore, it's a concern."

According to an affidavit written by an agent from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency and filed Tuesday in federal court, Excell told authorities he had picked up the drugs with Garth and Neptune from a Jamaican in the Dominican Republic and had been instructed to hand them over to a man named "Tony" at the Port Covington Walmart near the Cruise Maryland Terminal.

On the morning of Dec. 18, authorities said they saw Garth getting into and out of a black GMC Envoy with Virginia license plates outside the Walmart. Garth later told customs agents that he had been paid $4,000 to deliver three packages of drugs to Loxly Johnson, 48, and Shenika Graves, 34, who were inside the vehicle.

Johnson, a Jamaican citizen and legal resident of the United States, was stopped by customs agents on Hanover Street after leaving the Walmart lot. According to documents, agents found $8,000 in his car. Other agents approached Graves, who was still at the Walmart. In her purse, according to the affidavit, were three packages containing 700 grams of heroin and 300 grams of cocaine, also wrapped in duct tape.

Johnson and Graves face the same charges as the three crew members: conspiring to import drugs into the country.

Excell, a Jamaican citizen, is in federal custody in Baltimore and an arraignment is scheduled Jan. 7, said his attorney, Chris Purpura. He said his client will plead not guilty.

Johnson, also known as Desmond Williams, is in federal custody, said Joseph L. Evans, an assistant federal public defender. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency has lodged an immigration detainer against Johnson, Evans said.

Graves' attorney, Thomas L. Crowe, said his client is a "solid citizen" and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

"She has absolutely no criminal record," Crowe said. "She's never been accused of being involved in anything like this. She maintains her innocence."

Graves has been released, Crowe said, and is in Virginia with family.

Garth and Neptune were in federal custody Wednesday but had not been indicted, according to the U.S. attorney's office in Baltimore.

A task force of immigration and customs agents, police from Baltimore city and county, and the Maryland Transportation Authority Police, was responsible for the investigation and arrests, said Marcia Murphy, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office.

Industry experts said the arrests display the effective partnership in place between cruise lines and federal law enforcement.

Michael Crye, executive vice president of the Cruise Line International Association, a trade group, said cruise companies have formal agreements with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security so security staff can report any incidents or suspicions regarding passengers or crew.

"The fact that the system seemed to work properly in this case is a good indication that the ship was maintaining its vigilance and doing the right thing," he said.

Cruise lines typically screen passengers, crew and their belongings when they get on and off the ship, but do not conduct a thorough search of each person boarding, Crye said.

In October 2008, a British citizen was caught trying to smuggle 20 kilograms of cocaine into Britain as a passenger on a cruise ship that sailed from St. Lucia in the Caribbean. Last August, he was sentenced to 101/2 years in prison, according to news reports.

www.baltimoresun.com

Skylor Harmon Charged With First-Degree Murder

POCOMOKE CITY, Md. -- A day after authorities announced Skylor Dupree Harmon was being charged with the death of an Accomack County man in a shooting earlier this year, police apprehended their fugitive suspect at a Walmart store.

Police say Harmon, who is charged with the first-degree murder, was arrested without incident by a state police fugitive apprehension team and a special team of Worcester sheriff's deputies in Pocomoke City.

Harmon is being held without bond in connection with the death of Reginald Jerome Handy Jr.

Handy, 22, a resident of New Church, was slain Wednesday, May 26. He was the son of Reginald and Evangela Handy Sr. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Wardtown.

At a news conference last week, Deputy State's Attorney Michael Farlow as well as representatives from numerous police agencies announced they believed Harmon killed Handy in May.

A different man, Alexander Crippen, 36, was the first person charged with murder in Handy's death, but those murder charges were dropped before Crippen's trial; he was later convicted of attempting to kill a different man, based on testimony about what he did at the same scene where Handy died.

At the press conference, Farlow said the forensic evidence which exonerated Crippen of murder charges has been "very helpful in determining who the actual shooter was."

According to recently filed court documents, the night Handy was shot at 503 Laurel St., a witness says he saw the flash of a gun go off beside 500 Young St., which parallels Laurel in marking off the long sides of a narrow residential block. The witness, who is unidentified in court documents, also said immediately after the shooting, he saw Skylor Harmon near the flash.

Police later found a .223 Bushmaster assault rifle between 500 and 502 Young Street, which was later determined to be the weapon that shot and killed Handy, court records say.

Harmon is also being charged, in separate court cases, with resisting arrest, failure to obey law enforcement, possession of a controlled dangerous substance, disorderly conduct, making a false statement to a police officer, malicious destruction of property and obstructing and hindering.

www.easternshorenews.com

Chincoteague Causeway Now Snow Drift Free

CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND, Va.- The Chincoteague Causeway has re-opened after it was closed due to high winds and snow drifts from Sunday's winter storm.

Holiday travelers were held up for hours as they tried to drive on the only road that leads to the island.

Chincoteague residents were stuck on the island at the same time.

One family traveled from Delaware and they say they were trapped at the Royal Farms convenience store for nearly four hours. Virginia State Police directed them into the parking lot until the causeway re-opened.

One man on the island said even the snow plow trucks were having a rough time handling the snow drifts and wind.

After the causeway re-opened to traffic on Tuesday morning, motorists were able to reach their holiday vacation destinations and people on the island were able to once again drive to the mainland.

www.wboc.com

One of the most treacherous areas of the Chincoteague Causeway is the area known to locals as the 'Pumphouse Turn'. The high winds and drifting made it difficult for anyone to travel, including those that work on and off Chincoteague.

Exmore Without Water Yesterday

According to sources, the town of Exmore's main waterline ruptured along Main Street Tuesday afternoon.

In order to repair the break, the entire water system had to be shut down which left all houses on the system without water.

According to Exmore Town Manager Artie Miles crews working on repairing the break completed work at 11:45 PM Tuesday evening. The town was without water for less than a half day.

www.shoredailynews.com

Lost Dog Reunited With Family Is 'Christmas Miracle'

WASHINGTON - Andi Vanko starts her mornings with a prayer: "I say, 'Please don't let me see a little stray on the side of the road.'"

Because if Vanko sees one, she'll stop for it.

And that's exactly what happened on Christmas Day.

She, her boyfriend and her mom were in the car driving along Route 140 in Carroll County when she saw it - a little Golden Retriever dashing in and out of traffic.

Vanko and her boyfriend were chatting and laughing while her mom slept in the back seat.

"I started screaming and he says the next thing he knows, we're flying across the turn lane and two lanes of traffic."

Vanko got out of the car and called to the little dog.

"And she came bounding to me and jumped on me like, 'Please! Help me!'" Vanko says.

Vanko hustled the dog into her already-full car, and drove on to her sister's house for Christmas dinner.

When she got there, she explained the situation. Soft hearts seem to run in the family.

Her sister had one question: "Does she bite?" When Vanko told her no, she added "Okay, let's get a leash. Bring her in, we'll feed her."

They checked her collar and found three tags, one with the word "GRREAT" on it.

Vanko thought that was odd.

"I looked at her and I said "GRREAT! What a funny name for you!'"

GRREAT wasn't the dog's name. It was an acronym for Golden Retriever Rescue Education And Training.

A call to the organization was returned quickly: The dog had been microchipped, the GRREAT volunteer was able to crosscheck a database and within hours, the dog's owners were on the way to pick up their wayward pup "Jazzy."

Vanko says a couple from Silver Spring had been in the area for a hike when Jazzy bolted and took off. They had no luck trying to catch her.

Vanko says she could see why. When she stopped to get the dog, two men approached the dog and she initially thought they were the owners. Like, her, they stopped to try to catch the dog, who had been dodging traffic on Route 140 for about 15 minutes when Vanko stopped.

Vanko says that's one reason she says that little prayer each morning.

"For some reason, stray animals have always been drawn to me."

When the dog's owners showed up, Vanko was thrilled for them, but admits she was a bit sad.

She lost her own dog about a year and a half ago and had already given the dog a new name, "Holly."

"She spent the day with us and she was the perfect little creature! And I thought, I hope no one calls me back about this little dog!"

But being able to reunite the dog with her owners was its own reward.

"When she saw her daddy, she was over the moon. And they were so thankful. They gave me a big, big hug. It was like a little Christmas miracle."

GRREAT is a local rescue group that offers all kinds of help and advice to those looking for a dog, and those who feel they have to surrender their dogs. Learn more about the organization by clicking here.

www.wtop.com

Virginia National Guard Aids Motorists During Snow Storm

Monday, December 27, 2010

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Virginia National Guard soldiers are assisting Virginia State Police and local emergency response organizations respond to stranded motorists on Virginia's Eastern Shore.

A total of eight soldiers in four Humvees are conducting the support mission on Monday.

According to a Virginia National Guard statement, one adult and two children were transported from a stranded vehicle off Route 13 near Cape Charles to a local hotel around 4:45 a.m. Another three citizens stranded in their car for more than four hours were rescued around 6:30 a.m. in the Onancock area and taken to a local shelter.

The soldiers are also transporting emergency services personnel to work at the local hospital.

In Hampton Roads, Virginia Guard soldiers conducted mounted route patrols Sunday night into Monday morning in Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach and assisted several motorists free their cars from being stuck in the snow.

Since early Sunday morning, approximately 100 Virginia National Guard soldiers have been staged and ready to provide support to emergency response organizations in Hampton Roads.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 111th Field Artillery Regiment; 2d Squadron, 183d Cavalry Regiment and 429th Brigade Support Battalion are providing personnel for the operation. Soldiers are staged at the Hampton and Norfolk readiness centers.

Governor Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency in the Commonwealth of Virginia Saturday afternoon, a step authorizing state agencies to take precautionary action to prepare for any potential impacts of significant snow accumulation in the region. The declaration authorized the Adjutant General of Virginia to call up those resources he thinks necessary to ensure the Guard can fulfill its mission to provide snow recovery operations.

On Sunday soldiers conducted route reconnaissance patrols in Humvees to assess road conditions in the Hampton Roads area, said Col. Gerald T. Catrett, joint operations officer for the Virginia Guard.

"The key to rapid response for this event is having personnel in place and ready to respond before the snow begins falling in the region," Catrett said. "By calling in soldiers Saturday night while the roads were still clear, we were able to have a force in place and ready to respond Sunday morning.

The Virginia National Guard receives their missions through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management to assist state and local emergency response organizations and is not able to respond to direct support requests from the public, Catrett said. "If the snow storm causes any conditions where people need assistance, they should request assistance through their local dispatcher or 911 service, not directly to the Virginia Guard. When appropriate, the request for assistance will be forwarded to us for action," he said.

www.wavy.com

Sirens To Sound In Worcester County

On Jan. 1 Worcester County emergency alert signals are scheduled to sound from area fire sirens at 10 a.m. A steady alert tone will sound for approximately one minute.

In the event of an actual emergency, the sirens would be used as additional means to warn the surrounding communities of imminent danger and the need to tune to either radio, television or the Internet for information.

DNA Links Suspect To Burglary

BERLIN, Md.- Police in Worcester County said Tuesday that they used DNA evidence to connect a suspect to the burglary of a Berlin business.

Martino Galeaz, 39, of Ocean City, is charged with second-, third- and fourth-degree burglary and theft over $1,000.

Detectives with the Worcester County said Galeaz's arrest stemmed from a burglary that occurred earlier this year at Atlantic Aquatech on 10902 Ocean Gateway.

Authorities said an investigation revealed the suspect entered the business and stole a number of items, including power tools. Through DNA analysis from evidence collected at the crime scene, investigators identified Galeaz as the suspect.

After his arrest on the aforementioned charges, Galeaz was locked up in the Worcester County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Anyone with additional information about this case is asked to contact the WCBI at (410) 352-3476, or Maryland State Police at (410) 641-3101.
www.wboc.com

Bill For More EPA Power Dies In Lame Duck-Session

Congress passed over the Chesapeake Clean Water Act during the lame duck session, which was folded into a larger bill called the America's Great Outdoors Act. The bill would have given the Environmental Protection Agency greater power monitor and take steps to reduce the Bay's pollution.

Senate leaders could not gather enough votes to prevent a filibuster on the America's Great Outdoors Act.

The Chesapeake Clean Water Act would have put into law many of the bay cleanup actions already under way by the EPA. However, the bill's co-sponsors Senators Benjamin Cardin and Elijah Cummings, both of Maryland, have said they will reintroduce the bill in the next Congress.

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation was a major backer of the bill and lobbied for it.

The region's riverkeepers, however, felt the bill was weakened too much during the Senate committee process.

However, the bill drew strong opposition from farming groups, including the American Farm Bureau Federation. The farm bureau said the Chesapeake Clean Water Act would fundamentally change the way the existing Clean Water Act is enforced.

The bill may have a tougher road to approval the next time around, particularly in the House of Representatives, which is switching to Republican control.

Even with the bill's failure, the Chesapeake Bay cleanup effort is moving ahead. Next week, the EPA will finalize a pollution diet that will limit how much nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment can flow into rivers, streams and the Chesapeake. The goal of the diet is to reduce pollution enough to eventually get the bay off the list of the nation's "impaired waters." States that don't meet their new limits could face federal sanctions.
www.shoredailynews.com

Worst Snow Storm In Over A Century

The worst snow storm to hit the Eastern Shore in December in over a century has passed but the effects are still being felt.

High winds began howling Sunday night just after sun down and continued throughout the day Monday and into Tuesday, reaching gusts as high as 50 mph. These high gusts have created large snow drifts, as the snow was still dry and fluffy.

Road ways were blocked by the snow drifts, and motorists who did not heed warnings of the hazardous conditions have left cars stranded on a slew of roads throughout the Eastern Shore, further blocking roadways.

According to Meteorologist Jon Cash, sun shine and higher temperatures today will begin to melt the snow. This in turn will make the snow more moist, heavy and less likely to be blown by the wind. High temperatures are expected at the end of the week which will likely rid the region of any remnants of the storm by the weekend.

However, motorists are still urged not to travel. Cars which get stuck in snow drifts will further block traffic and create more difficulties for VDOT to clear the roadways.
WESR

Surf dog helps special needs kids fetch waves!

VIDEO: SURF DOG RICOCHET HELPS SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS FETCH WAVES:  As 2010 comes to a close, this video montage shows Ricochet's year of working with special needs kids, and people with disabilities in a non "traditional" SURFice dog kind of way! She thanks all the kids, people and organizations for allowing her to be part of their lives
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVfgB08Hx_Q

$9000+ TOY DRIVE UPDATE:  Donations to Ricochet's Surfin' Santa Paws Toy drive continued to come in, even after delivery on December 22nd.  Final totals ended with $9045 in donations, and more than 3400 toys delivered to kids at Rady Children's Hospital, and to Helen Woodward Animal Center's dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, and birds... yes, Ricochet stopped chasing birds long enough to give them toys!  Ricochet sincerely thanks everyone for their donations and involvement... so do the animals, as you can see in this video... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhwoIfrB1eo  

$5000 WHEELCHAIR DONATION:  Ricochet presented Tamandra Michaels, a woman with spina bifida a brand new $5000 wheelchair donated by the TiLite Wheelchair company (http://www.TiLite.com).  Tamandra had been using a very dangerous chair she kept falling out of.  In fact, Ricochet used her old chair during toy delivery (Ricochet injured her foot a few days prior), and she fell out of it twice! Ricochet is very grateful to TiLIte for donating this amazing new chair!

Ricochet wishes everyone a healthy, prosperous, and happy New Year!!  For more info on the toy drive, the kids, people and organizations she works with, please visit http://www.SurfDogRicochet.com

State's Attorney, Joel Todd, Bids Farewell

SNOW HILL – Departing Worcester County State’s Attorney Joel Todd paid a surprise visit to the Worcester County Commissioners on Tuesday.

Todd, who recently lost his bid for re-election to Beau Ogelsby by a slim margin, took the opportunity to say his farewells to the commissioners he has worked with during his multiple terms as the county’s top prosecutor. He also thanked them for the level of effort they had put into running the county.

“I know I’ve said it before but it bears repeating,” stated Todd. “I’ve always been impressed with the quality of government in this county.”

Todd then commented on the growth of the commission over the last decade or so. Todd mentioned that when he took office the commission was not diverse ethnically or in terms of gender, but things were different now.

“The makeup (of the commission) has changed and I think it’s for the better,” Todd said. “I hope one day Washington looks at Worcester County…that they take a page out of your book.”

Todd said he believes the commissioners were “always interested in the greater good” for the county.

Todd also passed along a few departing requests. He asked the commissioners to consider granting county employees a raise as soon as they could in such a weak economy.

Beyond that, Todd encouraged the commissioners to supply as much funding as possible to Diakonia.

“It’s more than just a homeless shelter,” said Todd.

Each commissioner took a moment to thank Todd for his service. Many had known Todd for years and reminisced about the past.

“I’ve known him a long time…good people, good family,” said Commissioner Madison Bunting.

“I guess I remember Joel more for the bagpipe thing,” admitted Commissioner Virgil Shockley, referring to the first time he’d met Todd, playing bagpipes at a funeral.

Shockley joked, “I always thought it took a real man to wear a quilt.”

County Attorney and former commissioner Sonny Bloxom was one of the last to speak. He cited his unique experience with Todd, both as a member of the bar and as a commissioner.

“Joel raised professionalism and expertise to an all-time high [in his office],” Bloxom said.
www.mdcoastdispatch.com