President Declares Disaster For Maryland

By

Alice Bavis

WASHINGTON, DC-  The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency announced federal disaster aid is available to the State of Maryland.  The money will supplement state and local recovery efforts in the area affected by Hurricane Sandy during the period of October 26 to November 4, 2012.

According to FEMA, the President's action makes federal funding available to state and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency work and the repair or replacement of facilities damaged by Hurricane Sandy.

The aid will cover damage in Allegany, Calvert, Caroline, Charles, Dorchester, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, Howard, Kent, Queen Anne's, Somerset, St. Mary's, Talbot, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester Counties and the Independent City of Baltimore.

FEMA named Michael J. Lapinski as the Federal Coordinating Officer for federal recovery operations in the affected area.  Lapinski said additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

Source:

Pocomoke City ~ An Old-Fashioned Christmas

Photo/City of Pocomoke

AN OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS EVENING & COMMUINITY FUNDRAISER

Pocomoke City – 13 November 2011 – Downtown Pocomoke City will come alive with live Christmas performances, festivities and complimentary refreshments, Friday, November 30. An Old-Fashioned Christmas Evening & Community Fundraiser to support the Samaritan Shelter and the Sturgis One Room School House will be held in historic downtown Pocomoke City, in front of City Hall, at 101 Clarke Avenue. Mayor Bruce Morrison will serve up a

Photo/City of Pocomoke

winter wonderland for residents and visitors, alike. This is all part of "Christmas Week in Pocomoke," with the 40th Annual Pocomoke City Christmas Parade kicking off the season, on Monday night beginning at 7:00pm.



Live music begins at 5:00pm, with cherubs from the Pocomoke Elementary Afterschool Choir, followed by Sarah Bernstein at 5:30pm. After a Christmas performance by the Dance Loft and carols sung by the Pocomoke High School Show Choir, Mayor Morrison will light the town Christmas tree at 8:30pm.
A special event this year will be a wreath decorating contest and silent auction to benefit the Sturgis One Room School Museum.

Photo/City of Pocomoke

The public is welcome to bid on decorative wreaths created by Pocomoke area businesses and families. All proceeds will go the upkeep and restoration of the museum, just as its long-time operators, Sudie and James Gatling retire.

Photo/City of Pocomoke

Other highlights of the evening include horse-drawn carriage rides, a Santa Claus house, a valuable raffle and kid’s holiday craft-making. FREE refreshments will include: wine and mulled wine from Layton’s Chance Winery, soda, water, and hot dogs and s’mores toasted around a centralized bonfire! In addition, community vendors will be on hand to serve hot cocoa, coffee, hot cider and peppermint sticks, cotton candy and hot pretzels, as part of local fundraising efforts.

Again this year, the city is asking for residents and visitors to bring donations in the form of non-perishable foods, cleaning products or cash for the local Samaritan Shelter, serving families in crisis.

For more information, please contact, Angela Manos, at 410.603.1178, or visit downtownpocomoke@gmail.com for a complete schedule of events.
Submitted: Angela Manos

Virginia State Police Seek Public's Help In Catching Arsonist

Investigators with the Accomack County Sheriff's Office and Virginia State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation's Chesapeake Field Office are asking for the public's assistance in solving a recent rash of arson fires occurring on the Eastern Shore.

Since Tuesday, November 13, there have been 16 reported fires set at abandoned structures in Accomack County. No injuries have resulted from the fires, which typically occur in the overnight hours. The most recent incidents were on Monday night, November 19 in the Tasley community with two abandoned, neighboring houses set fire. It is not uncommon for multiple fires to be set per night at various locations.

Anyone with information about the fires or recalls seeing any vehicles or individuals near the destroyed structures is encouraged to call the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters toll free at 1-800-582-8350 or the Accomack County Sheriff's office at 787-1311.

Information that leads to an arrest and conviction could result in an award of up to $5,000 from the Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators.

More Information Virginia Chapter of the International Association of Arson Invest

Source:

Riverside Grill Pocomoke

TUESDAY SPECIALS

November 20, 2012

-Veggie Chili w/ 1/2 sandwich or side salad 5.99
-Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
-Apple Cranberry Salad 7.99
-Ale Batter Fried Shrimp Basket w/ fries 8.99

EVERY TUESDAY

@4PM - .99 cent kids meals

HAPPY HOUR

4  -  7

Starting @ 8 PM ~

.50 cent wings

(buffalo, old bay, BBQ, mild, and extra hot)

Troopers Remind Travelers To "Drive As If Their Lives Depend On It"

From the Maryland State Police

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – The Thanksgiving holiday period is the busiest travel time of the year and the Maryland State Police want to remind those traveling to drive safely because their lives and the lives of others may depend on it.

Troopers are joining forces with local law enforcement and the Maryland Highway Safety office to remind motorists that driving while impaired or distracted is not a good way to start the holiday season. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 32,885 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during 2010 and 10,228 of those fatalities involved alcohol-impaired drivers.

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus L. Brown has ordered traffic safety initiatives to be conducted throughout the state. Those initiatives include DUI saturation patrols, as well as focused efforts on speed enforcement and aggressive and distracted driving. “With the increased traffic on the roads during this traveling season, arriving safely should be drivers’ number one priority,” Colonel Brown said. “There will be extra patrols and cooperative enforcement initiatives with local law enforcement agencies targeting drunk, aggressive, and distracted drivers, as well as those exceeding the speed limit, refusing to wear their seatbelts, or not having a child properly placed in a safety seat.”

Thanksgiving weekend is the traditional start of the holiday shopping season and troopers are encouraging motorists to look out for pedestrians, especially around shopping areas. There were 85 pedestrian fatalities from January 1, 2011 through November 14, 2011. While overall pedestrian fatalities have dropped to 72 for the same time this year, some areas have experienced increases. Many housing developments are in close proximity to shopping malls. Shoppers may not be giving their full time and attention to their surroundings, drivers need to look out for them.

To stay safe this Thanksgiving season, the Maryland State Police recommend motorists plan ahead, be courteous and be patient when traveling. Drivers should not text or make any handheld cell phone calls. Always reduce as many distractions as possible while driving. If you find yourself impaired, call a friend or family member, use public transportation, or call a cab. If you see a driver you think is impaired or driving their vehicle in an unsafe manner, keep a safe distance and contact law enforcement.

The additional State Police patrols are in support of the Maryland Highway Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration initiatives. High visibility enforcement is planned on Maryland roads, with a special emphasis on interstates and major highways where the majority of travel will be occurring.

Overtime funding for additional patrols will be provided by grants from the Maryland Highway Safety Office.

Deadline Extended For Hauling Debris From Storm

The deadline for accepting storm debris free-of-charge at County landfill has been extended.

Tipping fees will be waived for debris as a result of Hurricane Sandy, through December 20, 2012.

Haulers will be required to provide their name and 911 address of the 911 address of the location the debris originated.

Cape Charles Teacher Pleads Guilty To Aggravated Sexual Battery



Aaron Daniel Siegrist

 Written by
Connie Morrison
Aaron Daniel Siegrist, of Cape Charles, pled guilty to aggravated sexual battery on November 19th in Northampton County Circuit Court.

Mr. Siegrist was employed as a 4th grade teacher at Occohannock Elementary School in Northampton County until his arrest, when he was suspended pending the outcome.

According to Commonwealths Attorney Bruce Jones, the 5-year-old victim was a friend of Mr. Siegrists 5-year-old daughter. The two families were close friends, and on August 31, after the two families spent the day together, the victim spent the night with the Siegrist family. During the night, after consuming a large quantity of vodka, Mr. Siegrist sexually abused the 5-year-old girl as she lay on the living room floor.

When the victim returned home the next day, she immediately told her parents about the abuse, and police were called. The victim was taken to the Child Abuse Center at the Childrens Hospital of the Kings Daughters for a video-taped interview. Her interview was characterized as credible by all who saw it, and DNA evidence from the girls underpants was consistent with the victims account.

As part of the investigation, Mr. Siegrists home computer was seized, and Mr. Jones said that computer content indicated Mr. Siegrists deviant interest in young girls did not arise the day of the incident.

Mr. Jones added that the sentencing guidelines in this case are shamefully low, and when the matter comes before the judge for sentencing, he intends to seek a sentence that exceeds the guidelines to reflect the gravity of the offense. Judge W. Revell Lewis III found Mr. Siegrist guilty, and continued the matter for sentencing. Mr. Siegrist was remanded to the custody of the Sheriff.

Regarding Mr. Siegrists employment with Northampton County Schools, Superintendent Dr. Walter R. Clemons said that under state law, the school divisions are not permitted to keep people employed who have been convicted of felonies. Now that there is a conviction of a felony as it relates to Mr. Siegrist, he said, we will follow the appropriate protocols to end employment with the school division, as we would with any employee who has actually been convicted of a felony.

Source:

Abandoned Structures Fires Still Being Set

This has to be the work of another arsonist.  Maybe more than one.  What a shame since the local area experienced a rash of fires a few months ago.

The number of abandoned structure fires in Accomack County continues to grow.  Since Friday November 17, 2012, the 911 center reports 7 more fires.  This brings the total number of fires in  abandoned structures since Monday November 12, 2012 to 14!



Seaside Road in Melfa, Va.
Photo/ Easternshorefire.com



In Melfa last week upon arriving at the scene  fire fighters found two structures on fire, one fully involved and the other a working fire.  It has also occured that the firefighters are called to another scene with an abandoned structure on fire within minutes of  the previous fire.

Sunday night/early Monday morning fire departments were called to Fleming Road in Horntown, Va. and Bloxom, Va.

Fire companies from Worcester County have also been called to assist.

Please keep your eyes and ears open.  If you see any suspicious activity in your area please call the Accomack County Sheriff's Office- 911.

Virginia State Police Arson Investigators have been working on the case.

Arrest Made In Stabbing Incident/ Drugs Seized

POCOMOKE CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT

PRESS RELEASE



 Mark Larenell Drummond



Pocomoke City Police Officers along with the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team assisted in the execution of an Arrest Warrant for Mark Larenell Drummond, age 28 at his residence at 1541 Colona Road, Pocomoke City, MD. Mark Larenell Drummond was taken into custody and served on a Pocomoke City Police outstanding warrant for Assault 1st Degree, Assault 2nd Degree, Conspiracy of Assault 1st Degree and Conspiracy of Assault 2nd Degree stemming from the stabbing incident on September 18th in Pocomoke City.

Desmond Roberts, Jr.

Previously the Pocomoke City Police Department arrested and charged Desmond Roberts Jr. on October 2nd for Conspiracy of Assault 1st Degree, Conspiracy of Assault 2nd Degree and Conspiracy to commit Reckless Endangerment. Desmond Roberts Jr. was released on his own recognizance pending trial.

In conjunction with the Pocomoke City Police warrant the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team along with the Worcester County STAR Team executed a Search and Seizure Warrant at Mark Drummond’s residence which resulted in the seizure of large amounts of various CDS, U. S. Currency and CDS Paraphernalia to include packaging materials and digital scales.

WANTED
Laquan "Ziggy" Townsend

The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team placed additional charges on Mark Drummond stemming from the results of the seizure of Drummond’s residence.

During the execution of the warrant’s Pocomoke City Police Officers were assisted by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team, Worcester County STAR Team, Worcester County Sheriff’s Patrol Division, Maryland State Police - Berlin Barracks, Worcester County States Attorney Office, Ocean City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. Disposition of Drummond’s initial appearance was not readily available at the time of this briefing.

The Pocomoke City Police Department still hold an active warrant for Laquan "Ziggy" Townsend, age 18 of Princess Anne, MD who was also involved with the September 18th stabbing of a Pocomoke City resident.

Local Farmers - Dublin Farms, Inc.

By living in a rural community many of us are surrounded by farm land.  Acre after acre of plowed and planted fields manned by those who are employed by the farmer but many times by the farmer himself.  Always hoping for the best, with no control over the weather,  the farmer takes his chances on sending to market nothing but the best for the meals we put on our tables or foods we feed to our animals. 

This video features the Hickman family- owners and operators of Dublin Farms, Inc. since late1800's.  That's alot of farming and alot of changes.

Dublin Farms, Inc.

Horntown, Virginia

One of the "Century Farms" featured on the Agriculture's Lasting Heritage website.

www.agricultureslastingheritage.org

I also located this article written about Dublin Farms.

Written by

Christina Dimartino

June 2012

Dublin Farms set for early season with high-quality potatoes

Photo/Produce News

Dublin Farms Inc. in Horntown, VA, is a grower-shipper-packer of potatoes for the fresh market. The company also grows snap beans for processing, and grain crops like corn, soy beans and wheat for the poultry industry.

David Hickman, vice president of the company, said it sells direct to retailers, including chain stores, and to wholesalers, repackers and brokers at terminal markets.

“We ship from Miami to Montreal,” said Mr. Hickman. “In the early part of the season we’re heaviest into Northeastern cities like Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York City, Boston, Syracuse and Buffalo. When North Carolina and other southern states stop shipping, we start moving potatoes in that direction.”

The company produces several varieties each of round white, redskin and yellow-flesh potatoes.

“We plant during March,” explained Mr. Hickman. “This year we’ll start harvesting reds and whites on June 20. The mild winter and spring is bringing the crop on earlier this year. We have had ideal growing conditions throughout. It was dry at planting but we got adequate rain during the growing season. Every plant came up and the overall crop is in good condition.”

Dublin Farms is irrigating 100 percent of its acreage this year, which helped to ensure that the crop had no adverse problems. Mr. Hickman added that yellow varieties of potatoes are scheduled to start on June 25. Overall, the company is about two weeks early with its potato crops this year.

“We were about 10 days early last year, also due to warmer than normal temperatures,” he said. “These last two years have been more of an exception than the norm, however.”

Mr. Hickman noted that warmer-than-normal temperatures can always mean that some areas could overlap, but the demand for potatoes is currently good.

“Marketing is always key to good prices, so hopefully the good demand will mitigate any overlaps that may occur this year,” he said.

Dublin Farms’ potato movement runs through the first week of August in what Mr. Hickman said is a six-week deal. The company digs, packages and refrigerates its potatoes overnight prior to shipping.

“It’s important to get the core temperature of the potatoes down to the low 50s before we ship them,” Mr. Hickman explained.

He also said that potato consumption is up and that “we expect good demand this year. We took a hit from the low-carbohydrate diet a few years ago, but people have gone back to eating them.

Potatoes provide good nutritional value for the money, and the market is ready for the new spring crop when it starts coming on.”

Dublin Farms has made numerous improvements in its packaging line equipment in the past several years. In 2010, it was certified Good Agriculture Practices, and it recertifies every year, including in 2012.

“We have added 50-pound cartons to our line,” said Mr. Hickman. “Normally we pack in five- and 10-pound poly bags, and five- to 50-pound paper bags. Our 2,000-pound totes go to repackers. Our five- and 10-pound poly premium bags are mesh for extra ventilation. Our potatoes carry the ‘Dublin Farms’ brand.”

Mr. Hickman’s grandfather started growing potatoes in 1870, and the commodity has been in some part of the Dublin Farms company ever since.

“My brother, Phil, and I started the current operation in 1974,” he said. “Today, we send out 10 to 15 tractor-trailer loads per day during our season.”

Source:

Accomack County Bus Driver Gets Support From Community

NOTE: The venue for the Accomack County School Board meeting on the 20th of November  has been changed. The meeting will be held at Metompkin Elementary School in Parksley, Va. at 7:30 pm.  All supporters of the bus driver Leon Harmon are asked to attend.  You may speak if you wish or just be there to give your full support.

Written by:

Carol Vaughn
GREENBACKVILLE — News that an Accomack County school bus driver with nearly four decades on the job was asked to resign after a parent made a complaint resulted in a groundswell of support that spread via social media.

In response, the school board has moved its Tuesday meeting to a larger venue in anticipation of a large crowd.

At least two meetings have been held, a petition is being circulated and hundreds of messages about the matter have been posted on Facebook since Danny Outten posted a message on a Hampton Roads television station’s Facebook page last week, saying his daughter’s bus driver was “called down to the school board, where he was tricked into signing a paper that stated he would lose his pension of over 30 years.”

The posting within hours received scores of responses, including from the parent who complained. Her son told her the driver said to him, “If you talk one more time, I am going to put my hand in your mouth.” She did not allege the driver touched the student and said she told a school official she did not want the driver fired but wanted to make sure her son was safe.

The driver’s route ending at Kegotank Elementary School has 36 stops — 27 are in the Captain’s Cove subdivision. Multiple generations of families have ridden with the same driver according to online comments.
Ashley Hooper, whose two children ride the bus, helped set up a meeting Sunday at Captain’s Cove to form a plan of action to support the driver. A petition asking for his reinstatement was created as result; by midweek it already had about 250 signatures. It will be presented to the school board, Hooper said.

“Our main focus is how it was handled; we don’t feel an appropriate investigation was done before he was told, ‘Retire or you will be fired,’ ” she said.

Hooper spoke last week with Assistant Superintendent for Administration and Human Resources Rhonda Hall, asking what could be done. “I was told, ‘There’s nothing you can do; it’s a closed matter,’ ” Hooper said.

At the bus driver’s request, Advocate Connie Burford attended two meetings between him and Accomack County School Superintendent Bruce Benson as he made his way through the schools’ grievance process.

According to Burford, the driver was offered an alternative to termination — a different bus route from the one he has driven for more than 37 years. But he declined that offer and instead opted to appeal the decision to the school board.

Supporters say they will speak out on the driver’s behalf during a public comment period at the Tuesday board meeting, which begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held at Metompkin Elementary School in Parksley.

Source:

TIME MACHINE ... The Year With Two Thanksgivings!

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

November, 1941　
(The Salisbury Times)

Delmar Likes Turkey But Can't Decide Day To Eat It

Delmar, Nov. 18- Both halves of this bi-state town of 2,200 like turkey, but the trouble is they can't quite decide which day to eat it. When they can get their haircuts and how they can take in two holidays if they have only one day off are also worries.

Governor Herbert R. O'Conor has proclaimed November 20 the Thanksgiving Day for Maryland, in accordance with the president's date, and Governor Walter Bacon of Delaware has kept Delaware's holiday on the traditional date a week later.

For weeks merchants and churches have been trying to agree on Thanksgiving activities, but the two dates have resulted in the following jumble:

The Maryland school and the Delaware school will close on their respective holidays, but the Delaware school will play its annual Thanksgiving Day football game with Salisbury on the Maryland holiday. The Delaware P.T.A. will also meet on Thursday evening.

The local merchants, both Maryland and Delaware, have decided to remain open on the Maryland holiday and close on the 27th, except one of the five Maryland merchants will close on the Maryland holiday and stay open on the 27th.

The post office will observe the Maryland date although it is located in Delaware and a majority of its employees are Delawareans.

The churches will hold their annual Thanksgiving services on the Delaware holiday. The churches are in Delaware and their parsonages are in Maryland. Despite this the Men's Bible Class of the Mt. Olive (Church) will serve its annual Thanksgiving dinner on the Maryland holiday.

The three barber shops, two of them in Delaware, will close for the Maryland date. All the barbers are residents of Maryland.

The Bank Of Delmar, the only bank, being on the Maryland side will close on Thursday.

The two local garment factories. both on the Maryland side, with employees from both sides, will observe the Maryland holiday.

The Delmar Cotillion Club, with members from both sides, will hold its annual Thanksgiving eve dance tomorrow night. The Glen Rayne Post No. 15 American Legion, although a Delaware post, has postponed its installation of officers Thursday night until a later date.

The Pennsylvania Railroad which employees a majority of the men in Delmar, will celebrate the holiday this Thursday when extra trains will be operated on the Delmarva Division.

 

 December, 1887
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)

Thanksgiving day, for the first time in the history of Chincoteague was generally observed by our people. According to arrangements previously made every business place was closed until 5 p. m., but strange to say, not a sermon was delivered on the occasion by either of the three ministers stationed here.

　
December, 1891
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)

Chincoteague.

Thanksgiving day was observed here by the suspension of all business. The stores, schools and all the churches even were closed. It was enjoyed though in feasting, if not in prayers, big dinners being the order of the day in every household.

November, 1902　
(Peninsula Enterprise- Accomac)

Thanksgiving Dinner.

Big dinner and supper "Thanksgiving" at Hotel Wachapreague. Bill of fare — roast turkey and cranberry sauce, goose, oysters in every style, roast beef, chicken salad, venison pastry, mince, pumpkin and potato pies, cakes, chocolate, etc. Special dishes to order. Everybody invited, bring your girls, wives, brothers, sisters and friends. Music on Victor talking machine, piano, Ice cream and oyster(s), served every Saturday afternoon for benefit of the new church.

A. H. G. Mears, Prop.

 

　

November, 1962
  (The Evening Capital- Annapolis, Md)

Cafeteria- Harundale Mall Open All Day 11A.M.-8P.M. Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Special- Roast Young Turkey with Celery Dressing, Giblet Gravy, Green Peas, Candied Yams, Cranberry Sauce, Roll & Butter. Generous Portions. 75-Cents. 

　
　
November, 1914

(The Frederick News-Post, Frederick, Md)

A number of the men of Princess Anne have organized a fire company with the following officers: Chief, Earl B Jolk; foreman, W.C. Messick; chief nozzleman, Robert S. Jones; chief hoseman, J.A. Dougherty. 

　
January, 1977 

Pocomoke City residents were remembering their former mayor and city councilman Clayton F. Lambertson who passed away at age 71. He was Chief Judge of the Worcester County Orphans Court and a former long time owner of the C.F. Lambertson Electrical Contracting firm.

　
November, 1892　
(The Denton Journal)

ANOTHER THANKSGIVING! The youngsters have grown a little older and the boys of a larger growth and a former generation have a deeper snowdrift on their heads. A good many of us are getting ready to hang our harps on the willows and are watching the disk of the afternoon sun as he approaches the western horizon. There are plenty to take our place, however, and the world will jog along at the old gait whether we are here or there. To the optimist, and no one has a right to be anything else, this is a pleasant thought. A little more turkey and cranberry sauce, a few more jovial reunions of long-separated families and we shall dip our colors in the honor of the brave and athletic youth who will unstrap the burden from our shoulders and bend his own to receive it. 

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!

TIME MACHINE Preview ... The Year With Two Thanksgivings!

　

The year is 1941... "Delmar Likes Turkey But Can't Decide Day To Eat It."

What brought on the dilemma and a jumble of observances? Read about it 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!

Saturday @ Riverside Grill Pocomoke

SATURDAY SPECIALS

-Maryland Crab Soup w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Blackened Shrimp Caesar Salad 9.99
-NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ hush puppies and slaw 6.99
-Seafood Quesadilla w/ beans n rice 9.99
-Ale Batter Fried Shrimp Basket w/ fries *8.99

**Take another $1 OFF Shrimp Baskets ALL DAY!**

$2.50 Bloody Marys & Mimosas ALL DAY !

@8PM

$3.50 Stoli drinks

 $3 Coronas Corona Lights

 and Red Stripes

Tangier Island Approved For Jetty Project

Photo/Tangier History Museum

By Scott Harper

The Virginia-Pilot

After nearly two decades of waiting in vain for help, Tangier Island has won federal approval for a $4.1 million jetty project to protect its western shore and central harbor from rising seas, storm surges and rapid erosion.

Gov. Bob McDonnell is scheduled to announce the news at a ceremony Tuesday on the remote fishing outpost in the middle of the Chesapeake Bay, according to state and federal officials familiar with the plans.

McDonnell also will sign an agreement to share project costs with the Army Corps of Engineers, which will oversee the design and construction of the new stone barrier at the mouth of the main harbor in the town of Tangier, the officials said.

The corps first endorsed the jetty project in 1996, but it hasn't been built for lack of funds. Island leaders have pleaded for financial help since then, saying that without protection from pounding surf and rising sea levels, the exposed western entrance to their harbor would sustain more damage and put fishing boats, docks, homes and lives at risk.

"We're pretty excited," Tangier Mayor James "Ooker" Eskridge said this week. Like most of the 450 other island residents, Eskridge lives off catching crabs, oysters and other seafood from the surrounding Bay.

"This will give folks a boost," he added. "After each storm, people were losing their desire to reinvest here, kind of losing hope. We weren't quite sure if we'd ever see this day."

After Hurricane Sandy swept through Virginia late last month, one of Tangier's famous crab shanties, where soft-shell crabs are grown to market size, was destroyed, and two others were left "pretty much unusable," the mayor said. Boats and shoreline were damaged, too.

With the mouth of the harbor getting wider and wider because of erosion, "the impact of storms kept moving farther and farther inland," Eskridge said. "It was becoming difficult to know where you could tie up your boat and be safe."

The jetty project will unfold in three phases: a study to determine how best to proceed; the design of the stone jetty or jetties to stymie wave action; then actual construction. The study already is under way and should be completed in 2014, said Patrick Bloodgood, a spokesman for the Corps of Engineers in Norfolk.

The design should take two more years, and construction is expected to commence and be finished in 2017 - "if all the stars align," Bloodgood said.

Money already is anted up for the study, he said, but Congress still must set aside funds for the design and construction phases, and corps leaders in Washington must allocate those funds toward the Tangier project when measured against hundreds of others nationwide.

Doug Domenech, the governor's secretary of natural resources, toured Tangier Island in May and told local leaders that the McDonnell administration would try to win approval for the jetty project.

While administration officials lobbied the corps to embrace a jetty system, members of Virginia's congressional delegation did so, too.

Asked what did the trick this year, Bloodgood said, "I'm not really sure, only that I know the governor's office has pushed pretty hard on this item."

Tangier Island still faces an uncertain future, its shores threatened by sea level rise and sinking land. A seawall made of rock has protected a piece of the western side of the island since the 1980s.

But with erosion rates eclipsing 16 feet of land per year on the west and 3 feet a year on the east, Tangier's dwindling population is nervous about simply being swallowed up by the Bay.

Eskridge said the governor toured the island after Sandy and expressed support for more help to the east, perhaps a jetty project there, too. But the mayor is realistic about finding funds during these lean times.

"The government has waited so long to move on these projects," he said, "so now they're millions of dollars more expensive than if we had dome something earlier. I don't know. It's frustrating."

Source:

Aurora Co-op Passes $1 Billion In Revenue

GREAT JOB Aurora Agronomy in Pocomoke City, Maryland and Seaford, Delaware!!!

The Aurora Cooperative, a leading grain marketer and agricultural supplier throughout Nebraska and the United States, announced fiscal year-end results that showed the co-op passed $1 billion in revenue for the first time.

The company reported sales and related income totaling $1.1 billion for fiscal 2012 and total earnings of about $29 million. This represents the highest earnings year in the company's history.

Highlights of the year included farmer-owner's equity growing to $135 million and in excess of $5 million in patronage and tax-free equity revolvement to farmer-owners.

Farmer-owner update meetings will be held in the coming months to review fiscal 2012 and provide an update on the company's progress.

Based in Aurora, since 1908, the Aurora Cooperative is a multi-purpose agricultural cooperative. For more information, visit www.auroracoop.com.

Source:

No Job For Many and No More Hostess Ho Ho's

NEW YORK (CNNMoney) — Hostess Brands — the maker of such iconic baked goods as Twinkies, Devil Dogs and Wonder Bread — announced Friday that it is asking a federal bankruptcy court for permission to close its operations, blaming a strike by bakers protesting a new contract imposed on them.

The closing will result in Hostess’ nearly 18,500 workers losing their jobs as the company shuts 33 bakeries and 565 distribution centers nationwide. The bakers’ union represents around 5,000.

Hostess will move to sell its assets to the highest bidder. That could mean new life for some of its most popular products, which could be scooped up at auction and attached to products from other companies.

“We deeply regret the necessity of today’s decision, but we do not have the financial resources to weather an extended nationwide strike,” said CEO Gregory Rayburn in a statement.

The company had given a 5 p.m. ET deadline for the bakers to return to work or face a shutdown of the company. The unions at Hostess could not be reached immediately for comment on the decision.

Hostess filed for bankruptcy in January, its second trip to bankruptcy court since 2004. It previously emerged from restructuring in 2009 after a four-and-a-half year process.
The company is now controlled by a group of investment firms including hedge funds Silver Point Capital and Monarch Alternative Capital.

In September, one of its major unions, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, voted narrowly to accept a new contract with reduced wages and benefits. The bakers’ union rejected the deal, however, prompting Hostess management to secure permission from a bankruptcy court to force a new concession contract on workers.

The new contract cut salaries across the company by 8% in the first year of the five-year agreement.

Salaries were then scheduled to bump up 3% in the next three years and 1% in the final year.

Hostess also reduced its pension obligations and its contribution to the employees’ health care plan. In exchange, the company offered concessions, including a 25% equity stake for workers and the inclusion of two union representatives on an eight-member board of directors.

– CNNMoney’s Chris Isidore contributed to this story.

Source:

Man Pleads Guilty To Attempt Of Arson On House He Owns

By Connie Morrison
 Kevin Eugene Taylor appeared in Accomack County Circuit Court November 15 to answer a charge of attempted arson on a house he owns on Saxis Road.

According to Commonwealth's Attorney Gary Agar, Mr. Taylor bought an insurance policy on the home about one month before a fire partially burned it. The fire was later determined to have been intentionally set. In that case, Mr. Taylor had paid an individual to burn the house down. That individual, John Dorsey, was convicted in August for his part in the scheme and is scheduled to be sentenced in December.

When the first effort failed, Mr. Taylor took matters into his own hands, constructing and assembling a homemade explosive device connected to a timer. Mr. Taylor had painted graffiti on an adjacent outbuilding to deflect suspicion from himself. The device failed to detonate.

Mr. Thompson pled guilty, and based on the plea and evidence summarized by the Commonwealth, Judge W. Revell Lewis III found Mr. Taylor guilty, and remanded him to jail to await sentencing.

Source:

Governor McDonnell Requests Federal Disaster Assistance

Governor McDonnell Requests Federal Disaster Assistance in Wake of Hurricane Sandy

RICHMOND- Governor Bob McDonnell today asked for federal disaster assistance to help 28 Virginia communities recover from the affects of Hurricane Sandy, an extremely large storm that brought high winds, heavy rains, coastal erosion and tidal flooding to the eastern portion of the Commonwealth and dropped significant snowfall in the west and southwest. Sandy caused three tragic deaths in Virginia.

The governor requested federal aid through FEMA's Individual Assistance Program for Accomack County. If approved, the Individual Assistance Program makes funding available for homeowners and renters in the form of grants and low-interest loans as well as disaster housing assistance. The governor also requested disaster unemployment assistance and legal services.

"More than 240 homes were damaged in the Saxis, Sanford and Messongo areas of Accomack County, and most of the damage is not covered by insurance. That is a significant impact to the residents of those communities and federal assistance is critical in helping them recover," said Governor Bob McDonnell.

The governor also requested FEMA's Public Assistance Program for the counties of Accomack, Arlington, Clarke, Craig, Culpeper, Essex, Fauquier, Frederick, Greene, Highland, King and Queen, Lancaster, Loudoun, Madison, Mathews, Middlesex, Nelson, Northampton, Northumberland, Prince William, Rappahannock, Shenandoah, Surry, Warren, and Westmoreland and the cities of Fairfax, Falls Church and Manassas.

FEMA's Public Assistance Program would make funding available to reimburse state and local governments for costs associated with response and recovery efforts, such as debris removal and related emergency services. If the governor's request is approved, and if sufficient damage information is collected, then other localities could be added to the declaration.

In addition, Governor McDonnell requested Hazard Mitigation Assistance for all Virginia localities. The Hazard Mitigation Assistance Program helps local and state governments take actions to reduce the impact of future disasters, such as elevating homes in flood zones, flood-proofing businesses and other measures.

"Virginia localities, first responders, state agencies, volunteers and our private partners have provided significant resources to aid storm victims throughout Virginia and I praise all of their efforts to help those impacted by the storm," Governor McDonnell said.

"And while media reports have focused on the widespread devastation in New York and New Jersey, thousands of Virginians continue to suffer from storm impacts. They need us to reach out and help. That is why I am challenging individuals and corporations to contribute to storm relief. The Virginia Disaster Relief Fund is a state-managed relief fund to financially help Virginia residents impacted by disasters. Proceeds of the fund are distributed as grants to Local Disaster Recovery Groups. Grants also can be made to charities and faith-based organizations associated with the Virginia Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters.

To donate to the fund, please visit https://payments.vi.virginia.gov/donatenow."

Riverside Grill Pocomoke - Friday

FRIDAY SPECIALS

NOVEMBER 16, 2012

-Maryland Crab Soup w/ ½ ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Seafood Quesadilla (shrimp, scallops, and crab) w/ beans and rice 9.99
-Wedge Salad w/ blackened shrimp 8.99
-Cajun Shrimp Caesar Wrap w/ fries 8.99

HAPPY HOUR

4  TO  7PM

w/$1 OFF ALL appetizers

@ 8 pm

$3.50 Capt. Morgan

and Sailor Jerry Drinks

 $1.50 domestic drafts

This Weekend At The Mar-Va Theater

Friday  November 16, 2012

Saturday  November 17, 2012

7 PM

Tickets  $5.00

www.marvatheater.com

Six Structure Fires Since Monday In Accomack County

Accomack County 911 reports two more fires Wednesday night which makes a total of six reported since Monday. The fires were reported within five minutes of each other at around midnight.

Wednesday night's fires were in unoccupied structures on Mason Road in Bloxom and Fox Grove Road. The fires seem to be in the area between Pastoria and Hallwood. Monday's fire occured near Parksley, Tuesday's near Hallwood, Greenbush and Pastoria.


Monday night- abandoned structure fire, Dennis Drive, Parksley

Tuesday night-
 structure fire- Adams Road near Drummonds Mill Road

 structure fire, Lankford Hwy. and Johnson Rd near old Gunners Shack

structure fire, Savannah Road, Hallwood

 Fire investigators are working the cases.

TIME MACHINE Preview ... The Year With Two Thanksgivings!

　
The year is 1941... "Delmar Likes Turkey But Can't Decide Day To Eat It."

What brought on the dilemma and a jumble of observances? Read about it 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!

Thursday Specials ~ Riverside Grill Pocomoke

Every Thursday beginning at 4PM stop by and enjoy an 8 oz. burger with anything you want on it for just $4.00!

SPECIALS FOR THURSDAY

-Veggie Chili w/ 1/2 shrimp salad sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Buffalo Chicken Sandwich 7.99
-Ale Batter Fried Shrimp Platter w/ fries and cole slaw 9.99
-Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99

HAPPY HOUR

4  TO  7

@8 Pm: $3.50 Bacardi drinks till close

Accomack County Citizens PLEASE Make ALL Important Phone Calls !

Road crews used snow plows throughout the area, including Saxis Road, to
remove debris left from Hurricane Sandy.  Even a fishing boat owned by
a local fisherman came to a stop on the road  leading into Saxis. Photo/BW

Citizens of Accomack County:

IF YOUR HOME IN ACCOMACK COUNTY WAS DAMAGED BY HURRICANE SANDY, report damages to your home or property by calling the Building and Zoning Department at 757-787-5721.  This is YOUR responsibility.

FEMA: The Commonwealth of Virginia has not received a Federal Declaration which means FEMA assistance is NOT available at this time.  YOUR calls concerning YOUR own personal damage from the hurricane will perhaps move this along.  If you haven't made those necessary calls please do so today!

WELLWATER: If well head was submerged, it is considered not safe for consumption until it has been chlorinated. For more information and assistance, contact the Department of Health at
757-787-5880

DEBRIS: Storm debris can be taken to the Accomack Northern or the Southern Landfill, as well as the Painter Convenience Center until November 20, 2012 at NO CHARGE. You will be required to provide your name and 911 address of the location where the debris originated.

Accomack County is currently working with volunteer groups to assist with debris removal caused by the storm.

If you need assistance or would like to offer assistance with debris removal and/or fallen trees, contact Mr. Fischer of Public Works at 757-787-1468.

Donation boxes have now been placed at Lowe's in Pocomoke City. If you are considering donating to the victims of Hurricane Sandy please note the items listed below. Whatever your donation is please know that it is very much appreciated among the people in these communities who are trying so hard at this time to get their lives back to normal.

CLEANING ITEMS

bleach
all purpose cleaner
rubber gloves
sponges
empty spray bottles
scrub brushes
towels
paper towels
large trash bags
dish detergent
clothes detergent

TOILETRIES

toilet paper
hand sanitizer
soap
shampoo

TOOLS

rakes
shovels
hammers
garbage cans
trash cans
pens/paper/pencils

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

NON-PERISHABLE food items
portable heaters
can openers (electric or non)
pots and pans
cooking utensils
eating utensils
plates and place settings
paper/plastic plates
plastic eating utensils
air mattresses
linens
sleeping bags
quilts/blankets
udergarments (warm socks)

Other items you may care to donate:

televisions
appliances - working
microwave oven
frying pan
coffee pot
table and chairs
area rugs
bath towels/wash rags

No matter how large or how small please know that your kind donation will be appreciated.