Metal Thieves Are Working Hard

Citizens of Accomack County please keep your eyes and ears open.

There seems to be alot of recent activity in the surrounding local areas concerning the theft of metal.

According to Major Todd Godwin on the evening of February 7th and 8th metal was stolen from three Accomack County tower sites. The thefts occured at the Oak Hall Cell tower, the Mappsville County Tower and the Melfa Cell tower.

According to Godwin, metal theft is increasing due to the rise in value.

Not only has been taken from the three tower sites but thieves don't seem to mind coming onto your property for into your home and helping themselves. They have also been known recently to remove metals, including copper, from abandoned properties, businessess and roadside locations.

If you see anything suspicious or have any information please contact the Accmoack County Sheriff's Department at 757-787-1131.

Isn't it amazing how these thugs will go to great lengths to steal to get money? I would imagine that planning to take something that does not belong to you requires a great amount of time. The actual taking of the property, I would imagine, it would require a great deal of energy. It probably takes these thugs more time to plan, steal, then cash in than it would to work a 40 hour week.

Please call the Sheriff's Office if you know or see anything.

Let's get these thugs out of our area.

Jury Deliberates For Over An Hour Before Verdict Is Given

SNOW HILL -- A jury of Sherrick Martel Handy's peers deliberated for slightly more than an hour Thursday before rendering a not guilty verdict on all charges.

Handy had been charged with first- and second-degree rape, first- and third-degree burglary, second-degree assault and false imprisonment in the alleged attack of his former fiancee during June of last year.

Testimony in the two-day trial concluded Wednesday, with closing statements being delivered to the jury Thursday morning.

Assistant State's Attorney Diane Cuilhe urged jurors to look at the consistency of the victim's statement and the fact the defendant denied he had been at her apartment at the time of the attack to police when first questioned. DNA evidence, she said, later forced him to admit his presence.

Cuilhe also pointed to inaccuracies in Handy's testimony and reason for being at the victim's house at an odd hour.

"Why did he find it appropriate to call her up and have a chat at 4 in the morning?" Cuilhe said. "The mere fact he was crouching next to the door and hiding shows he was there for nefarious purposes."

Handy's defense lawyer, David Resnick, picked apart the state's case during his closing statement to the jury of four women and eight men.

"I don't think in this case you saw the best of the criminal justice system," Resnick said.

He then began to question why police had not fingerprinted the victim's door, the pepper spray she tried to use on Handy or the kitchen knife she says she used to try to get Handy to leave her alone.

Resnick said he didn't believe the photographs of the victim's apartment showed enough of a struggle took place.

"We are claiming she staged the scene," he said.

Resnick also cast doubt on the testimony of police officers and a sexual assault forensic examination nurse. He claimed there were "glaring inaccuracies" in the timeline of when police officers were called and arrived, and when the victim was examined at the hospital.

www.delmarvanow.com

New Photo Of Missing Teen

The Wicomico County Sheriff's Office has released an updated photo of the 15-year-old girl reported missing on Monday.

Gabriella Marie Blades, a Parkside High School 10th-grade student, was last seen Monday at the school. She left Parkside before the close of school, although authorities do not suspect her departure was by force.

Blades, a white female who lives in Fruitland, reportedly was spotted in the West Salisbury area, said 1st Sgt. Tim Robinson.

Blades is described as 5-foot-9 with red hair, green eyes and weighing 220 pounds.
When last seen, she wore a red hoodie with a front zipper, a white T-shirt and blue sweat pants.

Contact the Sheriff’s Office with information regarding Blades’s whereabouts at 410-548-4891.

Crippen Will Try To Seek New Trial

SNOW HILL -- Since being convicted of attempted murder in December, Alexander Crippen has been awaiting his sentencing -- so he can appeal his case, with a new attorney.

The 36-year-old Crippen was found guilty in Worcester County Circuit Court in December of first-degree attempted murder. He is biding time until a Feb. 28 court hearing, hoping Judge Richard R. Bloxom will grant his request for a new trial instead of imposing a sentence.

If he is not granted the new trial -- a life sentence is a possibility instead -- he has already begun to plan his next move, Crippen said in an interview at the Worcester County Jail, where he is being held.

He has looked into hiring a lawyer who specializes in criminal appeals, declining to comment on what specific parts of the trial he plans to contest, saying he will leave that decision to his lawyer.

"The whole investigation was about homicide... every paper states homicide. Every witness says they saw me shoot Reginald Handy," said Crippen, who maintained his innocence during the interview. "At the beginning, no one said anything about attempted murder."

Crippen was first charged in the death of Reginald Handy Jr. in June, after witnesses swore they saw him shoot and kill Handy. Those charges were vacated just before trial began, and replaced with attempted murder charges. Prosecutors said forensic evidence would have made it impossible to prove Crippen was the murderer.

The attempted murder case against Crippen relied in part on testimony from Torrance Davis, a cousin of Handy's. Davis stated he saw Crippen shoot Handy, and then try to shoot him.

Crippen recalled that during the trial, Davis invoked his constitutional right against self-incrimination when asked about a prior shooting in Virginia, referred to as a "ranch party" in court questioning by Crippen's attorney, Arthur McGreevy.

During the two-day trial, numerous police officers and community members took the stand to testify against Crippen. But a handgun Crippen was supposed to have fired, nor the one reportedly on Handy at the time he was killed, were never recovered, Crippen said.

Police searched the Pocomoke River but were unable to locate the two handguns. Police did recover an assault rifle yards away from where Handy was shot and determined it was the murder weapon.

At the time of Crippen's arrest, Pocomoke police chief J.D. Ervin said Crippen and Handy "had a history with each other; they didn't get along." Crippen disputed that, saying he knew Handy by name but wasn't feuding with him.

Murder charges were later filed against Skylor Harmon, 18, of Cedar Street in Pocomoke, accusing him of being Handy's killer. Harmon is Crippen's nephew, Crippen said and Harmon's trial is scheduled to begin March 14.

www.worcestercountytimes.

Baby Squirrel Monkeys Born At Virginia Zoo

Two new baby squirrel monkeys are now receiving visitors at the Virginia Zoo's Exhibit Building. The zoo is located on Granby Street in Norfolk.
Monkey mommies Marie and Madonna gave birth to Cheetah and Babalu Jan. 8 and 12, respectively. The tiny primates join their mothers,papa Jeebes and another adult female named Elvira. They are the 16th and 17th squirrel monkeys born at the zoo since 1967.

"We won't know the babies' sex for a couple of months yet," said zookeeper Linda Brandt.

"They cling onto their mothers' backs when they are very young, and we find it's less traumatic for them if we wait until they are running on their own a little before we try and sex them."

Volunteer R.J. Mercure added that the adult squirrel monkeys rarely stay still.

"It can be a wild ride for the baby," he said.

"The squirrel monkeys really are a joy to watch," said zoo director Greg Bockheim.

"They are highly intelligent for their size."

Bockheim added that squirrel monkeys have the proportionately largest brain of all primates, with a brain to body mass ratio of 1-to-17. Humans, by comparison, have a 1-to-35 ratio.

Adult squirrel monkeys range from nine to nearly 14 inches, plus a 13- to 17-inch tail, and weigh in from one to just over two pounds. The males are usually larger.

Squirrel monkeys are found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. They spend most of their time in trees and are primarily active during daylight hours. The tiny primates live together in groups of up to 500 males and females. Squirrel monkeys are omnivorous, eating primarily fruits and insects. They live roughly 15 years in the wild, but can reach 20 years old in captivity.
www.dailypress.com

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting

WELCOME to the newest Pocomoke City Police Officer -- Vincent Page.

POCOMOKE CITY -- Members of the Great Pocomoke Fair Committee met with the City Council to request permission to sell beer at a truck and tractor pull on June 25.

John Smith, committee president, told the council that the sale would be controlled within the city tent with a double fence around the tent. He added the event was primarily for adults, not children.

Gloria Smith added the fairgrounds were not in close proximity to any church and the schools would be closed. She said other events in Worcester and Wicomico counties did allow beer to be sold.

Police Chief J.D. Ervin checked with other towns and found no major problems.

Dave Barnes, a committee member, said if the town did not allow beer sales, "there would be no more Pocomoke Fair."

No council member stepped up to move for passage of the request after Hawkins asked for a motion, but it was decided the matter would be taken up at the next meeting when a full council was present.

Members of the council did vote to accept revised bids for the construction of an ambulance garage building and a concession building for Cypress Park.

Both measures were brought up at the previous meeting, but the bids were not within budgeted figures for the construction. After items were deleted for both projects, Beauchamp Construction was awarded both contracts, at a cost of $99,454 for the ambulance building and a cost of $83,420 for the concession building.

Under other business, the council heard the first reading of an ordinance to give homeowners a tax rebate of $2,000 or half of their taxes, whichever is less, if they install a sprinkler system; voted to give the Pocomoke Elementary School PTA four rounds of golf for its upcoming fundraiser; and voted to pay $625 for a photo display at the Route 13 Welcome Center.

Tom Grigsby was presented with a certificate of appreciation for his service as chairman of the Planning and Zoning Commission and Chief J.D. Ervin introduced a new police officer, Vincent Page.

written by: Bill Kerbin

www.worcestercountytimes.com

Get That Flu Shot!

State public health officials are advising Virginia residents to get their flu shots, with two deaths linked to influenza.

The state Department of Public Health said Tuesday influenza activity has increased from low to high since January. That means more people with symptoms of influenza are seeing their physicians.

The flu deaths reported by the department are pediatric cases. Typically, two or three pediatric flu deaths are reported each year in the state.

State Health Commissioner Karen Remley said vaccinations are still available across the state and are the best protection against getting the flu.

Virginia's flu season typically runs through March, hitting its peak in February.

Locally, the Onley Community Health Center will add a Pediatrician to their Saturday hours this weekend. The hours are from 8:00-11:00. Appointments can be made by calling 787-7374.

Walkins are welcome.
www.shoredailynews.com

Dr. Lynn Duffy Files For Mayor Of Pocomoke City

Duffy files for Pocomoke Mayor Election

Dr. Lynn Duffy is pleased to officially announce filing for Pocomoke City Mayoral elections. Her vision is to 'Revitalize Pocomoke City"! Duffy is a resident and successful Pocomoke business owner the last 8 of a 24 year career and recognized expert in her field by wellness community (www.wellness.com), offers on-line services and more than a year ago her counseling and mediation/consultation practice relocated to the heart of Downtown Pocomoke. A most important role to her is as mother to Launa Ashley, who celebrated her 23rd birthday on the day Duffy filed to run for Pocomoke Mayor. Launa Ashley completes her first year in graduate studies in a few months pursuing a Master’s Degree in Professional Counseling with Liberty University.

Duffy filed for office stating her daughter, and others, are some of the reasons she prayerfully considered running for Mayor. The children and youth of our community are significant reasons and there are several more. She questions the direction our community is going, more importantly the dramatic increase of projected expenses from 2010 for 2011 from 7.3 million to 10.6 million and the town’s repeated issue of crime. Duffy believes the deaths last year of young people was needless and the town needs to not look away or hold meetings discussing events but deal directly with proactive steps developing a plan of action. Duffy’s campaign team, organized with prayerful consideration, consists of Launa Ashley, Campaign Manager; Edean Bundick of Bundick Law Office in Virginia, Treasurer; Donna Hardin, Web Manager; and Bishop Isaac Jenkins, Chaplain; and several Prayer Warriors.

Duffy has a servant’s heart for our community and as business owner and grant writer for nonprofits, she respects the need in Pocomoke City for business to encourage job growth and points to several businesses leaving town, including our downtown business area. Duffy believes although our ‘compass’ may be pointing in a direction, she questions the direction. At a time when families are not eating out nearly as much and if at all, businesses are struggling, and county appraisals of homes decreased recently, she is concerned with the town increasing the projected 2011 expenses by almost 50%. Duffy is hearing from other residents and business persons the community needs to address reduction of crime by proactive & preventive steps with a plan of action, less government reclaiming a budget that increases expenses by 50% from 2010 to 2011, encourage public input AND a public informed with increased collaboration, and foster a business friendly ‘climate’ encouraging job growth. Duffy, a Board Member for Save the Youth, Inc., is assisting with meetings to continue progress on a Strategic Plan for the organization.

Duffy offers she is not a ‘politician’ with ambitions to ‘step higher in politics’, but is one to speak up to question issues such as the town's direction, large increase in expenses, and crime. She listens and hears many feel our town has lost touch with the 'core' of what makes Pocomoke City great. Duffy was ordained in 2008 as a Minister in community service and received an Honorary Doctor of Ministry in 2008, Lighthouse Counseling is affiliated with the U.N.T.C., Int'l (an international ministry association) and Duffy serves as President-Elect of the Pocomoke Ministerial Association. She desires to work for a better tomorrow and affirms “Real People NEED Real Solutions!”

Entire website is a paid political endorsement by authority of Edean Bundick, Treasurer, for Mayoral Candidate Dr. Lynn Duffy. Site activity is monitored and analyzed daily. Source: 2010 & 2011 Expenses (Excel), Pocomoke City Hall website (consecutive years posting).

(c) No part, implied intention, picture or whole of this entire website and blog may be reproduced without expressed written consent of the Candidate Dr. Lynn Duffy. We ask your respect of the integrity of this website, pictures, expressed statements and in pursuit of our freedoms. Any unauthorized use may be considered unlawful and thereby, pursuit of such unlawful act, stated herein, at the individual's expense

Teen Still Missing.

SALISBURY — The Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the disappearance of a Parkside High School student last seen Monday at the school.

Fifteen-year-old Gabriella Marie Blades, in the 10th grade, left Parkside before the close of school, although authorities do not suspect her departure was by force.

Blades, a white female who lives in Fruitland, reportedly was spotted in the West Salisbury area, said 1st Sgt. Tim Robinson.

Blades is described as 5-foot-9 with red hair, green eyes and weighing 220 pounds.
When last seen, she wore a red hoodie with a front zipper, a white T-shirt and blue sweat pants.

Contact the Sheriff’s Office with information regarding Blades’s whereabouts at 410-548-4891.

USE CAUTION

Drive safely and use caution in the area of Route 13 and Old Snow Hill Road.

Fire Department has been called to the scene of Friendley's Restaurant.

Mother Defends For Spanking Her Son

NEWPORT NEWS — A Newport News mother is defending herself after been charged with malicious wounding for spanking her child with a belt.

Single mother Tiffannie Braxton, was at grad school Monday night when she says she got some scary news.

She says "My boyfriend sent me a picture message sharing that my son set fire to his room."

Scared and upset, Tiffannie says she ran home and found her 8-year-old son's bedroom floor scarred with burn marks. You can see burn marks in the wood and on the side of the dresser, right near a surge protector.

Tiffannie says, "He got a spanking. He did get a spanking. And he was moving as the belt was...and yes, I used a belt to spank him. It wasn't supposed to get all out of hand or anything. It was just to show him, just to scare him a little bit that fire is no joke. And that he could have died right up there in that room within seconds."

Tiffannie's tough love has now got her in a bit of trouble with police. Newport News Police say a nurse at Riverside Elementary School noticed bruises on Tiffannie's son and called Child Protective Services, who then called police.

Officers arrested Tiffannie on Tuesday and charged her with malicious wounding.

Newport News Police spokesman Lou Thurston says, "It's pretty obvious by the injuries that this wasn't a 'I take a belt and smack you on the rear end.' That is a lot more significant than that."

But Tiffannie says she would never hurt her own child maliciously. She wants what is best for her son, including protecting him from hurting himself or others.

She says, "That's all I was trying to do. I don't want my baby to grow up like these criminals that are setting up fires everywhere and killing people and raping people. I don't want my baby to grow up that way. I'm showing him yes, the world is hard out there and no one is going to show you any type of love besides your family."

Tiffannie says she never meant for any of this to happen. She just wanted to show her son that playing with fire is not allowed. Tonight, her son is staying with relatives as police and Child Protective Services investigates.
www.wtkr.com

Pocomoke City Elections...The Race Is On.......

POCOMOKE CITY -- The deadline to file and run in Pocomoke's upcoming April election has passed, with three people seeking to be mayor and two running for District 3's seat on the City Council.

Lynn Duffy, Bruce Morrison and Frank Ward will be running for mayor, while Bobby Brittingham and Donald Malloy have filed to run for the District 3council seat.

Morrison, who was elected to City Council for District 3 in 2005, says his years of experience in budget meetings and meeting with citizens uniquely qualifies him.

"I have been a councilman for six years and a resident all my life," says Morrison. "This is going to be a real tough budget year. State money is drying up, county money is drying up and assessments are down... but I don't want to see taxes raised."

If elected, Morrison said he would like to reduce crime through continued use and implementation of crime cameras, community meetings once a month and encouraging citizens to take pride in their community.

Duffy, another mayoral candidate, is a counselor with Lighthouse Counseling and Consulting Services in Pocomoke City. She is running for mayor to reduce crime, encourage public input in government and prevent overspending by City Hall, she said in a news release announcing her candidacy.

"The deaths last year of young people were needless," Duffy said in her statement, "and the town needs to not look away or hold meetings discussing events but deal directly with proactive steps developing a plan of action."

Duffy mounted an unsuccessful campaign to be Pocomoke's mayor in 2005, the year Mike McDermott first won office. She also ran to be a City Council representative in 2006, but came in second out of three candidates. She is a past president of the Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce.

Duffy has launched a campaign website, duffy4pocomoke.com, and named supporters to positions of campaign manager, treasurer, web manager and campaign chaplain in her statement.

Ward, who also filed to run for mayor, could not be reached for comment by press time.

The city council seat for District 3 is up for election this year, after being held by Morrison for several years.

Brittingham, a District 3 candidate who served as a sheriff's deputy for 25 years, says specific issues such as preventing erosion and flooding at Cypress Park, as well as general issues such as reducing crime, are his reasons to run for the vacant seat.

Malloy, who was a Pocomoke councilman during the 1960s, says he originally filed after being asked to do so by friends because no one else had filed at the time.

"I'm running because the seat is open and I think I can be of some use to the city," says Malloy, who is a retired electrician. "I would like to keep Pocomoke going on the path it's on."

In an interview, recent mayor and current state Delegate Mike McDermott said he supports Morrison's and Malloy's bids for office.

The deadline for registering to vote in the April 5 election is March 4.

www.delmarvanow.com

Accomack Co. Sheriff's Office Investigator Charged With Shoplifting....

....More on the story........

ACCOMAC — An Accomack County Sheriff’s Office investigator resigned after being charged with 10 counts of stealing energy drinks from a Chincoteague Island convenience store.

Jerry Spencer Tarr, 45, of Chincoteague, was arrested and released Monday after a State Police investigation.

He resigned from his position the same day, said Sheriff Larry Giddens.

“It’s one of those things that you can’t really figure out,” Giddens said.

State Police Sgt. Michelle Anaya said Tarr’s shoplifting charges stemmed from an investigation at the Corner Mart convenience store on Maddox Boulevard.

Store officials and employees identified Tarr on 10 occasions in video surveillance taking Five Hour Energy Drinks, she said. State Police Special Agent P.A. Compton investigated the case.

Court records show the incidents happened between Jan. 19 and Feb. 1.

Tarr will be arraigned at 1:30 p.m. March 9 in Accomack General District Court.

Tarr had been employed by the sheriff’s office for three months. He formerly worked for the Chincoteague Police Department.

Tarr formerly had served as the chief petty officer at Chincoteague's Coast Guard Station.

Tarr made headlines in 2006 after he was forced to retire from the Coast Guard after being charged with disobeying orders from a superior when he aided a boat towing an abandoned fishing vessel away from private property and into the Chincoteague Channel.

Witnesses said the vessel in tow had lost control and was in danger of damaging property.

Giddens said Tarr’s work with the sheriff’s office had been well-received.

“He’d done a great job for us,” he said. “He was a great investigator.”

www.delmarvanow.com

The Ballet Theater of Maryland At the MarVa Theater

ROMEO AND JULIET

February 12th, 7 pm

MAR-VA Theater, Pocomoke City, Maryland

Sponsored by the Worcester County Library

Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare's classic tragedy, is set to Prokofiev's stunning score and danced to choreography that captures the passion, color, and drama of Renaissance Italy. Original choreography by Dianna Cuatto.

The Ballet Theater of Maryland will return to Worcester County for another amazing performance on Saturday, February 12, 2011. The Ballet "Romeo and Juliet" will be presented at the Mar-Va Theater. Tickets go on sale January 17 at all Worcester County Library branches. Last year's performance sold out. Get your tickets early!

To see if tickets are still available .... Contact: Lisa Outten Stant at 410-632-3970

Student Participation Wanted In Designing Duck Stamp

ASSATEAGUE -- Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge invites students K-12 attending public, private, or home schools to participate in the 2010 Junior Duck Stamp Design Contest.

"The competition is an art-based educational program that allows students to participate in a nationwide waterfowl arts competition. The process also exposes students to the nation's wealth of migratory waterfowl and motivates students to take active roles in conserving these species," said Virginia Junior Duck Stamp Program coordinator, Aubrey Hall.

Hall also emphasized that "the program is meant to be a fun journey into the world of waterfowl. The artistic skill level of the students is not the focus of the contest. Not only do we want artwork from all children, we enjoy seeing the variety of pictures that the students produce."

All students entering the state contest will receive a certificate of participation. Entries may also receive prizes or honorable mention ribbons. The State Best of Show will represent Virginia in the national competition. National awards include a complimentary trip to the First Day of Duck Stamp Sales Ceremony in Washing-ton, D.C. and a monetary award.

Participants select a bird from a list of native North American waterfowl. Other design guidelines include, but are not limited to: a size of 9"x12"; horizontal orientation; and the absence of lettering, words, or signatures on the front of the design. For more information, contact refuge staff or explore the Federal Duck Stamp website www.fws.gov/juniorduck.

Entries must be mailed to Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, P.O. Box 62, Chincoteague, Va. 23336 and postmarked by midnight, March 15. Judging will occur Friday, March 19.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. It is both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals commitment to public service. For more information on its work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

www.easternshorenews.com

Field Notes From Del. Mike McDermott

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Week of Jan. 31st through Feb. 4th, 2011

Monday afternoon I met with a Children’s Day Care advocacy group from Wicomico and Worcester Counties. There were about a dozen women, primarily single moms, who struggle with the cost of Day Care and are concerned about current government subsidies provided to them for this purpose. Many of them are dealing with dead beat dads heavily in arrears on Child Support payments. They had this in common…they all wanted to work and provide for their children. Yet, most of them would have been better off financially to stay home and receive welfare as opposed to working and paying for Child Care. This is not an easy fix, but I would much prefer to supplement folks trying to help their families become independent rather than to pay the same people not to work. This is too typical of our social programs.

• Monday following session I participated in an annual Chess Tournament between the House and the Senate. I beat my opponent and advanced to the next round. I cherished it for a few moments…it may be my only “victory” in the legislature this year.


• Tuesday the Judiciary Committee heard testimony on HB-35 which seeks to define “income” as it relates to Child Support payments. Those testifying wanted to see the state use the base amount of a person’s income used for determining Child Support payments as opposed to the counting of overtime into the mix as well. The same was said of second jobs. It seems many will take on second jobs to make up for payments in arrears and they do not want the secondary employment income seen as their “base income”. There were good points made, but I do not know if this bill will see a vote in committee.


• On Tuesday, the Judiciary Committee also received a briefing by MVA on the state’s Ignition Interlock System Program. This is a mandatory program which requires certain driver’s convicted of DWI offenses to have a device installed on their personal vehicle which requires the driver submit a breath sample before the vehicle will operate. Initial kinks seem to have been worked out of the system based on the questions asked by Committee members regarding past concerns. There was some discussion on the use of pictures taken by some of the machines which show clearly who is providing the breath sample at the time of delivery. It was thought this may be helpful insuring the breath sample is provided by the proper person. This was an interesting discussion as the committee will see at least two other bills regarding these devices and the potential for their expanded use in Maryland.


• I attended a reception hosted by the Cable Telecommunications Association early Tuesday evening and met with local Comcast representatives. On display was their latest technology offering of 3-D television viewing. The folks there were all sharing their concerns over further government regulations, mandates, and fees on their industry.


• Wednesday morning started off meeting with the Secretary of Agriculture and the Maryland Egg Council. This industry is pretty significant in Maryland and shared similar concerns that all poultry growers and farmers have of the current regulations being prescribed by the MDE and the EPA over their industry. We keep banging that gong, but so far we are meeting a deaf ear.


• Wednesday afternoon I met with Del. Conway, Sen. Mathias, and all 7 of the Worcester County Commissioners to discuss the LCB. We had a very open and candid discussion which lasted a little over an hour. It was agreed that the Commissioners would take a few days to address some of our concerns and then contact us for further action. It was very productive and moved the ball down the field of finding a satisfactory solution to the shared concerns around the table.


• Late Wednesday afternoon, a special meeting of the Republican Caucus was held. Following a great discussion, it was unanimously agreed that the caucus would issue a statement in support of Maryland’s definition of marriage as being between one man and one woman. I felt this was an important decision as several bills in the House and Senate are moving forward which seek to redefine marriage in Maryland. No doubt, this will be a fight in committee and on the floor of both chambers.


• Thursday morning I attended a briefing on the various pension systems, their insolvency, and their potential impact on future budgets. This was the third briefing I have attended in the early morning hours being conducted by Republican law makers. I have found them very informative. Bottom line: our systems are in a great deal of trouble and are not sustainable. They are broke and need fixing. We have heard the reports from a bi-partisan committee, and they are ugly. The ruling party has neglected to fund these liabilities for the past 10-years. This, coupled with the Stock Market crash, has led to a crisis that must be solved.


• Thursday both houses convened in the House of Delegates at 11:30 AM to receive the Governor’s State of the State Address. Much as been said regarding the governor’s intended direction, and I have issued my own response to his speech. I will say that these events are full of ceremony and recognitions which take a long time. The House floor is full to overflowing with folks waiting to hear the speech. While I deeply enjoyed the history of the event and being a part of it, I was very disturbed by some of the things contained in the Governor’s speech…as were many on both sides of the isle. I continued to hear those sentiments echoed throughout Annapolis until I left for home on Friday afternoon.


• Friday morning was the weekly meeting of the Eastern Shore Delegation. It is always nice to see folks from home in Annapolis. We heard from the folks with the DPI on the state of the poultry industry. Director Bill Satterfield spoke about how the industry has gone through 5 years of relatively flat growth and how we need to average roughly 100-new poultry houses constructed on the Delmarva annually if we are to remain viable and growing. They voiced concerns over attempts to ban the antibiotic roxarsone (a feed supplement for birds which contains small amounts of arsenic). Some questions were raised over any potential impact of these trace levels of arsenic on the environment, and, in particular, the bay. DPI assured us the use was well within guidelines established by the USDA and the effects were negligible on the environment. The Delegation was also thanked for their support on legislative efforts to protect the poultry industry.

We also heard from Secretary John Griffin of the Department of Natural Resources. There was clearly some tension in the room as the Secretary was questioned about the status of Oyster Sanctuaries and recent enforcement efforts impacting local fishermen. It seems Natural Resources Police are utilizing GPS tracking devices to monitor the whereabouts of some fishing boats on the bay for possible violations. This led to some very testy remarks between Sen. Rich Colburn and Sec. Griffin. Clearly, there is general angst between the professional watermen and the DNR. The elected officials were just delivering the message.

We also heard from folks with Bramble Construction Contractors. They came in to voice support for a hike in the fuel tax to restore funding to the Transportation Trust Fund. It was clear that the Delegation believes that the Trust Fund is adequately supplied through current taxes if the governor and the ruling party would stop raiding hundreds of millions of dollars to support the General Fund. I did not see anyone at the table who though another 10 cents per gallon at the pump was a good idea.

One Of Virginia's Most Wanted Nabbed By Md. State Police

ABERDEEN, MD) – A Maryland state trooper was forced to use his patrol car to end a multi-jurisdictional pursuit and capture a fugitive who tried to run down deputies this afternoon in Harford County.

The accused is identified as Brandon L. Pegram, 23, of Stoney Creek, Va. Prior to the pursuit this afternoon, he was wanted for robbery, felony assault, and kidnapping. He is now being charged by Maryland State Police with first and second degree assault, vehicle theft, reckless endangerment, malicious destruction of property, and numerous traffic violations.


Shortly before 3:00 p.m. today,(Wednesday) the Harford County Sheriff's Office received a lookout from the United State's Marshal's Service for a stolen silver Ford Taurus driven by Pegram, who was believed to be armed with a handgun and shotgun. Pegram reportedly held his family hostage yesterday and had allegedly threatened to harm any law enforcement officers who attempted to apprehend him.

Sheriff's deputies spotted the vehicle at Rt. 40 and Gateway Drive and a pursuit ensued that continued into Baltimore County, where troopers from the Bel Air Barrack joined the pursuit, along with Baltimore County police officers. The pursuit continued onto Whitemarsh Blvd., then to northbound I-95.

Just before the entrance to the Maryland House on I-95, the suspect attempted to ram citizen vehicles. Two sheriff's deputies were on foot after deploying stop sticks. Pegram nearly struck the first deputy, then lost control and traveled across I-95, nearly striking the second deputy. The suspect then appeared to deliberately drive his car directly at the second deputy, who was able to dive out of the way before being hit.
Upon observing these deliberate assaults on citizens and the deputies, a State Police sergeant used his patrol car to impact the suspect's vehicle, using a "pit maneuver" to force the suspect's vehicle to the side of the interstate and up against the guardrail. The sergeant then impacted the driver's side door of the stolen vehicle to prevent the fugitive from escaping on foot.

Police officers approached Pegram and he resisted arrest. Pegram was taken into custody, after sustaining minor injuries. He was taken to an area hospital, where he remains under State Police guard.

No firearms were found in the stolen vehicle being driven by Pegram. No one else was in the vehicle with him.

No citizens or police officers were injured in the incident. The suspect is expected to be treated and released. Upon his release, he will be taken to the Harford County Central Booking Center where he will have an initial appearance before a court commissioner.

Law enforcement agencies involved in the pursuit included the Harford County Sheriff's Office, Baltimore County Police Department, both patrol and air units, the US Marshal's Service, and state troopers from the Bel Air and JFK Memorial Highway barracks.

Questions regarding why Pegram was originally wanted should be referred to the US Marshal's Service. The investigation is continuing.
www.wtvr.com

Bill To Test Some Welfare Recipients For Drugs

Richmond,VA(AP) The Senate has passed legislation that would require drug screening for those receiving some welfare benefits.

Sen. Roscoe Reynolds' bill applies to the job-training program required to receive welfare. It passed 32-7 Monday.

The bill would require those who apply for, or already receive benefits, to answer questions regarding drug use.

If screeners have reasonable cause to believe the person is using drugs, they can require a drug test.

Individuals who fail a test or refuse to take one would lose their benefits for one year unless they participate in a drug treatment program.

Similar efforts have been unsuccessful in the past because it is estimated to cost more than $1 million for the program.

The bill goes to the House of Delegates.

www.whsv.com

Judge Granted Postponement of Trial

SNOW HILL -- The trial of a man charged with killing Christine Sheddy was postponed until June, instead of starting as scheduled Tuesday.

A motion filed by the Worcester County State's Attorney's Office said analysis of DNA evidence was not available to prosecutors or the defense 30 days prior to the trial date, as is required.

"Based on the time requirements, they have 30 days with which to request their own expert to look at it," said State's Attorney Beau Oglesby. "This is the most serious and important of cases. We want to make sure it is complete, fair and thorough."

Judge Thomas C. Groton III granted the motion. He cited several reasons to push the trial date to June, noting that Oglesby has only been in office for five weeks.

Oglesby also told the judge that records detailing what documents and information were shared with the Public Defender's Office were "not up to standards."

Oglesby narrowly defeated longtime Worcester prosecutor Joel Todd in last fall's elections. Since taking office, he said he and his staff have done everything they can to share information with the Public Defender's Office in the case, as is required by law.

The defendant awaiting trial, Justin Michael Hadel, is charged with first-degree murder in the case.

Sheddy, a 27-year-old mother of two, went missing from her Pocomoke City-area residence in November 2007. She was considered a missing person for more than two years until police found Sheddy's remains buried in the backyard of a Snow Hill property a year ago.

Shortly after that, Hadel, whose court records show he lives in Texas, was charged with killing her and held in jail.

Hadel's trial was scheduled to take place in December, when former State's Attorney Joel Todd would have tried the case, but was moved to February when the Public Defender's Office said it needed more time to prepare.

Due to the serious nature of the case and the potential of a five-day trial, Groton said the most suitable dates for the trial would be June 13-17.

www.delmarvanow.com

Sheriff's Deputy Charged With Shoplifting

ACCOMACK — A sheriff's deputy on the Eastern Shore has been charged with multiple counts of shoplifting after state police say he repeatedly stole large quantities of Five Hour Energy drinks.

Jerry Spencer Tarr, a deputy in Accomack County, faces 10 counts of petit larceny (shoplifting). Sgt. Michelle Anaya of state police said employees at a Chincoteague convenience store identified Tarr as the man captured on video on 10 separate occasions "stealing several Five Hour Energy drinks."

Anaya said Tarr was investigated and charged with the crimes.
www.dailypress.com

Miss and Little Miss Contestants Wanted

POCOMOKE CITY -- The Junior Women's Club of Pocomoke City is inviting contestants to enter the 2011 Miss and Little Miss Pocomoke Pageant, which will be April 2 in the Pocomoke High School Auditorium.

Any girls between the ages of 15 and 17 living in Pocomoke City are eligible to enter the contest.

Contact Cheryl Marshall, committee chairwoman, at 410-726-7502.

Any girls who are 4 but not yet 6 by April 15 and live in Pocomoke City may enter the Little Miss Pocomoke contest.

Contact Lisa Holland at 410-430-9376 for more information.

The deadline for all contestants to enter is Feb. 28.

Call Marshall, Holland or club President Andrea Lilly at 443-783-7563.

Murder Trial Postponed

SNOW HILL — The trial for the man charged with the death of Christine Sheddy was postponed this morning.

A motion filed by the Worcester County State’s Attorney’s Office stated that outstanding DNA evidence was not available to prosecutors nor the defense 30 days prior to the trail dates, as is required.

Judge Thomas C. Groton III granted the motion, citing other factors, such as State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby having only been in office for five weeks as reasons to push the trial date to June.

Justin Michael Hadel was charged with first-degree murder in the case, after Sheddy, a 27-year-old mother of two, went missing in November of 2007.

www.delmarvanow.com

Get Your Tickets In Advance............

The MAR-VA Theater will be hosting our Annual Meeting & Dinner on Wednesday, March 16th at 6:30 PM. It will be at the Pocomoke Community Center and the menu will include the Pocomoke Fire Co. Ladies Auxiliary's Famous Chicken & Dumplings! Entertainment will be provided by some of our 2010 DGT (Delmarva's Got Talent)contestants. Please see flyer for details!

Rigell Announces Constituent Office Hours for Northampton County, Chincoteague

Congressman Scott Rigell has announced in addition to staff office hours in Accomac, members of his staff will be in Eastville the 3rd Tuesday each month to meet with constituents 9:30am noon.

Rigell will also have constituent office hours in Chincoteague on the second Wednesday each month at Town Office 9:30 am to noon.

Congressman Rigell urges the constituents to take advantage of these office ours to come in for assistance or just to express opinions or concerns.

www.shoredailynews.com

Tentmate Sells "Home" And Gives Money To Good Cause

It seems that while Ted Williams was in rehab for a few days and since leaving he has been informed that while he was away his tentmate sold their home! It went to a good cause, though.

January 29, 2011

LIMA, Ohio -- The tent in which Ted Williams, the golden-voiced homeless man who became an overnight media sensation, used to live sold for $355 Saturday in an online auction.

Victor Houston, who shared the dwelling with Williams before he became famous, put it on eBay on Jan. 23 with a starting price of $100. It attracted 16 bids before ending at $355.

The website listing stated, "This is your chance to bid on a piece of web history. Much could be said about Ted Williams, but one thing is for sure, he has had historical success overnight from the web ... This story will be remembered as the defining moment for viral video.

The money raised from the auction will go to Houston and the Lima Rescue Mission, a homeless charity in Lima, Ohio

Williams became an overnight sensation after a Columbus Dispatch reporter discovered him panhandling on the side of a highway in Ohio with a sign saying he had the God-given gift of a radio voice. He was inundated with freebies, bookings and voiceover gigs but made headlines for the wrong reasons when he was detained by Los Angeles police following an alleged Jan. 10 shouting altercation with his daughter.

Williams entered rehab on Jan. 12 for drug and alcohol dependency after admitting on the "Dr. Phil" TV show that he struggled with addiction. But after 12 days at the facility he left against medical advice and headed for an unnamed airport

On Friday, Williams returned to the Ohio street corner where he used to live and located Houston. Williams gave Houston a wad of cash and promised to help Houston get off the streets once he himself gets his life in order.

www.foxnew.com

Poe Museum May Have To Operate Without Public Funds

The long-time curator of Baltimore's Edgar Allan Poe House says the museum could be forced to close if city officials stick to their insistence that it be well on the road to self-sufficiency by July of next year.

Baltimore officials — who last summer cut the Poe House's funding — have ordered the city's Committee for Historic & Architectural Preservation (CHAP) to settle on a plan to operate the museum without using public funds. The plan must be in place by July 2012.

"That's a big order," says Jeff Jerome, who has been curator since 1979. "I've been talking to other museums, and each and every one of them — first of all, when they stop laughing, they say, 'Jeff, you should have been doing this three years ago.' You just can't do this in a year."

The museum, in a North Amity Street home where Poe lived from late 1832 or early 1833 until 1835, operates on an annual budget of $85,000.

"We were in the middle of the worst budget crisis the city had faced in decades," city planning director Thomas J. Stosur said of last year's decision to cut funding. "When the sausage got made, certain things got funded and certain things did not."

Although funding for it was deleted from the current fiscal year's budget, the museum has remained open thanks to private contributions and money raised through such events as last year's 200th anniversary celebration of Poe's birth.

CHAP and the city hope to have an individual or group in place by spring to oversee the transition. "We want to have a fresh set of eyes, look at what our asset is today and at what the market might be," Stosur said. "One idea is to spin it off into its own non-profit, and perhaps put it under the umbrella of another museum or educational institution."

Poe, a Boston native who would die in Baltimore in 1849 under circumstances never fully explained, was 23 when he moved into the house, which dated to around 1830. His aunt, Maria Clemm, was the head of the household, which besides Poe included her mother, Elizabeth Cairnes Poe, and daughter, 10-year-old Virginia Eliza Clemm. Poe left the home in 1835 for Richmond, where he edited the Southern Literary Messenger.

Most of Poe's reputation as a master of American mystery and suspense was built on writings penned while living in Richmond, Philadelphia and New York. But he is believed to have authored several stories and poems while living in Baltimore, including "The Visionary," "Morella" and "To Elizabath."

www.baltimoresun.com

NBC Employee Fired For Reposting Of "Internet Clip" From 1994

An NBC worker who posted old footage from the "Today" show of the hosts wondering, "What is the Internet anyway?" has been fired, the network confirmed, saying the person had a history of distributing material without permission.

The footage, in which Katie Couric, Bryant Gumbel and Elizabeth Vargas try to figure out the Internet and e-mail addresses, made the rounds via said Internet last week, posted and re-posted to Facebook pages and sent via email.

Filmed in 1994, the clip features Gumbel demanding, with a befuddled expression: "What is the Internet anyway?" and Couric stumbling to define it as: "that massive computer network, the one that's becoming really big now."

In a statement, NBC confirmed it fired the employee responsible for first distributing the footage.

"The individual in question violated the company's standards of conduct by repeatedly copying and distributing a variety of materials without permission," the statement said. It was reported on media-watching websites including All Things Digital and PaidContent.

In the clip, Gumbel also complains about e-mail addresses, particularly "that little mark with the 'a' and the ring around it."

As the clip gained attention, "Today" itself featured the footage and current host Matt Lauer laughingly noted: "We all felt that way at the time. It was a mystery to all of us."

www.aolnews.com

Green Bay Wins.......As If No One On the Planet Didn't Know

GREEN BAY PACKERS WIN SUPER BOWL 31 - 25

CHRISTINE AGUILERA LOSES..........

In case you didn't notice she repeated the same line twice while singing the National Anthem! Must have been the "crowd hype as she hit the high crescendos of the song".

Sorry. I'm just funny about things like that!

Dr Lynn Duffy Files for Pocomoke Mayor

There is something in the air this weekend - a fresh feeling of warmth and renewal. Heard there is a candidate who filed late Friday - Dr. Lynn Duffy. Go Pocomoke High School Alumni! She has a website, too. I've contacted her and we are awaiting a release. Check her site at: www.duffy4pocomoke.com

More on this coming later.

(Reminder) Pocomoke Upcoming Events

Wednesday, Feb. 9th at 6 pm; SAVE THE YOUTH, INC., Community Interest/Input Meeting, at Pocomoke Middle School. Adults, area youth, community officials and anyone interested are invited to this event to complete the Strategic Plan for our Youth in the community. If your agency, office, ministry, etc. is interested in setting a table with information, please contact Rev. Jones at 410-957-1750 or his cellphone of 443-397-2281.

Saturday, Feb. 19th at 10 a.m.; Pocomoke City Community Awareness Meeting at the Pocomoke City Library, Meeting Room, 301 Market Street, Pocomoke City, 410-957-0878.

Professional Standards Evaluation For Pocomoke City Police Dept.

POCOMOKE CITY — The Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc. has scheduled an on-site assessment of professional standards at the Pocomoke City Police Department.

PCPD employees and citizens are invited to comment on the department's professional standards as part of a commission evaluation of compliance in four categories. Findings from the evaluation will determine whether the police department qualifies for a program upgrade recognition, according to Pocomoke City Police Chief J.D. Ervin.

Areas of evaluation are policy and procedures, administration, operations and support services, the chief said.

An assessment team will field public comments on May 2 between 2 and 4 p.m. Comments can be made by calling 410-422-3451.

Telephone comments are limited to 10 minutes, and must address the police department's ability to comply with CALEA standards. A copy of the standards is available at the police department, at 300 Second St.

Written comments can be forwarded to the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Inc., 13575 Heathcote Boulevard, Suite 320, Gainesville, Va. 20155, or CALEA@calea.org.

For more information, call Shawna Gammino at 410-957-1600.

www.delmarvanow.com

If You Drink- Don't Drive

Maryland State Troopers from the Berlin Barracks and officers from other local police departments will be conducting saturation patrols throughout Worcester County.

Maryland State Police – Berlin, Maryland Launches DUI Enforcement to Target Impaired Driving Super Bowl Sunday – 2011

Police Vow to Arrest Everyone Found Driving ‘Over the Limit’

Berlin, Worcester County Maryland – The problem of impaired-driving is a serious one. While America witnessed a decline in the number of impaired-driving fatalities from 2007-2008, the numbers are still too high. That’s why the Maryland State Police and their partners in Law Enforcement in Worcester County Maryland announced it will join other law enforcement agencies throughout the country in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired driving on February 6, 2011 (SUPERBOWL SUNDAY), known by its tagline,

Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.

100th Birthday Of President Ronald Reagan

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Ronald Wilson Reagan Born February 6, 1911 in Tampico, Illinois

Died June 5, 2004


At 73 years of age was the oldest person to ever be elected President.


Reagan's administration saw the collapse of Communism and the breakup of the Soviet Union.

"Eli" Orangutan Predicts Super Bowl Champs

SALT LAKE CITY - In Las Vegas it takes skill, time and luck to pick this weekend's Super Bowl winner. Here in Utah, we just need an orangutan. Eli at the Hogle Zoo made his prediction Tuesday morning. If his record holds true, his pick is a pretty safe bet.

The gigantic primate made the prediction for the weekend, picking the paper mache football helmet decked out with Green Bay colors.

Lindsay Renner with the Hogle Zoo works with the primates. She described Tuesday’s prediction. She said, “He did indeed choose the packers - you can mark it down as the winner for this year."

According to Eli, the Packers will take home the trophy during this Super Bowl weekend.

Renner said, “Contrary to popular belief we did not bribe Eli in any way with extra food. He made the decision free of his own choosing."

The primate keepers may have wanted to rig the vote, but they didn’t. Eli was just being an orangutan.

Dawn Neptune is the Behavioral Programs Coordinator at the zoo. She described what was going on, “He did what adult male orangutan's do - he did a display! So, he goes and tries to show how strong he is so it demonstrates to any females that he's a strong adult male."

These large helmets are part of the zoo’s enrichment program, helping these wild animals grow and develop in captivity. In this situation, the display of male dominance may be helpful if you’re betting this weekend.

Renner said, “Every single year that we have done this - this primate picks for the super bowl - he has chosen the correct team."

Four years with 100% accuracy, thanks to an orangutan at the Hogle Zoo.

www.abc4.com

hAppY BIrThDay tO You...............

IF TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY...........................
CONSIDER YOURSELF LUCKY THAT YOUR TWO SISTERS ALLOWED YOU TO GROW STRONG AND HEALTHY!!.............

AND EASY TO LAUGH AT!!!!

(If you had been the brother of someone else we would have missed all the fun)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY FROM

YOUR SISTERS

YOUR MANY FRIENDS

AND ALL YOUR RELATIVES (OF WHICH YOU HAD NO SAY IN)

Shall we dance???

WE LOVE YOU!!

Changes Made In Pocomoke Election Laws

POCOMOKE CITY -- After municipal elections in 2009 led to an investigation by the State's Attorney's Office, the Pocomoke mayor and City Council set out to fill gaps in and make changes to their election laws. With a second city election under the new rules slated for this April, a review of the new election code shows some recommended changes were put in writing, while other reforms rely on city workers remembering new instructions passed down in talks and training.

Resolution 432, passed before the 2010 elections took place, changed who maintains the list of registered voters, handing over that responsibility to the Worcester County Board of Elections. The only other change made in writing allows voters to download absentee ballot applications online.

Town Manager Russell Blake said other changes suggested by the state's attorney report have been adopted in practice, even if they are not specifically called for in the new code.

"As I recall, the state's attorney report was a recommendation, and all recommendations basically have been followed in writing or in practice," Blake said. The changes not committed to code, he said, are still known to the city workers who run the elections.

Distinguishing marks

After candidate Stephanie Burke alleged her opponents manipulated the absentee voting process to win in 2009, then-State's Attorney Joel Todd conducted an investigation and issued a report. No criminal charges were filed, and Todd found no evidence that candidates or city workers engaged in fraud.

Still, the report said the city did not maintain an accurate list of absentee voters and noted that the way city workers marked each absentee ballot with a number allowed his investigators to determine which absentee voters cast which ballots, violating the principle of the secret ballot.

"Clearly, the ballot number enables a party to identify not only who the voter was, but how the voter voted," Todd wrote. "If a voter can be identified and interviewed for investigative purposes, it is possible that they could be identified and interviewed for any other legitimate or nefarious purpose.

Pocomoke's election code at the time said if there are any distinguishing marks on a ballot, then that ballot can be thrown out; thus, the report noted, the town's practice of numbering the ballots conflicted with its own code.

"If the town employees and volunteers working for the Board of Elections supervisors need additional training, and it seems apparent that they do, then that training must be provided," Todd's report read.

Resolution 432, the new election code, also states any distinguishing marks can discredit a ballot. The updated resolution does not specifically instruct election workers to write ballot numbers on outer envelopes and to not write numbers on the ballots themselves -- the change in practice Todd urged.

"The recommendation about not numbering ballots was incidental," Blake said in an interview. In the 2010 election, he said, Pocomoke conducted the election the way the report suggested: Ballot numbers were placed on the envelopes, not the ballots.

Carol Justice, the city clerk, said she was not aware individual ballots should not be marked with numbers, as had happened in 2009. She said she had not received formal election law training after 2009. Mark Tilghman, the attorney who began representing Pocomoke City in 2008, declined to be interviewed.

Jim Peck, director of research and information management for the Maryland Municipal League, said the sanctity of the ballot box is important in all elections.

"In general, there are broad efforts made to ensure when you vote it's between you and the voting booth," Peck said. The practice of numbering each ballot, he said, is "relatively unusual."

www.delmavanow.com