Your Travels May Be Slowed Tonight In Accomack County

A huge THANK YOU to all of the officers and emergency personnel who have stepped in to assist our worn out yet hard working officers!  -Even thouth they aren't ready to give up yet.
I just have to give a shout out to the Officers from the Worcester County Sheriff's Office in Snow Hill, Md.

WTKR Photo

Law enforcement agencies increase presence in Accomack County in hunt for arsonist
From WTKR
TONIGHT Friday, March 8, 2013
Accomack County, Va. – Accomack County residents will see a significant increase in the presence of state and local law enforcement tonight through Tuesday night as the hunt for the serial arsonist continues.

Uniformed troopers, deputy sheriffs, and police officers will be on patrol and conducting informational gathering checkpoints at random locations around the county as part of the ongoing investigation into the 64 suspicious fires that have occurred since mid-November.

The latest arson occurred early Friday morning in the 28500 block of Saxis Road in Temperanceville, when an abandoned, two-story residential structure was burned.

Troopers will be handing out fliers featuring the Accomack County Arson Tip Line and reward information, as well as soliciting any information or concerns motorists may have concerning the fires.

“This is just another investigative resource the law enforcement agencies on the Eastern Shore are putting forth in our dedicated efforts to solving and stopping these fires,” said Capt. Tim Reibel, Commander of the Bureau of Criminal Investigation’s Chesapeake Field Office. “We have the Tip Line and appreciate the more than 100 calls, texts, and emails we have received so far, but we also want to make ourselves as available as possible to the public to share with us any information, suspicions or concerns they may have.”

Anyone with information about the arsons and/or individual(s) responsible is encouraged to contact law enforcement via a Tip Line dedicated to these investigations. Text, call or email at 757-655-1437.
Anyone with a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction in these cases could be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000.

The Virginia State Police, the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office, Chincoteague Police Department, Eastville Police Department, Onancock Police Department, Onley Police Department, Northampton County Sheriff’s Office, Worcester County, Md., Sheriff’s Office, and Virginia Marine Resources Commission Police will all be participating.

PHOTOS/READ MORE

REPOST/ AUCTION~ Buddy's Electronics and Sign Company

 Buddy's Electronics & Sign Co.

 

AUCTION

1316 Market Street

Pocomoke City, MD

 

Saturday,  March 9, 2013

 

EVERYTHING MUST GO !!

Food & Drinks will be served.



 

 Full list of items and pictures that will be sold are available at

 www.zebsauctions.com

 

EVERYTHING MUST GO ! 

An Update on the Death Penalty Repeal Bill (SB276) By Delegate Mike McDermott

Update

• The House Judiciary Committee Passes the Death Penalty Repeal: My Thoughts.
• By Delegate Mike McDermott

Mar. 8th, 2013

The Death Penalty Repeal Bill (SB276) just passed the House Judiciary Committee. I voted against the bill. Today, the O'Malley-Brown Administration asked the House Judiciary Committee to do something in the future that he is unwilling to do for the past: eliminate the Death Penalty in Maryland. The governor will not commute the Death sentences of the 5-inmates currently on Death row testifying that he needed to evaluate each on a "case by case basis"; yet he asks the General Assembly to consider all murderers the same going forward and make the tremendous leap that none of them qualify for the Death Penalty. We offered amendments that would keep the Death Penalty a viable sentence for mass school homicides and even for the mass killing of a million people by nuclear arms, but the Democrats would not yield. In this action, they have removed protections from our law enforcement officers and our corrections officers all over the state from inmates already sentenced to Life Imprisonment. How do you control an animal who is already in prison under a Life Without Parole sentence if you cannot hold a Death Penalty sentence over his head? By this action, we clear the way for the General Assembly to render Maryland impotent in addressing the very worst of the worst in our society. It is truly against the wishes of a vast majority of Marylanders and will serve to insure that more innocent people will be killed by those whose only sentence can be Life Without Parole.

REPOST: Photo/Possible Arson In the Same Area As Before

Friday, March 8, 2013, 1:40 AM
29000 Saxis Road, Temperanceville, Virginia
Abandoned  structure fire

Saxis, Alantic, New Church, Parksley, Oak Hall Rescue, and Bloxom responded to the fire.

The structure was located between Route 13and the railroad tracks on Saxis Road in the 29000 block and within feet of  the structure that was burned in February 2013!



Photo by BW


This is what is left today.

Photo/ BW

REMINDER:A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the series of arson fires.

 

If you have information call the Accomack County Sheriff's Department at 757-655-1437

 

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ Pocomoke City Police Department

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 

 

Position: Police Administrative Assistant

 

Pocomoke City Police are accepting applications for a full-time Administrative Assistant; this position requires a High School Diploma and previous office/computer experience.

 

Call Ms. Gayle Waters at 410-957-1600 or pick up an application at the Pocomoke Police Department located at 1500 Market Street. 

Applications will only be accepted up to March 30, 2013.

 

Pocomoke City is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

 

 

Pocomoke City Police Department
1500 Market Street

 

 

REMINDER: Spaghetti Dinner To Benefit the Pocomoke Vol. Fire Dept. Cadet Program

Bring the Kids....Everyone loves Spaghetti !

 

 

 

Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Co.
Spaghetti Dinner

To Benefit the Cadet Program
Friday -
March 8th
5pm  til 8 p.m.

All you can eat Spaghetti, plus what goes with it !!!

Silent Auction of sports memorabilia
& 50/50

Home made sauce by the Firemen "Cooks"
Adults $10 **  ages 5-12 $5.00 ** 4 and under free

Dinner served at
The Community Center
at the
Pocomoke City Vol. Fire Co

  

 

Upcoming Community Events

Events that will be happening in the community

Beaver Dam Presbyterian Church's band and choir will be performing at a benefit concert at First Baptist Church in New Church VA this Sunday, March 10 at 6:00 pm

Pitts Creek Presbyterian Church will be having an All You Can Eat Taco Night on Saturday, March 16 from 5-7.  Tickets are $7 for adults and $4 for Kids.  Pitts Creek Church is on Market Street across from the Post Office.  For details call Chris Palmer at 410-726-1590.

The Pocomoke Ministerial Association will be having a Community Good Friday Service at the Abundant Life Apostolic Church on Front Street on Friday, March 29 at noon.

Pitts Creek and Beaver Dam Presbyterian Churches and Salem and Bethany Methodist Churches will have a joint Easter Morning Sunrise Service on the dock behind Salem church at 6:30 am on March 31. All are invited.

FACEBOOK Gives News Feed A New Look

(CNN) – Facebook wants to cut clutter.

The social media site, which has more than 1 billion users, on Thursday announced a newly redesigned News Feed that blows up photos and visual content, and adds categories that focus on specific types of content. The Web version of the social network now looks much more like the mobile apps, which are also getting a revamping.

Facebook announced the changes during a press event at its headquarters in Menlo Park, California. The new Web version will roll out slowly to users starting Thursday, and updated iOS and Android apps will be available in the coming weeks.

Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg compared the revamped feed to a local newspaper and the new channels to the traditional sections, such as sports and business, you’d find there.

“I think that there’s this important and social place in this world for this customized newspaper,” Zuckerberg said.

He didn’t note the irony of comparing Facebook to an industry that his site and others are marginalizing.

The News Feed is the first, and sometimes only, page people see when they log on to the Facebook website or fire up a Facebook mobile app. The nerve center of the Facebook experience, the News Feed fills the middle of this home screen with updates, photos, articles and other content and activity from your friends, such as likes and app updates. Interspersed among that somewhat-chronological content are posts from pages you follow and targeted ads.

The main page, which Facebook is calling the “front page” to go with its newspaper metaphor, is adding categories so people can look at a more narrow feed of specific types of content as an alternative to the all-in-one view. There are views for all friends, most recent, close friends, music, photos, games and following.

Photos will show every single image your friends post as well as the photos posted by the pages you follow, including anything shared to Facebook from Instagram. The Music channel will show a combination of nearby concerts, feeds from musicians you follow, and the songs friends are listing to with third-party apps such as Spotify. The channels will appear on the mobile apps and Web versions of Facebook.

“Everyone’s going to start on the front page like they do today. This just gives people more power to dig into the topics they care about,” Zuckerberg said.

The individual elements that populate the News Feed have been redesigned to fill the page better, the company maintains. Text is taking a back seat to visual content, which now makes up almost 30% of the content in the News Feed, according to Zuckerberg. Photos, videos and albums are bigger. Shared articles show a bigger image and larger summary along with a logo for the publisher. Content in the feed about individuals and pages will show a little slice of their timeline, including their cover photo and a button to add them as a friend or to like the page. Maps and posts for third-party apps such as Pinterest have also been cleaned up.

Previously, the News Feed occupied less than 40% of the real estate on the Facebook home page, according to Julie Zhuo, Facebook’s director of design. To cut down on clutter and give the feed more room to breathe, navigation elements on the left have been slimmed down to a narrow black column of icons, similar to the mobile interface.

One thing that’s not changing is the algorithm that decides what posts are displayed in a feed, which has received some criticism. Zuckerberg defended the practice of not showing a full and complete chronological feed of all content, saying people benefit from more important content, such as major life events, being given a more prominent place in their feeds.

Ads also are included in the redesign, though their placement remains the same. Ads are Facebook’s primary source of income. The company made $4.2 billion off advertising in 2012, which accounted for 82% of the social network’s total revenue, according to Engadget. Most of that ad money comes from the Web version of Facebook, and 23% was from ads on mobile devices.

The company may get money from advertisers, but it needs to keep the users who click on those ads engaged, active and happy on the network.

Source:

Worcester County Rabies Clinic

Amber Alert Notifications For Cell Phones in Maryland

ALL CELL PHONES WITH WIRELESS EMERGENCY
ALERT CAPABILITY WILL NOW RECEIVE AMBER
ALERTS IN MARYLAND

(Pikesville, Maryland) – AMBER Alert notifications are now being sent to every wireless emergency alert (WEA) compliant cell phone in the area of the alert.

Effective immediately, AMBER Alert notifications in Maryland will be sent to all cell phones with wireless emergency alert compatibility in the state. Previously, AMBER Alerts were only received on your cell phone if you had visited a website and chose to ‘opt’ in. This no longer applies to the new AMBER Alert cell phone notification system.

The wireless emergency alert uses a loud tone, similar to the emergency alert system (EAS) messages on radio or television, to notify the public. Additional to the audible sounds, the system will also send a ninety character text message with basic information concerning the AMBER Alert. If you travel outside of Maryland, you will continue to receive alerts issued in the areas you visit.

Since inception, the AMBER Alert system has been instrumental in the safe recovery of 602 children nationwide. The AMBER Alert signals a critical life or death situation. This new system will allow the alert to reach more of the public, and enlist their eyes to help find an abducted child and aid in their safe recovery.

Users who choose not to receive the AMBER Alert can contact their cell phone service provider or shut off the alerts in the “alert/notifications” section of their cellular phone. If the phone is placed on vibrate or silent, the audio tone will not be heard.

The FCC, FEMA and the Wireless Association (CTIA) assisted in the development of this new “Commercial Mobile Alert System”, to notify the public of certain emergencies. Included in this new system is the new AMBER Alert cell phone notification.

Maryland instituted the AMBER Alert program in August of 2002. To date Maryland has issued 33 AMBER Alerts. The AMBER Alert is issued for abducted children only and must meet strict criteria. An AMBER Alert can be requested by law enforcement only. The system is not utilized for Silver Alerts.

For FAQ’s and more information, visit:
FEMA:
http://www.fema.gov.commercial-mobile-alert-system
DOJ:
http://www.amberalert.gov/#
CTIA:
http://www.ctia.org/consumerinfo/safety/index.cfm/AID/12082
###
Submitted: Maryland State Police

Coast Guard Suspends Search for 2 Missing Men Off Eastern Shore

March 7, 2013
PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard suspended the search Thursday for two men missing approximately 15 miles east of Assateague Island, Md.

Rescued was Patrick Small of New Bern, N.C.

Missing are Steven and Walter Tate of New Bern, N.C.

Coast Guard 5th District watchstanders initially received an emergency position-indicating radio beacon alert from the 67-foot fishing vessel Seafarer at 10:39 a.m. Wednesday.

Watchstanders contacted the vessel's owner, who believed the Seafarer became disabled and the vessel's sister ship, the Captain Alex, reportedly started towing the Seafarer.  It was reported that the Captain Alex lost the tow and sight of the Seafarer when weather conditions worsened.

Watchstanders dispatched crews aboard a 47-foot Motor Life Boat from Coast Guard Station Chincoteague and an MH-60 Jayhawk from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C. to the Seafarer’s reported position. Once on scene, the aircrew rescued Small from a life raft and took him to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md.  Afterwards, the Jayhawk and the MLB crews resumed their search for the Tates until the case was temporarily suspended due to nightfall and adverse weather conditions.

Thursday morning a second Jayhawk crew from the air station resumed the search until 1 p.m., when the case was suspended pending further developments.


A crew aboard an MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter from Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, N.C., rescued a man from a life raft off the Eastern Shore following the capsizing of the 67-foot fishing vessel Seafarer, Wednesday, March 6, 2013. The aircrew hoisted the man into the helicopter and took him to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. U.S. Coast Guard video by Air Station Elizabeth City.

“We want to extend our most sincere condolences to the families of the missing crewmembers,” said Thomas Botzenhart, a search and rescue controller at the 5th Coast Guard District command center. “We have expended multiple Coast Guard assets to search for their loved ones.  We have searched over 560 square nautical miles of the Atlantic Ocean off the eastern shore of Virginia in an effort to locate and rescue their family members.  It is with a great deal of sorrow that we have been unable to locate them at this point of time.”

Submitted: US Coast Guard

Maryland Sheriffs' Association, Inc. / Safer Communities

Maryland Sheriffs’ Association, Inc.

Safer Communities

 

WHEREAS, the elected Sheriff is recognized throughout the United States as a chief local enforcement officer and is directly accountable to the people through the electoral process, we

stand for the Rule of Law in the United States in which the Supreme Court and lower courts are the ultimate authority in determining the constitutionality of any law.

 

WHEREAS, all Maryland Sheriffs take an oath of office to support and defend the United States Constitution, the Maryland Constitution, and the laws of the State of Maryland, including

the Bill of Rights and the Second Amendment.

 

WHEREAS, a primary mission of Maryland Sheriffs is to ensure public safety, there must be a comprehensive approach to create safer communities; gun control alone will not solve the

problem of extreme violence. Society needs a thoughtful and comprehensive approach to thisworsening problem, including addressing media violence, drugs,gangs, and the breakdown of

 the family.

 

WHEREAS, Sheriffs’ Deputies must have access to relevant records to determine whether a person is legally prohibited from 

 possessing a firearm by major improvements in the National

Instant Check System. Mental health records must be available for accurate background checks, for response to 911 calls, and for response to those who suffer from mental illness.

 

WHEREAS, Maryland Sheriffs believe mental health treatment must be greatly expanded for all those who are experiencing mental illness. There is an epidemic of untreated mental illness across this State and across our country. There is a link between untreated mental illness and an increased risk of violent acts.

 

WHEREAS, Maryland Sheriffs support local State’s Attorneys in the vigorous prosecution of those who violate existing gun laws and encourage enhanced sentences for violators.

 

WHEREAS, a primary mission of Sheriffs is to ensure public safety, we support enhanced firearm safety efforts including incentives to promote both safe, and secure storage, and use of

firearms.

 

WHEREAS, Maryland Sheriffs stand ready to assist in training for school personnel, and those who operate public and private facilities, to address active shooters and other safety concerns.

WHEREAS, the Maryland Sheriffs hold children as their community’s most valuable asset,we are committed to protecting our children in their neighborhoods and in their schools.

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,

 the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association stands ready to work with all parties to create a safer community for all Marylanders.

   

Maryland Sherriff's Association / Gun Rally/ Safer Communities

PRESS RELEASE

Annapolis  Rally

 

 

 

Annapolis – Representatives from the Maryland Sheriff’s Association recently attended, and spoke at a rally at the State House to voice support for Second Amendment issues that involve gun bills working through the Maryland Legislature.  The rally was sponsored by a number of gun rights’ organizations and associations; all of which were offering opposing testimony to bills that were designed to infringe,  negate, or diminish gun ownership rights under the provisions of the Second Amendment.  Well over 1,000 citizens from these groups were in attendance.  The Maryland Sheriff’s Association had previously taken legislative positions in opposition to gun bill proposals that were convoluted, restricted law enforcement, or that attacked the fundamental rights provided in the Second Amendment.  On major gun bills of interest, Maryland Sheriff’s Association President Sheriff Mike Lewis (Wicomico) and Sheriff Tim Cameron (St. Mary’s - serving as Chair of the Maryland Sheriff’s Legislative Committee) testified in opposition to provisions of gun legislation that adversely impacted gun ownership, sales, transfer, licensing, and other prohibitions that restricted a qualified citizen’s right to purchase or own a firearm.

(L/R):  Sheriff John Price (Kent), Sheriff Dallas Pope (Talbot), Sheriff Mike Lewis (Wicomico), Sheriff Reggie Mason (Worcester), Sheriff Randy Bounds (Caroline), Sheriff Gary Hofmann (Queen Anne’s)
                               
Representing the Maryland Sheriffs, and attending this rally were Sheriff John Price (Kent), Sheriff Gary Hofmann (Queen Anne’s), Sheriff Randy Bounds (Caroline), Sheriff Dallas Pope (Talbot), Sheriff Mike Lewis (Wicomico), and Sheriff Reggie Mason (Worcester).  Sheriff James Phillips (Dorchester) was slated to attend though experienced a last minute conflict.

The Maryland Sheriffs, as Maryland Constitutional officers, had previously met and discussed the current gun bills; assessing their public impact and constitutionality.  In formulating a stance on these bills, the Maryland Sheriffs reinforced the need for thorough and complete background checks to prevent those who are disqualified from owning or purchasing a firearm.  Further, the Sheriffs supported efforts to fully identify and screen those persons with mental health needs who pose a risk to themselves or others from owning or possessing firearms.  Another tangent of their position involved the full and effective prosecution of all current firearms statutes that involve gun crimes, and in particular those gun crimes with aggravating factors of drugs or acts of violence.  Measures to assure the full implementation of sentencing with the maximum penalties applied for gun crimes is of critical importance for the removal of these criminals from our communities.  The stance and proclamation of the Maryland Sheriff’s Association in regard to current gun legislation and related public safety aspects is attached to this release. 

Sheriff Dallas G. Pope

Talbot County Sheriff's Office

115 W. Dover Street

Easton, MD  21601

##

Lt. Edward C. Schreier

Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Employment Opportunity ~ Pocomoke Police Department

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

　

 

 

　

 

 

 

 

 

　

　

 

 

　

　

 

　

TIME MACHINE ... This Sunday's Preview.

1909.. Pocket phone saves life on Eastern Shore; 1980.. Musicians hope to become Shore Symphony; 1941.. A major fire hits Snow Hill; 1924.. New bus route to Eastern Shore towns; 1934.. Part 2 of first-hand remembrances of life on lower shore in mid-1800's.　

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!

Launch From NASA/ Wallops Postponed

The rocket launch scheduled from NASA/Wallop Flight Facility has been  rescheduled due to weather conditions. The launch was originally set for early Friday morning.

The launch of the Terrier-Lynx suborbital rocket has been rescheduled for Monday, March 11, 2012 between 1:30 a.m. and 2:15 a.m.

The rocket may be visible to residents in the mid-Atlantic region.
The launch will not be shown live on the Internet nor will launch status updates be provided on social media once the countdown begins. The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will not be open for viewing the launch.

NASA/ Wallops Flight Facility

Coast Guard Rescues Man, Dog From Disabled Sailboat

Photo/Coast Guard

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard rescued a man and his dog Wednesday after his sailboat became disabled in the northwest branch of the Back River approximately half a mile northwest of the Bell Isle Marina in Hampton.

The 41-foot sailboat was disabled, adrift and dragging its anchor.

Towboat U.S. notified Coast Guard Sector Hampton Roads watchstanders of the disabled sailboat at 10:15 p.m. Monday. Towboat U.S. reported that due to weather conditions, they could not safely approach the sailboat and requested additional assistance from Sector Hampton Roads.

Sector watchstanders dispatched a crew aboard a 45-foot Response Boat - Medium from Coast Guard Station Cape Charles and the Poquoson Fire Department aboard Fire Boat 1 also responded to assist.

Once on scene, the Coast Guard crew transferred the man and his dog from the 41-foot sailboat to their boat at approximately 2:00 a.m. Tuesday and took them to the Langley Air Force Base marina.

"This is a great example of how the Coast Guard and our partner agencies work together to assist mariners in need," said Capt. John Little, the captain of the Port of Hampton Roads. "Partnership and team building are some of the primary objectives we're building upon this week at our search and rescue forum in Hampton."

There are no reports of injuries and Towboat U.S. is scheduled to salvage the sailboat.

HARFORD COUNTY MAN COMMITS SUICIDE ON A TRAFFIC STOP

(ESSEX, MD) – State Police are investigating the death of a Harford County man who committed suicide yesterday afternoon while on a traffic stop on Interstate 95 in Baltimore County.

The deceased is identified as Scott Kampes, 23, of the 1800 block of Oxford Square in Bel Air, Maryland. He was operating a 1999 Saturn at the time of the incident. Emergency medical personnel from Baltimore County Fire Department transported Kampes to Franklin Square Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel. An autopsy is being conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore.

Shortly before 2:00 p.m. yesterday, troopers from the JFK Barrack received a call for a stolen vehicle from a relative of Kampes, who had been following him. Information indicated the vehicle was traveling towards Interstate 95.

Troopers located the vehicle traveling southbound on Interstate 95 north of White Marsh Boulevard in Baltimore County. A traffic stop was conducted by a trooper from the JFK Barrack who immediately made contact with the driver, Scott Kampes.

After securing the keys from Kampes’ vehicle, the trooper returned to his patrol car to speak with the relative who had been following Kampes. The relative was parked in front of Kampes’ vehicle and the trooper’s marked patrol car. Kampes had remained in the driver’s seat of his vehicle.

Moments later, a back up trooper arrived, and after ensuring the other trooper was okay, approached the Saturn and found Kampes slumped in the driver’s seat with trauma to his head. A Ruger .22 caliber semi-auto handgun was found inside on his lap.

Emergency medical personnel were immediately requested and arrived on scene. Kampes was transported to Franklin Square Hospital where he was pronounced dead by medical personnel.

Investigators from the JFK Barrack responded and are conducting the investigation. Preliminary investigation indicated the 1999 Saturn belongs to Kampes’ grandparents. He did not have permission to use the car.

Troopers are investigating how Kampes obtained the gun. Investigators have learned Kampes had recently threatened suicide.

The investigation is ongoing.

Submitted: MD State Police

Melfa Structure Fire

Thursday, March 7, 2013  - 12:49 AM
 29546 Lankford Highway
Melfa, Virginia
Abandoned structure fire- Just south of Chamber of Commerce building

When units arrived the flames were showing from the structure. High winds made containing the fire difficult.

Melfa, Painter, Wachapreague, Onley and Onancock  responded.  The building was destroyed.

REMINDER:A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the series of arson fires.
If you have information call the Accomack County Sheriff's Department at 757-655-1437

Coast Guard temporarily Suspends Search For Men

 Coast Guard Temporarily Suspends Search for 2 Missing

 Men Off Eastern Shore

 

PORTSMOUTH, Va. — The Coast Guard temporarily suspended the search Wednesday for two missing men approximately 15 miles east of Assateague Island, Md.

Due to the low visibility from clouds, rainfall and on scene winds of 50 to 60 mph, the Coast Guard suspended the search until sunrise Thursday.

Coast Guard 5th District watchstanders initially received an emergency position indicating radio beacon alert from the 67-foot fishing vessel Seafarer at 10:39 a.m.

Watchstanders contacted the vessel's owner, who believed the Seafarer had become disabled and the vessel's sister ship started towing the Seafarer.  It was reported that the ship lost the tow and sight of the Seafarer when weather conditions worsened.

Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City launched a Jayhawk crew to the Seafarers reported position. Once on scene, the aircrew rescued a man from a life raft and took him to Peninsula Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, Md. Afterwards, the Jayhawk crew continued their search for the two missing men.

A 47-foot Motor Life Boat crew from Coast Guard Station Chincoteague also searched the area.

Worcester County Public Schools.....

Worcester County Public Schools will be opening

 2 hours late on Thursday March 7, 2013

Community Support and Arson

AS ARSON COUNT CONTINUES TO INCREASE IN ACCOMACK  COUNTY,

SO DOES NEED FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVMENT

 

$25,000 Reward Still Available

 

As the number of suspicious fires set in Accomack County continues to rise, so has the determination and persistence of state and local law enforcement to identify and arrest the individuals responsible. As of March 5, 2013, suspicious fires have destroyed 62 vacated structures and piles of debris in Accomack County since Nov. 12, 2012.
Analytical review of the arsons has concluded that 69 percent of the fires are being discovered between 6 p.m. and midnight. However, after sunrise additional fire sites have been found, as well. The majority of the targeted structures have been located on primary and secondary routes, with easy access to other roads.

“Based on the evidence to date, we are confident that these fires are being set anywhere between an hour to two hours before being discovered,” said Capt. Timothy A. Reibel, Commander of the BCI Chesapeake Field Office. “Some of the targeted structures have been in very remote, random locations throughout this rural county. This not only makes the fires more difficult to detect, but also enables the criminal to come and go with minimal detection.”
“Thus we are asking the residents to keep a very watchful eye on abandoned or vacant properties during the day time and early evening hours for suspicious activity or persons,” continued Reibel. “Please look out for an unfamiliar car or truck parked on your road, especially if you live on a road that would provide easy access to an abandoned structure nearby.

Residents can report suspicious activity to the Accomack County Tip Line via text, phone or email at 757-655-1437. Since established Feb. 14, 2013, the tip line has received close to 100 calls, texts and emails.

“We are thankful no one has been hurt as a result of the arsons, but it could only be a matter of time before that changes and a citizen, firefighter or investigator is seriously injured. So, we urge those individuals who may have any information to contact us. If you see something suspicious – call us. If you see someone or something that looks out-of-place – call us. The public is the eyes and ears of its community. We depend on those eyes and ears to help us because solving crimes, especially arsons, happen when residents and law enforcement work together,” stated Reibel.

The $25,000 reward is still available for information that leads to an arrest and conviction in the arson fires. The reward has been made available through funds committed by the Accomack County Sheriff’s Office and International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI).

During the course of the investigation, state police has continued to increase uniformed patrols and surveillance across the county; as well as bring 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 Sheriff’s Office on the cases.

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.

Shelter Open In Worcester County

The Worcester County Sheriff's announces that a pet friendly shelter will be opening at 9:00 tonight at Stephen Decatur Middle School. This is to accommodate those who have been displaced by this storm.

The Worcester County Sheriff's Office request for residents to stay in and not be out on the roads for their safety. Worcester County is experiencing high winds causing trees to fall.

Please use caution and common sense during this storm. Stay Safe.
Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

From Delegate Mike McDermott: March 5 Bill Hearing HB395 & HB397: School Safety Bills

Published on Mar 6, 2013

This is an audio clip of Delegate Mike McDermott speaking at a Bill Hearing on March 5, 2013.

The two bills that he discussed were HB 395: Handguns - Permit Qualifications and Carrying on School Property - School Guardians & HB 397: Criminal Law - Carrying Weapons on School Property - Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act.

"The only thing that stops a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun on the other side of the door," stated McDermott in his opening to the committee.

www.delegatemcdermott.com
www.twitter.com/Del_McDermott
www.facebook.com/ElectMikeMcDermott

Arrests Made For Multiple Burglaries

According to Sheriff Todd Godwin, the Accomack County Sheriff's Office has arrested two individuals for multiple burglaries and thefts from area businesses.

Based on the investigation into these incidents and information received by the Accomack County Sheriff's Office, arrests were made for the following in Virginia:

October 18, 2012 burglary and theft from Colonna Industries in Painter

November 19, 2012 burglary and theft from Sturgis Farms in Painter

December 24, 2012 theft from Bundick Well and Pump in Painter
 
January 11, 2013 theft from Bundick Well and Pump in Painter

January 23, 2013 burglary and theft from Virginia Art Castings in Tasley

January 27, 2013 theft from Turner Sculpture in Melfa.

Jacqueline Hunter, 45 of Melfa, was arrested on February 4, 2013 and charged with 3 counts of Breaking and Entering and 6 counts of Grand Larceny and is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail with bond denied.

Keisha N. Merritt, 25 of Melfa, was arrested on February 4, 2013 and charged with 3 counts of Breaking and Entering and 5 counts of Grand Larceny and is incarcerated in the Accomack County Jail on a $10,000 bond.

Telephone Sweepstakes Scam Alert

The Ocean City Police Department is investigating a series of telephone scams involving fraudulent sweepstakes.   The scam, which targets an un-suspecting victim, is perpetrated by calling the victim and advising them that they have won a sweepstakes.  The victim is instructed in order to receive the large sweepstakes prize they must go to a convenience store or drug store and purchase either a Green Dot, Money Pac Reload Card for a certain amount of money usually between $200.00 and $500.00.

Once the victim has purchased the card they are instructed to contact the scammer who is pretending to be a sweepstakes representative who will process the winning claim.  The victim is asked to provide the Green Dot, Money Pac Reload Card information over the telephone as a means of verification the victim has actually completed the task.

The result of this is that the scammer will use the information provided by the victim to redeem the value of the card that was purchased and the victim will be out the money.

The Ocean City Police Department is reminding citizens that legitimate sweepstakes require that you enter to win; if you did not enter a sweepstakes, you should not be named as a winner. 

Legitimate sweepstakes will not ask you for a “processing fee” and federal and state taxes are usually deducted from the sum total of the winning amount prior to the sweepstakes winner receiving the final pay out.

Citizens should never provide personal information including social security numbers, birth dates, passwords or home addresses to unknown “businesses or individuals.  Also, never give out banking information or credit card account numbers over the phone to persons or businesses you cannot verify as legitimate. 

Criminals can take advantage of us when we are at our most vulnerable.  By practicing a few easy proactive measures and reporting these types of scams, citizens can make it tough for criminals to take advantage of you.  Never make on-line or telephone transactions with credit cards that are directly linked to your checking/savings or money market accounts.  In addition, bank and credit card accounts should be routinely monitored for suspicious and unauthorized transactions.

If you feel someone has attempted to scam you or you have been the victim of a scam or there is unauthorized activity occurring on any of your financial accounts (bank or credit) immediately contact your financial institution and report the issue.  If you are the victim of a theft report the theft to your local law enforcement agency.

Submitted: Ocean City Police Department

Hogan Blasts O’Malley’s Gas Tax Proposal

Hogan Blasts O’Malley’s Gas Tax Proposal

 

Tuesday  March 5, 2013

Annapolis, MD - Last night, Governor O’Malley again proposed increasing the gas tax, which, if enacted, would be his 25th consecutive tax hike. The Governor has already enacted 24 tax, toll, and fee increases that have taken an additional $2.4 billion every year out of the pockets of struggling Maryland families and small businesses. The Governor’s latest tax increase proposal is yet another regressive tax that hits the state’s most vulnerable the hardest. Maryland already has the highest income, corporate, and other tax rates in the region. If the Governor’s gas tax increase is enacted, Maryland will have the highest gas taxes in the entire region.

“The Governor complains that Maryland has crumbling roads and bridges and the worst traffic congestion in the country, but what he doesn’t tell you is that it’s his fault. There has been no comprehensive transportation strategy from the O’Malley administration. Over a billion dollars has been diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund, and the vast majority of the billions of dollars that has been spent on transportation have been wasted on expenses that are completely unrelated to fixing our road problems. Now he wants struggling Maryland families to pay for his mistakes and his lack of leadership,” said Change Maryland Chairman Larry Hogan.

Over the last 4 years, Governor O’Malley has spent over $1 billion in dedicated transportation funds for things completely unrelated to transportation – even the money left in the transportation budget was also spent in the wrong place. In his 2014 budget, O’Malley proposes to spend $1.1 billion – a whopping 46% of our state capital and operating transportation budget – on public transportation, even though only 8% of us use public transportation to commute.

“What we need is a coherent transportation policy that makes roads a priority and realigns spending based on how Marylanders actually travel. We also need the Governor to restore all of the money he has diverted from the Transportation Trust Fund and immediately appoint a competent Secretary of Transportation. The last thing in the world Maryland needs is another tax increase,” Hogan said.

Last year Change Maryland was a leader in the fight against the gas tax increase, and successfully led the effort to kill the proposed legislation. An overwhelming majority of Marylanders strongly oppose more tax increases, and particularly oppose an increase in the state’s gas tax. “Our 30,000 members are outraged, and we will fight this with everything we’ve got in an effort to stop it again. If they ram this through, this 25th tax increase may very well be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. The taxpayers have had enough and are not going to take it anymore,” Hogan said.

Change Maryland, the largest and fastest growing grassroots citizen organization in the state has been critical of the lack of a coherent transportation plan by the O’Malley Administration. They have argued against the raiding of the Transportation Trust Fund, the fact that road improvements have not been a priority for the past six years, and that the Department of Transportation is a rudderless ship that has been without a Secretary for more than 8 months.

NASA Wallops Flight Center ~ Rocket Launch

Rocket Launch Scheduled March 8 from Wallops

 

WALLOPS ISLAND, VA – A Terrier-Lynx suborbital rocket is scheduled between 1 and 1:45 a.m. EST March 8 for the Department of Defense from NASA’s launch range at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

The backup launch days are March 11 and 15 between 12:15 and 2:15 a.m. EDT. The rocket may be visible to residents in the mid-Atlantic region.

The launch will not be shown live on the Internet nor will launch status updates be provided on social media once the countdown begins. The NASA Visitor Center at Wallops will not be open for viewing the launch.
The visibility map for the launch on March 8 is below.

Two Structure Fires In Accomack County

As of this writing Accomack County fire departments, Accomack County Sheriff's Office, Virginia State Police, investigators - the list is endless - have battled two more abandoned structure fires this evening.

These are trying times for those of us living in this area of the Eastern Shore and especially those who are called upon to respond.  Please remember that everything possible is being done to bring this to an end.  So, regardless of what your beliefs  and your opinions are please exercise politeness before you speak.

  Many of those working on this horrible nightmare we've been thrown into have been in the area for weeks now.  They have been working  24/7 every day.  And I don't have to remind you that each and every fire dept.  and local officer is always there for us any time - 24/7.


FIRE 1
Tuesday, March 5, 2013  8:00 PM
Abandoned structure fire
22001 Wachapreague Rd and Drummondtown Intersection
Wachapreague, Virginia

FIRE 2
Tuesday, March 5, 2013 - 11:00 PM (approx.)
Abandoned structure fire with possible exposure to woods
24510 Church Road, Tasley, Virginia
Onancock, Onley, Tasley and Melfa responded.

REMINDER:A reward of up to $25,000 is being offered for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved in the series of arson fires.
If you have information call the Accomack County Sheriff's Department at 757-655-1437

**Please know that shortly before 12:30 AM these same fire departments were called upon for a third time.  This time a residential fire with occupants.  All occupants are out of the building- everyone is safe.  Maybe the pouring rain will help the two fires from tonight- sure doesn't help the firemen.**

Riverside Grill - Tuesday Specials / Kids Menu

Kids meals are only 99 cents Tuesday after 4 pm

Kids MENU

Tuesday Specials

March 5, 2013

 

-Cream of Asparagus Soup w/ 1/2 roast beef sandwich or side salad 5.99
 -Meatloaf w/ mashed potatoes and green beans 6.99
 -Blackened Shrimp Caesar Wrap w/ fries 8.99
 -Blueberry Fields Salad 7.99

 @ 4 pm : 99 cent kids meals

 Happy Hour 4-7 w/ $1 off all appetizers

 @ 8 pm: 50 cent wings