Teen Prostitution / Gang Used Social Media Sites to Identify Potential Victims

It’s yet another reason why parents need to keep a close eye on their kids’ involvement with social networking websites—during a three-year period ending in March 2012, members of a violent Virginia street gang used some of these websites to recruit vulnerable high-school age girls to work in their prostitution business.

After a multi-agency state and federal investigation, all five defendants pleaded guilty to various federal charges related to the sex trafficking conspiracy. The leader of the gang—27-year-old Justin Strom—was just sentenced on September 14 to 40 years in prison, while the sentences handed down for the other four defendants totaled 53 years.

Strom headed up the Underground Gangster Crips (UGC), a Crips “set” based in Fairfax, Virginia. The Crips originated in Los Angeles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and since then, the gang has splintered into various groups around the country. Law enforcement has seen a number of Crips sets in the U.S. engaging in sex trafficking as a means of making money.

That’s certainly what was happening in Virginia. Strom and his UGC associates would troll social networking sites, looking for attractive young girls. After identifying a potential victim, they would contact her online using phony identities...complimenting her on her looks, asking to get to know her better, sometimes offering her the opportunity to make money as a result of her looks.

If the victim expressed interest (and many did, being young and easily flattered by the attention), Strom or one of his associates would ask for her cell phone number to contact her offline and make plans to meet.

After some more flattery about their attractiveness, sometimes hits of illegal drugs and alcohol, and even mandatory sexual “tryouts” with Strom and other gang members, the girls were lured into engaging in commercial sex, often with the help of more senior girls showing them the ropes. The girls might be sent to an apartment complex with instructions to knock on doors looking for potential customers…or driven to hotels for pre-arranged meetings…or taken to Strom’s house, where he allowed paying customers to have sex with them. 

In addition to using the Internet, Strom and his associates recruited vulnerable young girls from schools and bus and rail stops. He also went online to find customers—postings ads on various websites showing scantily-clad young women.

Some of the juvenile victims were threatened with violence if they didn’t perform as directed and many were given drugs or alcohol to keep them sedated and compliant.

Strom and his associates did not discriminate—their victims were from across the socio-economic spectrum and represented different ethnic backgrounds. 

The FBI’s Washington Field Office worked the investigation alongside the Fairfax County Police Department, with the assistance of the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force.  

After the group’s indictment in March 2012, then-Special Agent in Charge Ronald Hosko of our Washington Field Office reiterated the importance of working with our partners and community groups in combating these types of despicable crimes. He also said, “Trafficking in humans, especially for the purpose of underage prostitution, is among the most insidious of crimes…and the FBI will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to track down those who exploit our children and engage in human trafficking.”

#################

Protect Your Kids on Social Networking Sites

Talk to your kids about the dangers of being sexually exploited online and offline.

Make sure your kids’ privacy settings are high, but also keep in mind that information can inadvertently be leaked by friends and family…so kids should still be careful about posting certain information about themselves—like street address, phone number, Social Security number, etc.

Be aware of who your kids’ online friends are, and advise them to accept friend requests only from people they know personally.

Know that teens are not always honest about what they are doing online. Some will let their parents “friend” them, for example, but will then establish another space online that is hidden from their parents.

Teens sometimes employ an “Internet language” to use when parents are nearby. For example:- PAW or PRW: Parents are watching
- PIR: Parents in room
- POS: Parent over shoulder
- LMIRL: Let’s meet in real life
Source:

Thou Shalt NOT Steal! Especially From Where I Sit

To the young man who ventured into our yard Friday night.

What ever possessed you to think it would be alright with us if you took a few items? Maybe by it being the time of morning it was you just figured the community was asleep and you could just help yourself?

Now where would you have gotten the idea it was okay to take things that do not belong to you? And let me commend you on your gift for being able to see in half darkness and for being agile enough to walk at the side of my yard against the field. I'm surprised you didn't twist your ankle leaving it sprained or broken. Wonder who would have paid for that?

 And tell me....did the half lighted yard help you in your selection of items to steal?  How many times have you been here and how long have you been watching my property?

When did you realize you had been seen? Was it when my husband, trying to protect what belongs to HIM yelled at you? Or was it when he left to follow the pick up your accomplice was driving, leaving you alone in MY yard? Do you realize that your sticky fingers could have very well have caused great harm to my husband and some of the Accomack County Deputies PLUS an officer from a local police department, that assisted in following and finally stopping the truck?

For goodness sakes! With your agility and night vision you need a decent night job. Anyone awake at 1:00 A M working as hard as you did should be able to work really hard at a LEGAL NIGHT job that pays well..........something instead of stealing from others. But then, I'm sure stealing is hard work.

I have no idea where you and your friend (driving the truck Friday night) came from in life. Nor do I care. You see, I have raised my children and you best believe that at any age, if they had stolen one small thing, I would have crushed their fingers! You are very lucky to be alive today.....just darn lucky you didn't get shot!

Be advised that I intend on contacting everyone of my neighbors. The ones I didn't contact today will be getting notices from me in the mail this week. I may as well do something late at night. While you were here early Saturday morning stealing my items you also took my ability to sleep very well.
　
Thank you to the Accomack County Sheriff's Department and Parksley police officer for your assistance.

Somerset County Deputy To Return To Work

Congratulaltions Troy!!  Best of luck to you!!

Written by

Liz Holland

PRINCESS ANNE — Troy Durham, a Somerset County deputy who was fired in 2008 and had waged a legal battle against Sheriff Robert N. Jones ever since, is expected to return to his former job on Monday.

Jones said Friday morning he had not yet been briefed on the details of the deal worked out by lawyers on both sides.

“I’m assuming that’s the case,” he said. “I’m waiting for some calls today.”

Durham’s attorney, Howard Hoffman, said Jones is forcing Durham to reapply for his position

“We believe that such a position leaves Troy vulnerable as a matter of public safety, and that this is more of an obvious and transparent effort to delay and harm Troy’s right to serve as a sworn law enforcement officer,” Hoffman said in an email. “The Court of Special Appeals did not condition Troy’s return on any tests, and we believe that the sheriff can do more if he respected the court’s order of reinstatement.”

Kirk Simpkins, the county’s attorney, said he was not at liberty to discuss the case, which is considered a confidential personnel matter. “I can’t confirm or deny,” he said.

Attorneys for Jones did not return phone calls Friday.

Earlier this week, a federal judge denied Jones’ request for a new trial, and also ordered him to pay $128,000 for Durham’s legal fees.

Last month, Durham won his appeal to Maryland’s Court of Special Appeals which agreed his termination by the county was arbitrary and capricious.

The court overturned a 2010 Circuit Court ruling by Judge W. Newton Jackson III that there was not enough evidence to support Durham’s claims of wrongful termination.

The court’s reversal was the second victory for Durham. In May, he was awarded more than $1 million after a federal jury found he had been denied his First Amendment rights.

Since then, Durham’s attorney has successfully had Jones’ wages garnished and has seized a bank account.

The former deputy has fought a legal battle against the Sheriff’s Office since 2008 when he filed a grievance alleging internal corruption and accusing co-workers of forcing him to change a police report.

In his lawsuit, Durham alleged he was ordered to alter a police report, but refused. He said he was threatened with his job and relented, but later filed a grievance with the Somerset County Commissioners.

Five days later, Durham was placed on administrative leave and was told his grievance was being investigated by Jones.

Durham was eventually terminated, and has alleged Jones, fired him in retaliation.

The Durham lawsuit was not the first time Jones faced controversy.

In 2009, Jones was investigated after a Princess Anne woman claimed he had deliberately backed into her with his unmarked cruiser while intoxicated in a parking lot in front of her apartment.

The woman filed a civil peace order, claiming she did not know at the time who he was. Jones said he was conducting surveillance at the time of the incident. The peace order was dismissed, and an investigation by the Maryland Attorney General’s Office was later closed for lack of evidence.

Source:

Virginia Voter Registration Cards To Be Mailed

The Virginia State Board of Elections is preparing to mail about 4.7 million voter registration cards in the coming weeks, and has launched a half-million-dollar statewide outreach effort in the wake of new voter identification rules.

The registration cards are expected to hit mailboxes late next week through the first week in October.

Billboards and other efforts have rolled out as part of a $550,000 communications contract awarded in the run-up to the Nov. 6 presidential election.

The multipronged effort is an attempt by state election officials to educate voters before the election, and to meet specific directives made earlier this year by Gov. Bob McDonnell.

In May, McDonnell signed hotly contested legislation that requires voters without proper ID at the polls to cast a provisional ballot.

The voter would have until noon on the Friday after the election to submit acceptable identification to the electoral board if they want their vote to be counted.

Previously, those who showed up at the polls without proper ID were allowed to vote normally after signing a document swearing they're a registered voter.

The legislation also expands the forms of identification that voters can use at the polls, to include a student ID from a state college or university, a copy of a current utility bill, bank statement or paycheck.

McDonnell approved the legislation — which opponents argued could make it more difficult for minorities and the elderly, among others, to vote — but he ordered the State Board of Elections to issue new voter registration cards and to launch a campaign to communicate the changes to Virginians.

The state board will soon send the new cards, at an estimated cost of $1.35 million, and has signed a contract with JMI Inc. for up to $550,000 to spread the word.

Both of the costs are being paid with state and federal dollars, according to the elections board.

The governor "wants to ensure all Virginians know where to vote and what documents they need to cast their vote following the passage of Voter ID legislation this past session," said McDonnell spokesman J. Tucker Martin. "He believes a strong democracy requires an engaged and involved electorate."

Proponents of the measures say they are designed to prevent voter fraud.

The contract amount includes placing ads on the sides of buses, on light rail and billboards and buying ads for radio and print. Billboard ads are up in Charlottesville, Hampton and Roanoke.

"We want to make sure we hit everybody, and that's, you know, part of why you see the cost, because it's a big state obviously," said Justin Riemer, deputy secretary of the Virginia State Board of Elections. "It's really a comprehensive statewide effort."

The state board also plans to have a presence at various events, including the State Fair of Virginia, several college homecomings and the Richmond Folk Festival.

The agency on Friday launched a new website that includes a page about the new requirements and features a 13-minute video.

Aside from the new ID requirements, many voters could have a new polling place because the state redistricted earlier this year.

As the voter registration cards start rolling out, Riemer urges people to take a closer look "and make sure it doesn't go out with the junk mail."

"People have to be on the lookout for it," he said.

A brochure accompanying the new cards was in the works before the Justice Department approved the new voter ID rules, so it does not list every new form of acceptable identification. It directs voters to the state board's website for a full list.

If by the end of the first week in October a voter has not received a new card in the mail, Riemer suggests they check their record either on the State Board of Elections website or with their local voter registration office, through which they can submit a registration application to update their record.

The deadline is Oct. 15 to register to vote in the November election.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... Baseball's Vic Keen's Ties To Pocomoke City

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

September, 1937

Two former major league baseball players were managing teams in the Eastern Shore League. Pitcher Vic Keen was managing as well as pitching for the Pocomoke Red Sox and infielder Jake Flowers was managing the Salisbury Senators. A couple of years later Keen managed the Salisbury team and Flowers came to Pocomoke to manage. Both had rounded out their big league careers with the St. Louis Cardinals.

Keen and Flowers had Eastern Shore roots. Flowers was from Cambridge and Keen's father, a minister, brought his family from the western shore to Snow Hill where Keen was a star pitcher on the high school team. After his major league career Keen made Pocomoke City his permanent residence and was involved in the poultry business.

Now here's more on Vic Keen (at this address):

http://bioproj.sabr.org/bioproj.cfm?a=v&v=l&bid=1938&pid=7329　

　

May, 1901

The Postal Telegraph Company of New York announced new offices were being opened in Pocomoke and numerous Eastern Shore Of Virginia towns, with wires also to soon be completed to locations in Somerset and Wicomico Counties, and in Delaware.

　

April, 1911

The Census Bureau released 1910 population figures for Maryland and comparative numbers for 10 years earlier.

For the lower Eastern Shore counties, Worcester's population was reported at 21,841 (20,865 for 1900).

Somerset County ... 26,455 (25,923)

Wicomico County ... 26,815 (22,852)

Pocomoke City's 1910 population was reported at 2,309 (2,124 for 1900).

Snow Hill ... 1,844 (596)

Princess Anne ... 1,006 (854)

Crisfiled ... 3,408 (3,105)

Salisbury ... 6,690 (4,277)

　

April, 1956

(The Salisbury Times)

Road-E-O To Be Held In Pocomoke

Pocomoke City - Written examinations for the 1956 Teenage Road-E-O were held in the Berlin, Snow Hill, and Pocomoke City High Schools yesterday.

The Road-E-O will be held in Pocomoke City Saturday on the parking lot of the Birds-Eye plant.

This is part of a nationwide safe driving campaign for teenagers, who will have to prove their ability to handle automobiles by driving through an obstacle course.

Winners of the Worcester County contest will enter the state finals in Westminister in May. Winners of the state contest will compete in the nation finals in Washington.

　

November, 1897

(Harrisonburg Rockingham Register- Harrisonburg, Va.)

W.F. Benson of Pocomoke City, Md., has grown a remarkably large pear. It is 16 1/4 inches in circumference and weighs twenty-five pounds and ten ounces. It is of the Kiefer variety. Mr. Benson gathered ten bushels of pears from the tree on which this large one grew.

　

We need your help in providing your recollections or information for the TIME MACHINE. So please consider, and as we always remind you...

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!

Riverside Grill Pocomoke ~ Sunday Specials !

Riverside Grill Pocomoke

Sunday Specials

9/16

Come watch the game and enjoy these specials:

-Vegetable Beef Soup or Chili w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 5.99
-Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
-Meatball Sub w/ fries 7.99
-1 chili cheese dog w/ fries 4.99 or 2 for 6.99
-Taco Salad 6.99

Appetizers:
-Crab Pizza 9.99 or
-Chili Nachos 5.99

Sunday Drink Specials All Day 9/16!Happy Hour all day

$2.50 bloody mary/ mimosas
$1.50 Coors lt., bud lt., yuengling draft
$5 bombs

HELP NEEDED For The Community Giving Garden

HELP NEEDED

At the Community Giving  Garden

Monday  September 17, 2012

The volunteer organizers need help with the followintg:

Cleaning up the raised beds
Preparing the soil for new plants and
Getting ready for a fall crop of veggies
Please come with gloves and tools ready!
Meet at the garden @ 6:00PM

 (corner of Clarke Ave. & Willow Street)

 Community Garden Volunteer Report: The Community Garden has produced a lot of green beans and peppers and a good amount of cucumbers, little tomatoes and corn for the Samaritan Shelter. Sweet potatoes vines are taking over and should be a good crop. Just starting to pick turnip greens, and looking forward more veggies to come...!

A Simple Reminder.........

Thou shalt NOT steal!

Do you understand that?

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Baseball's Vic Keen's Ties To Pocomoke City

　
High School baseball in Worcester County...the Major Leagues...managing in the old Eastern Shore League...
　
Read more about Vic Keen this Sunday 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!

Pet Jerky Treat Death Toll: 360 Dogs, 1 Cat, FDA Says

By JoNel Aleccia, NBC News

At least 360 dogs and one cat reportedly have died in the U.S. after eating chicken jerky pet treats made in China, even as claims of illnesses tied to the products have topped 2,200, federal veterinary health officials said.

Food and Drug Administration officials this week issued the first summary of reports of pet deaths linked to the jerky treats in the past 18 months, along with the strongest suggestion to date that owners might want to avoid the products all together.

“The FDA is reminding pet owners that jerky pet treats are not necessary for pets to have a fully balanced diet, so eliminating them will not harm pets,” agency officials said in an online report.

At the same time, the FDA said it will begin testing treats to see whether irradiation of the products may have contributed to reports of treat-related problems ranging from diarrhea and vomiting to kidney failure, Fanconi syndrome and death.  

In 2009, the Australian government halted irradiation used to sterilize cat food after reports of paralysis and other problems appeared to be linked to the process. Ninety cats were sickened, of which 30 died, according to press reports at the time.

U.S. regulations allow pet food, including pet treats, to be irradiated up to a maximum of 50 kiloGrays to provide microbial disinfection or elimination of other pathogens. By contrast, most foods for human consumption are limited to far lower levels, 1 kiloGray maximum for fresh foods and 3 kiloGrays for fresh shell eggs to eliminate salmonella. The upper limit is 30 kiloGrays for spices or dry dehydrated seasonings -- except for frozen packaged meats for astronauts, which may be irradiated at levels up to 44 kiloGrays.

It’s not clear whether or how irradiation may contribute to illnesses in pets. The process is widely regarded as safe and even necessary by food safety experts such as Christina Bruhn, a researcher in food science and technology at the University of California at Davis.

Keith Schopp, a spokesman for Nestle Purina PetCare Co., confirmed that his firm's Waggin' Train brand products are irradiated. 

"This is similar to what is used in sterilizing spices, apples, tomatoes and meat for human food," he said in an email to NBC News. "The extra precaution is taken to assure pet owners the treats they buy are safe and healthy."

FDA officials indicated they would ask NASA -- which has expertise in the effects of irradiated food -- for help in their analysis.

Investigating irradiation's effects on pet treats will be the latest avenue for an agency stumped by rising reports of deaths and illnesses in pets. The treats are part of an estimated nearly 86 million pounds of pet food imported to the U.S. from China each year.

In China, people mostly prefer the dark meat of chicken, leaving a large amount of light meat products available for export. Much of that has been funneled into pet treats, including pet jerky treats that are considered the fastest growing segment of the pet food market, the FDA indicated.

Since 2007, the FDA has received growing numbers of reports of illnesses and deaths in pets fed the jerky treats. Repeated tests at FDA laboratories, at the agency’s Veterinary Response Laboratory Network, and by other animal health diagnostic labs across the country have failed to detect any microbiological, chemical or other contaminants in high enough levels to cause the symptoms in the pets.

“To date, none of the testing results have revealed an association between a causative agent and the reported illnesses,” the FDA said.

The situation has frustrated pet owners who blame the deaths and illnesses of their animals on tainted treats. Several lawsuits have been filed against the firms that sell the treats and the companies that make them, including Nestle Purina, which makes the popular Waggin’ Train and Canyon Ranch jerky treat products, and Del Monte Corp., which makes popular Milo's Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats.

READ MORE....

CAR WASH TODAY !!

The Pocomoke City Fire Company Cadets

CAR WASH

Being held at the Fire Department

Saturday   September 15, 2012

9:00 AM  until  2:00 PM

Cost:  $10.00

Get your car washed and help support the

Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company Cadets

"Warriors Supporting Warriors" Field Hockey- For Our Troops.

‘Warriors Supporting Warriors’

Pocomoke Warriors  VS  Easton Warriors

AT
Pocomoke High School Stadium

TODAY

Friday, September 14, 2012

Junior Varsity game starting - 4:00 p.m.

Varsity game following at 5:30 p.m.

COST  $5.00

BAKE SALE and team members will be selling flags with yellow ribbons

ALL proceeds  from the game will go towards the

"Wounded Warrior Project"

Also as a tribute all military personnel - with military I.D. will be able to attend the game at no cost.

Come out and support the Warriors of Pocomoke High School as they support and honor the men and women who proudly serve our country.

Legislative Updates From Delegate Mike McDermott

Voter Fraud Investigation Demand

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

Mike McDermott: “ The allegations against Wendy Rosen make her the Poster Child for Voter Fraud”

(Annapolis) -- Delegate Mike McDermott (R), representing Maryland's Eastern Shore, is calling upon Maryland Attorney General Douglas Gansler and Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations of fraud committed by former 1st District Congressional Candidate Wendy Rosen. The former Democratic candidate was a challenger in the race against incumbent Congressman Andy Harris (R).

"At a time when many declare we should not be concerned about 'voter fraud,’ the disqualified 1st Congressional District Candidate, Wendy Rosen, makes the perfect poster child " stated Delegate Mike McDermott. "These allegations must be investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law as a vigilant reminder that our elections are precious and must be protected” continued Delegate McDermott.

Delegate McDermott has requested an investigation of the allegations that Ms. Rosen voted in the states of Maryland and Florida during the same election cycle. The delegate went on to say, "Her [Rosen's] outrageous conduct has resulted in an attack on our strong two-party election process that should not go unpunished.  We expect more from our electorate and we must demand our candidates lead by example."

Formal requests were filed with both Offices of the Attorney Generals Gansler (Maryland) and Bondi (Florida) requesting the investigation of alleged fraud committed by Rosen in their respective jurisdictions.

Delmarva's Got Talent ~ Last Call For Contestants

LIVE: Delmarva's Got Talent!  September 21st & 22nd 28th & 29th Time: 7PM LAST CALL  for contestants! Don't miss out on this awesome annual event!  Grand Prize is $500 Entry fee: $25 + application For more information, visit our website!  We're accepting applicants until Thursday, September 20 at noon!   For all forms regarding DGT, click here!

Crisfield Mudbog, Continued ~ September 1, 2012

THE GAMBLER'S RACE

This is a winner take all race where the drivers dial in what time they think it will take them to finish getting through 150 ft. of mud!  The jackpot grew rapidly once again and before we knew it $2,000.00 was the winning amount!!  The spectators love this - and so do the drivers!

The winner of the Gambler's Race at he Crisfield Mud Bog on Sept. 1 was

SAM JONES DRIVING "DIRTY DREAMS"

Sam was only 0.09 off from his dial in time



"Dirty Dreams"
Driver/ Sam Jones
Photo/ Elizabeth, North Carolina
Summer 2012



Video:  Brian Watson /"Little Red Dakota"



"All Night Soldier"
Driver/Owner/ Patrick Long

 According to the driver Patrick Long, "All Night Soldier" took second place in the Small Tire Super Stock with a 7 second pass.  In Big Tire Super Stock he ran a 6.5.

Which reminds me:  If you have any information about your racing at the last race in Crisfield let me know!



"Friends In Low Places"

Driver/ Daniel Harvison

Video: Charlie Price/ "Midnight Express"



"Poppy's Toy"
Driver/ Gary Downes

"Dirty Dog"
Driver/ Travis Pruitt



Next mud bog will be October 13, 2012 in Gumboro, Delaware.

For information and directions go to www.gumborocrisfieldmudbogs.net

Always looking for new info......

Contact me if you'd like to share.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Baseball's Vic Keen's Ties To Pocomoke City

　
High School baseball in Worcester County...the Major Leagues...managing in the old Eastern Shore League...
　
Read more about Vic Keen this Sunday 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!

NEW Traffic Law To Take Effect October 1st

NEW NON-FUNCTIONING TRAFFIC LIGHT LAW TO TAKE EFFECT

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Police are reminding motorists of a new law about to take effect regarding actions drivers must take when approaching intersections with non-functioning traffic signals.

Beginning October 1, 2012, a driver approaching a non-functioning traffic control signal from any direction at an intersection shall stop:
-at a clearly marked stop line;
-before entering any crosswalk; or
-before entering the intersection.

After stopping, the driver must:-yield to any vehicle or pedestrian in the intersection; and
-remain stopped until it is safe to enter and continue through the intersection.

Intersection traffic control signals, most commonly called ‘red lights,’ or ‘stop lights,’ direct the safe and orderly flow of traffic in and through thousands of intersections across Maryland. Most are powered by electricity that can be interrupted because of storms, traffic crashes, or other incidents that cause power outages. Just because a traffic control signal is not functioning at an intersection does not mean drivers are relieved of their duty to exercise care and caution. The new law makes clear the procedures each driver must now follow.

Violations of the new law carry a fine of $90 and two points if the offense does not contribute to an accident. If the violation contributes to a crash, the fine is $130 and three points.

REMEMBER EXISTING LAWS:
If two vehicles approach an intersection without a traffic control device or with a non-functioning traffic control signal from different roadways at the same time, there is existing motor vehicle law that applies. In this situation, the driver on the left must yield the right-of-way to the vehicle on his or her immediate right.

There are also times when a traffic control signal that normally operates green, yellow, and red lights may be in ‘flashing’ mode. This usually means red lights may be flashing in one direction and yellow lights are flashing in another direction. Flashing red
and yellow lights on a traffic control signal do not mean the light is ‘non-functioning.’

In this situation, the drivers approaching the red flashing light must stop and can only proceed when the intersection is clear. Drivers approaching the yellow flashing light should slow down and use caution, but are permitted to proceed through the intersection without stopping. Drivers are also reminded that if a police officer is directing traffic in the intersection, they should obey the directions of that officer, regardless of the signal indicated on the traffic control device.

It is difficult to describe every potential intersection situation. Above all, drivers are reminded that it is their duty to always drive with care and caution, especially when approaching an intersection with a non-functioning signal. If other drivers are present at the intersection, remember to be courteous, use caution, and do everything possible to try to determine the intentions of other motorists and communicate your intentions, if you are unsure of how to proceed. Even if you have the right of way, it is better to allow another driver to proceed if it appears he or she is going to do so, instead of risking an intersection crash.
Maryland State Police Press Release

Mar-Va Theater This Weekend

Friday  September 14th

Saturday  September 15th

7 PM

ADMISSION:  $5.00

www.marvatheater.com

Maryland Pit Bull Ruling Is Challenged In Federal Court

By Ian Duncan

The Baltimore Sun

A resident at the low-income Armistead Gardens housing development is suing the state in federal court, asking judges to strike down a recent court ruling that pit bulls are inherently dangerous.

In a complaint filed Wednesday, lawyers for Joseph Weigel argue that he would have to move out of his home at the East Baltimore housing complex if he refuses to give up his dog.

In August, the Maryland Court of Appeals ruled that purebred pit bulls are "inherently dangerous" and that landlords could potentially be strictly liable if a pit bull attacks a person on their property.

After the ruling, Armistead Homes Corp., which manages Armistead Gardens, told residents to get rid of pure and mixed-breed pit bulls or face eviction, according to the suit.

Weigel's suit argues that in the ruling, the appeals court unconstitutionally overrode the property rights of people like Weigel by making them choose between their homes and their pets.

Charles H. Edwards, Weigel's attorney, said that if a restraining order is not issued, Weigel and his dog will be homeless before the end of September. While Weigel is the only resident of the development named in the suit, Edwards said it could apply to as many as 500 dog owners who live there.

"These people are faced with a very hard choice — homelessness or euthanization of their dogs," Edwards said.

Armistead Gardens did not respond to requests for comment on the suit. And the Maryland attorney general's office declined to comment on ongoing litigation.

The original ruling sprang from a 2007 incident in which a young boy was mauled by a pit bull in Towson. When the dog's owner declared bankruptcy, the boy's family took forward a case against the owner's landlord.

In April, the Court of Appeals ruled that both purebred pit bulls and pit bull mixes were inherently dangerous, overturning a previous law that an owner must have known their dog was dangerous in order to be held strictly liable.

Then in August, the appeals court partly walked back the ruling, applying it only to purebred pit bulls. But experts say that might not have changed the effect of the ruling because "pit bull" is not a breed of dog, rather an umbrella term for different breeds.

The General Assembly made an unsuccessful attempt to revise the ruling in the special session, and is expected to try again next year.

Edwards said he knows he has an uphill battle in his challenge.

"It's an incredibly difficult case to win, but you got to do something," he said.

While the court made clear that the ruling was not a ban on pit bulls and that their owners would not have to give up their dogs, Tami Santelli, Maryland director of the Humane Society of the United States, said its effect on renters could be "more insidious".

Stacey Evans, the chairwoman of the animal law section of the Maryland State Bar Association, believes landlords could be held liable even if they did not know a pit bull was on their property.

Animal protection groups are worried that the ruling would lead to tenants abandoning pit bulls in order to stay in their homes.

"Everyone was pretty nervous in April when the case came down," Santelli said.

While the Humane Society estimates the ruling could affect as many as 70,000 dogs in Maryland, Santelli said she had not heard of large numbers of animals being given up to shelters. But she said homeowners and condo associations have contacted the organization to say they are updating policies to ban pit bulls in common areas.

Source:

Rocket Launch For Saturday ~ NASA Wallops Island Canceled

The launch of a Terrier-Lynx suborbital rocket scheduled September 15, 2012  for the Department of Defense from NASA's launch range at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia has been postponed.

A new launch date has not been determined.

2012 ATV JAMBOREE & DEMOLITION DERBY THIS WEEKEND

~POCOMOKE CITY FAIRGROUND~

TWO EXCITING EVENTS IN ONE DAY!

 Drag racing and off-road course

(mud pit also if it is not too dry in that area of the infield)

 ATV Registration:  9:00 AM

Registration Fee:  $25.00

ATV Events Begin @ 10:00 AM

Demolition Derby begins @ 4:00 PM

Registration Fee:  $25.00

***ADMISSION:***

ATV EVENT ~ $2.00
DEMOLITION DERBY ~ $5.00
OR
$7.00 for ALL DAY ADMISSION WRISTBAND
(must present wristband if you leave and return later)
Children 6 yrs. and under FREE


 Kitchen will be OPEN for lunch and dinner for sandwiches. 

Try the NEW funnel fries!!!!