Virginia Governor Will Not STOP Execution

Published : Friday, 12 Aug 2011

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Gov. Bob McDonnell said Friday he will not stop next week's execution of a man who was convicted of raping and killing an elderly Williamsburg woman.

McDonnell's action leaves the U.S. Supreme Court as the only hope for Jerry Terrell Jackson, 30, who is to die by injection Thursday at Greensville Correctional Center.

"After conferring with the appropriate parties, as well as thoroughly reviewing the clemency petition and the judicial opinions in this case, I find no compelling reason to set aside the sentence of the jury, imposed and affirmed by the courts," McDonnell said.

Jackson was convicted of the 2001 murder of 88-year-old Ruth Phillips.

His lawyers argue the jury was not given a complete picture of the abuse he suffered as a child, and that evidence of abuse could have convinced jurors to spare Jackson's life.

"We respect the governor's decision, but we are profoundly disappointed that he chose not to intervene in this instance," said Josh Toll, a Washington attorney who is helping represent Jackson.

Jackson would be the first Virginia inmate to die using a new drug protocol that replaces the sedative sodium thiopental with pentobarbital in the three-drug cocktail. A nationwide shortage of sodium thiopental forced many states to substitute pentobarbital, but some have questioned its use. Courts have ruled that the change in drugs is not significant enough to postpone executions.

Jackson's attorneys have argued that his trial attorneys failed to present evidence of his extreme abuse as a child. A federal judge agreed and ordered a new sentencing hearing for Jackson last year, but the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals blocked that hearing on a technicality in April.

Jackson admitted to police that he broke into Ruth Phillips' apartment Aug. 26, 2001, and that he put a pillow over her face to try to make her pass out once she awoke and caught him rummaging through her purse. He told police he left in Phillips' car and used the $60 to buy marijuana. He said he had not intended to kill Phillips.

At trial, Jackson said he lied to police and that an accomplice smothered Phillips. He denied raping Phillips, but prosecutors presented pubic hairs matching Jackson's DNA that were found around her body. He was convicted and sentenced to death in 2003.

Phillips, a widow for 30 years, worked as a seamstress making slip covers and draperies. 

Source;  http://www.wavy.com/dpp/news/virginia/virginia-governor-won%27t-stop-execution

State Urges Pertussin Shots For Those Attending School

NORFOLK, Va. (AP)- Virginia health and school officials are urging parents to get their children vaccinated for whooping cough before the start of school.


There had been 189 cases of whooping cough statewide as of June 30, compared to 87 cases during the same period in 2010.


Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes severe coughing fits. It's among the required vaccinations for kindergarten students.


Sixth graders also must have the Tdap booster shot if it's been at least five years since their last dose.


Norfolk public health nurse supervisor Debra Evans-Godfrey said that every year typically hundreds of students are held back on the first day of school because they haven't had their Tdap shot.

Source;  shoredailynews.com

Obama Buys new $1.1 million bus, Plus Another Just like it For The Secret Service Equal $2.2 million

 YOUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK

WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama is traveling the Midwest on a new $1.1 million bus purchased by the Secret Service, an impenetrable-looking conveyance the size of a cross-country Greyhound, painted all in black, with dark tinted windows and flashing red and blue lights.

Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan emphasized that the bus wasn't purchased solely for the president and would be used for other dignitaries in the future. He said the agency has not previously had buses in its fleet and was overdue to get some since it's had to protect politicians traveling by bus for decades.

President Barack Obama's bus drives past corn fields to Lower Hannah's Bend Park, Monday in Cannon Falls, Minn., during his three-day economic bus tour. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)
Read the article: Obama traveling Midwest on new $1.1 million bus

In the past, the service has had to lease buses and retrofit them for that purpose.
Donovan said two buses were purchased and one is being used by Obama as he travels through Minnesota, Iowa and Illinois. Both will be used by other officeholders and candidates.
Donovan declined to comment on the buses’ design or capability.

Source: INFORUM

Louisiana man decapitated disabled son, 7

WARNING THIS IS NOT FOR THE FAINT AT HEART!!

This without a doubt the most disturbing thing that I have read in a very long time. We live among some very sick individuals in this world. 

NEW ORLEANS — A Louisiana man is accused of bludgeoning, decapitating and dismembering his disabled 7-year-old son and leaving the boy's head near the street so the child's mother would see it — a killing that brought seasoned police officers to tears, authorities said Monday.
Jeremiah Lee Wright, 30, of Thibodaux waived his right to an attorney and confessed to killing Jori Lirette within 30 minutes of being brought to the police station Sunday, Police Chief Scott Silverii said. He said Wright was booked with first-degree murder and held in lieu of $5 million bond

He was in isolation, Silverii said during a Monday afternoon news conference. The department spokesman, Detective Ricky Ross, said he does not believe Wright has an attorney.

Flowers, balloons and stuffed animals were left Monday outside the house where Jori died.

“He was maybe the best thing that ever happened to me,” his mother, Jesslyn Lirette, said at the news conference.

A preliminary autopsy found the boy was bludgeoned, decapitated and dismembered, Silverii said. Whatever hit him caused “excessive bleeding in the head,” he said.

Silverii said the motive was unclear, though Wright told police “that he'd gotten to the point where he was tired of taking care” of the boy, who had cerebral palsy and heart problems, needed a feeding tube, had limited speech and was in a wheelchair.

“He said when he put his head out by the side of the road it was so the mother would see it when she came by,” Silverii said. He said Wright's only explanation for doing so was “just that he wanted her to feel stupid when she saw the head.”

The police chief said Jori's feet and one hand also were cut off, recovered with the body in several white plastic garbage bags.

The slaying was the first in Thibodaux since 2008.
Silverii said the boy apparently was decapitated over the kitchen sink, which was sent to the Louisiana State Police crime lab along with a box of tools found nearby. Wright told investigators he began killing the boy about 30 minutes after Lirette had left Sunday to repair her pickup truck so she could take Jori to a doctor on Tuesday.

Police had been called to the house last month when the couple had an argument — possibly about money — though neither person brought charges, Ross said. The police chief said Wright had been arrested a few times previously, though he was never charged with violent crimes. Wright served 10 days for theft in 2005.

Lirette, 27, told The Daily Comet of Thibodaux that she and Wright had been together for 10 years, but that she had planned for some time to leave him.

“I didn't get out fast enough,” she said.

Mark Chatagnier, a friend of Wright's, told the newspaper that Wright was unemployed and that Lirette often left him to care for Jori, even when she was not working.

“She would take off and totally expect Jerry to do everything,” Chatagnier said.
Lirette denied that. She said she cared for another disabled person to pay household bills and was still around to care for her son, who had been born three months premature, could say only a few words and weighed no more than 50 pounds when he died.

“He was my star. No matter what people think or say, he was always top priority in my life,” Lirette said through tears during the news conference. “I've done everything I can for him.”

When Lirette returned from fixing the truck, she found her home blocked by police tape.
When she identified herself, Silverii had a captain and Ross, who was a minister for 12 years and remains a lay pastor, tell her what happened.

“These are experienced men. They came out of there in tears. Just absolutely in tears,” Silverii said.
Grief counselors from the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office also spent time with her, he said.

South Thibodaux Elementary School, where Jori was a second-grader, was “a very somber place” Monday, said Floyd Benoit, spokesman for the Lafourche Parish school system. Counselors were on hand there and at other schools where people knew Jori, he said.

The school has 560 students, including 84 second-graders and 18 in special education across all grades, he said.

Jori had attended South Thibodaux since pre-kindergarten, principal Diane Smith said. “Everyone loved him. Even though he could not express in words his feelings to us, he did it with his smile,” she said.
Lirette, who began her statement with a plea for privacy, ended with a message to her son:

"In Heaven I believe you're a beautiful star and you will always shine bright inside my heart, inside everybody's heart. If I could go back and change yesterday, I would. But I can't.

“You will be missed and loved by everyone and we will pray every day in your honor. Love you, Mom.”

• Memorial for the boy 

Source: INFOURM

Kathy Mathias Passes Away

Sympathy is extended to the family of Senator Jim Mathias.
Their beloved Kathy passed away earlier this afternoon.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Use Caution When Swimming.

A rare infection associated with a type of amoeba that lives in stagnant water and travels up the sinuses and infects the brain, almost always causing meningitis, has been reported in a Virginia person.

The free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri proliferates in stagnant freshwater lakes, ponds, streams and rivers when temperatures climb into the 80s, health officials said in an advisory issued Saturday about safe swimming practices.

"Sadly, we have had a Naegleria infection in Virginia this summer," said Dr. Keri Hall, state epidemiologist at the Virginia Department of Health, in a statement.

"It's important that people be aware of … safe swimming messages," Hall said.

Naegleria fowleri, sometimes called a "brain-eating amoeba," travels up the nose to the brain where it destroys the brain tissue.

For privacy reasons, the health department does not disclose details on individual cases but, this month, officials confirmed a case of meningitis in a person in the Central Health Region of Virginia, which includes the Richmond area.

The aunt of a 9-year-old Henrico County boy who died Aug. 5 from meningitis said waterborne-illness was mentioned as a possible cause of the illness.

"The doctor described it to us as such a slight chance that they didn't even think it would be possible," said Bonnie Strickland, aunt of Christian Alexander Strickland.

The week before Christian died from meningitis, he was his usual active self and had attended a fishing camp, his aunt said.

In general, meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites, Hall said last week.

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.

Only 32 Naegleria fowleri infections were reported in the U.S. from 2001 to 2010 and, before this summer, the most recent case in Virginia was in 1969, state health officials said.

Symptoms of infection may not begin until a week or more after swimming.

To avoid waterborne illness or contaminating swimming waters, health officials advise:

• Don't swim when you have diarrhea.

• Don't swallow pool, lake, pond or river water.

• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before and after swimming.

• Wash your hands thoroughly after using the restroom or changing diapers.

• Take children on bathroom breaks or change diapers often.

• Change diapers in a bathroom, not at poolside or beachside.

• Avoid swimming, diving or other activities in obviously stagnant freshwater bodies when temperatures are high and water levels are low.

• Hold your nose or wear nose plugs when underwater or when diving or swimming in hot, shallow freshwater bodies.

Source; http://www2.timesdispatch.com/lifestyles/news/2011/aug/13/3/state-reports-rare-water-borne-illness-ar-1236776/

New Medical Facility Is Open In Pocomoke

Your Doc's In,  located on Route 13 South in Pocomoke City,  has been open for business for a few weeks.

Convenient hours, convenient services and non-appointment care!
For more info go to: www.yourdocsin.com 

Obama: "Islam Has Always Been Part Of Our American Family"

This is a disgrace for the U.S. and an insult to all those, and their families that were lost on 9-11.



At the Iftar dinner, a White House sponsored Ramadan event, President Obama says "Islam has always been part of our American family." Obama also says "this has been especially true over the past 10 years," referring to the attacks on September 11, 2001. Here's what he said:

 

"This evening reminds us of both the timeless teachings of a great religion and the enduring strengths of a great nation. Like so many faiths, Islam has always been part of our American family, and Muslim Americans have long contributed to the strength and character of our country, in all walks of life. This has been especially true over the past 10 years."

"In one month, we will mark the 10th anniversary of those awful attacks that brought so much pain to our hearts. It will be a time to honor all those that we’ve lost, the families who carry on their legacy, the heroes who rushed to help that day and all who have served to keep us safe during a difficult decade. And tonight, it’s worth remembering that these Americans were of many faiths and backgrounds, including proud and patriotic Muslim Americans."

U.S. Appeals Court Rules Against Obama's Health Care Law

A federal appeals court in Atlanta ruled Friday that a provision in President Obama's health care law requiring citizens to buy health insurance is unconstitutional, but the court didn't strike down the rest of the law.

The decision is a major setback for the White House, which had appealed a ruling by a lower court judge who struck down the entire law in January. But given that another appeals court, in Cincinnati, has upheld the law, it is increasingly clear that the Supreme Court will have the final say.

"We strongly disagree with this decision and we are confident it will not stand," White House spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter said in a statement.

On Friday, the divided three-judge panel of the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with 26 states that filed a lawsuit to block Obama's signature domestic initiative. The panel said that Congress exceeded its constitutional authority by requiring Americans to buy insurance or face penalties.

"This economic mandate represents a wholly novel and potentially unbounded assertion of congressional authority," the panel said in the majority opinion.

The majority also said that a basic objective of the law is to "make health insurance coverage accessible and thereby to reduce the number of uninsured persons." Without the individual mandate, the majority said, the law "retains many other provisions that help to accomplish some of the same objectives as the individual mandate."

The decision is a review of a sweeping ruling by a Florida judge, who not only struck down a requirement that nearly all Americans carry health insurance, but he also threw out other provisions ranging from Medicare discounts for some seniors to a change that allows adult children up to age 26 to remain on their parents' coverage.

The states urged the 11th Circuit to uphold U.S. District Judge Roger Vinson's ruling, saying in a court filing that letting the law stand would set a troubling precedent that "would imperil individual liberty, render Congress's other enumerated powers superfluous, and allow Congress to usurp the general police power reserved to the states."

The Justice Department countered that Congress had the power to require most people to buy health insurance or face tax penalties because Congress has the authority to regulate interstate business. It said the legislative branch was exercising its "quintessential" rights when it adopted the new law.

During oral arguments in June, the three-judge panel repeatedly raised questions about the overhaul and expressed unease with the insurance requirement. Each of the three worried aloud if upholding the landmark law could open the door to Congress adopting other sweeping economic mandates.

The arguments unfolded in what's considered one of the nation's most conservative appeals courts. But the randomly selected panel represents different judicial perspectives. None of the three is considered either a stalwart conservative or an unfaltering liberal.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the only private group to join the 26 states in the lawsuit, cheered the decision.

"Small-business owners across the country have been vindicated by the 11th Circuit's ruling that the individual mandate in the health-care law is unconstitutional," said Karen Harned, executive director of the group's legal center.

"The court reaffirmed what small businesses already knew - there are limits to Congress' power. And the individual mandate, which compels every American to buy health insurance or pay a fine, is a bridge too far," she said.

VIA: FoxNews

Comment From A Reader

One of our readers brings to view alot of good points concerning the recent drug busts and the every growing 'War On Drugs".

I'm a bit annoyed after thinking all this over.

 

  Okay-so they've arrested all these (including the "street" dealers in PC) and the original 5 or so were charged federally and given like 20 years in prison.  Now these dumb a**, trouble causing street dealers will (if we are lucky) given hardly any time in prison. 

From their previous histories they will be right back out dealing with new traffickers taking over the lead. 

 

This so called War on Drugs we've heard about for years now is not working because drug usage and the crime that goes along with it has increased dramatically. 

 

What annoys me is these ridiculously high sentences for the main players and the ridiculously low sentences for the street dealers. 

 

What's totally obvious is the leaders have some brains about them:  West a talented mechanic, Planter a talent for business and Galloway an author.  

 

Maybe if the officials concentrated MORE on the street dealers these big guys would have few less sellers out there. 

 

 Maybe if the main players were given a more sensible sentence and just like Michael Vick did w/dog fighting got out there and spoke the evils of drug dealing and usage some good would come? 

 

  What the Government is doing NOW is a complete failure.

 

After rethinking this all over I hate to give up on the orginal ones arrested because I really believe they could do some good with these young hoodlums and I think it's a hugh waste to keep them in prison for 20 years when someone is going to come right back in and replace them using the same ones to sell it on the streets.

 

Doggy Speed Dating.............

Looking for a friend and have had no luck with speed dating or chat rooms?  Maybe you've been looking for the wrong kind of friend.

Because there are SO many homeless animals recently the shelters can not house and care for so many of them.  The weaker ones alot of times have to be euthanized.  The funds to care for them just are not there.  This is heartbreaking.

Please try to give a small donation to an animal shelter near you.  That donation can be with a gift of money or just by giving the supplies they need to care for these animals who can NOT speak for themselves.

PLEASE search the internet or ask around your town for the locations of  these local shelters.

There IS someone out there waiting for your love either as a life time home or a foster parent.

YOU can give them the VOICE they need.

And in the meantime try "Doggy Speed Dating"......

If it works for people why won't it work for  our four legged friends!

Pocomoke Receives Housing Funds

Written by

Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY -- At their last meeting, the mayor and council learned the city has received $250,000 in funding for housing rehabilitation from the state Department of Housing and Community Development.

The funding will be used for deferred loans for owner-occupied homes and loans with 2 percent interest rates for landlords.

If the homeowners stay in their homes for five years (up to $10,000 loan), 10 years ($10,000-$20,000 loan) or 15 years ($20,000-$25,000 loan) the loans are forgiven.

City Manager Russell W. Blake said the program was started in 1976. The town has run out of funds and now has a waiting list for loans.

Police department improvements

After seeing plans for improvements at the new police headquarters, the council approved them. The new location will be on Market Street near the firehouse. Blake said bids for construction should be available at the next meeting, with construction completed in February or March.

The police department is presently housed in the former armory on Second Street.

Ambulance report

Although there was an increase in ambulance calls in Pocomoke City and lower Worcester County over the previous year, there was a significant decrease in calls to locations in Somerset County -- from 111 to 70 calls. Mike Thornton, the director of the ambulance company, said rescue companies in Somerset County had decided to increase their areas of coverage.

The council approved the purchase of two power life stretchers at a cost of $7,860 each. This will help ambulance personnel in lifting patients.

Golf course funds

The council authorized the city manager to apply for funding under the state Community Park and Playground program. Specific areas to be addressed in the application will be paving two cart paths on the Winter Quarters Golf Course, the construction of a new maintenance shop at the golf course and installation of heating and air conditioning at the log cabin. The total amount to be requested will be about $100,000.

The council also authorized an $8,700 loan from John Deere for the purchase of an aerator for the golf course.

Source;  http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110814/NEWS01/108140311/Pocomoke-receives-housing-funds

TIME MACHINE ... The World War II Era on the Eastern Shore.

December, 1941

Pocomoke City and other other Eastern Shore residents were tuning in to a special statewide radio broadcast "WHEN THE BLITZ COMES KNOW YOUR TASK." A newspaper ad advised that officials will tell you what an enemy attack will mean to Maryland..to you..to your family..and what your part will be when that time comes. Front page news items such as Approaches To Bay Mined By Navy and Eastern Shore Guardsmen On Active Service reflected the worrisome news of that era.


June, 1941

In Crisfield the normal peacetime production at the Briddell plant was now involved with a heavy workload related to military needs with two work shifts required. Also in Crisfield two tent factories were working overtime to fill military orders.


February, 1942

World War II military action was reported close to home for Pocomoke and other lower Eastern Shore residents with the news that an enemy submarine torpedoed and sank a freighter just 23 miles off of Ocean City. Two died in the attack and 39 who spent seven hours in two of the freighter's lifeboats were rescued by a Coast Guard Cutter dispatched from Ocean City.


March, 1942

A complete blackout of Ocean City was ordered by Maryland's State Defense Council until a plan could be devised to prevent light reflections that could silhouette ships on the ocean. Army officials had previously called for the blackout to make it more difficult for enemy ships to spot and sink ships off the Ocean City coastline. One problem was said to be the glare of light from side streets in addition to the light along the immediate shoreline. Ocean City officials were meeting with state and federal officials and were said to be confident plans could be put into place that would not curtail the summer season.


March, 1942

The executive director for Civil Defense for Maryland issued a warning to all county defense directors that every Eastern Shore county must immediately put partial blackouts into effect every night until further notice. It would involve eliminating lighting on all advertising signs, store window displays and other such lighting that could not be controlled at once in the event of an alert. Full scale black out procedures and practices were developed in most of the bigger Eastern Shore communities during the war era.


October, 1942

Worcester County war rationing boards were created in Pocomoke City, Snow Hill, and Berlin. Pocomoke board members were R. Harlan Robertson, chairman; E. Russell Mathews, and Edward Ham. Additionally, B. Fuller Waters was appointed to the Ceiling Price Panel; and Rev. John A. Ditto, Verlin C. Krabill Sr., and William H. Dryden were appointed to the Fuel Oil Panel.

Citizens throughout the country were urged to give support and cooperation to their local rationing boards:

It may seem like a lot of "stuff and nonsense" when your local War Price and Rationing Board makes a decision. But- please remember that these board members don't make the rules.

Even OPA in Washington doesn't decide what is to be rationed. Gasoline restrictions--for example, were ordered by the War Production Board and your Petroleum Administrator.

Your Ration Board members are merely representatives of Uncle Sam. They are to see that everyone gets a Fair Share of Rationed Goods Available.

"Share And Share Alike!"- that's the motto of your War Price and Rationing Board!.

These members- patriotic neighbors of yours- are handling the toughest job in town. They work long hours, Without Pay, so please give them consideration. They're patient with you. Be patient with them.

A public service campaign attempted to explain gasoline rationing:

Why can't I get more gasoline?

Sorry- But we haven't enough gas here in the east to supply military and civilian demands now!

Well, we want to drive to our cabin every Sunday.

But that's pleasure driving.

Well. . .

And there Isn't Gas Enough for Pleasure Driving. Everyone in the east is entitled to at least 3 gallons every two weeks- and no more.

Oh, that's just one of those silly OPA rules. My sister in Indiana gets more gasoline than that!

Yes. If she has an "A" card, they give her 4 gallons a week. You see that's the maximum allowed to "A" drivers because our rubber situation is so critical throughout the country.

Well, if they have more gas in Indiana, why don't we get more of it here?

Shipping- that's why. Before the war, gasoline was shipped to the Atlantic seaboard in giant tankers. A tanker docked at an east coast port every 80 minutes. Now- these tankers are carrying gasoline and oil to our men on the fighting fronts.

Why don't they ship gasoline across the country?

They do. You'd probably be surprised if you knew how much your government is doing to bring gasoline east. They're using everything they can find. Tank cars- and even rubber-lined box cars. But we still can't get enough.

I thought they were going to build some sort of pipelines.

They have. But they haven't even produced enough for military needs!

I don't see why. Everybody gets such a little bit of gasoline!

Millions of gallons of gas and oil are used each week in our military industries. And millions of barrels are shipped weekly from our east coast ports to the battle fronts.

I never though of that before.

Most people don't. But if everyone would try to understand the reason behind rationing, I'm sure they would do everything they could to help.

You mean- the gasoline I don't get is helping to win the war?

That's right. And the more we have to fight with, the sooner we'll win.

Even in wartime there were some moments of a less serious nature:

1943

As a young Navy pilot former President George H.W. Bush trained at the Chincoteague base. As reported in various published accounts he flew low over an area of Crisfield where a circus had setup nearby and a frightened elephant broke away, in turn frightening nearby residents. Reports were that Bush's low fly-over was an attempt to impress a young Crisfield woman he had met at a USO dance at Chincoteague.


Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Mans Fruit Stand Targeted By The State

Written by
Ted Shockley
Staff Writer
August 13, 2011

TEMPERANCEVILLE -- Burke Landon is in a governmental pickle with his roadside vegetable stand.



Photo- Jay Diem/Eastern Shore News



After three years of operation, the government has decided that the market and its signs are too close to Saxis Road.

Despite Landon's repeated calls, he said the government won't enforce the 35-mile-per-hour speed limit in front of his home. The thoroughfare is home to frequent motorcycle races and speeding drivers.

Despite Landon's complaints, he wonders if the government is ever going to mow the weeds in a nearby ditch that makes leaving his driveway perilous, or even clean the culvert that causes part of his yard to flood.

Landon even laughs about calling the authorities about loaded log trucks that are mysteriously driving away from U.S. Route 13 on their route north, only to resurface on the highway after avoiding the New Church truck scales. Despite his calls, the trucks continue to use the route.

"It's like no one cares what goes on with Saxis Road," he said. "It seems like I can't get anybody to do anything. I have tried to work with them."

Landon has a big customer base with his small market, where he sells everything from fresh North Carolina shrimp to garden-grown vegetables. It's on Saxis Road just minutes from the Temperanceville intersection. He's open around 1 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and all day Saturday and Sunday.

But as soon as he expanded his stand on the side and rear, the state highway department claimed the stand and its signs were in a state right-of-way. He's four and a half feet too close to the road.

Nora Chivers, a state highway department spokeswoman, said rights-of-way are placed for safety reasons -- so people aren't crashing into buildings or signs.

People who want to post items in rights-of-way need state permits. If something doesn't have a permit, "we can remove it. That's how it's enforced," she said.

However, there isn't an inspection team on the Eastern Shore patrolling for violations, she said. If crews find violations during road maintenance, they can warn violators, she said.

Within a few miles on Saxis Road, Landon counted numerous other apparent right-of-way violations -- his total was 17 violations -- and wondered why he was being singled out.

Landon had a deal for the highway department. "As soon as you cut this ditch, I will move my stand back four and a half feet," he told them.

"They have yet to cut it."

He even offered to keep the ditch near his home maintained if the department's equipment cleared the heavy brush first.

Police also haven't followed up on his tips about the log trucks, the motorcycle races or the clogged culvert.

"You'll probably have a motorcycle go past you doing a wheelie 80 miles per hour," Landon said. "When a child gets killed, then they'll do something about it."

Until then, Landon will keep calling about the speeders and the grass. He'll keep selling the shrimp and vegetables.

He finds it interesting that the government enforcement is more concerned with a sign and a couple of posts in the ground than people endangering others with their vehicles.

"The state and the county are always doing this for your taxes," he said, holding out his hand as if about to receive money.

"But you get nothing in return."

Source; http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20110813/ESN01/108130304/-It-s-like-no-one-cares-what-goes-on-with-Saxis-Road-?odyssey=mod|newswell|text|Eastern Shore News|s

**We rode past Mr. Landon's produce stand today and I am pleased to report that brush and ditch bank have been cleared on both sides of the road.  Mr. Landon is correct when he tells that speeding on Saxis Road happens everyday and speeders can be found the whole length of  Saxis Road until you reach the end -which is the Welcome sign in Saxis!  Horsey Road is just as dangerous to travel. 

Clogged culvert?  Yes.  Most of them are and there is flooding in front of his home and the others in that area.  Other ditches throughout the area are the same and water sits there for days.  But here's something to remember.  A few months ago the citizens of Accomack County were asked to help all they could to keep the sides of the road and ditch banks in front of their homes mowed.  My husband does.  In fact he cuts further down on both sides most times.  Due to cutbacks with the county and state our state roads dept. just doesn't have the funds to cut these areas as often as needed. However, Mr. Landon did have a just complaint.

Motorcycle races?  Those too.  Horsey Road and Saxis Road are the most popular for this weekend sport and people actually come from miles around to watch and to race.  But the racers know when the police have been notified.   I've even known the races to occur during local church hours and I can't imagine how devastating it would be for a family leaving church to be involved in a drag racing accident.

Logging trucks?  Yes.  And this gentlemen should know.  The woods beside him is being thinned and he should know which way the log trucks travel.  But then, you can ask anyone that travels  the back roads about the number of heavy trucks avoiding the  New Church scales.

Good job, Mr. Landon.  Maybe you got the ball rolling in the right direction for those of us back here that pay taxes and get no action!** jmmb

SUNDAY At The Worcester County Fair

Sunday   August 14, 2011

11 a.m.  Fair Opens

11 a.m.- Service by Snow Hill Mennonite Church

12:30 p.m.  Music by Country Crossroads

12:30 P.M.  Breyer Horse Show

3:30 p.m. - Awards Ceremony
4 p.m. - Fair Closes

**Also don't  miss**

Demonstrations by the Salisbury MD Kennel Club

Williams Blacksmith & Ironworks

Native American Dancing & Storytelling

Carriage Rides

River Cruises by the Bay Queen

Byrd Park
Snow Hill, Maryland

Shore Beef & BBQ- SUPER CHICKEN SUNDAY SPECIAL!!

  TODAY AT SHORE BEEF & BBQ

IS

SUPER CHICKEN SUNDAY!!!

1/2 BBQ chicken/w side and drink

$6.95

PLUS

SUNDAY SPECIAL

KIDS EAT FREE (12 and under)

11:00 am  until 2:00 pm ONLY

Route 13 south

New Church, Virginia

just before T's Corner

Smoke From Great Dismal Swamp Spreads As Far As Baltimore

My husband was in North Carolina last week and took this photo of the smoke coming  from the Great Dismal Swamp fire. (below)

August 13, 2011SUFFOLK, Va. – The wildfire in the Great Dismal Swamp National Refuge has burned nearly 5,800 acres and remains only 10 percent contained.

Falling trees have become a serious concern for crews fighting the blaze. The fire is burning through the deep peat layer, which sometimes measures up to 6 feet below the surface. This layer provides the foundation for trees in many areas of the swamp and firefighters say trees are coming down in every direction, often blocking roads and escape routes.

“With the consumption of the organic material, the root structure is seriously weakened,” said Incident Safety Officer Brian Beisel. “This is going to be a concern, not only for the firefighters currently working here, but for anyone entering into these burned areas for some time to come.”

Increased smoke has forced air operations previously based in Suffolk to relocate to airports in Chesapeake and around Hampton Roads.

Firefighters plan to begin pumping water from Lake Drummond into ditches throughout the swamp to raise the water table and prevent the fire from further spreading.

Lightning sparked the fire, which was first reported Aug. 4 and is the largest in the refuge's history. Smoke from the blaze has been visible in satellite photographs taken from space. Smoke from the blaze has spread as far as Annapolis and Baltimore in Maryland.

Portions of the Refuge are closed to the public including: Lake Drummond, Railroad Ditch, West Ditch, Interior Ditch and Corapeake Ditch Roads. The area of the Refuge south of Corapeake Ditch Road is also closed. The North Carolina Dismal Swamp State Park is closed. The Corps of Engineers has closed the Feeder Ditch, the Lake Drummond Reservation, and the alternative route of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Dismal Swamp Canal.

 

Source;  http://www.wtkr.com/news/wtkr-great-dismal-swamp-fire-only-10-percent-contained-smoke-spreads-as-far-as-baltimor-20110813,0,7664500.story

TIME MACHINE Preview ... The World War II era on the Eastern Shore

The war brings concerns and changes to life on the Eastern Shore. A glimpse of some of these.. tomorrow on The Pocomoke Public Eye!

Do you have a local memory to share with PPE readers.. such as a big snow storm, a favorite school teacher, a local happening, something of interest your parents or grandparents told you about? It can be just a line or two or more if you wish. Your name won't be used unless you ask that it be. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

See Dawn At Her Thirty-One Booth

If you are visiting the Worcester County Fair in Snow Hill, Maryland (Byrd Park) this weekend be sure to stop by and say HI to Dawn Bloxom at her Thirty-One booth.

Dawn will show you what's new in the world of Thirty-One designs for yourself or for the home.  Do some early Christmas shopping.....

**If you host a home or Catalog Thirty-One party with Dawn you will receive a FREE appetizer from Texas Roadhouse!**

And while you're there don't forget to sign up to win a large Utility Tote!

For more information on Dawn and her Thirty-One designs go to: 
www.mythirtyone.com/bloxom

Worcester County Fair Continues Saturday and Sunday

Saturday, August 13^th
11 a.m. - Fair Opens

SATURDAY, AUGUST 13th

Fair Opens   11 AM

11 a.m.-2 p.m. - Classic Car & Truck Show
11 a.m. Beef Show (Pavilions)

11:30 a.m. Childrens Limbo Contest

12:30 p.m. Childrens Watermelon Eating Contest

1 - 7 p.m. Bay Queen Cruises

1 p.m. Meat Goat Show (Pavillions)

1 p.m to 5 p.m. Jam Session with George Hall

1:30p.m. Childrens Pedal Tractor Event (in Childrens Area)

2:30 p.m. Childrens Extra Large Kool Pop Eating Contest

3:30 p.m. Childrens Chicken Scratch

4 p.m. - Dairy Goat Show (Pavilions)

4:30 p.m. Childrens Pie Eating Contest (coolwhip)

5:30 p.m. Childrens Hula Hoop Contest

6 p.m.- Swine Show

6 p.m.  Adult Talent Show AND Youth Talent Show

6:30 p.m. Childrens Egg Toss

8 p.m. - Fair Closes for the Day

**Also dont miss**

Gun Fight by the Del Rio Rangers

Native American Dancing & Storytelling

Quilters

Carriage Rides

Chain Saw Carving Demonstrations

Williams Blacksmith & Ironworks

MELSON POWER SHOW THIS SATURDAY

MELSON POWER SHOW

July race events pulled in the largest crowd ever at Melson's.

Let's make it an even LARGER crowd on

Saturday

August 13, 2011

Watch Bailey compete against her younger brother in the

Lawn Tractor Pull. 

The competition can get tense between these two.  It's so much fun to watch them that you won't mind who wins..........or who loses.  (But I bet on the way home there's alot said)

After the lawn tractors get ready for the
Garden Tractors

See how much weight they can actually pull.

Old tractor or new...it doesn't matter....

Also on race night......

Truck Pull

And if you still haven't had enough.....

Dirt Drag !!

And maybe even more...........

REGISTRATION AT 3:00 PM

EVENTS BEGIN AT 5:00

PLEASE BE SURE TO BE REGISTERED BY 5:00 !

Admission: $5.00 - Children under 11 years FREE!

9343 Guy Ward Road

Parsonsburg, Maryland

So pack up your lawn chair and lounge under the shade or sit in the shade and watch from one of the picnic tables.

Refreshments available.

We'll be looking for you!!