NASA Wallops, VA. ~ Antares Rocket Moves To Launch Pad For Testing

NASA Photo

Orbital Sciences Corp. rolled the first stage of its Antares rocket to a Virginia launch pad Monday as the company prepares for a hold-down test of the vehicle's Russian-built engines ahead of the first Antares launch.

The milestone moves Orbital closer to beginning commercial cargo services to the International Space Station next year.

  The Antares first stage, designed by Yuzhnoye and built by Yuzhmash in Ukraine, moved one mile from its hangar to pad 0A at Wallops Flight Facility on Virginia's Eastern Shore.   The rollout was delayed from last week due to a technical issue with the rocket's transporter, according to Orbital.   Officials say the hotfire will occur about four or five weeks following integration and checkout of the Antares first stage with the launch pad's liquid fueling systems.   The first stage's two AJ26 engines will ignite for about 30 seconds during the hold-down firing, allowing engineers to check the launch pad's integrity.   The AJ26 engines are provided by Aerojet, which converted Russian NK-33 engines into an AJ26 engine by removing some harnessing, adding U.S. electronics, qualifying it for U.S. propellants, and modifying the system to gimbal for steering.  

NASA Photo

Kept in storage for four decades, the NK-33 engines were originally designed and built in the 1960s and 1970s for the ill-fated Soviet N1 moon rocket.   If all goes according to plan, the first Antares launch could occur about one month after the hotfire and before the end of 2012, according to Orbital.   The Antares launch team plans to load the first stage with kerosene and liquid oxygen propellants during several "wet dress rehearsal" exercises over the next few weeks, testing the launch pad's fueling system before the hotfire.   The propellant storage and handling system ran into delays during the construction and certification process, keeping Orbital from starting prelaunch testing of the Antares rocket.   The launch pad is owned by the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority, a state agency created in 1995. The facility lies on NASA property.   Virginia and Maryland state governments later partnered to form the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport, or MARS, to lure launch business to Wallops Island.

NASA Photo

Orbital blamed the launch pad problems on the state-run spaceport.

No other Wallops launch pad or Orbital Sciences rocket uses large liquid propellant systems.

 "MARS has completed construction and testing operations on its launch complex at Wallops Island, the first all-new large-scale liquid-fuel launch site to be built in the U.S. in decades," said David Thompson, Orbital's president and CEO.

"Accordingly, our pad operations are commencing immediately in preparation for an important series of ground and flight tests of our Antares medium-class launch vehicle over the next few months."   NASA gave approval for Orbital to begin operating the Wallops launch pad last week. Orbital will remove the Antares first stage from the launch pad after the hold-down engine test.   Another full-up Antares vehicle with a solid-fueled second stage and a mock payload will roll to the launch pad for the launcher's first flight, which is a demonstration mission to prove out the rocket. The second Antares launch, scheduled for early next year, will carry Orbital's Cygnus resupply craft on a test flight to the space station.

Orbital said in a statement Monday the space station test flight will haul approximately 550 kilograms, or 1,212 pounds, of cargo to the complex and will remove about 1,000 kilograms, or 2,204 pounds, of trash for disposal.

Source:

"Hunters For The Hungry" Begins 16th Season

The Eastern Shore Chapter of the Hunters for the Hungry is pleased to announce the start of the 16th season of helping facilitate hunters donate deer to local needy individuals though the Food Bank and other organizations. The local chapter started in 1997 and has processed over 4000 deer during this time.

Last year 200 deer were processed here on the Shore. The number was down slightly from the year before mirroring a decrease in deer harvested by hunters last season. The goal this year is 250 deer to be processed. The program averages about 35 pounds of processed deer per deer donated and costs $45 per deer to process.

The program last year again received a very generous donation of $5000.00 from the aquaculture industry in the Willis Wharf area. This helped cover processing costs and to replace the refrigeration unit in one of the portable trailers that had finally failed after many years of service.

The processors this year will be Brent Powell in Wachapreague (787-7107) and Matt Killmon of Bucktrails (787-1351) in Onancock. There will be refrigerated collection trailers at the Food Bank in Tasley and B&B Market on highway 13 in Machipongo. Please note this year that the trailers and processors will be operating only during muzzle loader and general firearm seasons, NOT during archery season.

The local chapter is soliciting financial contributions to cover processing costs. There is currently some matching money available depending on the source of the donation, please inquire. The program is 501-c-3 program and donations are deductible. The agency may also be designated with the local United Way.

Deer donations are strongly encouraged and will be accepted once the processors open at the end of October. All deer must be properly registered and field dressed.

For any questions, to volunteer to help or to arrange a speaker for a group please contact the local director, Worth Saunders, at 757-710-0049 or aes3ptocs@yahoo.com. The mailing address is PO Box 1702 Parksley VA 23421.

Source:

Pocomoke City Police Search 2 Suspects In Assault Case

From the  Pocomoke City Police Department

On September 18, 2012 Pocomoke Police City responded to a call regarding a reported stabbing that occurred in the area of Cherry Street in Pocomoke City.

Upon arrival the Officers met with the victim who stated he was attacked and then stabbed by one of the suspects. The victim stated that he had been involved in a physical altercation previously involving the two suspects.

Pocomoke City Police began conducting an investigation attempting to locate any suspects or witnesses. After further investigation Pocomoke City Police were able to identify the two suspects involved and obtained Arrest Warrants for them.

Suspect #1: Mark Drummond

 B/M; Age 28

Pocomoke, MD

 Suspect #2: Laquan Townsend

B/M; Age 18

Princess Anne, MD

 Charges:  1st Degree Assault

2nd Degree Assault

 Conspiracy To Commit 1st Degree Assault

If anyone has any information regarding the whereabouts of these suspects please call 410-957-1600 or your local police department.

Subjects Convicted For YMCA Shooting in Pocomoke City

PRESS RELEASE

From the desk of Kelvin D. Sewell

Pocomoke City Police Chief

On January 28, 2012 Pocomoke City Police responded to a call for an Assault in progress which resulted in a shooting incident. Once the Officers arrived on the scene they began investigating the incident. Due to the nature of the call the YMCA was placed on an immediate lock-down by the Pocomoke City Police Department.

While investigating the incident, it was learned that several suspects from Accomack County, Virginia attended the party when a fight occurred, then while leaving the in their vehicles, the suspects began shooting in the direction towards the crowd. One of the victim’s was taken to the hospital with minor injuries for the Assault.

The Pocomoke City Police Department interviewed several witnesses and were able to positively identify all the suspects who were involved from Accomack County, Virginia.

The below listed suspects were subsequently charged and convicted at the Worcester County Circuit Court:

Roderick Savage, age 17

Accomack  County, Virginia

Sentenced to 5 years suspend all but 18 months in jail

Roger Lee Savage Jr., age 17

Accomack  County, Virginia

Sentenced to 5 years suspend all but 18 months in jail

William H. Wilson Jr., age 22

Accomack  County, Virginia

Sentenced to 5 years suspend all but 18 months in jail

Devin Wessells, age 17

Accomack  County, Virginia

Sentenced to 228 days in jail

Dontrell Scarborough, age 20

Accomack  County, Virginia

Trial set for October 20, 2012

Links to previous YMCA Shooting press releases from Pocomoke City Police Chief Kelvin D. Sewell:

http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2012/01/pocomoke-city-police-dept-press-release.html

http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2012/02/from-pocomoke-city-police-department.html

http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2012/02/shooting-at-ymca-photos.html

http://thepocomokepubliceye.blogspot.com/2012/02/shooting-update-ymca.html

Great job Pocomoke City Police Officer Aaron Perkins and ALL the Pocomoke City Police Officers!  Also a great job by the Worcester County State's Attorney,  Beau Oglesby.

1st Annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular !!

New MD. Laws Against Domestic Violence Take Effect

WBOC News

ROCKVILLE, Md.- Two new laws are taking effect in Maryland to protect victims of domestic violence.

Starting Monday, residents who are forced to leave their employment to escape the threat of domestic violence will be eligible for unemployment insurance benefits.

Another law that goes into effect Monday requires judges to report whether or not defendants are found to have had a "domestically-related relationship" with their victims. If they have, a notation will be added to their criminal record that indicates they have committed a domestic violence-related crime. That will be used by law enforcement to monitor domestic violence offenders.

Source:

Ten Years Later... Malvo ....Twenty-three Day Killing Spree

Boyd Lee Malvo
Va. Beach Circuit Court
Oct. 20, 2003

By Josh White
The Washington Post

WASHINGTON

Lee Boyd Malvo said he remembers each of the sniper shootings in detail. But one moment – one image – stands out among the carnage of that terrifying time 10 years ago:

“Mr. Franklin’s eyes.”

Malvo remembers being in the blue Chevrolet Caprice, in which police found binoculars and walkie-talkies. He scanned the area to make sure John Allen Muhammad had a clean shot. He gave the “go” order and looked across Route 50 in Seven Corners at the target. Muhammad, hidden on a hill above, pulled the trigger. A bullet screamed across the highway, instantly killing Linda Franklin, who just happened to be going about her business at the Home Depot at precisely the wrong time.

But mostly he remembers Ted Franklin’s eyes – the devastation, the shock, the sadness. “They are penetrating,” Malvo said in a rare media interview from prison. “It is the worst sort of pain I have ever seen in my life. His eyes. … Words do not possess the depth in which to fully convey that emotion and what I felt when I saw it.

“… You feel like the worst piece of scum on the planet.”

Malvo’s attitude provides a sharp contrast to his posture 10 years ago. Shortly after his arrest, a boastful, defiant Malvo told investigators he fired the bullet that killed Franklin. He laughed and pointed to his head to show where the bullet struck. Told about Malvo’s words, one of those investigators said he wouldn’t be surprised if Muhammad fired the fatal shot and thinks Malvo might be coming to grips with what he did.

It has been 10 years since Malvo and Muhammad went on one of the most notorious killing sprees in the nation’s history. For 23 days in October 2002, the pair ambushed 13 unsuspecting strangers, killing 10 of them, in the Washington area. They succeeded in terrorizing the region, as death came without warning: in gas stations and parking lots, on benches and lawns. They even shot and wounded a 13-year-old standing in front of a middle school. Sporting events were canceled. People cowered behind tarps as they filled their cars with gas. Parents kept their children home. After the two were caught, they were tied to at least 12 more shootings from Washington state to Alabama, six of them fatal. Malvo went on trial in Virginia Beach; Muhammad in Chesapeake.

Muhammad is gone – executed in 2009 for his crimes. Malvo, the scrawny teenager, the cold-blooded accomplice, is now 27.

His killer stare seems to have softened. He speaks with animation and poise, and with an adult perspective on what he did. He claims to understand the enormity of his actions – the trail of death and loss and pain he left behind – and believes that, but for Muhammad, he might have accomplished something in life.

“I was a monster,” Malvo said. “If you look up the definition, that’s what a monster is. I was a ghoul. I was a thief. I stole people’s lives. I did someone else’s bidding just because they said so. … There is no rhyme or reason or sense.”

Retired FBI agent Brad Garrett, who helped question Malvo in 2002, said he’s not surprised by what Malvo is saying in 2012.

READ MORE.....

Movie Time At the Mar-Va Theater ~ Friday & Saturday

OCTOBER 5th and 6th

7PM

Admission: $5.00

Lottery Winner On Welfare Found Dead In Home

A woman who admitted to receiving food stamps after winning $1 million on a Michigan state lotto game show was found dead today.

The circumstances surrounding Amanda Clayton’s death were not immediately released by police, but ABC News’ Detroit affiliate WXYZ-TV reported that sources within the police department said they suspect the woman died of an overdose.

An autopsy is pending on Clayton’s body, which was found at a home in Ecorse, Mich., police said.

Clayton, who became a millionaire after her big win last September, caused outrage earlier this year when it was revealed she was continuing to get $200 in monthly food aid from the state.

According to the attorney general’s office, Clayton failed to report her winnings and employment while receiving $5,475 in food and medical assistance.

“It’s simply common sense that million dollar lottery winners forfeit their right to public assistance,” Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette said in a statement. “We will continue to work with local, state and federal authorities to uphold state laws intended to ensure wise stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”

Michigan public assistance programs require participants to report income and employment.

She pleaded no contest to welfare fraud and was sentenced to probation in July.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... Circumstances Resulted In A Momentous Occurrence In Pocomoke City.

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


December, 1883

(The New York Times)


BLOWN THROUGH A ROOF
WHAT A KEG OF DEMOCRATIC POWDER DID

Correspondence Of The Baltimore American.
　
Pocomoke City, Md., Nov. 30.- Five years ago Mr. F. H. Dryden placed a keg of powder in the attic of an old building, formerly occupied by the Pocomoke Phosphate Company, and gave the boys of the town notice that they might have it to fire a salute when the Democrats elected a President. The building, which has been vacant for some time, was recently rented to William. H. Tatum. All day yesterday he was busy preparing it for occupation, intending to move into it tomorrow. He decided to place shelves around the lower room. The lumber for that purpose was in the attic. Elmo Tatum, aged 15 years, and Thomas Milburn, aged 16, were sent up there to bring the boards down. The boys had made two or three trips to the attic and had taken down most of the shelves. They could not see the remainder because of the darkness. Young Tatum therefore lighted a match. He soon saw the boards, and seeing the floor strewn with paper, thought it best to throw the match into an uncovered keg standing near. He did so. The keg proved to be a keg of powder. Instantly there was a tremendous explosion. Young Tatum was blown through the roof and took an aerial flight into the adjoining lot. He landed without breaking any bones, but his whole body was seared and scorched. His clothes began to blaze. He shrieked loudly for help. Several people ran up, grabbed him and doused him in a barrel of water. Dr. Coston then took him in charge and dressed his wounds. His recovery is doubtful. Young Milburn fared less seriously. He was on the steps at the time of the blow up. He jumped through an opening and escaped with a few burns and bruises. The doctor has him now in hand for repairs. He will pull through. The building is pretty well wrecked. The roof of the rear portion was blown off, the rear end was stripped of weather boarding, the window glass and sash shattered, and what was left standing of the back building is so twisted and distorted that it will have to come down. The fire caused by the explosion was soon put out and did no damage.

　　
January, 1967

(Washington Afro American)

Ashe makes it official, he's in Salisbury meet.

SALISBURY, Md.- America's number one tennis ace, Arthur Ashe of Richmond, Va., has confirmed his entry in the United States Indoor Tennis Championships to be played here February 12-19.

Ashe ranks among the world's top ten players, holding the position of number 6.

If he had not spent last summer in Army training, he might have earned a much higher position. He made an early onslaught of the Australian tournaments, collecting 4 out of 6 state titles, with victories of the entire Australian Davis Cup team.

Besides his four Australian titles, Ashe was victorious at Puerto Rico, Phoenix, Dallas, and Southern California, having 8 wins in 20 tournaments.

He had 3 victories over Australia's Roy Emerson at Brisbane, Adelaide, and Berkely.

In announcing receipt of Ashe's formal entry, Bill Riordan general chairman of the championships, also added the name of Gene Scott, St. James, New York.

Ranked number 16 in the United States, Scott scored an overwhelming upset over Manuel Santana at Salisbury last year.

Footnote: The United States Indoor Tennis Championships were played at the original Wicomico Youth And Civic Center from 1964 through 1972.  Tennis chairman Bill Riordan was a Salisbury businessman (The Fashion Shop) and managed the early career of Jimmy Connors.　



September, 1895

(The Denton Journal)

Princess Anne is enjoying the greatest business boom it has had in a quarter of a century.　

　
January, 1902

(Englewood Times- Englewood, Mich.)
　
The Baptist ministers of Accomac, Va., ten or twelve strong, have taken a most unique action, which has caused no little excitement in the religious world. At a recent session they conferred the degree of doctor of divinity upon one of their number, and have come out strongly for the doctrine that they have as much right to do so as the institutions of learning. They hold, furthermore, that every minister of good standing should have a degree conferred upon him by his fellows.

　　
(In simpler times?)
February, 1938


(Uniontown Morning Herald- Uniontown, Pa.)

LETTER TRAVELS MANY MILES TO NEARBY VILLAGE

SNOW HILL, MD., Jan 31. (AP)- For only three-cents, a letter travels 130 miles en route from Snow Hill to Girdletree- just seven miles away.

Here's how it works:

A Girdletree letter mailed here goes by a bus star mail route to Stockton- passing through Girdletree without a stop.
Another bus takes it from Stockton to Pocomoke City to meet a northbound train.

Train mail clerks unlock the pouch, sort the mail and toss the Girdletree letter into another pouch, which is tossed off the train to be picked up by a southbound train.

The pouch returns to Pocomoke City by train and another bus takes it to Stockton.
　
Another bus picks it up there and takes it four miles to Girdletree.

 　
　

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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Christmas In October ~ Don't Miss This!

Be sure to look for Dawn under her "Thirty-One" tent  downtown on October 6th during the Pocomoke City Downtown Fall Festival!

Dawn Bloxom (Thirty-One Consultant)
www.mythirtyone.com/bloxom

Onley Woman Found Guilty Of Food Stamp Fraud

By Connie Morrison
A woman who was getting food stamps without reporting she was working, and allowing her son to use the benefits in New York, was found guilty in Accomack County Circuit Court by Judge W. Revell Lewis III. Janet Marie Mackey, of Onley, pled not guilty to food stamp fraud for a period that spanned roughly 18 months between April 1, 2010 and September 30, 2012.

An eligibility worker for Accomack County Social Services detailed the process for obtaining and maintaining eligibility for food stamps, and Ms. Mackey's fraudulent responses to questions that influenced decisions about the amount of food stamps for which she could qualify. Ms. Mackey claimed that her son, who was living in New York, was still living with her, which allowed her to qualify for a higher level of benefits. She also failed to report that she had acquired employment.

Commonwealths Attorney Gary Agar then called the manager of the Wal-Mart Subway restaurant in Onley, who verified that Ms. Mackey had been employed since November, 2010, and an investigator for Social Services who reviewed her records and found most of the transactions during the period had occurred in New York. When confronted with the evidence, Ms. Mackey admitted her son lives in New York, but said she thought is was ok to allow him to use the card.

In all, Ms. Mackey obtained over $4,000 of benefits to which she was not entitled. She was permitted to remain on bond until sentencing.

Source:

The Rural Sign Painter

I am still photographing his signs but just not posting them...This one seemed to be a little more "photogenic".

Hoping there are better days ahead for him in the near future.  Loneliness isn't funny nor fun.

SAVE THIS DATE!! LOTS AND LOTS OF FUN!!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Circumstances Resulted In A Momentous Occurrence In Pocomoke City.

　
It was an action intended for a future political celebration but it led to most undesirable consequences five years later, in 1883, in Pocomoke City.

Read about the series of circumstances that contributed to an unfortunate and bazaar incident.. 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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Art Show To Benefit Costen House Saturday

Written by:
Bill Kerbin

Photo/Bill Kerbin

POCOMOKE CITY — The Delmarva Discovery Center will be bustling with activity early Saturday as artists from three states set up exhibits for the sixth annual art show to benefit the Costen House Museum.

When the show opens at 10 a.m., the public will see a variety of works from paintings to handcrafted jewelry. Several artists will be demonstrating their skills and techniques.

Returning painter include Virginia native Willie Crockett, who demonstrates his painting techniques; Jenny Sommers, an accomplished watercolorist from Pocomoke City ; Ellen Lawler of Salisbury, who combines her expertise in ornithology with her artistic talents to create exquisite paintings of birds; and
Jean Mason of Pocomoke City, who paints watercolor landscapes.

Also returning are Ed Kuhn, a versatile carver from Onancock, Va.; Marcia Cupchalk, a jewelry maker from Berlin; Karen Corwin, who photographs the Chesapeake shoreline; and Diane Kerbin, who photographs and paints botanicals.

Grover Cantwell of Salisbury is well-known for Eastern Shore landscapes done in oils and watercolors. Janei Folz of Fenwick Island has received numerous awards for her thought-provoking compositions in oil.

Cathy Halligan from Ocean Pines will display her photographs of the region. Leslie Brett and Jan Coulbourne, two Virginia residents, will exhibit watercolor landscapes and seascapes, and Josephine Raine of Salisbury will be exhibiting her paintings of flowers done in oils and acrylics.

Dee Geesey of Chincoteague will exhibit her handpainted glassware and demonstrate the popular one-stroke painting technique. Her sister, Diane Carter, of Dover, will be displaying ceramics.

Source:

Support The Costen House Museum

COSTEN HOUSE ANNUAL ART SHOW

at

Delmarva Discovery Center

Saturday   September 29, 2012

10:00 am  ~  3:00 pm

OPCPD Traffic Stop Leads To 3 Arrests For Crack Cocaine

On September 26, 2012, at approximately 2:35 p.m. Ocean City Police patrol officers stopped a 2002 Nissan Altima with three occupants for a traffic violation in the area of 62^nd Street and Coastal Highway.  During the course of the traffic stop, the officers observed two occupants of the vehicle shoving an unknown object under the front seats.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Larry Dennell Floyd, Jr., 30, of Berlin.  During the traffic stop, officers checked the status of Floyd’s driver’s license and determined he was suspended.  During further investigation, officers identified the front passenger of the vehicle as Marty Edward Tankard, Jr., 33 of Berlin and a rear seat passenger as Joel Lamont Lankford, 40, of Nanticoke, Maryland.  In addition, officers determined the object being shoved under the seats was an empty beer bottle. 

While officers were checking under the front seat of the vehicle, they observed a white powdery substance they suspected to be crack cocaine.  Officers also recovered additional suspected crack cocaine from the front and rear passenger seats.  Police subsequently arrested Floyd for driving on a suspended license and Tankard and Lankford for possession of crack cocaine. 

During the arrest process, Floyd became uncooperative and would not open his mouth.  Officer suspected Floyd was concealing illegal drugs in his mouth and at which point Floyd attempted to swallow the items.   Officers attempted to get Floyd to spit the items out of his mouth, however, Floyd continued to refuse and resist arrest.  Due to the level of resistance Floyd was exhibiting and the concern that he was attempting to swallow life-threatening drug contraband, officers deployed a TASER/ECD and delivered one drive-stun to Floyd’s back to gain compliance.

Floyd immediately spit out the contents of his mouth, which was determined by officers to be a large quantity of suspected crack cocaine.  As a precautionary measure, Floyd was taken by OC EMS to Atlantic General Hospital for exposure to ECD and possible CDS consumption.  Floyd was evaluated and subsequently released from the hospital in Ocean City Police custody. 

• Larry Dennell Floyd, Jr. was charged with:
• Driving on a suspended Maryland License.
• Possession of Controlled Dangerous Substance (crack cocaine).
• Possession of Paraphernalia.
• Possession of CDS with the Intent to Distribute (crack cocaine).
• Resisting Arrest.
• Obstructing and Hindering Arrest.
• Various Traffic Offences (Tickets).
• Marty Edward Tankard, Jr. was charged with:
  • Possession of CDS (crack cocaine).
  • Possession of an Open Container of Alcoholic Beverage in public.
• Joel Lamont Lankford was charged with:
  • Possession of CDS (crack cocaine).

All three suspects were seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner, Lankford and Tankard were released on their own recognizance.  Floyd was release after posting a $25,000 bond.

Ocean City Police Dept. Press Release

Romney Says He Will Halt Deep Defense Cuts

Photo/Wavy News

Written by:
Wesley P. Hester
Springfield, Va. --
The prospect of deep cuts to the military could help swing Virginia in his favor, Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney suggested Thursday in an interview with the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

While polling has shown Romney trailing President Barack Obama in this key battleground for months, growing anxiety over the automatic defense cuts triggered by the failure of the "supercommittee" established as part of last year's debt deal could hurt the president, he said.

"I think Virginia is more attuned to what's happening in the military than the average state in the country," Romney said after a military-focused event at American Legion Post 176 in Springfield. "And I think the president's sequestration effort and his own budget cuts to the military have combined to concentrate thinking about the impact this will have on Virginia."

Under the 2011 Budget Control Act, $1.2 trillion in automatic spending cuts in defense and in domestic spending will be phased in beginning in 2013 if Congress and the president cannot reach a debt-reduction deal.

Romney has laid on Obama most of the blame for the looming sequestration — which the president and Congress agreed to as a last resort. Like Republican U.S. Senate candidate George Allen, Romney never supported the deal, and has gently suggested that Republicans were wrong to agree to what he on Thursday called "a strange proposal."

In Virginia, House Majority Leader Eric Cantor, R-7th, and Gov. Bob McDonnell supported the debt deal. Earlier this year, House Republicans passed legislation, proposed by Romney's running mate, Rep. Paul Ryan, that would avoid the defense cuts by shifting the reductions to domestic programs like food stamps and pension plans, but it gained no traction in the Senate.

If the sequestration is not averted, Virginia stands to lose 207,571 jobs from federal spending cuts — 136,191 resulting from Department of Defense cuts and 71,380 from non-Defense Department cuts — starting next year, according to an analysis released in July.

Northern Virginia and Hampton Roads would be especially hard hit as a result of the heavy concentration of defense contracting jobs and military posts.

In the interview, Romney said he would avert the automatic cuts if elected by first working with Congress to enact an emergency measure to extend current military spending by six months, and begin identifying alternate reductions.

Romney added that he would immediately begin work toward cutting $500 billion a year from the budget by the end of his first term.
....READ MORE....

"Shine On, Shine On Harvest Moon...."



Image Credit: Dan Bush of Missouri Skies



Harvest Moon 2012

The Harvest Moon is coming this weekend! The moon has been waxing larger each night, and full moon is the night of September 29-30, 2012. In traditional skylore, the Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox. For us in the Northern Hemisphere, the autumnal equinox came on September 22. That makes the September 29-30 full moon the Harvest Moon.

There’s also a name for the next full moon after the Harvest Moon. It’s called the Hunter’s Moon, and it’ll come this year on October 29.

Officially, the crest of the full Harvest Moon will happen on September 29, 2012 at 10:19 p.m. CDT (3:19 on September 30 Universal Time). Depending upon your time zone, the full moon will be September 29 or 30. But the moon will appear round and full on all the nights around this full moon.

So don’t just look for the Harvest Moon on the night of September 29 or 30. Look for the moon to be bright and full-looking for several nights at the end of September, 2012. If you live far enough north – for example, in the northern states, Canada or Alaska – the Harvest Moon will continue to shine from dusk until dawn into early October. This procession of moonlit nights is what characterizes the Harvest Moon.
Why is the Harvest Moon special?

Harvest Moon is just a name. It’s the name for the full moon nearest the autumnal equinox. In the Northern Hemisphere, you’ll always see the Harvest Moon in either September or October. In the Southern Hemisphere, a moon with these same characteristics always comes in March or April.
But the Harvest Moon is more. Nature is particularly cooperative around the time of the autumn equinox to make the full moonrises unique around this time.

Here’s what happens. On average, the moon rises about 50 minutes later each day. But when a full moon happens close to the autumnal equinox, the moon (at mid-temperate latitudes) rises only about 30 minutes later daily for several days before and after the full Harvest moon. Why? The reason is that the ecliptic – or the moon’s orbital path – makes a narrow angle with the evening horizon around the time of the autumn equinox. The narrow angle of the ecliptic results in a shorter-than-usual rising time between successive moonrises around the full Harvest Moon.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bottom line: The Harvest Moon will come in late September in 2012. The Harvest Moon is the full moon closest to the autumnal equinox, which in 2012 comes on September 22. So the full moon of September 29-30 is 2012′s Harvest Moon. October 1 will have a beautiful bright full-looking moon, too. The Harvest Moon is not really bigger, brighter or more pumpkin-colored than other full moons, but it’s special because, at this time of year in the Northern Hemisphere, the time between successive moonrises is shorter than usual. Enjoy.

...READ MORE...

~Delmarva's Got Talent ~

Semifinals and Finals This Weekend!

Semifinals: September 28th

Finals: September 29th

All Shows: 7 PM

Admission: $10/ticket or $30/4 tickets

Eleven qualifying contestants will be competing for a spot in the Finals round of DGT 2012.

 April Brilliant from Froggy 99.9 will be our emcee for the evening.

On Saturday, the finals will take place and you'll find out who has GOT TALENT!

Charlie Paparella will be returning as our emcee to close out the event!

See you this weekend!

Investigation Continues Into Death Of Prison Inmate

(CRESAPTOWN, MD) -- Maryland State Police homicide investigators are continuing their investigation into the death of a state prison inmate who was found dead in his cell early this morning.

The victim is identified as Charles Richardson, 28, who was an inmate at the North Branch Correctional Institution in Allegany County. Richardson had been incarcerated in the Maryland Division of Correction since 2009 and was serving a sentence of life without parole for first degree murder, assault, and handgun violations.

At about 5:00 a.m. today, correctional officers observed an inmate outside his cell on a tier in possession of clothing that appeared to be bloodstained. Officers entered the inmate’s cell and found his cellmate, Richardson, lying under a blanket. Officers removed the blanket and saw the inmate had sustained trauma to his head.

Correctional officers provided emergency care and summoned medics. Medics from Cresaptown pronounced Richardson deceased at the scene.

State Police Homicide Unit investigators responded to the scene to conduct the investigation and were assisted by the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services Internal Investigative Unit. State Police crime scene technicians processed the scene and collected evidence that will be forwarded to the State Police Forensic Sciences Division laboratory. Investigators worked throughout the day conducting interviews and continuing the investigation.

The victim’s body has been transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore. An autopsy is expected to be conducted tomorrow.

A motive for the apparent murder has not been determined. No charges have been filed at this time.

Maryland State Police Press Release

Fall Benefit Bash ~ Support A Good Cause

Reminder: New Moped and Scooter Laws Begin October 1, 2012

NEW MARYLAND LEGISLATION (EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2012) REGARDING THE MANDATORY REGISTRATION OF ALL MOPEDS AND SCOOTER

The State of Maryland will be changing the laws governing vehicles classified as a motor scooter and/or mopeds. 

These new laws will directly impact ALL Ocean City scooter rental and retail sale operators as well as private citizens who own and operate these types of vehicles.

Effective October 1, 2012: Mopeds and Motor Scooters, as defined by law, and are owned by Maryland residents are required to:

Display a registration decal issued by the Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration (MVA)

• Non- Maryland residents who own a motor scooter or moped in another state that operate/use the scooter in Maryland are exempt from the new registration requirements, however the Maryland laws regarding: Insurance, helmet and eye protection requirement apply.
• The operator shall have in their possession proof of insurance.
• Additionally, an individual who rides or operates a moped or motor scooter must wear protective headgear that meets specific federal standards (DOT).  If the vehicle does not have a windscreen, eye-protection must also be worn.

Further clarification by the Motor Vehicle Administration indicates all mopeds and motor scooters are to be titled electronically and be issued a permanent decal to place on the rear of the motor scooter.  Maryland residents can go to:  http://www.mva.maryland.gov/ to register their scooters.  This web based registration has been operational as of this week. 
The cost for the decal will be $5.  For the first year, (until October 1, 2013) non-new motor scooters and mopeds will be exempt from the titling fee and excise tax.  After October 1, 2013, the motor scooter and moped title fee will be $20 and the minimum excise tax will be 6% of $320. 

Maryland business owners who sell and/or rent moped and motorized scooters will have different registration rules and costs than privately owned mopeds and motorized scooters. 

For additional information these commercial businesses should consult with the Maryland MVA directly. 

During the on-line/electronic registration process, individuals will have to certify at the time of titling that they carry the minimum levels of liability insurance for the motor scooter / moped.  Operators of motor scooters and mopeds will be required to wear motorcycle helmets and eye protection and carry an insurance card.

At the request of the Maryland MVA, the Ocean City Police Department will be enforcing these new laws beginning October 1, 2012. Due to the delay in the ability of citizens to register motorized scooters and mopeds electronically, the OCPD will be delaying enforcement of ONLY the new registration requirements for a period of 30-days.  Effective October 1, 2012 the OCPD will be strictly enforcing the INSURANCE, HELMET AND EYE PROTECTION LAWS that go into effective October 1.  Only the registration requirement will be differed during this period. 

If you have any question, please contact the Ocean City Police Departments Public Affairs Office at: 410-723-6665.

To better help both rental and private owners and operators understand the upcoming changes the following information is being provided to you:

Moped Definition
A moped is a bicycle that meets the following requirements:

• Is designed to be propelled by human power with some assistance from a motor;
• Is equipped with pedals that mechanically drive the rear wheel or wheels;
• Has two or three wheels, of which are more than 14 inches in diameter; and
• Has a motor with a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less, and, if the motor is an internal combustion engine, a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.
• Mopeds are also not allowed to be operated at a speed greater than 30 MPH on public roads. 

 Motor Scooter Definition
A motor scooter is a type of non-pedaled vehicle that meets the following standards:

• Has a seat for the operator
• Has a step-through chassis
• Is equipped with an automatic transmission.
• Has a motor with a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less, and if the motor is an internal combustion engine, with a capacity of 50 cubic centimeters piston displacement or less.

 ****A motor scooter is not allowed to exceed the speed of 30 MPH on public roadways.

Scooter Definition
A scooter is a two-wheeled vehicle that has handlebars and is designed to be stood on by the operator. These devices cannot be legally operated on public roadways or sidewalks.

Moped/Motor Scooter Licensing
To operate a moped/motor scooter in Maryland, riders must have a valid driver’s license from which ever state that they live in, or a valid Maryland moped operator’s permit issued by the Maryland MVA.

Moped/Motor Scooter Traffic Laws

1. Mopeds/Motor Scooters may not be operated at speed greater than 30 mph.
2. Mopeds/Motor Scooters cannot be operated on roadways that have a speed limit greater than 50 mph.
3. Where there is a bike lane paved to a smooth surface or a shoulder paved to a smooth surface, a person operating a bicycle, moped or a motor scooter shall use the bike lane or shoulder and may not ride on the roadway, except for common traffic procedures, which include:
   1. Overtaking and passing another bicycle, motor scooter, pedestrian, or other vehicle within the bike lane or shoulder if the overtaking and passing cannot be done safely within the bike lane or shoulder;
   2. Preparing for a left turn at an intersection or into an alley, private road, or driveway;
   3.  When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane or shoulder to avoid debris or other hazardous condition;
   4. When reasonably necessary to leave the bike lane or shoulder because the bike lane or shoulder is overlaid with a right turn lane, merge lane, or other marking that breaks the continuity of the bike lane or shoulder.
4. Gas and electric motorized toy scooters cannot be operated on sidewalks.
5. A person may not operate a bicycle, moped or motor scooter on any highway or roadway while the person is wearing any headset covering both ears.

Ocean City Police Department Press Release

Beached Whale On Wallops Island Was Euthanized

Photo/ Billy Morgan

WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. (AP)- The Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center says a humpback whale that was found stranded on the Eastern Shore of Virginia was euthanized.
The whale was found on a secluded section of Wallops Island on Wednesday morning.

The aquarium's marketing director, Linda Candler, says stranded whales typically don't survive. Candler says initial reports from a stranding response team indicated that the whale is a large juvenile.

She says the whale is between 30 and 40 feet long. A necropsy was performed Thursday.

Source:

Arrest Made In Caroline County Murder Investigation

(FEDERALSBURG, MD) – Maryland State Police homicide investigators have served an arrest warrant on a Chestertown man who is now charged with the murder of a man found dead in front of a Caroline County factory.

The accused is identified as Davonta’ Deshields, 21, of Fererdalsburg, Md. He has been charged with first and second degree murder, first degree assault, reckless endangerment, and numerous handgun violations. Has he been to a court commissioner for a bond hearing? If so, where is he being held and on what bond? Deshields was taken before a district court commissioner and is being held without bond at the Caroline County Detention Center.

The victim was identified as Anthony C. Abner, Jr., 21, of the 100-block of Brooklyn Avenue, Federalsburg, Md. Abner was found dead in the 200 block of East Central Avenue by Federalsburg Police Department officers, shortly before midnight on September 25, 2012, when they responded to 911 calls. An autopsy revealed Abner died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Federalsburg Police Chief Donald Nagle requested the case be investigated by the Maryland State Police Homicide Unit. State Police homicide investigators assumed the investigation and have continued the investigation around the clock since. They have been assisted by State Police crime scene technicians and Easton Barrack criminal investigators, as well as by members of the Federalsburg Police Department, Caroline County Sheriff’s Office, and the Caroline County Drug Task Force. Investigators have been in regular contact with the Caroline County State’s Attorney with updates on the progress of the case.

Investigators were able to develop information and a potential suspect through neighborhood checks and interviews. Based on information developed during the investigation, a search warrant was applied for and granted for the suspect’s grandmother’s residence Federalsburg, Md. Several items of potential evidentiary value were seized, but investigators will not specify what those items are due to the ongoing investigation. No clear motive for the murder has been established at this time.

The Maryland State Police dive team will be conducting underwater searches of bodies of water in proximity to the crime scene for evidence of this ongoing investigation.

Investigators are still urging anyone who may have witnessed this shooting, or may have information to contact Maryland State Police at 410-819-4747.

CONTACT: Sgt. Marc Black
Office of Media Communications - 410-653-4236

Maryland State Police Press Release

Mark Smith Found Guilty Of Murder & Two Other Charges

Mark Smith

By Connie Morrison
The jury in the trial of Mark Smith of Parksley, age 36, for the February 26 murder of Vladimir Sadin, returned a guilty verdict on three charges: second degree murder, use of a firearm in committing a murder, and firing into an occupied building. Judge W. Revell Lewis III ordered the fourth charge, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, dropped because evidence was not entered on the charge.

Day two of the trial saw a parade of witnesses. The Commonwealths eye-witnesses were a mixed bag. Eighteen-year-old Trevon Kirkpatrick confounded Deputy Commonwealths Attorney Matthew Brenner by repeatedly answering evasively, and contrary to the statement she had given police the day of the shooting. She contended that her responses were under the glaring watch of seven police officers who fed her the responses they wanted to hear. That story was easily rebutted by investigator Anthony Bright.

Witness Semsair Paul, within whose home the fatal shooting took place, proved a credible witness once a language barrier was bridged. Mr. Paul is a native of Haiti, and has been in the US five years. When asked what he and Mr. Sadin had been doing the last time they were together, it sounded to some as if he said cocaine, but on further questioning it became clear he was saying cooking. Mr. Paul also testified that he was throwing a birthday part for his ex-girlfriend the night of February 25, that carried over into the morning hours of February 26. Approximately 70-80 people were in attendance, dancing and enjoying themselves, when Mr. Smith and some companions tried to enter the home. Mr. Smith said he had come for his daughter, who was one of the party-goers. Mr. Paul said Mr. Smith appeared to be intoxicated, and so he did not want to let him in, but Mr. Smith began forcing his way. Mr. Sadin came to help and tried to hold back Mr. Smith. That, said Mr. Paul, is when He pulled out a gun and shot my homeboy.

Defense attorney Carl Bundick called witnesses who said that Mr. Pauls house was a night club they frequented, and where alcohol and drugs were sold on weekends. Those witnesses Mr. Smiths brother and daughter - were grilled by Mr. Brenner, who was able to uncover some inconsistencies, and also pointed out their family relationship to the jury.

In his closing statement, Mr. Brenner told the jury that there is not requirement to have DNA, fingerprints, or and other physical evidence, and that Eyewitness testimony is good, credible evidence. He called Mr. Paul's testimony the meat and potatoes of this case. Mr. Bundick held that the Commonwealth had not met its burden of proof, and had not successfully fitted together the puzzle pieces he referenced in his opening statement.

The jury deliberated under two hours before returning the guilty verdicts on all charges.

Source;

Riverside Grill Thursday Specials

THURSDAY SPECIALS

9/27/12

-Beef Barley soup w/ 1/2 tuna salad sandwich or side salad 5.99
-Cold Plate- Chicken, shrimp, and pasta salads 7.99
-Fried Shrimp Platter w/ fries and cole slaw 9.99
-Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99
-Crab Cake Caesar Salad 16.99

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Circumstances Resulted In A Momentous Occurrence In Pocomoke City.

　
It was an action intended for a future political celebration but it led to most undesirable consequences five years later, in 1883, in Pocomoke City.

Read about the series of circumstances that contributed to an unfortunate and bazaar incident.. 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. Send to tkforppe@yahoo.com and watch for it on a future TIME MACHINE posting!

Lottery Powerball Jackpot Has One Winner....

....and it wasn't here!!

ONE ticket sold in Iowa matched all six numbers drawn Wednesday night to win the $202.1 million jackpot in the Powerball lottery.

The numbers drawn:

13-26-39-41-42

Powerball: 10

Power Play multiplier: 2

There were six tickets that matched five numbers -- but not the Powerball. One ticket, which had the Power Play option, wins $2 million. It was sold in New York. The other five each win $1 million. They were sold in Georgia, Iowa, New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

The next drawing is Saturday, with a jackpot of $40 million.

Worcester County Library's "Snake Stories"

TONIGHT! Navy Requests Public Comment On Wallops Runway Use

A public meeting will be conducted tonight on the proposal by the Navy to use the Wallops runway for practice landings and takeoffs. The meeting will be at the visitor's center from 5 until 8 PM. Local residents will get the opportunity to seek information and share their opinions.

The U.S. Navy has prepared and released to the public a Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) to evaluate the potential environmental effects that may result from the Navys proposal to conduct regular, scheduled E-2C/D Hawkeye and C-2A Greyhound Field Carrier Landing Practice (FCLP) operations at either Emporia-Greensville Regional Airport or at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility (WFF). Under the proposal, these twin engine, turboprop aircraft would conduct up to 20,000 FCLP passes annually at the selected field. The Navy has not identified a preferred site in this EA.

Naval Auxiliary Landing Field (NALF) Fentress is the single, local FCLP outlying landing field supporting two major naval air installations, Naval Air Station Oceana and Naval Station Norfolk Chambers Field. NALF Fentress lacks the capacity to support all FCLP training requirements under all operational conditions. As a result FCLP training for E-2 and C-2 aircraft is routinely conducted at NALF Fentress during late night and early morning hours (from 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m.). Additionally, the training capacity shortfalls that result from having only one local facility to support two major naval air stations can require the use of alternative FCLP equipped airfields out of the local area.

Public input is very important in order for the Navy to fully understand community concerns and relevant issues. Individuals interested in the project are encouraged to provide their comments on the document within the public comment period from September 06 to October 05, 2012.

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