Arsonist Destroys Abandoned Motel

EASTERN SHORE, Va. (WAVY) - State Police are investigating yet another arson on the Eastern Shore, this time involving an abandoned motel in Tasley.

Sgt. Michelle Anaya with the Virginia State Police said the fire was reported around 9:30 p.m. in the 23300 block of Tasley Road. A two-story abandoned motel was destroyed by arson.

Photos: Arson destroys abandoned motel

Viewers are telling WAVY.com the abandoned motel is the old Whispering Pines Motel that's been around for years.  Whispering Pines has been described as a landmark in Accomack County. 
Sherry Bradley was a manager at the motel in the 1990s. 

"When I saw the first picture come in of it actually on fire and the firemen there, I was in awe," explained Bradley.

Bradley, who lives in Harborton, is one of the many residents who has been following the arson situation closely.  She says she was worried the arsonist would set their sights on the old motel.

"It was like just standing there staring you in the face," said Bradley.  "Sooner or later this is going because he's going to want to get bigger and bigger."

Bradley also describes Whispering Pines as the "place to go back in the day."  She says everyone from families to celebrities would visit.

Arsonist destroys old iconic motel

More than 60 structures have been set on fire on the Eastern Shore since mid-November and State Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information that will lead to an arrest.

Source:

Riverside Grill ~ Live Music on St. Paddy's Day!

RIVERSIDE GRILL ~ POCOMOKE

Live Music on St. Paddy's Day!

 

Sunday - March 17th

 

Music by

"3 Sheets"

playing from 4-7 pm

 

Music flavors:
Celtic, Nautical, Humorous, Bluegrass & Folk

 

Wounded Immature Bald Eagle Taken To Wildlife Center

On Saturday, March 9, an immature Bald Eagle from Virginia’s Eastern Shore was brought to the Wildlife Center.  The volunteer transporter also brought four dead eagles from the same rescue site. 

The unusual circumstances surrounding this eagle’s rescue are being investigated by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries Law Enforcement.  The Center collected evidence and is cooperating with the authorities in this investigation.

The immature Bald Eagle, likely a male, was admitted as patient #13-0174.  Dr. Dana Tedesco, the Center’s veterinary intern, examined the bird when it arrived.  The eagle was quiet,  and while the bird was standing in its transport enclosure, its head was drooping.  Dr. Dana performed a physical examination, radiographs, and initial blood work, which included a lead test. 

The results came back at 0.27 ppm – an elevated, but not yet critical level of lead, but one that warranted treatment.  Chelation therapy was started.

On radiographs, Dr. Dana was able to see multiple metal fragments in the bird’s digestive tract.  To avoid a continued leaching of the lead into the eagle’s bloodstream, Dr. Dana formulated a “Metamucil slurry” tube-feeding plan so that the metal fragments will quickly move through the eagle’s system. 

Since beginning treatment, the eagle has been a little brighter and more alert.  Additional radiographs will be taken on March 12 to check on the status of the fragments.  An additional lead test will be performed on March 13.

MORE READING.......

Citizens Observations Leads to Arrest of a Wanted Fugitive



Matthew Jacob Bullen

On March 10, 2013, at approximately 12:28 a.m. Ocean City Police received a call-in reference to a suspicious person being spotted in the area of Teal Drive. The caller, who was identified as Maryland State Senator James Mathias, advised that he observed a male subject acting suspiciously and remained on the phone observing the location of the suspicious person until police arrived.
Responding officers quickly located the suspect in an alleyway off Teal Drive. The suspect was identified as Matthew Jacob Bullen, 21, of Pasadena, Maryland. While speaking to Bullen, officers noticed a woman’s bracelet with sales tag still attached fall from Bullen’s pocket. Officers also determined that Bullen had an active arrest warrant in Anne Arundel County, MD, for prescription drug fraud and other charges.

Further investigation revealed that three vehicles in the area had been broken into and that Bullen was in possession of items taken from those vehicles. Bullen was arrested and charged by the Ocean City Police with theft under $100, theft under $1,000 and willful motor vehicle tampering without owner’s consent.

Bullen was seen by an Ocean City District Court Commissioner and held on $5000 bond regarding the Ocean City charges, and $10,000 bond for the outstanding Ann Arundel County warrant. He was then transferred to the Worcester County Jail.

“This is a classic example of how police and the community can work together to solve and deter crime in our neighborhoods,” said Acting Police Chief Michael Colbert. “The Ocean City Police Department continues to encourage citizens to practice pro-active crime prevention by calling police when they see suspicious persons, or circumstances.”

Citizens are reminded to lock their vehicles when parked and to secure any valuables out of plain view. The Ocean City Police Department supports citizens being active in Neighborhood Watch and other crime prevention programs. For more information on how you can become involved, contact the Ocean City Police Departments Public Affairs Office at 410-723-6665 or 410-520-5395 or visit us at:www.oceancitymd.gov/police.

Submitted:
Ocean City Police Dept.

Arson #66 ~ Residents Know How To Identify Them By Now

Tuesday, March 12, 2013
9:00 PM
Abandoned Structure Fire -Commercial
23388 Tasley Road
Tasley, Virginia

Whispering Pines Hotel
The main structure to the hotel was fully involved when crews arrived on the scene.  At this time I am not quite sure how many fire departments were involved.  I counted nine. (11 depts.)  The outer buildings nearby the central part of the hotel still stand.

This has been by far the largest act of arson yet - keeping our fireman and rescue personnel tied up for hours and to the point that move down assignments were put into place.

Photo/WMDT

In its day Whispering Pines was the equivalent to a 5-Star hotel of today.  This afternoon it stood as a run down, unsafe, unattractive eye sore for anyone driving along Lankford Highway.  Tonight, through photographs sent to me,  it is best to be called a war zone.

Last year the property was sold at a county tax sale for the prize sum of  near $27,000.  The VERY same day the new owner filed bankruptcy. So the building sat.

And the building has been sitting until tonight when someone decided it should burn.  And for the 66th time since November 12, 2012 our firemen, police, emergency personnel and many others risked their lives.  The structure itself was too  unstable for the fireman to enter.  While fighting this inferno they were able to keep the fire from spreading to other buildings on the grounds and precious homes occupied by those who, on any other night,  would be asleep.

Now, at 12:52 a.m. many of the firefighters are still on the scene....they will be there all night.  Once again they managed to walk away unharmed.

Many of us won't sleep either.  Any bump in the night or vehicle on the road after a certain time almost always seems to awaken most of us.  After all this time it just seems routine.  And I suppose the most frustrating element in all of this is if the time comes when arrest(s) are made there will be hardly no jail time at all.



WMDT 47 News /Photographer Josh Sims


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.

Delmarva Discovery Center Is Looking For YOUR Green This Weekend

SKELETAL REMAINS BELONG TO LOCAL HOMELESS MAN

SKELETAL REMAINS FOUND ALONG A PATH IN
CARROLL COUNTY BELONG TO LOCAL HOMELESS MAN

(Westminster, MD) -- Maryland State Police investigators identify skeletal remains found on October 6, 2012, along a path in a vacant lot in Carroll County, Md.

The man has been identified as Thomas E. Linhan, 67, no fixed address. An autopsy conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner revealed no apparent trauma. There was no evidence of foul play.

The skeletal remains, now identified as Linhan, were found shortly before noon on October 6, 2012, as citizens walked through a vacant lot in the 500 block of Baltimore Boulevard in Westminster, Maryland. There was no identification located with the remains. All remains were processed and recovered at the scene by forensic investigator and crime scene technicians. The skeletal remains were transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Baltimore for an examination and autopsy.

Maryland State Police Homicide investigators were contacted by Westminster Police Department and assumed the investigation. Information was communicated to police departments throughout the region and requests were made to check missing person files for potential matches based on the available information. Additional forensic tests were conducted.

After an exhausting search, investigators contacted the Carroll Hospital Center in Westminster and obtain x-rays of a local homeless man. A detailed comparison of the x-rays and the remains lead to a positive identification of Linhan. The comparison was conducted by Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

Investigators are still attempting to locate Linhan’s next of kin. Anyone who may have information is urged to contact Maryland State Police investigators immediately at 410-386-3000

Submitted:
Maryland State Police

Be A Volunteer ~ The Delmarva Discovery Center

Tornado Preparedness Day In Virginia

 

March 12 as Tornado Preparedness Day

Citizens can participate in statewide tornado drill

 

On March 12, businesses and organizations, schools and colleges, and families and individuals are encouraged to practice taking cover from tornadoes during the Statewide Tornado Drill, set for 9:45 a.m.  At that time, the National Weather Service will send a test tornado warning that will trigger a tone alert and broadcast message on NOAA Weather Radio.  The message will be picked up by TV and radio broadcasters, simulating what listeners will hear during an actual tornado warning.

When the test tornado warning is sounded, people should move as quickly as possible to a safe area in a sturdy building.  Safe areas are basements, interior rooms, bathrooms, closets or hallways on the lowest level of a building.  In choosing a safe area, stay away from windows.  Once in the safe area, crouch down or sit on the floor, facing down, and cover heads with hands. 

“The best and fastest way for anyone to get a tornado warning is by NOAA Weather Radio,” said Bill Sammler, NWS warning coordination meteorologist.  “With a weather radio, you get weather data directly from the nearest National Weather Service office.  When we issue a tornado warning, the weather radio sounds an alarm or flashes lights and then gives information on where the storm is, which way it’s moving, and telling people in its path to take cover.  This radio could be a lifesaver.”

NOAA Weather Radios with SAME alerts are available at electronics and sporting goods stores, discount and department stores, and online.  They come in battery-powered models, and many also have AM/FM bands.  A special needs NOAA Weather Radio is available as well.  The special-needs NOAA Weather Radio can warn deaf and hard-of-hearing persons of hazardous conditions, giving them around-the-clock, up-to-the-minute weather information.

Legislative Updates From Delegate Mike McDermott

 

Field Notes

Observations and Reflections on Legislative Activities

By Delegate Mike McDermott

 

 

Week 9 Feb.4-Feb. 8, 2013

 

 

Tuesday Judiciary Hearings:Hearing on School Safety Bills-“The only thing proven to stop a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun on the other side of the doorway”-Delegate Mike McDermottHB-776 would require records be kept on the sale of ammunition by businesses and would allow a review of sales records by law enforcement personnel. The bill provides for access by local police whenever they desire to review ammunition purchases. This would place Maryland on the same posture as they were in 1986 before congress voted to resend many aspects of the 1968 Civil Rights Act passed by congress. The tracking of ammunition could not be justified as helping solve crimes by law enforcement and was scrapped under the new bill.HB-375 would require record keeping of significant records which are already required by federal regulations.HB-1092 would require reporting a lost or stolen firearm within 48 hours of knowledge that the firearm was lost or stolen. It is thought that this bill would assist in establishing straw purchases.HB-490 would prohibit Teflon coated bullets (referred to as “Cop Killer” bullets). This bill is supported by the NRA with amendments.HB-861 would tighten up access and availability requirements within a home.
HB-1275 would tax regulated firearms to fund mental health screenings and programs to insure firearms are not accessed by said individuals.HB-1077 would require the owner of a regulated firearm when it is lost or stolen within 72 hours of such an occurrence. It is very similar to HB-1092.HB-655 would tighten regulations on access and availability requirements of firearms within a home by children.
Wednesday Judiciary Hearings:HB-885 seeks to address the sale of counterfeit airbags in Maryland. I see this as legislation that should be addressed federally, but the representatives who testified from the automobile industry believe is should also be implemented at the state level.HB-838 seeks to repeal the Sunset date for collecting of the surcharge collected by the courts through civil cases to pay for legal aid for those who qualify. This bill would allow for that funding mechanism to continue unabated.HB-1304 would insure that any communications during Critical Incident Stress Management would be considered Confidential Communications. One would think that these types of communications would already be protected, but we were advised otherwise.HB-1114 would allow for the use of an annuity account to compensate and provide for persons who are the recipients of judgments awarded under a malpractice claim. It would create an arbitration board who could structure settlements for individuals through annuities over a long period of time to insure that a person’s needs were able to be met in the future.HB-1156 seeks to create a Maryland Contributory Negligence Act by establishing that contributory negligence should be established based upon the Common Law standard in place as of January 1, 2011. There was much discussion on this issue as it has been before the committee for several sessions as the sponsors seek to reach consensus with the committee members.
Wednesday Voting Session in Judiciary:
The following bills were passed as “Favorable” by the Committee:HB-60, HB-245, HB-247, HB-277, HB-292, HB-588, HB-626, HB-742, HB-821, HB-858, HB-859, HB-921, HB-950.
Thursday Judiciary Hearings:HB-396 would create a law addressing the electronic harassment of a minor. This is an attempt to deal with cyber bullying through various social media sources currently in use.HB-679 would require that notices be issued to residents in an impacted neighborhood that a Juvenile Group Home is being located in that neighborhood.HB-1320 would increase funding for a pilot program to address Children in Need of Supervision in Baltimore City and Baltimore County. This bill will allow for continued funding support for the next 3 years.HB-848 would require that juveniles who have been waived to adult status in the courts would be required to be housed in a juvenile facility if it was shown that the juvenile was not violent or a threat to others in the institution.jAHB-1010 would restrict the ability of government employees to conduct searches of juveniles. It is aimed at actions taken by TSA agents at our airports.HB-786 would be similar to HB-848 by keeping juvenile offenders under the control of the Dept. of Juvenile Justice and continue to treat them as juveniles even if they have been adjudicated as adults through the courts.Thursday Third Readers(Click)

Friday Judiciary Hearing:Friday Third Readers(Click)
The Judiciary Committee conducted a Voting Session on SB-276, the Repeal of the Death Penalty. The Republicans offered several amendments to restore the Death Penalty for certain qualified offenses including for the murder of police and correctional officers, Acts of Terrorism, and First Degree Murder on School Grounds, along with several other heinous acts of crime worthy of Death Penalty consideration. The amendments were all defeated along party lines and the bill was voted out of committee by the same party line vote with all Republicans and one Democrat voting against the repeal. It was clear that there would be no changes allowed on this bill. (Update Analysis)

A Joint Hearing was conducted by the Judiciary and the Health and Government Operations Committees to hear the presentation from the Senate on SB-281, the O’Malley-Brown Gun Bill. The administration highlighted the amended sections of the bill as changed by the Senate. I was told by the Judiciary Chairman that we will be working on the Senate version of the bill going forward. Some changes made in the Senate have weakened the effect of the bill but the proposed legislation continues to do nothing to impact criminals while creating stumbling blocks and challenges to law abiding citizens. It is impossible to amend this bill in a way that would make it something that one could vote for in good conscience. Also heard during this hearing were several marijuana bills addressing medicinal usage and decriminalization. In my opinion, this is a moot point as the federal government continues to maintain marijuana as a Scheduled drug.

Abandoned Structure Fire ~ Accomack County

Monday,  March 11, 2013
9:56 PM
Abandoned Structure Fire
30281 Nocks Landing Road
Oak Hall, Virginia

Structure was fully involved when fire units arrived.

Monday nights fire comes after an almost three day lull from any fires.  Since Friday night extra officers have been on hand to conduct road blocks in various areas, making themselves available, in an attempt to answer any questions or concerns  citizens may have concerning the recent 60 plus arsons.

There were no injuries reported in tonight's fire. Units from Atlantic, Oak Hall Rescue, Bloxom and Wallops Island responded.

Accomack County fire departments were assisted by the Pocomoke City Volunteer Fire Company.


Video/Tony Hurst
WBOC

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.

Worcester County Sheriff's Office Seeks Sex Offender for Law Violation

Worcester County Sheriff's Office

Press Release

 

03-11-2013

Snow Hill, Md.

The Worcester County Sheriffs Department have obtained an arrest warrant for one man for violations of laws that pertain to their status as registered sex offenders.

The Worcester County Sheriffs office is seeking 34 year old,  Joshua Aaron Baker,  last known address of 12905 Swordfish Dr. apt # 1 Ocean City Md. 21842 . He is a Tier 3 sex offender wanted for failing to re-register as a sex offender within three days of moving to a new location. Baker also has numerous  other warrants for his arrest on unrelated  matters in the State of Maryland. Baker has been convicted four other times for failing to reg. as a sex offender, as required by law.

WANTED
Joshua  Aaron Baker

To offer information regarding this investigation please contact the Worcester County Sheriffs Office at 410-632-1111. Tipsters may also call to provide information through lines maintained  by Maryland Crime Solvers at 410-548-1776.

 

Lt. Edward C. Schreier
 Worcester County Sheriff’s Office

Governor Martin O’Malley Announces “Governor for a Day” Essay Contest

Continues commitment to empowering women & fighting for equal opportunity

ANNAPOLIS, MD  - In honor of International Women’s Day, Governor Martin O’Malley launched Maryland’s first-ever “Governor for a Day” Essay Contest – an effort aimed at encouraging young women to pursue careers in public service, including in elected office. The contest asks young women ages 8-12 to explain in 400 words why they want to be Governor of Maryland and what they would do if they were Governor for a day.

Submissions will be accepted here.

Each individual that enters the contest will receive a package containing information about Maryland’s State Government, the requirements of elected office, and a special video message with words of encouragement from the Governor. Entries for the contest will be accepted until April 15, 2013.

One winner will be chosen by a panel of judges from the Governor’s Office. The prize awarded to the writer of the winning essay will be unveiled once a winner is announced, and it will include a meeting with Governor O’Malley in Annapolis.
Maryland’s “Governor for a Day” contest builds on the Governor’s strong commitment to empowering women and fighting for equal opportunity.

“Maryland  has an abundance of smart, successful women who work to help move Maryland forward every day,” said Governor O’Malley. “Together, we have strived to support our women-owned businesses, appoint a record number of exceptional women to the bench, provide better health care to those previously uninsured, and drive down violence against women. We took these measures because it’s part of the better choices we’re making for our State. In Maryland, our diversity is our greatest strength and the accomplishments of women are an integral part of our progress as a people.”

Recognizing the strong role women play in the O’Malley-Brown Administration, the Governor released a video featuring a few members of his Cabinet who’ve offered words of advice to young women.

Maryland is one of the top three “States for Women” and has the second lowest wage gap between working men and women. One-third of all businesses in Maryland are owned by a woman, the country’s highest percentage. In FY2012, MBE participation reached 25.2 percent, marking the first time the State achieved its goal of 25 percent program participation. Over the past five years, awards to women-owned firms increased 59 percent from $322.9 million in FY2007 to $550.8 million in FY2012.

Truck Tow Leads To Arrest

On March 8th 2013 Worcester County Sheriff's Office Deputies responded to the area of Porters Crossing and US Route 113 to assist a motorist who had gotten his 2013 Ford Truck stuck in a ditch with engine area of the vehicle submerged.

While the vehicle was being pulled out of the ditch and loaded on to tow truck, Deputies observed the owner of the vehicle identified as Brett A Baczek, 27, from Connecticut, was wearing a gun holster on his right hip.  Further investigation revealed Mr. Baczek was carrying a loaded handgun and what appeared to be cocaine. Mr. Baczek was arrested and charged with possession of a handgun and possession of a controlled dangerous substance.

Mr. Baczek was seen by a Commissioner and released on his own Recognizance.


Lieutenant Edward C. Schreier
Worcester County Sheriff's Office

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/ Pocomoke City Police Department

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY/
 Pocomoke City Police Department

 

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

TODAY ~ Delmarva Discovery Center

The Delmarva Discovery Center

TODAY at 1:30 PM

 

Educational program "It's lunch time, Come and Get IT!" featuring the very special Gary Busey, our eastern box turtle!

 

 

Come learn about Gary and the fish in the 6000 gallon tank eat for lunch!

 

The Delmarva Discovery Center

 

Riverside Grill ~ Sunday

 

 

SUNDAY SPECIALS

MARCH 10, 2013

 

 -Veggie Beef Noodle Soup or Turkey Barley Chili w/ 1/2 deli sandwich or side salad 5.99
 -Chicken & Berry Salad w/ honey mustard dressing 7.99
 -Mahi-Mahi Fish Tacos w/ mango salsa and fries 9.99
 -Sausage, Peppers & Onions (Served on a hoagie roll w/ a side of fries) 6.99

Check Points Continue In Accomack County

 

Check points began Friday night and will continue until Tuesday in Accomack County.  Uniformed troopers, deputy sheriffs, and police officers will be on patrol until 1 a.m.  handing out flyers in their attempt to gather information and to spread awareness concerning the 64 arsons that have struck the county since November 12, 2012.

 

Your patience and cooperation is appreciated at these random locations.

 

 

 

TIME MACHINE ... 1909..1980..1941..1924..1934

(Reader-friendly viewing of newspaper archives material)

　
January, 1909
(Attica Daily Ledger- Attica, Indiana)

POCKET PHONE SAVES LIFE

Man to Escape Drowning Climbs Pole and "Cuts In" on Line
Seaford, Del.- H.W. Carty, district manager at Salisbury, Md., for the Diamond State Telephone company had a narrow escape from death on the march across the Nanticoke River near Vienna, a town 20 miles from here.

That he did not succumb to the cold and exhaustion was due to the fact that he had a telephone receiver in his pocket, and the strength to climb a pole.

His horse got off of the road, taking the vehicle and driver with him. Mr. Carty had strength enough to swim to a nearby pole placed in the water, and then climb it. He "cut in" with his receiver and told the operator at Salisbury of his plight, and asked that help be sent to him.

After considerable delay men in boats were sent to his rescue, finding him partly unconscious, his spike in the pole holding him.　
 
　
December, 1980 
(The News- Frederick, Md.)

Musicians hope to become Shore Symphony

(Excerpts)

SALISBURY, MD. (AP)- About 40 volunteer musicians from all parts of the lower Eastern Shore and nearby Delaware are rehearsing here regularly for what they hope will become the Shore Symphony Orchestra.

Their conductor, Gail L. Crawford Jr., a musician and an attorney here, aims to get them into shape in weekly rehearsals in time for their first concert tentatively set for Feb. 17.

After a more than two-hour first session at a local high school, during which he paced them through a rendition of Sibelius' "Finlandia," Crawford congratulated the musicians.

For a group of strangers playing together for the first time, he said, they had done very well. "It'll be a long, hard struggle, but I think you have the makings of an orchestra," he told them.

Most had come from the Salisbury area, but others drove from areas like Snow Hill and Pocomoke City in Worcester County, Princess Anne in Somerset County, Cambridge in Dorchester, and Seaford in Delaware.

All brought their own instruments with them to form the basic symphonic sections- strings, woodwinds, and brass. The only thing lacking was a percussion section, volunteers for which are expected.


　　
February, 1941

Firemen from Snow Hill, Berlin, and Pocomoke City battled a blaze that broke out after midnight in a two story brick building at the corner of Washington and Market Streets, across from the Court House, in Snow Hill. The fire started in an apartment and spread to the Gem Theatre, Brimer Brothers restaurant, the office of Medical Examiner Dr. John L. Riley, the Harris And Pusey insurance office, Frank Upshur's law office, a barber shop and another apartment. The fire was brought under control in about two hours as firemen drew water from the Pocomoke River to quell the blaze. Several persons suffered minor injuries from falls on ice covered streets; no direct injuries from the fire were reported.


　
January, 1924 (TIME MACHINE Archive)

The Shore Transit Company was planning to establish a new route to its services that would go from Salisbury to Crisfield, Pocomoke, Snow Hill, and Berlin.


April, 1934
(Eastern Shore News- Onancock, Va.)
　 Aged Man Tells of Early E. Shore Life
The material of this article was gotten from an interview with Benjamin F. Scott, a ninety-six year old Civil War veteran of Chincoteague Island. Beginning with his birth he has given us some interesting highlights of his life, which acquaint us with the conditions of former days.

Mr. Scott was born on the 8th of May, in 1838 at Hog Island.　

(PART 2)

In '63 Mr. Scott enlisted on the Northern Side. He was twenty-five years old. He was among a group of sixty-three men coming from Chincoteague, which completely swept the island of men of that class. Mr. Scott belonged to a company of one hundred men.

He tells an interesting story of how Chincoteague came to be on the northern side. A Mr. George Clayville went, at the outbreak of the war, to Philadelphia, by beating way up the beach, since he could not go by the mainland for he would have been captured immediately. He went to Jim Conner, of Philadelphia. This Mr. Conner had gone to Philadelphia, made money, and bought a share in nearly all the oyster boats of Chincoteague. George Clayville asked him to get the North to grant us protection and free trade. Naturally Jim Conner also was interested in Chincoteague so he went with our plea. The northern government gave Chincoteague the right to free trade and sent a gunboat for our protection. This boat was called the Louisiana and was not more than one of our tug boats today, but it was equipped with several guns. Chincoteague hoisted the Stars and Stripes and kept them flying continually until the war ended. They made their flag pole out of two tall trees nailed together and as soon as one flag was worn out another one was hoisted.

The rebels tried to take Chincoteague three or four times but each time they were headed off. On the last attempt, they made it ashore on Great Shoals and a big storm arose: they had to go back. During the whole war our free trade with the north continued.

Mr. Scott related an extremely ghostly tale about an incident of his war days. A lady of Chincoteague, Mrs. Mary Turlington, was drowned when the boat in which she was, sank. Her body was the only one found and it was found ashore on Hog Island. Mr. Scott's company was coming to Chincoteague one night, so his lieutenant said that they would take the lady's body, which was buried on Hog Island, back to its native soil. He sent two or three men to dig up the body. They went taking their lighted lanterns along. They began their work and suddenly their lanterns went out. Three more times this happened and at last the men the men gave up. The body is still there. These people also reported strange noises like many people yelling. The soldiers thought that perhaps it was a rebel attack but next morning no trace of them was found. They came to the conclusion that it must have been some southern "guerrillas." 

These "guerrillas" of the rebels were men scouting around for provisions. They watched the doings of the northern army very closely and, when they knew that the guards were off duty, made their attack. At one time they captured, without fighting, a steamer, three soldiers and much food.

Mr. Scott's company was kept on the go all day. They went from one of the three headquarters — Drummondtown, Eastville and Onancock to the other making reports and receiving orders.

The cavalrymen of the North on the Eastern Shore, hardly ever used government "feed" for their horses. They would ride to a man's home, say he was a Rebel, and confiscate his corn and hay stack for their own use. If he complained he was captured and imprisoned. The soldiers would kill the beef and pigs of the people whenever they needed them. 
(NEXT WEEK.. PART 3)

　
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!

Virginia's Burning Law Is In Effect

Before you begin a control burn in your Accomack County area contact administration - 757- 787-0911-  They can also answer any questions you may have.

The Commonwealth’s 4 p.m. Burning Law goes into effect Feb. 15, 2013 – the start of spring fire season in Virginia.

This law prohibits burning before 4 p.m. each day (Feb. 15 – April 30) if the fire is in, or within 300 feet of, woodland, brushland or fields containing dry grass or other flammable materials.

A violation of this law is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine. In addition to the criminal violation, those who allow a fire to escape are liable for the cost of suppressing the fire as well as any damage caused to others’ property.

Burning of leaves, yard waste or trash continues to be the major cause of wildfires in Virginia. These "debris" fires can easily escape unless proper precaution is taken. Take a look at these mini-posters (color; black-and-white) and learn more about how to be safe when burning debris.