Several Month Undercover Drug Investigations Lead To Multiple Local Arrests

The Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Pocomoke City Police Department assisted the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team in this investigation that lasted several months and has taken cocaine and heroin off the streets!  Great job!!

Over the last several months, members of the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team have been conducting undercover drug distribution investigations throughout Worcester County. As a result of these investigations the following individuals were apprehended and charged with the following drug offenses.



Ted Davis (Age 18) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine in a School Zone – 2 Counts
·         Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $100,000.00 Bond

Charles William Smith (Age 48) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Possession with intent to distribute cocaine in a school zone
·         Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $500,000.00 Bond

Norman Lee Crawley (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
·         Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
·         Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Orintha Jerome Godwin (Age 30) Pocomoke, Maryland
·         Distribution of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
·         Possession of crack cocaine – 3 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


  Eric Vincent Bishop Jr. (Age 37) Pocomoke, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Distribution of cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Possession of cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

 Jeffrey Maurice Fisher (Age 50) Snow Hill, Maryland
Distribution of cocaine in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of cocaine – 2 Counts
Possession of cocaine – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond


 Donyell Antonio Ballard (Age 41) Berlin, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

 Dionederick Ronshae Godwin (Age 30) Berlin, Maryland
Distribution of crack cocaine
Possession of crack cocaine
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

 McKineo John Middleton (Age 26) Frankford, Delaware
Distribution of Heroin in a school zone – 2 Counts
Distribution of heroin – 2 Counts
Possession of heroin – 2 Counts
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Christopher Lee Sturgis  (Age 26) Laurel, Delaware
Distribution of heroin
Possession of heroin
Committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond

Shamus Montez Hall (Age 36) Pocomoke, Maryland
 Distribution of crack cocain
           Distribution of cocaine
·         Possession of crack cocaine
·         Possession of powder cocaine
 
 During the apprehension of Mr. Hall, he was found to be in possession of approximately 3 grams of cocaine. A subsequent search and seizure warrant was executed by the Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team at Mr. Hall’s residence in Pocomoke, Maryland at which time investigators recovered an additional 3.5 grams of crack cocaine, small quantity of heroin along with various items of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was also charged with Possession with intent to distribute crack cocaine, Possession of crack cocaine, Possession of heroin, and Possession of paraphernalia. Mr. Hall was committed to the Worcester County Jail on a $250,000.00 Bond.


The Worcester County Criminal Enforcement Team was assisted by the Ocean City Police Department Narcotics Unit and the Pocomoke City Police Department during the course of these investigations.

Submitted:  Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Department

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

Super Bowl Sunday items... and a look back to local happenings in 1976, 2001, 1901, plus more from "Memories Of Accomac," 1890.　

It's this Sunday right here at 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!

Suspected Arson- Minor Damage To Airport Hanger

Fire units from Onley, Onancock, Tasley and Melfa responded to a reported fire Friday night at 11:02 at an airport hanger on Locustville Road. Units arrived quickly and the damage was minimal.

State Police are investigating the incident as a possible arson fire.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arson suspect. Contact either the Virginia State Police or the Accomack County Sheriff's Department.

Onancock, Tasley, Onley and Melfa also responded to a second fire early this morning on Pine Ridge Rd. This one was in an outbuilding but preliminary information indicates it was caused by an extension coard to an outbuilding.

The Virginia State Police is investigating.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the  arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the
Accomack County  Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
                            
If  you  have ANY information call:
　1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
 Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Source:

Ground Hog Day 2013

HAPPY GROUND HOG DAY !

 

 

 

 Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow?

Groundhog Website

Delmarva Discovery Center ~ See What's Happening Today !

OPEN

SATURDAY  10:00  TO 4:00

SUNDAY  1:00   TO 4:00

 

Stop by and say hi to Gary the box turtle!

Enjoy the many exhibits

 

 

 

See what's new in the museum gift shop!

 

 

Downtown Pocomoke City

 

Pocomoke City Mayor and Council Meeting

A G E N D A

POCOMOKE CITY MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEETING

7:30 p.m., Monday, February 4, 2013

City Hall

 

1. Call to Order, Prayer and Pledge of Allegiance.

 

1. Review and approval of minutes from meeting of January 7, 2013.

 

1. Review and approval of bills to be paid.

 

1. Chief Kelvin Sewell to introduce new patrol officer Karl Klinke.

 

1. Mr. Ed Young, of G.E.Y. Engineering Co., to present report on storm drainage project near Lynnhaven Drive.

 

1. Consider requests from Chamber of Commerce:
   1. Use of Winter Quarters Golf Course for tournament on April 20, 2013
   2. Use of Cypress Park for second annual Pocomoke Octoberfest/Beer and Wine Festival on September 7, 2013.

 

1. Discuss request from Major East and others regarding use of City properties for bow hunting.

 

1. Review letter from Tim Fry regarding City-owned property at 408 Laurel Street.

 

1. Approve appointment of Ms. Tracey White to the City’s Board of Elections Supervisors.

 

1. Recommendation from Pocomoke City Revolving Loan Committee to approve new loan for Market Street boutique at 145A Market Street. (owner, Kimberly Jackson)

 

1. First Reading of Ord. No. 414 regarding nuisance growth problems.

1. Discuss letter from Building Inspector Harvey Davis recommending repair or demolition of three houses on Second Street. (owners, Molock Group)

 

1. Authorize purchase of materials:
   1. Pipe and other materials for looping of 6” water line between Winter Quarters Drive and Greenway Avenue. 
   2. Golf carts for Winter Quarters Golf Course (18)
   3. Discuss golf course club house damage from Hurricane Sandy.

Comments from the Audience.
Mayor and Council Items.
Adjourn.

 

AGENDAS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE UNTIL THE TIME OF CONVENING.

Stockton Neighborhood Crime Watch Meeting

The Stockton Crime Watch Meeting that was postponed on Jan. 25 has been  rescheduled for Friday, February 8, 2013.

The meeting will be held at 6:00 PM at the Stockton fire department.

STOCKTON VOL. FIRE DEPT. ON FACEBOOK

Warming Specials For Friday ~Riverside Grill

 

FRIDAY

FEBRUARY 1, 2013

 

Warm up with a nice bowl of Jambalaya

 

-Maryland Crab Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
 -Mahi-Mahi Wrap (grilled, blackened or fried) w/ fries 9.99
 -Tropical Salad w/ chilled shrimp and fresh fruit 8.99
 Ale-Batter Fried Shrimp Platter 9.99
 

Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers

 @ 8 pm:

$3.50 Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry drinks,
$1.50 Bud lt
 Coors lt
 and Yuengling drafts

MD. State Police: Celebrate Responsibility

A RESPONSIBLE CELEBRATION IS

THE BEST GAME FOR THE SUPER BOWL XLVII

(PIKESVILLE, MD) – Maryland State Troopers remind fans a responsible celebration is the best game plan for this Super Bowl Sunday.

At the direction of Colonel Marcus L. Brown, Superintendent of the Maryland State Police, each of the 22 barracks will have additional patrols specifically focusing on impaired driving on Super Bowl Sunday. When not answering calls for service, troopers on regular patrol will also target impaired drivers.

“Our patrols will target those who elect to ignore the law and endanger others by drinking and driving,” Colonel Brown said. “We want everyone to be able to have a safe celebration and to cheer for the Ravens!”

Troopers encourage motorists to plan ahead. If you plan to drink, don’t plan to drive. Be responsible, call a family member or friend, use public transportation or arrange for lodging at a hotel nearby your celebration.

As a reminder, the penalty for driving under the influence can be up to one year in jail and a thousand dollar fine for a first offense. There are also administrative penalties from the Motor Vehicle Administration including a suspension of your driver’s license. Legal fees, insurance and tow cost can also add to your financial burden.

Last year, on Super Bowl Sunday, troopers arrested 38 drunk drivers. Driving with a blood alcohol content of .07 (driving while impaired) is illegal in Maryland and .08(driving under the influence) or higher is illegal in every state. A driver under the age of 21, with any measurable alcohol in their system is in violation of alcohol laws in Maryland.

MD. State Police Press Release

Another Abandoned Structure Fire In Accomack County

 Thursday evening fire units from Nassawadox, Melfa, Painter and Exmore responded to an  fully involved fire in an  abandoned store  at the intersection of Boston Road and Sheilds Bridge Road  in Pungoteague (Accomack County).  The fire was reported to 911 around 9:40 Thursday evening.

Fire Investigators from the Virginia State Police are investigating
but it is believed to be the work of an arsonist.


A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the  arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the
Accomack County  Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
                             
If  you  have ANY information call:
　1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
 Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Broadwater Academy Gives Back To Community

WESR
No snow, ice or fog in the forecast for Monday but Broadwater students will be going in two hours late.

 Headmaster Jeremy McClean granted the free time to reward the students for collecting over two tons of food for the Food Bank. Broadwater senior Logan Holland and the Broadwater Student Council organized the drive which will provide over 3000 meals for the needy on the Eastern Shore.

Food Bank manager Charmin Horton stated that the drive came at an especially good time since the holidays are now over. She said she is delighted with the efforts by Holland, the student council and all of the students and parents who supported the effort.

So Broadwater students will get a little extra sleep and have extra time to get to school the Monday after the Super Bowl.

Source:

The students from Broadwater Academy made themselves busy back in October 2012 a few days after Hurricane Sandy.  Students, parents and grandparents spent a huge part of their weekend cutting trees and cleaning up debris in the Sanford and Saxis areas. jmmb

The Bay Queen Cruises ~ EAGLE TOURS

THE BAY QUEEN CRUISES

EAGLE TOURS IN FEBRUARYLeaving from Sturgis Park
Snow Hill, Md.

 

Beginning :
Saturday, February 9, 2013

TOUR TIME:  3 PM

$20.00 PER PERSON
(must have at least 12 passengers per trip)

 

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Call 410-632-1415

 

DRESS WARM !!

Hot Chocolate will be provided

 

The migratory eagles are here. We've seen both adults and juveniles, and even a juvenile golden eagle. They are only here for a short time so book now.  ~ Capt. John Raggi ~

 

FACEBOOK PAGE

 

 

 

Pocomoke Spring Open Golf Tournament

Registration 11:30

Shotgun Starts 1 p.m.

 

Big fun on a little course!

 

Join us to support Pocomoke Chamber of Commerce in promoting local businesses. Entry fee $50 per individual, $200 team. Cart and lunch included. Great prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place.

 

  Come out and show your support! 

 

To get involved contact Jennifer at pocomokechamber@gmail.com

or 410-957-1919.

OCPD Arrests Suspect in Connection With The Death of Michael Post

On January 26, 2013, Officers of the Ocean City Police Department responded to 216Somerset Street, for a  report of an unconscious male subject lying on the ground.  Upon arrival, officers located the victim, identified as Michael Post.  Ocean City EMS transported Post to Atlantic General Hospital where he was later pronounced dead. 

Ocean City Police Detectives investigated this incident and learned that a male, identified as George Daron Nottingham, 39, of Ocean City, had assaulted Post in front of 216 Somerset Street, causing Post to fall and strike his head on the ground. 

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the State of Maryland determined that Post died of head injuries related to the Assault. 

On January 31, 2013, OCPD Detectives arrested Nottingham at his residence on Townsend Road in West Ocean City and have charged him with Manslaughter and Second Degree Assault.

Nottingham was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and is being held on $500,000.00 bond.

Ocean City Police Dept. News Release

Riverside Grill Pocomoke

Thursday

Riverside Grill  Pocomoke

 

-Hearty Vegetable Beef Soup w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 5.99
 -Cold Plate- Chicken, shrimp, and pasta salads 7.99
 -Open-Face Roast Beef w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
 -Shrimp and Clam Strip Basket w/ fries 8.99

 

 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
 @ 4 pm: $4 burgers
 @ 8 pm: $3.50 Bacardi drinks

 

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview

.
 Super Bowl Sunday items... and a look back to local happenings in 1976, 2001, 1901, plus more from "Memories Of Accomac, 1890.　

It's this Sunday right here at 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!

Locals Appreciation Weekend !

The Delmarva Discovery Center

LOCALS APPRECIATION WEEEND

FIRST WEEKEND OF EVERY MONTH

50% off Admission for Locals!

(Sussex, Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset and Accomack Counties)

 

 

Phone Scam Related to New Refund Debit Card

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Taxation has been alerted to a phone scam related to the new Virginia Tax Refund Debit Card.

The Department has received reports of phone calls being made to individuals, telling them that their “Way2Go prepaid MasterCard is locked for security reasons.”  The automated caller then tries to get the listener to divulge personal information.

This is a phone scam.  The Department never makes automated calls and never solicits personal information in this manner.  If you receive such a call, hang up immediately.  If the call is recorded as a voice mail, delete it.

The Department goes to great lengths to protect the confidentiality and privacy of taxpayer information.  This scam is not related in any way to the security of the new tax refund debit card or any information that taxpayers may submit to the Department.   The Department cautions individuals never to give personal information to anyone calling unless they can verify the source.

A division of Xerox Corp. administers the new Virginia Tax Refund Debit Card and refers to it as the “Way2Go” card.

The Department is working with other government agencies, law enforcement, the debit card vendor, and the telephone companies involved to try and end the phone scam.  

Questions should be directed to the agency’s Customer Services Department at (804) 367-8031.

Statement by Secretary Larry Hogan, Chairman of Change Maryland

Statement by Secretary Larry Hogan, Chairman of Change Maryland:

 Response to today's State of the State Speech

by Governor O'Malley

 

Annapolis - "Governor O'Malley's slogan used to be 'believe' but that speech was pure make believe.   The Governor continues to misuse facts to portray a false narrative of his administration's legacy. Only Martin O'Malley could actually call a 30 percent increase in spending and a budget he has increased by $9 billion as making government smaller and cutting more spending than any governor in history.

"The governor said he cut $8.3 billion but that's just not true. He has increased spending every single year since he has been governor, a total of more than $9 billion. So his math is off by more than $17 billion.

"He talked of making tough choices, but after 24 consecutive tax and fee hikes, the only tough choice he has to make is what can we possibly tax next?

"Governor O'Malley said we have the worst traffic congestion in the nation. On this we agree. But he failed to tell you that he is the reason we are in this predicament because he diverted funds from the transportation trust fund to pay for other things, and then of what was left in the transportation budget, he only allocated a tiny amount to roads.

"He talked about what he inherited. I was a cabinet secretary in the previous administration, and I can tell you that when we turned the keys over to the O'Malley administration, we had a billion dollar cash surplus in the bank, and the state was in the best fiscal shape it had been in decades.

"Just six years later and by any objective measure, by any objective group, the state is in far worse shape than ever before. Businesses, jobs and taxpayers are fleeing our state in record numbers. We have fallen behind all the states in our region and most states across the country in nearly every economic indicator.

"O'Malley's primary focus of this session seems to be making gas and electricity more expensive for working families and small businesses. He is again pushing the gas tax and an expensive windmill project guaranteed to drive up electric bills.

"Under Martin O'Malley there are  207,000 unemployed Marylanders. Since 2007, the private sector employment base Maryland desperately needs for long-term job growth has eroded.  Approximately 6500 small businesses have left the state and  Fortune 500 companies have left as well.  I believe that's where he should have focused his attention.

"The governor is good at making up numbers, spinning  magical tales, with no basis in reality. But, sadly the Governor's real legacy is a record of lost businesses, lost jobs, higher spending, record tax increases, and broken promises.

"Unfortunately he checked out of this job some time ago, and is focused on his next one. His entire focus is about his national political aspirations and not about the needs of average hard-working Marylanders who continue to struggle."

Accomack County Schools ~ Public Hearing Concerning Budget

By Wesley Edwards
At a public hearing on the 2013-14 Accomack County School Budget, Superintendent Dr. Bruce Benson presented a power point presentation showing the highlights of the proposed budget. He explained that the budget was not yet completed and any and all comments made tonight would be considered before a final budget was approved.

Benson went on to say there were 66 new teachers in the 2012-2013 school year equaling about 16% of the total number of teachers in the system. With it taking 7-8 years to become a good teacher and with Accomack having 25% of its teachers with less than four years experience, this group needed the most attention.

The section of his presentation that got almost all the attention from speakers was the phasing out of the early retirement plan. Twelve speakers from the audience of about 70 people spoke about how important this benefit was to all of them. All twelve of the speakers had more than 20 years experience and felt it was unfair to jerk it away from them at this point in their life. Only one of the twelve speakers mentioned salary.

Gary Reece a 32 year teacher and now athletic director at Nandua High School spoke about the retirement benefit also but gave equal time to how important athletics are to keeping children in school and off the streets. He went on to comment about how poorly coaches are paid and their effect on children's lives asking for consideration of this group. He used himself as an example stating he managed 26 different programs and got paid $90 for each program.

The School Board will now consider requests made at the public hearing and will prepare a final budget to submit to the Accomack County Board of Supervisors.

Source:

Watercolor Art Class With Willie Crockett

Wednesday Riverside Grill Specials

WEDNESDAY

JANUARY 30, 2013

Ale Battered Fried Shrimp

-Beer & Cheese Soup w/ 1/2 sandwich or side salad 5.99
 -NC Pulled Pork BBQ Sandwich w/ cole slaw and hush puppies 6.99
 -Cold Plate w/ shrimp salad, chicken salad, and pasta salad 7.99
 -Apple Cranberry Salad 7.99
 -Ale-Batter Fried Shrimp Basket w/ fries 8.99

Crab Dip









 

Our Crab Dip is only $5 after 8 pm on Wednesdays!

Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers

8pm: 
$5 crab dip
 $5 pink or white cosmos
 $2 house wine
 $2 Coors light drafts

Early Morning Fire In Accomack County

Early morning fire on Drummondtown Road developing

An early morning fire on Drummondtown Road is being investigated as a possible arson. The fire was reported at 12:08am at an abandoned house at the intersection of Drummondtown Road and Chancetown Road near Wachapreague. It is believed this is another in the series of arson fires.

According to Sgt. Michelle Anaya of the Virginia State Police, as of 6:00 this morning, the fire was still smoldering and the State Police will be investigating as soon as it is possible.

Wachapreague, Melfa and Onley and Tasley responded to the early morning blaze.

A $5000 reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the arsonist. Contact the Accomack County Sheriff's Department or the Virginia State Police.
 
If  you  have ANY information call:
　1-800-582-8350 or (757) 424-6820
 Accomack County Sheriff's Office at (757) 787-1131.

Source:

Worcester County Library ~ PLAY TIME !

LIKE ON FACEBOOK

Mar-Va Theater This Weekend

 ~The movie so many have been waiting for ~

FRIDAY AND SATURDAY

FEBRUARY 1st & 2nd

7PM

Tickets  $5

 

 

A Second Time Around 30% OFF Coupon

TIME IS RUNNING OUT......

TWO MORE DAYS....

NASA Rocket Launch

NASA Rocket Launch

Earlier this evening.

 

 

 

 

Photos BW

The Francis Makemie Society Archeology Project.

 

 

 

Tuesday Specials ~ Riverside Grill Pocomoke

 

TUESDAY

JANUARY 29, 2013

 

 -Beer & Cheese Soup w/ 1/2 turkey sandwich or side salad 5.99
 -Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
** -Raspberry Walnut Salad 7.99**
 -Buffalo Shrimp Wrap w/ fries 8.99



Special today
Raspberry Walnut Salad



 @ 4 pm: 99 cent kids meals
 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
 @ 8 pm: 50 cent wings



Kids Menu:

Kids meals are only 99 cents Tuesday after 4 pm

 Grilled Cheese
Kids Meal

 

Rocket Launch Planned For Today

High School Principal Removes ALL Toilet Paper From Boys Bathrooms

MAHANOY CITY - Vandalism in Mahanoy Area High School boys' bathrooms has resulted in toilet paper being issued by request as needed, a policy that one parent believes is embarrassing for students.

Karen Yedsena, Mahanoy City, spoke during the public portion of Thursday's school board meeting, asking about the policy.

"I'm asking about the high school and why the boys are not allowed to have toilet paper except if they go to the nurse or the office to get it," Yedsena said.

The boys' bathrooms in the high school do not have toilet paper due to vandalism. Any boy needing the bathroom tissue must ask for it and sign it out.

High school Principal Thomas Smith said it was a solution to a major problem.

"We've had serious destruction to our bathrooms for the past two years," Smith said. "We have a case pending with the police where a bathroom down by our gymnasium was absolutely destroyed. I'm sure Mr. (Robert) Pastucha (district facilities director) could tell you the times that our toilets have been jammed with toilet paper and other papers. And after we took the toilet tissue out of there, people were throwing books. It was our way to try to curb the destruction in the bathrooms."

Smith explained the procedure in getting the toilet tissue.

"Our policy is that if you need toilet paper, you would come to the office. We're not refusing anyone toilet paper," Smith said. "You would sign out and then sign back in. I randomly go in to check if anything is going on. Since we've done that, we've cut down on the destruction."

Yedsena said there are students who have been embarrassed to go to the office for toilet paper and instead would go to the nurse saying they're not feeling well and go home instead. Thomas said he was unaware of any such problem from the monthly reports from the nurse.

"I think it's been pretty much accepted," Superintendent Joie Green said.

"Well, it's not," Yedsena said.

Yedsena also asked about the restrictions that students can only go to the bathroom during the first five minutes of a class.

"We're cutting down on people walking through the hallways for no reason," Green said. "What we're trying to do, is that they're going to the bathroom at the beginning and end of class."

Yedsena asked if the toilet paper policy could be changed, to which Smith said it could.

"I'm not against putting toilet paper back in (the boys' bathrooms). I could do that but if there's destruction to the bathroom, then it would go back to my policy," Smith said. "We had the policy last year, but at the beginning of this year, it was destroyed in the first day. I made warnings, talked to students, talked to class presidents to talk to their students and student body.

"I agree with you that it's a drastic measure," Smith said.

Board member Julie Fazio asked Yedsena, "What happens if we put the toilet paper back in the bathroom and your son is in the bathroom and two other kids come in and destroy the bathroom? And then we find out your child was in bathroom at that time?"

The policy is set by Smith as principal of the high school. The elementary and middle schools do not have a similar policy.

"I'm willing to communicate with anybody," Smith said. "I'm willing to put the toilet paper back, but if the bathroom is destroyed, it will be removed."

Thomas told Yedsena that he would be willing to speak with her about the matter during a school day.

MORE.....

Attorney General Acts On Gun-Data Sharing and Collection

Not waiting for Congress to act, Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. is moving on gun control, submitting three measures Monday to increase data sharing and data collection on firearms and potential gun purchasers — and illustrating the limitations President Obama's administration has to act unilaterally on the issue.

The first of Mr. Holder’s proposals would expand access to information on gun permits to Indian tribal law enforcement agencies; the second would allow local law enforcement to access the FBI’s national criminal database to conduct background checks on people they’re transferring weapons to; and the third would authorize the FBI to maintain records on denied firearms transactions in a separate database for longer than 10 years.

All three were published Monday in the Federal Register for comment.

“These proposed changes are intended to promote public safety, to enhance the efficiency of the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) operations, and to resolve difficulties created by unforeseen processing conflicts within the system,” Mr. Holder wrote.

Under the Brady Act of 1993, background checks are required for any gun transfer from a federal firearms licensee to any unlicensed person. But access to NICS for background checks unrelated to those outlined in the law currently is limited to providing information in connection with a firearm- or explosives-related license or responding to an inquiry from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey said after a meeting Monday with Mr. Obama, Vice President Joseph R. Biden and Mr. Holder that such measures are important “low-hanging fruit” even thought they may not get the attention of more contentious proposals such as on so-called assault weapons or limits on high-capacity magazines.

“Let’s get meaningful legislation on the books that’s going to actually make a difference, even things like universal background checks, which may seem simple on the surface but are something that would be of help,” he told CNN. “Knowing when a gun is lost or stolen or transferred to another owner — we lose an enormous amount of man hours just tracing a gun, only to find out it was lost or stolen, you know, five years ago or 10 years ago.”

Mr. Obama has said he will take the steps that he can on gun violence unilaterally, but he won’t be able to get major pieces of his package — an assault weapons ban, limits on high-capacity magazines, expanding background checks — without action from Congress. He signed three “presidential memoranda” when he rolled out his proposals earlier this month directing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to conduct research on gun violence; ensuring firearms recovered from crime scenes are traced; and directing Mr. Holder’s Justice Department to outline guidance for federal agencies on submitting records to NICS.


READ MORE

Change Maryland Cites Dysfunctional Transportation Policy

Change Maryland Cites Dysfunctional Transportation Policy

Annapolis - Change Maryland charged that several years of poor budgeting decisions are causing elected officials to propose drastic transportation policy changes including leasing the Inter-County Connector, establishing new layers of government in the form of regional taxing districts and what is emerging as a perennial favorite - raising gasoline taxes.

"Our elected officials are throwing mud up against the wall to see what sticks," said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan. "If the Governor, Senate President and House Speaker really cared about improving transportation, they would not have let it reach crisis proportions."

Compared to fiscal year 2007 levels, counties' transportation funding has declined nearly $380 million through what state government calls highway user revenues. For every jurisdiction except Baltimore City, fiscal year 2013 levels are 90% lower than just six years ago. The dollar amounts Maryland counties have lost is staggering. Compared to 2007 levels, Baltimore County went from $45.7 million to $3.7 million; Montgomery County went from $40.4 million to $3.3 million; Anne Arundel went from $31.8 million to $2.6 million.

“Maryland transportation policy seems to be done on the fly as an afterthought. Governor O'Malley's legislative priorities this session are focused on pet issues and reacting to the latest headlines," Hogan said.

Last year O'Malley floated raising gasoline taxes on a radio station towards the end of last year's session and the initiative subsequently flopped in the legislature. Nearly seven months has lapsed since O'Malley has named a transportation secretary leaving a massive state agency a rudderless ship.

Senate President Mike Miller last week proposed to raise gasoline taxes 3% and establish regional taxing districts to allocate money for local projects. House Speaker Micheal Busch has expressed doubts about Miller's proposal. Meanwhile, there is still no consensus of how any new or existing transportation revenues derived from gasoline taxes and vehicle fees would be dedicated to that purpose.

"The three-ring circus approach to making transportation policy must stop," said Hogan. Hogan said the current approach is backwards and outlined specific steps to restore the public's confidence that state government can address the challenges of maintenance and undertaking new road and mass-transit projects.

First, sound budgeting must apply to transportation. Second, the public must be assured that the transportation taxes and fees already collected are dedicated to this purpose. Third, elected officials must come up with cuts to other parts of the budget before even discussing additional taxes and fees. O'Malley's latest budget is up 30%, more than $9 billion since 2007.

The Change Maryland Chairman and its 26,000 members say no gas tax increase is needed. The state already collects enough from motorists to maintain roads and bridges. One of the problems is that revenues collected from motorists is disproportionately spent on expensive mass transit and even for non transportation related expenses.

Bronze Stolen From Turner Statue

Sometime over the weekend a large quantity of bronze was stolen from Turner Sculpture on Lankford Hwy. near Melfa. The Accomack County Sheriffs Department is investigating.

Turner Sculpture is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the theft.

 If you have that information contact Turner Sculpture at 787-2818.

Source:

Get Involved And Help Support Our Troops!!

Learn what a local young lady has been doing for the past few months to support our troops! Your donations can be dropped off at the Enchanted Florist Pocomoke! I will have a list of what is needed for donations posted very soon. Until then browse this page and take notice of the wonderful items made available for sale. And don't forget to hit the LIKE button.

Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project

Team Britt's Support Our Troops project was started in July. The first adopted soldiers name was brittaney and the creator of the team as well as the sender is Brittany. After adopting one and sending packages she adopted another and another..and so on.... We have adopted 6 soldiers and their group...CONTINUE....

 

Delicious Specials From the Riverside Grill Pocomoke

MONDAY

JANUARY 28, 2013

 

 * N E Clam Chowder w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 6.99
 (It was so good and popular we made it again!) * Cajun Shrimp Caesar Wrap w/ Fries 8.99
 * Taco Salad 6.99
 * Chili Cheese Dog w/ fries 4.99 or 2 Dogs 6.99

 

 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off appetizers
 @ 8 pm: 1/2 price appetizers, 1/2 price import drafts

 

 

Come get some yummy clam strips tonight during all of our great appetizer discounts!