Beautiful Sunday on the Eastern Shore! Hope everyone was able to get out and move around....
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| Photo/BW |
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Who IS Responsible !!?
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| Photo/BW |
Temperanceville Family Estimates Loss At $25K ..
TEMPERANCEVILLE, Va. - The flames at the scene of the latest fire may be gone, but hours later smoke still rises off the ashes.
Only remnants of a storage barn remain from a Saturday night arson in Temperanceville. This time, it's affecting the Chesser family. Bobby Chesser, owner of Chesser Farm says that this could cost him at least $25,000.
Unlike many of the past arson cases, this was not an abandoned structure. Charred chicken fans emerged through the rubble as Chesser showed WMDT the thousands of dollars of equipment lost.
Beside the fans, Chesser says he lost "some machinery, some lumber, some storage stuff, some decoys, a little bit of everything.""When you have a loss like this and you can't recover it, for no reason somebody burns it down, burns you out, it's rough," said Chesser.
Investigators believe the fire started around 7:00 p.m. Saturday. Chesser's son, Ryan Chesser says he was on his way home when he received a phone call.
"We were about a mile away," said the son. "The whole sky was lit up. I was scared that it was worse than what it was."
The younger Chesser recalls the police investigation and says "they brought a bloodhound last night to look for some foot prints and tire tracks, but they may not have come into the driveway."
Virginia State Police said last week they do have strong leads and Bobby and Ryan hold out hope an arrest will be made soon.
"I hope this is the last one," said Chesser.
Ryan Chesser says that the arsonist is getting careless and "he's going to make a mistake one of these days."
There is a $5,000 reward for information which could lead to an arrest. If you have a tip, call Virginia State Police at (757) 424-6820.
The Rigell Report: Firm Resolve in Serious Times
John Adams once wrote to Thomas Jefferson, “My friend, you and I have lived in very serious times.” Considering the challenges facing our country today, the same may be said of us. In this week's Rigell Report I want to brief you on how I am addressing two of those challenges, sequestration and gun violence.
Stopping Sequestration
Last week I visited the USS HARRY S TRUMAN while the ship was underway conducting training exercises off the coast of North Carolina. Ably led by Captain Robert Roth, the fine officers and crew of CVN 75 are ready to get underway and take their assigned station in the Persian Gulf. Yet anticipated cuts to the Navy's budget resulting from sequestration caused the Navy to delay the Truman's departure. The delay is an early indication of the serious impact that sequestration will have on our nation's military readiness and our local economy, if it is allowed to go in to full effect.
I actively supported and voted for two separate measures that would stop sequestration. Both were passed by the House and were sent to the Senate:
- On May 10, 2012, H.R.
5652, the Sequestration Replacement Reconciliation Act of 2012
- On December 20, 2012, H.R. 6684, the Spending Reduction Act of 2012
To date, the Senate has done nothing.
I am not going to give up the fight to find a wiser fiscal path and stop sequestration. This week, I co-sponsored legislation introduced by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon, the Down Payment to Protect National Security Act of 2013. This legislation would stop the cuts for the remainder of this fiscal year by offsetting them with savings through normal attrition (not layoffs) in the federal workforce.
The Senate need only pass one of these alternatives to stop sequestration.
Preventing Gun Violence
This week, I, along with Representatives Carolyn Maloney (D-NY), Patrick Meehan (R-PA), and Elijah Cummings (D-MD) introduced the first bipartisan bill in the House of Representatives of this Congress to address gun violence.
The Gun Trafficking Prevention Act of 2013 (GTPA) gives law enforcement the tools they said they need to deter and prosecute criminals who traffic in firearms. The bill specifically addresses “straw purchasing,” where an individual poses as the actual buyer, but is really acquiring the firearm for another person.** Firearms acquired through a straw purchaser are often used to commit serious crimes, like the Christmas Eve murder of two first responders in Webster, New York.
The GTPA prohibits gun trafficking and increases the penalties associated with straw purchases, which too often are treated as “paper work” offenses.
As a Life member of the NRA, as a gun owner, and as a strong defender of our Second Amendment, I see the Second Amendment as a high and impassable wall that protects on one side every law abiding American’s constitutional right to own firearms; on the other side are those who do not have a constitutional right to a firearm, namely criminals.
I believe in strong penalties for those who break the law using firearms because their conduct inevitably puts pressure on my rights – and all of our rights as Americans protected under the Constitution.
This bill upholds the Second Amendment and better equips law enforcement. It helps create a culture that strongly discourages straw purchasers, which protects our children and our families. It is a serious crime to purchase a gun for someone else and reducing the number of straw purchasers will save lives.
Indeed, we are living in serious times. What is required of us is a firm resolve to do what must be done, to work together, and be guided in our decisions by sound principles that promote Liberty and Freedom. Let us not forget our special heritage and the sacrifice made by those who have defended our nation since its inception. We’re Americans, we can do this!
Yours in Freedom,
Scott
**NOTE: The bill is endorsed by the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police and is not opposed by the National Rifle Association.
TIME MACHINE ... 1827, 1976, 1965, 1908, 1890
(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)
March, 1827
(Washington Daily National Intelligencer- Washington, D.C.)
Sea Bathing Place on Smith's Island.
The subscriber is deposed to grant a long lease, and very advantageous terms, to any person or company who will erect a Sea Bathing Establishment on Smith's Island. The vicinity of the light-house, now building by Government on eastern end of Smith's Island, affords a situation peculiarly well adapted for sea bathing. The distance of four or five miles from the wooded part of the island, which is usually infested with mosquitoes, there's a breeze, and a superb beach, give the vicinity of the light-house every possible advantage for sea bathing to be found on the southern shores of the Atlantic. It is believed that there is no establishment of this sort on the margin of the Ocean, for several hundred miles of coast. A healthier spot than Smith's Island would rarely be found. The sports of fowling and fishing may be enjoyed there to an almost unlimited degree, and the contiguity of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, affords an easy access to most excellent society.
Please to apply to Captain William Jarvis, near Eastville, Northampton County, Virginia, or to the subscriber.
GEORGE W.P. CUSTIS
Arlington House, near Alexandria, D.C.
May, 1976
Members of the graduating class of the Emergency Medical Technicians, held in Pocomoke City, were: James Ashby, Susan Sartorius, Margaret Hill, Dan Blevins, Patrick Kelly, Dave Twilley, Mike Dean, Joe Byrd, Leslie Thompson, Tom Elliot, and Marion Butler Jr., all of Pocomoke City; Joni Reed, Cindy Pusey, and Gilbert Perdue Jr. of Snow Hill; Clay Stamp and Barry Duffy of Ocean City; Joe Cylypezuk of Berlin. The instructor was Gilbert Perdue Sr. of the State Department Of Health And Mental Hygiene. The students were from local fire, law enforcement, and medical services.
August, 1965 (Time Machine Archive)
Country music fans on the Eastern Shore were looking forward to a big show at the Wicomico Youth And Civic Center in Salisbury, featuring Ernest Tubb And The Texas Troubadours, Loretta Lyn, and Carl & Earl Butler. Pre-show entertainment would be provided by the popular local group Bill Godfrey & His String Kings. Advance tickets were $1.50 for adults and $1.00 for children; 50-cents higher on the night of the show.
October, 1908
(The Denton Journal)
New Peninsula Directory Ready
Polk's new Peninsula Directory of Delaware, Eastern Shore of Maryland and Virginia for 1908-1909 is now off the press, and ready for delivery. As its name indicates, it contains a complete list of the business and professional men, also the farmers of the above mentioned geographical division, arranged to their different professions and businesses.
It contains besides a complete co-partnership directory with Wilmington, also complete city directories of Cambridge, Salisbury, and Dover. This is in an addition to a large amount of information concerning every town, village, and settlement in the entire Peninsula, which will prove of the utmost interest to every inhabitant throughout these districts.
Former patrons of the work will scarcely recognize this well printed, prettily bound pictorial volume as the successor of the old Peninsula Directory.
Anyone wishing for a copy can procure same by sending five dollars to R.L. Polk & Company, Calvert Building, Baltimore, Md.
Footnote: This item was printed as a news item, not an advertisement. Just a guess that the newspaper may have received a complementary copy of the directory in return for the news item publicity. Wonder if a copy of the directory still exists? What a wealth of information it would contain about the Eastern Shore of a century+ ago!
Memories of Accomac, 1890 John S. Wise Jr.. "Memories of Accomac, 1890" Peninsula Enterprise (Accomac, Va.: August 21, 1937)
A friend recently said to me that after all, our memories remain with us and with many are all they get out of life. Certainly I cherish nothing more than my memories of old Drummondtown and Accomack County in 1890, now nearly half a century ago, when I spent a summer with my dear old cousin, Dr. John J. Wise, at his old home "Woodburn," about a mile north of Drummondtown.
I was then a lad of fourteen and full of youthful vitality and activity and interest and curiosity about all things of the Eastern Shore new to a boy who had spent most of his time in the inland country mountains.
(PART 7, concluding portion)
About the biggest entertainment of those days was a beach party.
Two or three sailing bateaux would take a party out to Metompkin Beach. They started in the early morning and spent the day in the torrid heat and got home all hours of the night and morning according to the wind.
In those days we had little ice. We had no thermos bottles. We had to be content with cold sandwiches.
We had no cabins on the bateaux and we had to take the sun and rain until we could reach the Life Saving Station.
On one beach party we were storm bound over night in the Life Saving Station and I think extra mosquitoes were brought in from all the world. On another years later the weather detained our return.
I was piloting one boat and old John (Sounding-pole) Lilliston another. John wouldn't accept it that I knew the Metompkin Bay better than he did and refused to follow me. He put his boat up Deep Gut and grounded it on an ebb tide.
I brought my people in about mid-night but his people spent the ebb in the marsh with the mosquitoes and got home the next morning about nine o'clock.
I am glad to say not all the landmarks have been swept away.
I had the satisfaction of being partially instrumental in the elimination of the old Coleburn storehouse and extending the open space in the centre of the town and in building the present tavern set back of the road.
I hope the old place will preserve its old character.
These are rambling recollections but they bespeak happy days never to return with these old folks.
They are not intended to present any historical theme — just memories of the old place and the folks as they lived.
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 Night Shed Fire In Accomack County
Fire in a farm shed at 11182 Sand Road near Chesser Lane- South of Temperanceville.
Atlantic, Bloxom, Parksley, Saxis and Oak Hall Rescue responded to the blaze which was near chicken houses owned by Bobby Chesser. However, there was no damage was reported to the chicken houses. The shed was reported on the ground when the first units arrived on the scene.
The State Police arson squad was still investigating last night to determine if the fire was intentionally set.
If this fire is determined to be an arson, it will be fire number 45 since the series began on November 12, 2012.
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 (http://www.vaiaai.com).
Additional numbers to reach the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters are toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or at (757) 424-6820; the Accomack County Sheriffs Office can also be contacted at (757) 787-1131
Don't Forget Valentine's Day Reservations....
Accepting Reservations For Valentine's Day....
12 OZ NEW YORK STRIP TOPPED WITH LUMP CRABMEAT AND BERNAISE SAUCE served with BAKED POTATO & ASPARAGUS...$21.99
8 oz NY STRIP served with our SPECIAL RECIPE CRAB IMPERIAL served with BAKED POTATO & ASPARAGUS.....$19.99
12 oz NY STRIP served with 2 SIDES.......$16.99
GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST & LUMP CRABMEAT tossed with CREAMY ALFREDO SAUCE served over PENNE PASTA....$15.99
SINGLE FRIED OYSTERS & SHRIMP served with 2 SIDES......$15.99
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Fireman's Fest Valetine's Day Raffle
The Princess Anne Volunteer Fire Department and Mt. Vernon Volunteer Fire Department are planning to hold a Firemen’s Fest in Princess Anne, MD at the Somerset County Civic Center on
June 8, 2013
to help raise funds for both departments. The Firemen’s Fest will be a family-friendly event which will include a music concert with various acts (including Chris Lane!), car show, firemen’s muster, vendors from various companies, and an arts and crafts show.
To help raise funds for the cost of the Fireman's Fest event the Princess Anne Fire Dept. and Mt. Vernon Fire Dept. are raffling off a
Valentine's Day Firemen's Fest Valentine's Day Package
(retail value $125)!
Package includes:
Sterling Silver earrings donated by Bailey Jewelers
a dozen red roses donated by Priceless Flowers
and a box of assorted chocolates
Tickets: $5 each or 3 for $10
Drawing will be held: Feb 12, 2013
For raffle tickets contact any fire department member.
Donated Acreage Is Now A NEW Park in Girdletree
Earlier in 2012 the Girdletree Volunteer Fire Company donated 3 acres of land to the Worcester Parks and Recreation. A local contractor, Paul W. Jones & Son of Girdletree began the site work
required for the new Girdletree Neighborhood Park in May 2012.
The three acre site donated to Worcester County was to comprise of two adjoining sections: one for young children ages 2-5 and another for youth
ages 6-12, with plans for a pavilion with grills and picnic tables, and a parking
lot.
According to the Worcester County Parks and Recreation the Girdletree Park is NOW OPEN for a walk- through. The playground/park is located at 5841 Box Iron Road in Gridletree, Md. By May 2013 a pavilion will be completed.
Please be sure to thank the Girdletree Fire Department for their generous donation to the Worcester County Parks and Recreation. The park is a wonderful asset to serve the community of Girdletree and the surrounding area.
For those of you living closer to the Pocomoke City area and Newtown Park on Groton Road you will be very pleased to know that the WCPR has given the park a fresher look.
A large pavilion great for family functions!
Charcoal grills, picnic tables, sand volleyball court adjacent to pavilion, with a playground close by. Be sure to take a look!
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| Photo/Girdletree Vol. Fire Company |
According to the Worcester County Parks and Recreation the Girdletree Park is NOW OPEN for a walk- through. The playground/park is located at 5841 Box Iron Road in Gridletree, Md. By May 2013 a pavilion will be completed.
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| Photo/Worcester County Parks and Recreation |
For those of you living closer to the Pocomoke City area and Newtown Park on Groton Road you will be very pleased to know that the WCPR has given the park a fresher look.
A large pavilion great for family functions!
Charcoal grills, picnic tables, sand volleyball court adjacent to pavilion, with a playground close by. Be sure to take a look!
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| Photo/Worcester County Parks and Recreation Worcester County Parks and Recreation in now on FACEBOOK For more information and photos take a look! |
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview
1827.. Bathing resort plans for Smith Island?; 1976.. Emergency Medical Technicians graduate in Pocomoke; 1965.. Country music stars headline Civic Center show in Salisbury; 1908.. Polk's new Peninsula Directory is now off the press; and the concluding portion of Memories Of Accomac, 1890.
Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it 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!
Johns Hopkins Surgeon Speaks at the National Prayer Breakfast
Great video! Be sure to watch the President's face as Dr. Carson speaks. It has been quite a while since someone with some sense has spoken.
Dr. Ben Carson Talks About Entitlement Struggles in the U.S.
Renowned Johns Hopkins surgeon Dr. Ben Carson is making waves in Washington this week. Dr. Carson spoke against political correctness, the national debt, Obamacare, and big government with the president sitting only a few feet away in a speech at the National Prayer Breakfast.
Dr. Carson spoke for more than 25 minutes tackling issues ranging from education to personal responsibility. Right off the bat, he spoke about his disdain for political correctness.
His keynote took a starkly political note, asking how the most powerful nation on the planet has such a poor educational program.
Dr. Carson added that we are usually our own worst enemy, citing ancient Rome as a prime example of how history is cyclical.
Carson then discussed healthcare, which is a sensitive topic where the doctor and the president do not agree.
Source:
Stop By And Meet Buddy !
DASH RESCUE
Will be in front of the Tractor Supply in Pocomoke City, MD.
Saturday, February 9, 2013
10 AM until 3 PM
T-Shirts, Magnets and other goodies for sale
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| DASH Photo BUDDY |
Come on out and meet Buddy, Wishbone
.jpg) |
| Wishbone |
and Doc !!
Help raise funds for Buddy's surgery that is coming up in the near future.
Friday, February 8, 2013
Bay Queen Cruises ~ EAGLE TOURS
THE BAY QUEEN
CRUISES
EAGLE TOURS IN FEBRUARY
Leaving from Sturgis Park
Snow Hill, Md.
Snow Hill, Md.
Beginning :
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
TOUR TIME: 3
PM
$20.00 PER PERSON
(must have at least 12 passengers per trip)
(must have at least 12 passengers per trip)
RESERVATIONS
REQUIRED
Call 410-632-1415
Call 410-632-1415
DRESS
WARM !!
Bring blankets for added warmth
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 ~
A Big Friday Shout-Out To Bel-Art in Pocomoke City !!
By
Jennie Lee
POCOMOKE CITY, Md. - A local manufacturing company is working to build a business that they know will create jobs and help the local economy.
18 years ago, David Landsberger moved his company "Bel-Art Products" to the Eastern Shore. It's a manufacturing firm which makes plastic parts for scientific and medical use. "Our country was built on manufacturing jobs.
Manufacturing is the bedrock of America," he said. He moved his company to Pocomoke City from New Jersey after the state of Maryland, Delmarva Power and the city of Pocomoke offered him incentives he couldn't turn down.
He says industrial jobs can help an economy that's desperate for stability. "The tourism business is great, but it's seasonal. It creates a lot of stress on the government because a lot of the people who are involved in the tourism business wind up on unemployment in the winter," he said.
He goes further to say manufacturing offers more opportunity for advancement than retail. He's been working with local colleges to encourage students to build their careers here.
"I meet a lot of bright kids who want to get into manufacturing. They want to get jobs in either manufacturing engineering, or in tool making, or in some kind of steady job that has good benefits so that they know they can support their family. And they all keep saying to me they have to leave the Eastern Shore because they're no jobs here. They don't wTo ant to work in the chicken houses, they don't want to be a farmer and they don't want to work in the tourist business. They need to know that there are opportunities here," he said.
So he's pulling in people like Steven Ignaccolo, a student at Wor-Wic Community College, who's interning at Bel-Art. "I've been told by my school that there is a lot of manufacturing in the Salisbury area, but people do move off, so it would be nice if more people stay around," he said.
"To have a manufacturing base gives people an ability to earn their own living, raise their own family and lead a better life. I think that's important for the Eastern Shore," Landsberger said.
Bel-Art has a partnership with Wor-Wic Community College's manufacturing program. They are also working with other local community colleges including Delaware Tech, Eastern Shore Community College and Chesapeake College to push the "Tech Transfer" initiative. It's an effort to bring new technologies to the market.
For more information on Tech Transfer, click here. For more information on Bel-Art, click here.
VIEW VIDEO --
Riverside Grill Pocomoke
FRIDAY SPECIALS
FEBRUARY 8, 2013
-Seafood Chowder (shrimp, crab, and clams) w/ 1/2 ham sandwich or side salad 6.99
-Neptune Wrap (shrimp and lump crab) w/ fries 9.99
-Open-Face Roast Beef w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
-Blackened Shrimp Wedge Salad 8.99
-Neptune Wrap (shrimp and lump crab) w/ fries 9.99
-Open-Face Roast Beef w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
-Blackened Shrimp Wedge Salad 8.99
Friday drink specials:
*Happy Hour is starting at 3 pm today!
$1 off all appetizers and most drinks until 7 pm*
@ 8 pm: $3.50 Captain Morgan and Sailor Jerry drinks, $1.50 Coors light, Bud light, and Yuengling drafts
The Future Of Social Sharing? Why Facebook May Want To Track Your Location
(CNN) — Facebook may be working on an app that will let your friends, or even complete strangers, know where you are at all times.If that sounds unpleasant, even creepy, you’re not alone. But it sounds an awful lot like a small but growing mobile sector in which users knowingly sacrifice some privacy in exchange for “social discovery.”
And, as Facebook works to make money off its constantly growing list of mobile users, such a feature raises questions about how the company will use the personal info it would collect.
On Tuesday, Bloomberg reported that Facebook is developing a smartphone app that would track the location of users. The app would run in the background of smartphones even when not opened and is designed to help users find nearby friends, according to one of two unnamed sources cited in the article.
A Facebook spokeswoman told CNN that the company has no comment about the report.
Social discovery, or stalking? READ MORE.....
Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin Accepting Applications For Scholarship Program
Accomack County Sheriff Todd E. Godwin announced Thursday that he is accepting applications for the Virginia Sheriffs Institute Scholarship Program. The VSI Program was established to provide an opportunity for young people across Virginia to pursue an educational curriculum in law enforcement or criminal justice. Full-time and Part-time students are eligible for this program and all applicants must meet the requirements set forth by the Virginia Sheriffs Institute in order to qualify as a recipient of the VSI scholarship award.
Applicants must live in the locality where the sheriff is a member of the Virginia Sheriffs Institute and must be accepted to Virginia Colleges and Universities with a major in the criminal justice field.
All students interested in the Virginia Sheriffs Institute Scholarship Program for the 2013/2014 school year should contact Karen Barrett of the Accomack County Sheriffs Office @ 787-1131, 824-5666, or 891-2489.
Applications may be obtained from the Accomack County Sheriffs Office and must be completed and returned by April 19, 2013.
Accomack County Fires/ Serial Arsons Could Be Work Of a Group
Anita Blanton
ACCOMACK COUNTY, Va. (WAVY) - Nearly four dozen arsons have been reported on the Eastern Shore in a matter of three months and officials are aggressively searching for a suspect.
Since November 2012, 44 arsons have been set in Accomack County, with the majority of them destroying abandoned buildings.
State Police say based on evidence that's been collected, there may be several individuals working in connection for the majority of the arsons on the Eastern Shore.
The agency is "aggressively pursuing leads", said Sgt. Michelle Anaya.
“From solid, old-fashioned police work to utilizing the latest in police technology, we have developed several strong leads as to who may very possibly be behind these fires,” Capt. T.A. Reibel, Commander of the BCI Chesapeake Field Office said.
WAVY.com’s Anita Blanton traveled to Accomack County and found that after three months of fires, conversations around a community in fear of the next arson make it clear that rumors are running rampant.
Martha McNair, who's lived in the area for years said, "I feel like it's an inside job. I feel like somebody obviously knows what's going on."
People in the town say their patience is wearing thin. "It's outrageous really somebody should have caught this guy by now," said Jeff Bender.
His wife Erin agreed, "I thought we were done with it and whoever it was had moved on, but I guess that's not the case."
To date there have been 44 arsons on the Eastern Shore since mid-November. "We hear about it the next morning and everybody's like ‘Oh did you hear about the fire happening and this and that’," said
Tony Ramirez who lives next door to one of the burned structures.
WAVY.com also spoke with two residents who lived on property where firefighters battled flames just feet away from their homes. Donald Carroll was in disbelief, "He (a friend) called me and he said have you looked outside? And I said no and I look and see fire trucks and the lights are going on.
Considering what could have happened and what did happen this is some kind of a miracle almost because it should have burned the whole thing down. Sooner or later this man or men or woman or whoever keeps doing this is going to burn something and one of our local firemen is going to get killed."
For those wondering who could be behind it all and why police haven't made an arrest, 10 on Your Side went to two experts for answers, Bernadette Holmes, a criminal justice professor at Norfolk State University and Doctor Velma Bacak, a psychiatrist at Riverside Behavioral Health Center. Dr. Bacak explained, "These are quietly angry people but they don't show it. You see more personality disorders and alcohol abuse. Who knows if this is somebody who does it for thrills or maybe this is about revenge."
Professor Holmes added that these crimes can be extremely hard to investigate. "You're putting together those pieces of the puzzle and there's so much property damage associated with this type of crime that it can take longer to solve," said Holmes.
Investigators have released very little information about any potential leads. "We do believe it’s someone inside the community that's very familiar with Accomack County. Right now any leads that we have are under investigation,” said Sgt. Michelle Anaya, with Virginia State Police.
Professor Holmes says it’s understandable given the nature of the crimes. "Law enforcement has to be very tight-lipped because one misstep, one misstatement could escalate the behavior of the perpetrator or it could give clues," explained Holmes.
State Police say this investigation is extremely challenging, with the large area it covers and the fact that the crime scene is typically compromised by the time they arrive, simply from the fire fight.
"We have stepped up troopers, we have stepped up surveillance, we're bringing in different types of agencies, state, local, and federal agencies. Our utmost priority right now is the security of this community," said Sgt. Anaya.
Right now the main targets for arson in Accomack County have been abandoned or unoccupied buildings, but State Police want people to know how serious this is. According to state law, even burning an unoccupied structure is a Class 4 Felony that carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.
Investigators are urging anyone with information to call police. They also want residents to be vigilant especially if you see someone coming in and out at late times at night.
There is currently a reward of $5,000 for information leading to an arrests and conviction.
Source:
103rd Anniversary for Scouting
Scouts raising flag at City Hall
October 2012
BWphoto
In honor of Scouting's 103rd Anniversary
Pocomoke City Mayor Bruce Mayor and City Council
have declared
February 6 - 12, 2013 as
Scout Week In Pocomoke City
Photo BW
Scouts in Cypress Park
Flag Day Ceremony
June 2012
Scout Sunday 2013 ~ A Scout Is Reverent
During the Scouting Anniversary Week in February, Scouts around the world honor this important point of the Scout Law by celebrating "Scout Sunday" or "Scout Sabbath".
Units throughout the Del-Mar-VA Council will celebrate Scout Sunday on February 3 or 10, 2013. Scouts and Scouters are asked to wear their Field Uniforms (class A) to their places of worship in celebration of the 103rd Anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America.
Thursday, February 7, 2013
Delegate Mike McDermott Speaks at Pro Gun Rally/ VIDEO
On February 6, 2013, many Marylanders came out to Annapolis to let their voice be heard on their 2nd Amendment Rights.
In this video, you will see Delegate Mike McDermott speaking to the crowd at the Pro Gun Rally.
TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview
1827.. Bathing resort plans for Smith Island?; 1976.. Emergency Medical Technicians graduate in Pocomoke; 1965.. Country music stars headline Civic Center show in Salisbury; 1908.. Polk's new Peninsula Directory is now off the press; and the concluding portion of Memories Of Accomac, 1890.
Although you may not find these items in a history book, they are a part of our local history and you can read more about it 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!
News Release From Virginia State Police: Virginia State Police Still Pursuing Arsonist
"Since the first fires were set Nov. 12, 2012, state police has dedicated a multitude of resources to tracking, investigating and preventing these arson (fire)s," said Capt. T.A. Reibel, Commander of the BCI Chesapeake Field Office. "From solid, old-fashioned police work to utilizing the latest in police technology, we have developed several strong leads as to who may very possibly be behind these fires."
"We are confident that a few of the arson (fire)s are the work of some individuals seeking to take advantage of what has become a serial crime spree. But, the evidence collected from the other fires indicates that the majority of the arson (fire)s are the work of several individuals possibly working in connection with one another," Reibel stated. "Solving crimes like these does require public participation. It's that one tidbit of information that an Accomack County resident knows about that's going to affect the arrest and successful prosecution of the person(s) responsible."
From Nov. 13, 2012, through Feb. 4, 2013, there have been 44 reported structure and brush fires all purposely set in Accomack County. No injuries have resulted from the fires, which have all occurred in the overnight hours. In some instances, multiple fires have been set the same night in different locations in the county.
During the course of the investigation, State Police has increased uniformed patrols and surveillance across the county; as well as brought in additional arson and crime scene investigators from other State Police BCI Field Offices around the state. State police is also working with the Virginia Department of Fire Programs, the ATF and the Accomack County Sheriffs Office on the cases.
"We sincerely appreciate all the tips called and emailed in to us from Accomack County residents. Your information has been incredibly valuable in our pursuit of the individuals endangering your community with these arsons. We also appreciate residents vigilance to protect their properties from such criminals and your patience with this expansive investigation. Please keep the tips coming in, so we can solve these crimes, put the individuals responsible behind bars, and let Accomack County residents regain a sense of safety and normalcy in their lives," Reibel continued.
Arson is one of the most challenging of criminal investigations because the crime scene has to be compromised before being thoroughly investigated. The simple act of putting out the fire can dramatically contaminate evidence at the scene, which is why State Police continues to ask residents to call 911 or 77 on a cell phone as soon as any kind of suspicious activity is suspected or spotted.
Additional numbers to reach the Virginia State Police Chesapeake Headquarters are toll-free at 1-800-582-8350 or at (757) 424-6820; the Accomack County Sheriffs Office can also be contacted at (757) 787-1131.
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 (http://www.vaiaai.com).
In Virginia, state law declares the burning of a structure an unoccupied dwelling as a Class 4 Felony. A Class 4 Felony carries a maximum penalty of up to 10 years in jail and a fine of up to $100,000.
Support Our Troops Project
Below is a list of items that you can be donated. The soldiers that Britt has adopted appreciate anything from home and have expressed that on her facebook page. As always, it is important that all of us at home let them know how much we care and miss them.
Snacks- items that do not melt or spoil
cookies, crackers, trail mixes, snack packs, candy, gum, drink mixes
Personal items- deodorants, lotions (scented and non), Q-tips. cotton swaps, wet wipes /baby wipes, sanitizer, men's shampoos, soaps, disposable razors, chap stick
Also: Our soldiers love drawings and letters from children, letters of support, cards, magazines, books, small games
Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project has T-shirts, bracelets and other items for sale on her facebook page. 1/2 the cost of the items goes towards the cost of getting the packages to our troops.
Donations and items can be dropped off at
Enchanted florist in Pocomoke, Captains Cove Marina Club or Bay Country in Pocomoke.
Be sure to "like" this page- Team Britt's Support Our Troops Project for updates/pictures and more.
No Municipal Election For Pocomoke City This Year
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Elaine Bean
POCOMOKE CITY — Since only two incumbent council members filed to run in the upcoming municipal election, the town will not hold an election this year.
Incumbent council members Diane Downing and George E. Tasker had already filed to run in the election and will automatically be declared the winners, according to city manager Russell Blake.
“There is no election required under our rules,” said Blake. “(Downing and Tasker) will be declared the winners.”
The cancellation of the municipal election will save the town and its citizens both money and effort.
“With no other candidates, we don’t need to go through the motions and expense of an election,” said Blake.
Downing, who represents the 2nd District, will be serving her second term as city council member.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving, because I enjoy it,” said Downing. “(Running unopposed) makes me feel like I’m doing something right.”
She was involved in bringing the Riverside Grill restaurant to Pocomoke City during her first term, part of her interest in downtown revitalization.
“That’s a big thing economically,” Downing said.
Downing would also like to see improvements in the condition of homes in Pocomoke City and is also interested in developing activity programs for youth.
“Maybe something that would hold their interest — an arcade, maybe. It takes time,” she said.
Tasker, who represents District 1, was elected in 2012 to fulfill the unexpired term of the late Bob Hawkins. This will be his first complete three-year term.
“I’m glad that no one ran against me,” said Tasker. “But sometimes it makes me wonder whether people really care when no one runs against someone unopposed. …Unless everyone thinks I’m doing the job. But I haven’t been in there long enough for anybody to think I’ve done a good job.”
Bringing businesses to downtown Pocomoke City and the industrial park is high on Tasker’s list of priorities. He is also concerned about flooding and other drainage issues.
“I want to see the downtown grow, and I’d like to see more youth programs come alive in town.
Maybe some open mentoring programs,” said Tasker.
Source:
Rep. Scott Rigell makes Statement About Delay of USS Truman’s Deployment
On Wednesday the Navy announced that the USS Harry S. Truman will not deploy on Friday as scheduled.
Congressman Scott Rigell released the following statement:
“This most recent announcement concerning the USS HARRY S TRUMAN and our carrier presence in the Persian Gulf is an early indication of the challenge our region will face if sequestration is not averted. I have supported, and the House has passed on two separate occasions, measures that would avert sequestration. As recently as today, I co-sponsored legislation to be introduced by House Armed Services Committee Chairman Buck McKeon that would avert these cuts for the remainder of this fiscal year by offsetting them with savings through attrition in the federal workforce with a national security waiver.”
“I urge the President and the Senate to consider these alternatives passed by the House to avert sequestration. The seriousness of this situation cannot be overstated. These cuts have the potential to devastate our region and, as we can see by today’s announcement, the impact on our community and our forward presence has already begun.”
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