Saturday, October 20, 2012

O'Malley Again Uses State Resources to Promote Misleading Economic Data


Latest U.S. Dept. of Labor Data Refutes O'Malley's Economic Propaganda


Annapolis - Modest improvements in Maryland's unemployment rate and month-to-month employment figures, announced today by the U.S. Department of Labor, are not nearly enough to move the needle on the state's status as a regional laggard in economic performance.

Virginia, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia have experienced lower rates of job declines since 2007.   So far this year, Virginia's gain of 19,200 jobs, Pennsylvania's gain of 33,000 jobs and the District's gain of 6,500 jobs are drastically higher than Maryland's gain of just 4,200.

"Martin O'Malley can order the state's economic development office to sit around and do bar graphs and pie charts all day long," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.  "The fact remains that Maryland is a regional laggard in loss of taxpayers, job growth, and businesses lost."

A Department of Business and Economic Development "report" issued today and a Governor's blog item posted yesterday attempt to argue that Maryland's job growth is better than that of Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Governor O'Malley has repeatedly been accused by several well-respected organizations of cherry-picking data and putting out misleading, incorrect, and false economic data.

"There is no need to have economic development staff waste time concocting convoluted charts and graphs for what is simple and undeniable math," added Hogan. "If the governor really cares about job growth, he should order his staff to determine what the problems are, and get to work on solutions, rather than to engage them in political spin and propaganda designed to fudge the numbers to make him look good."


###

Background:

DBED report:
http://www.emarketingmd.org/pubs/documents/MarylandsEconomicStrength.pdf


Governor's blog:http://www.governor.maryland.gov/blog/?p=6932

Two Separate Cases of Guillty Of Eluding the Police

By Connie Morrison
An Onancock woman who disregarded police instructions to pull over when a state trooper clocked her at 73 miles per hour (mph) southbound on US 13, pled guilty in Accomack County Circuit Court on October 18 to felony eluding police.

When officers initially pulled her over, Brittany Michelle Frink, of Onancock, said she was on her way from Onley Medical Center to the hospital in Nassawadox, claiming shortness of breath. The state trooper offered to call an ambulance, at which point Ms. Frink put the car in gear and took off. According to evidence offered by Assistant Commonwealths Attorney Spencer Morgan, the officer pursued at speeds up to 100 mph southbound on US-13, and Ms. Brink ran the stop light at Merry Cat Road. A second trooper joined the chase and performed a moving roadblock, and when they finally stopped Ms. Frinks vehicle, she refused to get out.

Defense attorney Carl Bundick noted that the speeds cite in the Commonwealths evidence were those reached by the officers in pursuit, and that no evidence was offered that Ms. Frinks speeds reached anything other than the 73 mph that led to the initial stop. He asked that Ms. Frink be allowed to remain on bond.

Judge W. Revell Lewis III expressed bewilderment at Ms. Frinks actions, asking, What were you thinking? He granted the request for Ms. Frink to remain on bond until sentencing.

In a separate eluding case, Travis Markeise Brown was sentenced for eluding police in a high-speed chase November 28 of 2011. Mr. Brown was convicted in July following a trial before a judge. While the chase lasted for less than one mile, speeds reached up to 80 miles per hour.

In pronouncing the sentence, Judge W. Revell Lewis III told Mr. Brown that he had accumulated quite the record with over $18,000 in unpaid fines and court costs since 2000. It is appalling to me the disregard you have had for the law, he continued. That lack of regard, and his extensive record, led Judge Lewis to impose the maximum sentence of five years, with all but one year, four months suspended. The time is to be served consecutive to the six month sentence Mr. Brown is now serving, and on the condition that he maintain good behavior for a period of five years.

Source:

Friday, October 19, 2012

Routine Traffic Stop Leads To Large Cigarette Seizure For Pocomoke City Police


Large Cigarette Seizure
by Pocomoke City Police

On October 18, 2012 at approximately 4:47 PM Pocomoke City Police Officers conducted a routine traffic stop on Route 13 for speeding. Upon contact with the driver identified as Yossef Dahan of Brooklyn, New York and a front seat passenger Ofer Biton, of Israel, the Officer issued the driver a citation for speeding (73mph in a 55mph zone). While processing the citation a consent to search was received by driver, the vehicle search was requested due to having large cardboard boxes in the rear seat area covered with trash bags which showed several cartons of cigarettes sticking out. Upon a search of the vehicle over 380 cartons of untaxed cigarettes were confiscated as well as approximately $2,000 in U. S. Currency. Both the driver and passenger were arrested and charged accordingly and the vehicle was towed by Pocomoke City Police to perform a complete inventory search.

 The Pocomoke City Police contacted the Maryland State Comptroller’s Office to assist with the investigation.


On October 18, 2012 at approximately 7:10 PM Pocomoke City Police received a phone tip on an individual purchasing large amounts of cigarettes. Upon checking with the Store Manager and receiving a vehicle description the vehicle was spotted traveling from Virginia and proceeding into Maryland on Route 13. The vehicle was observed willfully driving at a slow speed which was impeding the normal flow of traffic. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver was identified as Lion Forst of Wilkes Barre, PA. In plain view on the rear seat were large quantities of untaxed cigarettes. Forst was placed under arrest and charged accordingly.

Further inventory of the vehicle revealed 481 cartons of untaxed cigarettes. The Pocomoke City Police contacted the Maryland State Comptroller’s Office to assist with the investigation.

Arrested and charged as Adults are as follows:

Yossef Dahan, Age 59, Brooklyn, New York
Ofer Biton, Age 41, Israel
Lion Forst, Age 43, Wilkes Barre, PA

Charges: Transportation of Untaxed Cigarettes
Contraband Possession w/intent to deliver

Both Defendants are currently being held by the Maryland State Comptroller’s Office.


Chief K D Sewell
Pocomoke City Police Department
October 19, 2012

Riverside Grill - Pocomoke- Specials

Delicious Friday Specials
Riverside Grill


 
Oyster Stew with 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99

Mahi-Mahi Wrap(Fried or Blackened) with chips and Pickle 8.99

Fried Shrimp Platter with fries and cole slaw 9.99

 Wedge Salad with blackened Shrimp 8.99


Seafood platter: Fried shrimp, Clam Strips, Crab cake(fried or broiled), fries, and cole slaw 18.99



HAPPY HOUR 4-7 PM
DRINK SPECIALS @ 8PM
-$3.50 Captain Morgan & Sailor Jerry's drinks

$1.50 domestic drafts

Homicide Investigation In Crisfield

WBOC NEWS
CRISFIELD, Md.- Crisfield police have launched a homicide investigation after a man was found shot to death at the Somers Cove Apartments early Friday.

Police Chief Michael Tabor said that at around 10:27 p.m., officers were patrolling the Crisfield Housing Authority and heard what they believed to be several gunshots in the area of Somers Cove Apartments, which is administered by the Crisfield Housing Authority.

Tabor said responding officers searched the area and spotted several large groups of people. They requested the assistance of Maryland State Police, who also surveyed the area, but could not find evidence or information from anyone about possible shots being fired or a shooting.

At 1:38 a.m. Friday, police said a resident at the Somers Cove Apartments turned his rear patio light on and saw what he believed to be a body slumped in the corner of his patio.

Crisfield police pronounced the man dead at the scene. The victim had several gunshot wounds to the back and neck, according to investigators.

The victim's body will be taken to the State Medical Examiner's Office in Baltimore for an autopsy. The name is being withheld pending positive identification and notification to the family.  

Tabor said the police department received information that there was possibly a running gun battle between groups of individuals, which led to the victim being shot.

Investigators are reviewing the Crisfield Housing Authority's surveillance cameras. At this point, no witnesses have come forward with information on the homicide.   

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Lt. Luedtke or Sgt. Merritt of the Crisfield Police Department at (410) 968-1323.  

Pocomoke Man Retires After 60 Years of Federal Service

Wow!.  Here's something that will really make you feel like a sloucher if you have to drag yourself to work in the mornings.  Imagine SIXTY YEARS at the same place of employment! 

Those many years of service belong to a  wonderful man that many know so well.  So,  in case you didn't know,  Frank Schmidlin just retired after  60 years of service at NASA.

Congratulations Frank Schmidlin!!  Enjoy your retirement. 

I wonder what his list of "honey-dos" looks like.


Frank Schmidlin
NASA Photo
 Schmidlin Retires after Six Decades of Service

When Frank Schmidlin began his federal career, the President was Harry S. Truman, gas was twenty cents per gallon, and Gene Kelly was “Singin’ in the Rain.”

Now, over 60 years later, Schmidlin has decided to retire. Yes, over 60 years in his federal career. You may be asking yourself how one manages to have a 60+ year career. For Schmidlin, it’s simple.

“If I didn’t enjoy it, I wouldn’t have done it,” he says.


After serving his country in the United States Navy, Schmidlin began work for the United States Weather Bureau, now known as the National Weather Service. While with the Weather Bureau, he worked on the ocean weather project and with the moving ship program. In 1961, the Weather Bureau was awarded a contract with NASA at Wallops Island, and Schmidlin made the move to the Eastern Shore.

Schmidlin continued in that role until 1976, when Wallops director Robert Krieger asked him to work for NASA. Schmidlin agreed.

Since then, Schmidlin has been part of world-class research that has spanned the globe. He estimates he has visited 20-30 countries as part of his career, but “it may be more,” he says.

Throughout his career he has been part of many distinguished meteorological programs, including serving as the United States delegate on the World Meteorological Organization, a specialized agency of the United Nations that serves as the UN’s voice on the state and behavior of Earth’s atmosphere.

With over 60 years of federal service, Schmidlin has many stories to tell and many fond memories made.

“It makes it hard to retire,” he says. But, at the end of the day, he can sum it up into one simple statement. “I’ve had a good career,” Schmidlin says with a smile.

Congratulations Frank on a milestone career! We wish you a long, happy retirement!

NASA

Jack O Lantern Spectacular 2012 Delmarva Discovery Center

Don't forget to go to the Delmarva Discovery Center to vote for your favoite Jack O Lantern or vote on their facebook page.

To vote using face book/ Jack O Lantern Spectacular 2012


Yoghund Frozen Yogurt Dog Treats Recalled

TBD Brands has announced a voluntary recall of Yoghund brand Organic Banana and Peanut Butter flavor frozen yogurt dog treats due to possible contamination with Salmonella bacteria.

The event was reported by the FDA in a news release updated October 17, 2012.

Yoghund claims this is a cautionary action, as these products contain organic peanut butter linked to recent recalls of Sunland, Inc. of Partales, NM.

Salmonella can affect both humans and non-human animals and are the result of ingesting contaminated food.

What Products Are Being Recalled?

Although there have been no reported incidents of human or animal illnesses in connection with their product, the company has elected to recall all case product of Lot Code 268-12 and earlier with a cup and four pack Best By Date of 9-24-14 or earlier.

Where Were the Recalled Products Sold?

Recalled lots of Yoghund brand Organic Banana and Peanut Butter flavor frozen yogurt dog treats were distributed through retailers nationwide.

What to Do?
 
Salmonella is serious business — for both you and your pet. So, if you can confirm your package of treats is one of the products being recalled, stop feeding or handling it immediately.

If you’ve already discarded the packaging – or you’re in any way in doubt – do not take chances. Be safe. Stop feeding the product anyway.

In its bulletin, the FDA suggests:
Pet owners who are unsure if the product they purchased is in the recall or have additional questions may call us at 603-775-7772 extension 1007 between 9 AM and 5 PM
You can report complaints about FDA-regulated pet food products by calling the consumer complaint coordinator in your area.
Or go to http://www.fda.gov/petfoodcomplaints.

Get Dog Food Recall Alerts by Email

Get dog food recall alerts delivered right to your Inbox the moment we become aware of them. Subscribe to The Dog Food Advisor’s Dog Food Recall Alert email notification list now.

Source
 

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Events ~ Stockton Vol. Fire Company

You are invited.....

OPEN HOUSE
October 20, 2012
11 A.M. until 3 P.M.

Tour the firehouse !
Plenty activities for the kids!! 
 Get your blood pressure checked!

Vehicle extrication demonstration at 1 PM
AND MORE......

Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided.

*************************************

The Stockton Vol. Fire Company
 Ladies Auxiliary

ANNUAL YARD SALE

October 27, 2012
7 AM until 11:00 AM

To reserve your table call Julie at 443-880-0566

**CANCELLATION**


Please note and spread the word:
The Great Pocomoke Fair
YARD SALE
HAS BEEN
CANCELLED

Riverside Grill Pocomoke Specials For Today

SPECIALS FOR TODAY
THURSDAY   OCTOBER 18, 2012

-Peas ~N~ Dumplings Soup w/ 1/2 roast beef sandwich or side salad 5.99
-Mahi-Mahi (fried or blackened) platter with mac ~n~ cheese and greens 8.99
-Apple Cranberry salad 7.99
-Cold Plate w/ Chicken, shrimp, and pasta salads 7.99
-Crab cake caesar salad 16.99
-Ribeye steak sandwich 10.99
~~~~~~~~~~~~

Every Thursday
$4 Burgers Beginning @ 4PM

Starting @8 PM
$3.50 Bicardi Drinks

TIME MACHINE Preview ... Aboard the new steamer Eastern Shore, 1883.


 
"The Eastern Shore is to be fitted up in a first-class manner for the accommodation of 250 passengers..."

It's one of the TIME MACHINE items 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!

NASA Wallops Island Celebrating Autumn

The public is invited to celebrate the change of seasons and observe the night sky from 6:30 - 10:00 p.m., October 27, at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Visitor Center.

Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costume to receive a special prize.

A presentation on the night sky will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by star gazing with telescopes on the Visitor Center Observation deck.


The Visitor Center, part of the Robert L. Krieger Education Complex, is open Thursday through Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It is located on Va. Route 175 about six miles from U.S. Route 13 and five miles from Chincoteague, Va. Admission to the Visitor Center is free. For further information, please call (757) 824-2298.

For information about the Visitor Center on the Internet, visit: http://sites.wff.nasa.gov/vc

FINAL Vaccinations Clinic For 2012

SNOW HILL –Pet owners, mark your calendars and take advantage of the inexpensive rabies vaccinations clinics offered this fall by the Worcester County Health Department and Animal Control. These will be the last clinics offered in 2012.

FINAL CLINIC For 2012

Wednesday, October 24: Worcester County Animal Control on Timmons Road in Snow Hill.
The cost for a rabies vaccination is $5 per pet for Worcester County residents and $10 per pet for non-Worcester County residents. Proof of residency is required.

Vaccinations are available for dogs, cats and ferrets. Below are additional requirements for the clinics:

If this is not the pet’s first rabies vaccination, written proof of the previous shot in the form of a rabies certificate must be provided in order to receive a three-year booster shot. Otherwise, a one-year shot will be given.

To receive a vaccination, dogs must be on a leash under the control of an adult, and cats and ferrets must be in a carrier or box with air holes.

Keeping pets’ required rabies vaccinations current is the best way to prevent the spread of rabies from the wild animal population to the domestic animal population.

For more information on the clinics or to report animal bites or possible rabies exposures to pets
from wild animals contact the Worcester County Health Department at 410-352-3234 or 410-641-9559.

If an incident occurs after normal business hours, contact your local law enforcement or the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office.

Boat Fire In Crisfield Under Investigation

WMDT News
CRISFIELD, Md. - Officials are looking for answers, after they ruled a Crisfield boat fire, as arson.

According to the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office, a neighbor discovered the 30' fiberglass vessel in flames Tuesday night around 9:30 PM, on Crisfield Highway.

The owner of the vessel is not known at this time, but officials are verifying registration. The blaze took 15 firefighters around 30 minutes to control. Authorities say that the that fire started on the main deck caused around $125,000 in damages.

They are calling the incident arson and officials are asking anyone with information to call the Fire Marshal's Salisbury office at 410-713-3780.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month

The Ocean City Police Department is observing the 9th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  Police would like to remind citizens of the importance of preventing, detecting and responding to cyber-attacks.

Presidential Proclamation In 2012, President Obama again issued a presidential proclamation declaring October as National Cyber Security Awareness Month. You can read the proclamation here: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/10/01/presidential-proclamation-national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2012

National Cyber Security Awareness Month, which is sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) http://www.staysafeonline.org/ncsam/about and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) http://msisac.cisecurity.org/ is an opportunity to provide citizens with valuable information on how they can protect themselves and their devices.

Dangers associated with cyber security are viruses erasing your entire system, someone breaking into your system and altering files, someone using your computer to attack others or someone stealing your credit card and banking information and making unauthorized purchases.  Millions of people and businesses rely on computers, smart phones and the Internet. The OCPD wants consumers to be protected when using their devices to email, shop, bank and stay in touch and socialize with businesses, family and friends. 

Cyber security begins with STOP. THINK. CONNECT. These three simple steps are the starting point for staying safer and more secure online.
  • STOP: Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
  • THINK: Take a moment to be certain the path ahead is clear. Watch for warning signs and consider how your online actions could impact your safety or your family’s.
  • CONNECT: Enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard yourself and your computer.
STOP. THINK. CONNECT. Emphasizes the role that individuals, families, schools, organizations and governments have to help create a safer digital world.  Below, are several steps to help protect your online devices and personal information:

1.            Defend your computer and strengthen your computer’s defenses.  Remember to keep all software (including your web browser) current with automatic updating. Also, install legitimate antivirus and anti-spyware software. Never turn off your firewall and password protect your wireless router.  Also, use flash drives cautiously. If one of them has a virus, it could infect your computer.

2.            Protect sensitive or personal information:  Before you enter sensitive data, look for signs that the webpage is secure (for example: a web address with “https” and a closed padlock beside it are good indications).  Also, never give sensitive information (like an account number, password or social security number) in response to a request in an email message, IM or on a social network.  Finally, don’t respond to pleas for money from “family members” without verifying it is really them, deals that sound too good to be true, or lotteries you didn’t enter or other scams.

3.            Create strong passwords and keep them secret:  Make your passwords long phrases or
sentences that mix capital and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Also, use different passwords for different sites, especially those that keep financial information.

4.            Take charge of your online safety and reputation: Discover what is on the Internet about you and periodically evaluate what you find.

5.            Use social networks safely:  When using social networks, look for settings or options in services like Facebook and Twitter to manage who can see your profile or photos with your name. Remember not to post anything you wouldn’t want to see on a billboard and be selective about the friends you accept. Periodically assess who has access to your pages and review what they post about you.

6.            Take extra steps to help keep kids safe online:  It is important to make online safety a family effort. Use a mix of guidance and monitoring in your household. Negotiate clear guidelines for web and online game use that fit your child’s maturity, age and family values.  Make sure you are paying attention to what kids do and who they meet online.

Parents, for tips and online information for you and your children visit www.netsmartz.org

For additional information and more cyber security tips, visit the Ocean City Police Department Blog at: www.ocpdmdinfo.blogspot.com or visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security website at http://www.us-cert.gov/cas/tips/.

Ocean City Police Dept. News Release

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Riverside Grill Pocomoke

Wednesday Specials

-Split Pea n ham Soup w/ 1/2 turkey sandwich or side salad 5.99
-NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ hush puppies and cole slaw 6.99
-Italian Pasta Salad w/ grilled chicken 7.99
-Ale Batter Fried Shrimp Platter w/ fries and slaw 9.99
-Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99


HAPPY HOUR
4-7 PM
Every Wednesday
$5 pink or white cosmos, $2 house wine, $2 Coors light draft

Woman Sentenced In Stabbing Her Own Brother

By Connie Morrison
An Exmore woman was sentenced to 3 years in Northampton County Circuit Court for stabbing her brother. She was convicted in June of unlawful wounding, which was reduced from the original malicious wounding charge.

According to the testimony of the victim and others, the victim, Ms. Ames, and others were drinking and playing cards when he and Ms. Ames got into a disagreement. He took out a knife and placed it on the table and dared her to stab him. She did, and almost severed an artery. The victim was transported across the Bay for lifesaving treatment, although he testified that he returned to work the following Monday. He said he did not want to see his sister go to jail.

Commonwealth's Attorney Bruce Jones said notwithstanding the victim's wishes, the offense was against the peace and dignity of the Commonwealth. He said "She took a knife and drove it into another human being's body," and that, he said, deserves some meaningful jail time.

Judge W. Revell Lewis III agreed, and sentenced her to 3 years, and then suspended all but 45 days on the condition that Ms. Ames maintains good behavior for 3 years. She was remanded into the custody of the Sheriff to begin serving her sentence.

Source

Bingo For A Good Cause

Movies At the Mar-Va Theater


Friday  October 19, 2012
Saturday  October 20, 2012
7:00 PM
Tickets:  $5

National Veterinary Technician Week

HAPPY VET TECH WEEK
to all the techs at
Pocomoke Animal Hospital, Inc.

From Rudy, Royal and Miss Bean (aka Miss Beasley)

WE LOVE YOU CHRISSY BEAN !!!!!!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Riverside Grill Specials


Daily Specials
Tuesday October 16, 2012

-Tomato Florentine Soup w/ grilled cheese or side salad 5.99
-Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
-Cold Plate- Chicken, shrimp, and broccoli salads 7.99
-Taco Salad 6.99


EVERY TUESDAY
.99 cent kids meals beginning @ 4:00 pm


HAPPY HOUR
4-7 PM

Yard Sale Saturday- Pocomoke Fairgrounds


BIG FALL YARD SALE
Saturday  October 20, 2012
7:00 AM
Pocomoke Fairgrounds

Tables $10.00

Outside- $5.00 (weather permitting)


 So dig out your garage, go through the attic and clean out your closets!

For more information call:  443-614-4456


Breakfast sandwiches & coffee for sale in the Fair Kitchen


FBI Cyber Safety Website for Teachers and Students

Safe Online Surfing
New Cyber Safety Website for Teachers, Students

With school back in session, one topic that’s on many class curriculums around the nation is cyber safety. After all, it’s a hyper-connected world—with texting, social networking, e-mail, online gaming, chat, music downloading, web surfing, and other forms of wired and wireless communication now a regular part of children’s lives.

The FBI has a new program that can help. Today, as part of its longstanding crime prevention and public outreach efforts, the FBI is announcing a free web-based initiative designed to help teachers educate students about cyber safety

It’s called the FBI-SOS (Safe Online Surfing) Internet Challenge—and it was developed with the assistance of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children and with the input of teachers and schools.

FBI-SOS is available through a newly revamped website at https://sos.fbi.gov. The site features six grade-specific “islands”—for third- through eighth-grade students—highlighting various aspects of cyber security through games, videos, and other interactive features. Each island has either seven or eight areas to explore—with a specific cyber safety lesson—and its own central character and visual theme. For example, fourth grade features Ice Island, complete with falling snow and penguins.

To encourage participation and enhance learning, FBI-SOS includes both testing for students and competition among schools. Each grade level has its own exam, which can only be taken after teachers have signed up their respective classes and all activities on the island have been completed by each student. And once all the exams for a class are graded (done electronically by the FBI), schools appear on a leader board in three categories based on the number of total participants. During each rating period, top scoring schools in each category nationwide are awarded an FBI-SOS trophy and, when possible, receive a visit from a local FBI agent. All public, private, and home schools are eligible to participate.

For teachers and schools, FBI-SOS provides virtually everything they need to teach good cyber citizenship:
  • A free, ready-made curriculum that meets state and federal Internet safety mandates (see sidebar for topics covered);
  • Age-appropriate content for each of the six grade levels;
  • A printable teacher’s guide that spells out how teachers can sign up their classes and use the site; and
  • Detailed rules and instructions for students.
Can anyone visit the website? Absolutely. Kids of all ages—and even adults—can explore the site, play the games, watch the videos, and learn all about cyber safety. However, the exam can only be taken by third- to eighth-grade students whose classes have been registered by their teachers.

An important note: the FBI is not collecting student names, ages, or other identifying information through the website. Students are identified only by number when taking the exams; their teachers alone know which number matches which student. And teachers only need to provide their name, school, and e-mail address when signing up. The e-mail address is needed to verify the teacher’s identity for registration purposes.

“FBI-SOS is a fun, free, and effective way to teach kids how to use the Internet safely and responsibly,” says Scott McMillion, head of the unit that manages the program in the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division. “We encourage teachers to check out the site and sign up their classes during the school year.”

Visit the site at https://sos.fbi.gov.

SOS Topics
After entering the FBI-SOS website, students “travel” to their grade-specific island, which includes either seven or eight learning portals to visit. These areas address topics such as the protection of personal information, password strength, cell phone safety, social networking, and online gaming safety. The videos also include real-life stories of kids who have faced cyber bullies and online predators. Visit SOS


FBI Cyber Safety

Accomack County Sheriff Godwin Conducting Trash Detail

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, the Accomack County Sheriffs Office Trash Detail Work Program is still currently being conducted on weekends.

 The trash detail program consists of inmates who are sentenced by the judicial system and incarcerated on a weekend status at the Accomack County Jail. These inmates are assigned to the work program for the purpose of cleaning up local areas and roadways upon request of the community.

Anyone who would like to take advantage of this service is asked to contact Lt. William Tarr at 757-787-1095.

Delmarva Discovery Center Celebrates Halloween


Monday, October 15, 2012

Riverside Grill Specials

MONDAY SPECIALS
OCTOBER 15, 2012

-Tomato Florentine Soup w/ 1/2 shrimp salad sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Taco Salad 6.99
-Soft Shell Crab Sandwich 9.99
-Chili Nachos 5.99


Every Monday
Happy Hour 4-7 PMStarting @ 8 PM half price appetizers and import beer

Accomplices Sentenced After Guilty Pleas In Murder Case

Clarence "Junior" Jackson
Written by:
News Editor Shawn J. Sopor
SNOW HILL -- Just over a year after a Texas man was sentenced to life in prison for the murder of Christine Sheddy, a Delaware woman reported missing in 2007 whose remains were later found buried under a Snow Hill bed-and-breakfast, the other shoe dropped on Thursday for a pair of Lower Shore residents who assisted in covering up the heinous crime.
Justin Hadel

Clarence “Junior” Jackson, 38, of Eden, pleaded guilty on Thursday in Worcester County Circuit Court to first-degree murder for his role in Sheddy’s death and was sentenced to life in prison with all suspended but 30 years. Tia Johnson, 32, pleaded guilty to accessory after the fact and burglary and was sentenced to 15 years, of which half was suspended.

While Justin Hadel was convicted of striking Sheddy several times with a shovel last year, crushing her skull and resulting in her death, Jackson also had a role in the murder and has since admitted being the “ringleader and mastermind” behind the cover-up. For her part, Johnson knew more about the murder than she originally admitted and drove to the River House Bed-and-Breakfast knowing Sheddy’s remains were in the trunk and waited while Hadel and Jackson reburied her remains.

Sheddy, 26, was reported missing in November 2007 from a farm near Pocomoke where she had been staying with friends. Sheddy had moved to the Byrd Rd. residence just about two months earlier and shared the residence with Jackson and Johnson, along with Johnson’s two children, and Hadel, who is Johnson’s cousin.

Sheddy’s case touched off a massive search in the area of the Byrd Rd. residence where she had been living with her two young children. After an extensive two-year search, Sheddy’s remains were discovered buried on the grounds of the River House Bed and Breakfast in Snow Hill, where both Jackson and Johnson had worked prior to Sheddy’s disappearance.

In February 2010, Worcester County detectives met with Jackson at a corrections facility in Tennessee where he was being detained on an unrelated case. During an extensive interview, Jackson allegedly told the detectives Hadel had murdered Sheddy on the Byrd St. property and laid out in detail the extensive cover-up operation.
Tia Johnson

On Thursday, both Jackson and Johnson appeared in Worcester County Circuit Court to plead guilty for their roles in the murder in a pre-arranged deal. State’s Attorney Beau Oglesby told the court from the beginning of the investigation and throughout Hadel’s trial last year, prosecutors knew Jackson and Johnson were more involved then they let on.

“We never believed Hadel acted alone,” he said. “The overwhelming facts suggest two other people were responsible for this. Our goal is to hold all individuals accountable. Given the heinous nature of this crime, the 30-year sentence is appropriate for Mr. Jackson.”

Jackson and Johnson fled the area after the murder and subsequent cover-up, including the burial of the remains under the bed-and-breakfast. Jackson later got a message to the victim’s mother, Lynn Dodenhoff, that he would provide the location of the remains if she could somehow get him out of jail in Tennessee. In a later interview with local law enforcement, Jackson laid out the details including an initial burial on the Pocomoke farm and later moving the body to the Snow Hill location.

“This case is troubling in so many ways,” said Judge Thomas C. Groton. “The manner in which she was killed was gruesome. The cruelty and inhumanity that was displayed, the burying and reburying, the calling of her mother to report she was missing while all the while you knew is beyond comprehension.”

Dodenhoff said prior to Jackson’s sentencing she was left with the task of raising her late daughter’s three young children. She said she could not comprehend how an individual could commit such a heinous crime.

MORE STORY

FUN at Worcester County Library

Employee Cooked In Industrial Oven In Bumble Bee Foods Factory

California workplace safety officials are investigating how a worker at a Bumble Bee Foods seafood plant wound up being cooked to death in an industrial oven.

The accident happened Thursday morning at the Bumble Bee Foods factory in Santa Fe Springs, Calif., KTLA.com reported.

Police and fire personnel, responding to a 911 call from the business, found a worker dead inside a cooking device called a “steamer machine,” according to KTLA.

The victim was identified as Jose Malena, 62, an employee at the factory for more than six years.

An initial investigation indicated that Malena “was fatally injured when he was cooked in an oven,” California Division of Occupational Safety and Health spokeswoman Erika Monterroza told the Whittier Daily News.

Cal-OSHA is trying to determine how the man wound up in the oven and whether there were any workplace safety regulatory violations.

“The entire Bumble Bee Foods family is saddened by the tragic loss of our colleague, and our thoughts and prayers are with the Melena family,” Bumble Bee Foods spokesman Pat Menke said in a statement to KTLA.

Operations at the plant were suspended until Monday.

Source:

Sunday, October 14, 2012

TIME MACHINE ... A "Marriage Tree" Near Pocomoke City.


(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)


October, 1937

(The Salisbury Times)
Lower Shore's Marriage Tree Marked By Roads Commission

Elkton has ministers who boast of performing thousands of marriages, New York has the Little Church Around The Corner and... The lower Eastern Shore has its Marriage Tree. It has been left to the State Roads Commission to perpetuate the latter fact.

The Commission has recently placed a historic marker on US 13 at the Maryland -Virginia boundary line containing the following inscription:

"Boundary Line Maryland-Virginia. 500 feet East of this point near the Boundary Stone is a large white gum, one of the old Marriage Trees under which Virginia and Maryland couples married."

The curious may turn east of this sign and, following the state boundary, will come to a grooved concrete post, about ten feet inside the woods. The south side of this post is Virginia, the north side is Maryland.

Then, if he knows his trees, he will readily distinguish an old white gum among the pine, oak and black gum. This is the tree the Roads Commission has caused to be entered in the historical records.

It is said there were originally three such trees, made use of in the early days by Virginia youths who found the law in their own commonwealth too exacting with respect to age requirements. Once over the Maryland line, the ceremony was performed under these trees, possibly with the moon as witness.

Thanks to Mrs. Aaron F. Adkins of Pocomoke who emailed these comments on last week's Red Hills item:
My mom speaks very kindly of Red Hills/Sinnickson. She was born in 1953, and visited there just about every weekend from 1955-1963. The long road leading down to the beach (currently Red Hills Rd) wasn't paved and seemed to travel forever. There were concessions available, and she mentioned something about a few carnival-type rides. When the tide would go out- the water would be waist deep and the sandy, soft bottom would go on for about a tenth of a mile. Certain times of the summer would be unswimmable due to the bloom of jellyfish or the horseshoe crabs. In fact, when she passes away, she wants her ashes to be placed at the water's edge.
And thanks to Slim for clarifying the location of Red Hills (comment posted on 10/7):
Actually, Red Hills was not quite located at Sinnickson. Sinnickson was on the left fork of the road, where the small boat harbor and Sparrow's Oyster Bar were located. Red Hills was reached by taking the right fork and proceeding farther down the road. Sinnickson and Red Hills were close, but still at least one half to one mile apart.
October, 1908

(Cumberland Evening Times- Cumberland, Md.)
FIRES NEAR SNOW HILL

Rural Mail Carrier Scorched Before He Got Out Of Trap

Snow Hill, Md., Oct. 21- For the last few days three large fires have been burning in woods in the vicinity of Snow Hill. The largest fire is at Klege-Grange, on the Drexel tract and much fine timber has been destroyed. James Webb, of the rural free delivery service, was deceived in the extent of the burning area, and in making his mail delivery, was caught in one of the roads and was slightly scorched before he could get out. He covers his route on a bicycle. Last night the atmosphere in and around Snow Hill was filled with smoke. During the evening great flocks of migratory birds from the marshes along Sinepuxent Bay became bewildered in the smoke and circled above the town.

March, 1969
Allen P. Schoolfield, who had been in the clothing business in Pocomoke City since 1911, passed away at age 77. He was a parnter in Schoolfield & Ham and a director of Citizens National Bank in Pocomoke. 

December, 1885

(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)
A Child in Peril.

reprinted from Baltimore American, November 30.

Mr. T. L. Northam, of the Eastern Shore Steamboat Company, reports the narrow escape of a small child from being carried off by an eagle. Wm. Foster, who at one time worked on the steamer Eastern Shore, but is now a farmer, living near Taylor's wharf, at the head of Hungar's Creek, Northampton county, Va., is the father of the child, which is about a year old. About four o'clock Thursday afternoon Mrs. Foster, the mother, wishing to get some wood from the wood yard, left the child in the yard. The eagle came swooping down, and would have caught the child had not Captain Richardson a resident of the place, who happened to be near with a gun, shot the bird. The shot disabled the eagle by breaking the left wing. It was caught by four men of the steamer Eastern Shore and taken on board, put in a chicken coop and brought to Baltimore. The eagle measured, from tip to tip of wings, seven feet and four inches.

June, 1944
A Pocomoke area road construction project was one of twelve in Maryland for which Governor Herbert R. O'conor requested priority consideration from the federal government. The project would involve relocation and rebuilding nine miles of a 24 foot lane of an ultimate dual highway on Route 13 from Pocomoke to the Virginia line. The cost would be $665,000. The governor's plea to the Facilities Review Board of the War Production Board stressed the urgency of the twelve projects from a safety and traffic requirements standpoint.


October, 1884
(The Denton Journal) David M. Nelson and George F. Sterling of Crisfield, have made a novel bet on the presidential election. Nelson is a Republican and Sterling a Democrat. If Blaine is elected Nelson is to hang up Sterling "in a bag to be made by James Richardson," for the space of one hour, in front of the post office on the 10th day of November, 1884. If Cleveland is elected Nelson is to be bagged and suspended by Sterling. The agreement is in writing; and a failure to comply with the bagging clause involves a forfeit of ten dollars.




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!