Virginia To Switch Execution Drugs Due To Shortage

The Associated Press
By Dena Potter

RICHMOND

Virginia will join other states that are switching the sedative used in lethal injections because of a nationwide shortage of the drug, officials said Monday.

The Virginia Department of Corrections will substitute pentobarbital for sodium thiopental, whose sole U.S. manufacturer announced in January it would no longer make the drug.

The announcement sent the nation's 34 death penalty states scrambling to find a new supplier. Some canceled executions, while others obtained the drug from England, but then had it confiscated by federal agents amid questions they circumvented the law to obtain it because that country has banned the drug's export for executions.

It is not clear whether Virginia purchased sodium thiopental from overseas, and if so whether the Drug Enforcement Administration also seized its supply.

Department of Corrections spokesman Larry Traylor referred all questions to the Attorney General's Office, which refused to answer questions about whether Virginia had obtained sodium thiopental from overseas.

Virginia will continue to use a three-drug cocktail, only substituting the sedative drugs, said Brian Gottstein, a spokesman for the Attorney General's Office. The first drug sedates the inmate, while a second stops his breathing and the third stops the heart.

"The Virginia protocol for lethal injection has been litigated and has been found to be constitutionally acceptable by every court in Virginia that has looked at it ... and we are confident that the change to allow the drug pentobarbital to be substituted for sodium thiopental in the protocol will be found to be constitutionally acceptable, as well," Gottstein said.

Pentobarbital has survived legal challenges in other states and has been used for recent executions in Oklahoma, Ohio and South Carolina.

Virginia is home to the nation's second-busiest death chamber, behind Texas. There currently are no scheduled executions.

NASA Sets May 16 For Final Space Shuttle Endeavour Launch

http://www.nasa.gov/

CAPE CANAVERAL -- NASA managers have set the liftoff of space shuttle Endeavour for 8:56 a.m. EDT on Monday, May 16. Launch attempts are available through May 26, except for May 21. The STS-134 mission to the International Space Station is the penultimate shuttle flight and the final one for Endeavour.

Space Shuttle Program Launch Integration Manager Mike Moses and Shuttle Launch Director Mike Leinbach announced the date at a news briefing Monday from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. They also discussed the progress of repairs since Endeavour's launch postponement on April 29.

A short in the heater circuit associated with Endeavour's hydraulic system resulted in the launch postponement. Technicians determined the most likely failure was inside a switchbox in the shuttle's aft compartment and associated electrical wiring connecting the switchbox to the heaters. The heater circuits prevent freezing of the fuel lines providing hydraulic power to steer the vehicle during ascent and entry.

The faulty box was replaced May 4. Since Friday, Kennedy technicians installed and tested new wiring that bypasses the suspect electrical wiring and confirmed the heater system is working properly. They also are completing retests of other systems powered by the switchbox and are closing out Endeavour's aft compartment.

STS-134 Commander Mark Kelly and his five crewmates are set to arrive at Kennedy for prelaunch preparations on Thursday, May 12, at approximately 11 a.m. NASA Television will broadcast the crew's arrival live. For NASA TV streaming video, downlink and scheduling information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

Football Tailgating Gets City's OK- But Not For Parrotheads

If you plan on attending the Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band concert  at Farm Bureau Live (formerly Virginia Beach Amphitheater) leave the margarita mixers at home.  Buffett is performing May 26, 2011.

By Deirdre Fernandes
VIRGINIA BEACH

Ain't no wastin' away at all in this parking lot
Toss away that drink blender and beer
Some fans claim that it's a shame to tailgating norms
But you know it's the city way

 My apologies to the Jimmy Buffett fans out there, but I couldn't resist. I also can't get Buffett's "Margaritaville" out of my head.

That song, along with "Come Monday" and "Cheeseburger in Paradise," served as the soundtrack to the week I spent in Honduras helping build a school with my church youth group. Buffett was playing in the background as our rickety bus drove down rural hillsides on the road to Mayan temples.

The singer is synonymous with good times.

But, alas, this isn't Margaritaville, or even Honduras. It's Virginia Beach. And local Parrotheads will have to enjoy Buffett's upcoming performance without the usual pre-concert tailgating party.

So wear your Tommy Bahama shirt to the amphitheater on May 26, but leave the tequila at home.

Virginia Beach mostly prohibits drinking in public places. The City Council made an exception last December for the United Football League, which will be playing at the Virginia Beach Sportsplex stadium. UFL officials successfully argued that tailgating is an essential part of going to football games.

However, the change does not extend to the amphitheater because the managers of the concert arena didn't ask for it, said Mayor Will Sessoms.

Sessoms, who plans to attend the event, said he'll still have a good time, even without the tailgating.
"I've got to look responsible," he joked.

But some fans are peeved.

Beach officials have received a handful of questions about the legality of tailgating. And rumors abound that Buffett didn't make the Beach a stop on his tour for nearly a decade because of the tailgating code.

Barry Ezell, a Beach resident and Buffett fan, said even stores near the amphitheater are promoting the concert with cases of Corona and paper palm tree displays. Ezell and his wife travel up to Massachusetts every year for a Buffett concert.

"Tailgates (yes, with alcohol) are part of the big draw," Ezell wrote in an email.

Buffett fans are older and more responsible, said Ezell, who is an associate professor at Old Dominion University.

"We're not the types to go crazy and jump around in a mosh pit and start fights," Ezell wrote.

But come concert time May 26, these fans will also have to go inside the arena and buy a beer from the amphitheater concession stand.

Source; http://hamptonroads.com/node/599069

Worcester County Woman Charged With Shooting Husband

BISHOPVILLE, Md.- Authorities say a Worcester County woman is behind bars on attempted murder and related charges after she shot her husband during a Monday morning argument.

The Worcester County Bureau of Investigation says that at around 10:28 a.m., 64-year-old Robert Lee Leonard, of 9752 Hotel Road in Bishopville, called 9-1-1 and stated that his wife, 72-year-old Alice Carmita Johnson, had just shot him in the abdomen.

Upon their arrival, deputies from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office met with Leonard who handed them a .22 caliber pistol with which he claimed had been used in the shooting. The weapon appeared to have been freshly fired, according to police.

According to police, Leonard stated that during an argument, Johnson produced the pistol, aimed it at her husband's abdomen and fired a round that entered his body. Leonard told deputies that he was able to grab the weapon from his wife's hands, which prevented any further injuries.

The WCBI was called to continue the investigation. As a result of the investigation, Johnson was taken into custody and charged with attempted second-degree murder, first-degree assault and reckless endangerment.

Johnson was ordered held in the Worcester County Jail in lieu of $150,000 bond.

VIA: WBOC

How they vote in the United Nations:

Below are the actual voting records of various Arabic/Islamic States which are recorded in both the US State Department and United Nations records:

• Kuwait votes against the United States 67% of the time
• Qatar votes against the United States 67% of the time
• Morocco votes against the United States 70% of the time
• United Arab Emirates votes against the U. S. 70% of the time.
• Jordan votes against the United States 71% of the time.
• Tunisia votes against the United States 71% of the time.
• Saudi Arabia votes against the United States 73% of the time.
• Yemen votes against the United States 74% of the time.
• Algeria votes against the United States 74% of the time.
• Oman votes against the United States 74% of the time.
• Sudan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
• Pakistan votes against the United States 75% of the time.
• Libya votes against the United States 76% of the time.
• Egypt votes against the United States 79% of the time.
• Lebanon votes against the United States 80% of the time.
• India votes against the United States 81% of the time.
• Syria votes against the United States 84% of the time.
• Mauritania votes against the United States 87% of the time.

US Foreign Aid to those that hate us:
Egypt, for example, after voting 79% of the time against the United States, still receives $2 billion annually in US Foreign Aid.

Jordan votes 71% against the United States
And receives $192,814,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.

Pakistan votes 75% against the United States
Receives $6,721,000 annually in US Foreign Aid.

India votes 81% against the United States
Receives $143,699,000 annually.

WHY?

WHO IN THE WORLD STARTED

THIS AND WHY?

THEY ACTUALLY BITE THE HAND THAT FEEDS THEM.


Perhaps it is time to stop this and give the tax savings back to the American workers who are having to skimp and sacrifice to pay the taxes
(and gasoline).

Disgusting isn't it?

http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/outrage/unvote.asp IT'S TRUE !

Harry and Bess Truman True Americans

Harry Truman was a different kind of President. He probably made as many, or more important decisions regarding our nation's history as any of the other 42 Presidents preceding him. However, a measure of his greatness may rest on what he did after he left the White House.

The only asset he had when he died was the house he lived in, which was in Independence Missouri . His wife had inherited the house from her mother and father and other than their years in the White House, they lived their entire lives there.

When he retired from office in 1952, his income was a U.S. Army pension reported to have been $13,507.72 a year. Congress, noting that he was paying for his stamps and personally licking them, granted him an 'allowance' and, later, a retroactive pension of $25,000 per year.

After President Eisenhower was inaugurated, Harry and Bess drove home to Missouri by themselves. There was no Secret Service following them.

When offered corporate positions at large salaries, he declined, stating, "You don 't want me. You want the office of the President, and that doesn't belong to me. It belongs to the American people and it's not for sale.."

Even later, on May 6, 1971, when Congress was preparing to award him the Medal of Honor on his 87th birthday, he refused to accept it, writing, "I don 't consider that I have done anything which should be the reason for any award, Congressional or otherwise."

As president he paid for all of his own travel expenses and food.

Modern politicians have found a new level of success in cashing in on the Presidency, resulting in untold wealth. Today, many in Congress also have found a way to become quite wealthy while enjoying the fruits of their offices. Political offices are now for sale. (sic. Illinois )

Good old Harry Truman was correct when he observed, "My choices in life were either to be a piano player in a whore house or a politician. And to tell the truth, there's hardly any difference!

I say dig him up and clone him!!

Hat Tip; Kack

Maryland Residents Urged to be Vigilant

A series of letters containing an unknown (white) powder have been delivered to public schools in Washington, D.C.  Tests have not found any toxic substance to date.  Official s feel it is an effort to instill fear and disrupt the daily lives of those who receive these packages/mail.

For info, etc:

In light of the death of Osama Bin Laden, The Maryland Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with Maryland Law Enforcement agencies, has recommended the following protective action and awareness recommendations to all Maryland residents.

The law enforcement intelligence community has assessed that the death of al-Qa’ida (AQ) leader Osama Bin Ladin could result in retaliatory attacks in the Homeland and against US and Western interests overseas and therefore not only Maryland, but all US citizens should remain at a heightened state of vigilance.

Police and First Responders emphasize citizens should remain alert and aware at all times. If You See Something/Say Something   -  REPORT any and all suspicious behaviors and situations to local law enforcement.  The If You See Something, Say Something campaign underscores the concept that homeland security begins with hometown security where an alert public plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe.
Report Homeland Security threats to the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center at 1-800-492-TIPS.

Police and emergency management officials ask that citizens familiarize themselves with the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) National Terrorism Advisory System (NTAS)—a robust terrorism advisory system that provides timely information to the public about credible terrorist threats and replaces the former color-coded alert system. The National Terrorism Advisory System will provide the American public with information about credible threats so that they can better protect themselves, their families, and their communities. Citizens can find information on the new terror alert system here.

The Department of Homeland Security does not intend to issue an NTAS alert at this time. DHS has been clear since announcing NTAS in January that they will only issue alerts when they have specific or credible information to convey to the American public.

NTAS alerts provide a concise summary of the potential threat including geographic region, mode of transportation, or critical infrastructure potentially affected by the threat, actions being taken to ensure public safety, as well as recommended steps that individuals, communities, business and governments can take to help prevent, mitigate or respond to a threat.  NTAS Alerts will include a clear statement on the nature of the threat, which will be defined in one of two ways:

· “Elevated Threat”: Warns of a credible terrorist threat against the United States
· “Imminent Threat”: Warns of a credible, specific, and impending terrorist threat against the United States

Depending on the nature of the threat, alerts may be sent to law enforcement, distributed to affected areas of the private sector, or issued more broadly to the public through both official and social media channels—including a designated DHS webpage (www.dhs.gov/alerts), Facebook, and via Twitter @NTASAlerts. 

Remember….Be Alert…..If You See something….Say Something…..

http://www.usps.com/news/2001/press/mailsecurity/security.htm

http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5041a2.htm

http://www.bt.cdc.gov/preparedness/

Location Chosen for Jury Selection in Caylee Anthony Murder Case

ASSOCIATED PRESS

CLEARWATER, Fla. –  Jury selection for the trial of Casey Anthony, who's accused of killing her 2-year-old daughter, will take place in the Tampa area in Florida.

Court officials in Orlando didn't announce the location of jury selection in Pinellas County until early Monday because of intense media interest in the case of the young woman accused of killing her daughter Caylee. More than 600 media credentials have been requested for the trial.

At the center of the maelstrom is 25-year-old Anthony, who could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder. She has pleaded not guilty and says a babysitter kidnapped Caylee.

Jurors selected in the case will have to put their lives on hold for up to two months. They will be transported to Orlando and sequestered in a hotel.

Source; http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/05/09/location-chosen-jury-selection-anthony-case/

Officials In Southwest Va. Disappointed By FEMA Denial

The Associated Press

Officials in an area of southwest Virginia hard hit last month by tornadoes say they are disappointed that the Federal Emergency Management Agency has denied the state's request for disaster assistance.

FEMA denied the request Saturday, indicating the damage was not severe enough to qualify for federal assistance. More than two dozen tornadoes hit Virginia in April, killing 10, destroying more than 200 homes and damaging more than 1,000 others.


Gov. Bob McDonnell said he may appeal the decision.


"I think it's going to be devastating to the county," Washington County Sheriff Fred Newman told the Bristol Herald Courier. "I was disappointed certainly. I'm sure a lot of people were counting on federal assistance to provide some help."


Pokey Harris, Washington County's director of emergency management, said officials are taking steps to ensure the recovery process stays on track despite the denial.


"Washington County officials are committed to leaving no stone unturned in seeking assistance for the citizens affected by the tornado," Harris said.


The FEMA assistance was sought for the counties of Halifax, Pulaski and Washington.


Even if federal aid had come through, it would not have completely covered all the damage, said Bob Spieldenner, director of public affairs for the Virginia Department of Emergency Services.


"Even if we had gotten the assistance, it would've taken community help," he said. "It's going to go back to the community and the volunteers working together to rebuild."


He said he, too, expected FEMA assistance. "At this point, we thought we had a pretty good case," he said.

FEMA money would help families and businesses whose property was damaged or destroyed and whose losses are not covered by insurance. Several homes that were damaged or destroyed did not have insurance.

If the state appeals, it will require officials to gather new data about the extent of the damage, which could take several weeks, Spieldenner said.


Officials also could apply for loans through the Small Business Administration. But the appeal process has to run out before officials can request that help, he said.


"Apparently, we can spend all sorts of money on many frivolous federal programs, but not for those who are truly in need of disaster relief," said U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem. "I urge the governor to appeal this decision so that the people affected by these devastating storms get the support they need to begin rebuilding."

Source; http://hamptonroads.com/node/599056

'Home Alone' House For Sale

The red-brick Winnetka Georgian so bravely defended by Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone is being put up for sale Thursday for $2.4 million.

Homeowners John and Cynthia Abendshien, empty-nesters who purchased the home in late 1988 for $875,000, acknowledge that it may not be the best time to put a high-end house on the market but believe the home’s attributes and its cachet may net a buyer.

The couple also researched the housing market and were advised that it might not bounce back for another three to five years. “We just decided we wouldn’t wait any longer,” Cynthia Abendshien said.

The 4,250-square-foot, 14-room home sits on a half-acre lot and features four bedrooms, 3.2 baths, a large screened-in porch with a chandelier and, of course, the staircase sledded down by Culkin in John Hughes’ 1990 film.

The median sales price in Winnetka in April was $1.297 million.

“The $2.4 million isn’t just because of its cinematic history,” said the home’s listing agent, Marissa Hopkins of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. “It really is a residential masterpiece.”

Only pre-qualified buyers can make appointments to see the home, and no open houses are planned. “It would be a zoo,” Hopkins said. “There are a lot of people who would like to see the Home Alone house if they were given the opportunity.”

Meanwhile, another famous North Shore property, the Highland Park home featured in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, is temporarily off the market but it will be relisted, said Coldwell Banker agent Meladee Hughes. Originally listed at $2.3 million, it most recently was offered for $1.65 million.

Source; http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/chibrkbus-home-alone-house-in-winnetka-on-sale-for-24m-20110504,0,678293.story

TIME MACHINE

"Number Please"

Dial telephone service arrived in Pocomoke City in the early 1960's as I recall. Prior to that time all local calls were operator assisted. You'd pick up the telephone and wait for the operator to come on the line. "Number please" she'd say, and you'd give her the phone number you wanted to reach such as "187R" (that was our home phone number). If the line was busy she'd tell you, otherwise you'd hear the online ring.

The local phone numbers consisted of three numbers or three numbers and a letter (some phone numbers may have been two digits in earlier times as was true in Salisbury; a late relative who grew up in Salisbury once told me "It is said that I as a small child, I used to ask the operator for my daddy, and she would ring 60").

The local operators in Pocomoke worked at the phone office located on the second floor of a building at the northeast corner of Willow Street and Clarke Avenue. You could also pay your telephone bill there. As a youngster I remember going up the steep flight of stairs once and seeing the operators with their headsets on patching cords into their switchboards as calls were being placed. Pocomoke, I believe, was the last Eastern Shore of Maryland area to get dial telephone service.

In New York City the first change over from operator assisted calls to dial service began in the early 1920's. The following are excerpts from a 1922 New York Times article:

AUTOMATIC PHONES SOON TO WORK HERE

Ten Years Will Be Required To Replace 1,000,000 Instruments- Girls Still Retained

The New York Telephone Company has begun installing automatic machinery that will cause each user of the telephone to be his own operator, at the Pennsylvania Exchange in downtown Manhatten, at Academy in upper Manhattan, and at the Walker Exchange in Brooklyn.

An increased number of "information" operators will be necessary, it is expected, for some months at least, until the public is broken in to punching its telephone calls in a manner which resembles working the combination of a safe.

It takes some time for the public to learn the use of the automatic devise, which requires a number of separate manipulations by the person seeking a number. The process is described as follows by the telephone company. "Having secured the desired telephone number from the directory, which we will assume to be Pennsylvania 5280, the subscriber will first remove the receiver and listen for the 'dial tone,' which indicates when the apparatus is ready to receive his call. He will then insert his finger in the hole over the letter 'P,' rotate the dial, rotate the finger until it comes in contact with the metal stop, and release the dial, which will automatically return to normal. He will then repeat the operation for the letters 'E' and 'N,' and in turn for the four numerals 5-2-8-0." When the subscriber has performed these operations the complicated device at central does the rest.

While no telephone girls will lose their positions because of the introduction of automatic machinery, the force eventually will be reduced, but not so rapidly as the girls leave the service to get married or take other jobs.

~Kentucky Derby Day~

For some it's all about the floral dresses,  hats and mint juleps.  For my DAD it was all about the horses.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Another Kentucky Derby, another last-minute change for jockey John Velazquez.

The scratch of Uncle Mo on Friday morning marked the third straight year Velazquez lost a major Derby contender less than a week before the race.

Velazquez had the mounts on Quality Road in 2009 and Eskendereya last year before they were withdrawn with injuries. He scrambled to find last-minute replacements, finishing 15th on 28-1 shot Mr. Hot Stuff in 2009 and 10th last year on the filly Devil May Care.

Once again, Velazquez didn't stay unemployed for long. Trainer H. Graham Motion quickly grabbed him to ride Animal Kingdom, winner of the Spiral Stakes at Turfway Park.

Velazquez replaces Robby Albarado, who suffered a broken nose earlier this week at Churchill Downs when a horse bucked him off during a post parade, and then delivered a kick to the face.

"We made the decision this morning, before the betting opened, so the punters would have full knowledge of what the deal was," said Barry Irwin, whose Team Valor International owns Animal Kingdom.

Velazquez is 0 for 12 in the Derby. His best finish was a second aboard Invisible Ink in 2001.

Motion lost his top Derby contender earlier this week when Wood Memorial winner Toby's Corner was scratched Monday with a left hind leg injury.

"It's been a real emotional roller coaster for everybody," Motion said. "That is the nature of the game, and what you grow used to."

Today, coverage begins at 4 p.m., post time at 6:24 p.m.
TV: NBC

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110507/SPORTS/105070338/A-day-Derby?odyssey=nav|head

Two Homes Raided In Pocomoke City

On the evening of May 5, 2011 officers from the criminal enforcement team conducted drug-related raids on two houses.

The raids took place between 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM. on Thursday.

Investigation by the police is still on going and charging documents are being prepared. Officers of the criminal enforcement team are still investigating and charges against two individuals are expected.

The raids took place on Third Street and Clarke Avenue, Extd. in Pocomoke City.

Info from delmarva now.com

Man Poses As Landlord To Collect Rent

Written By

Jennifer Shutt

Staff Writer

POCOMOKE CITY -- Soon after a Baltimore man moved to town, police say he began duping people into paying him rent to live in buildings he didn't own.

In addition, prostitution, forgery, making a false statement to a police officer and theft are charges the suspect, Robert Austera, also faces.

Austera, 57, of the 500 block of Moore Street in Pocomoke City, was charged after witnesses told police that Austera allegedly promised them places to live and took rent money from them for properties, a police investigation determined, that weren't his to rent.

Austera allegedly promised fraudulent rentals to at least two people. In the case that launched the police probe into Austera, one of the tenants was charged with fourth-degree burglary for attempting to enter a building he thought he was renting in the clear.

After James Motyka was charged with breaking into a building in the 420 block of Oxford Street, he showed police a rent receipt from Austera for $250, according to court documents. Motyka told police he had paid Austera that money as a down payment to move into a home on the 420 block of Oxford Street.

The men made an arrangement that Motyka could fix up other houses -- which Motyka believed Austera managed -- in exchange for his first two months' rent. Pocomoke City police say they intend to have the burglary charges against Motyka dropped.

Kacee Briddelle was also allegedly defrauded by Austera, according to court documents. Briddelle told police she paid Austera $700 to move into one of the properties he allegedly claimed he managed.

"Briddelle advised she found Austera's number and an ad offering to find affordable apartments for rent in Pocomoke City on Craigslist," police said.

After not being able to get hold of Austera for two weeks, Briddelle persuaded him to return $300 of her $700. Austera told her he could no longer help her find a place to live, according to court documents. He is alleged to still have $400 of Briddelle's money.

Efrem Phillips, who is reported by court documents to be the owner of the house Austera was allegedly renting out, told police he had never given Austera permission to create a lease or to write Phillips' signature on it.

In a separate incident, Austera is charged with prostitution, along with Kimberly Reeder, 44, of the 32000 block of Overholt Road in Pocomoke City. In March, Austera allegedly mentioned to one of his roommates that he sometimes paid to have sex with Reeder, according to court documents, and offered to introduce her to him. She allegedly offered the roommate sex for pay, but the roommate declined, according to court documents.

During the investigation, police learned Austera's 17-year-old daughter was living in his house along with a registered sex offender, Dale Kirk Audet. Audet, 38, was listed as living on the 500 block of Moore Street, according to the Maryland sex offender registry. On May 3, shortly after Austera's arrest, his registered address changed to the 210 block of Laurel Street. Audet has been convicted of third-degree sex offense, indecent exposure and violating his probation, according to Maryland case search. Austera's daughter was removed from the home by Worcester County Social Services for her safety, according to police.

Austera has been charged with more than 15 crimes since 1994, according to Maryland court records. He has been found guilty of motor vehicle theft, harassment through email, a continued course of harassment, telephone misuse through repeated calls and second-degree assault.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110506/NEWS01/105060301/Man-poses-landlord-collects-rent-police-say?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|frontpage

Pocomoke Crime Reports for the Month of April

If you have been wondering where the crime report for the month of April is? So have I.

I have been checking several times per day thinking that it might have been the crimereports website. But

Crimereports.com has not been updated for the month of April. Sorry.

Letter To The Editor

Dear Editor,

I would like to clarify a few things for the anonymous poster who is a constant fountain of negativity.

Proposed New PD Building:
      Assessed value of the proposed new PD building:  $425,000.00 (from MD DAT website)

Everyone knows that assessed values are considerably lower than actual market values and that commercial property has not declined as much in value as has residential property.

      This building last sold for $560,000.00 in 2009 (from MD DAT website)

The proposed purchase price is $532,500.00, not $700,000.00 or $750,000.00 as posted by  “Anonymous the negative”.  We are proposing to borrow the additional money via a line of credit to facilitate remodeling that will be needed to make the building a functional police station.

The building is currently fully insulated and the insulation is in good condition.  The previous proprietor took very good care of the building and overall it is in excellent condition.  We know this because council members, the city manager, the police chief and the current and former mayor examined this building extensively, prior to starting our discussion regarding the acquisition of the property late last fall.  During remodeling, additional improvements will be made to enhance energy efficiency.  Has “anonymous the negative” ever inspected the building?

There is about one-half acre of additional parking in the compound behind the building.

Most of the above information was either available in the public records or was made public at the last council meeting.  As I mentioned in a previous post, there were no negative comments at that meeting.  Furthermore, every citizen that I have spoken with regarding this issue thinks it is a good idea and that it was about time we got the PD out of their substandard facility on Second St.

Cameras:
I know this is off the original thread of the conversation but I checked on this issue with Mr. Blake, when it was first raised last year.   Several cameras have been out of service at different times since installation, but only for a few days at a time.  One and only one camera was out of service for about a month due to issues with the contractor.  Mr. Blake finally advised the contractor that if they could not get any and all malfunctioning cameras back online within 48 hours, then we would find another contractor who could.  Since that time (which was last year) we have not had any further problems with extended outages.

Cameras are not turned off except when they are being serviced by the contractor.  It should also be pointed out that the cameras have been instrumental in solving several crimes and also saved the city from a lawsuit when a citizen erroneously reported that their car had been in a collision with a city vehicle.  A review of the camera data revealed that the accident was caused by a vehicle that was not owned by the city.

Just as a follow-up on this, I am going to check with the Chief to find out what the reliability percentage is for our cameras and how often they are serviced.

In the future, to save your readers time and to save space on your blog, I will not respond to posts that start out with opening lines such as “Have you heard…..” or “It has been reported that….”.  If readers wish to cite sources of information or offer proof, I will look into their concern, but I am not going to waste time on rumors, half-truths and innuendo.

Thank you for your consideration in these matters.
Sincerely,
Rob Clarke
Councilman, Dist. 5

Virginia Offshore Drilling

WESR

Gov. Bob McDonnell is pushing anew to open waters off Virginia to oil and gas exploration, appealing to President Barack Obama and Congress to end a moratorium on East Coast drilling.

He's still waiting to hear from Obama, but the U.S. House did just that on Thursday, passing legislation that could return a vast area in the Atlantic to energy exploration. The bill's prospects in the Senate are uncertain.

McDonnell used the backdrop of a suburban service station and gas prices flirting with the $4 mark to forcefully argue for a "red, white and blue" U.S. energy policy that includes drilling off Virginia's coast. The Gulf oil disaster in 2010 delayed any East Coast drilling until at least 2017.

The Republican governor made that pitch to Obama in letter dated April 15 but has yet to receive a response.

"The pain at the pump is the result of many factors, one of which is the result of our ongoing dependence on foreign sources of oil," McDonnell said as vehicles streamed through the pumps behind him. He said the country should consider all domestic energy production, including nuclear power, wind, solar and biomass.

He added, "A key part of that effort should be the environmentally responsible development and production of oil and natural gas off of Virginia's shores."

McDonnell, who learned of the House's passage of the drilling legislation at the news conference, said the nation cannot ignore the consequences of ever-rising gas prices on the economy and consumers. He cited estimates that the average U.S. household will pay an extra $1,210 more on gasoline this year.

"That is money that could be spent by families on education, groceries and vacations," he said.

Even before his January 2010 inauguration, McDonnell has been promoting Virginia as a future "energy capital," and offshore drilling was a cornerstone of achieving that vision. Then the Deepwater Horizon accident occurred and the Obama administration shelved plans to open East Coast waters to drilling.

While McDonnell acknowledged that the Gulf spill was "unprecedented disaster," he said the nation should now move forward to expand oil and gas exploration.

"I know that the lessons learned over the last year will produce the new technology and safety standards to make sure we have the safest and highest standards before we explore and drill in Virginia," he said.

The government believes nearly 3 million acres off Virginia's coast could produce 130 million barrels of oil and 1.1 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. Environmentalists have said that will provide the U.S. with six days of oil and 18 days of natural gas, based on current consumption trends.

Critics have said the return isn't worth the environmental risk to Virginia's tourism attractions, such as Virginia Beach and the Chesapeake Bay, and its commercial and recreational fishery.

The House vote and McDonnell's news conference, which attracted a half-dozen protesters from the Sierra Club, sparked immediate criticism from the Southern Environmental Law Center.


"We agree with Governor McDonnell that America needs to increase its domestic source of energy -- but we strongly disagree that that should entail putting our coastal communities, fishing and tourism business at risk," Nat Mund, the center's legislative director, said in a statement.


The legislation approved by the House on Thursday would force the federal government to conduct three lease sales in the Gulf of Mexico and one off the Virginia coast within a year, or by June 2012. Lease sales are the first step in a multi-year process that can culminate in drilling.

Source; http://www.ask4direct.com/infoRead.asp?InfoID=704612&print=on

"All Night Soldier" Ready For Mud Action

Patrick Long, driver of "All Night Soldier" is certainly no stranger to the sport of mud bogging.  Knowing that he would only be making minor changes in his truck to accomidate his running in another class this season, Patrick participated in the first ever indoor mudbog held at the Salisbury Civic Center this winter. 

First run for Patrick in the "All Night Soldier" of the 2011 mudbogging season in  BIG TIRE SUPERSTOCK. "All Night Soldier" place 5th with a full run of 8.617 seconds.

                                                   

MINI OPEN CLASS

This was only a 60 ft. run (out of 200 ft.) but Patrick and his truck placed second.

Next mudbog races will be held  Sunday, May 29, 2011 behind  the Elks Club  in Crisfield, Maryland.

Child Killer Slashed in Prison

CUMBERLAND, Md.- Authorities say a man serving two life sentences in prison for the  kidnapping and murder of an 11-year-old Salisbury girl has been slashed by another inmate.
Thomas J. Leggs Jr., 31, of Salisbury, is being held in Western Correctional Institution, a maximum security prison in Cumberland. According to the Maryland Department of Corrections, Leggs was slashed three times in the head, neck and hand with a homemade weapon.  They say the fight happened in the dining area of the prison.  Police recovered the weapon, but do not know who attacked Leggs.

According to court records, on Dec. 23, 2009 Leggs kidnapped and killed Sarah Haley Foxwell. After a massive three-day search that involved hundreds of police officers and civilians, Sarah's burned body was found in a wooded area of Wicomico County on Christmas Day of 2009.

Authorities have said that Leggs- a convicted sex offender in Maryland and Delaware- had dated Sarah's aunt for a short time several months before the girl's kidnapping and death.

On March 29 of this year, Leggs appeared in Cecil County Circuit Court where he admitted his guilt in Sarah's death. Under the terms of a plea deal, Leggs received two life sentences without parole: one for first-degree murder and the other for first-degree sexual offense. He was also given 30 years in prison for kidnapping and 20 years for burglary. All sentences are to be served consecutively.

As part of the plea deal, which spared him a possible death sentence, Leggs agreed to give investigators additional details about Sarah's kidnapping and murder.

VIA: WBOC.com

Lib Radio Talker: When Will the SEALs Kill George W. Bush?

From NewsBusters:

If any American with a patriotic pulse listened to the Mike Malloy radio show, they would have been shocked on Monday night when Malloy outrageously suggested that Navy SEALs should have shot former president George W. Bush, and not Osama bin Laden. (MP3 audio clip here.)

MIKE MALLOY: I have heard some commentators talk about the fact that, all the lives that have been lost in this war on terror, and now the summary execution of the person responsible. But as soon as I heard that, I thought, well, bin Laden really didn’t have anything to do — did he? — with Iraq. And I think his only relationship with Afghanistan was geographical.

But Iraq — all the death in Iraq was not caused by bin Laden. The death in Iraq was caused by George W. Bush. Five thousand Americans, tens of thousands permanently damaged and shot to pieces, a million Iraqis dead — that wasn’t bin Laden. That was George Bush. So when does Seal Unit 6, or whatever it’s called, drop in on George Bush? Bush was responsible for a lot more death, innocent death, than bin Laden. Wasn’t he, or am I wrong here?

NewsBusters, by the way, shows the absurdity of the one million deaths number.

Gov’t Thinking About Taxing You Based on How Much You Drive

The government is entertaining a new tax, one that’s based on how many miles you drive. And not only would you have to pay the tax, but you would also be required to install an electronic device in your car to track your miles, and the government would have to create a whole regulation office.
Sounds great, doesn’t it?
From The Hill:

The plan is a part of the administration’s Transportation Opportunities Act, an undated draft of which was obtained this week by Transportation Weekly.

[...]
News of the draft follows a March Congressional Budget Office report that supported the idea of taxing drivers based on miles driven.Among other things, CBO suggested that a vehicle miles traveled (VMT) tax could be tracked by installing electronic equipment on each car to determine how many miles were driven; payment could take place electronically at filling stations.
[...]
Obama’s proposal seems to follow up on that idea in section 2218 of the draft bill. That section would create, within the Federal Highway Administration, a Surface Transportation Revenue Alternatives Office. It would be tasked with creating a “study framework that defines the functionality of a mileage-based user fee system and other systems.”

According to the White House, the bill is not an official proposal and hasn’t been widely circulated.
“This is not an administration proposal,” White House spokeswoman Jennifer Psaki told The Hill. “This is not a bill supported by the administration. This was an early working draft proposal that was never formally circulated within the administration, does not taken into account the advice of the president’s senior advisers, economic team or Cabinet officials, and does not represent the views of the president.”

SOURCE: TheBlaze

Reports Of Shots Fired Unfounded

POCOMOKE CITY — After receiving an anonymous 911 call on May 1 reporting shots fired in the area of Moore Street, Pocomoke City police have listed the incident as unfounded.

Police say they found no evidence of shots being fired after responding to the area around 10 p.m. Finding the call unfounded means police do not have any evidence or a potential suspect description to pursue the possibility someone was firing a gun in the downtown area.

Two officers who responded to the area almost immediately spoke to a few people on the street who were unable to give any significant information, according to police.

Source;
 http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110505/NEWS01/110505022/CRIME-Report-of-shots-fired-unfounded-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Worcester County Times|s

Pocomoke City Police Dept. Will Get New Location

Written By

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- The Pocomoke mayor and Council took a major step toward a new home for the Police Department when they accepted a $700,000 loan from Shore Bank for the purchase and interior renovations of the former Delmarva Collision building on south Market Street.

They also gave approval for City Manager Russell W. Blake to request proposals for architectural services to design the interior of the building.

Citing some of the benefits of the new building over the present police headquarters, Councilman Robert Clark said it is an almost new building (only seven years old), which will be energy efficient.

The police are presently housed in the former National Guard Armory. He said that there is more parking, which is secured, and the building was constructed by a local contractor.

Mayor Bruce Morrison expressed his pleasure with the idea that the Police Department and the Fire Department will both be in one location.

Another construction project received approval when the Council voted to authorize City Manager Russell

W. Blake to request bids for the construction of a new restaurant between the Delmarva Discovery Center and the Pocomoke River.

The town presently has two grants totaling $650,000 for the construction of the building.

The Council approved a resolution for the application of $575,000 in Community Development Block Grant funding. If funded it would include $300,000 for housing rehabilitation; $50,000 for the demolition of the former fire station; $75,000 for the demolition of vacant, substandard houses or commercial buildings; and $150,000 for the resurfacing of Fourth Street and other streets in eligible areas.

Reporting of the disposition of last year's grants, the city manager said that all funds have been disbursed for housing rehabilitation; construction of the ambulance garage is under way; and engineering has been completed on storm drainage improvements for Eighth Street.

The Council voted to authorize the mayor to sign a memorandum of agreement between Pocomoke City and the Virginia Department of Transportation for sewer service to the Virginia information center just below the state line. The center is reported to have a failing wastewater system.

The city manager said that Virginia will pay to run the line to the end of the Pocomoke line near the Maryland-Virginia line and will pay the town for the service.

He added that the town's system will have no trouble handling the additional load.

The Council also okayed an agreement with some minor changes with the B'oosurf Broadband Co. for the installation of antennas on the city water towers. The use of the towers will be free unless the company moves outside of Pocomoke City or if it is sold to a profit-making company. It is presently a non-profit.

Under other business, the Council approved the use of the city tent by the Assateague Peoples for their annual powwow; authorized a proclamation for Municipal Clerks' Week; and passed a resolution making elected officials wait a year after their term of office expires to be employed by the town.

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110505/WCT01/105050328

Sign Up For Marine Biology Summer Camp

Marine Biology Summer Camp

At the Delmarva Discovery Center.

Located on the Pocomoke River, the Delmarva Discovery Center provides campers the opportunity to learn marine biology through the exploration of their very own backyard. This camp is appropriate for campers aged 6 through 10.

Under the guidance of our expert staff, guests will receive a one of a kind experience, allowing them to learn through nature walks, crafts, live animal care, and our 16,000 square foot museum!

Your camper will be given the opportunity to dive right into marine biology, learning the care and knowledge it takes to keep our underwater residents alive and happy.
 

Register Now!

  

Our Marine Biology Summer Camp runs from July 18 through July 22, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Call 410.957.9933 to register your camper now!
 

For questions concerning the camp email Jenifer Rafter at jrafter@delmarvadiscoverycenter.org.

Spielberg will film 'Lincoln' in Richmond, Petersburg

Written By: Olympia Meola
Hollywood directing icon Steven Spielberg will film his upcoming historical drama, "Lincoln," in the Richmond and Petersburg area.


Gov. Bob McDonnell today announced that the film, based on the book “Team of Rivals" by Doris Kearns Goodwin, will begin filming in the fall. The movie is slated for release in 2012.


Academy Award-winning actors Daniel Day-Lewis will play Abraham Lincoln and Sally Field will play Mary Todd Lincoln.


The news is a score for McDonnell who has pumped up the state’s film incentive fund. The incentive package includes $1 million from the Governor’s Motion Picture Opportunity Fund, $2.5 million from the Virginia Motion Picture Tax Credit program and $1.1 million in in-kind contributions, according to McDonnell’s office.


The amount of funding awarded to a project is based on Virginia workers hired and the purchase of Virginia based goods and services, according to the governor’s office.


“We are honored that Steven Spielberg, an award-winning and visionary film maker, has chosen the commonwealth for this important film. It is especially notable coming during the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War and emancipation,” McDonnell said.  “Steven is an exceptional storyteller who brings historic themes to life on screen, resulting in such important and influential films as 'Saving Private Ryan,' 'Schindler’s List,' 'Munich and the mini-series 'Band of Brothers.'I have no doubt that 'Lincoln' will quickly join the ranks of those famous works.”


Spielberg said, in the news release, that “Virginia’s rich historic legacy, coupled with the remarkable period architecture found in Richmond and Petersburg, make Central Virginia the ideal location for this production.”

Source; http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/breaking-news/2011/may/04/spielberg-will-film-lincoln-richmond-petersburg-ar-1016102/?sc_cid=RTD-BNEWS-Breaking

Back To Crisfield- Crisfield Mud Bog 2011

Onley Police Chief, Walter Marks To Run For Accomack County Sheriff

WESR
Former State Trooper and current Onley Chief of Police Walter Marks has announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Accomack County.


In an interview yesterday at WESR, Marks told us that his main aim as Sheriff would be to create more cooperation between different departments.


"I think it's time for a change. It's time for more cooperation between the departments where everybody is on the same page," explained Marks. "It makes for better safety for the citizens of Accomack County."


Addressing what seems to be a recent spike in violent crime around the Eastern Shore, Marks explained this cooperation would make the Eastern Shore a safer place to travel in the evening hours.


"Now as you know, at night time you can't go anywhere without hearing about shootings or fighting," said Marks, adding he wanted to be more proactive than reactive.


"As far as the drug problem goes, we do have a drug problem on the Eastern Shore. That needs to be addressed proactively also." He would increase patrols and use all police agencies to quell the Shores drug problem.


Marks also wanted to silence rumors that spread around during the last election regarding employment of current deputies.


"As far as the rumors that I'm going to clean house or I'm going to remove this one or that one, that's not so. It is just rumors that somebody has started. If I get elected Sheriff, everybody still has a job."


Marks has been a police officer for 38 years and has been a resident of the Eastern Shore since 1972. He began his career as an undercover drug officer and was a Virginia State Trooper for 35 years. He is an honorary member of the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of both the Onley and Melfa Volunteer Fire Departments. Marks also is a combat veteran, serving a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. He currently resides with his family in Onley.


Marks has not yet filed papers, but plans to do so by the end of the week.


As of now, only Major Todd Godwin has filed paperwork to run for the Sheriffs seat.

Source; shoredailynews.com

Box Trailer Containing 3 Motorcycles Stolen In Ocean City

WBOC NEWS/Kyle Parsons

OCEAN CITY, Md.- Ocean City police are investigating the theft of a box trailer containing two Harley Davidson motorcycles and one Iron Horse motorcycle.

According to police, the trailer was parked in the Tidelands auxiliary parking lot on the west side of Baltimore when an unknown suspect stole it sometime between 1 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., Monday, May 2.

The trailer, which is 16-feet long, is painted black. "S.R. Bressler" is painted on the side of
the trailer in white cursive lettering with "Welding and Fabrication" also painted on the
side in black and orange lettering. The wheels of the trailer are described to have tandem
wheels on each side.

Anyone with information about the incident is encouraged to contact the Ocean City Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at (410) 723-6604. Anonymous tips may also be made via email to ocpd@oceancitymd.gov.

Source; http://www.wboc.com/story/14571274/motorcycles-trailer-stolen-in-oc